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The first step for any successful job search is a goal: What kind of job do you want to have? When considering this question, keep in mind the work you’d like to do on a day-to-day basis, the salary you need, and what kind of office culture works well for you. But once you’ve got a sense of your ideal role, release yourself from the need for perfection.

 

Your first job — or even your second or third — might not be where you imagined yourself yet. And that’s OK: These early roles will allow you to build skills, gain experience, and provide you with the building blocks for future, more ideal jobs. You may find that you’ll need to work several jobs. An unpaid internship providing you with on-the-job experience or a minimum wage job that pays the bills, rather than one single entry-level position.

 

Millennials are the social media generation, and your network of friends and acquaintances on major social media platforms can do a lot. Connections are valuable, from sharing a job opportunity that hasn’t been posted to making an introduction, your connections can help with your job search.

 

Start by cleaning up your existing social media. They don’t need to have less personality, but it is important that you don’t have anything questionable on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other easily searchable social networks. Employers will look at them and this could work for or against your job application. Also, attend industry events. In-person connections can lead to more formal job-oriented coffee dates and informational interviews, which can get you access to the industry and companies.

 

Take these steps as you go through the job application process:  First, read the job description carefully before hitting the send button, and make sure you include everything the employer requested, including salary requirements, resume, and references. Be sure to spell check and proofread. A typo or small error in your application can impact your opportunity to get an interview.

 

It’s good to prepare for the job interviews. Become familiar with common interview questions and feel comfortable answering them. It is also good to have a strong familiarity with the company. When you research them prior to your interview, make sure to check out the company website as well as press mentions and the company’s social media presence.

 

When you get an interview, follow interview courtesies, such as wearing appropriate clothing, turning off your phone as soon as you enter the site, greet people politely, and display positive body language.

 

After the interview, send a thank you note. This is the final courtesy, and a smart move (emailed or handwritten) and it’s a great opportunity for you to share why you’re a good candidate.

 

You can find out more about job search skills from our workshops. Check our website here: https://www.ywcasaskatoon.com/employment-learning/program-information/

 

This article was based on an online piece by Madeleine Burry, of thebalance.com. The full article can be found here: https://www.thebalance.com/job-searching-tips-for-millennials-4085866