Chapter Two: Know Your Job Most people make significant career decisions based on little or no information about the career itself. The job “sounded neat” or otherwise looked desirable. For instance, when the television program CSI became popular, career counselors were inundated with people wanting to become crime scene investigators. Had those people done some career research, they would have found that the job of crime scene investigator did not have good-looking people doing cool science tests, and overriding police to solve even cooler crimes. In fact, crime scene investigation is generally boring, a tedious job that is 95% paperwork and only 5% David Caruso. The fact is that we need to learn more about our career choices. We can’t afford an “ignorance is bliss” approach to our career development. We need to learn more about our career--by talking with people, watching the people, and working alongside the people who have the job we want. Only then will we make the wisest of career choices, as well as knowing how to walk the path. This chapter addresses how you can learn more about your career, as well as how you can find information that can help you access your job as a person with a disability: • • • • • What is the specific job that I want to do? How can I get more information about my new job goal? How do I locate employers and job openings? How can I avoid the competition of traditional job searches? How will this next job fit into my long term career goals? 24 GINO—Goal, Information, Network, Openings The traditional approach to getting a getting a job usually involves little more than finding advertised job openings, applying for the open job, and going through an interview process. Perhaps one could also tender a few resumes along the way. This has been a standard in the American job market for the past seventy years. And it tends to be a pretty terrible way to get a job. Instead of doing the “traditional” job-seeking approach, use an approach that incorporates your developing career, and one that will actually get you a job. Better. Stronger. Faster. Your own bionic job-seeking skills. GINO is short for Goal, Information, Network and Openings. Goal: Having a clear career goal will help you have a clear focus as you pursue your job search, and will also help you “filter out” information and opportunities that do not support your goal. Information: This is the process of hearing, seeing, and doing. Information interviews, job shadowing and internships are all part of getting information about your career. Network: This is a collection of the people who have the job you want, the places where you can work, and the things that you need to connect to your career. Openings: As you are clear in your goal, you seek information, and you develop your network, you will also run across job opportunities and openings that are not apparent to the general population of job-seekers. You’ll find them, because you are looking for them in a way that most others are not. Conducting your career development by using GINO will help you get a job better, stronger and faster than traditional methods. Here is why: • Most job-seekers use traditional job-seeking methods (classifieds, resumes, applications). That’s a lot of competition that you don’t want. • Most job-seekers do not spend much time or effort on their job search. Using GINO is more time-involved, and more productive. • Most job-seekers are strangers to the interview panels they meet. GINO users are known and trusted by their potential bosses. • Most job-seekers have never worked in the job they are applying for. The GINO users are already experts in their jobs. 25 Your Job Goal An important first step in finding a job is to decide on--and act upon--your specific job goal. Why should you limit yourself to just one type of job? Here’s an argument for that: 1. We are easily distracted in our job search. Like a dog smelling bacon, we are attracted to every “Help Wanted” sign we see. If it is open, it therefore must be good, right? (Often, the opposite is true…if a job is open, it’s because someone else didn’t want it!) 2. By choosing a specific job goal, you are eliminating thousands of other jobs that don’t hold your interest. This allows you to focus on one goal, learn more about it, and develop a network of employers within your goal. 3. It’s simpler. If you know what you are looking for, it’s easier to find it. Some people worry that choosing a job goal will “limit” their choices. Hardly. Suppose you choose “accountant” as your job goal. In a large city, there may be 25,000 different accountants and bookkeepers employed, and perhaps 5-10% of them will leave their job this year. That “limits” you to perhaps 2,000 available jobs or so. Therefore, the “limitation” is actually a very helpful focus. Let’s say you have chosen a job that is pretty rare and uncommon, such as a signlanguage interpreter. By having this clear goal, you are able to meet all of the local interpreters, know all of the interpreting agencies, and be the obvious person to hire once there is an opening. You’re a lock on the job by having a focused goal. Furthermore, choosing a specific job goal forces you to look at your decision critically. You will need to investigate this job, pick it apart, and learn more about it by talking to people in the field. It’s much easier to do this if you have one well-considered job goal, rather than just “keeping your options open.” Can you change your mind on your job goal? Of course! But let’s not call it “change.” Let’s call it—“clarify.” In fact, the more research you do on a specific job goal, the more you will be able to make an informed, valid decision on your career choice. This may lead you to clarify your goal somewhat. A word of warning—do not fall into the trap of changing your goals on a regular basis. This happens when a person is not “invested” in their career. If this is you, invest in your career! Make a choice, and take some initial steps to learn more about it. Stick to it. By the way . . . you can reduce career indecision by doing your homework regularly. 26 Assignment #3: Your Job Goal Use this guide to identify your job goal. Think and write a little about your reasons for choosing this position. You may have to learn more about it before making a final decision. Job Goal: 1. The position I want is __________________________________ 2. This is the “next step” in my career goal in _____________________________ 3. The qualifications for this job include _________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ 4. Five specific employers who might hire me for this job might include a. ________________________________________________________ b. ________________________________________________________ c. ________________________________________________________ d. ________________________________________________________ Journal “C” Why Did You Pick That??? It’s not the what, it’s the why that really counts. Write a one-page journal on the reasons that you picked this job to start your career. Why does this job interest you? In what way does it turn you on, make you happy? Why do you think you are qualified for it? How does it fit in with your long-term goals? 27 Information Interviews “How do I know these things? I stand on the shoulders of giants.” --Sir Isaac Newton There are many things that you can do to learn more about the job you want. You can read books, search the internet, read job descriptions, do some labor market research. These are all good ideas—but about as dry and boring as driving on a hot day in Fresno. (My apologies, Fresno.) Why not talk directly to the people who have the job that you want? They’re the ones who are there, eight hours a day, doing the job that you want to do. Chances are they will have information that will be very helpful to you in your career search. This is called an information interview. Simply put, an information interview is where you talk with the people who do the job that you want. You pepper them with questions about their job and career, and hopefully you will discover things that you never imagined existed. Why do it? There are two clear benefits of doing information interviews: 1. You can learn a great deal of information about the job that you want, the work environment, hiring practices, required skills, etc. 2. You get to meet people—and they get to meet you. Remember, you may be talking to your future boss! (Spoiler Alert--this is called networking.) Conducting information interviews as part of your career development puts you in a unique position as a job-seeker. While doing information interviews, you are not a “job-seeker” trying to talk your way into a job. You are simply a learner—a motivated student of the world of work, going the extra mile. Warning: Do not confuse an information interview with a job interview. If you sound like you are only trying to weasel your way into a job offer, it abuses the hospitality of the employer, and you are likely to receive a cold reception. And never, never ask for a job during an information interview. A good side-effect: One benefit of doing information interviews, however, is that the employer you are talking with might begin to show an interest in you as a potential employee. Your professionalism, well-considered questions and enthusiasm, along with a little luck, might lead the employer to offer you a job. If this door is opened, you can certainly walk through it. Before conducting an information interview, you need to prepare yourself for the possibility of a real job offer. 28 How to Conduct an Information Interview Most people don’t feel comfortable doing information interviews at first. Talking to strangers and asking personal questions is awkward. The secret is practice. Once you practice your information interview questions with your teacher or a friend, it will come much more naturally to you. Steps to doing an Information Interview: 1. Have a specific job goal that you want to learn more about (i.e. accountant, group home assistant, repair tech, etc.) 2. Get a referral to a person you can interview. Don’t “cold call” employers yourself—you’ll too often get turned down. Your teachers, friends or counselor can be very good at referring you to a great interviewee. They can make the first call, and then you can call to follow up. The person has already agreed to talk with you, so it’s unlikely you’ll be turned down. 3. Prepare! Make a list of questions that you can ask in an interview. Practice them, so you don’t sound canned and uncomfortable. And do some background research on the job so you don’t sound like a newbie. 4. Be a pro! Dress professionally for your appointment, and arrive on time. Communicate your purpose (you’re here for information, not a job!) You want the employer to see you as a professional, rather than a job-seeker. 5. Ask your questions, listen thoughtfully to the answers, and follow up with deeper questions based on what they are telling you. Your being a good listener will help them feel more at ease with you. 6. After the interview, send a thank you letter--ASAP!! You can hand-write a card or type a formal letter. Do this immediately after your interview! 7. Write a summary of your experience, thinking about what you’ve learned. This will help you do an even better information interview next time. If you prepare for this, it will show. If you do not prepare, it will show. 29 Sample Information Interview (Phone Call) You: Hello, this is Dudley Dookie. May I speak to Michele Jagger? Michele: This is Michele. Hi Dudley—Cheryl told me you would call. You: Great. The reason I am calling is that I am looking at getting involved in the real estate field, and I wanted to talk to people who already have lots of experience in the field. Cheryl said that you were the expert to speak with. (Note the strategic kissing up.) Michele: Sounds great. What do you want to ask me? You: I was hoping to meet you in person if possible. Would it be okay to meet you at your office or at lunch, for about 20 minutes or so? Michele: Sure—why don’t we meet at Casa de Bologna near my office, this Thursday at 12:30. Does that work for you? At the interview: - - - - - - - - - You: Hi Michele—thanks for meeting with me. What I really wanted to know is the “real story” of working in real estate. I’ve read a lot about it, but I was hoping you can share some practical career information. Michele: So what did you want to ask? You: Well, to start with, tell me a little about how you got started, and things you did that got you to this point in your career . . . TIPS for a smooth information interview: 1. Have prepared questions, but avoid reading them during your interviews. What you want is a “natural” conversation, not a Q and A. 2. Be a good listener. A good listener pays attention, nods, smiles, and reflects on the information being shared. “So what you’re telling me that real estate is fulfilling, but also a very competitive field to work in.” 3. Ask additional questions based on the information you are hearing, rather than sticking with your “list” of questions. This will help develop a good, natural conversation. 4. Keep an eye on the clock, and offer to wrap it up if you feel your host is ready to quit. 30 Examples of Information Interview Questions One way that you can appear professional is by having a list of well-developed questions that you can ask during your information interview. You don’t need a lot—a dozen questions is plenty. Closed vs. Open-Ended Questions: It is important not to ask closed questions that can be answered with a “yes” or “no.” An open-ended question asks for detailed information, such as, “Tell me some of the things you like about your job,” rather than “Do you like your job?” You can use these to help you in making up your list of questions: • Tell me a little bit about your career, your jobs and your education that led you to the job you are doing now. • What does a “typical day” look like on your job? • How many years of education does your job generally require? What kind of specialized training did you do? • What are some of the things that you love about your job? • What are some of the more challenging aspects of your job? • What are the typical steps that a person would take as they progress in this career? • What would you guess to be a salary range for an entry-level person in this type of position? • What were some of the things that led you to pick this career? • How do you feel about the stability and security of a job like this? • Do you know of anyone in this field who has (type of disability)? • What kinds of on-the-job training did you experience for this job? • What are some of the special qualities and skills that an employer would like to see in applicants for this position? • What was your “luckiest break” in your career? • What was one of the “toughest breaks” you’ve had in your career? And two very important questions: • Is there anyone that you can refer me to to get an additional perspective on this career? • Is there any opportunity for me to spend a day observing you or another person doing this job? (job shadow) 31 Your Questions for an Information Interview Assignment #4: Your Information Interview Questions Write up a series of questions that you can use for an information interview. Try to make the questions specific to the career you are investigating, rather than too general. Practice asking these questions so you don’t need to read them off a list. - - - - - - - - - - - - Thank You Letter Make sure that you write a thank you letter AS SOON as you are finished with the interview. It is crucial to do this—not only for manners’ sake, but to ensure that the employer remembers you down the road. This can be a simple note or a business letter. Here is a sample thank you letter you can use: June 5, 2014 Dear Ms. Hoffbrow, I wanted to thank you again for your time today. The information you shared with me about a career in real estate will have a large impact on my career search. I also appreciate your referring me to Lisa—I have contacted her, and we will meet next week. If you have anything that you wanted to add, I can be reached at [email protected], or at 916-558-2590. Thanks again for your help. Dudley Dookie 32 Assignment #5: Your First Three Information Interviews Information interviews will be the most important step you will take in following the GINO approach. Conduct your first three information interviews, and write up a short summary of what you’ve learned for each one (1-2 pages each). Here are your first three information interviews. Try to do at least one each week. Information Interview #1: Person: __________________________________ Employer: ___________________ Phone Number: _____________________________ Email: _____________________ Contacted: ____ Interview: ____ Sent thank-you: ____ Completed write-up ____ ________________________________________________________________________ Information Interview #2: Person: __________________________________ Employer: ___________________ Phone Number: _____________________________ Email: _____________________ Contacted: ____ Interview: ____ Sent thank-you: ____ Completed write-up ____ ________________________________________________________________________ Information Interview #3: Person: __________________________________ Employer: ___________________ Phone Number: _____________________________ Email: _____________________ Contacted: ____ Interview: ____ Sent thank-you: ____ Completed write-up ____ Don’t stop here. Keep doing information interviews until you are employed. Consider this a behavior of a good job-seeker, not just a homework assignment. 33 Job Shadowing and Internships “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” –Lao Tzu Completing several information interviews will help you learn a great deal of information about your career. Job shadowing and internships will allow you to “get your hands dirty” by actually seeing or doing the job you want. Job Shadowing: This is a simple idea. Arrange an opportunity with an employer to follow around an employee for a few hours (or a few days, if appropriate.) You get to see the job they do, you can observe the environment, and you get to meet other people who may become your bosses or co-workers. Shadowing is an excellent way to learn about jobs that require a lot of physical interactions (warehouse, retail, maintenance, recreation, teaching, etc) as there is lots to see. Shadowing is not as effective for cognitive jobs, like accounting, computer programming or confidential positions (counselors, doctors.) Internships: This is where you would actually perform the duties of the job you want, usually as a volunteer, under the training and supervision of a manager or co-worker. Is it worth your time to work for free? Certainly! The majority of internships result in job offers, and you will learn many “on the job” lessons that you can’t get in a classroom. Warning: Some employers are hesitant to allow job tryouts and internships for two good reasons: liability for accidents, and the time required to supervise a “free” worker. Bear this in mind when approaching an employer for a shadow or internship. Often, worksite liability can be covered by your college if you are taking a career development or work experience class. For supervision, be sensitive to this issue: try to make sure you learn fast, and do the job without being either a pest or a bump on a log. Many larger employers have established internship programs you can utilize. Getting a Job Shadow or Internship: One of the best ways to get a shadow or tryout is to do an information interview with an employer, and then ask them if there is an opportunity to do more with them. Employers are more likely to take a chance on a person they know. You can also make contacts through the on-campus Internship Coordinator or Career Center. Your teachers or counselors can also be helpful in setting up an internship. 34 Warning: Make sure you treat a job shadow or internship with the same professionalism that you would treat a “real job.” Employers are taking their time and money to show you the ropes of their field. They deserve your energy, commitment and appreciation. Your Job Shadow and Internship After you have completed several information interviews, arrange to do a job-shadowing experience. You can even set up an internship if the employer is willing to take you on. This is critical to using the GINO approach. Again—is it worth it to work for free? Yes! The chances for getting a job offer go up significantly if the employer sees you as a motivated, innovative and qualified worker. Potential Job Shadow/Internship Opportunities: Name of Company: _______________________________________________ Contact Person: __________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Email: ______________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Contact Notes: __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ - - - - - - - - - - - - Name of Company: _______________________________________________ Contact Person: __________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Email: ______________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ Contact Notes: __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ 35 Developing Your Career Network You may feel like an outsider when entering a new career. This is natural, because you are an outsider. And of course, it’s harder to get “picked” when you’re coming in from the outside. Me—I’d rather be the insider, the most obvious person for the job— the chosen one . . . How do you become an insider when you are standing on the outside? Get connected! Start to develop your Career Network. This section describes a reasonable method that you can use to help you know the people, places and things that get you “inside” the job you desire. You will use your Career Network to set up information interviews, job shadow opportunities and internships. However, the most important use for your Career Network is to identify hidden job opportunities. Most people only look at job openings when applying for jobs. Your network will help you identify people and employers, all of whom will eventually have openings, most of which will not be advertised. This will eliminate most of your competition in applying for a job there. It all starts with making a list of your career “network”: - • People who are involved with your career—co-workers, bosses, teachers, friends of friends. • Places where you might work: agencies, employers, businesses. • Things that you can do to increase your network, such as volunteering, journals, websites, conferences, training, associations, social groups, support groups, user groups, etc. WARNING: You must follow up with the People/Places/Things. What do you do with someone on your “People” list? Interview them. Shadow them. The “Places” list? Do an internship with them. Your Career Network is the list that drives your information-gathering, and vice-versa. - Assignment #6: Your Career Network. On the following pages, create your own list of people, places and things for your career. To compile this network list, use teachers, counselors, friends, former employers, business directories, internet searches, and the phone book. 36 Career Network—People Places and Things I. PEOPLE Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 37 PEOPLE, cont. Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ Name:__________________________ Job Title: __________________________ Employer:___________________________________ Phone: ____________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Contacted: ____ Info Interview: ____ Website: _______________________ Job Shadow: ____ Thank You Letter: ____ Notes: __________________________________________________________________ 38 II. PLACES: Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 39 PLACES, cont. Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Employer:_____________________________ Phone: ______________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ Email: ________________ HR Website: _______________ Contacted: ____ Info Int: ____ Shadow: ____ Fax: _________________ Internship: ____ Openings? ____ Notes: _________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 40 III. THINGS (All the other things you should connect to in your career) Websites relating to your career (not Craigslist or Careerbuilder.com) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Associations: Journals/Mags: Training Sources: Directories: Public Events: Volunteer Opportunities: Other: 41 Career Plan In past generations, it was common to attend school or college, graduate, then get a job with “the company” and stay there until retirement. Not so today! It is not uncommon for people who are forty to have worked with ten or more different employers in several different careers. Many people suffer from a common affliction called Polyjobitis*—working a job until it ends through quitting or termination, and accepting the next job that comes along, regardless of their career goals. While flexibility in career is desirable for many, the result is working for a paycheck, rather than towards a larger life-goal. Avoiding Polyjobitis requires you to have a vision for your career—a plan that will help you move up as well as out. What is your career? Your career is made up of steps (leading up, hopefully) that combine your education, training and work experiences. Your career starts today, and ends the day you hang your hat. What is your career? Dream Job. Most people have some kind of dream job, which is the stable, wellpaying and enjoyable job that is the culmination of your years of hard work, training and accomplishments. What is your dream job? How will you get there? Next Job. What is the next job that you will need to work “on the way” to your dream job? What are the additional jobs and training that you will need to make it to your dream? Your Career Plan will include two important elements: • A series of jobs, with increasing responsibility and pay. • A series of education/training opportunities, with increasing relevance to your career. Map out your career plan by designing your career, your dream job, your next job, and the steps required to get to your dream job. *Polyjobitis has no known cure, except for a good dose of GINO. 42 Your Career Plan Dream Job: Training: Training: Training: Training: Next Job What are the STEPS that will take you from today, all the way to your “Dream Job?” What kinds of training, education and degrees will be required to take you there? 43 How is Career Development Like Launching a Satellite? Consider the birth of a geosynchronous satellite. It needs to be launched from earth into a near-perfect altitude and speed, that allows the earth’s gravity gently pull it around earth, thousands to millions of times, before eventually crashing into the atmosphere. Engineers can’t do that all at one time. They launch it from earth into a general orbit, and then slowly fire tiny corrective rockets that enable it to slip into that “perfect” orbit. Occasionally, unpredicted events occur, such as solar flares, or collisions with space junk, that put the satellite out of orbit. The crew on the ground can sometimes correct the orbit again, and sometimes the craft simply falls out of orbit, hits the atmosphere like a bug on a windshield, and burns up. Think about how this is a perfect metaphor to how our career development works. When we’re eighteen, we probably have no idea what our careers will look like when we’re older. All we can do is “launch the satellite” as best we can, and make small corrections as we go. Occasionally, major events will take place that upset our balance, such as disability, layoffs, firings… All we can do is to do our best to rediscover our “orbit.” Alternatively, we can go down in an impressive ball of flame. For further reading on Know Your Job: Bronson, Po, What Should I Do With My Life? Random House, New York, 2002 Sinetar, Marsha, Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow. Dell, New York, 1987 Kieves, Tama, This Time I Dance: Creating the Work You Love, Tarcher, 2006 - - - - - - - - - - - - Test Your Knowledge of Chapter 2: Why is it helpful to have a specific job goal? What are the pitfalls of having a specific job goal? What are the steps to doing an Information Interview? What is the difference between a Job Shadow and an Internship? What is a Career Plan? 44
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz