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Very
often you, like many other graduates, will experience different kinds
of difficulties in your job search, including:
-
Not
knowing what jobs you really want to, or are able to, do.
-
Knowing
what jobs you want but unable to find relivent job advertisements.
-
Applying
to jobs advertised in newspapers and getting a dissapointing response.
(There are many possible causes for this. Either you don’t meet
the requirements, certain jobs are not/need not be advertised, or
simply because the competition for advertised job openings is too
fierce).
If you are having these difficulities you can try looking for work in
the hidden job market. Finding this
kind of job requires you to identify and pursue the job you want instead
of waiting for employers to advertise such positions.
The
following are steps you can take to find a suitable job in the hidden
job market. You may not need to start from Step I. Assess your own situation
and decide where to start.
Step
I - Find out which careers match your interests
Step
II - Find out about the respective careers: the work nature and requirements
- Read
the careers directory.
- Read
careers magazines.
- Browse
the Joint Institution Job Information System (JIJIS) system
and see what employers normally require for your preferred jobs.
- Network
- if you can, ask people in occupations you are interested in about
job nature and requirements.
- Consult
alumni - see files on our "Alumni Contact Scheme" and the
corresponding worksheet. (enquire at the Careers and Placement, CEDARS Help Desk).
- Check
career websites on the Internet.
Step
III - Do a job analysis. Make sure that you have the abilities and qualifications
required
Complete
the "Job Analysis" Worksheet
(to come back close the new window).
Step
IV - Identify prospective employers in that field
- Gather
information.
- Read
employer and business directories.
- Get
job leads from newspapers.
- Get
job leads from the Internet.
- Network
with industry people.
- Consult
Alumni.
Step
V - Enquire about possible openings in writing or on the phone
- Learn
how to obtain information on the phone.
- Learn
how to write unsolicited
application letters.(To come back close the new window).
- Watch
the video called "Job Search Methods That Get Results" (JIST).
(Ask at the Careers Library Enquiry Desk).
Step
VI - Refresh your interviewing techniques
- Read
the materials linked to How
should you prepare for a job interview? Question 2, Stage 2,
on the Career Development Track. (To come back, close the new window).
- Role-play
interviews with your friends, mentors or career counselors.
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