Table of Contents for Job Search TIP SHEETS CODE JS - 1 JS - 2 JS - 3 JS - 4 JS - 5 JS - 6 JS - 7 JS - 8 TITLE How do I Research a Company? What is Cold Calling? What is Networking? What is an Information Interview? Networking Letters Networking Cards and Accessing the Hidden Job Market How do I know if it is an Employment Scam? Going to a Job Fair Navigate this document in several ways: use bookmarks use page icons use the scroll bars use buttons: the Table of Contents has buttons to each chapter (mouse over heading and click), and the bottom right of each page has a button that will get you back to the Table of Contents
JS - 1 HOW DO I Research a Company Company research is the process of gathering information to learn more about a company. Company research will help you answer the questions: Do I want to work for this company? Why do I want to work for this company? If the position requires a high level of experience, training and/or there are a lot of applicants, it becomes even more important to research the company. Solid research will help you to stand out from the competition. Employers value candidates who know about their company and the industry. Company Research Steps Identify what you are looking for in a company. Determine what information you need to learn about the company. Choose a list of resources you will use to do your research. Complete your research. Collect and review the information collected to see if the company is a good fit for you. Follow up with the companies you feel are a good match with your skills and abilities. Research Questions What does the company do? When was the company established? How many employees does the company have? What is the company s mission and/or vision statement? What product or service does the company provide? Are there new products or projects that the company is currently working on? Who are their clients or customers? Who are their major competitors? What is the business environment like? What are their standards and business practices? Does the company belong to any associations or business bureaus? What are their hiring practices and procedures? DECEMBER 2012 1
HOW DO I RESEARCH A COMPANY JS - 1 Resources for Company Research Conducting information interviews Company Websites Business Directories/Databases Trade and Business Associations Company Annual Reports Yellow Pages Internet Search Engines Press Releases or Newspaper and Magazine Articles Trade Journals Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade Local Library Research for the Interview Process Job interviewers often ask one or both of the following question(s): Why do you want to work here? What do you know about our organization? Company research is an important part of preparing for an interview. Knowing about the company will make a positive impact on the interviewer. To answer these two questions well, you must be knowledgeable about the position and the organization and be able to demonstrate that you are a great candidate for the job. For example, in response to the question, Why do you want to work at XYZ Company? a candidate who has conducted research could respond: I conducted quite a bit of research about your company by reviewing your website, looking at your profile on the Scott s online database, and speaking to my friend Roger who used to work here. Through all my research, I noticed that your company is very interested in innovation and maintains a reputation for being cutting edge within the industry. My previous managers have called me an ideas person and I really enjoy using my creativity within a job. Both of these qualities make me very well suited to a company where innovation is part of the culture, such as XYZ Company. HOW DO I RESEARCH A COMPANY 2
JS - 2 WHAT IS Cold Calling? Over 80% of job opportunities are never advertised publicly. These jobs are part of what is called the hidden job market. In order to find jobs in the hidden job market, job seekers need to use methods such as cold calling. Cold Calling is calling an employer you have never spoken to before. During this phone call you try to sell yourself as a potential employee. You have only 20 30 seconds to grab the employer s attention, so your call has to be clear and direct. Create a script to follow because it is important to sound organized. Spend the time talking about your strengths, skills and accomplishments because that is what the employer is most interested in. REASONS TO MAKE A COLD CALL Before Your Cold Call Prepare a script to follow during your call and practice using it Research the company you are interested in and try to find a contact name Find a quiet place without distractions Have a pen and paper ready to take notes During Your Cold Call Stand up when making a call because you will speak more clearly. Smile so you sound more natural and the tone of your voice is lighter. Ask if it is a good time for the person to talk. If you have called at a bad time, ask if there is a better time to call. Try calling before 8:30 a.m., during lunch or after 5:00 p.m. to avoid being screened out by the receptionist. Follow your script! If the employer tells you that they are not hiring at the time, ask if you can send your resume for future opportunities or if the employer can refer you to someone else. Near the end of your call, ask if you can contact the employer again. If the answer is yes, make sure that you do! After Your Cold Call To find out if a company is hiring. To find out about future job leads. To ask for an information interview. To speak with an employer about the resume you have sent them. Drop off or send a brief thank-you note the same day or the next day. Keep track of everyone you have contacted. Include the company, the person s name, their phone number, the date you spoke with them and any important things about the call you would like to remember. Decide if this is a company you would like to work for or not. Continue to practice your script! The more you practice, the easier it will become. DECEMBER 2012 1
COLD CALLING SCRIPT WORKSHEET JS - 2 1. Introduce yourself and explain why you are calling. Example 1 Good morning. My name is Fred Jones. I m looking for work in the graphic design field and I d like your advice. I know that you re busy, but I only need a few minutes of your time if that s okay with you. Example 2 Hi, my name is Sally Fields. Heidi Fisher suggested that I give you a call, as I m interested in finding a job as a graphic artist. Would you have a few minutes to speak with me? 2. Briefly tell the employer about yourself. Example 1 I ve had two years experience in desktop publishing designing brochures, newsletters and training materials. I ve really enjoyed it, and would like to move into doing graphic arts full-time. Example 2 I ve recently completed a Diploma in Graphic Arts and am looking for an opportunity to start my career in this field. I ve had experience doing desktop publishing as part of my co-op placement responsibilities. I really enjoyed it, and I am looking for a position in which an employer could use the skills I ve already developed. 3. Ask for advice or more information. If you are interested in working for this company, ask: Does your company have any current job opportunities for someone with my skills and experience? If you are interested in working for any similar companies, ask: Could you recommend anyone who might know of such an opening? May I tell him/her that you referred me? WHAT IS COLD CALLING? 2
JS - 3 WHAT IS Networking Over 80% of job opportunities are never advertised publicly. These jobs are part of what is called the hidden job market. In order to find jobs in the hidden job market, job seekers need to use methods such as networking. Networking is actively meeting and building relationships with others. Networking activities could include speaking with your family members and neighbours, talking with people at a sports event or attending association meetings. Every situation where you meet and talk with someone is an opportunity to network. Before Networking Seek out opportunities on a regular basis to meet new people. Find someone whose networking skills you admire and ask them for advice. Create a networking plan by listing any contacts you currently have who might have information useful for your job search. During Networking NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES Professional associations Industry organizations Continuing education courses Networking groups Local chamber of commerce meetings Toastmasters Volunteering Trade shows & conferences Career fairs Alumni associations Be sure to speak with everyone you meet and let them know what information you are seeking. Make sure you ask the people on your contact list if there is any assistance you can give them in return. Don t be discouraged if people you network with can t assist you at the present time. If the person does not have the information you need, ask them for the names and contact information for others who they believe may be able to help you. AFTER NETWORKING Thank everyone who helps you. Keep networking even after you find a job so that you will have a list of contacts for the future. DECEMBER 2012 1
WHAT IS NETWORKING JS-3 What are Networking Statements? Effective networking is being able to communicate what you want and what you have to offer to everyone you meet. A networking statement is a way of introducing yourself in 30 seconds or less. A good networking statement includes the following parts: who you are, what you want, what you can offer an employer and a request for assistance. Your networking statement should be 3 to 4 sentences long. It should be simple and clear to anyone who is listening. Writing and Delivering Networking Statements Introduce yourself with a greeting and say your first and last name. Clearly state the position you are seeking. Identify your strengths including your years of experience, unique skills and education, training or certifications you have completed. Share any awards or recognition you have received and why. Request action or assistance such as names of employers you can contact, feedback on your resume or setting up an information interview. Be sure to use eye contact, a firm handshake and a smile when delivering your networking statement in person. Speak clearly with confidence and enthusiasm. Sample Networking Statement Good morning! My name is Judy Smith and I am a Customer Service Representative with 4 years experience working in a call centre. I am currently looking for new opportunities in the Halton area. I have received multiple awards from my employers for consistently exceeding my customer service satisfaction ratings. I have a proven track record of answering more than 70 calls per day. Would you be available to review my resume and provide me with some advice on my job search? Your Networking Statement: WHAT IS NETWORKING? 2
JS - 4 WHAT IS AN Information Interview An information interview is a meeting you set up with someone who has experience in a job or field that interests you. The goal of an information interview is to make new contacts and gather information that will help you find a job or make a career decision. Information Interviews Can Help You Learn about different jobs and identify the skills needed for the job you want. Build a network of people to use when you are job searching or when gathering information about a job or industry. Prepare for job interviews. Information Interview Tips Do more than one information interview to learn about jobs in different companies. Do not make any decisions about a job just because you liked or disliked the person you interviewed. Ask the questions you prepared, but give the other person time to talk because you might get some helpful information. How to Find People for Information Interviews Make a list of your networking contacts. Phone your contacts to find out if they know someone you should talk to. Use the telephone book or business directories to find more contacts you can call. SAMPLE QUESTIONS What parts of this job do you most enjoy? What parts of the job are most difficult? How did you get into this type of work? How do you stay current in your field of work? What kind of education or training is required for this type of work? What personal qualities or attributes are important for being successful in this job? What opportunities for advancement exist? What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible? What is the salary range for this field? (Continued) DECEMBER 2012 1
WHAT IS AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW JS - 4 How to Set Up Information Interviews Contact the people you wish to meet with and introduce yourself. Make sure you let them know you are looking for information, not a job. If you were referred to a person, you should mention who referred you. Request a 15 to 30 minute in person meeting or arrange a telephone interview if meeting in-person is not possible. Preparing for Information Interviews Decide what information you need and prepare a list of questions to ask. Find out as much as you can about the person you will be meeting. Do some research about the company and industry before the interview. Bring a resume with you in case you get a chance to share it at the interview. Thank the interviewer for their time and send a thank-you note within 24 hours SAMPLE QUESTIONS (cont.) How do you see jobs like this changing in the future? Is there a high demand for people in this field? What special advice would you give a person entering this type of job? What would help me learn more about this type of work? What s the best way to find out about these types of jobs? During the Information Interview Dress like you are going to a job interview, arrive on time, be polite and professional. Ask the questions that you prepared. Be sure to stay within the time you agreed upon and try to leave time for any unplanned discussion. Before leaving, ask for a business card and for names of other potential contacts as well as permission to use their name when getting in touch with the referrals they provided After the Information Interview Keep a detailed, organized record of all information shared with you. Reflect on what you learned and make a list of questions you still need answered. WHAT IS AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW
JS - 5 Networking Letters A networking letter is a tool to inform your existing network of family, friends, professional contacts and acquaintances of what you can offer a potential new employer. Networking letters can also act as an introduction to the people or organizations you would like to get to know. The networking letter s focus is not to ask for a job but to request assistance, information, advice or referrals. This advice and these referrals to new contacts may ultimately produce leads that help you identify valuable job openings before they are advertised. Being proactive in your job search shows companies that you are motivated and WANT to work for them, lets you take control of your job search and increases the likelihood that you will be successful. Networking Letter Strategies Create a connection in the opening of the letter. Start with their name and contact information at the top. If you have met before, remind the reader of that meeting; if you have been referred, say by whom. Do not use the reader s first name in the salutation unless you know them well. Communicate why you are qualified for the role you are seeking. Use accomplishment statements (Tip Sheet RF-9 Accomplishment Statements) to persuade the reader that you are qualified. Request action and summarize what kind of information you need, what questions you will ask or how you plan to use this information. Close with a sincere thank you. Express your appreciation for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. Sample Opening Lines NETWORKING LETTERS CHECKLIST Customize your letter for each recipient Be specific in naming the kind of work you are looking for Summarize your background and qualifications Use quantified accomplishment statements; be sure to include what you can offer the employer Make a clear request for action Be positive and polite; do not write about your personal situation Be brief; do not exceed one page John Smith of ABC Co. recommended that I contact you concerning my interest in the field of Call Centre Management. May I ask for your advice and assistance? It was a pleasure talking to you during the Builder s Trade Show last month. Our discussion regarding the upcoming legislative changes was very informative. It was very nice speaking with you yesterday and learning about the changes taking place at ABC Insurance Agency. Thank your contact for his/her help Set a timeframe to follow-up and keep in touch After completing my internship with you at XYZ Corp., I realized that the field of marketing is truly my passion, and I am writing to you to ask for your assistance to reach this objective. I am extremely interested in learning more about broadcasting; would you be available to share your expertise with me? DECEMBER 2012 1
NETWORKING LETTER SAMPLE JS - 5 123 Maple Street Burlington, ON L6J 3Y4 905-333-3333 Monday, January 1, 2007 John Smith ABC Insurance Agency Address City, Province, Postal Code Dear Mr. Smith: May I ask for your advice and assistance? ASK FOR ADVICE, NOT JUST A JOB. PROVIDE THE READER WITH RELEVANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING YOUR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. A mutual colleague, Linda Jones of XYZ Company, suggested I contact you. After 10 years experience as an Account Manager with EFG Company, I am now seeking a new and challenging position. I am experienced in all facets of insurance agency operation and feel I have the knowledge and skills to assume responsibility for a position as an Account Manager. I am confident I can bring the same results to my next employer that I did to EFG Company: DESCRIBE THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING AND WHY YOU ARE QUALIFIED. Increased sales by 10% in only 3 months and increased profits by $25,000 Introduced and obtained new contracts within 6 months for 5 Fortune 500 companies Effectively managed a high-functioning team of 10 to maintain leading sales for 2 consecutive years Mr. Smith, would you take a moment to think about people I can contact at large insurance companies in the Burlington area? Linda Jones was confident in your knowledge of the industry, as well as you being a key player in the Burlington area. ASK THE CONTACT FOR SPECIFIC ACTION. Any assistance you can provide in my search for a position would be much appreciated. Should you require additional information, please contact me at the above e-mail address or call me at 905 333-3333. I have attached a few resumes for your reference and distribution to any key contacts you may know. Thank you for your time. I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise. I will contact you early next week to follow-up. Sincerely, (Sign here) Sandra Mills Enc. Résumé NETWORKING LETTERS 2
Accessing the Hidden Job Market Did you know that about 80% of all available jobs are not advertised? That means 20% of job openings are formally advertised and some say as many as 90% of job seekers are applying to these openings. The hidden job market is the term used to describe the significant portion of jobs that are never formally advertised through job listings and want ads. Generally speaking, employers prefer to try every other method of filling vacancies and view placing want ads or job listings as a last resort. Please see the information in the box titled How Employers Prefer to Search for Employees for more details. Effective job seekers learn to tap into the hidden job market by identifying and pursuing unadvertised opportunities. Strategies for Tapping into the Hidden Job Market Company Research Make a list of companies in the industry you want to work in Sources for company research include: the Internet, business directories, yellow pages, trade magazines, publications, industry or company information sessions, newspapers, libraries and employment resource centres (Tip Sheet JS-1 - Company Research) Research companies- identify opportunities, including staffing needs and how you can meet those needs Consider joining a professional association Cold Calling Contact people with the power to hire you and ask if they are hiring; prepare a 30 second telephone script (Tip Sheet #JS-2 - Cold Calling) Sell yourself and your qualifications This method of job searching has a high 45-69% success rate JS - 6 HOW EMPLOYERS PREFER TO SEARCH FOR EMPLOYEES From Most Preferred to Least Hire or promote from within the company Ask colleagues about past or present employees and where they are currently working Referrals ask colleagues about employees they may know of at other workplaces Potential employees who drop in offering proof of their skills Contacts friends or colleagues may provide direct introductions to prospective employees or referrals Hire a professional agency Place an Internet or newspaper ad Read through submitted resumes in order to identify who to bring in for an interview Employment Programs Ask our staff about free employment programs designed to help you access the hidden job market and successfully search for employment DECEMBER 2012 1
ACCESSING THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET JS - 6 Networking Cards Business cards are a networking must have, but what do you do if you don t have business cards? Try a networking card. A networking card is similar in size to a business card, and can be an effective tool for providing people with important information about you. Networking cards give you the opportunity to provide your contact information and a brief description of your expertise and key accomplishments, so that your networking contacts can connect with you at a later date. A networking card is not only for professional occupations. If you work outdoors (e.g. construction) or are networking on a job site, a networking card is easier for an employer to take than a resume. Printing Networking Cards Use the reverse side of your card to include a more detailed summary of skills Never scratch out old information. If you need to update your contact data, it is time to print new cards Business card kits can be purchased at your local office supply store; you can make your own cards using Microsoft Word and a good quality laser printer Always make sure you have a good supply on hand Have your cards easily accessible sop you do not have to search for them Keep your cards in a protective case to ensure they are crisp and clean Exchange cards openly, do not leave your card on someone s empty seat Always hand your card face up with the writing facing the recipient Sample Networking Card CREATING NETWORKING CARDS Judy Smith Print cards in black ink on plain white card stock paper Use a font type that is easy to read, and a font size 10 or larger Layout the networking card so it looks uncluttered and easy to read Include your name and reliable contact information like home telephone, cell, email and website address Clearly state the type of work you are seeking Include a short description of your experience, expertise, or accomplishments Proofread to ensure there are not typos or errors 905-333-3333 jsmith@email.com Customer Service Call Centre Rep 4+ years experience as Customer Service Rep Twice received employee of the month for exceeding customer service satisfaction ratings Averaged 70+ inbound calls per day www.jsmithsresume.com ACCESSING THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET AND NETWORKING CARDS 2
JS - 7 HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS AN Employment Scam Employment scams are everywhere. People who are unemployed and need to find work cannot afford to lose their money on one of these scams. Often, unemployed people are targeted so it is best to be aware of potential employment scams when job searching. Be Cautious of Job Postings that Include the Following: Promise high paying jobs with little or no experience required Ask for money so they can register you or give you access to a list of jobs Overseas employment, especially for unskilled labour Require you to cash a cheque at your bank to perform job duties Ask you to pay for job training in exchange for guaranteed employment If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is so be sure to ask a lot of questions and make sure it is a legitimate job opportunity Ask you to call a special long distance phone number for details about the job - you may be billed at a very high rate per minute You can t find an address for the company Advertise specialized business opportunities for a fee, where you are a partner or sub-contractor Avoid Job Postings That Ask For: Social Insurance, Driver s License or Health Card numbers Personal or sensitive information such as your age, marital status or date of birth Banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) What to Consider when Looking for an Employment Agency: Agencies should have permanent addresses and place applicants in specific jobs Agencies should receive payment for their services from the employer, not you, they should not ask you for any money Be cautious if an agency only provides phone numbers or only has a post office box as their address Look out for ads promoting job training and guaranteeing employment with high starting salaries with the same company that offers the training. Agencies should not force you to sign a contract or ask you to pay an administration fee DECEMBER 2012 1
EMPLOYMENT SCAM JS - 7 INFORMATION ABOUT WORK AT HOME SCAMS Work at Home scams are often posted on the Internet, in the newspaper or in a flyer in the mail These scams usually offer huge earnings with no experience necessary by working out of your home There are primarily two types of work at home scams: stuffing envelopes and assembling products All work at home scams require an upfront fee The Better Business Bureau can help you find out if a job opportunity is a scam by listing the names of reputable organizations and offering information about employment scams The Better Business Bureau reports that responding to a stuffing envelope scam will lead to no reply from the company or the person will receive information instructing them to place an ad similar to the one that they had responded to. The respondents then earn their money by requesting that others send them money for information on how to stuff envelopes at home, as they had initially done. Assembling product schemes also require you to pay a fee to purchase materials. In many cases, the instructions for assembling the products are very difficult to understand and payment may not work out how it was originally promised. In the end the company reserves the right to reject the items due to poor workmanship and the employee may end up keeping the products and not make any money. Ultimately you should exercise extreme caution when sending money in advance or when disclosing personal information to an unknown source. A FINAL NOTE ON EMPLOYMENT SCAMS: Remember your personal physical safety. Make sure the place you re going for an interview is a regular office or business location If it s outside regular business hours, don t go alone and be sure to tell someone where you re going HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS AN EMPLOYMENT SCAM? 2
JS - 8 Going to a Job Fair Going to job fairs is an excellent way to network. It is a chance for you to speak directly to recruiters and staff from companies in your local area. When you attend job fairs, you will have more success if you are actively making contacts and following up with the contacts that you make. You will need to do more than just leave your resume with a company representative and hope that they call you. KNOW YOURSELF I have years of experience in the field. Before the Job Fair Remember, first impressions are lasting. You should always treat a job fair the same way you would treat an interview - dress appropriately for the type of work you are looking for. Bring a pen and paper to take notes about the company and the people you meet - it will be important to remember these details when you follow-up later. Research employers ahead of time to learn what positions the companies are posting and plan which companies you want to spend your time talking to. A job seeker who can speak about the company will make a good impression on the recruiter. Create a networking statement that you can use when meeting people. There is more information on how to create a networking statement on the back of this page. Practice how you will introduce yourself to people at the job fair. Practice makes perfect! During the Job Fair Focus on visiting the companies that you most want to work for. Use your networking statement to introduce yourself and start a conversation don t just drop your resume on the table and walk away. Make eye contact, shake hands and smile. Keep a positive, enthusiastic attitude and speak clearly with confidence. Collect information from the company s display be prepared to talk directly with the employers Ask for a business card from everyone that you speak with. If the business cards do not have a name on them remember to ask for and I have specific experience in I am good at My top 3 skills are My former employer, co-workers or customers have complimented me for In my professional life, I am most proud of I have expertise, specialize in or have a reputation for write down the recruiter s name (with correct spelling). This will help you when you are following up later. After speaking with someone be sure to thank them for their time. DECEMBER 2012 1
GOING TO A JOB FAIR JS - 8 After the Job Fair Review any notes you took about the companies and the people you met Think about how you presented yourself and if you could have been more prepared Send a thank you letter or make a thank you phone call to the employers within 24 hours Follow up with the companies you would like to work for within 5 business days after the job fair. This allows you to develop a connection with the recruiter, and keep your name active in the recruiter s mind Network Statements for Job Fairs A networking statement is a 20-30 second introduction which tells an employer what kind of work you want and what skills and experience you have to offer. Creating a networking statement can help you feel much more comfortable when meeting new employers. Your Networking Statement Should Include: Your first and last name A job title that describes the type of work you are looking for The skills, experience and education you have which are relevant to this job title The benefits an employer will get from your skills and experience A specific question which will begin a discussion (see below for examples) To present your skills and experience effectively to potential employers you must know yourself. The following exercise will help you speak about yourself with confidence. Now you can begin to write a networking statement of your own: Take each of the sentences and connect them together to make them flow Remove any points that are not relevant for the type of work you are looking for Remove unnecessary words and keep the length under 30 seconds Add a question which will begin a conversation (see below for examples) Have an Employment Advisor, mentor or friend review your networking statement Practice, practice, practice! Examples of Questions to Ask: What are the key skills that you look for in applicants for positions? Do you hire frequently for type of work? What is the best way for me to learn about current opportunities with your company? How should I follow up if I am interested in pursuing employment? EXAMPLE NETWORKING STATEMENT Hi, my name is John. I am a Customer Service Representative with over 5 years of experience giving great service in person, through email and over the telephone. I am skilled in answering difficult questions and resolving complaints. I have customer service training and excellent computer skills in Word and Excel. I am very interested in the Customer Service position you have posted; what skills and experience are you most looking for? GOING TO A JOB FAIR 2