Dr Work

17 January 2009

Q I'm 38 years old and can't find full-time or part-time work. My Job Network agency has found some short-term jobs for me but I have been mainly out of work for the past nine months. Can you give me any advice?

A You need to find ways to take greater control of your job hunt. Own your job hunt.

The Job Network is only one way to find a job. A successful job hunt is a job in itself. As a successful company would do, you need to put a "business plan" into action. And that starts right now.

Write a plan for the next four weeks. Make your job hunt creative - have a good look at yourself and write down all your skills, personal qualities and experience; write a creative letter to send to employers; get the papers each day; hit the internet; talk with people who are working, or who might have contacts with a variety of businesses. Get busy every day.

Now get your plan in place. Monday - review your skills, etc. Check your resume (does it need refreshing?). Look at the newspapers (not just the job advertisements but check out businesses advertising their goods and services and any news stories - you're on the lookout for leads).

Tuesday - write a creative letter to be sent (along with your resume) to prospective employers. Target 10 employers who may or may not be currently advertising for staff.

Wednesday - get on the phone and talk to people you know who might be able to give you some leads.

Thursday - find 10 more employers to contact. Check the newspapers and the internet.

Friday - ring a few employers and introduce yourself.

Saturday - a big newspaper day checking job advertisements and any extra leads through advertising and news stories.

Monday - follow up any letters you sent last week with a phone call. Find more employers.

That's a week and a bit, now finish off the next three weeks of your "business plan". Constantly review your plan, add things to it and carry out all tasks.

Persistence is the key - if you knock at the door of opportunity long enough and loud enough, you are going to wake up somebody.

Q I'm thinking about joining the Army Reserve to add to my experience and support my work and earnings. Where do I go?

A You can find out what is on offer at defencejobs.gov.au or phone 13 19 01. Opportunities exist for entry into the Army Reserve, Royal Australian Naval Reserve and Air Force Reserve.

Q Is there somewhere I can check out how universities rate against one another?

A Have a look at Hobson's The Good Universities Guide at gooduniguide.com.au. The website provides independent information about Australian tertiary education (including postgraduate courses) and degree and university performance ratings.

If you have a question for Dr Work, email doctorwork@mycareer.com.au


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