1. Be resume ready
- Target your resume to the job you’re applying for. Employers can
spot a template resume a mile away, and it’s much more effective to
list experience and education that is relevant to the job you’re
applying for. Basics like correct spelling and formatting are
important, so make sure to run the spell-checker before you submit your
resume.
2. S.T.A.R. -
Situation, Task, Action, Result - From your resume to the
interview,
this handy formula works for just about anything in the job search
process. In your resume and interview, mention specific examples and
positive outcomes in past jobs to help you stand out. Don’t just say
what you did - show what was accomplished as a direct result of your
involvement. Confidence is key!
3. Follow-up
- Sending your resume and going to the interview these days is not
enough. For example, a simple thank-you email following an interview
will help you get noticed.
4. Transferable Skills - If you don’t have oil and gas experience, include
transferable skills you can use in the job you’re applying for. If you're new to the industry, take our
Choose Your Future Career Quiz to see which oil and gas careers might be a match. Make sure you're aware of the
education and training required to work in that
occupation and if any
licenses, certificates or
safety tickets are required. If you're going through a career change from another industry, talk to a
career counsellor who can help you explore your options.
5. Do company research
– Scan the company’s website to learn more about their business
operations, clients, values, safety and training opportunities.
Additional research goes a long way, and will also help you answer a
common interview question -
Why do you want to work for us? Company research can be leveraged to show why you’re a fit and how you can help a company meet their business objectives.
6. Network, network, network
– Job searching can become a lonely endeavour, but it doesn’t have to
be! Stay in-touch with peers, former co-workers, family and friends to
stay connected. Go to industry meetings, connect with your local
professional association, and attend career fairs to see who’s hiring.
Social media sites like
Linked-In and
Facebook allow you to network on-line, join groups with similar professional interests and more.
8. Skills Development Training
– It might take some time to land that next job and you might be
thinking about how to upgrade your skills to become more employable.
Employment Insurance eligible individuals in Canada might qualify for
financial support for skills training at an accredited educational
institution. Contact
Service Canada or
read more about the Skills Development program here.
9. Be realistic – In today’s tight market, it is important to understand that companies might be cutting back. With that in mind, keep a realistic expectation of the
salary and benefits you are looking for.
It’s no secret the global recession has hit hard, and it might be a wee
bit scary to be a job seeker in these times. While it might be tough
to stay optimistic, there are several strategies you can use to take
control of your job search, regardless of your situation or the
economy. Believe it or not, job searching is a skill than can be honed
and refined, but you must put your best foot forward.