NETWORKING: In its simplest form, networking involves having a “career conversation” with someone for the purpose of exploring careers or job searching to help you answer important career-related questions. Here are two ways you can use networking:
Explore careers and jobs - Talk to friends, family, and/or professionals to gather information about a job, career field, industry, or workplace so you can determine its a "fit" for you.
Find a job - When you are actively looking for jobs, use networking to market yourself. By talking to people about your qualifications, as well as your positions and employers of interest, you may hear of job leads and other resources that you wouldn't find elsewhere. Here are a few reasons why networking is a great way to find a job:
Recent surveys of employers indicate that over 50% of all open positions are filled through networking! People conduct business primarily with people they know and like.
Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants, which puts you in intense competition with many others. Networking makes you a recommended member of a much smaller pool.
The job you want may not be advertised at all. Networking leads to information and job leads, often before a formal job description is created or a job announced.
Where do you find people to network with? All around you! Because networking involves simply sharing information about careers and jobs, you can network with other students, family members or friends, teachers, supervisors, and professionals you meet at career fairs or other events. You can also use LinkedIn, the online professional networking website, to find professionals in your areas of interest.
If you’re nervous about making contact... Perhaps you’re uncomfortable asking for favors or embarrassed to talk to new people. Whatever your fears, try to keep the following in mind:
It feels good to help others. Most people will gladly assist you if they can.
People like to give advice and be recognized for their expertise.
Everyone knows what it’s like to be new to an industry and just starting out. They’ll empathize with your situation.
By connecting with others, you’re sure to get some much needed encouragement, fellowship, and moral support.
What are you passionate about? Explore what you are passionate about and seek job opportunities in that industry. Need help figuring out what you are passionate about?
Look for high points in your day. What classes do you enjoy the most?
Pay attention to what you spend your time and money on. What is your Tik Tok or social media filled with?
Consider topics you love to talk about with others. What do you talk to your friends about
Think about your strengths. What are you good at?
Explore career paths. Take this career test: https://www.yourfreecareertest.com
Arizona at Work: When looking for a job, it helps to have connections. Whether you’re looking for your first job, making a career switch, or re-entering the workforce, ARIZONA@WORK is the place to start. In addition to their no-cost workforce readiness services, they can connect you to their partners for expert advice and guidance on everything from child care, basic needs, vocational rehabilitation for job seekers with disabilities, and educational opportunities. https://arizonaatwork.com/find-jobs
My Career Advisor: My Career Advisor is an online career development and training resource to help prepare you in your journey to finding sustainable employment. It offers resources such as resume review, online training modules, live chat, and job postings. You can access their wide range of no-cost career services from any mobile device: your computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. https://www.mycareeradvisor.com/
Create a resume. The best resumes are actually no more than a page and are carefully worded to show off your best attributes. We all have to start somewhere and your high school career (yes, career) has just as many important moments to document. It’s just a matter of identifying them.
A resume is a one-page document giving employers or schools an idea of who you are & what qualities you have. Whether you’re applying for your first job or your tenth, a scholarship or an undergraduate program, the format is very similar. Your resume will be referred to during the interview.
Preparing Your Resume: This is a list of jobs or classes usually in chronological order with details of your accomplishments in each position or class. you will focus on the things you can do- your skills. High school students can include; education, interests/hobbies, extra curricular activities, awards received, relevant classes & grades, class projects, leadership, community service, volunteer etc.
You are ready to begin your job search! (Scroll down and click on buttons below)
When conducting a job search be sure to read the job description, duties, and requirements in its entirety. Keep a list of potential job opportunities that you are interested in! This will help you figure out if that is a job you are interested in and if you are able to complete the tasks that you are going to be asked to complete. Additionally, you can use the job description, duties & requirements to tailor your resume to each job posting before you apply.
Some places may ask for a Cover Letter. A cover letter is part of your marketing team. It gives the chance to share your qualifications and how you will benefit their business. Share why you are excited to work for the company and the value you will add by being part of their team. This is your chance to draw attention to your resume!
Preparing cover letter: Start by identifying the job opening and where you learned about it and why you think you are the perfect fir for the job. You can point out your skills and experiences that match the job requirements. A cover letter always accompanies a resume.
Application process: this is where you will fill out the application and submit/upload your resume and/or cover letter.
Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors on your application, resume, and/or cover letter.
An interview is your chance to learn about the company you applied for, show off your skills, express your accomplishments in more detail, and emphasize how their company will benefit from hiring you.
The interviewer will ask you questions to learn about you and why you want to work for their company. Be enthusiastic!
Bring a notebook and take notes. Come up with some questions you have about working there so you can ask them a couple questions.
During the interview, ask for the interviewer's contact information or ask for a business card. You will need this information to send a thank you note.
Practice your answers to standard interview questions and answers so you are prepared. Here's another great resource for interview questions and answers.
If you would like to set up a practice interview, email me to set up an appointment. You can find my contact information at the bottom of this page.
READ THIS WHOLE DOCUMENT: JOB INTERVIEW TIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Thank you Note - complete this step latest two days after the interview. Taking the time to write one is a great opportunity to leave a positive impression on the interviewers. This is where the interviewer's contact info comes in handy! It is important to send a thank you note within a few days after the interview!
Preparing your thank you note: If an email was provided, I suggest typing it up in an email and keeping it short and to the point! Be sure to thank EVERYONE who participated in the interview process. You can bring up topics or conversations that made your interview unique, this way they will remember exactly who you are! Next, re-emphasize your interest in the role. Lastly, express excitement about the next steps in the recruitment process. Click on the button below for thank you note examples!
The interview team will inform you of an estimated time frame to hear back from them. If the that time frame has passed, now is your chance to follow up with the company. Always attempt to email directly with the person who stated they would be in contact with you.
Things to include in your follow up email: address the person who you are emailing, state who you are and what position or job type you interviewed for, include the date you interviewed, confirm that you’re still interested in the position and that you are eager to hear about next steps.