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When searching for a job it’s good to realize there are many ways to look at your approach and further steps.

When you go on a job interview, and the person behind the desk seems a bit tense, if they answer the phone in the middle of your speaking, or you feel like they are trying to rush you, do not take that personally. Odds are, as they probably manage a department or section; they are also under a lot of stress and probably have meetings to attend or need to get immediate business done.

When talking about part-time, temporary or casual positions, it can be important to take them seriously. Working hard at these kinds of positions is important and can lead to much better things for a few reasons. In today’s work culture, it’s getting harder to find full-time jobs that are permanent right from the start. When a worker is hired as a part-time, temporary or casual, it gives the employer a chance to see what kind of worker you are, which can lead to something more permanent.  Just because you are hired as a part-time, temporary or casual for a certain position, does not mean that is where you will end up.

You have heard about the Hidden Job Market? Those are jobs that never make it to the public sphere, and are usually filled internally. When you work as a part-time, temporary or casual, you still have access to the internal listings, and if you make a good impression, that puts you in a good position as the inside candidate.

When you look at a job listing, it may be quite long. But other than certifications (e.g., First Aid, Food Safety, Fall Protection), it is important to think of the ad as a wish list.  This is a good time for you to look at transferable skills. For instance, if the ad states the candidate must organize events, you may think, “I’ve never done that.” However, if you have put together a wedding, a child’s birthday, a parent’s anniversary, then you have probably the skills required since they probably reuse the same hall, the same caterer, etc., so you will have all the contacts pre-set.

If you see a job is advertised with a recruitment company or you come across any company that offers to find you a job for a fee, think before you respond. The standard is that fees are paid by an employer, not the potential employee.  Beware of a company that offers to help you find employment in a particular field for a fee.  The company may meet their minimum legal obligation for example by providing you with a list of companies in that line of work, which you can get online for free.

Searching for a job is a job in itself, but there are ways to look at it that can increase your odds and help you keep a cool perspective.

Our employment programs help women, men, and families achieve sustainable livelihoods. You can find information on it here: www.ywcasaskatoon.com/employment-learning/

This blog was based on an article by Robert Francos. You can find the complete article here: https://ffanzeen.blogspot.ca/2018/01/four-job-searching-hints-you-may-not.html