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I. Before You Begin Your Journey
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Researching Your Chosen Job Market: Just as important as knowing yourself, your strengths and weaknesses (see Part I: Before you begin your journey), is knowing the job market you want to go into. You need to know everything about it: what types of companies are in the market you've chosen, what skills are needed, what personality types do well in the business, what a typical day is like, how the pay compares to other industries, what the advancement possibilities are, and so forth. If you're uncertain which job market you want to penetrate, check out NOVA's Labor Market Information Reports. These offer in-depth analysis on job trends and needs within selected industries. Copies of these reports may be viewed in the resource library at the CONNECT! Job Seeker Center. Some are accessible online.
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The visible job market provides job openings that are advertised or listed. Various avenues to access the visible job market include:
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*Online job listings |
*Executive search firms |
*Classified ads |
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*EDD (JobMatch) |
Bulletin boards |
*Temporary agencies |
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Job hotlines |
Trade journals |
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*Job Fairs |
*Career Resource Centers |
* Online Job Listings
The Internet is often used as a recruitment tool by many companies. For some jobs, listings are posted online and nowhere else. Don't miss out on this potential source of job openings.
* Classified Ads
- Because this is the most obvious place to find job leads, competition for these jobs can be extreme.
- These ads are often "overwritten," so if you meet 70% of the requirements it is worth pursuing the position.
- Set yourself above the competition by doing more (such as, finding out who the manager is and getting your resume directly to her or him).
- Use the ads for information (for example, if a company is hiring engineers this week, they will probably need technicians to support them next week).
- Ads can be a great source of vocabulary for building your resume and skills statement, helping to ensure that you are using current industry terminology.
* Job Fairs
- Job fairs can be overwhelming. Expect them to be loud, fast-paced and crowded.
- Use the program to figure out which companies you want to target. Before you start making your rounds, chart a map which you can follow.
- Be prepared for a mini-interview. Don't try to tell each company all about yourself (there won't be time), but do state your qualifications for the job.
- Get the name of an individual who works at a company which interests you. Always ask for peoples' business cards.
- Follow up after the fair with each person you met. Wait a few days, then phone your contact to determine the next step.
* California Employment Development Department (EDD)
- Sign up for EDD Unemployment Benefits. This is not charity. The fund was established for situations like yours to help you through your job search.
- Go online and take advantage of the EDD's California Job Openings Browse System (CalJOBS). CalJOBS is an electronic job listing and resume system which provides an instant computer link between employers and job seekers.
- Sign up for one of EDD's job search training workshops and/or any other training opportunities which EDD may have to offer.
* Executive Search Firms
- Sometimes referred to as "headhunters," these agencies focus on managers and high-level technical specialists.
- Utilize agencies that receive a fee from the employer when you are hired, not those which charge you a fee or take a percentage of your first year's wage.
- Follow up regularly, reiterating your enthusiasm and interest.
- Remember that these firms find candidates for companies, not jobs for clients. That is, if you happen to match a profile which their client, the company, is seeking, they will call you. But the majority of your job search remains yours.
* Temporary Agencies
- Signing up with an agency often leads fairly quickly to a job which gives both you and the company a chance to test each other.
- Never pay an agency to work for you. The agency is paid by the employer.
- Temporary jobs generally do not offer benefits (but the wage may be higher).
- Signing up with a few agencies is excellent practice, especially in order to experience the interview.
- Find out which agency your target companies use and sign up with them.
- Once you have signed up with an agency, follow up weekly.
* Career Resource Centers
Most career resource centers in the Bay Area have extensive, well-organized Silicon Valley job listings. They also provide resource books, counselors, and videotapes on all aspects of the job search and on different professions. A few offer useful seminars and courses. Most require a fee to use their services. (The CONNECT! Job Seeker Center does not charge a fee.)
- CONNECT! Job Seeker Center , Sunnyvale
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