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How to Find a Job: Top 5 Job Search Tips
- lee-ann86
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Learn How to Find a Job with these expert tips
Looking for work can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you don't know how to find a job or have been "out of the game" for a while. Don't worry, Prairie Skills Employment Services is here to support you.
We have created a list of helpful top 5 job search tips compiled by experienced client advisors who have helped hundreds of people just like you find a job!
The Top 5 Job Search Tips
Tip #1 - Know Your Job Interests and Priorities
Before you start randomly scrolling the internet, it will help if you can focus on your wants, needs, and priorities in finding a job. Perhaps you want to focus on jobs that interest you or maybe it's finding work in a particular location or a payscale that is of top priority. Writing down your priorities is crucial in helping you narrow down your search.
Use this template to work out your job search focus:
What jobs have I enjoyed doing in the past? What jobs did I not enjoy doing?
What are my interests and passions? eg. baking, walking my dog, building things
What do I enjoy most about working? eg. working with others, seeing a finished project
What are my key skills? eg. bookkeeping, customer service
Where do I want to work (geographic location)? Am I willing to commute, and if so what distance?
What is my salary expectation? Dream salary and minimum salary
What hours do I want to work? Full time, part time, or casual
Having a bit of focus for your job search will not only help you when looking through online job sites, but will also help you when networking with others or approaching potential employers.
For example, mentioning to a friend you see on the street that you're looking for a job is too vague and not memorable. But if you said "I'm thinking about changing careers to pursue my passion of working on cars" you are being much more specific and now that person will remember you if they ever come across an autobody or mechanic position.
Additionally, walking into a potential employer's business and saying you are looking for work doesn't cut it. But stating your skills and what you would like about that job or working there goes a long way to making a lasting impression. Eg. "I've always respected the way your company gives back to the community as I too am avid volunteer. I would love to work for a company like yours where I can continue to serve the community, do you have any current openings?"
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Tip #2 - Use Reputable Online Job Sites
The internet is an amazing tool to help you find work. But with all the information at your fingertips it can sometimes be overwhelming.
Prairie Skills Employment Services has made it easier for you by compiling a weekly Job Board for the Southwest Manitoba Region. We also list selective remote job opportunities in Canada.
You can visit our job board here
If you are wanting to expand your search here is a list of reputable online job sites specific to the Southwest Region, Manitoba, and Canada:
“Success doesn't come to you, you go to it.” –Marva Collins
Make sure when looking online that you not only read the job descriptions carefully but also do some quick research on the company as well. This could be as simple as visiting thier website and scrolling their social media profiles to see if the company is active.
Also, try Googling the company and seeing what other information is out there about them and what they do. If they don't have a website/social media and you can't find much about them on Google, then chances are it's not a legit job opportunity.
Facebook is another great resource to explore when learning how to find a job. Start following local community pages or even swap & shop groups to see if there's any local job postings.
Tip #3 - Network Within Your Community
85% of jobs are filled through networking! (Forbes)
Networking is interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts and it's a crucial step in learning how to find a job, especially in small rural communities.
Talk with your friends, family and neighbours about the fact you are looking for work. Mention your situation, if relevant, to other's you meet whether it's in the community or at events.
Attend local events, conferences, or job fairs as another way to network with others and potentially find new opportunities.
Lastly, depending on your field of work, setting up a LinkedIn page might be useful to connect with others in your area.
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle
Tip #4 - Seek Out Potential Employers
When you aren't finding anything on the local job board or don't see many listings online, don't panic. You don't have to sit around and wait for a job to come to you.
Why not visit or call local businesses? Tell them about your skills and ask them if they are hiring. Often, smaller companies don't have time to post jobs publicly so there may be job openings you wouldn't know about unless you reached out.
You can also take your resume to local businesses and drop it off in person. In fact, that success rates go up 13x with in-person versus email interactions. Even if they don't have a current opening they may keep it on file for future opportunities. Bonus, if you ask to speak to a manager as this face-to-face contact can go a long way to opening doors.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”–Wayne Gretzky
Tip #5 - See a Job Search Coach
If these top 5 job search tips still didn't answer all of your questions or if you're still feeling overwhelmed on your hunt for a new job then maybe it's time to reach out to an employment advisor.
"Solutions to problems often come from knowing when to ask for help" -Buck Brannaman
Our friendly and knowledgable advisors at Prairie Skills Employment Services can help you on your journey to employment by offering job search help, career exploration, interview prep, and resume writing.
We offer convenient phone, virtual, or in-person meetings to get you on track to finding the right job.
What to do next
Found a job you are interested in? Contact Prairie Skills Employment Services for help in composing a winning resume or read our Easy Guide to Writing Resumes here
Funding provided by The Government of Canada The Manitoba Government
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