Resources

Daily Job Search: Alba’s Story

Choose someone to read the following.

My desperation about my unemployment made me hit rock bottom, where only my Heavenly Father could help me solve my need. He inspired someone to come and invite me to visit the self-reliance center, where they started a job search program called the Accelerated Job Search. It is a strategy that teaches how to find employment quickly. What a blessing!

Through this approach, I found the resources to get a permanent position in an important government organization. I was hired to run the communications department. I have no doubt that this was made possible by my prayers and God’s answers.

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Daily Job Search: Resources

Take turns reading the following.

Through the scriptures, we are taught that “men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will. … For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.” And this commandment comes with a promise: “Inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward” (D&C 58:27–28).

Effective job seekers understand that the “power is in them,” and God will help them as they become “anxiously engaged.” Specifically, we will discuss one proven job-search strategy with three parts. It’s called the Accelerated Job Search.

First, successful job seekers learn to identify 15 new resources daily. Second, they make 10 contacts each day. And third, they hold at least 2 face-to-face meetings or interviews each day.

At first, the Accelerated Job Search approach might seem overwhelming. But as we discuss each element, you will see that it really is possible—and successful!

Let’s start with resources. What is a resource? A resource is a person, place, or thing that can help lead a job seeker to a potential opportunity.

People could include friends and family, Church members and leaders, employers or co-workers, school teachers and career counselors, people at the store—virtually anyone who can provide you with useful job information and additional resources.

Places include chambers of commerce, local ministries of employment, and civic or professional associations. Each of these places offers information that can help.

And things that will enhance your search include business and telephone directories, company web pages, the Internet, trade journals and magazines, newspapers, and other media outlets.

Make a list of at list 15 of these every day!

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Daily Job Search: Contacts

Take turns reading the following.

Now let’s talk about contacts. A contact is not just sending a resume or filling out an application. From all the resources you have identified, you just need to make 10 employment-related contacts.

Contacts include any employment-related interaction you have with people: applying for a job; sending a resume or a thank-you note; telling friends, family, and Church members that you are looking for work—text messages or emails work. You can also interact with other networking contacts and, of course, potential employers. Look for different opportunities to interact with people and let them know you are looking for work. Most people will gladly introduce you to other people they know. These connections lead to interviews, which lead to jobs!

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Daily Job Search: Meetings

Take turns reading the following.

Finally, effective job seekers have learned the value of actually meeting with at least two people, face to face, each day. This may be your most valuable action of each day. Why? Face-to-face meetings or interviews allow better communication and understanding. People often “speak” mostly through body language and facial expressions. And these nonverbal messages do not make it through email or over the phone. In person, people can see and feel just how great you are!

Also, face-to-face meetings often allow you to see and feel the environment where you might work. You can observe how people interact and how friendly or happy they are, the success of the organization, what needs or opportunities there are, and how you might meet those needs. Interviews of any kind are great opportunities!

Not all face-to-face meetings every day need to be with potential employers. You can also meet with other contacts, including friends and family, and friends of friends, as well as secretaries or teachers or counselors or other people who do the type of job you want to have. Just meet with people! Give them your “me in 30 seconds” and use the ending question to ask for job leads and more people to meet. Keep trying, selling your value, and asking for help and advice. Great things will happen!

So this is the Accelerated Job Search! Each day, if you identify 15 resources and make 10 contacts, having 2 face-to-face meetings will be easy. You will be amazed at how this speeds up your job search! Do it with great faith, and doors will open you never thought possible.

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Daily Job Search: Putting It All Together

Take turns reading the following.

The three parts of the Accelerated Job Search are not separate activities. As you act, you’ll see that resources are everywhere. Start each day by adding to your list. And as you do, you will think of ways to contact people, and contacts often lead to meetings.

Your self-reliance group is a great source of resources, contacts, and meetings. So are fellow members of the Church, neighbors, or colleagues at work. Keep adding resources as you make contacts. Ask for more contacts when you have face-to-face meetings. Ask for more interviews with everyone you meet.

Use your “me in 30 seconds” statements. The Accelerated Job Search is possible, and it can be fun once you get started. So don’t wait. Talk with everyone. Always seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy. Keep good records and follow up. As you move, the Lord will show the way.

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Resources, Contacts, and Meetings Form

RESOURCES (make a list)	CONTACTS (phone, email)	MEETINGS (face-to-face)

Accelerated Job Search Tracking Form

Check boxes and add notes. Show daily totals.

DAY 1
Resources: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Contacts: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Meetings: □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Notes:

DAY 2
Resources: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Contacts: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Meetings: □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Notes:

DAY 3
Resources: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Contacts: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Meetings: □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Notes:

DAY 4
Resources: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Contacts: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Meetings: □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Notes:

DAY 5
Resources: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Contacts: □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Meetings: □ □ □ □	Daily Total
Notes:

Contact Follow-Up Form
Contact

Person or organization:

Telephone:

Address:

Email:

I was referred by:

I contacted this person

• Yes

• No

Date:

Items discussed:

1.

2.

3.

Follow-up activities:

1.

Complete by (date):

2.

Complete by (date):

3.

Complete by (date):

New referrals:

1. Name:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Address:

2. Name:

Telephone:

Fax:

Email:

Address:

Notes