b
ackground research:
be prepared!
Too often job seekers think “background
Sources
research” means doing some internet Part of the research process is finding the right
surfing the night before an interview,
information resources. Below are some commonly
but there is much more to it than that.
used sources:
Doing your homework is an essential part
• www.graduatecareers.com.au
of effective job seeking, and is equally
• www.gradsonline.com.au
important when looking for vacation work.
• Your university careers service
• Internet jobs sites and search engines.
Background research
• Newspapers (many have pages devoted to
So what’s it all about and why is it important?
specific industries/sectors on particular days of
It’s about gathering the latest facts and figures
the week)
related to your future career. Equipping yourself
• Reputable journals/magazines in your industry
or profession
with this valuable information enables you to
• University departments, faculties & alumni office
make better choices relating to your career.
• Professional associations and industry bodies
When it comes to vacation work and other
• Your personal network.
undergraduate opportunities, areas you might
research include:
Keep it up
• The industry you would like to work in and its Undertaking regular research is also important
major players
in maintaining your employability once you have
• Where undergraduate opportunities can be
established a career. By making it a habit, you will
found and the range/number of placements
ensure you are always aware of:
available
• Organisations you would like to work for in the
• Changes in your industry and work prospects
long-term
• Your employer’s position in the marketplace
• Leaders in the field and people you could
• Current events and issues relevant to both your
contact for advice and mentoring
employer and industry
• Relevant industry or professional events and
• Future training and skills requirements
conferences
• Emerging opportunities.
• Career path options.
Up-to-date knowledge about your industry and
profession is empowering: you will network
better, work better and know what opportunities
Up-to-date knowledge about
are out there and which ones to seize. If you do
your industry and profession is
your homework, you will have an edge in the
empowering: you will network
competitive job market.
better, work better and know
what opportunities are out there.
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