How People Find Jobs

The job hunt requires four families of skills: self-assessment skills, detective skills, communication skills, and skills for selling ourselves. Since some people have jobs which demand those same skills, if they are good at their job, they will probably be good at job-hunting. They may have a head start on the rest of us, but these skills can be learned.

How to conduct a successful job search campaign

1. Define your objective: Know what kind of work you most enjoy and perform the best. This requires self-evaluation, looking at your interests and abilities.

2. Write an effective resume: Focus on your qualifications for the type of work you want to do. Show where you are headed, not where you have been. Indicate your qualifications for the position you are applying for. Look at it from an employer=s perspective....what qualities do they need for the position.

3. Prepare your references: Call or visit each person and tell them exactly what you are looking for. Ask them to let you know if they hear of anything, or to make a referral for you.

4. Research: Make a list of potential employers and research each company. Check your library for information. Check the Renfrew County Resource Directory for a listing.

5. Network: Talk to everyone you know about the kind of work you are looking for. You never know what contact will result in a job offer. Consider neighbours, relatives, parents of friends, teachers, paper route customers, etc. You can even Tweet your job search information. Check out www.tweetmyjobs.com and look up information on how Twitter is helping employers and employees find each other.

6. Set up job and informational interviews: Either by phone contact or by sending a letter with your resume and indicating that you will follow up to arrange an interview.

7. Practice interview techniques: Plan what you are going to say. Discuss WHY you want to work for that particular company, WHAT you can do for them, and HOW you will fit in with the company, then practice, practice, practice. Get a list of questions and write down your answers to each one, then practice with a parent or friend. If possible, videotape yourself so you can see how you present to an employer. You can use your webcam, or a small video camera to do the job.

8. Send a follow up letter: Tell them again about your interest in the job or the company. Thank them for taking the time to interview you. Point out your special qualifications or mention something you forgot in the interview that is relevant.

9. Follow up: In person or by phone to check out the results of the interviews, and if you are not the successful candidate, ask how you could improve your chances for next time.

People who are good at job-hunting are willing to change strategies. They spend lots of time doing homework on themselves, researching organizations in detail, doing informational interviewing, building their contacts, and other methods that require work..

People who are good at job-hunting:
 can name their individual skills.
 can describe their favourite interests.
 target small organizations as well as large organizations.
 go after any place that interests them.
 approach organizations through their personal contacts.

If you need help, read some of the articles I've posted, and/or get in touch with me.

To your success

Fran