28 Job Search Tips
28 Job Search Tips
Use job search engines
Use job search engine sites to search job boards for new opportunities.
Focus your job search
Narrowing down your search criteria will help you to focus your job search.
Research companies you would like to work for
Find detailed information about potential employers online.
Act quickly — apply as soon as possible
Even if the deadline is weeks, or months away, apply as soon as you can to show your interest in the position.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
By having more than one interview lined up, you will keep your skills sharp and increase your odds of finding a job.
Stand out on LinkedIn
The most common thing employers do after reading your resume is checking your LinkedIn profile — make sure that it demonstrates all of your positive attributes.
Be ready to act
Employers are often motivated to fill new roles quickly. Regardless of how, or when, the opportunity arises, be ready to match their urgency to fill the role — you could miss out.
Use all types of media
Consider using the internet, newspapers, professional associations, Chambers of Commerce, local businesses, and employment agencies to find your job.
Attend a job fair
Visit job fairs to develop relationships with businesses that could lead to a job.
Know when NOT to call
If a job listing indicates “no phone calls” — don’t call. Employers will not want to hire someone who cannot follow instructions.
Network, network, network
Become an expert in social networking.
Job searching is hard work
Motivation and attitude are the keys to a successful job search!
Make a plan
Make checklists to ensure your search time is used productively — treat your job search like a job.
Remember that your resume is not a tattoo
If your resume is not a direct match for the role that you are applying for, don’t be afraid to modify the wording, switch around key terms, and swap bullet points in and out.
If you are not on LinkedIn, you don’t exist
More than 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary search tool. If you are a professional, you need to be on LinkedIn and using it to your full advantage.
Stay motivated
It is easy to become disheartened when you have been out of work for some time — stay motivated to find your next job.
Practice your interview skills
Practicing before a job interview is just as important as rehearsing a Broadway play. Schedule a mock interview with one of our Employment Service Counsellors.
Never stop learning
Once you know the skills you need to achieve your job search goals, make sure to continue to improve and update them.
Consider relocating
In many cases, companies, and even entire industries have moved to different parts of the country.
Your resume needs to survive the ’10 second scan’
With recruiters spending an average of 10 seconds on the initial scan of your resume, it is crucial that you are able to capture their attention quickly.
Have a professional LinkedIn title
Even if you want people to know that you are looking for work, employers are not conducting searches for someone “seeking employment”.
Write thank-you notes after your interview
A quick note of thanks, whether by mail or email, to emphasize your interest and fit for the job may not get you an offer, but it will help you to stand out from job seekers who do not bother with this simple act of courtesy.
Check your spelling and grammar
If you do not do a quick spelling and grammar check, it will show a lack of attention and could get your resume rejected.
Tailor your resume
Always tailor your resume to match the needs of the job you are applying for.
Use standard font
Do not use any unusual or strange fonts in your resume or cover letter.
Use bullets
Use bullet points to list your achievements, rather than writing them out in a paragraph, in your resume.
Resume paper
Print your resume on a high-quality white paper — you can print your resume for free at either of our Employment Service locations.
Dress appropriately
The image you present to a potential employer will give them their first impression of you.