NEW CAREER INFORMATION INTERVIEWS

 

If you are interested in learning more about a certain career, the best thing to do is talk to the person who is doing that job currently.

 

 

If you are not a threat to take a persons job they will be happy to share information about what they do, their background and how they got where they are today.

 

This information gathering can be obtained by the telephone, email or in person. Here are some of the questions you may want to ask.

 

1. How long have you been doing this type of work?
2. How long have you worked for this company / organization?
3. What are your major responsibilities?
4. What is your typical day like?
5. What are the major rewards of this job?
6. What are the major frustrations?
7. Is your job better or worse than it was a few years ago? Why?
8. What advice would you give a person coming into this field?
9. What are the educational requirements for this job?
10. Do you know of anyone else I can speak with?

 

SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

 85% of the job out there are not advertised, so where are they?

 

1. The number on way to find employment is through word of mouth. If you look at your own personal work history chances are somewhere along the line someone most likely told you about a job, or an opening that was coming at their place of work. So when conducting a job search, always make sure you speak with family, friends, neighbors, friends of friends, people in the line of work your looking for, old co-workers, former employers, clubs or social organizations you may belong. When you spread your network out as far as you can it will only benefit you. Talk to people who know people, Lawyers, Doctors, church leaders, teachers, politicians, hair stylists, real estate agent, travel agent etc.

 

1. Go directly to the places you would like to work and apply in person, regardless if there is a job advertisement or not. Bring along a copy of your resume and ask to speak to Human Resources or a Manager, explain what skills you posses and where you would be a good fit, wait for feedback and follow up with them on a agreed upon time.

 

1. Job Boards are everywhere, they are at your Canada Employment Centre, your local employment resource centre, the corner store, the Laundromat or grocery store, and of course the internet. These resources are usually free to post a job and since employers usually do not want to spend a lot of money to advertise they will turn to these resources first.

 

1. Business or Industrial Directories can be viewed online or in hard copy. They are a great resource and can assist you by providing information about the company like what are their products and services. By reviewing this information first you can see if there is a good fit between your skills and the company

 

1. Trade or Union offices

 

1. Professional Associations

 

1. Phone Book

 

1. Television- news

 

1. Radio – upcoming events

 

1. Placement Agencies

 

1. Windows – simple ads placed in windows

 

1. Newspapers – In London the two best days to get the paper are Wednesday and Saturday

DEVELOPING A THIRTY SECOND SUMMARY

 

When speaking to an employer, a friend or someone you just met it is good to have a quick prepared summary of who you are and what skills you have. The intent of this summary is to be an introduction, but is also a way for people to figure where you would make a good fit now and if there is something coming up in the future. The summary can be used on the phone, in person or at the job interview. The summary is a brief description of your background; it may include work experience, special skills, and education and training. The summary should contain your most positive points. If formal education is not one of your strengths, focus on work experience, if your experience is limited talk about the special skills you possess. Do not be afraid to modify your summary, to better suit who and what company you are talking with.

 

Example - Hi my name is Sally Jones, I have over eight years experience as an executive secretary with a manufacturing company. I have scheduled all appointments for the vice president and acted as his representative both inside and outside the company. I am skilled in both IBM and MAC computers, and am familiar with most word processing and data analysis programs. Recently I supervised the entire conversion of all record keeping from a card ex system to the computer. I have also hired, trained and supervised all staff members in a 35-person office.

 

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN TO WRITE YOUR SUMMARY.

 

Begin by listing the three or four key strengths you wish to include in your summary.

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

Now incorporate points listed above into a first draft of your thirty-second summary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Be sure to read it aloud, get feedback and practice until it sounds good and feels correct.

 

 

APPLICATIONS

 

WHY DO WE USE THEM AND WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?

 

An application form is just another way of gathering as much information about the individual that is applying for the job.

 

ISN’T A RESUME AND APPLICATION THE SAME THING?

 

They are very much alike; the employer designs one, the other is designed by the individual who is applying for the job. Applications cost the employer money; the other is at your own expense.

 

IF A RESUME AND APPLICATION ARE THE SAME THING, WHY CAN’T I JUST SIMPLY WRITE SEE RESUME AND ATTACH MY RESUME TO THIS APPLICATION?

 

If the resume and application get separated, then there is no resume to see anymore. Also if you do not take the time to fill it out the application properly employers can see this as an act of laziness, in any case it is always better to take the time and fill it out carefully and completely.

 

IF I AM ASKING FOR AN APPLICATION, HOW MANY SHOULD I ASK FOR?

 

Always ask for two, one for rough copy one to hand back in. By asking for only one and if you make a mistake, you really do not want to mark it out or trying to correct the mistake it will leave the application messy and this is not a good reflection on you. Keep the second application as a record of you application to that company. When you make application to another employer bring this old application with you. All the information that will be requested in a new application is rate there in front of you and will save you the hassle of asking for a telephone book so you can get the same information (phone numbers, addresses etc.).

 

WHEN ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO START?

 

If are available immediately write in immediately or the current date, if you are currently working and would like to give a 2 week notice, (2 week notice is not mandatory, however is a good idea, as any employer would appreciate the notice, they may also assume if you give no notice to your current employer, you may do the same to them) then date the start date, 2 weeks from current date.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A PART OF THE APPLICATION THAT DOES NOT APPLY TO ME?

 

If there is part of the application that does not apply simply mark N/A in the blank box. This stands for not applicable, and by marking the N/A in this field lets the employer know you have read it, acknowledged it and moved on. By leaving it blank and open the employer may think you just simply missed this section.

 

WHAT SHOULD I SAY WHEN THEY GIVE THE CATEGORY OF POSITION DESIRED?

 

If you do not have the exact title of the position, give the department name or a rough job title.

 

Ex. Home Electronics – Sales

 

WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR WHEN THEY ASK FOR MY MAJOR SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

 

There is never enough room on an application to put in sentence form the information they are looking for. Keep your answer in point form and relevant to the position you are applying.

 

ARE YOU LEGALLY ELIGIBLE FOR EMPLOYMENT IN CANADA?

 

They are looking for a yes or no answer. You know your own status better than anyone. If there have been restrictions placed upon you omitting you from certain types of employment you must comply with these restrictions. So your answer is yes, but be sure to be applying for the job that falls within you restrictions.

 

WHAT DO I DO IF I’M ASKED QUESTIONS THAT ARE ILLEGAL?

 

When posed with a question you know is illegal, simply address with the previously mentioned N/A, again showing the employer you have read the question and not missed it. Some application forms are outdated and do not meet with the standards of today.

 

WHAT SHOULD I SAY WHEN I COME TO THE QUESTION OF BONDABLE OR HAVE YOU EVER COMMITTED AN OFFENCE TO WHICH A PARDON HAS NOT BEEN GRANTED?

 

No criminal record – BONDABLE – yes, COMMITTED OFFENCE – NO

Yes criminal record – BONDABLE – yes, COMMITTED OFFENCE – NO

 

Explanation – Everyone is bondable, a bond is simply an insurance policy, by answering yes (if you have a criminal record) means you are assuring you will not commit an offence and you are willing to take out your own insurance policy to prove so.

 

The committed offence option is a little trickier. If you have never applied for a pardon, then one has not been granted, answer is NO, now if you applied, it was denied then the answer has to be yes. Most employers will give you a chance to explain the circumstances s they can judge the relevance. If you were charged with theft over 5000 for example and you were applying for a job with Brinks Security, the only option you would have would be to explain and offer they insurance aspect, however the final decision is still with the employer.

 

If you are going to apply for a pardon, keep these things in mind. You can apply for a pardon after three years for a Summary conviction and after five years for a Indictable offence.

 

COVER LETTER DO’S AND DON’T’S

 

DO’S

 

DO -Have a specific name for the salutation of the letter.

 

Dear Sir or Madam or To whom it may concern, were ok at one time but your cover letter will carry more weight if you take the time to research and discover who is in charge of hiring for this position, the proper spelling of the name and his/her exact job title. If you are not successful in gaining the proper name of the individual you are to direct the letter to, try to at least get the individuals job title.

 

DO- How or where did you hear about this job.

 

Advertised – where and when did you see the ad.

Unadvertised – Who told you of this position and their job title. Be cautious of the reputation of the referral.

 

DO- Type it, check for grammar and spelling errors, have a friend or coach read it over.

 

Use the tools that are available to you, spell check and grammar check could be your best friends in composing either your resume or cover letter. You should also have that friend read it over as you could read the same mistake over and over again and not catch it, but a fresh pair of eyes could. Also question your friend to see if they have questions about what you mean, if they have questions then potentially that employer might as well.

 DON’TS

 

DON’T - Handwrite unless otherwise specified.

 

If there is a direction to submit a handwritten cover letter follow that direction. An employer maybe looking at your neatness in writing and to see if you follow directions. The position may require you to submit or complete pages of hand written documentation.

 

DON’T- Make it more than one page.

 

A cover letter never needs to be more than one page. Always keep in mind what a cover letter is suppose to do, introduce you, your skills and entice the employer to go on to read your resume.

 

DON’T - Make it informal and chatty

 

Always maintain a certain amount of professionalism in your cover letter.

 

John Smith

Address

City

Pc

Phone number

 

Date

 

Company name

Address

City / pc

 

Attention

RE.-

 

Dear ?

 

Please accept this resume as application to employment for the position -----------as advertised in-----------.

 

I feel I would make an ideal addition to your team because of my proven background in---------------. As well ---------------. In addition I also---------------. I also possess solid communication, organization and problem solving skills as illustrated throughout my employment background.

 Thank you in advance for reading my resume and for your consideration. Should you require any additional information, or to set up a personal interview I can be contacted at (519) 000-0000. I will look forward to your response and discussing this opportunity further.

 

Regards,

  

John Smith

 

 

COVER LETTERS

 

Do you need a cover letter and what is the purpose?

 

YES a cover letter should be sent along with your resume. The purpose is an introduction of who you are, your skills and an invitation to read your resume. A cover letter basically consists of three parts; Introduction, body, closing. At the top of the cover letter will have your contact information, date, position applying, the company information your are sending it to and the person you are directing the letter to.

 INTRODUCTION - The letter starts off by identifying the position your applying to, where you seen it or who told you about it.

 

Ex. – Advertised job

 

 Please accept this resume as application to employment for the position as Welder as advertised in Saturday November 3^rd edition of The London Free Press.

 

Ex. Unadvertised – referral from reputable source

 

In recent conversation with the foreman of ABC Metals, John Smith it was brought to my attention you are looking for welders with my qualifications, please accept my resume as application.

 

*** Always be careful, verify that the person who is telling you about the job has a good reputation with this company, if not it is better to be cautious and not mention the name.

 

Ex. Unadvertised – referral from acquaintance

 

In recent conversation with an employee  of ABC Metals,  it was brought to my attention you are looking for welders with my qualifications, please accept my resume as application.

BODY- This section should consist of why you feel you would make the ideal candidate for this position. If the position was advertised in the newspaper or job board study what skills they are looking for, if you possess these skills identify them and give examples. If you do not posses the skill that they advertised do not mention it, no need to bring a negative to your cover letter.

 

Ex.             Looking for individual who has strong keyboarding skills.

I have strong keyboarding skills with an accurate 90 wpm total on numerous software programs.

CLOSING- This section is just a simple closing of communication.

Ex.

Thank you in advance for reading my resume and for your consideration. Should you require any additional information, or to set up a personal interview I can be contacted at (519) 000-0000. I will look forward to your response and discussing this opportunity further.

Regards,

John Doe 

COVER LETTERS

 

Do you need a cover letter and what is the purpose?

 

YES a cover letter should be sent along with your resume. The purpose is an introduction of who you are, your skills and an invitation to read your resume. A cover letter basically consists of three parts; Introduction, body, closing. At the top of the cover letter will have your contact information, date, position applying, the company information your are sending it to and the person you are directing the letter to.

 

INTRODUCTION - The letter starts off by identifying the position your applying to, where you seen it or who told you about it.

 

Ex. – Advertised job

 

 Please accept this resume as application to employment for the position as Welder as advertised in Saturday November 3^rd edition of The London Free Press.

 

Ex. Unadvertised – referral from reputable source

 

In recent conversation with the foreman of ABC Metals, John Smith it was brought to my attention you are looking for welders with my qualifications, please accept my resume as application.

 

*** Always be careful, verify that the person who is telling you about the job has a good reputation with this company, if not it is better to be cautious and not mention the name.

 

Ex. Unadvertised – referral from acquaintance

 

In recent conversation with an employee  of ABC Metals,  it was brought to my attention you are looking for welders with my qualifications, please accept my resume as application.

 

BODY- This section should consist of why you feel you would make the ideal candidate for this position. If the position was advertised in the newspaper or job board study what skills they are looking for, if you possess these skills identify them and give examples. If you do not posses the skill that they advertised do not mention it, no need to bring a negative to your cover letter.

 

Ex.             Looking for individual who has strong keyboarding skills.

I have strong keyboarding skills with an accurate 90 wpm total on numerous software programs.

 

CLOSING- This section is just a simple closing of communication.

Ex.

Thank you in advance for reading my resume and for your consideration. Should you require any additional information, or to set up a personal interview I can be contacted at (519) 000-0000. I will look forward to your response and discussing this opportunity further.

Regards,

John Doe