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Job Search Strategies
Individuals who are looking for work, changing jobs or trying to find summer employment often experience challenges and frustration. The job search process is often considered to be a job in itself. It takes time, effort and commitment. It is a process that requires a great deal of dedication, research, networking and perseverance.
Manage the job search process
A planned approach for the job search process can assist individuals in successfully organizing and managing their job search activities. These strategies can help prevent an individual from becoming overwhelmed or losing momentum in their search.
Organize, record and develop an action plan
Set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-specific goals and objectives.
Organize and record job search goals and objectives, activities, job leads, job ads, possible hidden job, interviews, contacts information and dates.
Individuals can create a job search binder or notebook to help them organize and sort through information they collect.
Develop support networks
A personal support network can help in the job search process. Individuals should make a list of people in their lives who they feel could be supportive to their job search and what kind of support they think they could give (e.g. emotional, job leads in certain areas, financial, etc.). These may be family, friends, co-workers, professional helpers and/or groups.
Maintain a positive attitude
Individuals should try to maintain a positive attitude during the job search focus energy on the actual job search, increase self-confidence, gain support from other people and increase their appeal to employers.
Individuals can use the following strategies to help maintain a positive attitude:
Identify self-rewards and follow through: For example, go for a walk, go to a movie with a friend, or work on an art project. Choose activities or things that are enjoyable and build them into the action plan.
Use affirmations:These are positive statements that individuals can write out or say to themselves that can help counteract negative thoughts and beliefs that may be sabotaging their job search. Some examples of positive affirmations are:
I have relevant skills for the job that I am seeking.
I manage my time well in searching for a job.
Use visualizations to practice skills or behaviour required in the job search process. Visualize actions, including the actual sounds, feelings, smells and other sensory qualities that may be associated. For example, individuals can visualize and write out the steps involved in the interview process and then rehearse the behaviours.
Manage finances
It is important to recognize that job hunting can require financial investments. Use effective money management techniques to help minimize the stress associated with the process. Depending on the situation, some of the costs related to job searches include:
Communication, such as calls from pay phones or long distance calls, computer costs, internet costs
Transportation, such as using your own vehicle, bus, taxi, and planes
Clothes for networking and interviews
Breakfast, lunch, supper or evening meetings at restaurants
Creating resumes, cover letters, calling cards, portfolios
Daycare/babysitting costs
Contact your nearest Human Resources, Labour and Employment Office, Labour Market and Career Information Hotline or Service Canada to find out if there are financial supports available to assist you with this related job search costs.
Research the job market, identify job opportunities
This is perhaps one of the most important steps in the job search process. Research companies or potential employers, occupations and industries, wages and other labour market trends. This can help individuals identify sources of job opportunities, decide if they are interested in working for a company and be better prepared should they be invited to a job interview.
Some things to watch for when researching employers and the labour market that may point to successful job opportunities include:
Companies which frequently hire people
Promotions which create job vacancies
Firms which create new products
New or expanding business facilities
Other job seekers who know of job openings which they are not interested in
Trade magazine and directory updates about businesses and new projects
Winners of federal and provincial government tenders
There are a wide variety of sources that can be used to help identify potential job opportunities including:
Employment agencies
Employment Assistance Centres
Information Resource Centres
Internet job listing sites
Newspapers and magazines
Professional journals
Public Service Commissions - provincial and federal
Recruiting firms
Service Canada Centres
Business and telephone directories
Employers
Internet job matching
Internet news groups and mailing lists
Networking with others
Private companies on the Internet
Professional associations
Visit the Job Search Sources page to explore some of these sources.
Market yourself
"Marketing yourself" is becoming a common term in the job search process. When individuals identify potential employment opportunities, it is important that they make a great impression to help them make it to the next stage – the job interview.
An individual's “sales” package during the job search process includes all of the following tools and resources. These should be viewed as opportunities to show how their skills and experiences can meet the needs of a particular employer.
Resumes and Cover Letters
Resumes and cover letters are often the first point of contact between employers and job seekers. A resume summarizes an individual's qualifications for a position. The style and length of resumes vary, depending on personal preference and the qualifications and the requirements of the employer.
Cover letters are equally important in the job search process. A clear, concise cover letter which highlights an individual's main qualifications is more likely to lead an employer to read the attached resume.
The following links provide tips and information about creating winning cover letters and resumes.
Application Forms
Some employers may require individuals to fill out a standard application form when applying for a job. This form may be in addition to a resume and cover letter. Some things to keep in mind when filling out job application forms:
Ask for two copies of the form. Complete one for practice and then fill out a final copy to hand in. Keep the practice copy for your records.
Following the directions carefully.
Print as clearly and as neatly as possible.
You may need to refer to your resume to complete application forms. It’s a good idea to keep a copy with you for reference.
You can use N/A (this means ‘not applicable’) if a question does not apply to you.
Attach a separate sheet if you need extra space to complete an answer.
Follow up. If you submit an application and do not hear anything after a couple of weeks or so, it’s OK to make a follow-up phone call to the employer.
The following links provide more information about completing application forms.
Portfolios
A portfolio is a collection of an individual's best work. A portfolio highlights the skills, abilities and accomplishments that are related to a particular job.
Portfolios come in many forms including traditional, paper-based portfolios (such as those in binders or folders), video portfolios and electronic portfolios (such as those on computer disk, CD/DVD and the world wide web).
A portfolio can be useful in a variety of situations including:
Networking with potential employers
Asking employers for feedback on your work during informational interviews
Emphasizing your skills and accomplishments during a job interview
Portfolios should be directly linked to the skills and requirements of a particular job that is being applied for. They can include items such as:
Your résumé
An official copy of your transcript
Certificates, diplomas or special training you have completed
Documentation of technical or computer skills
Awards or honours you have received
Descriptions of conferences, workshops or other courses you have taken
Letters of recommendation
References
Performance reviews from previous positions
Samples of your work (articles, presentations, proposals, pictures etc.)
A summary of your skills
A list of experiences that do not fit into your résumé
Letters of commendation or thanks
Newspaper articles that address your achievement
Internship or co-op summary report
The following links provide more information about creating a portfolio.
Interviews
A job interview is an opportunity for an employer to get to know you better and find out it you are the right person for a particular job. It is an opportunity for potential employees to learn more about the job requirements, the workplace and the employer as well.
It is essential to be well prepared for the job interview. This is a key opportunity for a job seekers to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities and personal suitability for a particular job.
When provided with a job interview opportunity:
Take time to prepare for the interview,
Research the company’s mission, organizational structure and current activities,
Acquire a copy of the job description or summary of qualifications,
Consider possible questions and prepare answers, and
Rehearse your responses or find someone to participate in a mock interview.
At the interview:
Be punctual and neat in appearance,
Demonstrate good communication skills, and
Take some time to consider questions and organize your thoughts before responding.
After the Interview:
Within a day or two, you may wish to follow-up with a written thank you, which provides another opportunity for you to demonstrate your communication skills.
For more information about interviews visit the following sites:
Networking
Everyday activities present many opportunities to build networks with people who can help individuals with their employment goals. Some of these opportunities include: luncheons, conferences, workshops, information interviews, social gatherings, family, friends, coworkers and meetings of professional organizations.
For more information about successful networking activities visit the following:
Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are helpful marketing tools which provide employers with proof of an individual's past performance and future potential. When selecting a person to provide a recommendation letter:
Select someone who knows your skills and abilities
Ensure they will provide a good recommendation
Provide them with enough notice so they have time to write the letter
Explain the purpose of the letter
Offer some ideas about areas which you would like them to cover
Show your portfolio to them so they are familiar with your skills, achievements and work samples
Follow up with them at an agreed upon time to collect the letter or send a self addressed prepaid postage envelope
Send a thank you note
Follow up with them to share the outcome of your employment competition
There are various opportunities to provide recommendation letters to employers:
Mention the letters along with references when you submit your resume
Indicate on your resume that references and recommendation letters are available upon request
During the interview:
Present them with your references, or
Present them in your portfolio
Remember to keep a copy of your recommendation letters
For information about writing and using recommendation letters visit the following:
Self-employment and entrepreneurship
Employment opportunities are not restricted finding a paid job with an employer. Many individuals pursue self-employment or establish their own business. Visit the Entrepreneurs section to find a listing of websites and resources to assist you in starting your own business.
Also, visit Services Near You to quickly find a business service network or community business development corporation near you.
The following links provide information and other resources and tools for business development.
Links to related online resources
LMIworks.nl.ca
Other Links
Additional Resources
For a complete listing of resources available on this site, visit the Resources section.