Job Acquisition Pyramid: Increase Your Chances in Landing a Job!

a) Internal Hire
b) Network/Referral Hire
c) Company/Organization Careers Website
d) Job Board & Professional Social Media
e) Job Aggregator (i.e., Indeed)

Job Aggregator

General job-search websites will be the most competitive markets for job acquisition. On average, every Canadian position yields approximately 100 applicants, and this has quadrupled in current times since some employers are receiving up to 400 applications per position! (This also means hiring managers are spending even less time reviewing applications, too.) Job aggregators are best utilized for part-time or temporary positions. CareerZone recommends more proactive job-search strategies to increase your chances of securing work.

Job Board & Professional Social Media

For example, the CareerZone Job Postings Board and LinkedIn Jobs are both really good methods for job search. The CareerZone Job Board is thorough and directed explicitly to Brock students and alumni. LinkedIn uses profile information to discover tailored job opportunities on your behalf. Your LinkedIn profile also acts as window shopping for employers, and 98% of employers are on LinkedIn every day. It is important to localize and centralize your searches on your general job boards and social media to yield relevant, advantageous opportunities. Still, CareerZone would recommend aiming even higher (!) since postings can be a last resort for employers.

Where to start: Professional associations (from Degree Exploration Guides) job boards, community job boards (Job Gym Niagara), LinkedIn Jobs, nationwide job boards (Charity Village)

Company/Organization Careers Website

Seeking out a particular company is indicative of your interest in obtaining a career within that company. It’s not always easy to know what companies might be a good fit for you, however, if you have potential career titles in mind, you can explore company directories to see if there is a potential fit.

Where to start: Degree Exploration Guide, careers and organizations alumni members have worked in, careerzone.brocku.ca < Explore Careers & Job Search Websites

Network/Referral Hire

You will either gain something (a networking connection) or learn something (more clarity of your likes and dislikes) – which is a bargain worth making. Networking is still the number one

strategy for finding work and building connections. Attend and utilize events, programs, resources, services, and workshops relative to your interests, qualifications, and skills. These can be Brock-based, community-based or career/field-based. Either way, get out into the world and discover the possibilities.

Where to start: Brock’s 10 Thousand Coffees, LinkedIn alumni connections, CareerZone networking events, casual career conversations

Internal Hire

Job progression is 1 of 14 things to consider when interpreting potential job satisfaction. This type of hire would occur in a position after graduation and likely after a three-month probationary period. Internal hiring is made possible when an employee demonstrates an impact in their role, and when their skills are recognized for other opportunities within the company. Along with job progression, you should consider the following items: benefits, further education assistance, job security, location, parking, responsibility, retirement, salary, stock options, transportation cost, vacation time, work hours, and work environment.

Where to start: At the point in the interview when you are welcomed to ask questions, or on the company website if indicated.

For more information, email CareerZone: career@brocku.ca

Written by Lisa Brown, Career Assistant and Blog Manager
Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department