Strategic Job Hunting In A Down Economy Presented By:
East Carolina University The Career Center Your Success is Our Business!
Who We Are
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
Where We Are Main Office:
Satellite Office:
701 East 5th Street (corner of 5th & Jarvis)
1504 Laupus Library (Health Sciences Building)
Greenville, NC 27858
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-6050
252-737-1572
www.ecu.edu/career
www.ecu.edu/career
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 5PM
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 Today The 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 down economy
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 & Managing 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
Effectiveness of Job Search Channels Networking:
30-49% Direct Contact with DecisionMakers: 19 – 37% Published Job Openings: 15 – 24% All others: 1 – 16%
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 Strategies 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Define your personal brand Cast a wider net Network . . . the right way Become an industry insider Be seen by the right people
Source: Lindsey Pollak and PWC.com
Ten Ah hah Strategies Get your “foot in the door” anyway you can 7. Follow up with everyone you meet 8. Take advantage of everything Career Services offers 9. Treat your resume as a work of art 10. Keep your spirits up 6.
Source: Lindsey Pollak and PWC.com
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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Communication skills Strong work ethic Teamwork skills Initiative Analytical skills Computer skills Flexibility/adaptability Interpersonal skills Problem-solving skills Technical skills ď Ž
Data collected from JobWeb.com
8 Common Job Search Mistakes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Relying on one strategy Lack of focus/career objective Failure to identify and use network Targeting only large employers Failure to follow–up Unprofessional materials/appearance Impersonal approach 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! Thank you for your time and attention! Any questions?
East Carolina University The Career Center Your Success is Our Business! Main Office:
Satellite Office:
701 East 5th Street (corner of 5th & Jarvis)
1504 Laupus Library (Health Sciences Building)
Greenville, NC 27858
Greenville, NC 27858
252-328-6050
252-737-1572
www.ecu.edu/career
www.ecu.edu/career