Job Search Work Teams

What is a Job Search Work Team (JSWT)?

Job Search Work Teams (JSWTs) are ongoing project management teams of six to twelve students that typically begin in Spring semester. Led by a facilitator (Career Coach and/or student leader), teams meet weekly in structured two-hour meetings designed to accelerate the job search process.

These teams replicate the kind of work environment that most professionals are accustomed to: an ongoing work group that focuses on specific issues, brings together expertise from diverse sources and accelerates progress toward goals.

Why participate in a Job Search Work Team?

Expanded networking reach: The team becomes a core network, providing additional contacts and broader access to information. No one is ever required to share information or make introductions, but as they get to know each other, members often do.

Job search support: You are not alone. You have colleagues. All team discussions are positive and effectiveness-oriented. You are responsible for your own search, but collaboration helps everyone conduct a stronger search.

Access to an advisory panel: You'll get advice and suggestions from a peer-group "sounding board," along with professional advice from Career Coaches and guest speakers. This will help you find your own best solutions for a wide range of job search issues.

Before you have a job offer — or even an interview — how do you know if you're making progress in your job search? Which of your job hunting activities produce the most progress? How much progress did you make this week?  You will easily answer these questions by using JSWT tracking tools to measure your progress weekly.

Typical Meeting Agenda

• Introductions
• Presentation on student chosen topic to enhance the job search
• Give a brief Progress Report:
• Share your progress measurements from the previous week
• Name three highlights from the previous week
• Mention three priorities in your search project for the upcoming week
• Ask a job search question to get advice and suggestions from the group and the Career Coach
• The facilitator will record the questions to address during the second part of the meeting
• The facilitator will lead a group discussion on each of the questions. The goal is to provide the member who asked the question with something concrete to act upon over the next week — and to provide suggestions and advice useful to other members as well.
• Interactive activity related to interviewing and networking as time permits

Please click here if you would like to learn more about JSWTs.