So, you’ve decided to get a job or look for a new one.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but the hardest part of getting a job is searching for one. Searching for a job takes time and serious persistence because of the sheer volume of postings that you may have to go through. The situation can be stressful but here’s my guide to making it a lot easier.
Know where to look
Most people focus on only one method or place for finding a job, like only handing out resumes in stores, but to effectively search for a job you have to cover every base. While searching for a job, online ads are your best friend; websites like Kijiji, Craigslist, SimplyHired, and Indeed Jobs are a huge help. There are different types of postings for countless positions—eventually you will find something that interests you.
Another great place to look for a job as a student is around your campus. There are tonnes of postings that are posted around post-secondary campuses. Take the time to browse through them because majority of the time there is more than one employment ad on those boards. While searching your campus, take a look at your school’s website to find a job. A large amount of universities and colleges have a jobs portal to help their students find jobs. This technique is unique because the jobs posted are geared to students, meaning this will help with scheduling and time management while you’re working.
Finally, check out your local newspapers. (Those business sharks in movies reviewing the job market at breakfast have it right!) The classifieds in the local paper have a tonne of job postings that may not be seen by many. The newspaper allows you to see what’s available in your community and it’s updated often so new job ads are posted all the time.
Narrow your search
Now that you know where to look, it’s time to be more specific. While looking for a part-time job, it’s best to know exactly what type of job you’re looking for; going in blindly isn’t a good idea. Instead of typing “part-time job” into Google, type “part-time retail job” into a job engine, (like the one here at jobpostings.ca). This will narrow your search to what you’re interested in most and you’ll be using your time more wisely.
It’s best to know your interests, your ideal job, and your comfort levels. For example, an extremely shy person might not be best-suited for a job in retail, approaching people and selling products, but instead working as a file clerk or research assistant. One of the best qualities to have while searching for a job is a focus on exactly what kind of job you’re looking for.
Don’t stress (too much)!
The most important quality to have while searching for a job is to not allow yourself to get overwhelmed. It’s easy to get disheartened and stress if you don’t hear back from employers for a while but you should persist! Searching for and finding the right job can take a long time and that’s something that you should be prepared for.
Quick tip: whenever you feel stressed by searching for a job, walk away for a few days and come back with fresh eyes. It will get frustrating but you will find that job. Just keep your eyes open, stay positive, and stay focused!