Stages of Job Search

THE 8 STAGES OF A WINNING JOB SEARCH

How to successfully land a job, from assessing your value to interviewing to negotiating
salary.
No matter what your occupation or level of experience is, the process of getting a new
job has several common elements. Once you understand the progression as a whole, you
are less likely to make mistakes along the way. Here are the stages you'll most likely pass
through on your way to your next position:
Figuring out your value
People get hired for one reason: They represent the best possible answer to an employer's
need to have X work done. Somehow that X contributes to increasing sales or productivity
or decreasing risk and expenses. As a job hunter, it is your responsibility to understand and
convey how you can contribute to the advancement of any employer's mission. What about
your skills, education and experience will enable you to make a significant contribution to
your next employer?

Determining your target

Figure out the type of company that will generally need someone like you, and consider
what kind of environment you will feel comfortable and productive in. What industry? What
organization size? What type of products or services? What kind of role? To learn about
organizations in your area, you can do a great deal of research on LinkedIn. Specialized
databases like Hoovers, accessible through most public libraries, can be invaluable. Support
this research with informational interviews with key leaders in your field.

Crafting your brand and message

For whatever role you seek, you will likely face strong competition from many candidates
with similar backgrounds as yours. Focus on the qualities, experience and expertise that set
you apart from the pack. Develop a personal branding statement, which, in essence, is the
answer to the first question at every interview: Tell me about yourself (and what sets you
apart from your competition). Develop a consistent message, and present it at the top of
your résumé and LinkedIn profile.

Prospecting
Now it's time to start prospecting for jobs. There are numerous ways to go about this by
scouting posted positions on company Web pages, job boards, job fair, television and radio
ads, and newspaper ads. Indeed and so on. But remember: About 80 percent of new hires
come about from personal networking. Get out there, and attend professional events, such
as symposia, conferences, conventions and trade shows. Network with fellow college
alumni, people in your community and Meet up groups. In short: Network anywhere,
everywhere and all the time!
Determining the rough fit in a phone interview
In most situations, an employer will sift through many résumés to do a "rough cut" of
people who appear to exceed the minimum job requirements. Typically, an internal
recruiter or human resources representative will then call, say some flattering things and set
up a phone screening. Don't mistake statements like "you appear to have what we are
looking for" as anything more than a general indication of interest. You don't have the job
yet! Read about how to ace a phone interview.

Dealing with red flags

Part of the screening process is to take a look at anything that might be disqualifying for an
otherwise potentially strong candidate. Things such as employment gaps, too many or too
few career transitions and a host of other factors might cause concern. Take time to figure
out what your obvious red flags are, and be prepared to help your interviewer lower them.

Making your case

This, of course, is what happens at any face-to-face job interview. Come prepared for
whatever can be thrown at you. Know your résumé inside and out, and be able to expand
on everything you have written in it. Read books and articles, and prepare. However, don't
over prepare so much that your answers seem rehearsed. You can't fake sincerity and
should never misrepresent what you've done.

Negotiating the deal

You will always be in a stronger position to negotiate when you wait until the competition
has been eliminated. Then you don't have to worry about selling yourself too short. At the
same time, remember that you want to start out on a good foot, with neither you nor the
employer feeling dragged over the coals in a protracted or contentious negotiation. Talk
about objective criteria rather than vague wants, and give a solid justification for whatever
requests you make.

Source:
http://money.usnews.com/money/careers/slideshows/the-8-stages-of-a-winning-job-search
10 STEPS TO THE JOB SEARCH PROCESS
Searching for a job is a process, and it can sometimes be a lengthy one.  It involves drawing
on skills you’ve developed over time including reflection, research, planning, writing,
speaking, problem solving and self-advocacy. You can be successful in the job search, but it
will take a reasonable investment of time and energy.
1. Identify your skills and interests.
2. Develop your documents.
3. Research possible job opportunities.
4. Utilize your network.
5. Fine tune your documents and submit applications.
6. Keep track of everything.
7. Prepare for interviews.
8. Follow up.
9. Prepare to negotiate and/or accept an offer.
10. Learn about being successful in the workplace.

Step 1. Identify and analyze your skills, values and interests.

 The first step in a successful job search is to think about what you want to do and
how well your skills, values, and interest align with the expectations of the job.
 If you're not sure where to start, visit our Exploring Careers page.
 Determine if you need to gain any additional skill sets or experiences to make you
more competitive in the job search process.

Step 2. Develop your documents and fine tune your social media presence.
 You will need to have a master resume that you will later change for each specific
job. 
 Work on writing your cover letters. 
 Be prepared to submit a personal statement or for letters of recommendation if
requested.
 Review your social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter) to make sure
the image you present online is representative of how you want to be seen by
prospective internship sites.

Step 3. Utilize your network.

 Employers and job seekers affirm that networking is the most powerful tool you can
use to find a job.  Many opportunities are filled by candidates known by the
employer through networking contacts. 
 Your networking contacts can also help you fine-tune your documents before you
submit them for consideration.
Step 4. Research the kinds of jobs that are out there that match your interests and skill
set.
 Focus your job search by identifying prospective employers by field of interest
and/or geographic area.

Step 5. Tailor your documents to fit each job posting you are interested in and then
submit your applications.
 In addition to submitting applications electronically or via mail, you might also try
attending a Job Fair.  We can help prepare you with How to Handle a Job Fair.

Step 6. Maintain an organization system and keep at it.

 An organizational system will help you keep track of your network of contacts, dates,
and follow up information.  Examples of things to track are: jobs you applied for,
dates you applied for the job and when to make follow up contact, dates/times of
interviews, names of people to network with, dates of follow up contact made, and
weekly or monthly goals.
 Following up after you have submitted your application can be helpful. 
 If the organization has requested “no calls” or “no emails,” follow their instructions. 
Be patient.

Step 7. Prepare for Interviews and practice selling yourself.

 Even if you’ve been successful in interviewing for college admission, fellowships, and
summer work/service, this is a different type of interview. Practice, practice,
practice!
 Some interviews might also require you to do a Presentation. 
 Make sure you have the appropriate Professional Attire. 
 Many interviews will also involve a meal, so make sure you brush up on your Dining
Etiquette. 

Step 8. Follow up after the interview.

 We have some tips for professional communication etiquette here. Following up
with an employer after an interview or even after submitting your application is
something many job seekers are reluctant to do because they think it could be
viewed as pestering.  However, if done professionally, following up can demonstrate
your enthusiasm and interest. If the organization has requested “no calls” or “no
emails,” follow their instructions. 
 Be patient.  For most employers, jobs take months to fill; what may feel like a very
long time to wait for you, may be lightning speed for an organization.
Step 9. Do your homework to decide if you will accept an offer or not and be prepared to
negotiate if necessary.
 You may want to create a list of pros and cons to help you determine if the job is a
good fit for what you want to be doing.
 Our guide to Salary Negotiations & Finances can help.

Step 10. When you are ready to start, remember to do what you need to do to stay hired
andmake sure you are prepared to be a successful professional at the workplace.
 Learn more about Workplace Etiquette and Professional Attire.

Source: http://www.cornellcollege.edu/career-engagement/jobs/job-search-process.shtml

ELEMENTS OF A GOOD RESUME

Your resume is the single most important feature of your job search.  Whether you are a
college graduate starting out with an entry level position, or a seasoned executive making a
mid-life career change, your resume is what will broadcast your career experience, skill set,
and personality before you get a chance to make a personal impression.  From this
impression, the prospective employer will decide whether or not to interview you. 
Be sure your resume is:

 Well-Written.  No spelling or grammatical mistakes.  Keep it clear and concise.  Have

someone proofread your resume before you give it to an employer.  Use your
dictionary or your spell check.

 Proper Length.  One page.  As a rule, two page resumes are acceptable when you
have over ten years of experience.  Employers prefer to read only one page.

 Attractive. Typed and professional in appearance.  An employer should be able to

glance over the resume and read the main points.

 Relevant.  Include only information having to do with the job you are seeking or your
career goals.

 Personalized.  There is not one correct way to write a resume.  Use the style and
format that best reflects your needs and accomplishments.

 Appropriate.  Information and format must conform to the employer expectations. 

An artist, for example, may appropriately include graphics, which a banker probably
should not.
  Balanced.  Include only data that will help you get an interview.  Eliminate any
information that may not act in your favor such as age, religious affiliation, etc. 
Always ask your-self the question, “Will this bit of data help get an interview?”  If
not, do not use it.

TYPES OF RESUME:

CHRONOLOGICAL COMBINATION RESUME

RESUME FUNCTIONAL RESUME
Overview Lists your work history Focuses on skills and
in reverse order, strengths important to
starting with your employers. Omits specific
current or most recent dates, names, and places. Blends the flexibility and
job and working De-emphasizes a spotty strength of the other two
backwards. work history. types of resumes.
Advantages Easy to write. De-emphasizes a spotty
Emphasizes steady work history. Allows you Shows off a strong
employment record. to highlight specific employment record with
Employers like to see strengths and transferable upward mobility. Show how
job titles, level of skills that might not be the skills you have used in the
responsibility, and obvious when outlined in past apply to the job you are
dates of your work purely chronological seeking. Emphasizes
history. order. transferable skills.
Disadvantages No detailed work history.
Content may appear to
lack depth. Disliked by
many employers. It makes
Calls attention to them think you may be
employment gaps. trying to hide your age,
Skills can be difficult to employment gaps, lack of
spot unless they are relevant experience, lack Work history is often on the
listed in the most of career progression, or second page, and employer
recent job. underemployment. may not read that far.
Best used To emphasize past To emphasize transferable To show off your skills
career growth and skills you have used in developed throughout your
development in the volunteer work, paid work history instead of the
same career. Or when work, or coursework. Use specific positions you have
the name of a former this or a combination held. Use when you are
employer may be resume if you are a new making a career change and
significant to graduate, have limited names of former employers
prospective employer. work experience, are may not be obvious to
changing careers or doing prospective employer.
 freelance work, or you do
not want to call attention
to your age.
Don't use if There are gaps in your
work history, when
calling attention to
You want to emphasize
your age could be a
growth or development or Your experience is limited, or
problem, you have
if your duties and there are wide gaps in your
changed jobs often, or
responsibilities in recent work history.
you are entering the
jobs were limited.
job market for first
time or after a long
absence.

YOUR RESUME TELLS AN EMPLOYER:

Who you are?
What you know?
What have you done?
***Remember, a resume sells YOU!
ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER

The cover letter is usually the first item an employer reads from you. Your letter should
immediately indicate what position you are applying for and then give information that
demonstrates why you should be considered for the position. Do not repeat all of the
information contained in your letter. Instead, highlight or elaborate on resume items that
are directly applicable to the position for which you are applying. The following information
should be included in your cover letter.

Information about you

Begin your cover letter with your contact information. It should be in block style, on the left
margin of your paper, towards the top.
 Name
 Current home address
 Telephone number

Date
Include a date as you would do with any business letter.

Contact Person's Name, Title, Employer, and Address

Including a specific name can get your letter and resume to the hiring manager more quickly
and can be an effective personal touch. If you are applying for an advertised position that
does not give a name to contact, call the company and ask for the department manager's
name.

Salutation
Choose the appropriate way to address the contact person.
For example:
 Dear Mr. Johns (if a man's name is the contact)
 Dear Ms. Smith (if a woman's name is the contact)
 Dear Prospective Employer (if there is no contact name)

Opening Paragraph
In the opening paragraph tell how you learned about the position. You may, for example,
know of a job through:
 a classified advertisement
 an unsolicited mailing
 the Internet
 personal referrals

Middle Paragraph
This paragraph gives a summary of your background and critical skills (hard skills) that make
you qualified for the position.

Second Middle Paragraph

This paragraph can be used to demonstrate your persuasive skills (soft skills).

Contact Information and Closing

At the end of the letter talk about your availability for the job, where you can be contacted,
and when you are going to contact the hiring person for an appointment to discuss your
application. If you have no contact name you may simply want to indicate your anticipation
for a response in this part of the letter. Thank the person to whom you are writing for
his/her time and consideration of your application.

It is the well-written cover letter — not the resume — that can single-handedly land you
more job interviews. The cover letter is your one chance to really market yourself to an
employer using proven marketing strategies rarely found in the typical cover letter, and this
are seven elements of a highly effective job search cover letter:

1. ADDRESS your cover letter to a REAL PERSON! Do your best to find out TO WHOM
you should address your cover letter. “Dear Manager” is lifeless.
2. OPEN with an attention-grabbing first sentence to really grip the reader. This
approach will almost guarantee your cover letter and resume get a much closer look.

3. REMEMBER — Less is MORE! The best cover letters have plenty of white space.
Clear, focused, short and sweet gets the interview every time.

4. FOCUS on what you can do for the employer. How can you benefit the company
specifically? Do a little research and relate this value-added simply and clearly in
your letter.

5. CHOOSE WORDS that show enthusiasm and passion for the position you seek … (big,
big secret!) Then, carry this passion into the interview with you.

6. REQUEST ONE ACTION you want the employer to take. sample “I would really like
the opportunity for a personal interview this week.” (You never know until you ASK)!

7. END your cover letter with enthusiastic and telling verbiage, such as, “I look forward
to being interviewed at your earliest convenience. Thank you so much for this
opportunity. Sincerely, Jane Jobseeker.” (Notice how pam assumes she’ll land the
interview? This approach is clever, smart, and it works like a charm).

SOURCE:
https://www.google.com.ph/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=elements%20of%20effective%20cover%20letter

http://www.quintcareers.com/effective-cover-letter/

http://www.washington.edu/doit/key-elements-cover-letter
EFFECTIVE EMPLOYMENT

5 STAGES OF THE INTERVIEW SEQUENCE

1. Introductory stage

The interviewer will establish rapport and create a relaxed, though business-like,
atmosphere. This is where the interviewer gets the very important first impression of
you, based on your initial greeting and introduction, handshake, appearance, and
demeanour. There may be some pleasant small talk as you are greeted and escorted to
the interview room/location. There might be some brief discussion of logistics, what
will happen during the interview, verification that the interviewer and candidate each
have appropriate information, etc. This is the point when, once seated, if you brought
with you an updated copy of your resume, you might offer this to your interviewer.

2. Information from the interviewer to the candidate.

The interviewer may choose to give you more information about the position or the
employing organization. Preferably you have received most of that information in
advance of the interview, because without it, you could not prepare for the interview.
However there may be new or additional or more detailed information that the
interviewer shares. Also note that for on-campus interviews, employers may choose to
offer information, typically held the evening prior to the interview day, in order to
share that information in advance and avoid spending time during many individual
interviews repeating that same information.

3. Questions from the interviewer(s) to the candidate.

You should be prepared for a wide variety of typical interview questions. The
fundamental purpose of an interview is to determine if there is a match between your
qualifications and the requirements of the job, if you are truly interested in the
employer and the job, and if there is a good fit or match between you and the
employer on many levels. You must go in to an interview knowing yourself, knowing
the field/industry, knowing the employer, and knowing the position. An interview is
not a test or quiz to see if you have memorized correct answers. It is an opportunity for
you to demonstrate your preparation and your thought process. Note that behavioural
questions are often included in a well-conducted interview. Focus on what you can do
for the employer, not what the employer can do for you. Present positive information;
don't focus on what you don't have. Be concise but also thorough in responses to
questions; don't make the interviewer work too hard to get information from you. If
 the interviewer is talking more than you are during questioning of you, this might be an
indication that you are not providing complete responses.

4. Opportunity given to the interviewee to ask questions.

Commonly, after asking questions of you, the candidate, the interviewer will give you
an opportunity to ask questions. Having no questions will not send the message that
you were prepared. Be prepared on questions to ask to interviewer.

5. Conclusion.
Before you depart, the interviewer should explain what the next steps are in the hiring
process for that organization, anything else expected of you, and when and how the
employer will next be in contact with you. As you are bid farewell, express your thanks
for the interviewer's time and consideration and offer a handshake. Be pleasant and
cordial to any individuals you encounter as you depart.

JOB INTERVIEW PREPARATION

1. RESEARCH ABOUT THE COMPANY

- Search about the company if it is real.

Because it might be a way of scam

2. DRESS APPROPRIATELY

- Dress in presentable for you to have a good impression

"Dressing well is a form of a Good Manners"

3. PRACTICE

- You may practice by facing at the mirror

or with your friend.

4. ARRIVE EARLY. DON'T BE LATE

- 69% of applicants will fail if they arrive late

5. HAVE CONFIDENCE
- They are just asking a question, so all you have

to do is to answer them

6. IMPRESS

- They want you to give your best.

7. HAVE PATIENCE. DON'T BE ARROGANT

- Sometimes the questions might be annoying.

But remember that this is an interview, so

8. BE HONEST

- Remember that Honesty is the best Policy.

They want a good and real answer.

Just be yourself and everything will be okay.

9. CLEARLY STATE YOUR INTEREST

- Show to them that you are

really really interested for the job.

10. REMEMBER THE LAW OF COMMUNICATION

- Most of the company are using English Language

in interview. If they talked to you in English

you should also answer in English.

STAGES OF A MODEL INTERVIEW
Your preparation for the interview equips you with a number of questions that will help you
get to know and evaluate candidates. But there's plenty more to do before, during and after
the interview to ensure your success.

Before the Interview

Give candidate's time - Once you have reviewed CVs and made your selection, give your
chosen candidates a couple of days’ notice so they can make the necessary arrangements to
get to the interview.

Explain the interview structure - If there are going to be expected to take tests or bring in
examples of their work, don;t forget to tell them so they can come fully prepared.

Explain the process - Even before they meet you, let them know about how long it will take
to make the hiring decision and how many stages to the interview there are.

During the Interview

Put candidates at ease - Interviewing can be stressful, so do your best to help candidates
relax. Make sure each candidate is greeted and escorted, if necessary, to the interview
location.
Start with low-key questions.

Don't judge on first impressions - We've all met them, people who don't make a great first
impression but end up being great employees.

Tell the candidate a little about the job - While you don't want to dominate the interview
time, you should start with a brief summary of the position, including the prime
responsibilities, reporting structure, key challenges, and performance criteria. This will help
the candidate provide relevant examples and responses.

After the Interview

Let candidates know - A pet peeve of many job seekers is that they are left hanging after an
interview, or they are promised follow-up that never comes.

Compare notes and reach consensus- The post-interview evaluation is the time to compare
notes and advance the hiring decision.
 Deepen the questions as you narrow the field - Subsequent interviews with finalists are
valuable opportunities to learn more about them. Consider recreating a real business
challenge the individual would be facing.

The job market is always competitive when looking for good people. Companies need to
realise that they're selling themselves as much as candidates are. It's important to treat
people well during the interview process.

Your interview process reflects the value your company places on each candidate and, by
extension, each employee. Not only will you make great hires, but you'll build goodwill and
enhance your future recruiting efforts.

SOURCE:
http://hiring.monster.co.uk/hr/hr-best-practices/recruiting-hiring-advice/interviewing-
candidates/what-are-the-stages-of-the-job-interview-process.aspx
HANDLING DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

We are living in a world whereas the competition for jobs is tighter because employers have
many options in choosing applicants because there are many qualified and more deserving
for the job. But they can't have them all so the companies are adopting measuring to
carefully select which is the most deserving of all. And one way of having that is in the most
classical way but with a twist. It's a giving difficult questions during the interview.

ALWAYS REMEMBER!

Substance over form!

Q1. Tell me about yourself Deliver it with poise. In this way your employer is assessing you
on how you communicate

Q2: if you would to change something in your past job, what would it be? You think of
something specific or something that has an effect on yourself why not answer something
that is related to the company. Concentrate your answer on areas that are relevant to you
position and be specific

Q3: what are your weaknesses? Realize that most employers don't expect you to be perfect.
U are also a human and nobody is perfect. Reveal your true weakness

Q4: why should I hire you? The employer doesn't want to hear how well or how you excel in
your job so don't give answers bragging yourself from the others because want your
employer really wants to hear is how are ready for this, your abilities and willingness to the
job. U can show how ready and willing you are by stating your achievements from previous
work but don't forget to show your interest to the job

Q5: avoid saying no or ask what has been discussed throughout the interview. Asking
questions is the perfect key for proving the u really have the interest in working in the
company. You can ask the interviewer questions about the corporate culture or what does
she like in their company. It’s a give and take situation whereas you’re having insights in the
company and also the interviewee is now giving you a good impression because u are really
showing a genuine interest for their company. But the most important of all even your
answer is really good but you don’t deliver it with poise and confidence, it, may be hard
impressing your interviewee because always remember you are being judged even the
interview hasn't start yet.