Looking for a New Job? Tips for Applicants

You are looking for a new job and, in turn, employers are looking for qualified candidates.

Many of these tips for job searchers are not new. However, following some or all of them could make a difference for you as a potential candidate.

CV/Resume:

While content is key, the format of your CV or resume can also be important. Keep it simple but attractive.

• Include objective statements only if requested by potential employers. Otherwise, they don't add anything of value to your resume.
• If you have not completed your university degree or diploma program, don't make it look like you might have. Simply indicate the current status of your studies or expected completion date.
• Don't just list your title, length of time in a position, and tasks, include your key accomplishments and results, as well.
• Include information about new skills learned or used in various positions.
• Indicate what you did in the job; not what the team or the unit did.
• List jobs you have held in chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include only the relevant, not necessarily all your job experiences.
• Avoid acronyms other than those in common use.
• Be positive.
• Use simple language. And proofread (or have someone do it for you, or both).
• Research other sources on CV/resume writing.

The Cover Letter

Your cover letter or letter of application could increase your chances of being picked from the pile.

• Let the employer know — first hand — why you are interested in a particular job.
• Be concise but comprehensive — brief but to the point.
• Outline major accomplishments or achievements or anything else that will make you stand out as a candidate.
• Focus on the experiences, roles or assignments that were the most formative in your career.
• Explain what you are looking for in your next position and what you hope to accomplish in your career.
• Use simple language. And proofread (or have someone do it for you, or both).

Interviews

Prepare for your interview by finding out all you can about your potential employer and his/her organization. For example, check out their Web site and/or research other information about them.

• Practice. Ask your friends or family members to assist you in an interview simulation. It helps.
• Write out your stories or examples from your career in advance — ones that will demonstrate you have certain skills and abilities or that show you have depth of experience.
• Be yourself.
• Make it clear what you accomplished or achieved in given situations, not what the team or the unit did.
• Don't say anything negative about former employers/managers or organizations.
• Dress appropriately.
• Remain calm.
• Be on time.
• Prepare some questions about the job/the organization to show that you are interested in both.
• Show appreciation for the interview opportunity and underline your continuing interest in the job or position.

Finally, the following link may be useful in your job search:

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/lifeevents/job.shtml

Leaman Long, B.A., B.Ed.
HRM Consultant
Y2 Consulting Psychologists

If you have any questions and/or comments, don't hesitate. Thank you!

Related articles:

• Losing your job: dealing with loss and bouncing back
  (Perdre son emploi : vivre la perte et rebondir)
• Moving past loss: bouncing back after losing a job
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• Job loss from the manager's perspective
  (La perte d'emploi : l'expérience des gestionnaires...)

Related videos:

• http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/video/lj.shtml