Work search strategies

Develop your skills

Now that you've identified your skills and accomplishments, you will also need to identify what more you can do to make yourself attractive to prospective employers. You'll be more "marketable" if you can clearly demonstrate you have the skills they're looking for. Here we show you ways of developing your skills.

Non-traditional learning/learning outside the classroom

Learning doesn't necessarily have to take the form of coursework or intently pouring over textbooks, cramming for exams and sitting through lectures. Some job seekers report they've learned the most through other, non-traditional learning—travel experiences, computer-based training or self-paced Internet learning modules, actively following news current events, and reading magazines, journals, and newspapers.

Volunteer activities

Don't underestimate the opportunities that exist in the volunteer sector. Volunteer work often allows job seekers to fulfill roles and carry out functions they would not be able to perform in paid positions because of a lack of experience. What's more, volunteering offers ample opportunity to network, connect with others, and explore various fields and types of positions to see whether they are a right "fit." Knowing you are contributing to your community will also help keep you motivated and thinking positively as you continue your work search.

Extra-curricular activities

Like volunteering, involvement in clubs, community groups and organizations, recreational sports teams and committees provide wonderful opportunities to develop your skills. Organizations such as Toastmasters International, for example, can help you develop public speaking and leadership skills while allowing you to participate in and lead business meetings.

Involvement in community theater, for instance, gives you an opportunity to work with others and take direction. If your involvement is with building sets and props, you can improve finger and manual dexterity while learning to operate various tools. Acting will help you develop confidence, work with other cast members, take stage direction, and learn to use your voice to motivate and persuade others.

Assisting with a community fundraiser may give you experience with handling money, projecting costs and budgets, bookkeeping, leading volunteers and so on. Holding an office within a club, committee or organization (e.g., treasurer, secretary, public relations) are also great ways to develop leadership skills.

Part-time work

Although you may not be able to find work in your preferred field right away, don't despair. Part-time work in a related field may help you develop skills you can later apply in your chosen occupation. Part-time work can also expand your network by placing you in contact with possible future employers. Do well, and you may be offered a permanent position down the road and if not, you nevertheless have strong work references to add to your key work search tools.