How to...

How To... (Job Search?)

by the ADHD Accountant

I’ve been asked a number of times HOW TO… apply for jobs?

Here is a "for idiots by an idiot" guide; off the cuff. It may, or may not, be of benefit. Not an HR Pro!

Step 1 - Get a Microsoft account and email address that is a derivative of your name. e.g., [email protected], [email protected].

This will give you access to free cloud storage, free MS Word/Excel (online versions), and a social media neutral & quasi "adult" email. This may also help you manage job search specific emails.

Step 2 - Write a template resume and cover letter. There are many many many many many many examples online. Depending on what your situation is, you may also have access to "resume clinics" or reviews. See your school, association, union, or other groups you may belong to.

Each application may need to be tweaked; many companies still want a cover letter. I prefer the "T" style cover letter, but it does not translate well in all companies software.

Step 3 - Create a cloud storage folder and naming convention that makes sense to you. each job you apply for will need a folder.

This will let you track jobs applied for, and keep the application files handy. Se below for an example of a filing structure (alphanumerically sorted for easy finding after).

\2023 09 00 - TEMPLATE

\2023 09 22 - Ikea - multi

\2023 09 23 - Westjet - maintenance

Step 4 - Create a spreadsheet that lets you track your applications.

This may let you discover trends with companies, and can provide you a sense of satisfaction. Column titles (headers) suggested below.

date | company | role | source | notes

Step 5 - Open one browser instance for each job search site and/or search algorithm.

This will let you have multiple searches ongoing, depending on the sites and queries employed. I also recommend nothing older than 7 days.

Step 6 - Start sorting through the roles available. If one looks like it may be a good fit, open it into a new tab. Do not look at a role until you have gone through the list and opened several possible roles, each in their own tab.

Step 7 - Start to review each role, if you are 60%+ capable of it leave it open. If it is a bad fit, close it.

This is a progressive process to familiarize yourself with a number of postings and to weed out poor options that may have seemed suitable based off of the quick blurb from the query/search algorithm.

Step 8 - Go back to the open job tab. Open a new browser instance and search that company. can you find that job on their website? Do they seem like a good fit for you? Where are they located?

This lets you verify that the job is real, and that the company location and culture MIGHT be a good fit. I suggest applying to a company on their own portal as opposed to something like INDEED/WORKOPOLIS.

IF THEY DO NOT HAVE THE JOB POSTED ON THEIR SITE -> Consider calling or emailing their general line and ask to verify that the posting/role is legitimate. Do not ask for HR, allow the receptionist to answer or to direct your call. Be clear that you are only trying to verify the legitimacy of the posting and that you are to apply online.

!!! THERE ARE SCAMS - PROTECT YOUSELF !!!

Step 9 - Once you have decided you want to apply to a position create the application folder & docs.

Copy the job posting into a word file, create a role specific resume and cover letter, make the entry in the tracking sheet (Excel) and APPLY!

You may also want to create a tracking system in your email account and move application emails into a generic "application automated response" folder to keep your inbox tidy.

Step 10 - Repeat Steps 6 through 9 as needed! Many positions will not even follow up on applications for days or weeks so don't be discouraged by delays.

Treat applying like a job itself and spend 3-5 hours a day on it. Each application should take 30-60 minutes.

TRIPLE CHECK your cover letter to ensure you have the correct details for this ROLE/COMPANY. Maybe print a few copies and highlight the areas that have company or role specific areas.

What to do if you get a screening call?! Congrats!

Step 1 - Usually you will be asked if you have a minute; stall/arrange a follow up call. Politely inform them that you need five minutes to get to a quiet space where you can talk safely. Get to that place, get a headset if you can and a notebook with a pen. Review your application files and have the posting open. Cloud storage – access anywhere!

There are a number of pages that describe screening calls and best practices. This lets you refresh the role and company in your head (mission, vision, values, etc) and makes sure you can take appropriate notes, and review calendar if creating an interview appointment.

Step 2 - Thank them for their time, express excitement in the company and the role, get confirmation email (who's attending and how to get there, parking, transit, etc).

I always ask for a confirmation email about time, place, and people attending. I may ask also about parking or transit access. If the job requires driving, it may be best to drive to interview if possible

Step 3 - Create a notes Excel sheet in the job folder to track details of call. Create calendar entry with interview time and location and people (with reminders as needed). Investigate on LinkedIn and others.

Step 4 - Do more research on the company (track in sheet in job folder from step 3), prepare interview kit (clothes, bags, notebooks, pens, copies of posting, resume, cover letter, etc...) practice/research interview questions.

Getting a job is like a job. Interviewers can tell if someone is doing a thorough job vs. people throwing everything at the wall.

Good luck to all searchers. Here are some online job boards:

ca.indeed.com - this may be the best tool at the moment?

www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

www.ziprecruiter.com

www.workopolis.com

www.albertajobcentre.ca

www.linkedin.com

staffing agencies

school job boards

I’m Canadian, eh – your km's (mileage) may vary!

<<END SONG: CAREER OPPORTUNITIES - THE CLASH>>