Getting Started

Getting Started

Doing your homework: background research...

Too often job seekers think 'background research' means doing some internet surfing the night before an interview, but there is much more to it than that. Doing your homework is an essential part of effective job seeking.

So what is it?

Background research is all about gathering information to arm yourself with the latest facts and figures related to your career aspirations. Areas you might research include:

• The industry you would like to work in and its major players
• Where jobs are located and the range/number of graduate-entry positions
• Organisations you would like to work for and how well they match your career goals, strengths and personal values
• Leaders in the fi eld and people you could contact for advice and mentoring
• Relevant industry or professional events and conferences
• Career path options
• Your short and long term goals, and how to achieve them.

Sources

Part of the research process is finding out where to find the information! Below are some commonly used sources:

• This directory and its online equivalent, www.graduateopportunities.com
• The website of Graduate Careers Australia, the publishers of Graduate Opportunities: www.graduatecareers.com.au
• www.gradsonline.com.au
• Your university careers service (extensive resources, employer contacts, careers fairs and expo details
• www.kiwicareers.govt.nz
• University departments, faculties and alumni office
• Your personal network
• Professional associations and industry bodies
• Reputable journals in your industry or profession
• Recruitment agencies
  o Find out which agencies specialise in your fields/occupations of interest
  o The Recruitment Consulting Services Association website, www.rcsa.com.au , has a searchable database for Australian graduates and has a New Zealand link
  
• Newspapers (many have pages devoted to specific industries/sectors on particular days of the week)
• Internet jobs sites and search engines.

Keep it up

Undertaking regular research is also important in maintaining your employability once you have established a career. By making it a habit, you will ensure you are always aware of:

• Changes in your industry and work prospects
• Your employer’s position in the marketplace
• Current events and issues relevant to both your employer and industry
• Future training and skills requirements
• Emerging opportunities.

Up-to-date knowledge about your industry and profession is empowering: you will network better, work better and know what opportunities are out there and which ones to seize. If you do your homework, you will have an edge in the competitive job market.

This article is taken from the 2007-08 edition of Graduate Careers Australia's employer directory Graduate Opportunities .

© 2007 Graduate Careers Australia