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| Job Search Tips
& Resources 14 steps to a smarter, more successful job search |
| Finding a great job is
not just a matter of having the right credentials. The
search itself involves a variety of challenges and
rewards. With a positive attitude, it can be a terrific
learning experience. Along the way you can gain
invaluable skills, knowledge and experience. The ideas and resources below can help you in your search, and in making the most of GoodWork. The future will be what you contribute to and create! – Peter Blanchard, www.GoodWorkCanada.ca (1) Set some goals, make a plan Take some time to think
and write about where you are today ...and where you'd
like to be. What are your hopes, values and dreams? What
would you like to be doing if anything was possible? What
are your strengths and weaknesses? Roles you've enjoyed,
not enjoyed, would like to develop further? Set some
specific, achievable goals that will set you off in the
right direction. Then write down steps (a plan) on how
will work towards these goals. For guidance, see the
careers and self-help sections of your local library or
bookstore. On-line resources: www.jobhuntersbible.com/counseling/counseling.shtml (2) Get connected Subscribe to lists,
websites and publications that carry job postings. Just
as important, sign up for those that *aren't* outwardly
about employment, but cover issues and topics that
interest you. You'll learn a lot; hear about related
events, networking and volunteer opportunities; and be
among the first to see any postings that come up. Create
a folder of bookmarks to your favourite job search sites
and organizations. (3) Get involved If all you do is look for
advertised jobs, you're missing a lot. To learn about
"hidden" opportunities, become an active member
of the community. Find issues and organizations that
interest you – then participate at events,
volunteer, get involved! (4) Demonstrate your abilities Demonstrate your abilities through your words and actions. This applies to your communications; your job search process; volunteering; plus all other interactions with potential employers or coworkers. Saying that you have what it takes is no match for demonstrating it in action. (5) Research before you apply If you're interested in a
posting, read it thoroughly. Take notes. Make a printout
and use a highlighter. Look around the organization's
website, including the "About" or
"Organization" sections. Do a quick internet
search on the organization, sector, issue or role. If you
have time, go to the library or a bookstore. What you
learn could prove invaluable even if you don't get hired
for the particular position. (6) Be professional Be professional – neither too formal nor too informal – in all your communications with the employer. Pay particular attention to the application requirements. Do they want a resume? (If in doubt, a resume and cover letter is usually the best bet). How and when do they want it submitted? If you don't do what is asked – or in any way make things inconvenient for the employer – you're putting yourself at a disadvantage. (7) Show some attitude Show some attitude ...and respect. Try to put yourself in the employer's shoes and think about their needs, obstacles and limitations. Think about how you could be of value to them. If you've ever been an owner or manager, you know how much it takes to run an organization or project (and how much of this is taken for granted). Your search is likely to be much more successful if you approach it with initiative, creativity and a positive attitude. Nobody "owes" you a job – the future will be what you contribute to and create. (8) Improve, improve, improve your resume Remember that the employer
knows nothing about you except what s/he can deduce from
your application. There is an art and science behind
writing a resume. It's all about effective communication
– and is not as obvious as it might seem. Your cover
letter and resume should *demonstrate* your purpose,
clarity of mind and more. By improving your written
materials, you're also improving your self- awareness and
communication skills. Helpful articles and books are
available; go to your local library, bookstore or career
centre, or try these online tutorials: (9) Write great cover letters and correspondence Try to anticipate the
employer's questions. Why are you interested in this job?
Why do you think you'd do well in this position? How
would you overcome any missing skills or roadblocks? What
have you done in the past – paid, volunteer or at
school – that demonstrated your interest, ability
and commitment? Spend time on your cover letter and make
a great first impression! (10) Act quickly Even if the deadline is weeks or months away, it's good to apply as soon as possible. Sometimes the later applications aren't considered as thoroughly (or at all). On the other hand, if you've just missed a deadline but are really interested in an opportunity, there's no harm in trying. (11) Respect the employer's time The person who is doing the hiring also has many other responsibilities and may not have time to talk or correspond with applicants. Do your own research, if at all possible. Don't ask for more information unless you really need it and it's not available in the posting or on their website. If the posting says "no phone calls", don't! Write down your questions and ask them after the employer has shown interest, such as at the interview. (12) Create your own job When most people look for
work, they compete for existing jobs. Why not create your
own? There's no lack of things that need doing. Do some
research, participate in events, volunteer, etc. Then
write a proposal to an organization that interests you,
demonstrating how you and your project or idea could help
them achieve their goals. If they like your idea, they
might be able to fundraise for it. Or you could write a
grant proposal or other fundraising ideas, for their
consideration. If you can't find an existing
organization, start your own. (13) Don't be discouraged Don't let yourself be discouraged. It's been said that every job search is a series of No's followed by a Yes. Each "No" takes you one step closer to the moment when both you and the employer say Yes. Keep a positive attitude and make the best of what you learn along the way! (14) More job search tips & resources Job Search 101 www.charityvillage.ca/cv/FAQ/faq_cc_user_15.html Career Development Manual www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/step1.asp Career Links &
Resources www.careerservices.uwaterloo.ca (click
on "Resources/Links") Environment &
Nonprofit Employment Research Skills www.google.com/search?q=%22research+skills%22 Reading Skills & Study
Smarts www.yorku.ca/cdc/lsp/downloads/reading.PDF Communication Skills www.google.com/search?q=%22communication+skills%22 Interpersonal Skills www.gesher.org/Articles/Conflict Resolution/5 hints.HTM Interview Skills http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/Interview_Advice/ Related pages at Planetfriendly.net GoodWork Canada www.GoodWorkCanada.ca The information in this article is "free" as in freedom. You are welcome to copy and distribute this document complete and unaltered and including the copyright notice below, provided that you add no other conditions or copyrights. You are also welcome to alter or extract from it as laid out in the terms of the license agreement below. Copyright (c) 2004 Peter Blanchard. Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License" at www.fsf.org/copyleft/fdl.html or www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html What is Copyleft, Free Documentation, the Creative Commons? www.newscientist.com/hottopics/copyleft/ www.fsf.org/copyleft/ www.gnu.org/copyleft/ www.planetfriendly.net/opensource.html http://creativecommons.org/ http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Issues/Intellectual_Property/ Disclaimer: The above is provided for your information. There is no warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or fitness for any use or purpose. For more information on careers and job searching, consult your local library, career or employment centre. GoodWorkCanada.ca | People & Planet |