July 31, 2018
Establishing Job Targets — The Product Is You 0
Now you’re ready to identify your job goals based on your analysis of your needs, interests, likes, dislikes and transferable skills.
Make a list of employers whom you want to target. These will be employers who are likely to employ people with your skills and whose businesses appeal to you.
Ask family, friends and previous work associates for their input on job targets for you. Keep a list of the suggestions. At this stage, you’re exploring and generating a list of options. Later you can select the ones that are most appealing to you– the ones that you will target and develop your strategy.
Identifying occupations that match your needs, interests and skills may not be easy. If you are having difficulty with this step, you may want to contact your local Career Development Centre or Canada-Alberta Service Centre for assistance in narrowing down your job targets.
Always remember, “The Product Is You.”
Myth: There are no jobs out there.
Reality: There is lots of work. Learn how to find it.
© Wordscapes ® (David Turner). All Rights Reserved.
July 31, 2018
Job Search Tips 0
by Wordscapes® • Job Search Tips • Tags: Job Search Tips
As part of your job search keep all your documentation together. For example, you could have a section called “Portfolio” for skills inventories, accomplishments, and job-related needs and wants.
Another section labelled. “Employers” could include names, phone numbers, dates contacted, outcomes and follow-up for all run/jog potential employers you contact. Another section might be “Ideas for Job Leads.” Create and use a Contact Sheet to record your job leads and contacts.
Whatever system you prefer, set it up so you will have a means for recording your actions and seeing your progress. You will impress your employer contacts with your organization skills. And, most important, you’ll have all the information you need at your fingertips to help you succeed in your job search.
Be Creative
Developing ideas is crucial to successful job search. You need to be creative to get the edge and to stand out from the crowd.
All of the lists you started in this manual are creative exercises. You might further stimulate your creativity by doing specific tasks. For example, think of an object– a brick, a pen, a phone. What are all of the things you could do with this object? The purpose is to expand your thinking– to generate an unlimited number of original ideas, no matter how ridiculous. Get into the habit of allowing yourself to be silly. Some of the best solutions to problems have come out of “funny” ideas.
Reward Yourself
Job search is hard work. It takes a lot of time and energy. Be sure to make time each day to reward yourself for your efforts and restore your power. The “Reward List” on the following page will help you identify activities you enjoy doing. Include things that attract you but have not found the time.
Some of the followings may appeal to you:
➔ take a long, perfumed bubble bath by candlelight with music
➔ run/jog
➔ work out
➔ walk the dog
➔ go for a bike ride
➔ read a book, cover to cover
➔ watch a favourite movie
➔ do a crossword puzzle
➔ arrange with a special friend to share a message
➔ listen to your favourite music
➔ walk in a park
➔ visit a museum
➔ attend a free concert
➔ draw
➔ lift weights
➔ build models
➔ skate
➔ read cartoon books or comics
➔ dance
➔ do some gardening
Select at least one reward for yourself each day from your reward list.
Make a list of the people in your life whom you enjoy being around — people who give you a lift and help you feel confident. Include them in your “productive” activities.
Pat yourself on the back and give yourself the energy boost you need to set yourself up for the next day of your job search.
— Favourite Activities
— Alone Favorite Activities
— With Others Favorite Places to Be
— Favourite Smells
— Favourite Foods
— Favourite Exercises
— Favourite Subjects to Learn
© Wordscapes ® (David Turner). All Rights Reserved.