The beginning of every New Year is often used to set new personal goals. Health, relationships, and travel are commonly focused on, but maybe this year you are looking for a job or making a career change. CMHA-YRSS has an Employment Program for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, who are ready and motivated to enter the workforce. Our team of Employment Specialists, from the Employment Program, have compiled three ways to kick-start your job search in 2022.
Network on Social Media
Aside from entertainment, social media is a great tool for making connections on a professional level. Many businesses use platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to discuss industry trends and promote employment opportunities. By ensuring your social media profiles are up-to-date and appropriate for professional contacts, you can seamlessly network with people from all over the world.
When using social media for networking it’s important to focus on maintaining professional contacts, while keeping in touch with acquaintances. Both present a great opportunity to connect with someone from a company you would like to work for.
Quick tips for networking on social media:
- Build and increase your presence on social media by staying up to date with trends and issues related to your industry
- Promote yourself by updating your information with relative skills, training and previous work experience
- Practice good etiquette: Don’t be too pushy with potential connections and always be polite when interacting with followers and connections
Keep an Open-mind
Are you stuck in an industry or job because it’s all you know? Everyone has transferable skills, which can open doors to a new career path. Transferable skills are exactly what they sound like-the skills that you use in every job, no matter the title or the field. Most transferable skills are considered either “hard” or “soft” skills.
Review the image below for examples of transferable skills.
Think of transferable skills as part of your career tool belt. No matter what you learned in school or at a previous job, transferable skills are what every worker gains from each career experience, like volunteering and co-op placements. They are the skills that you can use in any professional setting. By keeping an open mind and reviewing your skills set you can take the leap into a new career.
TIP: Discover your transferable skills through this Government of Canada Job Bank survey.
Give Yourself an Edge by Expanding your Skills
Expanding your existing skills and developing new ones will give you a competitive edge. In today’s tech-savvy world, companies are employing new technologies and trends at lightning speed. Research the latest trends and technologies in your industry and improve your knowledge and skills by taking classes and workshops.
From Microsoft Office 365 tutorials to University courses offered through platforms like Coursera, there are plenty of free online courses for one to take advantage of. Our Employment Program also offers a variety of workshops every month. View our calendar for more information.
TIP: Your local library may offer free access to LinkedIn Learning or other eLearning Resources. Contact your nearby public library to find out more.
About the Employment Program
CMHA-YRSS’ Employment Program provides individualized placement and job development to individuals, over the age of 16, experiencing mental health challenges, who are ready and motivated to enter the workforce, through one-to-one job searches based on interests, goals, previous work experience and education. To learn more about upcoming workshops or to receive support from one of our Employment Specialists, visit the website.
About the Experts
This blog was written by Laura, Sylvie and Natalie, Employment Specialists from the Employment Program
