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Human Relations MGMT611

Lesson 26

FINDING A JOB

Conducting a job search

Human relations course is designed for personal satisfaction and for organizational success we work in. This

lesson examines the mechanics and some of the underlying psychology of conducting a job search.

Although most students know something about conducting a job campaign, a systematic look at the topic

will also be in their best interest. With careful planning and preparation, a job search is likely to be

successful.

Job search is a systematic way of finding a job that suits your circumstances and interests.

Effort (No qismat, qismat is to explain the past, not the future)

Match between nature of job and qualifications is important

Match between employee and employer is important

Person-organization fit

Targeting your job search

It pays to begin the job search with a flexible attitude toward the type of job sought. Knowing what type of

organization is suited to one's needs and preference is another part of the job search. You are much more

likely to be successful in your new job and your career when you find a good person-organization fit, the

compatibility of the individual and the organization (Do you fit the culture?).

Questioning people who work for different employers can provide useful information about types of

organizations. Conducting an Internet search about the employer has become standard practice. Yet not

every job candidate can afford to be as selective about as prospective employer.

Targeting job search

There are certain points which we should keep in mind while looking for a job.

a. Would I feel more comfortable working in an office with hundreds of other people? Or would I

prefer just a handful of coworkers?

b. Would I prefer working in a place where people went out of their way to dress in a stylish manner?

Or would I prefer an informal place where not so much emphasis was placed on appearance?

c. Would I prefer to work in a small town or in a busy metropolitan area?

d. How important is access to stores and restaurants?

e. Would it be best for me to work where I could rely on public transportation

f. Would I really prefer an easygoing atmosphere or a highly competitive environment?

g. How important are the social aspects of work to me?

Networking (Contacts and Referrals)

The most effective job-finding method is through personal contacts or networking. Networking helps the

job seeker capitalize upon the insider system. Carrying business cards facilitates networking. Job seekers

should keep their requests for assistance brief and pointed.

Facets of personal network

. Friends and people you meet while traveling

. Parents and other family members

. Parents of friends

. Friends of parents

. Work associates

. Faculty and staff

. Former or present employer

. Friends from sports/extra curricular activities

. Religious or community groups

. Trade and professional bodies

Human Relations MGMT611

Job-finding methods

Two cornerstone principles of conducting a job campaign are to use several different methods and to keep

trying. Most job-finding techniques are inefficient because so many attempts must be made, yet effective

because they ultimately work. Surprising recent information is that classified ads are still a major source of

job for candidates and employees.

The Internet and Résumé Database Services

The Internet is now a standard part of job hunting, with dozens of job-hunting sites available. Job boards

related to specific industries have grown in popularity. Company Websites are strongly recommended for

job hunting. Job seekers should remember that the Internet is but one method of conducting a job search.

A major challenge of job hunting through the Internet is to find a way to speak to a company representative

about your application. Speaking to a telephone operator will sometimes provide a lead to a contact person.

Unsolicited Letter or e-mail Campaign

A standard job-finding method is the unsolicited letter or e-mail campaign, or writing directly to a

company one would like to work for. You compose a master list of firms for whom you would like to work,

using the most relevant categories such as industry and location. Address the letter to a specific individual,

and include a cover letter and résumé.

Telesearch

The telesearch involves making unsolicited phone calls to prospective employers. The job seeker prepares

a list of names, and calls them with a prepared one-minute presentation in an attempt to arrange an

interview. Because of voice mail systems, the telesearch has become more difficult to implement.

Self- Assessment:

By answering these questions we can assess whether we have the ability to find a particular job.

Human Relations MGMT611

Qualification Sought by Employers

Following is a list of qualifications widely sought by prospective employers. After

reading each qualification, rate yourself on a 1-to-5 scale on the particular dimension.

1 = very low; 2 = low; 3 = average; 4 = high; 5 = very high

Appropriate education for the position under consideration

and satisfactory grades

Relevant work experience

Communication and other interpersonal skills

Motivation, tendency, and energy

Problem-solving ability (intelligence) and creativity

Judgment and common sense

Adaptability to change

Emotional maturity (acting professionally and responsibly)

Teamwork (ability and interest in working in a team effort)

10.

Positive attitude (enthusiasm about work and initiative)

11.

Customer service orientation

12.

Information technology skills

13.

Internet research skills

14.

Willingness to continue to study and learn about job,

company, and industry

15.

Likability and sense of humor

16.

Dependability, responsibility, and conscientiousness

(including good work habits and time management)

17.

Leadership ability (takes the initiative to assume

responsibility for accomplishing tasks and influencing

others)

Interpretation: Consider engaging in some serious self-development, training, and education for items that

you rated yourself low or very low. If you accurately rated yourself as 4 or 5 on all the dimensions, you are

an exceptional job candidate.

Source: DuBrin, Andrew J. `Human Relations: Career and Personal Success', Pearson Prentice Hall, 2005.

Placement Offices, Employment Agencies, and Career Fairs

The placement office is a primary avenue for job finding, and also offers guidance on conducting a job

search. Employment agencies are the most effective for applicants with about five to ten years of

experience. Yet many people qualify for temporary assignments that may lead to permanent jobs. A

variation of an employment agency is a career agent, who for a fixed fee works on behalf of his or her client.

The career agent provides job search and career counseling, and also has links with employers to help

clients find positions.

Career (or job) fairs function somewhat like a temporary placement office. Employers visit the fair to recruit

employees, and applicants register at the fair and present their résumés. Fairs are also useful for learning

about employment trends and networking.

Help Wanted Ads

Help-wanted ads are still a standard way of finding a suitable position. Because so many people respond to

ads listing attractive-sounding positions, this method yields relatively few interviews. The four types of ads

are: (1) open ads, (2) blind ads, (3) employment agency ads, and (4) catch ads--those with great promises of

riches.

Human Relations MGMT611

Extreme Job Hunting

Extreme job hunting is any highly unusual, complicated tactic that involves a gimmick for finding a job. Such

tactics are likely to be rejected by some employers who would regard the applicant as a nuisance, yet these

tactics can land a job.

In addition to being aware of the various job-finding methods, it is also important to consider when to begin

a job search. Finding a position within thirty days is exceptional, whereas a total time of about six months is

typical.

Career (or job) fairs function somewhat like a temporary placement office. Employers visit the fair to recruit

employees, and applicants register at the fair and present their résumés. Fairs are also useful for learning

about employment trends and networking.

Cover letters

The cover letter multiplies the effectiveness of the résumé because it enables you to prepare a tailor-made

individual approach to each position you pursue. Explain why you are applying for the position in question,

and why you should be considered.

Attention-Getting Cover Letter

An effective cover letter captures the reader's attention with a direct statement of what you might be able to

do for the company. Keep the "what I can do for you" strategy paramount in mind at every stage of job

finding. After you have stated how you can help the employer, present a one-page summary of your

education and the highlights of your work experience. Consider also using a personal contact as part of the

attention grabber.

The T-Form Cover Letter

The T-form (or column) approach gives the reader a tabular outline of how the applicant's background fits

the position description. The T-form cover letter is also recommended because it has an attention-getting

format.

Electronic Submission of the Résumé

Not every prospective employer can or is willing to accept compressed files. The easiest approach is to

submit your résumé as a Microsoft Word document or plain text file. Yet, some companies will not open

attached files because of concerns about computer viruses. As a last resort, copy your résumé directly into

the e-mail document.

References:

Dubrin, A.J. (2005). Human Relations for Career and Personal Success. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,

07458.

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