Ferris State University
Follow These Steps to Get a Job

 

GET ACQUAINTED WITH YOUR NEW MARKETING AGENT…YOU!

 

  • Take a thorough inventory of your strengths and limitations, reviewing in your mind, your many accomplishments and the skills you used to “get there.”
  • Ask individuals that are well acquainted with your professional abilities to highlight for you what they see as your strengths and limitations.
  • Objectify this information by making a list of your skills and categorizing them under major areas of expertise.
  • Consider ways you might strengthen your abilities in areas of serious limitation.
  • Match your skills to specific job openings or position types.

 AND WHAT ABOUT YOU?

 

  • Now, before you begin your job search, build a “Biographical Sketch.”
  • On a 3x5 card list your name, years of experience and areas of expertise, key skills offered, training and certifications, relocation possibilities, and a closing statement requesting a follow-up meeting.
  • Now you have your 30-second commercial about yourself to use in the following ways:

1.    Keep your “biographical sketch” by your phone for unexpected calls from potential employers responding to your resume/application.

2.   Browse the yellow pages, identify potential employers, and make calls using your biographical sketch as your introduction.

3.   Bring your sketch with you to your interviews as a reminder of key areas you want to emphasize.

 HOW TO FIND THE HIDDEN JOB MARKET

ACCORDING TO A U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR STUDY, FOUR OUT OF FIVE JOBS FILLED ARE NEVER ADVERTISED.

 

  • Career professionals and employers tell us that only 2% of mass promotional mailings get responses, so focus your time on the personal approach.
  • Consider the job search as a Marketing Campaign, the most important research project you will ever complete.  Maintain records of all your job search activities including interview dates, and employer follow-up.  Keep copies of previous resumes and cover letters.
  • Choose mentors, learn from people who are already working in your field that are effective and that you respect.
  • Understand that the job search can take between 3 and 6 months.
  • Prepare for “rejection shock”… the job search is not an objective process and it is filled with rejection, so don’t “personalize” the process.
  • Use all the services available through the Student Employment & Career Service office.
  • Use “contract service” and “temp” agencies to get your foot in the door…temp to perm jobs are a growing phenomenon in today’s job market.
  • Identify resources in the community to locate potential employers like: chambers of commerce, professional associations in your field, governmental personnel offices, MESC professionals, school systems, hospitals, unions, community agencies, religious organizations, and reference librarians in the community or on your own campus.
  • Read the business section of newspapers where you want to find employment to learn of company expansions or layoffs.  Read the help wanted ads but be aware that only 5% of job applicants found jobs that way!

NETWORKING YOUR WAY TO A JOB

The biggest mistake job seekers make is keeping their job search secret! The number one failure of people looking for work is not telling others that they are looking.

 

  • 85% of job seekers find employment through acquaintances, friends, relatives, or direct contact with employers.
  • 15% of jobs are filled using the traditional methods: Help wanted ads, employment agencies, college placement offices, and the internet.

 

So Who Do You Know?  
Family Neighbors Church members
Friends Classmates Club members
Party-goers Teachers Relatives
Professional associations Community business people Volunteer groups

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING

Meet with a person in your field of interest to help you obtain:

  • Information on your field to help clarify your career objectives.
  • Confidence in your interviewing skills.
  • Professional contacts.
  • Knowledge about your field, training requirements, future outlook etc.
  • Advice and suggestions on your job search strategy.
  • Specific information regarding your contacts in the employing organization.

RULE: YOU ARE THERE TO FIND OUT INFORMATION – NOT TO INTERVIEW FOR A JOB! 

Here are some questions to consider asking individuals while participating in an informational interview:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

  • What are the duties and responsibilities of a person in this occupation?
  • Where and with whom is he/she likely to be working (example: indoors, outdoors, alone, with a large group of associates, in a government agency, self-employed, etc.)?
  • Are there dress requirements for this occupation?
  • What sort of work schedule does a person in this occupation follow?
  • What are the rewards and satisfaction of this occupation?
  • What are the negative aspects of this type of work?

QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

  • What personal characteristics are necessary for success in this occupation (physical characteristics, personality traits, etc.)?
  • What is the educational background required for this occupation? (How much education? What courses are needed?)
  • Is on the job training provided?
  • Is a license or certificate required? If so, how does a person obtain it?

SALARY AND BENEFITS

  • What is the income in this occupation, and what is the manner of payment (salary, commission, piece work)?
  • How about raises, what is the maximum salary in this field?
  • What are the opportunities for advancement?
  • Is there a pension/retirement plan?
  • Is there a health insurance plan?
  • What type of job security does a person in this occupation have?
  • How much vacation time is available to a person in this occupation?

Professional Membership

  • Is membership in a union or professional organization required?
  • What is the cost of membership?
  • What is the name of the organization and whom do I contact?

ENTRANCE INTO THE OCCUPATION

  • How does a person typically enter this occupation?

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

  • What are the prospects for this field of work?
  • What will the employment opportunities be like in the future?

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

  • How did you become interested in this occupation?
  • How long have you been working in this field?
  • How did you feel when you first started working in this occupation?
  • How do you feel about your occupation now?
  • What are the principle satisfactions you derive from your work?
  • What are some of the negative aspects of your work?
  • What advice do you have for a person considering a career in your occupation?

IS YOUR ATTITUDE IMPACTING YOUR JOB SEARCH?

 Who you are and how you present yourself is a major influence on your success as a job seeker!

If you are thinking… 

  • “I’ve already tried and it doesn’t work.”
  • “People don’t want to be bothered.”
  • “I don’t have time to prepare for an interview.”
  • “All I need is a degree to get a job.”
  • “The placement office will find me a job.”…..THEN YOU NEED AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!

ATTITUDE MAKERS 

  • Set your job search goals and review them daily.
  • Do one major task each day to bring you closer to reaching your goals.
  • Affirm yourself with positive statements repeated daily about your abilities and accomplishments.
  • Visualize yourself having reached your goal, including all the steps it took to get you there.

PREPARATION

  • Select 10 companies that you know hire individuals with your background and research them extensively.
  • Prepare an outstanding resume and cover letter.
  • Phone or send an inquiry letter to interview or informational interview.
  • Identify and practice good interview skills.

CHOOSING THE JOB THAT’S BEST FOR YOU 

Consider your personal requirements and preferences you have regarding:     

  • Geographic locations you will consider.
  • Health restrictions under which you must operate.
  • The setting you most desire (rural, suburban or urban).

Identify the work settings you will consider:

  • Large industrial, small business, research centers, educational institutions, government, etc.

Decide the type of organizational culture you desire:

  • Self-managed teams

  • Hierarchical structure

  • Individual autonomy

  •  Authoritarian

Define your ideal job. There are over 20,000 job titles. Which one is right for you? What will you value most about your job?  

Eight components to consider for the ideal job: skills required, responsibilities, knowledge and interest, organizational values, work environment, location, earnings, co-workers. 

JOB SEARCH FOLLOW UP 

THANK YOU LETTERS: Always write a Thank You Letter following each interview/informational interview. 

It will allow you another opportunity to:

  • Add additional information you may have left out of the interview.
  • Clarify information already provided during your interview.
  • Re-state your interest and enthusiasm in the job.

FOLLOW-UP LETTERS: Use one if you haven’t had a response from an organization after sending a resume or having an interview.

  • List those accomplishments which relate to the position.
  • Itemize the skills and expertise that qualify you.
  • Demonstrate you initiative and gain further visibility.

TYPES OF EMPLOYER FOLLOW-UP CORRESPONDENCE 

Letter/Phone Call Seeking Additional Information Following a Job Offer 

  • Indicate interest in the organization and its offer.
  • Ask for the information you need. Be specific; avoid generalities.
  • Express your appreciation for the cooperation you receive.

Letter of Acknowledgement When Offer is Received 

  • Acknowledge receipt of offer.
  • Express your appreciation for the offer.
  • Accept the offer (see below) or ask the organization for a later acceptance date if more time is needed.

Letter/Phone Call of Inquiry on Application Status  

  • Request status of your application.
  • Recap history of your application.
  • Express continued interest in the employer and extend appreciation for cooperation.

Letter Declining an Offer/Withdrawing for Consideration

  • Decline offer/interviewing for further consideration (specific reason not needed unless perhaps you plan to continue your education).
  • Express your appreciation for the organization’s offer/interest.

Letter of Acceptance

  • Accept the offer.
  • Refer to the offer letter.
  • Confirm date on which you agree to begin employment.
  • Express your appreciation and your pleasure in joining the organization.

Responding to a Rejection

  • Thank the organization for their careful consideration of you.
  • Indicate regret at not being the final choice.
  • Restate your key qualifications and request that they consider you for other similar positions in the future.
  • Request that they share with you possible limitations or additional training needs you might have.

 

 
FSU Home Student Affairs Back Search