SuccessHawk Secrets of A Successful Job Search

Secrets of A Successful Job Search
A Practical Guide
P r e p a r e d b y t h e S u c c e s s H a w k . c o m Te a m
Copyright 2009 Career Management, LLC. All rights reserved.
A Career Management Publication
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Contents
Introduction.............................................................................6
Interviews.............................................................................30
Starting Your Job Search.....................................................3
Types of Interviews........................................................... 31
About SuccessHawk............................................................4
Preparing for Interviews................................................... 31
The SuccessHawk Job Search Roadmap.........................6
Interview Questions to Anticipate.................................... 33
Get Organized.........................................................................6
At the Interview.................................................................35
Set up a Dedicated Office....................................................6
Questions for You to Ask...................................................35
Review Your Finances..........................................................7
Ending the Interview..........................................................36
File for Unemployment.........................................................7
Preparing for an Informational Interview.......................37
Update Your Business Associates.......................................8
Define Your Value for Employers.........................................9
Follow Up...........................................................................38
Using the Internet in Your Job Search.............................38
A New Career Direction.......................................................9
Set Goals...............................................................................10
Online Job Listings........................................................38
Why You Need to Set Goals..............................................10
Company Websites........................................................38
Setting Effective Goals......................................................11
Write Your Goals Down.....................................................11
Create Resumes and Letters................................................11
Information Resources.......................................................38
Insider Information.........................................................38
The Blogosphere............................................................39

Create an Online Presence................................................39
Your Resume......................................................................11
Write Your Own Resume or Hire a Professional...............12
Resume Structure..............................................................13
Accomplishments-Based Resumes....................................13
Examples of Accomplishments..........................................14
Writing Accomplishments Statements..............................15
One-Page Resume or Two-Page Resume?.........................16
Attending Career Fairs........................................................40
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Opportunity..................16
Preparing for a Career Fair.................................................40
Video Resumes..................................................................16
Plan the Day.......................................................................41
Preparing a Resume for Scanning.....................................17
At the Fair..........................................................................41
After the fair......................................................................42
How to Network Professionally........................................20

Why is Networking Important?..........................................20
10 Steps to Networking Your Way a Great Job................21
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E Note on Networking..............................................30
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LinkedIn..........................................................................39
Plaxo...............................................................................40
Join the Blogosphere.....................................................40
Twitter............................................................................40
A Cautious Note on Using the Internet
in Your Job Search.............................................................40
Reigniting a Stalled Job Search:

10 Ways to Get Back on Track...........................................42
Evaluating a Job Offer.........................................................44
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Introduction
Most people spend a third or more of their time at their job, so you owe it to yourself to land a job that is personally and financially rewarding.
Identifying and finding the right job is up to you. Landing it requires hard work, time, and perseverance. You
can, of course, write a resume, answer want ads, send out hundreds, even thousands, of resumes, or post your
resume on the Internet and wait for hiring managers to find you. This may work but the chances of finding a job
in this manner are extremely slim.
To greatly improve your chances, you need to take control of the job-hunting process. You need to conduct a
strategic and proactive search to land the job that you want. This guide will help you put together just such a
search by building and working with your own professional network. In todays job search market, landing a
great job is as much about whom you know as what you know.
Note that you cannot just start networking. Before you begin the actual process of networking you must prepare
yourself for that first networking call. To do that, you need to:

Define the type of work you want
Be ready to communicate who you are and the value you bring a potential employer
Organize your job search
Prepare for interviews by knowing what to say and what to ask
This guide provides you with a wide variety of ideas and suggestions to effectively do this, including:

Tips to build a resume that stands out from others
Organizing your contacts
Scheduling your time to meet job search goals
Preparing for interviews
Starting Your Job Search

Before you begin your job search, you need to answer these questions:
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1. Whats more important: where I live or what I want to do?
2. What do I want to do: stay in the same career or try something new?
3. Am I preparing resumes tailored to specific opportunities of interest?
4. Should I write my own resume or hire a professional?
5. Am I organized and ready to network?
6. Do I need help getting ready for interviews?
Answering these questions will help you determine the best jobs for you and how to conduct your search to get
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one. SuccessHawk can help you answer these questions.
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About SuccessHawk
SuccessHawk is a suite of Web productivity tools that help you organize and manage your job search using the
power of networking to increase your chances of landing the job you want. SuccessHawk offers an inexpensive,
quick and organized approach to planning and managing your job search. Everything you need to find a job is
included in this site. To access SuccessHawk, go to: http://www.successhawk.com
Basic Membership features free resources, including SimplyHired the biggest and smartest job search engine
on the web that searches thousands of job sites and companies so you dont have to. Plus information on how to:
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Research occupations and industries
Write a resume
Prepare for interviews
Search for a job by networking
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Subscribing to the SuccessHawk Premium Membership provides you with the benefits of the Basic Membership
and the essential tools you need to organize your job search and move it forward. These tools include:
Contact Manager enables you to organize all of
your professional networking contact information
in one place. Easily downloads your contacts from
Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, LinkedIn, Plaxo, and most
other personal information managers.
Each entry in your Contacts Manager includes
suggestions on what to say and what to ask as you
move your job search forward.
Scheduler helps you keep track of your job search
action plans. It works behind the scenes driving
a weekly to do list based on your input. You can
download your to do list to Outlook and your PDA.
Resume Creator. Do you need to write a resume?
Use Resume Creator to build one that suits your
needs.
Personal Statement Builder. Do you need to
improve how you market yourself? Use the Personal Statement Builder to create your 30 second
elevator pitch describing who you are and what
you offer an employer. You will use your 30 second
elevator pitch when talking to networking contacts
and potential employers and in responding to Tell
me about yourself.
Perfect Interview. Overcome interview anxiety
with Perfect Interview, the interactive online interview practice program that puts you at the interview
to practice your interview skills. (Additional charges apply for this service.)
Self-Directed Search. Considering a career change? Take a personal assessment with the worlds
most widely used career assessment to measure your interests and skills, and learn which occupations
may be right for you. (Additional charges apply for this service.)
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The SuccessHawk Job Search Roadmap

Maintaining focus during your job search is essential. To help you maintain your focus, SuccessHawk created
the SuccessHawk Roadmap, a straightforward easy to use approach that you can use to keep your job search
organized and on track.
Get
Organized
Set up a work
space
Review your
finances
Review your
insurance
Know what
you Want
Learn about
jobs industries
companies
that interest
you
Set Goals
Get focused:
set goals and
milestones.
Dont know?
Complete a
personal selfassessment
Create
Resumes
and Letters
Prepare a
personal
statement
Write your
resume and
cover letter
Network
Interview
Build and work

a personal
business
network to
access the
hidden job
market
Learn how to
prepare for
Interviews
Follow up
Evaluate job
offers
Contact
references
SuccessHawk.com provides a complete set of digital tools and resources to support your efforts along the way.
SuccessHawk.com is not about reading. We dont just tell you how to conduct a job search; rather, we provide
you with the tools you need to take action in organizing and moving your job search forward to its successful
conclusion: a new job or career.
Get Organized
The best way to approach a job search is to treat the job search process as a job. Whether you have been laid
off, outsourced, RIFd, or looking for your first job after graduation, your job today is getting a job. To start that
new job, you need to attend to certain operational issues so that you dont have to worry about them later.
Set up a Dedicated Office

1. Organize an office space at home you can go to each day to conduct your job search. Your home office
doesnt need to be large. A simple well lit space big enough for a comfortable chair, your computer, a writing
surface, a telephone, your office supplies, and a spot where you can file materials that you want to keep will
be fine. However, it does need to be a dedicated space. Your kitchen table is not this space.
2. Purchase supplies that you will need during your job search. We recommend:
200 sheets of bright white paper with quality envelopes
A supply of first-class stamps
Extra toner or ink cartridges for your printer
Pens, paper clips, and other basic desk supplies
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Two notebooks or notepads one for phone messages, one for general notes
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250 copies of a basic business card for networking purposes
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Review Your Finances

Without question, one of the most difficult aspects of losing your job is the financial uncertainty that suddenly
clouds your life. While you cant change the fact that your income has stopped, you can minimize the impact of
the loss by making a conscious decision to actively manage your new economic reality. To do this, you need to:
Determine available cash flow and assets
You cant begin to plan for the future until you understand your current finances. Add up your cash on
hand, unemployment benefits, severance payments, and identify assets you are willing to liquidate.
Cut expenses
Sit down and determine where you can trim or eliminate spending. Include your spouse or partner if
applicable. Look for opportunities to negotiate new payment terms with creditors. If feasible, implement
your cost-cutting in stages to avoid the sense that you are punishing yourself or your family members
for your job loss.
Review your insurance
Dont leave yourself open to a catastrophic loss due to insufficient health, life, or property insurance.
Shop around for cost-effective insurance solutions that will help protect you against major losses.
Tip: Check out TheCanned.com for more information.
Explore options for short-term work
If cash flow is an issue, you or your spouse may want to find temporary, part-time, or consulting work.
Freelance work is a good way to enhance your resume and lessen your anxiety during this transition. If
you are considering a new career, short-term work can also be a way of getting started in a new field.
Tip: Be aware that payment of your unemployment benefits is impacted by any earned income.
Create a new budget
Construct a revised spending/income plan and share it with all family members. Use this plan to determine how quickly youll need to start earning income again.
File for Unemployment

If you lose your job, you may be eligible to collect temporary financial assistance, called unemployment compensation, from your state unemployment services agency.
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Check to see if you are eligible for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. It can take two to three weeks
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before you receive your first unemployment check, so file for benefits within the first week of losing your job.
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To begin the application process, go to the unemployment services website for your state. You can learn the
requirements for receiving unemployment compensation, the procedures you must follow to determine your eligibility, and what you are required to do in order to maintain your eligibility. To find the site for your state, go to
www.unemployment-resources.org/states. While you are checking on your states unemployment benefits,
find out what other benefits your state may offer. Many states offer job search assistance and some even offer
training to equip you with new skills you may need to compete in todays job market.
Update Your Business Associates

One of the problems associated with losing your job is that you can quickly lose touch with business associates
who normally reach you through your work e-mail address and phone number(s). These contacts can be very
valuable during your job search. Send a brief e-mail to your former colleagues and business associates with
your new e-mail address and telephone number. At a later date, follow up with an new resume and a note to
maintain contact.
Define Your Value for Employers

Hiring managers trying to fill open positions want someone who will do the job effectively and fit well into the
organization. You need to be ready to communicate effectively and persuasively to a hiring manager that you
are the best candidate to fill that opening.
Before you start your job search, review your most recent job and any jobs you have had over the last 10 to 15
years, describing:
What your functions were in these positions
The skills and tools that you used
Your most important accomplishments
This review will help identify your strongest assets and clarify your personal objectives so you can more clearly
define your job search goals. The more you know about what you do well, the more powerfully you can communicate to a hiring manager why you are the candidate who should be hired.
Write down the answers to the following questions in your notebook. The information you record will not only
help you gain insight into yourself and the job you want, but also help you prepare your resume, answer questions in interviews, frame questions you want to ask in interviews, and even evaluate job offers.
What companies have I worked for during my career?
Tip: List all of the companies you worked for, even those no longer in business.
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What jobs have I done for those companies?

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Tip: Be sure to list not only your job titles but also your responsibilities.
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What skill sets did I bring to or develop in those jobs?
Tip: If you dont know, try using the US Government O*NET Database that contains detailed information
about most occupations. Go to: http://online.onetcenter.org/, and look under Find Occupations and type in
your job title.
What were my accomplishments in each of those jobs?
Tip: What did you achieve that made you stand out from your peers?
What did you do or share in doing that re-
ceived positive feedback, commendations, letters of merit or other related awards? Review old performance reviews
for this information. (See the Resume section on how to write accomplishment statements.)
What did I like and dislike about each of those jobs?
Tip: Thinking through your response to this question will help you identify specific work environments, and responsibilities you want to pursue going forward. Do you want a job that is similar to your last one?
Do I need to change my job focus?
Tip: If you work in an industry that is suffering from a downturn in the economy, consider broadening your job
search to other industries. Explore alternatives by reading industry journals, setting up news alerts, and conducting
informational interviews with industry insiders.
Tip: Keep current! The more you know about the job, the industry, and the organization you want to work for, the
stronger the impression you will make on interviewers. To keep current with your industry, read national and local
newspapers, industry magazines, and press releases on the Web site of companies that are of interest to you.
A New Career Direction

You may conclude after answering these questions that you want to change careers. A layoff provides an
opportunity to assess your career history and redirect your career goals in moving towards a new career.
If you dont know where to start consider taking the Self-Directed Search (SDS) Form R: Internet Version
(SDS R) available through SuccessHawk.com. SDS is one of the most widely used career assessments in the
world. It assesses your skills and interests to help you identify occupations that you may find satisfying.
After taking the SDS, you can link to O*NET, the government database of occupational information at
http://online.onetcenter.org. The O*NET database will help you learn about the tasks each occupation
involves, the skills and education they require, and the salary information and data on current demand for workers in those areas.
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Set Goals
Knowing where you want to go is the first step in getting there.
Your job search goal is the end state that you hope to accomplish in your search. Setting goals for your job
search gives you the focus necessary to guide job search activities to achieve your objective: getting a new job.
Why You Need to Set Goals

Goals help focus your attention on the objectives characteristics you want to achieve, the most important actions you need to take, and the time you need to allocate to land the job you want. A set of clear goals enables
you to better manage your activities and gives you an advantage when speaking with potential employers.
By setting and measuring your progress toward reaching your goals, you will be able to see what you have
accomplished and any additional steps you need to take to achieve your objective. In doing so, you are putting
yourself in charge of the process.
Setting Effective Goals

Effective job search goals share common they are specific, they are challenging but realistic, and they are time
sensitive. For example:
Noneffective goal:
I am looking for a job in marketing.
Effective goal:
By November 1, I want a job as a market research analyst in the consumer electronics industry with an annual
salary in the high five figures.
Be realistic about the jobs for which you are qualified and when you are likely to be hired.
Write Your Goals Down

Write down the answers to the following questions
What kind of work do I want? What is the job I am seeking?
Where do I want to work? Am I willing to relocate?
When do I want to start my new job?
What is the minimum salary that I want to earn?
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You can use the SuccessHawk.com Goal Setting tool to create your goals
Create Resumes and Letters

Before you begin building your professional network and making contact with colleagues in it, spend time
preparing the following communication documents you will need:
A resume, the single most important document you will use in your job search.
A personal statement or 30-second elevator pitch, the brief statement about who you are and what
you have to offer an employer.
Cover letters which must accompany any resumes you send out.
Your Resume
An outstanding resume is the most important document you need for your job search. Your resume provides the
first and often only opportunity to impress prospective employers. Your resume wont get you a job, but it is the
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primary source of information a prospective employer has about you. An outstanding resume can persuade the
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hiring manager or recruiter to call you in for an interview.
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Hiring managers often receive hundreds of resumes for a single position. Your resume needs to be the one that
goes to the top of the stack. A mediocre resume is the fastest way to be dropped from contention for a position.
Spelling errors, formatting problems, lack of focus, and lack of accomplishments decrease your chances of being competitive. To compete, your resume must make a powerful statement about you and be impeccable.
Tip: The ideal resume is succinct, defines your strengths, and uses correct grammar and spelling.
Tip: Note the key terms that are used in the job description as a guide to language to use in your resume.
Write Your Own Resume or Hire a Professional

Crafting a first-rate resume takes skill. You may want to consider outsourcing this task to a professional resume
writer. A professionally written resume can be expensive (ranging in price from a few hundred dollars for a
junior-level person to over a thousand dollars for an executive-level package), but you may find that the time
and effort required to prepare your own makes hiring a professional a worthwhile investment that can directly
impact your ability to find a better job in a shorter period of time.
If you decide to write your own resume, SuccessHawk.com offers as part of its Premium Membership the Resume Creator, an easy-to-use tool that helps you write accomplishments-based resumes.
Tips: Polish, polish, polish! Great resumes are a combination of a business document, marketing piece, and personal
preference. Review and discuss your resume with people you respect. Ask them what stands out, what puts them to sleep,
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what turns them off, and whether anything is missing. Conflicting opinions are to be expected so dont get stuck on them;
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the final decision is yours.
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Resume Structure
The most widely used resume style is the chronological resume which organizes your work experience by date
from your most recent job to your earliest.
Most chronological resumes are organized as follows:
In the header of the document, your name and contact information.
Objective: the job for which you are applying.
Qualifications: a personal statement that describes your job related personal qualities such as team
player, strong communication skills, leadership ability, analytical, or problem solver.
Experience: Organized from your most recent job and to your earliest. For each company include the
company location, the dates of your employment, your job title with a brief statement of your responsibility and a bulleted list summarizing three or four major accomplishments.
Education: Your highest educational level.
Relevant certifications, honors, awards
Accomplishments-Based Resumes
Resumes that highlight your accomplishments stand out by letting the hiring manager see immediately that you
are well qualified to do the job.
Before drafting an accomplishment based resume, review each of your previous jobs, what you did in each one,
and what you accomplished. An accomplishment has three parts:
1. The problem that you helped solve
2. The actions you took to address the problem
3. The outcome
Build a list of as many of your accomplishments as you can. This will help you if you decide to tailor your resume to a particular job that interests you. Identifying and writing out your accomplishments also helps you see
what an outstanding performer you are!
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Examples of Accomplishments
If you are uncertain about your accomplishments, the following list will help you think about your own work
experience and accomplishments in each of the positions you have held.
Financial savings or gain:

Did you save your organization money or time while working on a project?
How much and how did you do that?
How much have you generated in sales? How does that compare to your co-workers?
Have you worked on a program that improved results by a certain percentage?
Did you complete a higher percentage of your assigned tasks or work more productively
than your peers?
Did profits, revenues, or sales increase because of your efforts? If so, by how much?
Did you save time with a process you created, automated, or redesigned?
Points of difference:
Was there something exceptional about your work or your teams work?
Did you work on a breakthrough product or project?
What accomplishment are you the most proud of at each job?
How do you hope they will remember you?
Did you break a record, set a new standard, or outperform a prior year or another organization?
What did you do that was different from others who held the same position?
Were you assigned a special project?
Did you work on events? How did they turn out? Did they come in under budget?
Did you do something beyond the normal scope of your responsibility?
Was your location or department better or different from a similar location or department
elsewhere in the company?
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Writing Accomplishment Statements

For each accomplishment, you have a story about a problem you solved that you can tell during an interview. An
accomplishment statement is structured to highlight the action you took and the outcome of that action.
The following examples describe how to structure accomplishment statements:
Managed newly created southeastern sales territory, doubling annual revenues in first full year to $8
million.
Organized and led a cross-functional team to reduce new product production cycle schedule, shaving
five months from release of annual product line and generating unplanned $3 million in first year of
operation.
Managed planning and integration of new MIS system, reducing annual expenses by $5 million.
Tip: If possible, be sure to quantify. Numbers are important in resumes. Be sure to include $s and %s that support what you include in your resume. In writing accomplishment statements, use active verbs such as planned,
managed, and organized. A brief list of action verbs can be found below.
Action Verbs for Resumes and Accomplishment Statements

A brief list of action verbs is found below:
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Administered
Developed
Maintained
Analyzed
Directed
Motivated
Appraised
Documented
Negotiated
Audited
Edited
Organized
Balanced
Eliminated
Planned
Budgeted
Enhanced
Presented
Communicated
Established
Prioritized
Compiled
Evaluated
Produced
Completed
Expedited
Promoted
Conceived
Facilitated
Recommended
Conducted
Financed
Reduced
Consulted
Generated
Represented
Coordinated
Implemented
Researched
Created
Improved
Scheduled
Critiqued
Initiated
Structured
Decreased
Introduced
Supervised
Demonstrated
Led
Trained
Designed
Managed
Updated
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One-Page Resume or Two-Page Resume?

Many job search professionals recommend a one-page resume but you may find that you need two pages if you
have extensive work experience. Avoid a 1 page resume; it can look awkward. If your resume is 1 page in
length, add more white space (for example, adding blank lines between sections). Conversely, you can shorten
a resume by condensing information or decreasing white space so it fits on one page.
Tip: Use a readable font! You have approximately 30 seconds to make an impact on the person
reading your resume, and nothing turns off a reader faster than a resume that is difficult to read.
Times New Roman font should be no smaller than 11 point, and Arial no smaller than 10. Try to keep
margins at one inch all the way around. Print your resume on a high-grade white or off-white paper.
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Opportunity

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Tailoring your resume to specific job requirements sets you
apart from other job seekers relying on a single resume. A powerful resume clearly shows the recruiter and hiring manager that you can successfully take on the job they are seeking to fill.
Tip: Be honest. Be sure you can support every point you make on your resume during an interview.
When preparing your resume for a specific job, review on the requirements described in the job posting or
job description carefully to learn what the employer is looking for, what skills are required, and what the job
involves. Review your accomplishments and only include in your resume those accomplishments indicating that
you can take on the job on day one. Note the key terms that are used as a clue to language you can use in your
resume.
Video Resumes
Video resumes are gaining popularity in some sectors. Though they can set you apart from other job seekers
and may help you land an interview, dont expect a video resume to replace the traditional resume. Not all
employers want to see a video resume because of their concern that video resumes may raise discrimination
issues. Be sure to ask if a video resume will be accepted before you send it.
If you decide to prepare a video resume, consider the following tips:
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Do not simply read your written resume.

Focus on what you can do for the organization and how your experiences will help you
accomplish that.
Hiring managers will take notice of you if you come across as articulate, positive,
energetic, and smart.
Look professional. Your grooming and attire should match what you would wear to an
in-person interview.
Smile! Look into the camera. Speak to the audience directly.
Be concise. A video resume should be no more than three minutes long
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Preparing a Resume for Scanning

Many employers are now asking job seekers to submit their resume using the companys online tool for easy
scanning. Preparing a resume for online submission requires a few additional steps. The following steps are an
what you need to do:
1. Open your resume in your word processing software, such as Microsoft Word.
2. Click Save As from the File menu and name your resume something like VictorSmithMktgCoord-txt. Click save as type and choose plain text. Close the document.
3. Now open the plain text version of your resume in WordPad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac OS X)
and see how it looks. You will probably need to reorganize your name and address and place
every item on its own line.
Tip: What you see on-screen in WordPad or TextEdit may not look the same in hardcopy so print it out
to check line breaks and make necessary corrections.
4. Avoid bold and italic text, rules, and symbols such as bullets. If everything looks correct, save
your text resume again, and youre ready to go.
Tip: Give your resume a unique name. When emailing your resume, label it clearly. Dont label your
resume file, resume, or my resume. Include your name, the abbreviated job title, and the name of
the company in the file name. For example, if Victor Smith applies for a Marketing Project Manager job
at XYZ Company, his resume file name might be VictorSmith-MktgPM-XYZ.doc.
Always Follow Up
A final word on resumes: Always make a follow up contact with people to whom you have sent your resume to
ensure that the hiring manager received the document, to restate your interest in the position, and to ask about
next steps.
Your Personal Statement

The personal statement, also known as your elevator pitch, is a brief description of yourself, what you offer a
potential employer, and your job search goal that can be delivered in 30 seconds.
During your job search, you will use your personal statement repeatedly for networking, socializing, and
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responding to that perennial job interview icebreaker, So, tell me about yourself.
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Developing a powerful pitch takes practice. Write it out, rehearse it, and then try it out on your friends and
support team. Ask for suggestions on ways to improve it. Remember, the key to an effective pitch is to make it
crisp, succinct, and pertinent, providing enough information to give the listener a good sense of your experience
and objectives in a quick sound bite.
To begin creating your personal statement, write down brief responses to the following:
Your name
Your professional background
Your most recent job responsibility
What did you like most about that job?
What are your three greatest strengths?
What job are you seeking?
The FIRST draft of your personal statement might look like the following:
My Name is Jane Smith. My professional background is educational software sales. Most recently, I
managed a sales territory for XYZ Corporation, consistently exceded my annual sales goals and was
named sales rep of the year last year. I liked working in the education market and the independence
the Company gave me to manage my territory. Im good at thinking on my feet and organizing my
efforts and Im tenacious. Im currently looking for a position with a software company like yours in
either education or enterprise sales.
Once you have drafted your personal statement, polish the language and practice it until you can say it in a
conversational, unscripted way.
A Personal Statement Builder is included in your SuccessHawk Premium Membership.
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Cover Letters
Always send a personalized cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is your opportunity to emphasize how
your knowledge, skills, or experiences make you the ideal candidate. No matter how good your resume is, the
employer may never take the time to read it unless it is introduced by a persuasive cover letter.If you are emailing the resume, your cover letter becomes the body of the email message.
A cover letter is a brief, three- or four-paragraph letter that states:

Why you are writing
Why you are best qualified for the position
How you plan to follow up
A cover letter, just like a resume, must be free of grammatical and spelling errors. Because it is a brief note, it
is important to convey your message using powerful and succinct language that captures the readers attention and makes him or her want to read your resume. The cover letter also provides you with an opportunity to
personalize your resume to the employers needs without having to rewrite it. You can highlight or add relevant
information in a cover letter that might not be obvious in your resume.
Thank-You Notes
Whether you have just concluded an informational interview or a job interview, you must send a personalized
thank-you note immediately afterward. Though a personalized handwritten note is preferred, emailed notes are
acceptable to more companies today. Use your own judgment. If the employer set up the interview via email, an
emailed note is probably just fine. Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview.
During an interview, do your best to obtain business cards from each interviewer. When this is not possible, ask
for the spelling of each interviewers name and be sure to get each ones job title. If you are planning to email
the thank-you note, notice the email account naming convention used at the company.
Tip:
Be concise. Focus on what you can offer the employer. Great with people? Remind the employer!
Love numbers? Let the employer know.
References
Before you begin to interview for a new job, line up people who are willing to provide positive personal references to potential employers. Choose your references carefully and be sure to ask them if they will speak on
your behalf before you include them.
Start by making a list of all of your prospective references. Try to choose people who have worked with you in
a business setting. If needed, you can also include personal references from people you have worked with in a
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When you ask your references for permission to use them, verify you have their current, correct contact information. Be sure to alert and update your references before they are called by potential employers.
Always thank your references and offer to return the favor in the future.
How to Network Professionally

Professional networking is the process of identifying, building, and maintaining relationships with people willing to help you during your career. This section describes10 simple steps you can take to build, develop, and
successfully interact with your professional network.
Networking means taking a proactive and organized approach to your job search based on referrals and leads
you get from people you know. You already have the makings of a professional network with your family members, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, alumni from your alma mater, fellow association members, members
of online communities, or people with whom you share a similar background, interests, or education.
When working with a professional network, remember that networking is a two-way process. One part involves
asking for favors; the other part involves giving back to those who are helping you. Both are equally important.
Professional networking only works when it is mutually beneficial to both parties. Always think about what
you can do to help others at the same time you ask their help with your career. The help can be as simple as a
thank you or you might provide information or recommendations that help the other person with their own
career.
Why is Networking Important?

Job search experts agree that business networking is the most effective method of finding and landing a great
job. Networking helps you access the hidden job market. Experts estimate that as many as 80% of jobs are
never advertised to the public but are found through leads and referrals from personal connections. Why is this
the case? Most peopleeven hiring managersare more comfortable working with someone who is referred
by a trusted source.
Effective networking brings you to the attention of hiring managers directly and puts you way ahead of other
potential candidates who might also want that job. The more people you connect with, the greater the chances
of hearing about opportunities. Besides helping you find a great job now, a good business network generates connections that will benefit you for the rest of your career. Sooner or later, almost every person who is
employed will change jobs or careers. The changes can be voluntary or involuntary, planned, or sudden and
unplanned. Regardless of the circumstances, networking and staying connected will help you.
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In a tight job market, when competition for jobs is intense and hundreds of resumes are submitted for most
openly advertised jobs, having a plan, keeping organized and connecting with as many people who can help you
as possible is essential. As business guru Mark McCormack says, All things being equal, people will do business with a friend. All things being unequal, people will still do business with a friend.
Remember: Successful professional networking requires planning, focus, a structured process to manage your
efforts, polite persistence and a lot of follow-up.
10 Steps to Networking Your Way a Great Job

1. Identify the job you want and your job search goals
Before you make your first networking contact, you need to know what job you are seeking. See the previous sections on Define Your Value for Employers and Set Goals for more
information.
If you are thinking about changing careers, you may want to complete a self assessment to
learn more about your interests, skills and jobs you are likely to find satisfying. There are
many assessments available to you. SuccessHawk.com members can access the online version of the worlds most widely used assessment, the Self-Directed Search (SDS).
2. Create a personal statement

A personal statement, also known as a 30-second elevator pitch, summarizes your strongest
attributes, your achievements and ways you can benefit a potential employer. It sets the
context for all conversations you have about your job search. It is brief and to the point. A
well-crafted personal statement helps you respond easily and quickly when someone says,
Tell me about yourself.
You will find suggestions for creating a personal statement on page 18. SuccessHawk
Premium Members can use the Personal Statement Builder to create a working draft of a
personal statement.
3. Determine who you know and who can help you

Specifically, who do you know that can help you find a job doing what you want to do? Who
are the people that have an interest in seeing you succeed? Who are the people that can
help you launch, advance, or restart your career?
Creating a list of these people is the starting point in building your professional network. Be
sure to include in your professional network anyone and everyone who can help you.
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Almost everyone currently has an existing network but may not be aware of it. Here are
some ideas for identifying people who can help you and expanding your network.
Family members
Friends
Neighbors
Friends of your family and families of your friends
Former colleagues, coworkers and employers
Connections on LinkedIn, Plaxo, Facebook, and other social networking sites
Fellow alumni are usually predisposed to help other alumni
Members of your professional associations, clubs, teams, and religious organization
Job search support organizations
Networking events and career fair contacts
Industry trade showsmeet fellow attendees and influential speakers before and after
sessions, and meet exhibitors during sessions when most attendees are in sessions
When you start networking it is important to start with people you know. It is easier to
talk with friends and family when you begin the process. With them, you can practice and
perfect your networking skills without anxiety.
Even when contacting friends, you need to prepare before you start. Be clear about what
you want and what you have to offer so they can understand specifically how to help you.
4. Create a record of your contacts

Keeping track of your contacts and their contact information, notes on your interactions with
them and when you plan to contact them again is complicated.
You can maintain your contact information in a notebook, populate a spreadsheet, or create
your own method to track your information.
SuccessHawk Premium Members can use SuccessHawks Contact Manager and Scheduler.
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With SuccessHawk.com you can automatically import contacts from Outlook, Gmail,
LinkedIn and other commonly used personal information managers, you can store
background information on your contacts, get help in knowing what to say and ask your
contacts, and schedule follow-up actions that you can download into Outlook, iCal, and
other calendar applications, as well as your PDA.
Whatever you choose to do, keep a record. Trying to keep all this information in your head is
very difficult and may cause you to lose valuable contact data.
5. Start connecting
Now its time to start reaching out
to people in your network to aid you
in your job search. Though your first
networking emails or calls can be
awkward, keep in mind that they will
be easier as you make more of them.
Thats why it is best to ease into networking by starting with calls to family
and friends.
During these initial calls you are
reaching out to learn all you can about
potential employment possibilities and
letting people know that you are available.
For your first calls, you may find it helpful to write and practice a brief script
on what to say after you say hello. Use
your personal statement to introduce
yourself and what you can offer a
potential employer.
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If you are a SuccessHawk Premium

Member, SuccessHawk will help you
with this. The SuccessHawk.com
networking system provides icebreakers and questions to get you started.
As you progress through your job
search with a contact, you will find
these suggestions adjust to offer new
suggestions that reflect changes in your
relationships with your contacts.
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Interviews
Planning your networking email and telephone calls is essential. Answer the following
questions for yourself before contacting anyone:
How are you going to introduce yourself?
Why are you making contact?
What is your strategy for creating interest in you?
What benefits do you bring?
What are your common interests or affiliations with this person?
If the person agrees to help you, what specific questions will you ask?
Practice your personal statement over and over until you can introduce yourself in a
conversational way.
Make appointments for either an in-person meeting or a telephone interview with your
contact so that you can ask questions, listen, and learn. Networking via email will not work
effectively.
At this stage, make it very clear that you are you are not asking your contact for a job; rather,
you are looking for information about what might be available and where you need to focus
your attention. Be sure you tell the contact what you want to take away from the call. Finally,
ask how you, in turn, can help them. Every time you connect with someone you should be
listening for ways you can help them. Giving back is the grease that makes networking
work and the reason to reconnect.
Keep in mind that your contacts are busy with their own work; be respectful of that and ask
for only 20 minutes of their time. Hint: once they begin talking, they will likely give you a lot
more than that!
If someone wont talk with you, doesnt have time, or takes too long to respond, move on.
Dont waste your time or theirs. More people will help than not. Focus on finding people
willing to help.
At first, networking interviews can be difficult. Nevertheless, they do work. Set a personal
goal to make five or six calls or send five or six emails each day. Your persistence will pay off
as your network expands. If five or six calls or emails feel like too many at the outset, start
with two or three and build from there.
If you initiate contact with a referral by email, make sure your subject line is informative and
compelling. For example, Brian Jones suggested I contact you, or Fellow Maryland Terp
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Be sure to send a personalized thank you note within 24 hours of finishing an informational
interview. It is fine to send the thank you by email but a handwritten note may help you stand
out. Be sure to get their address when you talk to them.
Tip: Networking is not just about you.

When you talk with your contacts, learn about them, their family, their interests, their job, and
their career. Make notes. When you reconnect to thank them and follow-up, be sure to mention
something about what you learned and also give them something helpful. This could be new industry
information, an interesting article, a book youve read, or a connection with another person you think
they should meet.
Informational Interviews
If you are just starting your job search, planning to change careers, or re-entering the job
market, your first interviews are likely to be informational interviews intended to help you
gather information and make decisions about what direction to pursue, not to ask for a job.
Informational interviews will help you build confidence in describing who you are and what
you have to offer. Most important, they are a primary source of referrals to build and expand
your professional network and lead quickly and efficiently to real job opportunities.
As with any interview, do your homework beforehand so you can speak about your contacts
organization and industry knowledgeably. The more you know upfront, the more meaningful
the conversation will be and the stronger the impression you will make. To learn more about
the organization, visit the website, search for articles written about it, read professional
journals related to the organizations business, and attend trade shows where they exhibit
products. Remember, too, to check out competing organizations not only as a source of
information to discuss but also for potential employment.
During an informational interview:

Listen closely to the answers to your questions and jot down extensive notes.
Always ask for two or three referrals to other contacts, a few details about the referrals
to help you personalize your call when you reach out to those people, and permission to
mention that your current contact referred you to them.
If your contact mentions an available job opportunity that sounds interesting jump at the
opportunity to learn more!
As you become more skilled in networking conversations, you will find that your interview
objectives evolve from strictly gathering information to discussing specific job opportunities in
organizations that interest you. Opportunities will emerge as you work through your contacts
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If you are a SuccessHawk Premium Member, SuccessHawk will ask you to note opportunities
in every interview. If you respond positively, the contacts color-coding will change to alert
you that they represent actual opportunities worth pursuing. Job opportunity interviews are
discussed in Step 7.
6. Follow Up
Following up is an essential ingredient of successful networking. After a networking conversation, you will have to make specific follow-up actions. At a minimum, write a personalized
thank you note or email.
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Other follow-up actions will depend on what you discussed or promised during the
informational interview. After each networking conversation or informational interview, be
sure to follow through on commitments you made during the interview. Did you agree to:
Provide more information?
Send a resume?
Contact someone else?
Get back in touch with the contact?
Take a particular action, such as signing up for a class or joining a professional association
the person recommended?
Why is follow-up so important? Most people youve asked to help you have busy lives with
their own agendas, schedules, and priorities. Besides being a matter of courtesy, following up
diligently puts you back on that persons to-do list. For example:
Effective follow-up can be a simple reminder, such as: We talked last week. Im just
checking to see whether you can send me the information about Mr. X or Ms. Y whom you
recommended I contact.
Or:
You mentioned in our conversation that XYZ Corporation might have a job
where Id be a good fit. I am checking back with you to be sure you received the resume I sent
and to learn more about the opportunity. Ive been researching the company online and have a
few questions.
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Above all, dont be discouraged if people dont get back to you immediately or at all. Remember, everyone is busy. Some will forgeteven your friends. Dont assume a lack of immediate
means is a sign they dont care or wont help in the future when they have more time.
Promising leads often disappear. Thats okay. Other people may provide a wealth of helpful
information, recommendations, leads and referrals. The good thing about networking is that
most people do want to help. A gentle reminder about the help that was offered may be all
takes to get the responses you wanted.
A job search can stall. If this happens, try circling back and reconnecting with contacts who
might not have been able to help you earlier. Often when you reach out a second time with
something new to say you wil be able to grab their attention.
7. Prioritize and target potential job opportunities

During your first round of initial conversations and informational interviews, you are likely
to uncover a number of job opportunities. If so, focus your attention on the ones that sound
promising and appealing so you can prioritize effective follow-up calls or emails that may
eventually lead to job interviews.
If you learn of a job opening during an informational interview that interests you, shift the
interview from gathering information to addressing the specific opportunity. Learn as much as
you can about the job and explain briefly how your background, skills, interests, and knowledge make you suitable for it. Ask for a job descriptionit will help you understand what the
job entails so that you better prepare yourself for further interviews.
If your contact suggests that you need to speak with someone else, make sure to request the
name and contact information of that person and ask your contact to recommend you directly
to that person. Then add this new contact to your network as an Opportunity and follow up to
request an interview.
When you identify a job opportunity, continue conducting informational interviews but put job
opportunities at the top of your priority list.
Follow up regularly. Be politely persistent. When you follow up with a contact regarding a job
opportunity, be enthusiastic about the position and explain what particularly interests you
about the job and offer specific ideas for ways you can benefit the organization.
Tip: When you follow up, send your contact new information about yourself, additional information
about something you discussed or news about a common interest. For example, mention or send a
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recent news article, book, or video on a topic of shared interest.
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8. Ace your interviews

Learning about an actual job opportunity is the payoff of effective interviewing. When you
learn of a potential job opening, act promptly to contact the referral or the potential employer.
Every contact you have with potential employers puts you closer to landing the position you
want. If the contact you made during an interview will personally refer you (through an email
or phone call) to a hiring manager, that referral alone will help you access the hiring manager.
Tip: There are times when a face-to-face meeting with a potential employer can uncover jobs that
are not yet posted. Be alert for this. Often, after an employer meets a highly skilled candidate and
evaluates his or her abilities and potential value to the company, a way is found to hire that person.
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

The importance of being well prepared for a job interview cannot be overstated. Review the
SuccessHawk Interviewing section to help you anticipate common questions asked by interviewersand some uncommon questions.
Review the job description. This will help you understand what the job entails and the most
important requirements that the employer is looking for in a candidate. It will enable you
to think about your own experience, knowledge and skills that you want to highlight during
the interview. You may decide to rework parts of your resume to further accentuate those
characteristics.
Find out whether individuals or a team of people will interview you at the same time.
Redouble your efforts to learn as much as you can about the company and how the job or
the department can contribute to the companys success. Review what you learned about
the organization, their competition, and their business environment. Are there news articles
or press releases about recent developments that might positively or negatively affect their
willingness to hire?
Tip: Interviews are less about you and more about what you can do for the employer. Be specific.
What strengths will you bring to the company? When they hire you, what can you contribute and
how will they benefit?
Whatever you do, stay positive! Be enthusiastic!

If you want more help with interviewing, consider purchasing Perfect Interview, a dynamic
interviewing practice application available to all SuccessHawk Members that lets you
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9. Close the deal!

Receiving a job offer feels absolutely fantastic. Let the hiring manager know how excited you
feel and how confident you are that he or she has made an excellent decision.
However, even if youre sure you want the job, ask the manager for 24 hours to consider the
offer. Factors to weigh include: is the salary what you are looking for, what are the benefits,
how do you feel about the organizational culture, and did you like the people you met.
SuccessHawk Premium Members can access Job Offer Evaluation, which gives you a number
of important elements to consider in a job offer that you should feel comfortable with.
10. Thank everyone who helped you

When you do accept a job offer, be sure to let everyone who helped you along the way know.
Say thank you to everyone who helped you get this far. Everyone in your professional network
will enjoy feeling that they contributed to your success.
A Final Note on Networking

Always remember that networking doesnt end when you land your job. Networking is an ongoing, career-long
activity. Update your SuccessHawk Workspace periodically with new information about yourself (for example,
new skills, job search success, new relevant experiences, something youve recently read or seen that may
interest other people.) Your networking contacts have an interest in you.
Above all, remember that networking must be mutually beneficial: Be willing to help other people as they have
helped you.
Interviews
For many people, interviewing is the most difficult part of the job search. We cant make interviewing easy, but
you can reduce the anxiety of interviewing if you have an understanding of what to expect.
If you need further help, all SuccessHawk Members can access Perfect Interview, a dynamic interactive learning tool, to practice your interviewing skills in lifelike simulations of real interviews. (Additional charges apply)
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Employers conduct interviews to help them decide if you are qualified to do the job, and to determine whether
you will fit in the organization. Interviews also give you an opportunity to learn more about the company and if
it is a fit for you, too.
Types of Interviews
During your job search you will likely encounter one or more of the following types of interviews.
Screening Interviews
Screening interviews are generally conducted by a representative of the companys human resources
department or a recruiter. These interviews are used to determine whether you are qualified or overqualified to
do the job. These initial interviews may be conducted on the telephone.
One-on-One Interviews
In a one-on-one interview, the interviewer will ask you a set of questions to learn if you have the knowledge
and skills necessary to handle the job for which you have applied. Hiring managers conducting one-on-one
interviews also want to get a sense of what you would be like to work with and how you would fit in the
organization.
Behavioral Interviews
In behavioral interviews, the interviewer is trying to learn how you behaved in past situations as a predictor
of how you are likely to behave in the future. Expect to be asked questions similar in style to: Tell me about a
time when or Give me an example of
Panel Interviews
Panel interviews are interviews with a panel of two or more people asking you questions.
Informational Interviews
This is an interview that you requested to learn about a particular job, company, or industry and how best to
present yourself to potential hiring managers. An informational interview also gives you an opportunity to create a positive impression. Be sure to get referrals, leads, and recommendations for other networking contacts.
Preparing for Interviews

Presenting yourself well for an interview requires preparation and thinking through what you want to say during
the interview. Being well prepared will help you stand out from other candidates. Consider these points when
preparing for an interview:
Learn as much as you can about the organization.

In almost every interview situation, youll be asked, What can you do for this company?
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Practice your answer. Research press releases, The Wall Street Journal, annual reports, blogs,
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websites, the news, and so on to learn about the organization. Know the companys philosophy, goals, plans, new products, target customers, new executives, and major competitors.
Use your network.

Do you know anyone who works or has worked for this company or organization? Call or have
lunch with them before your interview. Your competition likely wont have done their homework as well as you have. Your prospective employer will notice.
Review the job description.

Be prepared to explain how your background qualifies you for the job. Did you find the job
posting online? Save a copy and bring it with you to the interview. Some companies take
weeks to start calling people in for interviews, and by then the job description may have been
pulled from wherever you saw it.
Dress to impress.
Research indicates that many job applicants have unsuccessful interviews because they
didnt dress professionally. A jacket, dress slacks, dress shirt, and a tie are fine for men. Suits,
blouses, skirts, or slacks are fine for women. The rule of thumb is to dress one notch above
that groups normal attire. If in doubt, a suit is never inappropriate for men or women. Remember, youre going to a job interview, not a casual event.
Review your resume.

Think of examples that describe or illustrate your accomplishments.
Be prepared for the interview:

Confirm the date and time of the interview.
Make sure you know how to get to the interview and how long it takes to get there.
Confirm the spelling of the first and last name of all interviewers.
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before your interview. You may be asked to complete an
application when you arrive.
Bring three copies of your resume.
If you have them, bring letters of recommendation, professional certificates, and
references in a portfolio binder.
For design, art-related, or writing positions, bring 510 examples of your best work in a portfolio.
If employers spend all their time looking through your portfolio, they wont have as much time to
connect with you. Student projects and personal work are fine; just make sure that the content is
suitable for the employers customers. Email a link to your online portfolio in advance.
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Tips:
Turn off your cell phone before you enter the building.
When answering questions, keep your answers focused on your skills and knowledge.
Make eye contact but dont stare.
Be succinct and direct, dont ramble.
Be truthful.
Be sure to write a thank you note afterwards.
Interview Questions to Anticipate

In addition to specific questions about the information included in your resume, you can expect to be asked a
wide range of questions for which there is no right or wrong answer. The interviewer is trying to get a sense of
who you are and how you will fit into the organization.
The following questions are frequently asked of candidates. Youll find them easier to answer during an interview if you think beforehand about how you would answer them and jot down your answers.

Remember that 30 second elevator speech you worked on? Heres where to use it.
What can you offer us? Why should we hire you?

Make a list of your qualifications for the job. Include years of experience, education, special
training, technical skills, inside knowledge of a product or market, and so on. Are you a customer of this product or service? List your transferable skills like communication, leadership,
organization, attention to detail, and work ethic.
Review the list objectively. Which items are most valuable to the employer? Use this information to write a brief sales pitch that describes your qualifications for the job. Structure the
information in a logical fashion and then practice saying it aloud until you are confident in
your delivery.
What are your strengths?

Think about your noteworthy achievements or experiences (for example, a paper, report, project, research study, or special project). What did you do to accomplish them?
Think about performance reviews. Did you ever win an award or receive positive feedback
from a happy customer? What were the reasons for the positive attention? Provide context
and scope when answering this question. By elaborating on your strengths, its easier for the
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What are your weaknesses?

Remember that employers are human and would appreciate a little honesty. Its okay to
acknowledge your weaknesses and explain steps youve taken to address them. Its also fair
to point out how youve turned a genuine weakness into a strength but avoid clichd nonweaknesses like Im too organized.
Where do you see yourself in three to five years from now?

Think about your personal goals and answer as genuinely as possible. This is a good opportunity
to ask the interviewer about the opportunities available to a person who succeeds in this job.
What attracted you to our organization?

Draw from your research and personal knowledge of the company to answer this question.
Keep in mind that this interview is about what you can do for them. Answering that youre
attracted to the free snacks in the break room wont score any points.
Tell me about a time you were under pressure to meet a deadline and what you did.
When did you feel pressure at your last job because something was due? Describe the problem, the actions you took, and the outcome. Choose examples in which you received positive
feedback.
What will former employer(s) say about you?

Be honest. Think about the positive things they will say about you.
What salary are you expecting?

This is a landmine question, and one youll almost certainly face. A general rule for salary is:
He or she who says the first number loses. Typically, a company has budgeted a certain salary
range for a position and will do their best to stay within it. Ask what that salary range is and
where the interviewer sees you fitting into that range.
To prepare, you owe it to yourself to find out what the salary range is for a comparable
position in the geographical region. You can learn this through your network or check out a
website like Salary.com.
Trick questions
These happen to the best of interviewees. The only wrong answer to an impossible question
is I dont know.

Hiring managers are looking for employees who think through tough challenges. They want
to know if you keep your cool under pressure, if you can think on your feet, whether you BS or
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maintain your credibility, and how you respond to the unfamiliar. So show them: think aloud.
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Talk about what you know about the problem; work out the process in front of them. You are
being judged not only on your ability to solve problems, but also on your intelligence and
potential. There is no potential in I dont know.
When faced with this type of question, it is fine to ask questions of the interviewer. If you are
truly stumped, make a note of the question and follow up with an emailed solution the next
day. Interviewers are always impressed by candidates who not only care about learning and
developing, but also follow through.
At the Interview
Youre there; its time for the interview! Greet the receptionist warmly and remember his or her name. As a
well-respected member of the team, receptionists have quite a bit of pull when it comes to hiring. If candidates
are rude, or odd, theyll notice and probably remark upon it to a member of the hiring team.
While waiting for your interviewer, observe the office. Is it clean and comfortable? Do the people walking by
smile at you? Are they engaged in conversation with each other? Do they seem to enjoy working there? Do you
overhear them talking to or about customers? Is there a respectful, energetic tone to their conversations? This
is great information to consider when you are considering a job offer.
When your interviewer comes to meet you, look him or her in the eye, give a firm handshake, remember the
interviewers name, and smile! Thank the receptionist (if practicable) as you leave the lobby. Do your best to get
each interviewers card.
Questions for You to Ask

Keep in mind that interviews are not only the interviewers way of getting to know you; they are your
opportunity to evaluate the company and the people with whom you might work. You are likely to be asked,
Do you have any questions? The answer is always YES!
Heres another instance where your research comes in handy. For example, I know from my research that
ABC Company is planning to expand into the international market. How might that affect the departments
activities?
If you are replacing an existing employee, you might consider asking what your predecessors biggest
challenges were.
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Ask questions that matter to you. You need to make sure that the position is a good fit for you. In a big
company, different departments have different cultures. Find out about the particular department in which you
would be working.
Is teamwork important to you? Try, Would you tell me about the last big project that the team worked on
together?
If you are interviewing in the persons office, notice the environment. See a picture of something you can relate
to like golfers, sailboats, or sunny beaches? Make a mild comment about it and observe their response. Does
their reaction look positive? If so, start a brief conversation about your mutual interest in the subject matter.
The more you learn about the interviewers personal interests the better your interview is going!
Other possible interview questions to ask include:

What problem is this job going to solve?
What steps need to be taken by the new hire to tackle that problem?
What was your first job with this company?
What do you like most about working here?
What are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?
How will you know that the person you select was the right choice?
What tools are available to achieve those goals?
How will the work that is done contribute to the companys profits?
(How will it lower costs or increase revenues?)
Tips: Be passionate! Show enthusiasm for the position, the industry, and the company. Love filing,
coding, marketing, or interacting with customers? Talk about it! Dont apply for positions you dont care
about. Throughout the interview, find connections between your personal interests, your love for the
industry, and the opportunity at hand.
Note: Do not ask about the benefits program in your first interview! If someone from Human Resources meets with you and explains the benefits then it is okay to ask the HR person questions about them
but you should not bring up the subject.
Ending the Interview

Be as cordial and energetic on the way out as on the way in. If you are interested in the position, tell the
interviewers! Express your enthusiasm. Not so thrilled? Dont let on. You may change your mind, or the
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opportunity might change, or who knows what might happen.
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Say thank you! Say good-bye to anyone else you met. Remembering their names helps score points.
Follow up with a thank-you note to each interviewer, mailed or e-mailed that afternoon or the next day. Many
positive traits are attributed to candidates who send thank-you notes; they are thought to be polite, positive,
attentive to detail, and great to work with.
Preparing for an Informational Interview

If you are a career changer or a recent college graduate looking for a first job, you will find that most people you
ask for an informational interview will be very responsive to your request for help. Its human nature; people
like to talk about themselves and what they do.
Informational interviews are not job interviews. Make it clear that you are not asking your contact for a job.
You are there to gain a deeper understanding of the company and its industry, enhance your awareness of
the companys culture, and network with professionals in a relatively low-stress setting. Equally important,
informational interviews are opportunities to get leads for positions in other divisions or companies that may
have job openings and career potential.
Goals for an Informational Interview

Your primary goals for an informational interview are:

To let the person know that you are learning about a career that is of interest to you
To leave a positive impression
To gather useful information about the company and, more broadly, the field
To gather at least two new contacts to add to your network
Questions to Get You Started
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How did you get into this field?
What do you like about working in this field?
What is a typical day like for you?
What sets your company apart from competing companies?
How would you describe the career paths?
What advice would you offer for someone wanting to get into this field?
What do hiring managers look for at this company?
Whom would you recommend that I contact to learn about another persons experience?
May I say that you recommended I call? Or would you be able to contact that person and
suggest that he or she speaks to me?
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Tips:
Be respectful of the persons time and stay within your allocated time guidelines.
Active listening is essential during an interview. If something isnt clear, dont hesitate
Do not ask for a job, or be too aggressive in your questioning/approach.

to ask for a clarification. Hiring managers like people who get their facts straight!
Take a notebook to record notes and recommendations for other people to contact.
You can also include questions to ask during the interview.
Follow Up
After an interview, follow up promptly with any further information you have been asked to submit such as
references, recommendations, portfolios, or transcripts.
Write a thank-you note within 24 hours of each interview.
Using the Internet in Your Job Search

The Internet provides an astounding wealth of information that can be extremely useful in your job search. Here
are a few tips on using the Internet to help you.
Information Resources
Online Job Listings
There are hundreds of sites posting job openings, including: Monster, CareerBuilder, Dice, Indeed.com, and
Craigs List, or you can use SuccessHawks job postings powered by Simply Hired. SuccessHawk job postings
are aggregated from all of the well-known job sites so you dont need to move from one site to another.
Company Websites
Want to learn more about a company that interests you? Visit the companys website and spend some time
browsing its pages. Get to know as much as you can about their product or services. Be sure to read the press
section to learn about recent noteworthy announcements. Dont forget to check out the companys jobs or
careers pages to see what positions the company is seeking to fill. You might also do an internet search on the
company name to see if there is any late breaking news that you should be aware of before you go in for an
interview.
Insider Information
Want to get the inside scoop on companies that interest you? Check out www.vault.com or
www.glassdoor.com for company reviews and information on salaries, interviewing, and other
related information.
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Want to learn about people who are going to interview you? Look them up on LinkedIn or other networking
sites. You can also check out companies on these sites, too.
The Blogosphere
There are dozens of job search blogs where you can pick interesting tips about managing your job search.
Blogs come and go and many are not kept up to date.
Blogs are often specialized. For example, if you are just graduating from college, check out
www.lindseypollak.com for great tips on making the transition from college to career. You can also visit
www.careermanagementalliance.com/blog where career counselors share their ideas on a wide
range of job search topics. For a comprehensive listing of blogs in the job search/career field, check out
www.blogcatalog.com.
Create an Online Presence

Todays hiring managers are relying more on the Internet to check out the credentials of potential candidates.
The first thing to do is find out what a hiring manager may learn about you. Do an Internet search on yourself
and see what comes up. You may find out that you need to do some work to clean up your image or to create
one. You want to present a positive image so you may want to revise any sites, blogs, forums, or other sites
that you appear on.
Be sure to clean up your image on Facebook and MySpace. What seemed hip in college or spring break could
turn off a hiring manager. Do the same with your voice mail message and your email address.
You can build your own personal branding by planning how you present yourself to the world via your online
presence. Keep your messaging consistent from one site to another. If you have set up a presence on multiple
sites, be sure to link all your sites.
LinkedIn
If you already have a profile on LinkedIn or other professional networking sites, be sure to keep it current. If you
havent posted a profile on this popular site or others, put one up. You never know who might find you here. Be
sure to ask your colleagues and, in particular, your former managers if they would post a recommendation for
you. Recruiters do look at LinkedIn profiles for information about you. If you do post your profile on LinkedIn and
decide you want to do the same on Plaxo or Monster, be sure that the information is consistent. You can also
check your page on LinkedIn to see whos been checking your profile.
Search the groups that you can access on LinkedIn. These groups will provide a great source of networking
contacts. Check to see if your college alumni have a group on LinkedIn.
To join LinkedIn, go to www.linkedin.com.
Tip: Check out LinkedIns Job Insider to open Job Boards and find people in your network who
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the hiring company.
work at
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Plaxo
Consider joining Plaxo, the smart address book for family, friends and business associates. On Plaxo, contacts
share what they are creating online their blogs, photos they have uploaded, restaurant reviews and more. To
join Plaxo, go to www.plaxo.com.
Join the Blogosphere

Create your own blog. If you have the expertise why not show it off? Go to www.wordpress.com for help in
setting up your blog. Dont forget to respond to blogs to become a part of the community.
Twitter
Join the newest microblog, Twitter. More and more jobs are cropping up in tweets that are posted on Twitter,
and you can also use Twitter to let people know that you are looking for work. For information on how to join
Twitter, go to www.twitter.com.
A Cautious Note on Using the Internet in Your Job Search

Be very careful about posting your private information on the Web. There are inherent risks in posting your
resume and other personal data. Never post confidential information like your Social Security number on the
Internet.
Attending Career Fairs

Career fairs are a great opportunity to make face to face connections with company recruiters. Attending career
fairs can be extremely valuable or a real waste of time. It all depends on you and how you approach them.
Attending a career fair simply to browse the floor is unlikely to get you anywhere. Approaching career fairs
strategically, however, can get you interviews with companies that interest you.
Career fairs are busy places with hundreds if not thousands of candidates vying for the attention of company
recruiters. Consequently, recruiters make snap decisions about you based upon how you look, what you say
and their first impressions of you. To ensure that you get the most out of a career fair requires preparation and
planning, making positive first impressions, and follow up.
Preparing for a Career Fair

Find out from the company hosting the career fair what companies will attend and create a priority list of the
ones that are of particular interest to you. Learn as much as you can about them from the company website:
their product lines, competition, and future plans at a minimum. The more you know, the better the impression
you will create with recruiters and the more you will distinguish yourself from other candidates.
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Practice your 30 second elevator pitch. This is your response when you are asked
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Questions to anticipate


What attracted you to our company?
Where do you see yourself in 3-5 years?
What do you offer us?
Questions for you to ask

What are you looking for in candidates for this position?
How long have you been with the company and what do you like about it?
What to take to a career fair

Multiple copies of your resume: at least two copies for each company you
want to meet plus several more
Bring business cards
A notebook and a portfolio folder to hold your resumes
Plan the Day

Dress professionally.
Plan to get there early.
If available, consider taking a workshop preceding the opening. Often, participants in these workshops
are given priority entrance into the exhibition hall.
Organize your activities. Review the floor plan and identify the locations of the companies you want to
see. Go to your top priority companies first.
At the Fair
Do a quick walk around the floor to familiarize yourself with the layout.
Interview everyone you can but prioritize the companies you want to meet and be sure to meet with
them first.
Use down time to network with other candidates or take advantage of any career search seminars.
If you are waiting to speak with a recruiter, listen to the questions the recruiters are asking candidates
ahead of you.
Smile, show enthusiasm, and shake hands firmly.
Tell the recruiter how pleased you are to have had an opportunity to meet him/her because you are
very interested in the company.
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Pick up company literature and ask the recruiter for a business card.
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After the fair

Follow up immediately with any additional materials that you may have promised a recruiter.
Write a thank you note to all the recruiters you met. Be sure to tell them why they should follow up with you.
Reigniting a Stalled Job Search

10 Ways to Get Back on Track
Hopefully your job search is proceeding along nicely. But if youre feeling a bit discouraged, particularly after
working this process hard for a month or two, dont despair. Just as dieters can speed up weight loss by varying
their exercise regimen, job seekers can enjoy better results by periodically incorporating new strategies into
their job search routine. Here are 10 proven strategies to help get your search back on track.
1. Evaluate and expand your target list

If youre not getting the results you want, it might be time to expand your list of possible
employers. Think beyond the obvious corporate targets and include small businesses, nonprofits, and organizations in high-growth fields (for example, healthcare, government, and
education). Set up Google Alerts to track industry news and companies with hiring potential.
An excellent tutorial to help you research and identify companies is offered online by the
New York Public Library at http://www.nypl.org/research/sibl/company/c2index.htm.
2. Revisit your initial list of employers

Employers needs and budgets change over time, so periodically circle back with companies
to express your continued interest in them. Be persistent but polite in your follow-up
conversations.
3. Focus on your inner circle of influential contacts

As your search continues, youll find certain people to be incredibly helpful, while others will
be of limited value. Identify your inner circle of power supporters and nurture those core
relationships to ensure their continued assistance over the long-haul. Also, circle back with
friends and former business colleagues.
4. Consider project-based employment

Taking on project work can help you build new skills, expand your network of professional
contacts, and potentially lead to an offer of full-time employment. At a minimum, being
involved with a project can help you feel more productive and valued.
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5. Join a job search support group

The benefits of joining a job search group are many: you make valuable contacts, gain
access to job leads, and enjoy the emotional support offered by your fellow job seekers.
Most importantly, people involved with support groups report higher success rates and less
depression than those who try to go it alone.
6. Start your own job club

If you cant find a job group that you like, consider creating your own job club of like-minded
individuals (for example, moms returning to work, laid-off executives from the same company, recent college graduates, and others currently seeking work.). The structure of the
group can be as loose or as formal as the group desires, but for optimal results, aim to have
the group convene at least once a week.
7. Create a blog
Recruiters and employers are increasingly turning to the Internet to recruit and vet job candidates. Writing a blog is an inexpensive way to establish an online presence, showcase your
credentials, and promote yourself as an expert in your industry.
8. Contact a career professional

If you havent done so already, now may be the time to schedule a few sessions with a
trained career advisor. If you cant afford a counselor in private practice, contact your alma
mater, local community college, or state unemployment office to arrange a session with a
counselor in their career services department.
9. Read a good career book or online newsletter

There are hundreds of useful books and e-newsletters about the job search process. Take
out a few books from the library and sign up for some free e-newsletters online. Make it a
point to read about this subject for at least 10 minutes each morning. Even if you only pick
up a few new ideas each week, you never know which nugget of information might prove to
be the golden ticket.
10. Take a break

While this might sound counter-intuitive, giving yourself a few days away from the search
can help clear your mind, refresh your spirit, and enable you to approach this challenge with
renewed focus. If you cant afford the luxury of a few days away, schedule small breaks into
your day to help maintain the energy and focus needed for a protracted job search.
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Evaluating a Job Offer

Getting a call from a hiring manager offering you the job you want is exhilarating.
But before you jump at the offer, spend some time evaluating it. Telling the hiring manager that you are
genuinely excited to get the offer but would like to sleep on it before you formally accept the offer is a
generally accepted practice.
As a starting point after being offered the job, consider the following points:
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Does the job align with your goals in terms of what the job entails?
How do you feel about the company and its culture?
How do you feel about the person you will report to and the people you will be working with?
Are you pleased with the financial offer?
Will you receive stock options, a 401K, or an employee stock purchase plan?
What is the health benefits package?
What is the vacation policy?
If relocation is required, what is the companys relocation policy?
G E
Register now at: http://www.successhawk.com
SuccessHawk.com
Career Management LLC
9520 Berger Road, Columbia, MD 21046
For further information:

Telephone: 1-800-610-4295
Email: support@successhawk.com
Website: http://www.successhawk.com
SuccessHawk
ALL THE ESSENTIAL JOB SEARCH TOOLS AND ADVICE IN ONE SPOT

SuccessHawk Secrets of A Successful Job Search

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Secrets of A Successful Job Search

A Career Management Publication

Starting Your Job Search.....................................................3

Preparing for Interviews................................................... 31

The SuccessHawk Job Search Roadmap.........................6

Interview Questions to Anticipate.................................... 33

Set up a Dedicated Office....................................................6

Questions for You to Ask...................................................35

Review Your Finances..........................................................7

Ending the Interview..........................................................36

File for Unemployment.........................................................7

Preparing for an Informational Interview.......................37

Update Your Business Associates.......................................8

Define Your Value for Employers.........................................9

Using the Internet in Your Job Search.............................38

A New Career Direction.......................................................9

Online Job Listings........................................................38

Why You Need to Set Goals..............................................10

Setting Effective Goals......................................................11

Write Your Goals Down.....................................................11

Create Resumes and Letters................................................11

Create an Online Presence................................................39

Write Your Own Resume or Hire a Professional...............12

Writing Accomplishments Statements..............................15

One-Page Resume or Two-Page Resume?.........................16

Attending Career Fairs........................................................40

Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Opportunity..................16

Preparing for a Career Fair.................................................40

Plan the Day.......................................................................41

Preparing a Resume for Scanning.....................................17

After the fair......................................................................42

How to Network Professionally........................................20

Why is Networking Important?..........................................20

10 Steps to Networking Your Way a Great Job................21

A Career Management Publication

Reigniting a Stalled Job Search:

Define the type of work you want

Organize your job search

Prepare for interviews by knowing what to say and what to ask

Tips to build a resume that stands out from others

Organizing your contacts

Scheduling your time to meet job search goals

Preparing for interviews

Starting Your Job Search

1. Whats more important: where I live or what I want to do?

3. Am I preparing resumes tailored to specific opportunities of interest?

4. Should I write my own resume or hire a professional?

5. Am I organized and ready to network?

6. Do I need help getting ready for interviews?

one. SuccessHawk can help you answer these questions.

A Career Management Publication

Research occupations and industries

Prepare for interviews

Search for a job by networking

A Career Management Publication

A Career Management Publication

The SuccessHawk Job Search Roadmap

Build and work

Set up a Dedicated Office

250 copies of a basic business card for networking purposes

A Career Management Publication

Review Your Finances

File for Unemployment