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Job Search Tips & Resources
14 steps to a smarter, more successful job search
(part of GoodWork and the People- & Planet-Friendly Directory)
Finding a great job is not just a matter of having the right credentials. The search itself involves a variety of challenges and
rewards. With a positive attitude, it can be a terrific learning experience. Along the way you can gain invaluable skills,
knowledge and experience.
The ideas and resources below can help you in your search, and in making the most of GoodWork. The future will be what
you contribute to and create!
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(1) Set some goals, make a plan
Take some time to think and write about where you are today ...and where you'd like to be. What are your hopes, values
and dreams? What would you like to be doing if anything was possible? What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Roles you've enjoyed, not enjoyed, would like to develop further? Set some specific, achievable goals that will set you off in
the right direction. Then write down steps (a plan) on how will work towards these goals. For guidance, see the careers
and self-help sections of your local library or bookstore. On-line resources: www.jobhuntersbible.
com/counseling/counseling.shtml
Goal setting: www.google.com/search?q=%22goal+setting%22
Books and magazines on healthy, ethical employment, "right livelihood", making a difference: www.planetfriendly.
net/goodworklinks.html#books
www.planetfriendly.net/goodworklinks.html#magazines
(2) Get connected
Subscribe to lists, websites and publications that carry job postings. Just as important, sign up for those that *aren't*
outwardly about employment, but cover issues and topics that interest you. You'll learn a lot; hear about related events,
networking and volunteer opportunities; and be among the first to see any postings that come up. Create a folder of
bookmarks to your favourite job search sites and organizations.
Job search: www.planetfriendly.net/goodworklinks.html
Enviro. org's & companies: www.planetfriendly.net/ecoportal.html
Social justice: www.planetfriendly.net/directory.html#justice
Alternative media www.planetfriendly.net/voices.html
(3) Get involved
If all you do is look for advertised jobs, you're missing a lot. To learn about "hidden" opportunities, become an active
member of the community. Find issues and organizations that interest you – then participate at events, volunteer, get
involved!
Enviro. org's & companies: www.oen.ca/dir/portals.html
Social justice: www.planetfriendly.net/directory.html#justice
Event calendars: www.planetfriendly.net/directory.html#events
Networking tips: www.planetfriendly.net/networkingtips.html
(4) Demonstrate your abilities
Demonstrate your abilities through your words and actions. This applies to your communications; your job search
process; volunteering; plus all other interactions with potential employers or coworkers. Saying that you have what it takes
is no match for demonstrating it in action.
(5) Research before you apply
If you're interested in a posting, read it thoroughly. Take notes. Make a printout and use a highlighter. Look around the
organization's website, including the "About" or "Organization" sections. Do a quick internet search on the organization,
sector, issue or role. If you have time, go to the library or a bookstore. What you learn could prove invaluable even if you
don't get hired for the particular position.
Environmental search guide: www.oen.ca/dir/searchguide.html
Social justice links: www.planetfriendly.net/directory.html#justice
(6) Be professional
Be professional – neither too formal nor too informal – in all your communications with the employer. Pay particular
attention to the application requirements. Do they want a resume? (If in doubt, a resume and cover letter is usually the
best bet). How and when do they want it submitted? If you don't do what is asked – or in any way make things inconvenient
for the employer – you're putting yourself at a disadvantage.
(7) Show some attitude
Show some attitude ...and respect. Try to put yourself in the employer's shoes and think about their needs, obstacles and
limitations. Think about how you could be of value to them. If you've ever been an owner or manager, you know how much
it takes to run an organization or project (and how much of this is taken for granted). Your search is likely to be much more
successful if you approach it with initiative, creativity and a positive attitude. Nobody "owes" you a job – the future will be
what you contribute to and create.
(8) Improve, improve, improve your resume
Remember that the employer knows nothing about you except what s/he can deduce from your application. There is an art
and science behind writing a resume. It's all about effective communication – and is not as obvious as it might seem.
Your cover letter and resume should *demonstrate* your purpose, clarity of mind and more. By improving your written
materials, you're also improving your self- awareness and communication skills. Helpful articles and books are available;
go to your local library, bookstore or career centre, or try these online tutorials:
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/Resume_Advice/
(for more, see section 14, below)
(9) Write great cover letters and correspondence
Try to anticipate the employer's questions. Why are you interested in this job? Why do you think you'd do well in this
position? How would you overcome any missing skills or roadblocks? What have you done in the past – paid, volunteer or
at school – that demonstrated your interest, ability and commitment? Spend time on your cover letter and make a great
first impression!
www.google.ca/search?q=%22write+a+cover+letter%22
To really polish your writing, get a copy of the booklet "How to Take the Fog out of Writing" (Robert Gunning & Douglas
Mueller, Chicago: Dartnell Press, 1985). www.google.ca/search?q=fog+gunning+Mueller
http://directory.google.com/Top/Arts/Writers_Resources/Non-Fiction/Corporate/
(10) Act quickly
Even if the deadline is weeks or months away, it's good to apply as soon as possible. Sometimes the later applications
aren't considered as thoroughly (or at all). On the other hand, if you've just missed a deadline but are really interested in
an opportunity, there's no harm in trying.
(11) Respect the employer's time
The person who is doing the hiring also has many other responsibilities and may not have time to talk or correspond with
applicants. Do your own research, if at all possible. Don't ask for more information unless you really need it and it's not
available in the posting or on their website. If the posting says "no phone calls", don't! Write down your questions and ask
them after the employer has shown interest, such as at the interview.
(12) Create your own job
When most people look for work, they compete for existing jobs. Why not create your own? There's no lack of things that
need doing. Do some research, participate in events, volunteer, etc. Then write a proposal to an organization that interests
you, demonstrating how you and your project or idea could help them achieve their goals. If they like your idea, they might
be able to fundraise for it. Or you could write a grant proposal or other fundraising ideas, for their consideration. If you can't
find an existing organization, start your own.
Starting a Nonprofit or Charity www.charityvillage.ca/cv/guides/guide4.asp
Starting a Business www.planetfriendly.net/goodworklinks.html#smallbusiness
Project Management http://sustain.web.ca/cbt/internetres.htm
Funding/Fundraising: http://sustain.web.ca, click "Capacity Building Tools", "Other", "Internet Resources", or go directly to:
http://sustain.web.ca/cbt/int-fundraising.htm
How to be an Activist www.planetfriendly.net/active.html
(13) Don't be discouraged
Don't let yourself be discouraged. It's been said that every job search is a series of No's followed by a Yes. Each "No"
takes you one step closer to the moment when both you and the employer say Yes. Keep a positive attitude and make the
best of what you learn along the way!
(14) More job search tips & resources
Job Search 101 www.charityvillage.ca/cv/FAQ/faq_cc_user_15.html
Career Development Manual www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/step1.asp
Career Links & Resources www.careerservices.uwaterloo.ca (click on "Resources/Links")
www.trentu.ca/careers/students/linkindex.html www.careerowlresources.ca/articles/articlesarchive.htm www.tcm.com/hr-
books/job-books.htm http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Careers/ http://directory.google.
com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/ http://directory.google.
com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/Resume_Advice/
Environment & Nonprofit Employment
http://directory.google.com/Top/Science/Environment/Employment/
http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Nonprofit_Resources/Employment/
Research Skills www.google.com/search?q=%22research+skills%22
Reading Skills & Study Smarts www.yorku.ca/cdc/lsp/downloads/reading.PDF
www.google.com/search?q=%22study+smarts%22+kesselman
Communication Skills www.google.com/search?q=%22communication+skills%22
Interpersonal Skills www.gesher.org/Articles/Conflict Resolution/5 hints.HTM
Interview Skills http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Employment/Job_Search/Interview_Advice/
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