Job Search Strategies Inside You Will Find: Parts of a Successful Job Search Job Search Steps Cold Calling, Networking, and Informational Interviews Additional Resources County of Wellington Employment Resource Centre
COMPONENTS OF A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH APPLYING TO JOB POSTINGS Probably the most well known aspect of the job search process, applying to posted jobs allows you to customize your resume and job search materials to the needs of the company. It s important to remember, however, that only 20% of available jobs are ever advertised. This means that you cannot rely on ONLY applying to posted/advertised jobs. NETWORKING How do you find out about the other 80 % of jobs? You network: tell anyone and everyone the type of work you are looking for and seek out industry specific networking opportunities. COLD CALLING While it can seem like a scary process, cold calling is an effective way of creating a rapport with your desired employers. Generally, you are not asking for a job but for an opportunity to meet and learn more about their company. See page 4 for details INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS An interview that you arrange through cold calling to learn more about a job, company, or industry. This is a method of marketing yourself and learning more about your job goal. See page 4 for details. INTERNET RESOURCES An essential part of job searching in the 21st century, is utilizing the wealth of information available on the internet. Information on career decision making, resume creation, job interviews, company research, and labour market information is widely available. As well, many employers post jobs and accept applications exclusively through online, either through email or through the completion of online applications. COMMUNITY RESOURCES You don t need to go the job search alone. There are many community organizations that offer great resources to support you in your job search. For more details, see the resource section of this handout. A successful job search is diversified. Focusing on only one or two areas can result in an imbalanced and ineffective job search. Job searching is a full time job: you should set aside time each day to complete job search tasks. 2
STEPS IN THE JOB SEARCH Step 1: Awareness and Readiness Before you can start looking for work, you must understand your skills and abilities and know the needs of the local labour market. Visit local employment services agencies who can assist you with your job search. Step 2: Set Goals Once you understand the needs of the labour market, you can set realistic and time sensitive goals. For example: I will contact 10 employers by the end of the week. Step 3: Create Tools Resumes, cover letters, references and online profiles (Linked In) are all important parts of the job search process. These must be targeted, professional and concise in order to catch the employers attention. Step 4: Market and Connect with Employers Applying to posted jobs, cold calling, conducting informational interviews, networking and visiting job fairs are all effective ways of connecting with area employers. Step 5: Interviews Although they can be intimidating, interviews are your opportunity to create a rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate your fit and understanding of the position and the organization/company. Step 6: Thank you and Follow up A great way to set yourself apart from the crowd is to send a thank you letter after every interview with an employer. Step 7: Negotiating and Evaluating Offers As the final stage, negotiating and evaluating offers ensures you make the best possible employment decision. Did you know? Only 20 25% of available jobs are ever advertised The 75 80% of unadvertised jobs can be found through networking and cold calling to develop a list of professional contacts Employers look at more than just your qualifications. They are also interested in fit with the company culture and consider such things as personality, rapport, interests, experience and education. 3
COLD CALLING AND INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEW TIPS Adapted list of useful tips for networking and informational interviews from Katharine Hansen s article found on the job search resource: www.quintcareers.com Do use the networking process to identify people with whom to conduct informational interviews. The ideal subject of an informational interview is someone who is in a job you would like to have. Do plan to ask for 20 30 minutes of your prospective interviewee's time. Before going to the interview, do research the company. Do plan to dress for success the same way you would for a job interview. Do plan to update and bring your resume. The interviewee may ask for a copy. Do consider asking the interviewee to take a look at your resume to see if he or she can offer any suggestions for making the resume a more effective tool for obtaining a job in this field or company. Do prepare a list of questions Don't, repeat, don't, go into the interview with any illusions that this is a job interview. You are not there to ask for a job. You are there to gain information only. If the interviewee shows interest in you as a job candidate, do, of course, be receptive if you're interested Do arrive on time for the interview Don't forget to greet your interviewee with a moderately firm handshake and a warm, enthusiastic smile Do project enthusiasm and show your personality Do end the interview when you promised to (though sometimes the interviewee will want to keep talking) Do ask if you can stay in contact Do ask for referrals Do ask for the interviewee's business card Do thank the interviewee (and do so again later in writing) Sample Informational Interview Questions What does a typical day look like? What do you do? What are the duties/functions/responsibilities of your job? What kinds of problems do you deal with? What kinds of decisions do you make? What percentage of your time each day is spent doing what? How did you get your job? What experiences and/or education led you to your current position? What part of this job do you find most satisfying? Most challenging? What do you like and not like about working in this industry? What are the various types of jobs in this field or organization? Why did you decide to work for this company? What are the skills that are most important for a position in this field? How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work? 4
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Online Resources www.careercruising.com Career Cruising allows you to explore careers, training, and start your work search using their interactive tools and assessments. Username: wellingtoncounty Password: careers www.guelph.ca/business The Guelph Business Directory contains a listing of employers in Guelph and includes information such as number of employees, years in business, contact information, and a contact person within the company. www.indeed.ca Indeed is a search engine that specifically searches for job postings based on keywords and locations. You can also sign up for email alerts related to your keywords. www.jobbank.gc.ca The Job Bank website is hosted by Service Canada and posts jobs from across Canada. Labour market sand wage/salary information for all industries and regions is also included here. www.jobhuntersbible.com The official online job search resource hosted By Dick Bolles, author of "What Color is Your Parachute" www.linkedin.com Professional social networking site where you can connect with contacts, network electronically with potential employers, research companies and find job postings. www.quintcareers.com and www.rileyguide.com and www.about.com/careers Articles and advice on all aspects of the job search, including: career planning, networking, cold calling, resume writing, interviews, and negotiating offers. Community Resources Employment Ontario Service Providers 2 nd Chance Employment Counselling www.2ndchance.ca 77 Norfolk St., Guelph 519.823.2440 160 St. David St., Fergus 519.843.5513 Anishnabeg Outreach Employment and Training 11A Suffolk St. E., Guelph 519.763.5292 Guelph Wellington Business Enterprise Centre 42 Wyndham St. N., Guelph 519.826.4701 Lutherwood Employment Services 30 Wyndham St., Guelph 519.822.4141 Northern Lights Canada 380 St. Andrew St. W., Fergus 519.787.9333 392 Main St. N., Mount Forest 519.323.4540 www.anishnabegoutreach.org www.guelphbusiness.com www.lutherwood.ca www.northernlightscanada.ca 5
The Employment Resource Centre provides a centralized location for the information and tools required in the pursuit of employment. Individuals using the centre can: Utilize up to date computer technology for job search and career exploration Attend employment focused and life skills workshops Receive support and referrals from helpful and knowledgeable staff Receive one to one assistance with résumés, cover letters, and job interview practice All services are provided at no cost and based on staff availability The County of Wellington Employment Resource Centre 138 Wyndham Street North Guelph ON N1H 4E8 T 519.823.7887 T 1.800.265.7294 x 3600 E theerc@wellington.ca www.wellington.ca ALTERNATE FORMATS OF THIS PUBLICATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST For more information contact: 74 Woolwich Street Guelph ON N1H 3T9 T 519.837.2600 x 2373 E accessibility@wellington.ca 6