Searching for a job can become a game changer for you. Read on, to find out how.

If you recently lost your job or moved to a new country, you may be surprised by how exhaustive the job search process can turn out to be. At such times, it is hard to recall professional accomplishments and stay upbeat. When one job application after another fails to elicit a positive employer response, it is natural to feel confidence levels dipping. 

At times such as these, job search can translate into an uphill task. You may find yourself plagued by feelings of helplessness, as all you can do is just apply and wait to be contacted. If you’re new to a country like Canada, whether the job market works differently than what you may be familiar with back home, the challenges get compounded. You may feel demotivated and spend a lot of time worrying about what is going wrong and being unsure how to fix it. 

Difficult as it may feel, some ways can help you turn the game around. Organization, SMART goal setting and diversification can help you translate this temporary phase to a career turning point. 

Organize Your Day

Just because you do not have a job, does not mean that you have no work to do. In fact, you have much more to accomplish to be able to move out of this stage. Get up as you would for going to work, organize your day, and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) goals and sub-goals. As you organize your day, add diversified tasks to your calendar, such as job searching, networking, self-care, and learning. It can get monotonous if you are doing just one, repeatedly every single day. For instance, browsing job postings and applying to jobs for eight hours in a row or studying a course that takes up most of your time every day can become monotonous and demotivating. To add a little variety to your daily routine and get the best mix of all job search strategies, do a bit of each regularly. 

One Step At A Time

Take one step at a time. Avoid overwhelming yourself, break down into smaller and more tangible tasks that help you keep on track. When you accomplish a goal, no matter how small, even if it means adding one new connection on social media or applying to a job posting, celebrate your accomplishment.

Update Your Resume & LinkedIn

Spend some time updating your resume. There may be changes from the time you last applied for a job. Maybe there are career successes or professional accomplishments that you want to add. Maybe there are new skills that you would like to incorporate into your skills inventory. You could be taking up a course – put it on your resume. Even if it is not completed, state “In Progress…” or “Pursuing.” Ensure that when you apply for job postings, you use your updated and current resume. Update your LinkedIn profile so that it matches your resume updates. Even though you may not be working at the moment, consider contacting former colleagues and requesting a recommendation to boost your LinkedIn profile.

Learn About the Labour Market

If you are new to Canada or contemplating a career change, it may be useful to familiarize yourself with the labour market. You can browse through the job market trends and information by visiting the Canadian Job Bank (www.jobbank.gc.ca) and Ontario’s Labour Market (www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market). These are great resources to identify in-demand jobs, look for top employers by industry and learn about required skills and qualifications. Maybe you come across a certification or skill that you would like to add, and this could be the perfect timing to give your resume that extra certification that can improve employability. You can see the number of available and advertised jobs in your location, the description, typical job duties, median wages and prospects of the role. By reviewing labour market information, you can make better decisions about career, education, training, and employment. 

Goal-Setting

Make a job search plan and set weekly goals, break them down into daily sub-goals. For instance, I’ll apply for 20 jobs per week and four jobs per day. Try to accomplish these small goals and maintain consistency. Do not apply for 10 jobs in a week and then not apply for any for the next two months. Keep track of all the jobs that you applied to. 

Networking

Your network is your net worth. Invest time in networking. Attend hiring fairs, webinars and workshops that help you connect with people in your field or industry of interest. Volunteering is another great way to build connections in the community, keep yourself busy and stay connected with the job market.

Take a Course

You’ll never get this time back; use it to upskill yourself. Engage in professional development, and pursue some course or micro-credential that adds to your existing qualifications. Maybe some course that you wanted to do but could not pursue earlier due to time constraints. All learning is valuable, whether assisted, self-directed or free online learning. There may be a certification that you are working on which is a pre-requisite for a new position. 

Completing a course can open several, new avenues. Pursuing a course shows the employer that while you may not have been working, you were utilizing your time judiciously, in upgrading skills and/or qualifications and indicates a positive frame of mind.

Self-Care

It is important to understand that this is only a temporary phase. It may seem like forever as you wait for an interview call. Do not let the wait hamper your sense of well-being. Optimize your mindset; avoid indulging in negative self-talk. Connect with family and friends and keep yourself energized and positive. You definitely don’t want to walk into the interview room with a sense of dejection. Employers are more likely to hire employees who display positive energy and are upbeat about upcoming assignments/projects. 

Indulge in self-care, and devote some time to yourself. May be a workout routine that you’ve been postponing or outdoor walks that you could not indulge in earlier; now is a good time. It is crucial that you stay optimistic and maintain a positive job outlook. 

If you are new to Canada, enlist the support of employment settlement services to attune your resume to the expectations of Canadian employers.  

Remember it’s not about you. Others have been in a similar situation too. What can set you apart is how you turn the situation around to your advantage. 

As you incorporate these micro steps into your job search routine, you will build up confidence and it will go a long way in reinstating your sense of self-belief. So, when the opportunity knocks on your door, you will be ready to embark on a brand-new chapter of your life with greater self-confidence, prepared for new challenges; fresh and rejuvenated by the break. 

Ginny Rana is studying Social Service Worker Diploma at Seneca College. She is currently doing her practicum at Achēv Employment Services and working as a volunteer with the Canadian Red Cross. She enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.