Where to Start in the Quotjob Arenaquot
Where you start really depends on where you are now. Is this your first time looking for a job or are you changing jobs, returning to work or simply looking for new opportunities?
No matter what your situation, the very first thing you should do is create and/or update your resume. Ideally your resume should be no longer than two pages and should include at least two referees. Most job markets are very competitive. A resume that is too long may not get read. If you do need more than two pages make sure everything is clearly labeled and easy to find at a glance. There are many job web sites that can help you create your resume such as Monster (www.monster.com)
Although all the advice in this article may be useful you might want to skip to the section below that best describes you...
First time Job Seeker.More often than not, first time job seekers are either still at school/college or have recently graduated. If this is you then you should be looking for entry level positions in your chosen career.
If you're interested in a trade then you might consider looking for an apprenticeship, which is an ideal way to 'earn while you learn' as it gives you real, hands on experience.
Note that, as a first time job seeker, with little or no experience it may be hard to break into your chosen career straight away. This could be because you either lack the experience or there is a great deal of competition for the entry level positions.
In this case you need to do everything possible to give you an 'edge' over the competition. You may even have to take a job outside of your chosen career path (temporarily) just to establish a work history that shows you are reliable and ready for employment within your field of interest.
Taking on temporary work for short periods is a good way to establish credible referees - especially if your referees are currently all personal referees or your teachers from school/college.
Looking to Change Employers.If you already have a job but want to change employers (perhaps you don't like the conditions/pay etc. or perhaps you're moving to far away to continue your present job) then the first thing you need to do is make sure you leave your present employer on good terms. As your most recent employer, your current employer is your best pick to be a referee on your resume. They may even be the difference between you getting the job over someone else.
If you can't leave on good terms then, you need to be sure you clearly state to any future employers why you left (or are leaving). Be up front and honest about the situation without putting down your previous employer (even if they treated you appallingly).
If you left on bad terms you don't want potential employers getting curious about your side of the story and contacting your previous employer to find out what really happened. On top of that, if you're not able to calmly put the experience behind you, then it will reflected badly on your character as a potential employee.
Something else to consider is, if you're looking for a new employer in a similar field then chances are you may be contacting competitors to your current employer. You need to be sensitive to this fact. Consider that your current employer may not want to lose you to the competition and therefore may not be willing to be listed as a referee. It may not even be a good idea to let your current employer know that you are looking for a new job in this situation.
If you are in the situation where you aren't able to tell your current employer you're looking for a new job then, whatever you do, make sure you do all your job hunting on your own time, not your employers (this you should do regardless but especially in these circumstances). Looking for work on your employer's time will only increase your chances of being found out.
Looking to a New Career Path.If you're looking to change careers then your first steps may be towards further education. Look towards Colleges, Adult learning centres, Night school etc. for information about courses that will prepare you for entry into a new career.
Much of the advice given in the last section, Looking to Change Employer's, will also apply to you if you are already employed. Since you are less likely to be approaching competitors to your current employer it is more likely they will be open to being listed as a referee on your resume.
If your chosen career path is one where you can just jump straight in, without prior training, then jump. Approach as many employers in that field as you can find and let them know you're looking for work.
Returning to Work or Long term Unemployed.Being out of the workforce for a long period can be something of a set back depending upon how long it has been since you last worked. However it need not be an issue if you can demonstrate a willingness to work and that you know the field you're looking to be employed in.
Take time to research your career choice. Look for industry specific magazines and other material that will help you get up to speed on current trends. Consider taking a training course at college or night school. Anything you can do that will enable you to talk the talk of your chosen career will reflect well upon you chances of securing a job.
As with the first time job hunter, you may also have to consider a temporary job, outside your chosen field, just to re-establish that work history. Particularly if you haven't been employed for many years. Remember it is only temporary. Keep yourself focused on your goal of getting employment in your chosen career.
In all cases looking for that next job is going to require some research. Perhaps look for a careers centre in your city or town for advice. Finding job vacancies should be easy with the explosion of job and career web sites along side the more traditional newspaper job listings.
If you don't see a lot of job vacancies listed for your chosen career path then you could be in an industry that either doesn't advertise positions (except through word of mouth or in industry networks) or there are fewer opportunities available.
In this case you will need to approach employers, even if they aren't hiring, to let them know you're interested in working for them. Ask them to keep your resume on file (many will as it saves them advertising costs) and to contact you should anything come up. You may even ask if you can contact them in a months time, just to remind them that you are interested in being employed with them.
Hopefully I've given you some idea of where to start in the job arena based upon your current situation. If you really want to work then there is a job out there for you - regardless of your present employment status. Patience and perseverance will get you the job.
