JOB SEEKERS! 8 IMPORTANT SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you looking for a first job or looking to change jobs? Here are 10 sources of career information that will help you start a new journey.

i) Use of personal contacts

Family and friends can be extremely helpful in providing career information and are easily accessible as well. These people can give information on required training for the job, promotion opportunities and likes and dislikes of the job and if not they may know other knowledgeable people.

ii) Career Guidance Counsellors

They help clients in making choices about which careers might suit them best by testing their aptitude and determining their strengths and weaknesses. Some counsellors offer other services such as interview coaching, curriculum vitae writing, and help in filling out college entry forms

iii) Career Counselling department in schools

Students are more privileged here as institutions may arrange and invite guest speakers and career professionals as a way to provide career information. The department may also have resources such as books, career journals, newspapers and where possible internet. Students can receive career counselling, testing, and advice from department officials.

iv) Local libraries

Libraries are a convenient source of invaluable information. They may have information on job openings, locally and internationally, potential contacts within occupations or industries; colleges and financial aid; vocational training; individual businesses and careers; and writing resumes. Libraries also have access to the Internet and video materials. They offer a great deal of information and you should consider visiting one.

v) Professional Societies,Trade groups and labour Unions

These offer a variety of inexpensive career materials. They have information on an occupation or various related occupations with which they are associated. This information may cover training requirements, earnings, and listings of local employers. These groups may train members or potential members or put them in contact with organizations that perform such training.

vi) Public and Private employers

This is the primary source of information on specific jobs. Employers may post lists of job openings and application requirements, including the exact training and experience required, starting wages and benefits and advancement opportunities and career paths. Potential employers can be found in yellow pages, local directories, and internet listings.

vii) Internet Resources

With the growing popularity of the internet, a wide variety of careers had become easily accessible. Many online resources include job listings, resume posting services, and information on job fairs, training and local wages. When using the internet be sure that the organization is a credible, established source of information about required credentials, wages and benefits

viii) Career handbooks and publications

Accurate information about various careers is provided alphabetically by occupational categories, work traits, and the specific tasks performed. There are career booklets and publications with information about colleges' requirements and degree programmes are available for use in career counselling

This article was extracted from the book Effective Career Guidance and Counselling In Schools by Jane Gacohi. You can grab your copy today on our website below and get more insight on career development and sources of career information

You can also book career guidance sessions for in-depth career guidance and follow up

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