Community Employment Resource
Centre
The Community Employment Resource Centre
(CERC) brings you this weekly column as an extension of our on-line
service. We provide referrals to other
agencies, advice on job search issues, as well as dates and / or information
pertaining to upcoming job fairs. We
invite you to use this service by dropping into or calling either office
(Cobourg: The Fleming Building,
905-372-9372; Port Hope:
Lakeland Place, 74L Queen St. (beside Town Hall), 905-885-2372) or through our website:
www.cercnorthumberland.com.
I have been job searching for many months and am
becoming increasingly frustrated with the process. I have spoken to many people looking for answers, but have not
yet landed a job. I have sent numerous
resumes, including responding to postings on the Internet, for almost anything
that is available. Can you give me any
suggestions??
Unfortunately, the act of job searching is a very
frustrating experience, but it too can help with skill development (such as
perseverance!!). Your question comes at
a good time. Recently an article was
published in the Globe and Mail (Wed. March 10th, 2004) that
identified some of the obstacles that employers experience when looking for the
ideal employee. The article was based
on a survey that was completed with over 400 Human Resource professionals. The findings indicated that employers feel
only 20% of job applicants have the skills they desire. Undoubtedly a large reason for this is the
presentation of the skills in the resume and cover letter. Below are some general tips to help you be
included in that 20% exclusive club!
¨
Customize resumes to target each opportunity and
demonstrate the appropriate skill set for each – many resumes are discarded
because the applicant comes across as unqualified. Many people still try to generate a resume that will work for
multiple job fields. Also, don’t add to
your discouragement by applying to jobs where you clearly do not have the
skills, as you will just be setting yourself up for rejection.
¨
Employers are looking for the right
blend of hard (i.e. experience in the industry, ability to use the
equipment) and soft skills (communication skills –oral and written,
ability to work in teams). Read ads
carefully and learn about the potential employer to help identify what soft
skills are important to them.
¨
“Fit” is also key.
Employers are looking for an individual that would thrive in the
organization’s culture and environment.
In fact, employers in general reported that skill sets and corporate fit
are the most significant elements to evaluate in a potential employee. Research companies to determine their
culture and then demonstrate how you do “fit” the organization.
¨
Always follow up on old contacts. While 45% of companies file all resumes an
additional 49% sort and keep those that may be of future interest. This is possible largely because of
technology and the applicant tracking systems (databases) that companies have
installed. Just because you did not get
a particular position, don’t discount that employer for future possibilities.
Hope this helps!!