Getting Your Job Search Started

While looking for work can be an exciting time, it can also involve fear and discomfort about change and the unknown. Whether you are already in the midst of a job search or just thinking about it, this course will help you to determine what your skill set is made up of, the kind of work that is important and realistic to include in your search, and how to get started.

Today’s job market is not the same as it was even five years ago. Knowing where to go, who to talk to, and the opportunities that are available will help to shift you from someone who dreams about having a job, to someone who has the job they always wanted.

After you complete this course, you will be able to:

• Describe your skills, values, and beliefs about work and looking for opportunities.
• Demonstrate an understanding for the types of work available to you and where to go for more information.
• Recognize the differences and benefits available through career coaches, counselors, and mentors.
• Apply different approaches to job searching, such as networking and tapping into the hidden job market.

Course Topics:

Session One: Course Overview

• Learning Objectives 

Session 2: Change and Transitions

• Managing Change
• Five Aspects of Change
• Myths About Change
• Making Connections
• On the Bridge
• Making Connections
• Transition Phases
• Making Connections
• About Job Loss

Session 3: The Important Stuff

• Values Check
• Identifying Your Values, Part One
• Identifying Your Values, Part Two
• Identifying Your Values, Part Three
• Top Values
• Values Defined
• Making Connections

Session 4: Skill and Ability

• The Things You Do Well
• Identifying Your Skills, Part One
• Identifying Your Skills, Part Two

Session 5: Vocation and Strategy

• What Does Vocation Mean?
• Five Clues to Your Authentic Work Preferences
• Job Satisfaction Survey
• Scoring

Session 6: Resources

• Checking Out the Jobs
• Resource Room
• Getting Help
• Career Development Professionals, Part One
• Career Development Professionals, Part Two
• Career Development Professionals, Part Three
• Specialties

Session 7: The Job Market

• Job Searching Means Action!
• Employee Tactics
• Networking
• Your Contacts
• The Hidden Pieces
• Volunteer
• Do Your Research
• Self-Promotion
• Getting Creative
• Why Does the Market Hide?

Session 8: Invite Your Network

• Identifying Your Network
• Getting Started
• Asking Questions
• Developing a Script
• Tracking Form

Session 9: Read, Set, Goal!

• Setting Work Goals
• SPIRIT
• Your Goals
• Fine-Tuning Goals
• Take it Away!
• Outlining My Action Steps

Session 10: Thinking Unconventionally

• Without Convention
• Thinking Unconventionally, Part Two
• Working to Get What We Want

Session 11: Getting Things Moving

• My Next Steps