Job hunters have varied levels of job search experience and knowledge. As a result, there is no single approach that
will meet the needs of every person seeking a job. We’ve developed flexible learning paths to address these varied needs.
Using the Eight-Step Job Search Process as a framework, we’ve broken the learning approach into three generalized learning
paths. Within each learning path there are suggested areas of the transition services portal to review. You’ll also find
additional resources you can access if you want to dig deeper into any of the topics you find there.
As you review the various learning paths, you may find that Path I meets your needs for some steps, Path II for other
steps, and Path III for others. It depends upon your particular background, needs and learning preferences.
|
 Step
1 - Take Inventory
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
Taking inventory refers to gaining a good understanding of what you have to offer potential employers. It will
help you later on when you prepare resumes and cover letters, and as you network and go through job interviews.
Your personal inventory should include skills that relate to the jobs you are applying for, positive work traits
or habits, job experience, accomplishments, educational achievements, and any past recognition you have received.
Key Elements:
- Create a Skills Inventory
- Personal Skills
- Work Traits/Habits
- Competencies
- Job-Related Experience
- Accomplishments
- Education
- Past Recognition
|
eBook chapter on Starting the Job Search
Forms/Job Search Forms/Skills Inventory Form
Forms/Job Search Forms/Environmental Inventory Form
|
Jump Start topic of Personal Inventory and Job Search Planning
Forms/Job Search Forms/Skills Inventory Form
|
eBook chapter on Introduction
eBook chapter on Starting the Job Search
Forms/Job Search Forms/Skills Inventory Form
Forms/Job Search Forms/Environmental Inventory Form
|
|
 Step
2 - Research and Plan
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
The research and planning element entails getting to know your job market and environment. As you define your
job market, you begin to get a clearer picture of how your previous efforts in developing a skills inventory fit
into the overall picture.
In this process, you’ll evaluate the status of your job market, set a search objective for yourself, develop
a strategy for your job search, define employer needs and identify industry trends.
Know Your Environment
- The Job Market
- Set a Search Objective
- Search Strategy
- Know Employer Needs
- Know Industry Trends
|
eBook chapter on Starting The Job Search
Forms/Job Search Forms/ Environmental Inventory Form
Tools/Links/Company Research
|
Career Planning
Jump Start topic of Job and Market Research
Forms/Job Search Forms/ Environmental Inventory Form
|
Career Planning, SWOT and career planning form
eBook chapter on Starting The Job Search
Forms/Job Search Forms/ Environmental Inventory Form
Tools/Links/Company Research
Tools/Links/Hot Links
|
|
 Step
3 - Prepare Resumes
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
You may have noticed that we said “resumes.” No single resume will work best for all jobs you apply for. Each
employer will be looking for their own particular preferences regarding skills, experience, job knowledge, jargon,
etc.
Resume preparation is a critical part of the job search process. It entails choosing a format, e.g., chronological
vs. functional, making it concise and easy to read, passing a “ten-second review,” and having a job-specific focus.
Resume Preparation:
- Choose Format
- Show Accomplishments
- Concise and Easy to Read
- Ten-Second Review
- Job-Specific Focus
|
eBook chapter on Resumes
Tools/Training Modules/Resumes
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Resume Mistakes
|
Jump Start topic of Resume and Cover Letters
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Resume Mistakes
|
eBook chapter on Resumes
Tools/Training Modules/Resumes
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Resume Mistakes
Forms/Downloads/Resumes
Forms/Templates/Resumes
Forms/Winning Words
|
|
 Step
4 - Write Cover Letters
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
As is the case with resumes, you will write more than one version of a cover letter. Your cover letters need
to be focused on the particular needs of the job and employer. A review of the job description or advertisement
will tell you what areas to emphasize in your cover letters.
Be sure they are clear and concise. Keep them short, focus on specific needs of the job, give them a “five-second
review,” and make them specific to the job title you are applying for.
Prepare First Draft:
- Review With a Friend
- Keep them Short
- Focus on Job Needs
- Five-Second Review
- Job-Specific Focus
|
eBook chapter on Cover Letters
Tools/Training Modules/Cover Letters
|
Jump Start topic of Resume and Cover Letters
|
eBook chapter on Cover Letters
Tools/Training Modules/Cover Letters
Forms/Downloads/Cover Letters
Forms/Templates/Cover Letters
Forms/Winning Words
|
|
 Step
5 - Begin Networking
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
Networking among friends and professional associates is a critical part of a successful job search. Indeed, many
jobs are filled through networking that are never posted on the Internet or in newspapers. Networking opens this
hidden job market and expands your job search potential.
As you begin networking, explore all possible sources of contacts, be sure you provide them with your resume,
offer a personal business card, ask for referrals, and be sure you respect their time.
Networking Begins:
- Open the Hidden Market
- Explore all Contacts
- Provide your Resume
- Ask for Referrals
- Respect their Time
|
eBook chapter on Networking
Tools/Training Modules/Networking
Tools/Links/Company Research
Tools/Miscellaneous/ Social Networking Tips
|
Jump Start topic of Job Network
Tools/Miscellaneous/ Social Networking Tips
|
eBook chapter on Networking
Tools/Training Modules/Networking
Tools/Links/Company Research
Tools/Links/Hot Links
Tools/Miscellaneous/ Social Networking Tips
Forms/Downloads/Misc. Files/Networking Contacts Form
|
|
 Step
6 - Prep for Interviews
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
All of the previous steps are ultimately designed to get you to the job interview stage. A successful interview
depends largely upon how well you prepare in advance.
Interview preparation entails knowing what to expect, planning for contingencies, assuring you’re prepared to
make a good first impression, learning and understanding what we call the “Four P’s” (Perception, Prediction, Preparation,
Practice).
Preparation is Key:
- Know What to Expect
- Plan for Contingencies
- First Impression Issues
- Learn the Four Ps
- Utilize Interview Trainer
- Practice … Practice
|
eBook chapter on Interview Preparation
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Interview Challenges
|
Jump Start topic of Job Interview
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Interview Challenges
Tools/Job Interview Tips/Video Interview Tips
|
eBook chapter on Interview Preparation
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Interview Challenges
Tools/Job Interview Tips/Video Interview Tips
Forms/Job Search Forms/Employment Application
Forms/Job Search Forms/Pre-Interview Checklist
Forms/Downloads/Misc. Files/ Interviewing Four Ps
|
|
 Step
7 - Interview
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
Good interview preparation leads to successful job interviews. That doesn’t mean you’ll always be selected over
other candidates. Sometimes, your competition will simply have more experience or better skills.
Good interviewing starts with preparation and practice. You must plan ahead to understand employer needs and
likely interview questions. It's important to present a positive first impression, demonstrate your interest in
the job, avoid displays of nervousness and show a professional demeanor.
Selling Yourself:
- Plan Ahead
- Be Prepared
- Positive First Impression
- Show Interest
- Don’t Display Nerves
- Be Professional
|
eBook chapter on Interviewing
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Frequent Interview
Questions
Interview Trainer
|
Jump Start topic of Job Interview
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Frequent Interview
Questions
Interview Trainer
|
eBook chapter on Interviewing
Interview Trainer
Tools/Training Modules/Job Interviewing
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Background Concerns
Tools/Training/Quick Hits/Frequent Interview
Questions
|
|
 Step
8 - Negotiate
|
Learning Path I
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path II
Suggested Resources
|
Learning Path III
Suggested Resources
|
|
Eventually, a successful job interview will lead to a job offer. When a job offer is extended to you, you may
have an opportunity to negotiate some of the terms and conditions of your employment. It is important to note, however,
that negotiation isn’t always an option. In some cases, and for some jobs, negotiation isn’t appropriate.
Part of negotiation strategy is knowing when negotiations are acceptable, and what is negotiable. Knowledge of
your profession and industry will help you understand what is acceptable in this area.
Negotiation Strategy:
- Know What and When
- Know your Strategy
- Be Observant
- Make it Win/Win
|
eBook chapter on Negotiation
|
Jump Start topic of Negotiate Offer
|
eBook chapter on Negotiation
|
Summary: The eight-step job search process provides a general framework that gives the process some structure and predictability.
However; searching for a job is a dynamic process that requires flexibility and overlapping activities. Each step can vary
depending on your background and needs. An optimal job search requires that you use the job search knowledge and tools provided
here within the context of your unique situation and career goals.
The above roadmap will give you a good start on your job search, but it is not all-inclusive. As you follow any of the
roadmap learning paths, you will find many more resources along the way. As was mentioned earlier, the job search process
is dynamic and will vary depending on your particular background and needs. Feel free to explore and utilize any additional
resources on this website that you find helpful.