SOAR : a guide to obtaining your next job

DOL-4432 (12/00)

A GUIDE

S

TO

O OBTAINING YOUR

NEXT

A JOB

Georgia Department of Labor Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner
www.dol.state.ga.us
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program l Auxiliary Aids & Services Are Available Upon Request To Individuals With Disabilities

R

GOOD LUCK AS YOU
SOAR
TO CAREER SUCCESS

The economy we live in is constantly changing. New technology and global competition can affect every aspect of our lives. It is important for workers today to keep up with these changes to ensure greater potential for personal growth and economic success.
To SOAR in this changing environment, no longer can you only be ready and willing to work. Today, a successful job search requires a dedicated effort by job seekers using a variety of skills and strategies that can be learned. Not only are marketable job skills needed, but also the ability to market them effectively. This guide is designed to provide up-to-date information to help you set your goals, organize your job search, achieve your goals, and retain your job and advance your career.

S Setting Your Goals

O Organizing Your Job Search

A Achieving Your Goals

R Retaining Your Job and
Advancing Your Career

12

1

Notes
2

RETAINING YOUR JOB AND ADVANCING YOUR CAREER
Don't expect things in your new job to be the way they were in your old job. In today's changing employment climate, you must work smarter because many times you are asked to accomplish more with less.

Working smart requires that you:

F Show a Positive Attitude F Know What is Expected F Ask Questions F Act Responsibly F Communicate Effectively F Take Initiative F Be a Problem Solver F Learn New Skills F Look for Opportunities to
Assume New Responsibilities
F Be an Enthusiastic Team
Player

S
U C C
E S S

11

Notes
10

SETTING YOUR GOALS
The only way to hit a target is to aim for it. You have to know what it is you want to do to make the best choices. You must balance your personal goals, values, and aspirations with the realities of the job market.
Consider these helpful hints as you set your job search goals:
l KeepYour Attitude Positive l IdentifyYour Skills, Interests, and Abilities l Explore Occupations l Determine if Additional Education or Training is
Needed l Research Industries and Employers l Know the Labor Market l Perform a Reality Check
GOAL
3

Notes
4

Since what you say and do during the first ten seconds of an interview may determine whether or not you get hired, consider these tips for the interview process:
s Practice Proper Interview Etiquette s Match Your Skills with the Employer's Needs s Convince the EmployerYou're the Best Candidate s Ask Questions s Follow-up
Since you may spend one-third of every workday with your employer, consider these helpful hints when making the choice to accept a job offer:
s Determine Your Salary Range s Know What the Position Pays s Consider Benefit Package Offered s Remember to Explore Advancement Opportunities
9

Notes
8

ORGANIZING YOUR JOB SEARCH
Although more than 1,000,000 new job openings occur each month, many job hunters find themselves unable to reconnect quickly. In many situations, a lack of organization may be the problem.

Consider these suggestions as you organize your job search:

3 PrioritizeYourTime

3 CreateYour Job Search Documents
n Rsum n Cover Letter n ThankYou Letter n Personal Business Card

3 PrepareYourself for Interviews

TO DO

3

5

Notes
6

ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS
To achieve your goals, you must know how to connect with job leads, interview effectively, and gather information about the job.
Since eighty-five percent of all job openings are not advertised, consider these sources when identifying job leads:
s Networking s Personal Contacts s Cold Calling s Internet s Want Ads s Employment Agencies
7