Catherine's Career Corner
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May 11th, 2009
Searching For A Job? See These Strategies

  • Use your personal contacts to find out about possible job opportunities. Personal contacts could be friends, family, former co-workers or employers, members of your religious organization, local community members such as doctors, physical therapists, counsellors, members of professional organizations or social clubs, etc.
  • Contact employers directly when looking for job opportunities. You may need to visit or telephone many places of employment about present or future job openings.
  • College, university, or vocational-technical school placement offices offer job placement and career development services.
  • The public library may be able to provide employment information.
  • Classified ads found in the newspaper, local bulletin boards or professional magazines may be useful.
  • Advocacy and support groups may provide employment assistance
  • Public and private employment agencies can circulate resumes and match appropriate job candidates.
  • Job banks provide computerized listings of jobs that you can be matched up with nationwide. Use the Internet to find employment opportunities. Local libraries usually have computers to access the Internet.
  • Volunteer activities can sometimes lead to paid employment and can provide good work experience to include on a resume.
  • Visit online recruiters
  • Above all, update your CV

These strategies may assist you in finding a job. However, these suggestions are not all inclusive. Following is a list of specific resources which may be helpful in seeking job leads, placement, training, or assistance in the employment finding process such as resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Temporary staffing agencies may be helpful in finding employment opportunities. Temporary staffing agencies work with all job seekers. Temporary jobs help job seekers build a work history, experience different types of jobs, and increase their employment marketability and earning potential through enhancement of skills.

Research On Employer

As you plan for a job that will lead to a career, you should research employers that have the characteristics that you desire. Here are some questions to guide your research:

  • What kind of business is this?
  • What is its product/service?
  • How many people are employed in the company?
  • Where is the local plant/office located?
  • Who is the head of the local business operation (name/title)?
  • What are the requirements for the job for which you are applying?
  • What is the salary range for the job?
  • What are the business dress requirements, if any?

Many of the answers you are looking for can be found on the company’s website.

Interviewing For A Job

Most people find job interviewing to be a nerve-wracking experience. With some extra planning and practice, job applicants with disabilities can approach their interviews feeling more confident, and show the interviewer the true extent of their abilities.

See more information on interviews.

Interviewing For A Job

Before

Make sure you are clean and well-dressed for your interview. If you do not own interview clothing or can’t purchase them, you may ask your local job center for assistance.

Take school certificates, copies of your resume, and letters of reference. (take copies along; do not leave originals with anyone). Take along a pen or pencil and paper. Be prepared to answer questions. Ask in advance for permission before using someone as a reference.

Make sure that you have time and assistance to prepare for your interview.

Interviewing For A Job

During

Plan to arrive 10 minutes before the interview is scheduled to begin.

  • Smile and shake hands with the interviewer.
  • Make eye contact with each interviewer often.
  • Speak clearly and slowly.
  • Do not chew gum or wear heavy fragrances.
  • Do not make negative comments about previous employers or co-workers.
  • Don’t tell jokes or information that is too personal.
  • Ask questions if you do not receive all the information you need to understand the job duties.
  • Thank each interviewer for their time and shake their hands.
  • Send a thank you note by mail or email thanking them for the interview and telling them your interest in the job.
  • If you don’t hear from the employer within the job decision time frame, follow-up by phone.

Interviewing For A Job

Sample questions employers ask

  • What would you do if …? (Imagined situations that test a person’s knowledge of the job).
  • In what type of position are you interested?
  • Why do you think you would like to work for our company?
  • What jobs have you held, how were they obtained, and why did you leave?
  • What do you know about our company?
  • What are your ideas on salary?
  • Why do you think you would like this particular type of job?
  • What interests you about our product or service?
  • Are you looking for a permanent or temporary job?
  • How long do you expect to work?
  • Are you willing to go where the company sends you?
  • Why should we hire you for this job rather than anyone else?

See most popular interview questions and answers here

Interviewing For A Job

After a job interview

  • Send a thank you note by mail or email thanking them for the interview and telling them your interest in the job.
  • If you don’t hear from the employer within the job decision time frame, follow-up by phone.

See more articles from the source.

Catherine Adenle
Founder, Catherine's Career Corner. The career site empowering and inspiring ambitious candidates of all ages and professions to thrive and work smarter on their careers. Gladly helping all career-minded people worldwide to explore their career, manage change and understand how new technologies are changing and enhancing the future of work.
Catherine Adenle
Catherine Adenle

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