Finding a Job

Photo Credit: Victor1558

Finding a job is a daunting task.

Whether you’ve been out of the game for a month or a decade, there are four key steps for making your job search a success.

Step 1 – Consider your work options

Although you may have your eye on a certain field of work, be realistic about the positions you are applying for. There is no harm in applying for a job that you are not totally qualified for, but it is important to submit resumes for jobs that are in keeping with your experience as well. You will have the greatest chance of finding a job in a role that you are trained for.

If you are particularly passionate about a certain industry but do not have the qualifications, consider taking a TAFE course or gaining relevant certifications. For example, if you are looking for work in the hospitality industry, complete a Responsible Service of Alcohol, Responsible Service of Gambling or First Aid certificate. These certifications will increase your changes of finding a job you love.

Centrelink offers payments like ABSTUDY and Austudy to people completing an accredited TAFE course or apprenticeship. Click here for more information.

Step 2 – Revive your resume

Your resume can often determine your success in finding a job. It is the main form of contact between you and a potential employer, so you need to ensure that it is up to date.

On your resume be sure to include the following:

Work experience
Certifications and qualifications
References
Availability
Skills specific to the position (e.g. computer skills or people skills)

It is a good idea to ask a friend or ex-employer to read over your resume. Sometimes fresh eyes are needed to pick up details that you may otherwise overlook.

There are also countless templates and guides available online to help you perfect your resume. A quick Google search of “resume writing” will get the ball rolling in no time!

Step 3 – Craft you cover letter

While cover letters may be a pain to write, it is important to submit a cover letter with each resume you distribute. Your cover letter is your first chance to demonstrate to an employer that you are right for a position – so make it count!

Be sure to read through the job advertisement carefully and explicitly address each attribute that the employer values. By ticking all of the boxes in your cover letter you will make your application memorable and give yourself the best chance of finding a job sooner rather than later.

Again, a quick Google search will reveal countless guides and templates for cover letters.

Step 4 – Do your research!

Job search websites like Seek and Career One are great databases for all fields of work. When searching these databases, don’t assume that one search will show up all that is on offer. Try altering the keywords you use in your search.

For example, if you are looking for a job in the animal care industry, you can also try searching “pet care” or “kennel”. These searches may retrieve different results that you wouldn’t have otherwise discovered.

It is also worthwhile visiting free classified websites like Gumtree.com. Many employers who do not wish to pay for advertising will put ads up here. Although it may seem a bit old school, searching the classified section of the newspaper or handing out paper resumes at local businesses is also a good idea. The sooner you meet a potential employer face-to-face the sooner you can make a good impression!

Doing your research also applies when preparing for an interview. Read up on the ethos of the company and memorise the names of important people in that workplace. Once you know the main ideas behind the company you will be able to cater your interview answers accordingly and improve your chances of finding a job. Interviewers are always impressed by someone who has done their homework since it shows a genuine interest in the position as well as personal initiative.

Finding a job is tough

Finding a job in today’s economic climate is often easier said than done. Even fresh-faced university graduates struggle to find a job in their chosen field.

If your job hunt is taking longer than you had initially envisioned, try not to lose hope. When you feel like throwing in the towel, remember that the next resume you submit may be to the employer you have been looking for.

Stay focussed on your goal of finding a job . Soon enough you will get that phone call.

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