Work Search What you can do to get that job!

Introduction Looking for work can be a long and scary process. It doesn’t matter how much you’ve done it, it is still overwhelming. Our aim is to give you information on how to job search painlessly.

The Hidden Job Market

What is it? Did you know that most job openings are not advertised? The majority of job openings are filled through word-of-mouth, unsolicited applications and cold calling. The trick to cracking the hidden job market is happenstance!

Networking Networking is not the same as asking for a job — usually your networking contacts will not be potential employers.

Form a Network Because many jobs are never advertised, networking is often the key to getting a job. Be clear about your job search goals To get started, think about what you want to say to others about yourself and what you want to know from them. Make a list of people who might be good contacts to help you address your job search questions.

Look after your networks It is important to nurture your networks. Losing touch can prove to be costly. Show interest in your networks, update them on your family, talk about their problems and try and come up with solutions, have them on your Christmas card list. The small things matter!

Employment Patterns Full-time – Usually Monday to Friday for eight hours. A full time worker will work an average of 38 hours per week. Full-time workers also receive annual leave, sick leave and time in leau. Part-time – A part-time worker works the same hours and the same days each week, receives the same entitlements as a FT worker but will work less hours. Part time workers will work anywhere between 18 and 35 hours a week. Casual – A casual employee can work as many hours as they want or are needed to. They do not receive entitlements, any work they do, they get paid for. Contract – Contractors will sign a contract to be employed for a certain period of time. When the time expires so does the contract. There are some exceptions to this. Job-share – Job share is relatively new and becoming quite popular. Job- sharing is having two people in the same position. One of the employees will work three days on week and two the next.

Making an impression Chances are, there will be a lot of applicants for the positions you want to go for. It is important to be the applicant who will stand out from the rest and make a strong impression on the employer.

How to make a good impression with your resume Your resume will more than likely be the first point of contact with an employer. An employer will usually scan through all applications and shortlist some for further consideration. You want to be one of the people shortlisted! To do this, the presentation of your resume is very important. Ensure your resume is short, to the point and formatted properly. An employer doesn’t want to have to analyse it too much at this stage. It is VERY important to have the qualities required for the position nice and clear.

How to make a good impression with your resume

Covering Letters It is important to check if the position you have applied for is asking for a covering letter. If it has asked for one ensure you enclose one. A cover letter will explain why you fee you are the best candidate for the position you are applying for. It is a good idea to explain why you are interested in the organisation.

Online Tools The majority positions aren’t advertised but nowadays, everything is going electronic. A lot of positions can be found online. Some of the more popular sites include:

E-Portfolio E-Portfolio’s are becoming the new way to apply for work. Instead of sending a hard copy resume and covering letter, the link to the applicants page is sent. You can upload documents to an E- Portfolio. This could be your resume and covering letter. It is important to check with the employer to make sure they will accept your application in this format.

Your image Be aware of your online image With employers using the Internet more when they have online applications, it is a possibility they will search your name elsewhere as well. Be aware of the images and other information about you that's posted on the Web. Pay attention to your privacy settings on social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace. In many cases anyone can view your profile pictures. Make sure you use a professional-looking image or else adjust your privacy settings. Also remember that people can often access password-protected websites through Google searches.