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How to find a job

Find out about the nitty gritties involved when you want to look for a job. Like life, many little things count in job hunting. Some of them may be so little that it is easy to ignore them. Find out what they are. They may help to make a difference!

 Locating jobs 

Job Listings

Find out the different online , magazine, newspaper, job listing sites that may be related to the kind of work you are looking for. Then proceed your search systematically starting from the most recently posted and those closest to your training.

Job Search Help

Seek help from related government departments such as the Labour Department and those provided by NGOs, or those provided by the university you are currently attending.

Job Fairs

Find out about job fairs an attend them in-person or online.

Networking

Do not be shy to expand your social network a bit. Many jobs are circulated by word of the mouth and some are even created out of a connection. Tell your friends and acquaintances that you are looking for work.

Join chambers of commerce and professional associations or clubs that are related to your field of work and meet people there. Volunteering is also another way to get to know people and expose your abilities to those who are in a position to hire.

Cold Calls

Seek out prospective employers and contact them online, by letter. Some job seekers would call them and show up at companies. Although the latter practices are not recommended as they may be perceived to be annoying.


Links
Networking
Work and recruitment events
Jobplus
JIJIS
CIS

 

 Preparing yourself 

Resumes or CVs

Prepare a Resume or a CV and make sure it addresses these issues well:

  • Is it well organised?
  • Does it show your strengths and side step your weaknesses?
  • Will it impress your prospective employer?
  • Is it the most updated version?
  • Complete a Job Application

Some companies may require you to summit a job application form to ensure they get the information they need. Make sure that you do the same for application forms as you do for resumes if the format allows you to do so.

Cover Letter

You need a cover letter to introduce yourself. The cover letter can be very imprint as it will be first screened. Consider the letter to be the first opportunity for you sell your skills and services to a prospective employer. So make sure it is well crafted. Ask these questions when you write the letter:

  • Will it stand out amongst others?
  • Will it capture the attention of whoever who reads it?
  • Is it specific and brief enough to address the employer’s needs in a succinct manner?

Interviews

Many quality jobs come by with interviews. Make sure you find out about these jobs, the cultures of companies that offer them and prepare yourself for the interviews. Never go to an interview unprepared.


Links
Letters and resumes
Work and recruitment events

 

 More to do 

Follow Ups

You may want to follow up with the people who have interviewed you. A timely and polite call may help to make up minds. Contact the employer if you haven't heard whether you have got the job or not within a week or so of interviewing to ask if you can provide any additional information. If appropriately done, all these can help you show your keenness in the job.

Thank You Letters

Make sure you send thank you letters to your interviewers as that may also help to leave a favourable impression.


Links