When beginning your job search, it may seem impossible to know where to start.
Here are five easy steps that will aid you in your hunt for that perfect position.
Look at what’s out there
Before you begin, it’s important to know what the openings are in your field. Start by doing some job research on Jobboom.
Also, a simple Internet search with the proper keywords related to what you’re looking for, will reveal plenty of information, job postings, skill and education requirements, and job descriptions. All these will help ensure this field matches your goals and character. A few good places to look are company websites and newsletters, news reports about specific firms and industries, and professional associations.
Build your resumé and cover letter
The skills listed on your resumé and cover letter should match the requirements you found during your research.
“It’s important to me that when I look at a resumé, I can assess where and in what position the applicant attained the skills they claim to have,” adds Lynn Johnston, Executive Director of the Canadian Society for Training and Development. Make sure your resumé and cover letter are clean and crisp, with no grammatical errors. For extensive pointers, check out our Resumés section.
Network
Once you know what jobs you’re interested in, don’t be shy about networking aka getting that information out there. Tell your friends, family and acquaintances – you’ll be surprised how many people will provide you with valuable information, tips and even job connections.
If you can find a mentor, she or he will be a great resource to help guide you and answer difficult questions.
Post your updated resumé on a job search website
In addition to sending your resumé directly to companies, a great way to get yourself noticed is by uploading your resumé and cover letter to a job search website. These let you create a profile that contains your contact information, your resumé and details about your skills and area of interest. They also offer detailed, searchable job postings.
Use a recruitment agency
Depending on your profession, a recruitment agency can be an excellent resource for your job hunt.
Traditionally strongest in clerical sectors, such as administration and accounting, some agencies also work in fields ranging from lab work and agriculture to hospitality. Not only do they allow you to create a profile, but they provide a staff member with whom you can discuss your search. These agencies often act as liaisons between employers and future employees, finding quick, accurate matches without extra hassle for either side.