Employment Preparation

Thorough research is crucial before beginning employment preparation.  An effective resume and cover letter is enhanced by the work completed in the preparation stage.  The research to be completed includes identifying individual skills, how to express oneself through verbal and written communication, current industry trends and key players and knowing the employer and their needs. 

The job search in Alberta entails putting together many different pieces to the work search puzzle.  Accessing the unadvertised job market enables people to locate opportunities with minimal competition.  Through networking job searchers can make contact with people who can introduce them to organizations and hiring decision makers.  In Alberta, it is appropriate and professional for job seekers to directly contact potential employers.

Within the career search “toolkit” job seekers create effective resumes, curriculum vitae and cover letters that highlight technical, transferable and personal skills needed in the marketplace.  In addition, business cards and portfolios are marketing tools that enhance job seekers self-marketing. Interview skills are learnable and can be enhanced through experience and practice.

An understanding of employers’ needs and workplace culture will enable people to position themselves in the marketplace in order to find the best fit for themselves.  By understanding employment trends and current workplace culture job seekers will identify where they can contribute and enhance their skills, while adapting to the culture of a new organization.