Today in Alberta, economic times are tough, meaning if you’ve recently found yourself out of work, you’re not the only one. If you’re ready to get back out into the workforce, here are some strategies to land a job that much quicker.
Spread the word
We know, being out of work is the last thing you want to ‘brag’ about, and is often a reality you’d rather keep to yourself. But letting your friends and family know you’re looking for a job can be an incredibly effective way to land a position, as oftentimes employers hire based on a recommendation or word-of-mouth. If your friends know you’re in need of a job, the next time their employer mentions a vacancy, your name will come to mind.
Check job boards regularly
There are a number of job listing sites that you can search according to your city and area of work. Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor and the Government of Canada Job Bank are just a few of the websites out there that have a high number of listings at any given time. When searching through these sites, be sure not to just check one, but check a few at a time, and check them often. Although there is a lot of overlaps between the sites, there are some jobs that one site may have that the other may not. Another website to check is Kijiji; although this may seem like an odd place to search for a job, it is a great place to search for temporary work that you may not see listed elsewhere.
Network
Once again, word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and when you’re out of work and looking for a job, it’s important to let people know. A lot of people think networking means putting on a suit and attending a sophisticated social event with hundreds of strangers, and although that’s one approach, it is by no means the only way to network. Networking can be as casual as going for beers with an old co-worker or saying ‘yes’ to attending an event with a friend. The point of networking is to meet a new person, which in turn broadens your potential opportunities.
Clean up your resume
Chances are your resume needs some updating, and if it’s been awhile since you’ve written it, it may need a complete makeover. Many job search websites, like Monster.com for example, have additional resources for writing an effective resume and cover letter.
Brush up your interview skills
For many people, interviews are the most difficult part of the process, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Ensuring you’re fully prepared before going into an interview is key, and in addition to researching the company you are interviewing for, it is important to anticipate the types of questions you may be asked. For a general list of common interview questions, click here, and to search interview questions specific to a certain company and/or position, click here.
The job searching process can be tedious and discouraging, and although Alberta’s economy is not at its best, there is still a need for qualified workers in various industries. With diligence and perseverance, you’ll be right back in the swing of things.
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