Starting a job search can be intimidating. Luckily, there are McGill School of Continuing Studies and MACES resources that will be useful to you! Here are some tips tailored to our unique learners.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
Don’t underestimate the impact of a clean, professional photo that shows off your professionalism. Make you have listed all of your skills, volunteering experience, course work, certificates or degrees, and a complete bio. Take the time in your bio to give readers an idea of both your personality and your achievements and skills. We summarized LinkedIn tips in this past blog post.
Visit CATS to Focus Your Search
Career and Transitions Services is a great place to go to start your search. Book individual career counselling or attend events that will help you in your job search. Focusing your search is their speciality, so make sure you use this in-house knowledge.
Do a Peer Review of Your Resume and Cover Letter
Attend events offered by MACES, the School and McGill to keep building your network. Building your network gives you access to support. Ask a friend in the field you wish to find a job in to help you with your resume and cover letter. Getting a second pair of eyes can help you see what you need to improve.
Remember to Check Social Media
Follow the companies you are interested in on social media. You’ll learn about jobs right when they are posted, which is the best time to apply! Also, get a feel for the culture of the company and what their priorities are.
Attend Events Offered By Companies You Want to Work For
Balance your online time with in-person time. Attend events offered by companies or organizations you are interested in working for. Try to catch industry relevant events when you can as well. You’ll never know who you’ll meet and strike up a conversation with.
Ask Your Instructors
At the School, many instructors are active in their respective industries and may be able to point you in the right direction. Ask them about industry trends and where they see job openings occurring.