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Can Anyone Do Job Placement Service Course Online Work?

W O R K P L A C E I N C L U S I O N & S U S T A I N A B L E E M P L O Y M E N T

Job Placement Specialist

Job Searching and Record Keeping

Food for Thought

The best way to perform a job search is to treat the search as if it were a job.

Performing a job search, the act of searching for employment when either unemployed or dissatisfied with a current position, should not be approached lightly. In order for a customer to maximize their job search, the approach should be well-planned, comprehensive and detailed. Looking at the newspaper alone doesn't cut it. A relatively small percentage of the jobs available are advertised in the newspaper nowadays. The following is a partial list of job search sources to consider:

• newspapers and circulars • job search websites

Indeed.com Workintexas.com Monster.com Careerbuilder.com Glassdoor.com

• bulletin boards • social media

o Facebook o Twitter o LinkedIn

• word-of-mouth (family, friends, associates) • library • business and company websites • Texas Workforce and Workforce centers

Job Search Websites

There are a ton out there, some can be better than others. Pick one or two to use, trying to use all will become over whelming and counterproductive. Be aware, some will ask for resumes, contact information, such as phone numbers and emails. Without realizing it you may have agreed to allow “trade/business schools” to contact you or spam you. Most of these can be “unsubscribed”, but there are a few that never take “no” for answer. Read the “fine print” before giving a website all of your personal information.

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W O R K P L A C E I N C L U S I O N & S U S T A I N A B L E E M P L O Y M E N T

Job Placement Specialist

Social Media

This is becoming more and more prevalent as a way to connect/network with potential employers or find job leads. Two of the most popular social media sites, related to employment, are LinkedIn and Facebook. As a JPS, you may assist your customers to establish a “LinkedIn” account, which is used to network with other individuals regarding employment. It is important to remind customers to keep their account current and relevant to employment goals. If they have an account, encourage them to post something every other day and keep it focused on the employment goal. Try to “link” with others already employed at the business they want to get a job with. This is a great networking tool! Additionally, Facebook has “Job Pages” for most cities and towns. Encourage your customers to complete a search for jobs in their area on Facebook, as the sheer number of pages may be a surprise! It is recommended for the customer to join the larger ones and start networking with others. Some are employers, some are job seekers, or recruiters, but emphasize the need to be diligent of scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Employers regularly conduct online searches of prospective employees. You have heard this before, do a search of yourself on the internet. As the JPS, you are encouraged to assist your customers in doing a search of themselves. Provide guidance to customers, such as emphasizing the need to pay close attention to what is on their Social Media accounts. They should ask themselves: Is it appropriate? Am I portraying a positive self- image? Am I behaving in a professional manner? It is recommended individuals do not post any controversial subjects (politics, religion, current events in the news) that may impact their employment or self-image. A good way to check if something is appropriate is to ask, “Would this be ok to say or do in front of my family?” If the answer is no, remove it from the account, delete the postings/pictures or consider shutting social media accounts down while looking for employment. If the JPS does not have any experience or needs assistance with getting the customer started on LinkedIn, please review the following link:

How to use LinkedIn Effectively https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-use- linkedin-2062597

Networking

Ever hear about “hidden jobs?” Networking is how they are found. Networking is the art of building alliances. The dictionary definition is

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-use-linkedin-2062597
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-use-linkedin-2062597
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Job Placement Specialist

“a usually informally interconnected association of individuals.”

The customer's and JPS network is limited only by the company they keep. The customer and JPS is networking when they:

• Attend job fairs • Talk to another person while both are waiting in line • Attend a child’s sports event • Re-connect with an old friend • Talk to a neighbor

Customers are not networking when they call their friends and ask them if they know of a job! They are networking if they have a friend who works at a business they are trying to gain employment at. If this is the case, encourage the customer to reach out to their friend and let them know they are interested in working there. The friend may be able to help, or at least tell the customer who to contact.

Food for Thought for the JPS

Networking applies to you and your customer. Just as you expect your customer to regularly network, you should be doing the same thing!

Networking is often cited as the best way to get a job! Employers seem most willing to hire when the applicant is referred by someone they know who is already employed by them, or who they know personally.

Job Search Process

The customer may want to create a process that would be followed when performing job searches. This would help with time management and tracking. The following is a basic process that can be used:

1. Match the customer’s skills and interests to actual jobs using the Employment Attributes from the VR1845A, Bundled Job Placement Services Placement Plan Part A or the Employment Conditions, and SOC codes from the VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan Part B and Status Report that help describe skills and interests.

2. Create a list of all the sources that will be used for the job search.

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Job Placement Specialist

3. With the objective of treating the job search as if it were a job, create a plan for spending an eight-hour work day performing the job search using the list of resources.

a. Plan the activities that will be performed every day and every hour.

9:00 a.m. search paper & begin a job search list 10:00 a.m. search three websites & add to list 11:00 a.m. update resume to match job description 1:00 p.m. send cover letter & resume to employer 3:00 p.m. follow up on applications and interviews

4. When performing job searches, customers should use a "Job Search Log” to

track activities. 5. Using a Job Search Log, the customer will be able to scan all of the job search

activity being performed. With this method, he or she will be able to: a. determine which sources to revisit or follow up b. analyze job search performance c. determine sources that are not fruitful d. refer back to when potential employer’s call

JPS Tip

In order to maximize the job search, your customer should be performing job search tasks every day and recording the activity on a Job Search Log. This Job Search Log

should be reviewed daily.

Record Keeping

While some job seekers have developed their own way of keeping information organized – many have great difficulty knowing what to record and how to keep it in a manner that they can retrieve it when needed. Record keeping is increasingly essential in our daily routines. For many, however, the extent of their record keeping may be their wallet or purse. Job Seekers need to be prepared to consistently answer many questions during the job search as well as after securing their employment. Retaining information after employment is equally important – and having a little organization helps to decrease the frustration.

Record the job search:

There are many different ways to track or record job search efforts. Some agencies supply a job search worksheet that is required to show efforts in finding employment.

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W O R K P L A C E I N C L U S I O N & S U S T A I N A B L E E M P L O Y M E N T

Job Placement Specialist

For instance, Texas Workforce Commission uses a Work Search Log form for persons receiving unemployment insurance. Keeping job search notes will help in recalling the details about a job when the employer calls several days or weeks later.

TIP: Use a recording tool: a spiral notebook, notecards, a computer, notes on a smart phone, or the forms provided by the agency or online tool.

After applying, using a form to track the search log is great, and the customer can go a step further. Staple a copy of the job description and the resume used to the search log. Now, when the customer gets that employer phone call, he or she can easily find the records to refresh his or her memory on that particular job. Note that the customer will develop and carry a Master List (DARS1850) that will include the work history, references, criminal background information (if necessary), and other pertinent information.

What you should always have on you when looking for a job:

• Always carry a Driver’s License or other photo ID. Most employers will ask for a copy of the license.

• If the customer drives, he or she should always have proof of auto

insurance. Employers may also want to see proof of insurance.

• The customer should keep a current health insurance card in their wallet or purse.

Files to maintain:

• The customer should keep pay stubs or payment receipts and copies of the reports sent to Social Security in a folder or envelope. This information creates the records needed to support work incentives, SSA overpayment issues or verification for other benefits.

• Medical records kept in a file or single location help to provide a history of health care needs and prescriptions. This is helpful to apply for work incentives or other benefits. If customer is a Social Security Beneficiary, be sure he or she retains the Medicaid or Medicare Insurance cards.

http://www.twc.state.tx.us/files/jobseekers/work-search-log-twc.pdf
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Job Placement Specialist

Registering for WorkinTexas.org

WorkinTexas is a website owned by the Texas Work Force Commission and is intended to be used by job seekers and employers. When a person is looking for work, it is recommended they create an account on this website. The JPS helps the customer establish an account. Once the customer has completed registering, by supplying more demographic information in the system, they can create a “resume” and application within the system. Additionally, they can look at “Job Matching” possibilities, based on information provided.

Once the customer is on the website, they will be given the opportunity to search for jobs, indicate a preference of wage, shift, full or part time, and indicate what region/town/city you wish to work in.

https://wit.twc.state.tx.us/WORKINTEXAS/wtx?u=1508198100454&pageid=APP_HOME
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Job Placement Specialist

There is information about being a Veteran and/or having a disability. This is an area the JPS assists the customer to determine if it is advantageous to disclose the disability on this site. Ensure the customer, with assistance from the JPS, as needed, reviews all information in each section. Assignment to Consider for the Customer Receiving Training from the JPS.

1. Have the customer develop their own job search log. It can be electronic, paper, or an already existing log. Ensure it has the following items: name of employer, name of job applied for, how they job was applied for, contact information for employer, date of application, any follow-up the customer did and a tracking method for interviews, thank you notes, or any other pertinent information.

2. Provide the JPS with the log.

3. The JPS needs to provide constructive feedback to the customer on the log submitted. Discuss any items missed or ones that are specific to the needs of the customer.

Assignment Required for the Customer Receiving Training from the JPS.

1. Have the customer establish an account on the WorkinTexas website.

2. Ensure the customer has an appropriate email and fill out all necessary areas.

3. Ensure the customer writes their user name and password.

4. The JPS needs to provide constructive feedback to the customer on the completed initial log in. Consider having the customer log in and out several times to help them learn the process. Discuss any items missed or ones that are specific to the needs of the customer.

Job Searching and Record Keeping
Job Search Websites
Social Media
Networking
Job Search Process
Record Keeping
Record the job search:
What you should always have on you when looking for a job:
Files to maintain:
Registering for WorkinTexas.org
Assignment to Consider for the Customer Receiving Training from the JPS.
Assignment Required for the Customer Receiving Training from the JPS.