4 Critical Elements Of A Job Search Training Program
A study recently released by an assistant professor of psychology at Penn State University and two of his colleagues found that job seekers who participate in career service training programs are 2.67 times more likely to find employment than those who do not participate. They also found these programs to be particularly effective for younger (under 35 years old) and older (50 and older) job seekers.
The catch? Not all job search training programs are created equal; as a job seeker, you need to know what programs have the critical elements needed to help you land a job.
If you’re looking for a good job search training program, here are some of the main elements it should include:
Understand The Recruiting Side Of The Process
A basic training program should begin with an explanation of how the job search process works for the recruiter or employers looking to hire. With this basic understanding as a job seeker, you’ll be much more in tune with what they truly need from you and you can be more efficient in your process of communicating and interacting with them. By showing your competency throughout the interview process, you will greatly increase your chances of getting hired.
Gain Skills to Keep You Motivated and Proactive
According to the study, job seekers are 5.88 times more likely to obtain employment if their job search training program includes this element. Looking for a job is hard, tedious work and it can get very draining to do the same thing over and over again with no positive results. Find a program that provides you with motivational methods to stay on track and continue being proactive in order to be successful in finding a job.
Enlist Social Support
Utilizing your personal and professional network can truly pay off when searching for a job. With this element included in the program, job seekers are 4.27 times more likely to obtain employment. There are a number of ways to enlist the help of your social circle, including asking for recommendations to post on your social networks, finding out about open positions, and getting personal referrals. Recruiters and hiring managers prefer hiring through referrals over any other method, so this is always a great way to get a job.
Set Your Job Search Goals
Knowing how to set attainable goals for your job search will make you 4.67 times more likely to obtain employment.
Think of it this way: Any successful business sets goals, so why should your business of job searching be any different? Your ultimate goal in job searching isn’t just to get a job, but also find a job that is in an industry that interests you, has a culture that fits your personality, and offers long-term growth. The job search training program you choose should explain how to set these goals and show you how to set a path that will help you achieve them.
By having both skill development-focused and motivation enhancement-focused techniques in the career services programs you choose, you will have the best outcome possible. Connect with your local or university career services office today and find out what programs they offer. Use this post as a guide to ensure you’ll learn the skills you need for a successful job search.
What do you think? What other elements should job search training programs include?
Photo Courtesy of US Department of Labor; Flickr
