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• 1. Self Assessment
• 2. Research
• 3. Decision-Making
• 4. Networks & Contacts
  • 4.1 Work Search
    • 4.1.1 Traditional Methods of Finding Openings
    • 4.1.2 Internet Sites Listing Job Advertisements
    • 4.1.3 Creative Methods for Finding Work
    • 4.1.4 Researching Employers
    • 4.1.5 Networking, Developing Leads and Making Contacts
    • 4.1.6 Networking Contacts
    • 4.1.7 Networking Diagrams
    • 4.1.8 Create a Job Seeker's Calling Card
  • 4.2 Resumes
    • 4.2.1 Preparing to Write Your Resume
    • 4.2.2 Major Sections of a Resume
    • 4.2.3 Types of Resumes
    • 4.2.4 Functional Resume
    • 4.2.5 Additional Resume Tips
    • 4.2.6 Action Verbs that Describe Skills
    • 4.2.7 Preparing an Electronic Version of Your Resume
    • 4.2.8 Resume Templates
    • 4.2.9 Resources on Resume Writing
  • 4.3 Letters
    • 4.3.1 Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.2 Comparison of Cover and Broadcast Letters
    • 4.3.3 A Process to Develop Letters
    • 4.3.4 Creating Thank You Letters
    • 4.3.5 Sample Letter Format
    • 4.3.6 Resources on Letter Writing
  • 4.4 Interviews
    • 4.4.1 The Core of the Interview Process
    • 4.4.2 Selling Your Benefits
    • 4.4.3 Understanding Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication
    • 4.4.4 Approaches to Interviewing
    • 4.4.5 The Employer's Evaluation
    • 4.4.6 Tips for Effective Interviewing
    • 4.4.7 Your Rights in the Interview
    • 4.4.8 Resources on Interviewing
• 5. Work
• 6. Life/Work Planning

Step 4.1.1: Traditional Methods of Finding Openings

Advertised positions account for 10% - 20% of all jobs open at any given time. Approximately 90% of all job seekers apply to these advertised openings. While it is appropriate to use the following search methods, you should spend a maximum of 20% of your time and energy on this pursuit.

Institutional Placement Services

Check the jobs listed at your educational institution. Find out if they are available year-round or when the best times would be for follow-up. University of Waterloo students and alumni can look at Career Services home page at http://www.careerservices.uwaterloo.ca/ for information about job opportunities for part-time, summer, contract and regular full-time positions.

Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)

Check the HRDC Centres for vacancies across Canada. They sponsor job search workshops. During the summer, the Canada Employment Centre for Students also has positions listed. You can view a variety of positions on their national employment listings web site: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/

Personnel / Employment Agencies

There are agencies that will and will not suit your needs. Research the reputation of any agency you are about to use to see if you feel comfortable in having them represent you. Discuss their procedures so there will be no overlap where you and they send resumes. These agencies often specialize in particular fields such as information technology or health care. Read the contract to ensure you understand what is required of you. Investigate thoroughly those who charge fees to the applicant to ensure you will be getting value for your money. What incentive do they have to find you work?

Employment Advertisements in Newspapers and Professional Magazines

Remember that the employer is advertising for the ideal candidate. You should apply, even if you don't think that you have all the requirements but feel that you can do the job. You may be the most qualified person. However, be realistic. If you don’t measure up on a critical qualification, you’ll waste their time and yours. Do not disregard a job because of the job title. Read all of the ads; some are alphabetically listed according to the first letter of the first word, which may not be the job title.

Look at and analyze the job description. The text will also be a strong indicator as to the nature of the position. Words such as "self-starter, challenging" will denote requirements for a different kind of person than words such as "reliable, conscientious". Check the jobs advertised in the Career section of the newspaper in addition to those in the Classified section. Also watch for companies that have several advertisements listed. You may have found a company in hiring mode with additional jobs not yet advertised.

Reading advertisements on a regular basis (even when you have found a job) is helpful even if you don’t intend to focus your job search through this venue. This practice is helpful for keeping up-to-date on what qualities are most often mentioned, where the bulk of jobs are, and the language used that can be incorporated into your resume and cover letters.

To go to Step 4.1.2, click here.