Job Hunting Tips

What is Job Hunting?

Job hunting is the process of applying for jobs, networking with potential employers and using available resources to search for employment opportunities. While some are looking for full-time work others may be interested in part-time job or an internship. The first step that all job seekers must take is complete a thorough evaluation of their personal career goals, skills, and needs.

How to prepare for job hunting:

The second step in the hunting process is preparation, which includes developing a clear idea of his/her career goals, researching potential employers, determining how he would like to work (full-time or part-time), understanding what salary and benefits are appropriate for his location, and making any final preparations for a job interview, including completing the online application and reviewing company’s ‘About Us’ page.

Learning about potential employers:

Before embarking on the job hunting process there are several strategies that can be used to narrow down the list of potential employers. Some of these strategies include checking out websites such as Indeed.com, Simply Hired, and Monster.com to see where your skills may be most marketable. Another strategy would be volunteering at various organizations in order to put on your resume that you worked for them and even being invited back may provide the opportunity of a job within that organization or networking with someone who has connections into other places.

Finding relevant and useful job openings:

This step involves using the above-mentioned tools to search for specific job openings that align with the potential employer’s needs. Job seekers should focus their efforts on looking in places where a lot of jobs are likely to be advertised and listed. Common sources include newspapers, yellow pages, online job sites, community classifieds, and employer websites. Other avenues for job hunting include networking with family, friends, acquaintances, neighbours and people that you may have worked with in the past.

Job searching:

Once a potential employer has been identified it is time to get started on the job search by first reviewing the information about the company available through their website such as the mission statement, products and services offered, available job positions, etc. This will allow the potential applicant to have a clearer understanding of what the company is about and whether or not he/she believes that this employment opportunity would be a good fit for them.

The next step is to fill out any online application (if necessary) in order to ensure that he/she is qualified for the position. Allowing potential employers to have a glimpse of who you are as a worker and person will ensure that the right people are reading your resume and contacting you when appropriate job openings become available.

Job Interviews:

Before, during, or after an application has been submitted it is important to prepare for the interview process. The job search may last a few weeks or even months and it is possible that an interview will not be scheduled right away. In order to stay focused on his/her career goals it is essential to continue to conduct research, maintain job seeking skills, seek additional employment opportunities while applying to only one position at a time.

Once a potential applicant has been contacted about an interview he/she must prepare for it meticulously. Preparing ahead of time will minimize last minute stress and anxiety that may arise during the process. This includes reviewing pertinent application information, researching the company, practice answering relevant questions, practicing presentation skills (if applicable), etc.

Job offer:

After an interview has taken place it is possible that the potential employer will extend a job offer. It is important to discuss salary and benefits before accepting any position, regardless of whether or not there are other offers available. If there are more than one option on the table it may be best to politely turn down the offered position while continuing to seek other opportunities in case the position is retracted or changed.

When a job offer has been accepted, it is time to discuss and solidify the beginning date of employment, what types of training may be offered, and when an official start date will occur.

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned job search steps are not set in stone and should be modified to suit individual experiences and needs. It is all about taking control of your career by focusing on what you want out of life. Being proactive and focusing on a positive mindset will ensure that you are able to accomplish your career goals.