Conducting a Successful Job Search
In order to be gainfully employed, one usually must make a decision to ‘get a job.’ Jobs are not always easy to find or readily available. Even when they are, there is usually a few applicants seeking the position. Therefore, it is important to diligent in one’s job search.
As is often the case, the position you actually want may indeed involve more effort than simply putting in an application. The following is an non-exhaustive list of ways to ‘search’ for a job. Any one of these ways may lead you to gainful employment, though not all are required, and in fact, a few may not render any fruitful offerings. So, just know of the options, and then…START!
1. Network and use personal contacts. Let people know you are job hunting–friends, family, even past employers and current colleagues, when feasible. At a coffee shop–engage in conversation with the person sipping java at the next table. Just mention what you are interesting in doing. Strangers are would be networking contacts.
2. Online Job hunting sites. Monster.com became the premier site in the U.S. for various job listings available in a variety of industries. These types of sites can at the very least aid you in a ‘first step’ job search process–aiding you with possible available positions, allowing you to gain perspective in requirements of desired positions, and sharing industry standards–pay listings, companies hiring, and even résumé hints.
3. Résumé distribution sites. Careerbuilder.com is one that is a search engine leader. The goal here is that an employer may seek viable candidates from sites like this. Although, this is a possibility. The BEST way to use this site is to help you get your résumé completed and to allow access to job search hints and best practices.
4. Industry affiliation events and publications. Attend a conference in your field–usually there are advertisements about the current year’s conference and a section within such publication listing of employment opportunities. You may be able to get an interview on site–maybe even several. The least that could happen? You garner enough information for #1 and #7. Note: Usually, online publications are updated more frequently.
5. Governments have departments that aid citizens in job-search. Oftentimes, local and public institutions of higher education do too. Tap into these resources–which may cover interview aid and résumé writing. Some public institutions in your area may even post advertisements of local organizations that help others in getting to and from job interviews and even provide interview attire for those in need of assistance in this way. There are oftentimes listings of Job Fairs (see #6) in the area. Suggestion: Do not overlook this very ‘free’ resource.
6. Job Fairs. Looking to be directly hired in the shortest period of time? Attend a job fair. Employers set up at these fairs to be able to see as many possible candidates at one time. It may be daunting as lines could be very long, and you may actually be face-to-face with other candidates who may be visually more hireable than you–briefcase, résumé stating the best education, or simply their speech is quite impressive. Worst case scenario? You learn from them–and then come as prepared the next time! Best case: You are hired! It happens. Especially, in certain fields–hotel management, service industries, educational employment, and tech fairs, for example.
7. Direct research of company. Do you know exactly for which company you want to be employed and in which position? Immediately look at those people who are currently employed there and research them as well as the company. You may find LinkedIn (an online networking site) in which résumés are even displayed. Get to know also the human resource department, if there is one. Who does the hiring? Who in the company might be an advantageous networking partner? DO: Find out about the specifics of the company and then find out who in the company may be impressed with this knowledge AND your résumé. Remember: You don’t just want a job, you want to be able to do the job well.
Take away? Not one of the above is a guarantee of job attainment. It is best to venture into 2 or 3 of them with the understanding that getting a job IS a job in itself. Research well, develop your expertise (or go out and get what you don’t have!), and share your qualifications and interests with everyone and by every relevant means. You will be successful in getting a job–just don’t quit until you do! Hint: Start with #1–while you ALREADY are employed!
*Good luck!
* Not a Kittitian or a Nevisian? You may actually feel there is a ‘catch 21.’ In order to work in a foreign land you may need to get a job first. But in order to get a job, the company may ask that you are already employable–have working papers–a work visa. How do you get over this?
This is very difficult, true. But the steps still apply to YOU! #7 (more so than #1) is most important. Check out which industries are in SKN that you are affiliated with. Then contact various company human resource departments. Share with them who you are and what if any positions they are seeking that you may prove an expertise on and they are interested in hiring outside of the country for. Not an expert in that area? Become one!