Beyond The Basics: Career Strategies That Work

by Janet M. Shlaes, Ph.D.

Networking is a critical component of your entire career development process. It is the most effective way to build and maintain enjoyable and strategic professional and personal relationships. Approximately 75% of all jobs are not advertised and are only found through networking. Networking is an indirect process which provides direct access to the "hidden job market," -- the world of unadvertised jobs. Networking involves talking to people in order to expand your business and personal contacts while simultaneously expanding your knowledge about the world of work. Through the process of asking your networking contacts for career information and advice, you will quickly uncover job leads and referrals to potential employers.

Networking needs to be an ongoing component of your career development process. Whether you are actively seeking employment or are currently employed and considering a job change, the best time to start networking is now! Before you begin, you need to create a networking list and decide on an appropriate networking strategy. In order to create your list, think about the people you know in the various areas of your life:

• Friends
• Relatives
• Neighbors
• School: High School, College, Graduate School, etc.
• Religious Affiliation: Synagogue, Church, etc.
• Hobbies
• Sports
• Clubs: health, golf, tennis, social, etc.
• Children: families of friends from school, extracurricular activities, etc.
• Community organizations
• Community merchants
• Professional organizations
• Service Providers: personal, home, work, etc.
• Current and former coworkers

Write down the names of all the people you know in each of these categories. Continue adding to your list until you have exhausted the potential networking contacts in each category. If you are actively involved in a job search, you will also need to make a list of your targeted industries and targeted organizations.

Now that you have your networking list, you need to determine your networking strategy regarding the specific type of information you will request from your networking contacts. There are six main types of networking strategies to choose from:

• Career Advice
• Job-Hunting Advice
• Key Information
• Informational Interview
• Who Do You Know?
• Key Personnel Moves

1) Career Advice (Strategy for recent graduates and potential career changers)

• Reaffirm or determine your current career direction
• Examine possible career alternatives.

2) Job-Hunting Advice (Strategy for anyone who is currently seeking employment)

• Resume advice -- Is your resume presenting your best professional image?
• Cover letter advice -- who to target cover letters to and how to write effective cover letters
• Advice on interviewing -- recommendations regarding how to be strategic during the interview process
• Advice on overall approach to job-hunting -- possible target organizations/industries and advice regarding organizing your job search and effective job-hunting techniques
• Advice on negotiating strategy and techniques -- e.g., avoiding salary discussion at the beginning of the interview process
• Referral to other contacts who are knowledgeable regarding career strategies.

3) Key Information (Strategy for anyone seeking or considering employment at specific organizations)

• Information concerning current or planned expansions or contractions at your targeted organization
• Current problems facing your trgeted organization and industry
• Restructuring and current shifts in your target organization's culture
• Key personnel moves within your targeted organization
• Names and titles of target executives for networking opportunities

4) Informational Interview (Strategy for recent graduates and career or industry changers)

• Career advice
• Job search advice
• Industry information
• Company information
• Names of key networking contacts

5) Who Do You Know? (Strategy for anyone who is focused on working for a specific organization)

• Target executives who have the authority to hire
• Employees of targeted companies who can lead you to executives with the authority to hire
• Individuals who are knowledgeable regarding your targeted industry and/or targeted company

6) Key Personnel Moves (Strategy for anyone who is focused on working for a specific organization or industry)

• Promotions - within the organization or resulting from industry transfers
• Retirements and/or resignations
• Involuntary terminations
• Extended medical leaves or deaths

Your networking effectiveness depends on how clear and focused you are concerning your professional identity, needs and goals. You need to choose a strategy that is appropriate for your current career development needs and goals. Which networking strategy will you use in order to build your professional network, access the "hidden job market" and uncover viable job leads? Jewish Vocational Service has career counselors and job-placement specialists at various locations throughout the Chicago and North Suburban area who can help you create an effective networking strategy.

Where can I go for a career aptitude test for a reasonable amount of money. I am out of work and cannot afford much. Regarding a career aptitude test: 1. It may depend on what you consider reasonable - some local agencies (and community colleges) offer assessments as low as $25. They can be administered in paper and pencil versions as well as on the computer. 2. Also, it might depend on what you are really looking for in an assessment. There are career assessments to offer information in a variety of areas: skills, motivation, interests, values, aptitude and others. First you need to be more clear about what you are looking for from the results. A career counselor can help you sort through those thoughts, and can offer interpretation and support if indeed you both feel some assessment will help you at this time. 3. There are also some assessments available on the internet, but I would not necessarily recommend them unless you were more clear about what you were looking for and if you had someone in place to help you interpret the information gathered.

Career Resource Center, Inc.

40 E. Old Mill Road
Grove Cultural Campus
LF Symphony Music School Building
Lake Forest, IL 60045
(847) 295-5626

Assists anyone experiencing employment transition. Their philosophy is "to foster hope and optimism, validate and restore self-esteem, and encourage persistence in the face of obstacles, while providing practical, professional assistance to empower clients to conduct an effective job search." There is an initial $60 processing fee.

Dice.com

Dice.com features thousands of high tech jobs. Go directly to the job search, or sign up for the handy job search agent to have postings of interest sent to you.

DuPage Library System

Jobs & Careers

When it comes to attracting the best and brightest young people in today’s tight labor market, a leading workplace issues expert forecasts that employers who publicly discuss their commitment to being “green” (i.e. eco-friendly) are likely to gain a significant recruiting advantage over their competition. “High oil prices, instability in the Middle East, and the threat of global warming have made the environment the cause célèbre of the new millennium, particularly among younger generations X and Y. These individuals are highly sought after by companies trying to strengthen their ranks in preparation for baby boomer retirements,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc., the global outplacement consultancy. “As employers struggle to fill positions amid rock-bottom unemployment, those who underestimate the recruiting power of being green could be making a serious mistake, especially considering that several recent surveys indicate a growing number of Americans want to work for an environmentally conscious company,” said Challenger. Challenger pointed to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of a staffing firm, which found that 33 percent of Americans would be more inclined to work for a green company compared to an organization that does not make conscious efforts to promote socially and environmentally friendly practices. The Harris Poll survey also revealed that 52 percent of employed adults think their companies should do more to be environmentally responsible. In the United Kingdom, over 60 percent of the workforce believes that their employer should be environmentally friendly, according to a survey by Internet firm WebEx. Meanwhile, a 2006 poll by Mortgage Lenders Network USA found that 94 percent of Americans prefer to work in a building that is designed to be energy efficient and ecologically sound. In this poll, 72 percent of working women and 64 percent of men declared a strong preference for green employers. “A decade ago, a workplace was eco-friendly if it simply kept a recycling bin in the break room. Today’s environmentally conscious workers are more demanding. A company is not even considered green unless it makes a significant commitment to reducing its impact on the environment, from the products and services it offers to the way it heats and cools its offices,” said Challenger. “Companies that can offer current and prospective employees environmentally friendly programs such telecommuting, car pooling and public transportation subsidies will have an advantage over companies that ignore the environment.” Read more at the Challenger, Gray & Christmas website

SKOKIE CAREER SUPPORT GROUP

Laid off?

Miserable on the job?

Contemplating a Career Switch?

The Skokie Career Support Group is a place where you can share information, network, and receive free resource information and career coaching.

Who?
Maxine Topper, Career Counselor
Jewish Vocational Service

When?
3rd Monday of the Month
9:30am to 11:00am

Where?
Skokie Public Library
5215 Oakton Street
Skokie, IL 60077
Book Discussion Room, West Lobby

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For more information, or to register, call Mike Buhmann at 847.324.3176, or send email: mbuhmann@skokielibrary.info

Getting Back in the Workforce

I've been out of work for almost 3 years now since I decided to stay home with my children, now I’m ready to return to work have been searching for more than 4 months and can’t find a job. My previous job was as a personal assistant of a real estate agent. I have computer skills, multi-line phone skills, and general office duties knowledge.

The first issue is to clarify your objective and decide on job titles that are appropriate to your current skills, offer you challenge and opportunity to grow and learn new skills. So first, think about all the skills you have, begin by researching the market place and become familiar with the tasks of jobs you believe you are qualified for. Start to think about industries and past experiences. Have someone help you create a strong resume that reflects your accomplishments and target your search toward companies and job titles that can benefit from your skill set. Many people search for "anything." This is too broad to be effective.

Consider seeking the assistance of a career counselor at a community agency like JVS or Oakton College. They have very low fees and can offer you a great deal of support, encouragement and advice. The job search process is very complicated and the more efficiently you do it - the faster your success!

Welcome back to the work world!
The Career Experts @ ChicagoJobs.org

Hoover's

Hoover's provides a tremendous database of business and industry information, much of it free.

Illinois Comptroller's Office Employment Application

Illinois Occupational Employment Statistics: WAGE DATA

Look here for wages in nonfarm establishments, by industry. You'll find hundreds of occupations, along with the mean, median, and middle range hourly wages.

Indiana State Library

Positions Open in Indiana Libraries

International Society for Performance Improvement Chicago Chapter

CISPI is an organization for human resource and training professionals that offers networking and programming opportunities for its members. Sign up to receive job opportunities via email.

Masters in Counseling

I recently graduated with my masters degree in counseling and human services from a local University. Although I am not a LCPC yet, I would like to know what kind of career or field should I be looking for and what salary should I be asking for?

I'm not sure I have answers for you, but I do have lots of questions! What kind of career do you want? What areas are you interested in? What areas do you have skills in? Where do your skills and experience fit into the needs of the workplace? These are all issues you need to explore.

It sounds like you did not spend too much time before and during your program to prepare you for this time. So now is the time to get busy, do some research, some soul searching and figure out where you want to go and how to get there. A career counselor can help with that. No one but you can or should tell you what to do! Just like when you begin to work in the field of counseling, the counselor will help you solve your own problems, not fix them for you!

Salaries are generally determined by the employer, you should research the industry and learn more about the field of counseling to get an idea of the types of salaries that are offered. You could ask for anything you want, but if that doesn't fit with the salaries paid, you will have trouble. However, as a rule of thumb, starting salaries for master's level counselors are in the low 30's. Additional skills and experience may increase that. There are also some excellent websites that give salary information, try the Salary Guides section of the ChicagoJobs.org website to start. Also, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for information on job outlooks and salaries.

National Opportunity NOCS

Opportunity NOCs features a career center, nonprofit library and job postings from throughout the country.

Online Personality & Traits Tests

An extensive guide to online personality tests from JobHuntersBible.com, the online home of "What Color is Your Parachute?"

I am a recent college graduate and currently live in a small town. My degree is in business and management. I was looking to getting a retail management job, but after working at some local retail stores, I know I do not want to do that. I'd like a job where I have a steady schedule (no second shifts) like the banking industry or marketing. Chicago is very appealing to me and I have already planned out where I want to live, what I will do, etc. But I can't get past the first hurdle: getting a job. I went on an interview trip to Chicago about a month ago and both of the jobs didn't hire me. How do I compete? The internet doesn't list that many jobs and I don’t have access to Chicago newspapers. I think I need to move to Chicago and then get a job but don’t have enough savings to make a comfortable move. You sound like a thoughtful, organized young man. Chicago will be lucky to have you! Yes, you are in a tough predicament. If you are not here, you cannot begin to pound the streets of Chicago properly and would not be available for interview. There are no guarantees in the job search process and there is no way to know how long it might take you to become settled, and financially able to manage rent and expenses. Check out temporary housing, like the YMCA, or a home sharing arrangement, or check listings on Craig's List. Chicago is a big city, with lots of jobs in a variety of roles and industries. Networking is always the best way to secure a position. If you move here, it will be helpful for you to participate in local career support programs or other networking events, start to meet people who may help you along the road. Though you state that you are not interested in a long range career in retail, you might have to find a job doing just that while you are building contacts and experience in other areas. ChicagoJobs.org Job Listings site has links to most of the local newspapers and their classifieds including Chicagojobs.com, a website that provides listings from many local Chicago area newspapers. Rather than using the general websites, check out the main sites of the banks that are in this area. Also, tap into your alumni association of your college, see if anyone lives in the Chicago area. The job search process is like a big jigsaw - you just keep placing pieces until the picture starts to take shape. I have a sense that you will be a success, but it takes one baby step at a time.

Salary Guides & Guidance from the Riley Guide

The "grandmother" of the Internet herself offers advice and some great links to quality salary resources

St. Hubert Jobs & Networking Ministry

Parish Ministry Center
729 Grand Canyon Street
Hoffman Estates, IL 60194
(847) 885-7700
Email: catholic@sainthubert.org

"Stay at Home" Mom Looking to Return to Work

After years of being a "stay at home" mom, I am looking to return to work. What can I put on my resume since I left work back in 1993? I have a Bachelor's degree, strong computer skills, I took various courses at my local junior college, did volunteer at my local school and museum, and took some temporary jobs.

Welcome back! And come on in, the water's fine. A lot has been written about this population of workers, check on line for articles that can give you a little insight. Here is mine.

First, create a list accomplishment-directed of all that you have done, whether at work or more importantly, more recently during your "career" as a mom. What were those volunteer positions, what skills were used, what accomplishments can be emphasized? What were those jobs and what were the skills you developed, used, etc.?

All of it is "experience" and can be designated so on a resume. There are many different formats that can be used. Some people will include it under "experience" and designate whether it was volunteer or paid, others will "mix" them together. I'd have to get more information and work with you individually to pull out what would be most important.

BUT - the thing to remember is that resumes should be written toward, not from. So the next step would be to determine a goal or two. What kind of position do you feel you are qualified for (reading job ads or position descriptions help here), then tailor your experiences to meet the needs of the employers. It can be a fun process if you approach it that way. You might also want to consider a "path." Where do you want to end up and what baby steps can you take to get there. Your first job may be a lower level that will allow you to learn, grow and move up within a company. Develop a list of companies, industries, jobs that seem interesting. Start by reading the excellent article on informational interviewing listed on this site and get out there and learn, make contacts and focus on the future. Then create a clear plan to work through each step to success. Your children were lucky to have you around, now the work world will be lucky too!

Certainly contact our agency (JVS Skokie) or others for additional assistance. Check out the Returning to the Workforce section and the Job Search Strategy section of our Career Coaching web page.

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U.S. News & World Reports - Careers

From U.S. News & World Reports, this site contains articles on all aspects of the job search including information on "Hot Job Tracks."

Welcome to this new edition of an old friend!
Since its creation in 1998 by two Skokie librarians, ChicagoJobs.org has provided the best in local job and career information. Our mission has been to assist Chicago area job seekers and career changers in navigating the crowded and confusing world of the Internet. ChicagoJobs offers easy access to a comprehensive listing of regional resources. And, with this new design, we offer even more: resources, networking opportunities, and feedback from area experts.

Today we number three librarians, and the advice of several career counselors throughout the Chicagoland area. Mike Buhmann is the Business Librarian and Career Specialist at Skokie Public Library. Frances E. Roehm is the co-author of Guide to Internet Job Searching, now in its 5th edition, and manager of the Library's SkokieNet Community Information Network. Pat Gaines is a long time web content developer (formerly at Chicago Public Library) and Reference Librarian at SPL.

At all times, we have attempted to keep your needs in mind and to offer the best that we can find for your job and career search. We encourage you to poke around, look over some of the newer content, and let us know what you think.

As always, we urge you to focus your job hunt on likely employers: specific businesses and industries, rather than spend too much time at generic job websites.

And keep in mind that over 80% of all jobs are NEVER posted! To find employment in this "Hidden Job Market", continue to use comprehensive print and web directories like Reference USA, or use virtual libraries, search engines, and gateway sites to locate information about these businesses and organizations.

Best wishes for a successful job hunt!

The ChicagoJobs Team

Wisconsin Division for Libraries, Technology, and Community Learning

Wisconsin Library Job Search

You, Yourself

an article written by Peter Weddle.

“According to countless surveys, restaurant patrons do not tip more when they receive better service. They do, however, leave behind a significantly larger tip when their waiter or waitress takes the time and makes the effort to engage them on a personal level. In other words, the mechanics of human interaction-taking a meal order accurately, delivering it promptly-are normally taken for granted; it's the subtleties of such behavior that most impress others. . . .”