Job Search Strategies that Get You Working

Co-op Education & Employment Resources Department

2011

Job Search Quiz

1. If you e-mail cover letters and resumes to as many companies as possible, it is likely to produce excellent work prospects.

2. It is not a good practice to ask friends and family members for employer contacts and leads.

3. The so-called “hidden job market” accounts for 35 percent of the available work for most individuals.

4. Job searching is something you can do in your spare time.

5. The Internet is the best place to look for jobs opportunities.

 

Job Search Quiz

6. You should keep track of every employer you talk to or every job you apply to.

 

7. What are some things that job seekers do that annoy employers?

8. You should have a really “cute” message on your answering machine or a “suggestive” email address so employers will notice you.

 

9. You should always follow up with an employer contact you have made.

 

10. Centennial’s Employment Resources Department will find work for you

 

Job Search Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDY4_jaMwLY&feature=related

Accessing the Hidden Job Market

1. Research potential employers• Make a list of companies you are interested in• Read newspapers, watch business news, follow labour

market trends to learn about your company/field of interest to figure out where the jobs are/who is hiring

2. Contact potential employers on your list by doing one or more of the following: • Networking – including social networking site, LinkedIn• Targeted E-Mailings• Information Interviews• Cold Calling

Networking Card

Business card for job seekers

Pat Smith 416-289-5000 psmith@my.centennialcollege.ca

• Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprentice • Diagnose, repair, maintenance, overhaul vehicles• WHMIS trained and safety focused• Strong customer service & communication skills

Job Search Statement

It is a brief “commercial” about your relevant qualifications to answer questions such as,

Tell me about yourself.

What are your top strengths?

Why should we hire you?

Education –

Related work experience –

Technical skills –

Transferable skills –

Job objective –

Sample Job Search Statement

I am currently enrolled in the Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship program at Centennial College, where I have learnt to diagnose, maintain and repair various types of North American and import automobiles. Through my labs at the college, I have gained solid oil change, transmission and tire rotation techniques, as well as the ability to follow instructions and safety protocols.

I also have excellent interpersonal, organizational and computer skills as a result of my previous positions as a Customer Service Representative at ABC Company.

I am confident that my technical skills and my flexibility will be assets to your logistics company, which has been named one of Canada’s top 100 companies. I look forward to the opportunity to use my vehicle maintenance and repair skills and experience to contribute to your excellent reputation as an Automotive Technician apprentice.

General Job Search Tips

• Be proactive and tap into the hidden job market (non-advertised jobs)• Research and be aware of labour market trends• Be creative in your job search• Have a positive attitude • Be persistent• Be organized - create a job search log/ tracking sheet; keep

all documents (resume, cover letter, job ads, confirmation notices) together • Always follow-up

Job Search Sites Online

Skilled Trades

www.apprenticetrades.ca

apprenticesearch.com

www.apprenticesearch.com

skilledtrades.ca

www.skilledtrades.ca

PlacePro via myCentennial, Student Services tab, More Job Search Services box

https://my.centennialcollege.ca/cp/home/displaylogin

Services at the Coop Education & Employment Resources Department

• Employment Coaching• Résumé/Cover Letter Critiques• Interview Preparation & Practice• PlacePro - Job Posting site – via my.centennial• OptimalResume via my.centennial• Grad Success Pack via my.centennial• Computers, printers and fax access

• To book appointment – (416) 289-5000, ext. 8121• employmentresources@centennialcollege.ca• www.centennialcollege.ca/employment