Employment Network Applicants

Step #3 - Action: Finding the Job Match

Assessing the Fit: Your Skills and Company Needs

Tools: Your Resume and Cover letter; Examples

Previous Step Next Step

You are now equipped with

KNOWLEDGE

√ - of who you are and what is important to YOU - your interests, strengths, goals.

√ - of what’s out there – the marketplace, employers, careers, jobs.

1.0 ASSESSING THE FIT: YOUR SKILLS AND COMPANY NEEDS

Do your work interests, career plans and aspirations match what employers are looking for? Are your expectations aligned with what organizations are offering?

The match between your skills + market/company needs is a healthy reality check of career dreams and aspirations in line with what companies need.

Review your information in Steps 1 and 2, in line with the diagram below – do you see job prospects, long term career opportunities and a ‘fit’ of your skills/expectations/needs with the marketplace?

If not, re-assess, research and possibly adjust your career plans. Build a safety net of other options and possibilities as well.
If yes, you are ready to build your resume!

You and The Marketplace

2.0 TOOLS --- Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume is your own personal marketing tool -- your “one-minute commercial” to:

Highlight your work history, significant skills and accomplishments
Clearly indicate to your potential Employer:
a) What position you are interested in and qualified for;
b) How your qualifications translate to meet the position and company needs.
Create interest to be invited to the interview.

Resume Tips:

√ Keep the information clear, concise and accomplishment oriented.

√ Use plain white paper (8-1/2 x 11"). Avoid shaded or colored paper.

√ Use a commonly recognized resume format. (We recommend chronological format.) Typeface should be simple and easy to read, i.e. 11 pt Arial, Verdana or Times New Roman font.

√ Ensure there are absolutely no errors.

√ Avoid abbreviations or industry jargon (don't assume the reader will recognize these terms).

√ Keep your resume short and to the point - generally, no longer than 2 pages. If you have extensive experience, 2.5 to 3 pages at the very most.

√ Do not mention personal information: i.e. age, height, weight, religion, gender.

Resume and Cover Letter Examples

Resume (pdf)

Cover Letter (pdf)

3.0 TAKE ACTION in your Job Search

Get organized

Develop and keep a positive, success-oriented mindset.

Tips:

√ Remember, you’re not alone.

√ Post your goals, positive messages and pictures.

√ Keep looking ahead, not behind you….…each day is a new day.

√ Everything you do - every person you meet, every phone call you make, every lead or article you read – is one step closer to finding your next job.

√ Your job NOW is to find the right position for yourself – not just another job. It will take hard work, patience and persistence.

√ Keep in action mode – plan, organize, research, call. This is the best way to avoid ‘job search paralysis’ (loafing, excuses and channel surfing).

√ Visualize yourself in the job you want.

Finalize and make copies of your resume and cover letter.

Compose a professional message on your telephone answering machine.

Schedule your job search work week: dates and times for specific job search activities.

Plan and Strategize

Develop lists of

WHERE to look and learn about opportunities:

Websites
Newspapers, magazine articles – new company or management announcements, expansions, employee retirements.
Telephone yellow pages
Trade magazines, association directories, community and association newsletters.
Events: trade shows, career fairs, business events.

Prioritize and Schedule

Target your efforts (versus sending out resumes blindly) – not only ensures greater success, but also provides you with greater control over your job search.

Review the lists you have developed --- prioritize the organizations and positions according to interest level and application deadlines.

Research

WHO: Learn about the organization. What is their mission, vision, values and offerings? Who is the company contact? …..resumes directed to a specific person will grab more attention.

Action – one day at a timesuccessful. Be punctual, professional and do not exceed the time promised.

Tips:

√ Start at your own comfort level. The people you know well, the organizations you are most familiar with. Then as you develop your confidence and comfort level, work your way towards the companies you are unfamiliar with.

√ Network: spread the word about what you are looking for; talk with people in the field (career fairs are a great way to meet company representatives); ask questions, ask them to tell you about their work and the company – most people enjoy talking about their job.

√ Ask for help – the worst that can happen is they say no.

√ Keep a daily journal and record of who you met, what job you applied for, etc. Follow up as necessary.

√ Try out some informational interviews: contact company representative/s and ask for 10 minutes of their time to discuss their occupation, the industry and what has made them

√ Use many avenues to look for work – not just one.

√ Send a thank you note for contacts, referrals and meetings.

√ Expect an emotional roller coaster – excitement, anticipation, nervousness, rejection. All of these will still bring you one step closer to the job you enjoy.

√ Take care of yourself – celebrate small successes; reward yourself for a day of job hunting!

Ph: 306-585-7244 recruit@employmentnetwork.ca

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