Identifying Job Opportunities
This module consists of three individual
lessons:
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Part 1: Internet
Part 2: Networking
Part 3: Job Fairs
Identifying Job Opportunities
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Primary Points
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Use the Internet to
search for and identify
job opportunities
Define networking and
create a networking list
Create a to-do list for a
job fair you want to
attend
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What You Need
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An error-free resume that accurately
reflects your abilities and is appealing to
prospective employers
A cover letter (or e-mail) that expresses
your interest in the posted job
To work hard at finding a job --- so that
finding a job becomes your job.
A positive attitude!
Identifying Job Opportunities
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The Internet
Search Windows
Identifying Job Opportunities
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Search Techniques
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Search by job title (e.g., Sales
Associate or Administrative
Assistant)
Search by key word or phase (e.g.,
data entry)
Search by sector or field as well as
by job title, location, education,
hours, etc.
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Useful Web Sites
Popular Search Engines Popular Employer Web Sites
www.indeed.com
www.monster.com
www.careerbuilder.com
www.google.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.thejobplanet.com
www.governmentjobs.com
www.washingtonpost.com
www.luckydogjobs.com
www.hirenet.com
www.virginiajobnetwork.com
www.jobbankinfo.org
www.usajobs.gov
www.idealist.org
www.nvcc.edu
www.cox.com
www.fcps.edu
http://www.inova.org/inova_fairfax_hospital/index.jsp
www.cardinalbank.com
www.navyfcu.org
www.vahospitalcenter.com
www.fairfaxcounty.gov
www.chevychasebank.com
www.sparkshr.com
www.kellyservices.com
www.vaworkconnect.com
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Posting Resumes on Web Sites
Pros and Cons
Pros
Prospective employers can
see your resume
Cons
Thousands of employers can
see your resume
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Email Your Resume
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Copy and paste your
cover letter or a brief note
into the message box.
Use spell check to avoid
careless mistakes.
Click on the icon for
attachment.
Select and add your
resume.
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Sample Electronic Resume
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Job Tracking Sheet
Date
Company
Job Title
Note
3/1/08
B Jones Company
Data Entry
Sent resume via email
3/1/08
Smith’s Construction
Receptionist
Faxed resume and cover letter
3/1/08
SAIC
Admin. Asst.
Completed online application
and attached resume
3/2/08
SPARKS Staffing
Admin. Asst.
Completed online application,
sent resume, called
recruiter, recruiter will send
assessment link on 3/3/08.
# XXX-XXX-XXXX
3/2/08
The Maids
Bilingual
Receptionist
Called and email resume and
cover letter. Manager will
call later this week.
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Networking
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A network is your group of contacts
It can consist of co-workers (past and
present), classmates, neighbors,
family members.
Be willing to call or meet with people!
A network is made up of all the people you have ever
met, served, or worked with.
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Sample Network List – Work It!
Contact
Name
Jane Smith
Job Title
Company
Phone
Number/Email
Address
Referral to
Anyone in
Your Field?
Marketing
Director
Northern Virginia
Landscaping
(703) 123-4567
jsmith@nvl.com
John Smith
(571)123-4567
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Informational Interviewing?
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Interviews with people doing the job that you
want to do.
Short meetings are best, at their convenience
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www.quintcareers.com/information_interview.html
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Sample Informational Questions:
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Tell me how you got into your current
position?
What are the biggest challenges for someone
in this type of job?
What is your advice for someone entering
this field?
What skills are most important for success in
this field?
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Job Fairs - Preparation
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Know the employers attending, and the
skill sets that they are seeking.
Dress professionally and bring resumes.
Have 30 second intro of self ready
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