Whether it’s because you’re not happy with your current occupation or because you’re looking for your first job, we all have to go job hunting at one point or another.

However, before even starting to look, how can you prepare? There are many things you can do that will both make your job search easier and increase your chances of getting the kind of job you’re looking for. By following these tactics, you’ll be ready for when you start your job hunt.

Write and Tailor your Resume

No matter what job you plan to apply for, it’s likely you’ll need a nicely polished resume. However, a good resume is more than just a list of your past jobs and education.

Editing and tailoring your resume so that it compliments the specific job you’re applying for is a key way to grab the attention of the manager who is handling the hiring process.

By attending TCES’s free, professional resume clinic you can find new ways to edit and improve your resume and ensure that it will impress your potential employer.

Know your labour market

While you might have a specific job that you want in mind, it unfortunately may not be available. Reasons why include there not being enough of a demand for that job in your area or the qualifications needed for the job having changed.

Before you start your search, it’s important to be aware of the current labour market so that you know what is available. Because the market is also constantly changing, it’s also important to know what the current requirements for an occupation are.

Want to find a career that is suitable to your personality? TCES’s career exploration workshop will help you learn more about what career options match your interests and are also available in the current labour market.

Practice doing interviews

Interviews are an inevitable part of the job seeking process. While some people have no problem sitting through them, for others it’s the most difficult part of getting a job. However, while the idea of doing an interview might be nerve-wracking, you’ll feel much calmer if you know what to expect.

Consider looking up common interview questions so that you’ll have a good idea of what you’ll be asked. Additionally, ask a friend or family member to practice an interview with you so that you can start preparing your answers for when you’re asked by an actual hiring manager.

Invest in professional attire

Professionalism is important to employers, and your appearance plays a big part in that. If you want hiring managers to have a good first impression of you, dressing professionally is a priority. While you don’t have to alter your entire wardrobe, it’s still a good idea to have something nice to wear for your interview.

With clothing being very expensive, many non-profit organizations exist to help job seekers be well dressed for their job interviews. For youth who are trying to get their first job, TCES can provide funding for interview clothing and other job-related expenses through their Youth Job Link program.

Be organized in your job search

Searching for employment can take a long time, and that’s why it’s important to make sure that you don’t waste any. And since you’ll be sending your resumes to multiple organizations for various positions, you’ll likely become confused very quickly and lose time if you don’t keep track of where you’ve been applying.

Documenting your search through a program like Microsoft Excel is a great way of tracking your progress. Examples of categories you can keep documented include:

• Organizations and Positions applied to
• People and Professionals met through networking events
• Cold Calls made
• Interviews attended
• Dates last contacted

Network with as many people as possible

When it comes to open job positions, many employers will prefer to fill them with someone they already know. While there may be someone much more qualified out there, it’s simply much easier for them to hire someone who they believe has some competency than to start searching for someone entirely new.

That’s why it’s so important as a job seeker to try to meet as many people as you can, as they might recommend you to someone who would hire you, or hire you themselves!

Going to various networking events is a great way to meet new people. Try to introduce yourself to as many people as you can; you never know who might be the one to get you connected to your next employment opportunity!

Get some assistance from TCES

Offering various services from employment-related workshops and one-on-one employment coaching to job-matching and job-placement, TCES offers many services to help their clients find the kind of job that they’re looking for.

To get connected to a great employment opportunity through TCES, register with us online or contact us at (416) 488-0084.