Get Set

Learn what's out there.

You have created a personal profile through starting with yourself; now it's time to explore possibilities that match your skills, interests, and preferences. What do people who work at your dream job really do on a daily basis? Which companies have opportunities?

Now is the time to gather lots of information in a variety of different ways to get a clear and complete idea of what is available to you. While this is still an exploratory step, it may lead to contact with a job that you want. Remember to always put your best foot forward!

Do not skip this step! Sometimes job seekers feel they have invested lots of time already in thinking about themselves and so the next step is to get a job. While it may be tempting to move immediately to the "Go!" step, you will be shortchanging yourself if you do. In fact, taking the time to learn what's out there helps you lay groundwork that can assist you in many ways:

• Researching the job lets you know what to expect.
• You identify the best companies to work for.
• Networking with people builds your reputation and opportunities.
• Gathering information may open options that you may not have thought possible before.
• You can better negotiate offers by finding out what salary and benefits come with various careers.
• You learn about the necessary qualifications and aptitudes in your chosen field, information you need to plan a successful marketing strategy.

How to explore...

Networking

Networking simply means talking to people you know to get ideas or make connections that could help you. The saying "it's not what you know, it's who you know" can be the key to a faster and more successful search! Start by talking with people who may be in a field related to the kind of work that you are exploring. Tell them about your interests. Ask them for their thoughts or for additional contacts with whom you could speak. You never know who may have useful information that can lead to opportunities. Be sure and consider everyone you come into contact with in your daily routines:

• Personal Network = family, friends, neighbors, classmates, present and past employers and co-workers.
• Professional Network = present and past teachers, counselors and human service providers, doctors, dentists, accountants, insurance agents, etc.
• Community Network = other services you use such as your bank; food, video, or drug stores; day care or schools; hair salon; restaurants; health club / gym; associations you belong to; church or synagogue.

Informational Interviews

One specific kind of networking is known as an informational interview. The informational interview allows you to gain knowledge about the field without the stress of a regular job interview. You can ask questions such as what does someone do on a daily basis, what are the requirements of the job, and what are the trends in the field. Be sure to request other contacts so you can expand your network. By doing this, you will eventually get names of employers where you might get additional informational interviews, job interviews, and connections that could ultimately lead to a job!

Experience

There are lots of ways to gain work experience and skills. Volunteering or interning gives you a taste of what it is actually like to work in a particular environment. Job shadowing allows you to observe someone on his or her job to see if it is a job you would want for yourself. Temporary employment agencies give you the chance to try out different jobs for a limited period of time while getting paid for your work.

Perhaps you have not yet had many work experiences and are unsure of what you would like to do or what kind of job you could get. You may want to find out whether there is a career exploration program in your area. In this type of program, you can experience work in actual places of employment where you can learn more about your skills, abilities, and interests. You may be able to spend time closely following a worker on the job, or try out the specific job you think you may want. These programs often have a job search component as well, which involves going on informational interviews, touring work places, and researching information about jobs available in your community. You may have the option to work with a Job Coach, Job Developer, or Employment Specialist who can assist you in finding the job that is right for you.

Informational Resources

The internet and career resource centers such as college career centers and public One-Stop Career Centers are great places to get a lot of information about the world of work. Almost every company has its own website these days, where you can learn about the company and what it does. Career resource centers have written materials about companies, training opportunities, trends, actual job openings, and opportunities for networking. They can also connect you to training programs or colleges if you want to learn a specific skill or profession.

Mentor

Another way to widen your perspective on career options is to find a mentor - a person who is more experienced in your area of interest and can give you advice. A mentor can point you in the direction of further resources, and guide you in career options and strategy. You should feel comfortable communicating your hopes, dreams, and frustrations to this person. A mentor should be open-minded, supportive, and non-judgmental.