Looking for a job? Here’s how to get started
Image Credit: Cytonn Photography via Unsplash
By News Canada
Looking for a first job is a daunting endeavour. But newcomers can manage the stress and also set themselves up for success from day one. Here’s how to get started.
It’s about attitude. When you’re just starting out, you’re not going to have a lot of experience or industry knowledge, so you need to rely on attitude. Employers look for problem solvers and employees with a commitment to hard work. When writing a resumé or preparing for an interview, think about times when you’ve demonstrated a can-do attitude to use as examples.
According to research conducted by Food and Beverage Ontario, 79 per cent of Ontario residents say the best way to learn more about an industry is to talk to someone who works in the sector. As you think about jobs and careers, get to know people who work in the industry you are interested in. Think about your own network – your extended family, neighbours, friends – or do some research about a company and ask for an information interview.
Think about your personal brand. Doing a good job is not just about learning the trade or the industry, it is also about how you act on the job. Being positive, polite, on time and inquisitive is critical to getting hired and getting ahead.
Think outside the box. While an interest in graphic design might naturally lead to an advertising agency or an interest in finance to an accounting firm, companies in many other sectors also need those skills. Expand your job search, scoping out growing industries like food and beverage processing, healthcare and technology which all have roles for designers, marketers, accountants, engineers, computer scientists and more.
More information online at tasteyourfuture.ca