CCV Template 2012

The Job of Job Searching: Create a Plan

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Script:Welcome to Module 5, the Job of Job Searching. At this time, you have probably completed modules 1-4, related to networking, professional image, resume and cover letter development, and interviewing. Each module has guided you through activities in preparation for the job search. This 5 minute video will provide an introduction to the materials included in this module: an article, a discussion forum about the job search, a job search quiz, and other resources to get you on your way. Additionally, we will review some of the steps for creating a job search plan. As you may have gleaned from the title of this segment, searching for a new job is a job in and of itself. Expect this process to take time and energy, much like a job would take. Planning your search by setting a schedule and moving through each step (assessment, resume and cover letter development, networking, researching employers and opportunities, and the search itself) strategically, will help you effectively use your time and keep track of how the search is going.

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ASSESS: What resources are available that might help you assess your skills and interests?

Script:Taking time to identify your skills, interests, and values is an important part of the job search process. What are some of the resources that are available to you in order to help you identify your skills, interests and values? There are many online resources, some of which are included in Module 5. For example, the careeronestop website has a variety of links to assessments that might be helpful to you. Additionally, CCV has created several inventories that you could complete and use in a discussion with a Department of Labor representative, career counselor, or academic advisor.

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Resume

Prepare your resume. If you dont have a resume, create one. If you have a resume, be sure to update it and possibly revise it. At this point, it is most important to have a resume that is complete. Once you begin identifying potential jobs, you can tailor your resume to meet the needs of the opportunities for which you are applying. Refer to Module 3 about Resume and Cover Letter Development, which has links and PDF files for a variety of resumes and cover letter samples and templates.

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Network: Who do you know and who do you need to know?ANDResearch potential employers

Networking can play a very important role in your job search process and it can be combined with research on potential employers. As you consider where you might work or what you might do, think also about who you know who already works in the field. Have you maintained contact with former co-workers? Do you have friends or relatives who are connected? Have you considered doing informational interviews? Are you taking advantage of social media resources such as LinkedIn or Facebook?

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Use tracking tools to know:Who you have researched, What you know about each organization, Who you have contacted, With whom you have spoken and the method of communication you used (email, phone call, thank you note), Dates of last contacts, New leads and Closed searches.

Follow your plan. Use tracking tools to know: who you have researched, what you know about each organization, who you have contacted, with whom you have spoken and the method of communication you used (email, phone call, thank you note), dates of last contacts, new leads and closed searches. Planning appropriately for the job search enables you to respond to new opportunities quickly and respond confidently when you get that call for an interview.

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Questions, Ideas? Lets Get to Work in Module 5!

Now is the time to apply all that you have learned in modules 1-4. Good luck! Now, lets start practicing these steps in Module 5.

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