Tips for finding that job
How to Find Jobs
- Local and national Newspaper 'Positions Vacant' advertisements.
- Internet Sites advertising Positions Vacant.
- Employment agencies. Ask for an interview with a consultant, they make recommendations about who gets a job or interview.
- Ask friends, relatives, acquaintances and former workmates about:
- Jobs where they work
- Jobs elsewhere
- Through the Yellow Pages.
- Go directly to businesses in your area and apply in person (door knocking).
- Contact local organisations and associations (check Yellow Pages):
- Church
- Health and Welfare
- Social Service
- Youth
- Chamber of Commerce
- Respond to advertisements in Trade Journals
- Look for vacancy signs on large companies and projects.
Telephone Canvassing:
- Be prepared - write a script including questions to ask, have pen, paper next to you.
- Use names - your own, the receptionist and the employer (personnel officer).
- Be friendly and co-operative.
- Be clear and concise - speak clearly.
- Sound confident, but not over confident.
- Always know to whom you are talking.
- Be practiced at what you are saying.
- Try to get a interview. If you don't, send a resume and ask for other job leads.
- Be realistic.
- Smile!
- Treat others as you would like to be treated.
- Keep at it! This is a proven, successful method of getting the job you want.
Pointers on using the telephone to contact employers
- Always know to whom you are talking - ask their name and position.
- Never tell the secretary or the switchboard operator that the call is personal.
- Offer something of interest to the employer.
- What you say in the first few seconds will determine how successful you will be. Directly asking for employment is an immediate turnoff and permits a quick and final "NO THANKS". Perhaps you could ask for advice and information. This is more likely to get you an attentive ear.
Door Knocking:
Visit potential employers without an appointment and ask if there is any work available. Your goal is to get an interview or other job leads and to leave a resume or calling card with the company. Like all job seeking you need to be prepared and create a good impression.
Some Tips For Doorknocking
- Always carry an adequate number of your job seeker Calling Cards and Resumes. You can leave whichever one is appropriate with the employer.
- Take paper clips to attach a calling card or resume to any company application form. This will make your application "stand out in the crowd".
- Be organised. Sit down with the telephone book and street directory and plan your "attack".
- Be well dressed and groomed. You may get to speak with a person who can make hiring decisions. Even if you don't, the impression you leave at reception needs to be positive.
- As with your telephone canvassing request an interview when door knocking. Ask about employment positions and other job leads. Ask to leave your resume or calling card just in case something comes up.
Tips for getting to the right person:
- Call just before or just after normal office hours. Sometimes the manager is in earlier or stays later than the other office staff.
- Ask the switchboard operator for the manager's name and direct dial number.
- If the employer is unavailable, try, try and try again.
Positions Vacant Advertisements:
These provide the clues to key points for:
- Your covering letter
- Likely questions at an interview
- Conducting research on your potential employer
- Don't be put off an advertisement if you don't think you have all of the requirements specified. A well-constructed letter that responds closely to what the employer specified is still likely to gain you an interview. Emphasise what you can do!
- Remember, don't send a standard letter ignoring the key requirements of the advertisement.
Advertisements are there to find applicants with certain qualities and skills.
What To Do:
- Don't delay in responding to the advertisement.
- You need to analyse the job in detail. Ask yourself - what must I be, have & do?
- Isolate what the employer is looking for.
- You need to look for the directions on how to apply.
- If necessary telephone the employer for further information.
- You need to prepare your covering or application letter:
- take care setting out the letter and if possible keep to one page
- identify the position
- emphasise your suitability for the position
- respond to the key requirements of the job
- offer something of interest to the employer
- finish letter off offering availability for interview and attach your resume. proof read the letter thoroughly.
- Remember to sign the letter and keep a copy
- Modify your resume to meet the needs of the job:
- Use a good quality word processor and letter quality printer.
- It should be on good quality A4 paper and typed in an easy to read font.
- Proof read your resume thoroughly.
For more information contact ATEL on
1300 784 787