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*JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
-Workshops including Career Exploration, the WorkQuest series including Effective Interviewing and the Hidden Job Markert; and computer workshops (including Computers 101, Beginners/Intermediate Word 4 Resumes & Cover Letters, E-mail 4 Jobs, Internet 4 Job Search) - Ask your Case Manager for a referral
*A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A JOB SEEKER
You probably heard that looking for work is a full-time job in itself. Active job seekers will do a number of activities each and every day. What does a full-time, effective job search actually look like? Here are many of the activities that will keep you busy landing a job:Early Rising! Structure your days. Get up by 8:30 a.m. at the latest. Have a good breakfast - you want to eat and sleep well on a job search.
Dress Ready and Appropriately - Get yourself geared up for the day and look your best. Who knows? You might just get an interview on the spot today.
Set Goals and Challenge Yourself - Aim for at least 10 contacts, applications and/or follow ups every day. Be ready to come out of your comfort zone. This is a time where you get to grow personally and professionally.
Make Use of Employment Assistance Services such as WorkLink - To get you motivated and productive, try getting out of the house and use the WorkLink Resource Centre as your job finding office. You�ll have everything you need to help you conduct a successful job search.
Make Your Leads List - Make a list of all the places you want to apply. Become familiar with the Pink Pages in the telephone directory, employer directories and business magazines. Know what�s going on in the labour market. Keep your eyes open for any opportunities. Read newspapers and watch for new projects. Write down any job lead tips given to you.
Check Job Banks and Newspaper Postings - Start with the newspaper, and broaden your job search by checking Internet job banks also. Check the Links page here for some great sites. Tip: Make sure you follow ad instructions exactly when you apply.
Cover Letters and Resume Preparation - Write or fine-tune cover letters and update resumes to better fit the jobs to which you�re applying. This may include researching the companies and/or their job roles before you apply so you can target your resume and cover letter to them. It also means using your resume and cover letter to reflect back what the employer is looking for. You might also want to prepare a good electronic resume.
Cold Calls - Make a few cold calls from your leads list - either by phone or in person - to enquire about employment opportunities. Make sure you�ve got your 30-second commercial.
Information Interviews - Book information interviews with companies that you�re interested in pursuing to find out more about what they look for in potential employees.
Follow Up on Your Applications - A CRUCIAL job-seeking activity. Check in with employers who you�ve contacted to see if there are any changes to anticipated openings or to find out your status on a current posting. Go with your gut feeling on when you should check back, or ask hiring managers when you can check in with them again. Following up with employers tells them that:
- you�re still available - you haven�t been hired elsewhere or crawled off into the woodwork
- you really want to work for THEM; the number one trait an employer is looking for is a great attitude - checking back with them demonstrates enthusiasm for the job/company
- you begin to stand out from all the other faceless job seekers. The employer will begin to recognize and get to know you. You may eventually get hired without even having to go through an interview!
Thank You Notes - Write a short thank you card to everyone with whom you have interviewed, as well as to those people who have been helpful on your job search. Dollar stores have packages of five thank you notes for $1, or check your local thrift store for bargains.
Networking - Make a list of contacts. Let them know you are looking for work. Attend social functions in your personal and professional spheres to get more ideas of where to look and who to talk to. Make sure everyone knows what kind of work you�re looking for so they can give you job leads and contacts.
Interview Preparation - Practice interview questions and research the company and position for which you are interviewing. Make sure you know them inside and out. Be prepared for Behavioural Interview�questions.
Interview Follow Up - Phone employers with whom you have interviewed. Check on your status in the job competition and/or get feedback on why you weren�t selected. If not selected, ask what you can do to improve your competitiveness for next time. Prepare a follow-up letter to stay in touch with employers who have interviewed you
Get Positive Support - Realize a great job seeker will be riding a roller coaster of ups and downs. It�s good to have a coach on your side (use your Employment Advisor!) who understands what you�re going through and keeps you positive and focused.
For the best results, contact WorkLink for help and support on your job search! When you know how to do a job search, it will make the whole process much easier and definitely more effective!
