A good job search
campaign takes a commitment of time, dedication and hard work. A good rule
to apply to your job search is – if you are wanting full-time employment
you will need to apply yourself full-time to your job search (example:
wanting 40 hour week employment – apply at least 40 hours per week to
your job search). Job search includes many areas such as phone contacts,
personal contacts, in person contacts, newspaper search, internet search,
and the mailing of correspondence to employers. As a suggestion, divide
the time you have available into the following areas:
[ Layout and positioning for Networking Resources ]
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(75% of your time) Part of an excellent job campaign includes
mailing your resume to prospective employers. If you mail 100 inquiries,
you may only get 5% who respond. The secret to a good response rate is
finding the job before it is advertised, and the best way to learn about
job opportunities is by talking to people. The following may give you
some useful sources of information.
[ Layout and positioning for Previous Work Colleagues ]
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Since you have worked with them in the past they know your potential.
[ Layout and positioning for Friends and Relatives ]
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It's important to ask the right question. For example, "Do you
know anyone in Anytown, Kentucky?" or "Do you know anyone who
works in purchasing?" Even distant relatives can be good sources of
information.
[ Layout and positioning for Job Fairs ]
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Visits at job and career fairs enable you to become more familiar with employers.
[ Layout and positioning for Membership in Professional Organizations ]
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Attendance at meetings and conferences of professional associations
can place you in touch with key people in their field and the community.
[ Layout and positioning for Volunteer Activities ]
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Become involved with your community. Widen your professional contacts
and increase your knowledge by volunteering your services to interesting
organizations. Even as little as an evening each week can pay valuable
dividends, improved skills and a broader base of contacts. This is
especially true with college. Getting involved with campus clubs,
student government organizations and talking to people in your residence
halls or classes can lead to valuable contacts and rewarding
experiences.
[ Layout and positioning for Memberships in Health, Special Interest Clubs and Religious Organizations ]
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Increase your circle of acquaintances in your local area and beyond
by involving yourself in interesting organizations.
[ Layout and positioning for Information Interviews ]
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People who are currently employed in your field of interest may have
valuable information. Ask them how they would find employment, which
colleagues would help, and what publications to read. Talk to people who
have recently found employment. They often have information to share.
[ Layout and positioning for Related Resources ]
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(25% of your time) An exception to this rule would be
graduating students, who should spend 50% or more of their time
utilizing university/college resources. But if you are looking for
employment in a limited geographical area or employment category or if
you have extensive experience only 25% of your time should be divided
among the following. A good job campaign should be a combination of all
sources of information and not just one or two.
[ Layout and positioning for University and College Placement Offices ]
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Look into the services and vacancy materials they offer alumni and
students. Graduating students should spend 50% or more of their job
campaign time utilizing these resources. Find out who has hired previous
graduates from the University.
[ Layout and positioning for Employment Services Offices ]
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It is a good idea to check your
local Office of
Employment and Training at least once each week.
Twenty-seven full service offices are located throughout Kentucky in
both small and large cities. In each of these offices you will be able
to access computerized listings of local, statewide, and national job
openings. The services that you receive in these
offices are free.
[ Layout and positioning for Chamber of Commerce ]
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A local Chamber
of Commerce can provide information on local businesses and
developing industries. A good source of inside information about a
community.
[ Layout and positioning for Library Reference Resources ]
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Many directories list organizations by industry type and geographical
location. Directories such as "Standard and Poor's" and
"Dun and Bradstreet" list nationwide employers who have sold
stocks and shares. Don't forget the telephone book is the most
comprehensive and up-to-date listing of all employers in a geographical
area. These are often available in many libraries.
[ Layout and positioning for Job Bank Series ]
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These books contain information about principal employers in each
major population center in America.
[ Layout and positioning for Vacancy Bulletins ]
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The vacancy bulletins list area job vacancies and are available at
local and university libraries. There is an increasing number of
computerized bulletin boards and databases available to employers. You
can learn about these through magazines and other professional
publications.
[ Layout and positioning for Newspapers ]
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Many local and national newspapers
are available. Answer classified advertisements for employment
opportunities, but many authorities recommend that you only spend a
small portion of your job search efforts on this resource. Specialty
Newspapers "National Ad Search" and "National Business
Employment Weekly" compile job opportunities from many newspapers
nationwide. Job campaign books will give you a list of the publications
to consider in your field of interest.
[ Layout and positioning for Specialty Magazines ]
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Every organization and industry has its own publications which will
give information on recent developments in the field as well as job
listings. Learn about these in your field of study and stay informed.
[ Layout and positioning for Other Options ]
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Internships will allow you to expand your work experiences. Some
organizations extend job offers to as many as 75% of their interns.
[ Layout and positioning for Part Time Employment ]
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This will give you some income and still leave you time to look for
other employment.
[ Layout and positioning for Compromise ]
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Don't set your goals too high at first. Be willing to take a position
that does not quite meet all your needs. If an organization is growing,
you will be in an ideal position for advancement.
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