- What is meant by “Exploring and Creating Opportunities” in the context of Self reliance skills.
- To analyze the concept of “Opportunity”
- To recognize and use at least one approach to exploring and creating opportunities in relation to finding a suitable job.
DEFINITION: SELF RELIANT INDIVIDUAL
Is
“aware of the changing world of work, takes responsibility for his or her own career and personal development and is able to manage the relationship with work and with learning throughout all stages of life”
(Hawkins,1995)
Exploring and Creating Opportunities
...about taking advantage of favorable situations
- Events, trends in the external environment
- Helps meet aims
- Such events are opportunities
- Must be identified, researched, investigated
- Reconfigure resources
CONCEPTS - Exploring and Creating Opportunities:
Able to identify, create, investigate and seize opportunities
Has research skills to identify possible sources of information, help and support
The Employer as “Customer”
Exploring and Creating Opportunities applies to :
Additional stage to model
Find suitable prospective employer
Match needs to Strengths
NETWORKING
Outcomes:
- To discuss what is meant by “Networking” in the broad sense of a self reliance skill
- To analyze the main concepts underpinning “Networking”
- To recognize and use best practice in networking regarding finding work
NETWORKING LINK
…about gathering selective information
-
own agenda
-
sources
-
passive
-
books, directories, cds , next
-
active
-
PEOPLE
CONCEPTS : NETWORKING
-
Aware of the need to develop networks of contacts
Able to define, develop and maintain a support network for advice and information
-
has good telephone skills
The Employer as “Customer”
Additional stage
Find suitable prospective employer
Model to inform “suitable” criteria
CONTACT DEVELOPMENT
Job Market
- personal contact
-
agencies
-
advertisement
-
cold
Contact Development
Possible Contacts
- customers; accountants; suppliers
- neighbors; friends; relatives
- doctors; solicitors; dentists
- club members; competitors; past employers
- teachers; bankers; consultants
“Best” Contact - your prospective boss
Contact Development
The Process
-
Phone or write to best contacts
-
Make clear seeking advice and help only
-
Tell them what advice help being sought
-
Do NOT EMBARRASS those who could and would like to help you by asking them for a job
Telephone Techniques
Before you call
List points to cover; Have ready answers to anticipated questions
During the call
Take notes; Listen as well as talk; Be calm; Be prepared for answer phone and voice mail
Talking to the Secretary
Name beforehand; Mr Smith is expecting me to call; It’s a personal matter