2018 Ontario Career Guide

With the new year upon us, the prospect of change and new beginnings are on a lot of people’s minds. However, the idea of change can often be a frightening one, especially when it involves a person’s career. Whether you are out of work and looking for something new, or thinking about making a switch from your current vocation, trying to navigate the competitive job market in Ontario can be exasperating, time-consuming and in many ways, disheartening.

While the job market is unlikely to get any less fierce in the near future, there are some key strategies that every job seeker should employ to give themselves a competitive advantage. And for that reason, we present these tips to help make 2018 a year of professional growth and fulfillment.

Treat your job search like a job – Between searching, filling out applications, writing cover letters and submitting resumes, trying to find a job can be a full-time commitment. If you are unemployed, you should be spending 30 hours a week on your job search and if you’re employed full time, it should be 10. Try planning and structuring your day and treating it as though you are getting paid to conduct a successful job search.

Write a targeted resume and cover letter – This can be difficult for many people, especially if they are applying for multiple jobs each day; however, taking the time to edit and rewrite your resume and cover letter for each specific job will help you stand out from the crowd. It shows the hiring manager you are serious about the role and allows them to easily match your qualifications with the specific job requirements.

Always network – Most job searches occur online; however, that isn’t to say it’s where you will find all of the potential jobs available. Don’t be afraid to speak with people in your field about potential openings within their organizations, and feel free to contact hiring managers in organizations that may not have made public a job opening.

Partner with a recruitment agency – Much like the timeless adage of “leaving no stone unturned,” it is prudent for job seekers to use every possible avenue in their search, and this includes using a recruitment agency. These individuals are trained professionals who not only understand the job market but understand how to match suitable candidates with their ideal jobs. Staffing agencies also have long-tenured relationships with many organizations, often giving them exclusive access to many sought-after companies that unrepresented job seekers would not have.

Follow up and say, ‘Thank you’ – After every interview, it is important to follow up and thank the people you’ve interviewed with. Take a moment to craft a simple letter saying you appreciate them taking the time to speak with you and reiterate why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Often, those individuals who take this simple step are the ones who get hired.

The Ontario job market is as fierce and competitive as ever, so why not give yourself an advantage in your search? Partnering with Employment Professionals Canada can open new doors for your career and help find the job that is right for you. Contact us today and let us start working for you.