Planning and Organizing Your Job Search.

The job market is like any other market; the competition is tough.

Organization is the key to making your job search effective.

Your resume'

 The purpose of a resume is to introduce you to employers.  It highlights your qualifications, work experience and education

The resume is also a useful tool when you are filling out application forms.

 Be sure to include the necessary basic information.

•  Name, address and telephone number - include an alternate number for messages.

•  Educational background - includes the dates you attended, and any diplomas, degrees, certificates or awards that you received.

•  Work experience - list your previous jobs with a brief description of duties, and include employer names and addresses.

•  Volunteer work or extracurricular activities - include those activities that relate to the job you are seeking.

•  References are optional.  If you want to include them, list the individual's name, position, address and telephone number.

Take special care when writing your resume

• Use simple words

• Keep sentences short

• Avoid long descriptions

• Be clear when describing your duties

• Use action verbs

• Pay attention to presentation

•  It should not exceed two or three pages

• It should be neatly typed with no grammar or Spelling mistakes

 Research the company

 Once you have found a few job leads that you would like to look into, learn all you can about the job and the company - remember, "knowledge is power." Here are a few examples of resources available to you.

 Where to get information ...

Network:                Talk to people who are working in the position that you are researching.  They will be able to give you the most realistic picture and describe the pros and cons of the job.

What kind of information to look for      ...

• How did you get interested in this work and how did you get hired?

• What excites you or interests you the most about it?

• What do you find is the thing you like the least about it?

• What kinds of challenges or problems do you have to deal with in this job?

• What skills do you need to meet those challenges or problems?

Every time you speak to someone, it is a good idea to get his or her name and address.  Send them a thank-you note for taking the time to meet with you and answer your questions.

Where to get information ...

Get written information: Your local library carries professional, trade, and business association’s publications as well as individual company pamphlets, booklets, brochures and annual reports.

What kind of information to took for...

• Get the name, address and telephone number of the company.

• Who is running the company?

• How old and how big is the company?

• How many people work for the company?

• Is it a privately owned or publicly owned company?

• Is it a local, national or international company?  Where is the head office?

• Has the company been growing steadily over the past five or ten years?

 Contact the company

 Now it's time to put your best foot forward and contact employers.  This will be your first contact with a potential employer.  It's important to make a good impression.  The following are a few examples of the different ways in which you could approach an employer to request an interview.

 What to do

 In person: Be polite and enthusiastic with every-one you meet.  Apply for a specific job whether or not one has been advertised.  People with initiative impress employers.  Sell your skills and abilities.  Always have your resume on hand in case the employer should request a copy.

 What to do

 By telephone: Speak clearly and identify yourself.  Try to reach the person in "charge of the department or section where you want to work.  Ask the receptionist for that person's name, then refer to them by name when speaking to them.  State the purpose of your call.  Describe your abilities as briefly as possible and try to arrange a personal interview.  Keep the conversation short and to the point.  Always thank the person before hanging up.

What to do

 By letter: When contacting an employer by letter always include a copy of your resume  Your letter should be brief and explain to the employer why they should hire you.  Include your address and telephone number.  Address your letter to a specific person.  Outline your skills, which are relevant to the job you are seeking.  In a sentence or two, describe your interest in the company.  Always request an interview.