Healthy Communities • YMCA Employment Programs
Common job search mistakes, and how to avoid them
12 June 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
By: Yonatan Kiflu
The majority of job seekers are used to applying for jobs one way: logging in to an online employment board and applying for every position they see. However, there are smarter ways to look for openings and land interviews, and learning a few of these strategies can help you get ahead.
Counsellors at YMCA Employment Centres specialize in helping clients build important skills that help them get ahead and stay motivated in what can be a very competitive job market. Here’s Natalie, one of our employment counsellors, with tips on how to avoid two of the most common mistakes she says job seekers make:
“Although most people are shy to try other methods outside of online job searches, networking is one of the more successful avenues to receiving employment. Research employers you want to work for by visiting company websites, and then call them to ask questions not answered on their site and inquire about other job opportunities. You might even receive an interview from the cold call — I’ve had youth confirm with me afterwards that these strategies have worked for them to receive interviews.
Cold calling or other means can be difficult at times, but at YMCA employment centres we practice mock cold calls to help you get comfortable with different scenarios, build skills, and encourage you to feel confident in your approach.”
“We work with clients to match qualifications that are outlined in the job posting with what’s described on their resume, as long as it’s a true reflection of their skills. For example, we’ve met with clients who have customer service experience and are applying for a job whose posting strongly emphasizes customer service, but who might only put one line about customer service on their resume. In this case, your resume should include more content regarding customer service to match the emphasis or importance the employer places on that particular skill set or qualification.
Changes like these can make a big difference — in the number of responses you get, and in helping you feel confident and empowered. Clients often come to us with a resume that doesn’t really show off their skills and experience, but they will leave with a resume that shows they really do have a lot to offer.
If you are interested in receiving help in navigating the employment landscape, and in seeking and finding work that matches your skills, book a meeting today at a YMCA Employment Centre near you.
The majority of job seekers are used to applying for jobs one way: logging in to an online employment board and applying for every position they see. However, there are smarter ways to look for openings and land interviews, and learning a few of these strategies can help you get ahead.
Counsellors at YMCA Employment Centres specialize in helping clients build important skills that help them get ahead and stay motivated in what can be a very competitive job market. Here’s Natalie, one of our employment counsellors, with tips on how to avoid two of the most common mistakes she says job seekers make:
1. Don’t be afraid to reach out to potential employers
“Although most people are shy to try other methods outside of online job searches, networking is one of the more successful avenues to receiving employment. Research employers you want to work for by visiting company websites, and then call them to ask questions not answered on their site and inquire about other job opportunities. You might even receive an interview from the cold call — I’ve had youth confirm with me afterwards that these strategies have worked for them to receive interviews.
Cold calling or other means can be difficult at times, but at YMCA employment centres we practice mock cold calls to help you get comfortable with different scenarios, build skills, and encourage you to feel confident in your approach.”
2. Match your experience with the jobs you’re applying to
“We work with clients to match qualifications that are outlined in the job posting with what’s described on their resume, as long as it’s a true reflection of their skills. For example, we’ve met with clients who have customer service experience and are applying for a job whose posting strongly emphasizes customer service, but who might only put one line about customer service on their resume. In this case, your resume should include more content regarding customer service to match the emphasis or importance the employer places on that particular skill set or qualification.
Changes like these can make a big difference — in the number of responses you get, and in helping you feel confident and empowered. Clients often come to us with a resume that doesn’t really show off their skills and experience, but they will leave with a resume that shows they really do have a lot to offer.
If you are interested in receiving help in navigating the employment landscape, and in seeking and finding work that matches your skills, book a meeting today at a YMCA Employment Centre near you.
