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Employment Tips and Advice for Newcomers
The Process of Getting a Job
February 2013
Here are step-by-step tips on how to get a job. It is normal that it is difficult to find a job; it sometimes takes awhile! If you need help with any of the steps please contact one of the free Employment Services listed on the opposite side of this sheet. You can practice your interview skills with an employment counsellor. 1. Plan your job search, because your new job is to look for a job. You should: schedule your daily activity and plan to succeed create a routine that you can keep 2. Make a list of your “hard” and “soft” skills: Many employers value soft skills as much as the hard skills you bring to a workplace. Hard skills include: having technical skills that you have probably learned in a school setting or on the job such as computer programs having the ability to operate certain equipment being able to type or keyboard speaking a foreign language having the ability to do math
Soft skills include: getting along with others being able to fit into a workplace knowing when a co-worker or your boss is upset having good communication skills using common sense taking responsibility having a sense of humour
3. The importance of volunteer work When you volunteer you do a service willingly and without being paid. Volunteer work can help you gain new skills and meet new people. 4. Find a job by: searching ads and internet listings using job alert going to employment agencies and recruiters listening to information from others (word-of-mouth) contacting companies directly getting referrals or networking with friends and family 5. Keep track of your job search activities by listing: date job title job description contact information follow-up timelines activities 6. Research the employer before you apply by doing an internet search. Find out if you are a good fit for them, and if they are a good fit for you. 1a