1. Be sure to leave a current and professional message on your answering machine.  A telephone number given on a resume becomes a business number for the duration of your job search.
2. Network.  The hidden job market is tapped into precisely through networking.  Eighty percent of all jobs are not advertised so take advantage of it! The more openly one networks, the more work possibilities will open up.
3. Contact everyone and accept rejections.  The more contacts and calls you make, your chances of getting what you want will increase.  All job seekers will get rejections, no matter how experienced or competent they are.
4. Know what jobs you want to do. When you ask a contact for help in your job search the individual will be unable to suggest anything unless they know what kind of jobs you can do.  Even if you are close friends, the other person is probably not familiar with your chief skills.  Make a statement that describes what you can do or what you want to do.  Do not assume the person knows.  Never use the statement "I’ll do anything."  
5. Use the library. Many reference books, magazines, journals, newspapers, etc. for job search are available at the library.  Librarians are also knowledgeable about different resources.  Don’t be afraid to ask them!
6. You must know yourself to sell yourself!  What can you do that relates to the job?  Employers expect each person they hire to already have, or be able to develop job skills.  Although most employers provide job training for more specific jobs, you must nevertheless show them that you have the potential to do the job.
7. Be ready to shake hands.  In an interview, be alert and quick to respond to the interviewer both at the beginning and at the end of the interview.  Part of the decision to hire or not hire may be based on your response and the warmness of your grasp.
8. Get your resume ready.  The role of the resume is not to get you a job, but simply to get you an interview. It must quickly tell the employer that you are a "good fit" for the job and it must clearly point out why you are potentially better than any of the other candidates.
9. Keep your references updated. When you are developing a list of references for potential employers, you must first ask the individuals permission to use their name.  Keep your references up to date on your job search activity and don't forget to thank them when you secure a job.
10. Remember to follow up.  If you applied for a job and haven’t heard back from the employer after the deadline, call them!  Unless the job description says, “Only selected candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please,” it does not hurt to check if the employer received your application and is still hiring. 
11. Get jobs by email. Many job posting sites let you sign up and receive job listings by email. Sign up and get regular job postings specific to your request.

Need more help?

Are you stuck or need ideas on how search for a job? Contact a staff member at Connections Youth Resource Centre at (604) 271-7600, or email connections@rysa.bc.ca, or drop in and talk with us today! Our staff know their stuff!