Over the past few days, there have been several news stories about Alberta’s increasing unemployment numbers, the difficulties some people are having in accessing employment insurance, and the challenges many are facing in finding work and making ends meet. It’s not an easy time and even with some cautiously optimistic reports that the economy may be starting to slowly pick up, it will still take time before we see job opportunities increase.

In the interim, job seekers continue to look for work. Building on the previous job search tips we’ve posted, I asked our BOWEN recruiters for some suggestions, and here are a few more tips:

Resumes

• Use a chronological resume to make the recruiter’s job as easy as possible. Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment.
• Provide a brief description of the companies you’ve worked for so recruiters understand the nature of their business.
• Focus on your accomplishments and think about what will make you stand out from other candidates. Talk about results!

Interviews

• Arrive on time and make sure you turn off your cell phone.
• Wear professional business attire. Greet your interviewer with a handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the interview - it shows confidence!
• Know your resume and highlight your previous roles, related experience and accomplishments.
• Have your references ready.
• Research the company by visiting their website in advance.
• Know the position you are applying for and talk about what interests you and what you have to offer. Don’t focus on compensation and benefits in the interview.
• Act professionally. Speak positively of current and form employers, and don’t get too personal in the interview!

The news today isn’t good. A record number of Albertans are currently collecting Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. In fact, according to CBC, the number of Albertans collecting EI soared faster than any other province, with a stunning increase of 16.8 per cent to 57,000 in May 2009. 

While there may now be faint glimmers of hope for an economic recovery - and rebound in jobs - on the horizon, it is still in the distance. For those who are looking for work - and there are many people on the job hunt, here are a few tips to help out with your job search, relating directly to applying for jobs: 

• Make yourself stand out - make sure your resume is well written and highlights your skills and experience; cover letters provide the opportunity to tell them something about yourself that the resume does not convey so make sure you tell them why you would be great for this job and how much you want it. 
• Connect the dots for the person reviewing the applications - when you are reviewing stacks of resumes you don’t want to have to be digging to figure out if the person is suitable. Align your resume and cover letter with the specific requirements of the job to make sure they know what skills and experience you have in relation to their business needs. 
• Prepare for that interview - make sure you have your story prepared of what you have to offer and why you want the job. You only have one opportunity to make a good impression so don’t blow it! 
• Be enthusiastic - attitude goes a long ways towards impressing people.  
• Follow up with a thank you card, e-mail or phone call following an interview. It shows you are interested.

Summer has not been kind to many young people looking for work to help pay for school, get some pocket money or gain valuable work experience. According to Calgary Herald, the unemployment rate for Alberta youth, ages 15 - 24, is 13.2 per cent, nearly double the provincial jobless rate of 6.8 per cent.

There is no doubt that it is tough going right now, and finding a job can take a lot of work - and patience. Thankfully, there are resources to tap into and our BOWEN recruiters offer the following job search tips:

• Network with family and friends. They can provide introduction and let you know of opportunities. Let everyone you know that you are looking for work.
• Do your research. There are lots of web sites with job postings, but you have to look around a lot. 
• Be patient and keep the perspective that this is a short-term blip in a long-term career of employment.
• Be willing to take a more junior job right now in order to get some experience and earn some money. 
• Be flexible and consider taking a couple of part time jobs. 
• Try volunteering to gain related experience or simply to keep yourself busy and motivated!
• Take some classes to help further develop your skill set.

Check back for our tips on how to have a memorable interview. Remember, this is part of a cycle that will eventually move to an upswing. Continue to have a positive attitude that things will get better!