Tips@work is a monthly feature of job-related topics that include tips from men and women working in different fields who share what they've learned along the way. THIS MONTHS TOPIC: > Achieving a work-life balanace PREVIOUS TOPICS COVERED: > Transitioning effectively from one job to another > E-mail etiquette > Managing first days on a new job > Tapping into the hidden job market > Challenging Interview Questions > Impress in interviews > Question Time > Reducing job interview anxiety > Re-entering the workforce > Effective cover letters

On the Job is a weekly column profiling various employment options in Nova Scotia.

THIS WEEKS FEATURED CAREER:
> PARAMEDICS

PREVIOUSLY FEATURED CAREERS:
> ACCOUNTANTS
> AIRCRAFT TECHNICIANS
> ANNOUNCERS
> ARTISTS
> ATHELETES, COACHES, SPORTS OFFICIALS AND RECREATION PROGRAMMERS
> AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING TECHNICIANS
> BAKER
> CHEFS
> COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS
> CONSERVATORS AND CURATORS
> COUNSELLORS
> DRAFTING TECHNICIANS
> EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS/ASSISTANTS
> ECONOMIST
> ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS AND TECHNOLOGISTS
> FASHION DESIGNERS
> LIMOUSINE DRIVERS
> PHARMACIST
> PLUMBER
> BEAUTY TREATMENT
> BOAT BUILDERS
> BRICKLAYER
> BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS
> COMMERCIAL DIVERS
> CONSTRUCTION LABOURER
> ELECTRONICS
> FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND EMBALMERS
> GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS
> HAIRSTYLIST
> HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGERS
> IMAGE, SOCIAL AND OTHER PERSONAL CONSULTANTS
> INFORMATION, CORRESPONDENCE AND LIBRARY CLERKS
> INFORMATION SYSTEMS ANALYSTS AND CONSULTANTS
> INSTRUCTORS
> INTERACTIVE MEDIA DEVELOPERS
> JOURNALISTS
> LAWYERS
> LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE
> LOCKSMITH
> LOGGING MACHINERY OPERATOR
> MACHINE OPERATORS
> MANAGERS
> MAP-MAKERS
> MECHANIC
> MOTOR VEHICLE BODY REPAIR TECHNICIAN
> MUSEUM, GALLERY CAREERS
> OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
> PARALEGAL
> PERFORMERS
> PRACTITIONERS IN NATURAL HEALING
> SALES SUPERVISORS
> SALES AND SERVICE SUPERVISORS
> SOCIAL POLICY
> STATIONARY AND POWER ENGINEERS
> TECHNOLOGISTS
> TRANSLATORS
> TRAVEL COUNSELLOR
> TRUCK DRIVER
> MARINERS
> VETERINARIANS
> WEB DESIGNERS AND DEVELOPERS

For more career options, check out Nova Scotia Education Department Career Options website.

When it comes to tapping into the hidden job market, keeping connected is key. That's the message that emerges from the tips below. Family and friends, fellow volunteers, co-workers or people in the field that you want to be in, can all be valuable resources in your job search. In this column, we connect with women and men working in different fields who are willing to share what they've learned along the way.

• Volunteer. If you want to gain a new skill, many not-for-profits welcome people who want to expand their horizons. You'll meet new people, experience something different from your daily routine, and learn about yourself. There are hundreds of great organizations out there, and they have a wide swath of volunteers, many of whom hold senior positions in the community. It's an excellent way to network and give something back all at once. Who knows - you may end up on staff at the organization. I did!
  Marie Chapman
  Director, Marketing, Sales, and Development
  Pier 21

• First take a careful look at what it is you really want to do, and then find out as much about it as you can. Check out books, magazines, websites, and talk to people in that field. Ask them how they got their jobs. This research will lead you to different names and companies, and give you the background knowledge necessary to talk to potential employers with ease.
  Chris Greene
  Hair Stylist
  Thumpers Salon

• Start with what you have. Make it known to your friends and family that you're looking. Your avenues of possibilities can multiply.
  Angela Canning
  Registered Massage Therapist

• Networking within the business community can be a great way to both learn about various industries and meet key influencers within different organizations. While the "meet and greet" kind of networking is valuable (take "business" cards!), volunteering on business association committees is another great way to make connections and show the value you could bring to an organization. Make sure they know your name, contact info and specific information about the kind of job you are seeking.
  Brenda Fair
  Principal
  Fairwinds Training & Development Inc.

• Establishing yourself as a responsible person and a hard worker, even in a part-time job, can result in future opportunities because you never know if your co-worker today will be your boss tomorrow.
  Martha Saunders
  Stylist
  Club Monaco

• Certainly making yourself visible to the market is key. Often in the graphic design field, regular visits with studio directors help keep you top of mind when they are looking to hire or use a freelancer. Everything is electronic, so sending a cover letter with your pdf portfolio is an excellent way of getting in the door. Consider using an online graphic design site such as commarts.com to get your contact info and mini portfolio online - easy access for creative managers.
  Jamie Playfair
  Art Director
  Advocate Communications Group