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Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes

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1. Sharpen Your Skills

Read:The formula for a successful job search is:

Act in Faith + Work Hard + Work Smart = Success

Ponder:If you aren’t having as much success as you would like, which element(s) of the formula might be missing from your job search?

If you are putting in the work but not having success, look at your job search skills. It is common for job seekers to struggle with certain aspects of their job search, and it takes time to develop the skills. It is important to recognize where you are struggling and what you can do about it.

Activity (10–15 minutes)

To help you overcome common job search challenges, each of you pick one of the common difficulties from the following table. Explain it to your group or action partner. Then work together to practice one or more of the suggested skills. You may also want to review the corresponding chapter or practice more during the week.

Common Difficulties	Skills to Practice
1. I don’t know what job I want.	Chapter 1: The Fundamentals Focus on one to three jobs (p. 7)
2. I am not finding job leads.	Chapter 2: Networking Me in 30 Seconds (p. 29)
3. I am struggling with networking.	Chapter 2: Networking Me in 30 Seconds (p. 29)
4. I am not getting job interviews.	Chapters 2, 3, 4 Match skills (p. 48) Résumés (p. 79) Cover letters (p. 85) Applications (p. 88)
5. I am getting interviews but no offers.	Chapters 3–8 Match skills (p. 48) Use power statements (p. 63) Prepare before the interview (p. 100) Open the interview effectively (p. 101) Me in 30 Seconds (p. 101) Turn negatives to positives (p. 118) Ask questions (p. 121)