Control Your Job Search

PNN Employment tips - November 2012

Having control over your job search is the most important and effective thing you can do to get a job in your professional field. You may see yourself stuck in the survival job you are doing right now while your career search is taking longer than you expected. Those are stressful times, but it’s important to stay patient, positive and maintain focus. Here are some tips on what may help you during this period:
  

• Assess your job search process; try to identify practices that are just not working. If you are doing the same things and getting the same results (no interviews or job offers) then it may be time for a new approach. You can ask for help from employment counselors or job developers in the community organization near your home.
• Stay focused and look for jobs in your field; identify a number of specific jobs that you qualify for and keep applying for them. Do not waste your energy and time applying for jobs not relevant to you.
• Be persistent in your job search; you need to spend enough time every day searching for jobs. While applying for jobs, try to network, volunteer and make cold calls. The more jobs you apply for, the greater the chances of getting an interview.
• You may be away from home working long hours to support your family, so it’s important to have some time with them and try finding a balance between your work, life and job search.
• Remember that you are not alone in this situation; it’s a period that every newcomer goes through once they move to a new country. The key is to stay confident and patient. Do not over-stress as this can make you angry and frustrated which will be seen by others when you apply for a job or have an interview, and may have a negative impact. You may speak to your family members, friends or family doctor if you feel angry and depressed.