Research, Prepare and Repeat

“When looking for an opportunity, applying for a job, or going for an interview; treat it like you’d treat an exam. You can’t do well without preparation,” says Betrice Brangman, Career Services at Seneca.

Although the exam analogy may sound daunting, research and preparation will go a long way – all the way to the perfect job.

The Search:
First, consider what you are looking for and where you would like to end up. What kind of job do you want? What industry? Full-time or part-time? Asking yourself these simple questions will help you narrow down your options and make the job search process much easier.

Once you have answered these questions you can move on to the external research: community job boards, job fairs, job search websites. You can also ask your family and friends to keep a look out for you – a great opportunity could be right under your nose.

The Application:
When preparing your resume and cover letter, look beyond the job posting. Do some research and cater your application to that specific company. If a company describes itself as “solution-driven,” be sure to highlight your problem-solving skills. Some companies have a laid back culture, so feel free to make your cover letter less formal than you usually would if you find this out.

The Interview:
Like the application, background research can help you shine in an interview. When you have knowledge about the company, you will feel more comfortable answering questions about yourself and linking it back to the organization – showing employers that you care about the position and have what it takes to succeed.

When it comes to looking for a job: knowledge is power. The more you know, the better prepared you will be. There are resources out there for all the stages of the job search process, you just have to take the time to look.

Visit Seneca’s Career Services website for more information on workshops, resume critiquing and other career resources.

By Tuktuk Islam