Targeted Job Search | Origin: CS102
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Empowering Students to Find and Secure the Right Job --> Targeted Job Search
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
There are multiple avenue's to teach students about finding jobs. It is not just "go apply to Mcdonalds". We need to teach students how to represent themselves, how their social media accounts affect the process, benefits of jobs, and what is important to them. A school usually has many resources/ opportunities for students that we can use.
Hello,
I like the idea of having students search their names on the internet to see how they will be viewed if searched. In my field, there are many avenues of opportunities and often times students do not know where to begin which can be intimidating. Having a students identify what they are interested in can help taper the search. I also have them identify how far they are realistically willing to travel. The internet is a great tool and based on their interests and how far they are willing to travel, they can find possible areas of employment and even network with new clinics.
What a number of my students tell me is that "I've never had to apply for a job. I just show up at the construction site." Could any of you comment on this observation?
Learning how to effectively network is one of the imnportant keys to implementing an effective job search. Knowing how to ask questions of potential individuals of interest is a critical learning step in the process, the foundation of being successful in any arena. Having a select few questions that can be practiced with friends, teachers and/or parents/guardians is the first step in developing confidence in themselves and how to portray themselves in an "interviewing situation." A few suggested networking questions may include:
1) How did you get into this field? (educational background, career path, work experience, mentors)
2) What do you do in a typical day or week?
3) What are the most/least interesting aspects of your job?
It is important for students be good listeners when they ask questions. Effective networking provides good information for building an understanding and appreciation for good career information. It is important to separate "Networking and Information Interviewing" from asking for a job. Having a solid understanding of what others perceive as important in a particular career field provides a better understanding for the individual asking good questions. The student can then incorporate his/her skill sets when preparing for a "job interview."
I've included most of these job search methods in the workshops and seminars I've conducted over the past 35+ years. I'm impressed at the way this course puts it all together, and especially the focus on networking. This is an excellent approach that has guided me to alter mine. Thanks!
It is important for students to think about all aspects of a job, not just money. For example, I like the idea of having the students use a form to think about interests, benefits, work environment, as well as the contacts for networking. This will be a very useful tool as they move through the job search and interview procress.
It important for students to know that 50% of jobs are not advertised and to learn the techniques to find the hidden job market.
I think the old school way of searching for jobs is what is most taught, but is not accurate. We must help students understand that they need to know what they are looking for by doing alot of research before just jumping into a job. We also need to teach them how they can better portray themselves rather than the normal of a well formatted resume and a letter. I was on a conference call where an Adobe employee said that they ask for videos of applicants. That video teaches them alot more about a person and they get a better first impression of the person than they do from a piece of paper. Anyway, students need to brand themselves and get themselves out there much differently than just placing resumes everywhere.
Google yourself before interviewing. Half of the jobs out there are not advertised. Branding yourself is essential.
Branding and networking plays a huge factor when it comes to finding the right job, as we learned 50% off the jobs are not advertised.
I will usually advise the graduate/ student to visit the location they woudl like to work, or use LinkedIn to connect with people who work there and conduct an informational interview. Interivew the workers to see if it is somewhere they would like to work. It allows them to see the environment, culture, customers, etc.
I've been able to think of ways to assist students in their job searches and getting comfortable expanding their network (and networking abilities.)
I love the idea of teaching students how to reach out in a "cold call" situation even when an employer has not advertised that they may or may not be hiring. When you learn to properly advertise yourself, you may find yourself getting hired by a company who didn't even know they needed you. You took initiative and showed them that they needed to hire you. I love that!
It's important to help students navigate several different avenues of finding a job, as well as stress the importance of creating and maintaining their professional networks.
Teaching the basic skills of how to apply for a job and giving examples of "red flags" the interviewer looks for is essential in helping create a successful candidate. Teach them how HR/Hiring Manager looks at them beyond their actual skills on the job.
It is important to use all resources availble when assisting students in finding a job. Encourage students to lay out all resources and have clear expectations. Service Specialist we have to ensure we are clear on students must haves to help them find a position well suited for them.
I wish students took the part about employers googling their name more seriously. I don't think students worry about their digital footprint until it is way too late. I wil continue to talk to students about this and the importance of maintaining a positive presence online.
Branding yourself is important. You have a product to sell, yourself. Remember that 50% of the jobs are "hidden". Teach students to dig for the job they want.
I never thought of googling yourself as part of the looking for a job, the idea of doing this and branding yourself I believe is very beneficial to help students in their job search.
