(NC)-Whether trying to land that first job, or upgrade to a new one, fall is one of the year's peak times for job searching. For most, the hunt for the perfect position can be a big pain.
In order to make your job search go from painful to painless, try following these smart tips:
Be prepared: By keeping your resume updated even when you're not looking for a job, the process will be much easier when the time comes. Make sure to not only add in recent positions, but also revise older information to ensure the whole document provides the best representation of your skills.
Try a little help from your friends: Tell everyone you know and trust that you are looking for a job. Let them know what your qualifications are and what type of position you're looking for. Good leads can sometimes come from surprising sources.
Know when to take a break: Job hunting can be an extremely stressful and headache-inducing process. In fact, a new Leger Marketing survey found that almost one in five Canadians list job hunting as the biggest cause of headaches. When the pressure gets to be too much, try to relax and take an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or Motrin so you can get rid of the headache and get back to searching.
Keep an open mind: Depending on your situation, you may have all the time in the world to find the perfect position, or you might be on a tight schedule. Either way, it is important to be flexible and open to making small concessions. That being said, try not to settle for a job just to be employed. Look for a position that can offer long-term opportunities.
Think outside the box: Use your creativity to find unique job opportunities, and don't restrict your searches to online job-sites. A creative approach can also help set you apart from other candidates. For example, including catchy language or well-researched, tailored information in your cover letter can make your application stand out.
- News Canada