Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1986-11-05, Page 21WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986 linton News1eCOJ Itil;(Ilil'111iAI'i%(, l'IIF,I)1.1.1'11w'FALAI) All»• THEi8A)Flkl.1)Iii'(i1.1. SECOND SECTION Job searching requires education and time . By Shelley McPhee Hoist Remember the scene from the movies ere a young girl goes to the big city in arch of a wonderful, new career? She spots a Help Wanted sign in the window, presents it to the drug store owner, is im- mediately hired for the job, and, goes on to live happily ever anter. That situation may be suitable for after- noon matinee movie fare, but it does not realistically portray job searching in the 1980s. Kim Coulter, a career counsellor for Womanpower in London says, "We're not born with the knowledge to job search. It's a skill, it's something you learn. It's impor- tant not to be hard on yourself. Job sear- ching can be discouraging, but you're going to be rejected, that's part of job search." A group of women, from all walks of life 'and interests, took part in a job search seminar held as part of the Women At Work Conference in Goderich recently. The half-day seminar was led by Ms. Coulter from Womanpower, a career counselling centre for women. Woman- power operates in London as an outreach project funded by Employment and Im- migration Canada. It has been running for more than 12 years and provides free voca- tional counselling and career resources, rather,than direct job placement. Womanpower offers group counselling on self-assessment, resume writing, job inter- views, job search and non-traditional jobs essd training. All`of these aspects come into ay in job searching. Tom Jackson, author and Manpower con- sultant, says, "It's not the best qualified people who get the best jobs, it's those who are the most skilled job seekers." Job searching in the 1980s has gone beyond the limits of using a bit of luck to get a job, and the "who you know" connections. Today, job searching requires education and training, experience and time. As one woman participating in the seminar noted, "Job searching can be a fulltime job. You almost need to quit your present job to look for another." Ms. Coulter outlined a three phase plan as part of the job search strategy. Preparing For The Job Search Phase one of the plan looks at self- assessment and initial preparation for job searching. Self-assessment addresses four major points - know yourself and what you want; learn to communicate inlormation about yourself; identify barriers in your job search; have your resume prepared. "Your self-assessment means being clear about what you have to ofter," Ms. Coulter said. "Know what you have to offer, be prepared and communicate this to your employer." Perhaps one of the most difficult exer- cises in this phase in communicating per- sonal strengths, achievements and goals to another person, in this case an interviewer. Ms. Coulter emphasised, "You must learn to talk about your positive skills in a positive way without feeling like you're bragging or feeling embarrassment." She noted that many women have been raised to believe that self -promotion is wrong, that it is unattractive and unqualified. Many people are reluctant to evaluate themselves and communicate both their strengths and weakness in a face-to-face situation with another person. However in an interview situation, many employers will test your ability to communicate by asking questions like "Would you tell me a little about the jobs you have held, how they were obtained and why you left?" Interviews may also present more challenging ques- tions like - "What is your major weakness?" Interviewers may also ask questions that ou may not be comfortable with, questions particular which infringe on personal privacy - such as marital status,dependents, age, sex, race, religion, social insurance number. While it is illegal to ask these ques- tions that does not mean that employers will not ask them in interviews. Ms. Coulter sug- gests, "Be prepared for these kind of ques- tions and answer without saying 'it's none of your business,' or blurting out your entire personal life." She suggests answering these by. posing questions to interviewer, asking, kor 'i - stance, how the employer thinks that marital status or age would effect job performance. - The .way you handle yourself in an inter- view is as important as the information you present on your resume. Ms. Coulter stresses, "know what you have to offer, be prepared and communicate this to your employer." Job searching can be a difficult task, br- inging with it more than its share of rejec- tions and disappointments. Ms. Coulter says that the average jolt' -search takes at least six to eight months. Facing barriers in the job search and overcoming them is an important part of the Wiree phase plan. Barriers include a wide assortment of per- sonal problems, prejudices and opinions. They include age, the labor market, lack of of money, lack of of atrans sortation, lack ap- pearance money, p and fear. Fear, Ms. Coulter said, "is the underly- ing barrier for everyone. It means fear of rejection, of failure. We don't like change and we fear the risk." The effects of these obstacles include feel- ings of inadequacy, depression, anger, loneliness, intimidation. As Ms. Coulter noted, "Ws pretty hard to get up for job searching. You may think it easier to keep your presentjob, or just to stay at home." However, there are solutions. Peelings of inadequacy can be overcome by recognizing past sticeosdes. Lack of confidence can be rei`tot`ced by a keener sense of self - Sheater, a local woman's theatre group took part in the Women At Work Conference held in Goderich. The participatory play invited conference. participants to resolve conflicts within the script. Here Sharon Dietz of Lucknow (standing) and Beth Jantzi of Hensall Assessing' yourself and having a plan are two key factors when job hunting women told during recent conference (right) took part in a scene with Judy McMichael and Valerie Bolton. The Women At Work Conference explored issues relating to women working in Huron County. (Shelley McPhee-Haist photo ) How many times have you encountered the illusive boss - the employer who never returns his phone calls, the department head who is never in his office? How many times have you sent resumes to large businesses only to find that resume never gets to the right people and ends up in the back of some filing cabinet? How do you contact an employer, and, make a lasting, mpositive impression? Telephone contact is okay, as long as you find the boss in, as long as you haven't caught him offguard, on a bad day, or at a busy time. Correspondence is okay, as long as you're assured that your resume gets to the right department head, that it doesn't end up in a pile of unanswered mail, in the filing cabinet, or, even in the garbage pail. The best way to make contact with an employer is by seeing him in person. "Putting' a face to a name makes an im- pression. It shows inititative and it gives you a chance to see the organization," Ms. Coulter said. "Personal contact communicates friendliness and interest. And, it's harder for people to say no when you meet them in person." It's important to contact the right person Ms. Coulter does not suggest making an unexpected visit on an employer. She says that the telephone can be used as an effec- tive tool to set up an appointment with an employer. Then, at the time of the inter- view, also present your resume. Who to contact? Ms. Coulter said that many job searchers make the mistake of dealing directly with personnel depart- ments only. She suggests, "Contact as many people within the company as possible, the manager and the employees. Seek contact with the person who has the authorization to hire you. Make sure your letter gets to the right person." The Resume Resume writing is a topic in itself that is studied at length in counselling sessions at Womanpower. 'Ms. Coulter said, "The employer wants to know about your education, experiences, why you want to work, your skills." Job Search, a book prepared by the On- tario Women's Directorate says the resume should include personal identification, education, work experience, activities and interests (optional),' career aims or goals (optional) and references upon request. Of foremost importance, "the resume is an outline of your qualifications, paid and unpaid work experience, and personal infor- mation that you feel relates best to the job you are seeking. It should be prepared in such a way that the employer can quickly assess why you could be a good candidate for the job," the booklet notes. It also reports, "Job seekers often assume that only executives and professional people need resumes. Today people at all levels of employment should have one, as it can be a valuable asset in a job search. Maximize your chances by using every tool available." In short, the entire job search process means using all available tools, avenues and information to make a difficult chore an easier one, and perhaps a successful one too. Gone are the days when the young woman could pick the Help Wanted sign out of the window and secure a job on the spot. Gone are the days when the people who really needed the jobs got the jobs. As Ms. Coulter noted, "1r1?yad^il'(- hire people they feel sorry for. They hire people they think can do the job." Each day thousands of people compete for limited job- opportunities and each day "Ask for an information interview. Meet employers filter through piles of resumes with the employer and discuss what job op- and .job applications in search of the best portunities may be available at their place. person for the job. It's a good way to make contact with an Too frequently we sell ourselves short in employer. You gain imformation, ex- our job search endeavors, but, today a perience, perhaps even a job opportunity." variety of services offer information, sup - However, she warned, "It's not a tricky port and guidance to aid in this ever - way to get a job interview. You must be up developing skill. front with the employer and explain that The Ontario Woman's Directorate book you're job searching and seeking notes, "Looking for a job is a fulltime job. information. To find a position that is `right' for you will Ms. Coulter also strongly endorses the take careful planning, an assertive ap- proach and time. You don't want to stumble concept of networking. Through the people you know, and the people they know, your into the first available job and then spend job search may be made easier. As well, years regretting it. "A significant part of your lifetime will be networking provides excellent support and new i• as. spent in your jobs. Unless you enjoy them, "Yo ant to know as much as you can. the time you spend al.work can seem like an Networ ing gives you psychological eternity. No job is perfect, but you should benefits through the support and feedback aim for one in which you enjoy at least some you receive." aspects of the work," it concludes. She further noted, "Some people fear that For more information on job searching, networking means using people to get a job, the Job Search Workbook is available from but networking works as a two way street the Ontario Women's Directorate. Informa- with people helping people." tion is also available from your local Ms. Coulter also suggests that job sear- Canada Employment Centre, from Woman- chers can network amongst themselves, by power in London, and from Women Today in building a support group of people that can Clinton. Additional recommended reading share information, help prepare and com- material included The Perfect Resume by pare resumes and give each other moral Tom Jackson, The Complete Job Search support, Handbook by Howard Figler and What Color Contacting Employers Is Your Parachute by Richard Bolles. assessment• and self -presentation. Many barriers can be overcome by attitude, adap- tability and compromise, with yourself and with the employer. Ms. Coulter said, "You must be clear on this and what your needs are. You can't change your age, you can't change your family circumstance. If you feel that these are hurting your chances of getting a job, you'll feel that way as soon as you walk through the door and into the inter- view. But, you can change your attitude and you can work, to prove your employer wrong." As an example, Ms. Coulter suggests tell- ing the job interview something like this, "I'm competent; willing to work and "I hope you don't think my age will interfere." Self -presentation is perhaps one of the most important aspects of a job interview. It is here that the employer makes his first judgement. As well, a best effort interview made on behalf of the job searcher help relieve any feelings of rejection that may occur. Ms. Coulter said, "Doing your best makes you feel that you've done everything you could. Personal power won't guarantee you a job, but it will make you feel that you did the best you could." How To Find Jobs Phase two of the job search plan looks at the labor market, the availability of work and where to find the jobs,. Basically there are five main resources at hand to help in the job search. Jobs may be found. through word of mouth, through newspaper ads, from the Canada Employ- ment Centre, by cold contact with Kinn Coulter of Womanpower in London was one of more than half -a -dozen speakers who led workshops at the Women Ai Work Conference ua Goderich. Ms. Coulters '°-th - ^'- ordinator of Womanpower; a centre that offers vocational counselling and career resources for women. She led a seminar on job searching at the Conference sponsored by Women Today. (Shelly McPhee-Haist photo) businesses and by private employment agencies. Two of the five sources, word of mouth and cold contact, account from more than 75 per cent of job search success. The "hidden job market" provides an ongoing daily source of employment oppor- tunities, most of which are filled by word of mouth and by direct contact from people who are seeking work. "Newspapers and the Canada Employ- ment Centre can help," Ms. Coulter explain- ed, "but it's your responsibility to be active- ly looking by seeking out companies, by han- ding out resumes, by talking to people and by following up on resumes." Ms. Coulter urges job seekers to "get your name and your face in front of them again" in meeting with employers. She further suggests doing some homework in preparation for job searching, by seeking out information on the businesses who you plan to contact, by mak- ing yourself fully aware of the employment possibilities and the operation of the. business. "Reading and talking to people is a good way to begin your job search," Ms. Coulter noted. Information may be gathered by talking with other workers, or by dealing directly with the employer. Ms. Coulter suggested, 0