Six strategies for successful job search?

Thanks to Magdalene Cooman, Director World Skills for this wonderful article.

World Skills Employment Centre would like to thank Mr. Ranjith Mathew for being our special guest speaker today. Ranjith is currently the Student Placement Officer at Willis College and was a former client of World Skills. He spoke about the challenges he faced at the beginning of his journey in securing employment in Canada and the difficulties in understanding the concept of job searching, which is very different from his home country. He expressed his gratitude towards several organizations in Ottawa which helped him but had special praise for World Skills Employment Centre and the Ottawa Job Match Network for the profound impact that the staff and the programs had in helping him to refine his resume and to gain the skills to tackle the job market effectively.

Six of the top strategies to successful job searching while also integrating into the local culture and community are:

1.  Get connected to community resources and organizations like World Skills Employment Centre whose mandate is to connect immigrants to employment
2. Network actively in the community and on social media. Always ask for referrals to help expand your network.
3. Be clear about the type of opportunities which you would like to access and remain focused on these. Do your research both formally and informally.
4. Have the tools which are relevant to your job search process such as an appropriate resume, a professional LinkedIn profile, calling / business cards and proper attire to attend interviews.
5. Practice good citizenship. Be kind to everyone and participate in your community through volunteering, joining interest groups and generally being helpful to making sure that you follow the law and protect your environment.
6. Don’t listen to people who will discourage you from pursuing your goals. Some people may have had bitter experiences with finding work but remember that your journey is unique to you.

Job search can be a stressful process. It is important to make time to exercise, enjoy the great outdoors and relax with family and friends!

Connect with World Skills Employment Centre if you need help with your job search efforts!
Written by: Magdalene Cooman, Director of Employer Engagement.