Finding your own job
- 1. Finding a Co-op Job Performing a self-directed job search
- 2. In this presentation we will show you how to tap into this hidden job market by: - Networking - Selling yourself to employers - Cold calling - Gaining informational interviews
- 3. Where to start Your own network Family Former managers Friends Acquaintances Colleagues Sports teams Contacting employers …. Cold calling
- 4. Before you pick up the phone You need to know yourself, your goals, and where this all fits in for a potential employer. Knowing yourself: What do I know and what do I do well? What skills have I identified myself as having? What do I like to do? What are my accomplishments? What are my qualifications? What are my top transferrable skills/strengths? What evidence to I have to support these things?
- 5. Before you pick up the phone Knowing what you want: Where do you want to go for your work term? (location) Where do you want to work? (Size of company? Industry? Government? Non-profit? What do you want to learn on your work term? Would you like to experience? Field work? Data handling? Report writing? Project management? Where this fits in for the employer What is their mission? What products/services do they offer? What is their work culture like? How do your skills/experiences fit in with this?
- 6. Your “sales pitch” Now that you know exactly what you want, what you have to offer, and how this fits with the employer, you need to work out how you are going to sell yourself. Your conversations may end up being very short - 25-30 seconds Need to sell yourself quickly, accurately, and concisely Show who you are, what you are looking for, and what you can offer Elevator pitch….think about trying to sell yourself to an employer while riding an elevator….this gives you an idea of how concise you should be You will most likely have to sell them on the benefits of hiring Co-op students in general: - Hire individuals with with fresh ideas & cutting-edge training - Can hire to cover short-term staffing shortages - Can hire to cover special short-term projects - Can save on future recruitment costs
- 7. Making the calls Start with the “warm” calls – the people you already know “Cold” calls – contacts that you find through: - Yellow pages - Web searches - Industry/professional associations - Reference librarians can often help with searches of business directories Bypassing the “gatekeeper” - Often you will speak to a receptionist/PA/HR representative who will dismiss your request without much thought - Try to find a contact who is in charge of hiring decisions/is in charge of a department/project/team - More likely that your request will be seriously considered
- 8. Making the calls Cold calling is the most efficient way of contacting potential employers. 5 organizations X 5 days = 25 potential employers reached Try and make sure your “pitch” is delivered to the right person (avoiding the “gatekeeper”) Keep your resume in front of to help you answer any questions If they seem interested, ask if you can meet for 10-15 minutes If not, make a judgment whether it is appropriate to ask: If there will be any opportunities in the future If they know of any opportunities/contacts elsewhere Ask if it’s okay to forward a resume
- 9. Informational interviews A meeting with a potential employer to find out information about the company/industry and where your skills would fit in Sometimes it can be easy to ask for an informational interview rather than a job Employers often willing to help as it is an opportunity for them to network Treat it like an interview – be on time, dressed formally, and conduct yourself in a professional manner Do not overstay your welcome Bring any information that you think will be relevant and ask if you can leave a resume Ask for contacts Follow up afterwards and keep in touch
- 10. Informational interview…some useful questions to ask • What is your job like? • How did you find your job? What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position? • Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary experience? • What other jobs could you pursue with the same background? • What are the various jobs in this field or organization? • How does your company differ from its competitors?
- 11. Summary • Think about who you are, what you want, and what you’re good at before making any calls • Know what you can offer the employer • Use this information to develop a sales pitch for your product – you! • Try and find the right person to speak to • Be professional – you are representing Dal as well as yourself • Keep track of who you’ve spoken to and the outcome • Follow up as appropriate