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Career Development Training ProgramCalifornia Conservation Corps

Module 3Organized Job Search, Networking, and Tailoring the Resume and

Cover Letter

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Organized Job Search & Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Use a Calendar• Show deadlines• Indicate when you submitted an application, resume,

etc…• Follow-up on each job• Use your calendar to keep a daily to-do list• InterviewsSpreadsheet• Job title• Company• Contact Information• Where you found the job• Deadlines

Organized Job Search

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How will Google Docs help you?• Company Websites: Find out where your skills may be needed and research who

to contact at that company. Even if there are no job openings, be sure to follow up by sending your electronic résumé and filling out an application on-line at the specific company website.

• Connecting with People: This is also called networking. This means receiving job search assistance from your friends, former co-workers, or other people you know. Let them know you’re looking for a job. One of the best ways for an employer to get a good hire is by referral from existing employees.

• General Internet Job Boards: Increasingly, employers are posting jobs through a variety of general purpose websites. There is a lot of competition for these jobs, but at least you can find them!

• Hiring Agencies and Recruiting: Get professional help from government employment agencies or not-for-profit organizations. Career One- Stop Centers are a great example of this.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Company Websites and Researching Employers

• Some job openings only posted on company websites• Shows the employer you are interested in their company since you

went to their siteThings to look for:

• What products or services does the company provide?• What jobs does the company hire for?• Has the company been in the news lately?• What is the company’s mission and values?• Who are the decision makers in this company?

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Using Your Network

• Identifying and growing your network is one of the best ways to find a job. Your network can help you find the ‘Hidden Job Market’.

• Hidden Job Market: Jobs that are filled before ever being advertised as a job opening.

• Employers sometimes prefer hiring people that are referred by their own employees.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Using Your Network

Your network includes:• Family• Friends• Neighbors• Co-workers• Supervisors• Teachers• Religious leader

Identify your network using the Networking Worksheet.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Create your Elevator Speech

• Quick summary of who you are and what you can do.• Less than one minute.• Include your job target and your skills.

“My name is Jane Doe. I have two year’s experience as an office assistant. I also took classes in project management at Whatever College. I have worked in customer service most of my life. I'm looking for an administrative support position. I'd really like to work for a medical company. Do you know of any jobs in that area?"

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Social Media Networking

Facebook www.facebook.com• A social network service that allows individuals to create a personal

profile and connect with other Facebook users all over the globe to share pictures, videos, events, and common interests and ideas.

Twitter www.twitter.com• A social networking site where individuals connect with each other

through microblogging—short text-based posts that update users on the individuals’ thoughts/ideas/actions.

LinkedIn www.linkedin.com• A business-oriented social networking site that allows users to

create a personal profile and network with other professionals.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Social Media Networking

Positive actions• Limit the amount of personal information available (phone number,

address, etc…).• Make your profile, photos, videos, and status updates private to anyone

that isn’t your friend.• Do not allow anyone to tag you in photos.• Update your profile regularly using information consistent with your

resume.• Delete pictures/messages/information that is controversial or inappropriate• Be selective on what is posted/not posted on your profile or updates.• Realize that your friends and followers on these sites can be a negative or

positive reflection of yourself.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Social Media Networking

Negative Actions• Posting controversial or inappropriate pictures, messages, or

information on your profile.• Writing negative comments about past or present

employers/companies.• Joining interest groups based on inappropriate or controversial

themes.• Using inappropriate language on your profile/updates.• Discussing recent interviews you have had.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Online Job Search

• Most jobs are found through the internet, many on job boards.• Several different job board websites. You should NEVER have to

pay to see and apply for a job posting.• Some job search websites are for specific types of industries (ex:

non-profit, marketing, government).• While there are more jobs available online, there is also a lot more

competition! Make sure you stand out from the rest of those applying by tailoring your resume and cover letter.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Popular Job Search Websites

• www.indeed.com (the Google of most job boards)• www.monster.com (general)• www.careerbuilder.com (general)• www.craigslist.org (local, general)• www.idealist.org (non-profit)• www.USAjobs.gov (federal)• www.caljobs.ca.gov (CA state)• www.avueDigitalServices.com (federal)

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?CCC Job Board

www.ccc.ca.gov/go/jobboard• Updated weekly• Entry level job positions that corpsmembers can apply

for based on their experience gained in the CCC• Most jobs located in California

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Online Job Board Tips

• Make sure to filter your job search by job type, salary, location, etc…it makes searching much easier!

• Only use legitimate job search websites. Research an employer listing before submitting a resume and any other personal information.

• Make sure to use your professional email address since most communication with employers may be online.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?What is a One-Stop Career Center?

• Funded by the US Department of Labor.• Provides resources, tools and workshops for job seekers, students,

businesses, and career professionals.• Most counties in California have at least one One-Stop Career

Center.• Most of the resources and tools are free to job seekers!• Many One-Stop Centers also serve as employment centers.

Employers go there to find employees.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?One-Stop Career Center Tips

• Before visiting, make sure to look at their website to see when they are open and what kind of services are offered– You can search for local One-Stop Career Centers by going

to: www.careeronestop.org • Ask questions! Staff at these centers are there to help you, if

you have questions, ask someone!• Take advantage of their resources. Most centers offer free

workshops, classes, and training. Find out what is offered at your center and utilize it to the fullest!

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?What are Career Fairs?

• A fair or exposition for employers, recruiters, and schools to meet with prospective job seekers.

• Representatives from companies and organizations come to meet with people looking for jobs, hand out business cards, and collect resumes.

• Sometimes there are people available to review your resume before you apply.

Job Search Methods

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How will Google Docs help you?Career Fair Tips

• Bring many copies of your resume to hand out to prospective employers.

• You will have only a few minutes to introduce yourself and get the recruiter interested. You will learn how to create an Elevator Speech in the next class.

• Listen attentively. Develop your listening skills to that you can hear not what you want to hear, but what the recruiter is actually saying.

• Be assertive and show enthusiasm.• Maintain a professional and positive vibe – dress like you are going

to an interview.• Get business cards and thank the recruiter for his/her time.

Job Search Methods

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Tailoring Resumes and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Understanding Job Descriptions

Things to look for:• Keywords, i.e. leading, organizing, public relations, inspection,

etc…• Summary of duties and responsibilities.• Application requirements and deadline.• Salary range.• Education and skills requirements.

Use TagCrowd to help identify major keywords.www.tagcrowd.com

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Tailoring the Resume

1. Read the Job Description

2. Write Down Your Experiences3. List Your Skills/Abilities4. Match Your Skills to the Job Description

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Tailoring the Resume

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Sample Cover LetterGood, bad, or so-so?

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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Questions?Tailoring a Cover Letter (review)

• A cover letter is an explanatory letter that accompanies your résumé.

• A cover letter will help show your professionalism and set you apart from the other applicants.

• A cover letter includes:– How you found out about the position, and your connection to any existing

employees.– A summary of your specific skills and experience relevant to the position.– Any special information, that sets you apart, that isn’t included in your

resume.– An example of your writing skills.

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?First Paragraph

• Spark Employers Interest.• Tell why you’re writing – what position you’re targeting.• How did you find out about the position?

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Second and Third Paragraphs

• Provide more detail about your professional/academic qualifications.• Detail how you can contribute. • Stress accomplishment and achievements (not job duties/responsibilities).• Tailor to employers need (from ad or job description).• Relate yourself to the organization and how you can meet employers’ need.• Demonstrate your knowledge of the employer (based on your research).

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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How will Google Docs help you?Closing Paragraph

• Be proactive – request action.• Ask for an interview or meeting.• Express confidence that you are a perfect fit for the job.• Tell how you will follow up.

Tailoring Resumes, and Cover Letters

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Letters of Recommendation

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How will Google Docs help you?A Letter of Recommendation:• Gives a brief description of what you accomplished• A snapshot of your workplace demeanor• A description of how you perform as an employee• An indication of how professional you are

Who can you ask for a good letter of recommendation?

How do you ask for a letter of recommendation?

Letters of Recommendation

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Classroom Presentation

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Classroom Presentation

10 minute presentation including:• Elevator Speech• Online Job Search• Ideal Job Opening• Application Package for the Job

Presentation format suggestions:• Powerpoint• Handouts

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What is Next?

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What is next?

Module 4: Portfolio, Interviewing, and How to Succeed at Work

• Project Logs• Portfolio of Work• Interview Skills• Succeeding at Work