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networking

where do I go to look for work?

Applying for employment within the advertised job market is one way to look for work. Unfortunately, it is usually not the most effective approach.

According to Richard Bolles in his book "What Color is your Parachute?"

5 worst ways to find a job:

1. Randomly mail out résumés to employers. This method has a 7% success rate.
2. Answer ads in professional or trade journals appropriate to your field. This method also has only a 7% success rate.
3. Answer ads in newspapers in other parts of the country. This method has a 10% success rate.
4. Answer ads in local newspapers. This method has a 5% to 24% success rate (the higher the salary, the smaller the chance of finding a job using that method).
5. Go to private employment agencies for help. This method also has a 5% to 24% success rate, again, depending on the salary you want (in a recent study, 27.8% of female job hunters found jobs within two months by going to private employment agencies).

5 best ways to find a job:

1. Ask for job leads from family members, friends, people in the community, and staff at career centres. Ask them this one simple question: Do you know of any jobs in my field? This method has a 33% success rate.
2. Knock on the doors of any employers, factories, or offices that interest you, whether or not they have vacancies. This method has a 47% success rate.
3. Use the Yellow Pages to identify areas that interest you in or near the town or city where you live and then call the employers in that field to find out whether they are hiring for the position that you can do - and do well. This method has a 69% success rate.
4. In a group with other job hunters, implement method #3 (above). This method has an 84% success rate. (Note: See the list of Job Finding Clubs at the bottom of this page)
5. Do thorough homework on yourself. Know your best skills, in order of priority. Know the fields in which you want to use those skills. Talk to people who have those kinds of jobs. Find out whether they're happy, and how they found their jobs. Then choose the places where you want to work, rather than just those places that have advertised job openings. Thoroughly research these organizations before approaching them. Seek out the person who actually has the power to hire you for the job that you want. Demonstrate to that person how you can help the company with its problems. Cut no corners; take no shortcuts. This method has an 86% success rate.

Source: Richard Bolles, What Color is Your Parachute
More information about Richard Bolles.

The successful job search techniques outlined by Richard Bolles are often refered to as the "Hidden Job Market".
What do we mean by the hidden job market?
If 80% of all jobs are never advertised? How do you access these jobs?

One way to access the hidden job market is through Networking. You can start networking by:

• Attending professional or trade association meetings
• Telling everyone you know that you are looking for work (friends, family, your doctor, neighbours) but remember to be specific about what kind of work you are looking for
• Volunteering For volunteer listings check out the Charity Village website
• Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and meet people in your field. Choose a volunteer opportuntiy that will utilize your skills.
• Networking on-line: post messages on mailing lists, Usenet newsgroups, or in chat rooms.
• E-Networking information from the Riley Guide

networking tips

• Come prepared! Before any networking meeting be sure to research the company and bring a list of questions to the meeting.
• Stay organized - keep a list of networking contacts.
• Remember to thank networking contacts. Networking is a give and take process, be prepared to help networking contacts in the future.
• Sample thank-you letter to send to a networking contact
• Avoid asking employers directly for a job - instead ask for advice, contacts, a résumé critique, and ask them to keep you in mind for any suitable openings.
• Make a list of the assets you will bring as a prospective employee.
• Keep in touch with your networking contacts and follow through with any suggestions that they have made.
• Once you have found a job, be sure to follow up with all of your contacts to thank them for their help.
• Always dress professionally when meeting with a networking contact.
• Approach every meeting professionally - often job seekers don't take meetings with recruiters, employment counsellors or junior human resources staff very seriously. Remember anyone you meet may be a link to your next employer - make a positive impression.

more

download:
Scarborough Village community needs analysis report (may 2008)
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) flyer
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) flyer (alternative)
2008 career assessment & planning (CAP) services

skills development centre
employment focus
YWCA SOAR (Seek, Obtain, Advance, Retain)
LEAP
Scarborough Village employment resource centre
(formerly morningside employment resource centre or MERC)
career assessment & planning
YWCA REACH
resources for your job search

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