strategic job hunting in a down economy
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Strategic Job Hunting in a Down EconomyTRANSCRIPT
East Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityTThe Career Centerhe Career Center
Your Success is Our Business!
Strategic Job Hunting Strategic Job Hunting In A Down EconomyIn A Down Economy
Presented By:
A department within the Division of Student Affairs
Our mission is to teach career-related skills that facilitate career and professional development
Liaisons to each college and professional school
Offer services to undergraduate students, graduate students, and ECU alumni
Who We AreWho We Are
Where We AreWhere We Are
Main Office:701 East 5th Street
(corner of 5th & Jarvis)
Greenville, NC 27858252-328-6050
www.ecu.edu/careerMonday – Friday: 8AM – 5PM
Satellite Office:1504 Laupus Library
(Health Sciences Building)Greenville, NC 27858
252-737-1572www.ecu.edu/career
Hours Vary
Presentation Overview The job market today Myths about a job search in a down economy The “hidden” job market Job search effectiveness Ah hah strategies A recent graduates perspective Redirecting your job search 8 common job search mistakes Questions and answers
The Job Market TodayThe Good and Bad News 103,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy last December Yet many economists believe the 9.4% jobless rate will fall
slowly Employers expect to hire 5.3% more new college graduates this
spring Yet starting salary offers for the class of 2010 are down 1.7% More US employers plan to increase their work force in the next
six months Yet more college graduates are “moving back home” after
graduation while working full-time or looking for work It is “buyer’s market” for employers with jobs
Sources: ABC News.com, Monster.com, NACEweb.com
It’s a Scary Job Market . . .
But don’t despair – there are strategies to
help you find a job, even in a downeconomy
Myths About Job-Hunting in a Down Economy
No one is hiring – there are no jobs The best way to find jobs is online Applying to companies in a hiring freeze is
a waste of time Expect a salary cut Experience and advanced degrees
guarantee a job A job search is harder in this economy
Sources: Hotjobs.yahoo.com,
Job Search Effectiveness
The Best Job Seekers Get The Best Jobs
Multi-Tasking & Multi-Tasking & Managing the ProcessManaging the Process
The “Hidden” Job Market
Approximately 80% of available jobs are never advertised
Employers rely on personal referrals
Make contact before an employer knows they need you
Networking: 30-49% Direct Contact with Decision-
Makers: 19 – 37% Published Job Openings: 15 –
24% All others: 1 – 16%
Effectiveness of Job Search Channels
Four Stages of a Job Opening
1. No opening exists, but employers are always looking for good people
2. The need to hire someone is clear; insiders know, but no action has been taken
3. Job now available; internal posting, referrals accepted, resumes/applications accepted
4. Ad is put in newspaper, journal, etc.; personnel services possibly contacted
Ten Ah hah StrategiesTen Ah hah Strategies1. Define your personal brand2. Cast a wider net3. Network . . . the right way4. Become an industry insider5. Be seen by the right people
Source: Lindsey Pollak and PWC.com
6. Get your “foot in the door” anyway you can
7. Follow up with everyone you meet8. Take advantage of everything
Career Services offers9. Treat your resume as a work of art10.Keep your spirits up
Source: Lindsey Pollak and PWC.com
Ten Ah hah StrategiesTen Ah hah Strategies
Implementing/Managing Your Search
Organize yourself with a system Devote time to the process Keep records of initial contacts
and follow-ups Set reasonable goals for your
search Continue to assess the process
Need To Redirect Your Search?
Clarify goals and redefine options – broaden or narrow them
Have your resume reviewed by a Career Advisor or other professional
Geographic restrictions? Do your skills match with the needs
of the job, employer, career path?
Top 10 Skills Employers Want
1. Communication skills2. Strong work ethic3. Teamwork skills4. Initiative5. Analytical skills6. Computer skills7. Flexibility/adaptability8. Interpersonal skills9. Problem-solving skills10. Technical skills
Data collected from JobWeb.com
8 Common Job Search Mistakes
1. Relying on one strategy2. Lack of focus/career objective 3. Failure to identify and use network4. Targeting only large employers5. Failure to follow–up6. Unprofessional materials/appearance7. Impersonal approach8. Underestimate time needed to search
Keep It In Perspective
Don’t take rejection personally Maintain a balance between job
search and everyday routine Remind yourself of your skills and
accomplishments Use your resources Be persistent - you will find
employment
That’s All Folks!That’s All Folks!
Thank you for your time and attention!
Any questions?
East Carolina UniversityThe Career Center
Your Success is Our Business!
Main Office:
701 East 5th Street (corner of 5th & Jarvis)
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-6050
www.ecu.edu/career
Satellite Office:
1504 Laupus Library (Health Sciences Building)
Greenville, NC 27858
252-737-1572
www.ecu.edu/career