People who find a job they like in the shortest amount of time use a variety of methods to locate job vacancies - all at the same time.
When unemployed, they do the usual things like check the newspaper for job ads, but they also tap into the "hidden" job market of unadvertised vacancies.
While employed, they watch for postings of in-house vacancies and keep their ears open for opportunities to transfer into other jobs.
Some Job Openings Are Advertised
1. Read the ads in the Classified and Career sections of your newspaper every day. Weekends usually have the most ads.
If you see an ad that interests you, apply immediately - putting if off even a day may be too long. Someone who followed it up that same day may already have the job. You do have a bit more time, however, if the ad gives a competition deadline. In that case, the employer will usually wait until after the deadline date to make a decision.
2. Regularly check job postings on notice boards and in union offices, student employment centres, places of business and government offices.
3. Register with employment agencies Register with Employment and Immigration Canada and any private placement agencies that specialize in the type of employment you are looking for.Private agencies are listed in the Yellow Pages of your telephone book.
Be sure to ask what fees may be charged, and if you are required to register with the company.
The competency of agencies varies greatly, so ask questions and ask others who have worked with these agencies.
4. Watch for job advertisements in the windows of businesses, if appropriate.
Some Job Openings Are Not Advertised
At the same time you are using the above sources of information about job leads, beat the bushes for information about unadvertised jobs that are or may be coming open.
Use your imagination to tap every job information source you can think of!
1. Talk to everyone and anyone about the kind of job you are looking for and why you would be good at it. Tell your letter carrier, your doctor, your neighbours… everyone you meet!
You never know "who knows whom" or "who knows what." Maybe your bank teller's brother needs a house painter, or your dentist's sister needs a salesperson for her boutique.
2. Be specific. The more detailed you are about what you are looking for, the more helpful people can be.
The people you least expect can sometimes give you valuable information about what is happening in companies they know about.
They can tell you more than which jobs are open - they can tell you who you should talk to in the company, and where to get more information.
3. Mutual acquaintances provide that vital link between you and the people you are trying to meet. A "lead" opens many doors.
It is often easier and your chances are better if you can approach employers saying that people you both know suggested that you talk to them.
4. Talk to employers. Whether they are advertising positions or not, employers can give you a wealth of information about what is going on in their industry, what their company does, if they hire people with your skills, what skills you would need in your industry, and who else may be hiring soon.
5. Ask for information about jobs. Most employers will talk to you - if you are asking for information, not for a job. However, some won't and you have to respect that. Always be courteous.
6. Be considerate and appreciative of an employer's willingness to spend time with you.
Be prepared with a list of important and relevant questions.
Don't expect to take more time than ten or fifteen minutes, and be sure to write a thank-you note afterwards.
7. Tune in to the media - newspapers, magazines, television and radio.
Local news items announcing new or expanding projects, programs, businesses, or industries mean workers will be needed.
For example, the announcement of the construction of a new shopping mall can be a great lead. Construction workers will be needed during the building phase, sales people, managers and advertising personnel will be needed with stores open.
By following up on the lead, you learn which companies and businesses will be involved, what staff will be needed and when. You can be the first to apply!
8. Use the media. Place your won ad - let employers know what you have to offer, the type of work you can do, and how you can be reached.
This approach cost less if you place your ad in local or community papers, or use a free public service program designed to connect workers and employers.
Some people even design "calling cards" about the size of recipe cards to leave behind when they visit employers. Or have your own business cards.
The more creative you are in your job search, the more likely you will find work that you enjoy - soon!
Copyright 1998 Province of Alberta Advanced Education and Career Development. Used with permission.
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