Job Searching
Finding the career you love starts with the job search. Take your time on your research and stay positive.

How do I search for a job?

Job Search Plan
Creating a job search schedule will enable you to set aside time for drafting a resume, creating a cover letter, being prepared, using the Internet to find job openings, networking and completing the interview process. Schedule time on your calendar for job search activities. Treat that time as you would any work commitment. Be consistent in the amount of time you spend each day, or week, on job search activities. This will help you keep your momentum going. It’s a good idea to have a plan before you start searching for specific jobs. A plan should be a flexible outline of what you want to do and how you expect to do it.

  1. Start with at least one career goal that will be the focus of your job hunt
  2. Assess your skills, strengths and interests. List the types of jobs that match them
  3. Have your job application information ready along with an updated resume and cover letter
  4. Research businesses or employers you want to work for and contact them
  5. Network with people in the field, support groups and job clubs for information
  6. Rehearse answering questions about leaving your past jobs out loud
  7. Practice your interviewing skills
  8. Keep records of your job search
A job search takes time, so if possible create a budget to support yourself during your search
Market Yourself
By identifying your skills and how they match the jobs you are seeking, you will be able to market yourself more effectively. Knowing what skills you possess is at the core of a successful job search. Skills mapping helps you to consider a job or experience in terms of what you gained and learned instead of focusing only on what you did. It helps you prioritize the most meaningful skills for the job you are considering.

How to Market Your Skills
  • Resume: Your resume showcases your transferable skills. You can emphasize your many skills and elaborate on how you used them.
  • Cover Letter: Transferable skills can be highlighted in a cover letter to market the skills you have to offer to an employer. A cover letter provides an opportunity to focus a potential employer on the skills and details that might not have been included on a resume. A cover letter also gives you an opportunity to compare the skills required for the position to the skills you possess.
  • Interview: An interview is the best time for you to showcase your skills. Be prepared to describe your responsibilities, how you contributed and what you gained from your relevant experiences. Remember, communication skills can be demonstrated during the interview as you express your thoughts and connect with the interviewer.
Job Fairs
Going to job fairs may lead to an opportunity for jobseekers to speak directly to employers that might have job openings. It is important to have the right expectations for what you can and cannot do at a job fair.
  • Expect to leave with increased opportunities to discuss your brand or how you want to be seen by others in the marketplace and ultimately, how others see you
  • Build your professional network
  • Introduce yourself to potential employers and answer employers’ questions
  • Get information and leads that are not available on the employers’ websites

Frequently Asked Job Fair Questions

Resumes
Interview Tips & Resources
Job Searching
Networking
Scholarships,
Gr​​​​ants & Resources