Job-Search Readiness

  • Due No due date
  • Points 3
  • Questions 3
  • Time Limit None

Instructions

INTRODUCTION

Part of being employment ready includes being prepared for the job search. By sharpening your job-search skills, you help employers recognize your value and skills. You may be qualified and have the knowledge to do the job well, but if you are unable to articulate or show that, an employer may move on to candidates that seem more qualified. 

 

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OBJECTIVE

  • Evaluate your confidence in and preparedness for the job search.

 

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INSTRUCTIONS

This assignment is meant to help you get an idea of how prepared you are for the job search. You will self-evaluate your interview preparedness, your resume, and your LinkedIn profile. Then, at the end of this module, you will meet with an instructor, discuss your answers, and identify a plan to prepare for the job search.

 

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RESOURCES

The following sections detail resources you can use to prepare for your job search. 

 

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DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES

The Department of Workforce Services has several resources on their website (jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/js.html). They also offer a half-day course ("Employment Essentials") at Bridgerland meant to prepare you for the job search. 

Employment Essentials Course

Once a month, the Department of Workforce Services (DWS) does a class at Bridgerland Technical College called "Employment Essentials." This is a 4-hour class meant to aid you in the job search. If you are a Bridgerland student, you should receive an email notifying you of the next date the class will be held. Dates can also be found here: jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/workshops/br/index.html 

Students with a current resume are encouraged to bring it to class to review and make notes. 

If you would like, you can pre-register with the Department of Workforce Services (steps are provided at the end of this section to help with the preregistration). Otherwise, you are welcome to just show up the day of the class.

The instructor will teach the following topics during the 4-hour class:

  • DWS website, resources, programs, services
  • Goal Setting
  • Job Applications
  • Resume Writing (Portfolio)
  • Networking 
  • Interviewing 

How to Pre-Register for the Employment Essentials Course:

  1. Go to jobs.utah.gov and click on the "sign in" button in the top right corner.
  2. Click on the "my job search" link in the drop-down menu
  3. Create an account on jobs.utah.gov with a username and password (or login if already created)
  4. If necessary, complete the profile of your information (contact info, employment skills and experience, education, upload a resume, etc.) Once completed, it will show your profile strength and DWS would like to strive for an 80% or above benchmark.
  5. Once the profile is completed, it will take you to the "dashboard" of your “my job” search login. 
  6. Click on the Menu Icon in the top right corner,Look for the "activities" link on the right-hand side of the page.
  7. Click on the "activities" linkand in the drop-down menus select the one for "workshops"
  8. Click on the "workshops" link—in the Workshops window, select In Person and Live Virtual Workshops.
  9. In the "Local Workshops" window under "Schedule a Workshop", Select the down arrow in the Workshop field. Click on "Employment Essentials" and click on Select.
  10. Find the next available date.

 

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RESUME/LINKEDIN HELP

Two important tools in the job search are resumes and LinkedIn profiles. A resume is a document that summarizes a person's work experience, skills, education and achievements. Hiring managers use it to quickly assess whether the individual is a good fit for a job opportunity. A LinkedIn profile is similar but is an online profile. Additionally, having a LinkedIn profile allows a jobseeker to connect with other industry professionals. 

Resumes

When applying for a job, you usually will need to submit a resume. When creating a resume, highlight your skills and accomplishments. Additionally, tailor the focus of your resume to the job you are applying for. This will help potential employers see how you are the best fit for the job opening. 

LinkedIn

Even though submitting a resume is part of the application process, having a LinkedIn profile is an additional tool that can lend a jobseeker credibility, demonstrate their engagement with the industry, and connect them with other industry professionals. Even with a resume, hiring managers still use LinkedIn to verify work and educational experiences, assess professional connections, and gain insights into a candidate's industry engagement and credibility.

If you don't have a LinkedIn Profile yet, create one. Here is an article about the 9 things you should start with when creating a LinkedIn Profile: LinkedIn: From Beginner to All-Star in 9 easy steps! . 

Once you have created a LinkedIn profile, add your instructors. They have industry connections, and by connecting with your instructors, you will tap into their network. This both gives you credibility and helps you connect with potential employers. 

 

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ADDITIONAL HELP

In addition to getting help from DWS on your resume and LinkedIn profile, you can meet with your instructor again and receive feedback on your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile. If you are a high school student, you can also come to Bridgerland and meet with an instructor for feedback. 

 

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SUBMISSION

After creating or revising your resume, and after creating or updating your LinkedIn profile, take this survey to self-evaluate your job-search preparedness. You will review your answers when you meet with your instructor and set goals to continue to prepare for the job search.

 

Only registered, enrolled users can take graded quizzes