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.
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85% of the job out there are not advertised, so where are they?
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.
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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.
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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 3rd 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.
Ex. – Advertised job
Please accept this resume as application to employment for the position as Welder as advertised in Saturday November 3rd 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.
Ex. Looking for individual who has strong keyboarding skills.
I have strong keyboarding skills with an accurate 90 wpm total on numerous software programs.
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
]]>1. Confirm the agreed upon time and date
2. Confirm any materials they wish you to bring
3. Confirm exact location
4. Confirm who you should ask for when you arrive
5. Confirm how many people will be interviewing you
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
1. Research, research, research – Get to know as much information as you can about the company you about to be interviewed by.
- How many people do they employ
- How long have they been in business
- What are their product or services
- What are the salary ranges
- Are they local / provincial / national / international
- Go to the company / organization and pick up any information you can
- Talk to the people who already work there.
You are more than ready. Keep in mind, an interview is a chance for them to interview you, but it is also a chance for you to interview them as well. If you are being called in for an interview, they already like what they see from your resume, a lot of times the interview is just another way to see how you will fit in with the other co-workers and if you are a good fit with the company.
ARRIVING FOR THE INTERVIEW – MAKING A POSITIVE FIRST IMPRESSION
You can make a positive first impression by dressing appropriately, arriving on time / early, and being friendly and courteous to everyone you meet.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE INTERVIEW
When you were called to set up the time for the interview you may had been directed to bring along certain items such as references, certificates, diplomas, portfolio etc. Make sure these items are organized and ready for presentation. As well you may want to bring a pad of paper should you wish to take down notes or information shared by the interviewers. It is very important that should you wish to take notes request permission prior to doing so.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
In your research you will have discovered what the general dress code is for that workplace. The general rule applies is “find out how they dress there and just dress one step up”. The main emphasis should be clean and neat, along with good personal grooming.
ARRIVING EARLY / ON TIME
You should always try to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for an interview. This extra time gives you a few minutes to relax, organize yourself and prepare for what lays ahead. If you are going to be late, no matter what the reason, call explain situation without to many details and request if you should still continue or should you re-schedule.
BEING FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS
Always be friendly and courteous to every one you meet or pass by on the way to the interview. Receptionist and Administration are often asked of their first impression and how you interacted with them and the people around you before the interviewers came down to bring you in.
BEFORE THE INTERVIEWERS ASKS YOU TO COME IN
This is a last chance to look over any materials you were asked to bring, a chance to take a deep breath to relax, do a quick physical go over of your appearance.
ENTERING INTERVIEW ROOM
Look around wait to be seated / offered a chair. Only shake hands or offer should the interviewers initiate this process. Take a seat, put down materials that they requested or you brought along and sit up straight awaiting the questions to come.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND- BEFORE AND DURING THE INTERVIEW
Always try to maintain eye to eye contact.
YOU HAVE JUST BEEN CALLED TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW….
1. Confirm the agreed upon time and date
2. Confirm any materials they wish you to bring
3. Confirm exact location
4. Confirm who you should ask for when you arrive
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
QUESTIONS AN EMPLOYER CANNOT ASK
Are you married?
How old are you?
What is your religion?
Do have a criminal record and if so for what?
Do you have any health conditions I should be aware of?
When posed with a question you know is illegal, simply state back “may I ask what relevance this question has to the position I am applying”. This is usually enough to have them retract the question. Should they give you a reason why they are asking, then the choice is yours to answer or not.
QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK
Why was this position created?
What would be my main responsibilities?
What is the companies long term goals?
When will you be making a decision on this position?
Can I follow up with you / when should I do this?
How many people will you be interviewing for this position?
Will there be more than one interview or is this the final stage before a decision?
Does the company support and encourage personal and professional growth?
How many people applied for this position?
Any questions that may have been raised during the course of the interview.
THANK YOU LETTER / CARD
Upon the completion of an interview it is always a good idea to send that employer / interviewer a quick Thank You letter.
WHAT SHOULD A THANK YOU LETTER CONSIST OF?
A thank you letter should be just a few short lines stating –
Your appreciation to the employer / interviewer for taking the time to meet with you to discuss this position.
Any details you may have forgotten to mention in the interview.
Any additional points you would really like to emphasize
Hand written is fine if you are writing the card before you are leaving the grounds of the interview office
Email is very acceptable as well. If you are mailing a Thank You letter it could possible arrive after the decision is already made.
WHAT WILL YOUR THANK YOU LETTER DO?
- Reminds the employer who you are and what position you applied to.
- Reinforces your genuine interest in the job.
- Restates your most important skills and how you can contribute to the company.
- It acts as a courtesy to the employer, which he/she will appreciate
- A positive way to end the interview, regardless of the outcome.
Example
Dear Mr. Smith
Thank you, for taking the time to interview me today for the Sales Manager position in your Home Electronics Department. One point I did forget to mention when we met was that along with my 10 years of customer service, I was also responsible for researching into new product lines and advancements in Home Electronics and meeting with the sales reps of these products to discuss prices and availability time lines. If you have any other questions or need clarification please do not hesitate to contact me at (519) 123-4567. I will look forward to hearing from you in regards to your decision. Thank you again and have a great day.
Bob Jones
**** A Thank You phone call is fine as well. If you get a voice mail leave a message re-introducing yourself, the positions interviewed for and include the things you were going to mention in the letter. Phone is fine, it is just that there is no record of the call, but the bottom line is do what ever makes you comfortable and is good for you.
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1. Keep information on your resume concise.
2. Your resume must be absolutely error free
3. No more than two pages, one preferably
4. Have your resume printed on good quality paper preferably from a laser printer
5. Use short sentences or point forms. They are easier to read.
6. Keep all headings, dates, titles in a straight line, it is easier to read and pleasing to the eye.
7. Use strong action verbs to describe your skills and experience.
8. If resume is more than one page, use paperclip to fasten together, not staples.
9. Use a font that is easy to read and is clear.
10. Always ask for feedback from your resume (friends, family, employers etc.), this way you can see if any changes are needed or if resume is serving the purpose.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PERFECT RESUME, BE OPEN TO CHANGE AND ADJUST YOUR RESUME ACCORDINGLY
MY RESUME AND COVER LETTER ARE PREPARED, NOW WHAT
Now that your resume and cover letter are completed what is the best way to get it to the employer? (First off, always follow the direction indicated on the advertisement, as they may indicate the exact way they want you to send it, Please apply for this job only in the manner specified by the employer. Failure to do so may result in your application not being properly considered for the position)
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE AND WHY DO WE USE THEM?
A resume only serves one purpose, to identify your skills, experience, education and abilities and interest them (the employer) to call you in for an interview.
COLOURED PAPER, BORDERS, BINDERS, FANCY DESIGNS – GOOD OR BAD?
The content of the resume is the most important thing. There is nothing wrong with coloured paper, but be careful, it should not be so bright it hurts your eyes, neon or fluorescent colours should be avoided, unless you are applying for a job that requires a certain amount of flair of creativity (graphic designer, marketing etc.) Borders and fancy designs can be used when also appropriate, but remember the content is the most important. Never put your resume in a binder or folder as these to can hurt your chances.
HOW MANY PAGES SHOULD MY RESUME BE?
A resume should be one to two pages at the most. Anything more could potentially eliminate you from the running as that employer is looking at the resumes (in some cases in the hundreds) and making a short list. Your resume may not even be read if it is to long and does not keep their interest. If a resume is more than one page try to use a paperclip over a staple as employers will lay out your resume in front of them and removing the staple could potentially damage the look of your resume. If a resume is more than one page be sure to also put your contact information on the top of each page in case they do get separated.
HOW MANY STYLES OF RESUMES ARE THERE?
FUNCTIONAL- Uses three to five key headings and you give three or four examples of how you performed each heading. This style is also referred to as the Professional resume.
CHRONOLOGICAL- At one time this was the most popular of the styles. In this style it starts off with the time you spent at that job, your job titles, company name and what your job responsibilities were at that job.
COMBINATION – This styles combines both the functional and chronological together. This style is the most popular and can be a favorite amongst employers as it is very easy to follow and read.
WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF A RESUME AND DOES IT MATTER WHICH ORDER THEY ARE IN?
The components or parts of a resume are as follows;
CONTACT INFORMATION- Name, address, city, postal code, phone number and optional email account. Things you do not include in contact information are Social Insurance Number, age and gender, photographs, reasons for leaving a job, references, height, weight, race, religion, marital status and try to avoid the excessive use of “I” in your resume and cover letters.
WORK OBJECTIVE (optional but recommended)- It does give the employer an idea of where you are going in your job search.
HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS / DEMONSTRATED ABILITIES – Can be used, depending on which style of resume you go with.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY / WORK EXPERIENCE / VOLUNTEERING – Always start with your most recent employment and work your way backwards. You will include the year(s) you were employed there, the company name and your job title. The remaining information will depend on which style of resume you use. Volunteering is very important and should be treated as part of your work history. You should choose the heading WORK HISTORY if you will be grouping your paid employment and volunteering together. You can still identify the volunteer positions with a (vol.) or (volunteer) after your job title
EDUCATION / TRAINING – Most recent first and again work your way backwards
ACCOMPLISHMENTS / ACHIEVEMENTS (optional) – Pick three or four of your strongest accomplishments or made the biggest contribution. Keep them in point form and if you have “numbers” it always means more.
Ex. Increased total revenue substantially.
Ex. Increased total revenue by 75%
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS / MEMBERSHIP – List any memberships or associations you are currently involved and for how long you have been affiliated with them.
INTERESTS / HOBBIES (optional)– Your choice, the benefits are that it does tell the employer what you do to relieve your stress. It can also open up dialogue to conversation in the interview setting, should you and your interviewer have things in common.
REFERENCES – Available upon request, should the advertised job request your references then send them along but on a separate sheet of paper. It is not fair to you or your references if they are sent before you have even had a chance to be interviewed by the employer and get a feel for the company/organization.
There is no set order your information to follow. Always put your best foot forward and start with your strongest attributes.
ACTION VERBS
Communication/People Skills
Addressed
Advertised
Arbitrated
Arranged
Articulated
Authored
Clarified
Collaborated
Communicated
Composed
Condensed
Conferred
Consulted
Contacted
Conveyed
Convinced
Corresponded
Debated
Defined
Developed
Directed
Discussed
Drafted
Edited
Elicited
Enlisted
Explained
Expressed
Formulated
Furnished
Incorporated
Influenced
Interacted
Interpreted
Interviewed
Involved
Joined
Judged
Lectured
Listened
Marketed
Mediated
Moderated
Negotiated
Observed
Outlined
Participated
Persuaded
Presented
Promoted
Proposed
Publicized
Reconciled
Recruited
Referred
Reinforced
Reported
Resolved
Responded
Solicited
Specified
Spoke
Suggested
Summarized
Synthesized
Translated
Wrote
Acted
Adapted
Began
Combined
Composed
Conceptualized
Condensed
Created
Customized
Designed
Developed
Directed
Displayed
Drew
Entertained
Established
Fashioned
Formulated
Founded
Illustrated
Initiated
Instituted
Integrated
Introduced
Invented
Modeled
Modified
Originated
Performed
Photographed
Planned
Revised
Revitalized
Shaped
Solved
Administered
Adjusted
Allocated
Analyzed
Appraised
Assessed
Audited
Balanced
Budgeted
Calculated
Computed
Conserved
Corrected
Determined
Developed
Estimated
Forecasted
Managed
Marketed
Measured
Netted
Planned
Prepared
Programmed
Projected
Qualified
Reconciled
Reduced
Researched
Retrieved
Adapted
Advocated
Aided
Answered
Arranged
Assessed
Assisted
Clarified
Coached
Collaborated
Contributed
Cooperated
Counseled
Demonstrated
Diagnosed
Educated
Encouraged
Ensured
Expedited
Facilitated
Familiarized
Furthered
Guided
Helped
Insured
Intervened
Motivated
Prevented
Provided
Referred
Rehabilitated
Represented
Resolved
Simplified
Supplied
Supported
Volunteered
Administered
Analyzed
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Attained
Authorized
Chaired
Considered
Consolidated
Contracted
Controlled
Converted
Coordinated
Decided
Delegated
Developed
Directed
Eliminated
Emphasized
Enforced
Enhanced
Established
Executed
Generated
Handled
Headed
Hired
Hosted
Improved
Incorporated
Increased
Initiated
Inspected
Instituted
Led
Managed
Merged
Motivated
Navigated
Organized
Originated
Overhauled
Oversaw
Planned
Presided
Prioritized
Produced
Recommended
Reorganized
Replaced
Restored
Reviewed
Scheduled
Secured
Selected
Streamlined
Strengthened
Supervised
Terminated
Approved
Arranged
Catalogued
Categorized
Charted
Classified
Coded
Collected
Compiled
Corrected
Corresponded
Distributed
Executed
Filed
Generated
Incorporated
Inspected
Logged
Maintained
Monitored
Obtained
Operated
Ordered
Organized
Prepared
Processed
Provided
Purchased
Recorded
Registered
Reserved
Responded
Reviewed
Routed
Scheduled
Screened
Submitted
Supplied
Standardized
Systematized
Updated
Validated
Verified
Analyzed
Clarified
Collected
Compared
Conducted
Critiqued
Detected
Determined
Diagnosed
Evaluated
Examined
Experimented
Explored
Extracted
Formulated
Gathered
Inspected
Interviewed
Invented
Investigated
Located
Measured
Organized
Researched
Reviewed
Searched
Solved
Summarized
Surveyed
Systematized
Tested
Adapted
Advised
Clarified
Coached
Communicated
Conducted
Coordinated
Critiqued
Developed
Enabled
Encouraged
Evaluated
Explained
Facilitated
Focused
Guided
Individualized
Informed
Instilled
Instructed
Motivated
Persuaded
Simulated
Stimulated
Taught
Tested
Trained
Transmitted
Tutored
Adapted
Applied
Assembled
Built
Calculated
Computed
Conserved
Constructed
Converted
Debugged
Designed
Determined
Developed
Engineered
Fabricated
Fortified
Installed
Maintained
Operated
Overhauled
Printed
Programmed
Rectified
Regulated
Remodeled
Repaired
Replaced
Restored
Solved
Specialized
Standardized
Studied
Upgraded
Utilized
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