JOB SEARCH

GUIDE

A Guide to Effective Job Search

October 24, 2010

Module 1: Job Search Process- Research your Occupation

Although some of you have not yet been matched with a mentor, we hope your search for employment continues.

To assist you with this very important challenge, Canada Infonet will take you through a multi-part series entitled, “The Job Search Process.” It includes:

1. Researching your occupation/industry

2. Shaping a realistic job objective

3. Networking

4. Creating a list of companies to contact

5. Creating a targeted resume

6. Contacting employers

7. Interviewing

As employment counsellors, we understand the anxiety you experience as a job seeker and the need to restart your career quickly. However, to have a successful job search that is focused and methodical, it is very important to cover the steps above.

The following section outlines what questions you should ask yourself to thoroughly explore your occupation. It also offers resources to help you research your occupation.

If you have any questions, just send them to info@canadainfonet.org. Or, if you find an e-mentor, they could have the answer.

Research your Occupation

Exercise 1:

1.      What is the job title of my occupation in Canada? Are there similar titles?

2.      What are the duties, activities, working conditions, and responsibilities of this occupation?

3.      What skills are required for this occupation (level of communication skills, writing ability, customer service, and technical ability)?

4.      Where in Canada will I find this occupation?

5.      What are the professional qualifications to do this work in Canada? Is it regulated?

6.      What are some job titles of occupations related to my occupation?

7.      What would be a typical career path or way of accessing this occupation?

8.      What is the level I hope to enter this occupation (entry, intermediate, senior)?

9.      What is the demand for this occupation? Are there layoffs or cutbacks?

10.  What is the forecast for this work in the future?

11.  What is the salary range of this occupation?

Sources:

      Canada Infonet Info Section       Public library      Employment Ontario Centres       Informational interviews      Labour market studies       Trade associations, journals, surveys

National Occupational Classification: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx

The NOC is used to understand the jobs found throughout Canada's labour market.

Regulated professions in Ontario: www.regulators4access.ca

Professional Associations: http://www.canadiancareers.com

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Essential Skills: http://www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/workplaceskills/essential_skills/general/home.shtml

Working in Canada: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Check the demand for this occupation:

        Labour Market Outlook

        Future Focus Forecasts

        Canadian Labour Market News

Salary Information:

      Family, friends, neighbours, placement agencies

      Newspaper Advertised positions (classified, business sections)

      Government wage surveys (Human Resources Development Canada and Statscan)

      Monster Career Centre - top ten list for successful salary negotiations

      Jobboom.com - top 100 internet sites for learning and employment

      Information Technology Association of Canada- annual high tech composite survey defines 24 IT job streams

Module 2:   Job Search Process- Research your Industry

Networking remains the most essential, yet difficult, task for newcomers during their job search.

It is important to stay positive and remember the following:

1. Regardless of English skills, everyone can learn to network.

2. Networking can happen in person and by telephone.

3. Unless you have skills that are in high demand, a resume alone will NOT be enough to help you get work.

4. You need to make a 'human connection.'

The following attachment defines networking and offers ideas to help you get noticed.

RESEARCH YOUR INDUSTRY

Exercise 2:

The Occupational Profiles: http://www.cicic.ca/403/Occupational_profiles_for_selected_trades_and_professions_.canada

Working in Canada: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Check one of the websites above to find 3 major industries or sectors that employ people in this occupation:

1.      ____________________________________________________________

2.      ____________________________________________________________

3.      ____________________________________________________________

Check to see if an industrial or sector study has been done on these industries.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Sector Studies and Partnerships Divisions: http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/

________________________________________________________________

Industry Canada’s Strategies: http://www.ic.gc.ca/ic_wp-pa.htm ________________________________________________________________

IDENTIFY EMPLOYERS

Exercise 3:

From the listed industries, use the Yellow Pages http://www.yellowpages.ca/ or business directories to identify some local employers within those industries.

These employers may require people in this occupation.

Industry Business Name Address Phone Number

 

Check to see if any newspaper articles have been written about this occupation, industry, specific employer and/or emerging labour market trends:

http://www.thestar.com, and http://www.theglobeandmail.com.

Occupation:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Industry:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Employers:

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Module 3: Job Search Process- Shaping a Realistic Job Objective  

Having completed part two (Researching your occupation/industry), you should now have an idea of the demand for your skills. Remember, a complete job search includes speaking with (by phone or e-mail) someone in your profession.

It is also possible that researching your current occupation/industry has led you to decide that your set of skills is better suited for a different profession.

Regardless, you must now attach a name to that set of skills. Ask yourself:

1. What is the name given to this type of work within the profession/industry that I will target? It’s possible that you will have two occupations and/or industries to target.

2. What level of job are you targeting: Entry level, intermediate or senior? Your résumé must reflect a chosen level. Where can you find this information?

a) National Occupation Classification site: http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/English/NOC/2006/Welcome.aspx

b) Sector Terminology, Information & Counselling: http://atwork.settlement.org/stic/home.asp

Remember to always confirm this information with someone in your chosen profession. If you are not yet matched with a mentor, consider emailing two or three questions to a human resource office within a medium sized to large company.

Your questions and feedback are welcomed. Please contact info@canadainfonet.org.

Module 4: Job Search Process: Review

The Job Search Process: review

1. Researching your occupation/industry2. Shaping a realistic job objective3. Networking4. Creating a list of companies.

Now you are ready to make a list of companies to contact.

Why do you need a list? To focus your job search, identify companies that match your qualifications, link your skills with their needs, and access the hidden job market.

Cast a wide net by making a list of fifty companies, then narrowing your search. The following are sources to help accomplish this task:

Scott's Directory: http://www.scottsinfo.com/, and Yellow Pages: http://www.yellowpages.ca/

(Some list companies by industry, profession or educational background, and others by product or service. Using these sites the first time requires patience, but is well worth it.) I also recommend two books, available in most library reference sections:

1. Who's Hiring? 2. The Career Directory

Now that you have your list, decide if this employer is a potential match for you.

Consider:

1. Where have you worked before coming to Canada?2. What was your last job title?3. What skills do you possess that are needed?4. Where are you best suited to work?5. How far are you willing to travel?6. What level of job is realistic?

About the Company:

1. What work do they do and are you qualified?2. Is this company growing or downsizing?3. How big is the company?4. Is there room for advancement?5. Do they have programs/operations that you are familiar with?6. Do they hire people with your skills or combination of skills?

7. Who makes decisions?8. Is there a particular department that you should contact?9. What job title is given to people with your skills?

Are you ready? Then start calling!

Next: Resumes For The Web

Module 5: Resumes

RESUMES

There are many websites available to assist newcomers with their resumes, such as Job Bank Resume Builder. Resumes can be in chronological or functional formats, or a combination of both. There are essentially three resumes everyone should have:

1. A formatted resume in a program such as MS Word and sent as an attachment. This should be sent when it is directed to a specific person, and/or it is known that scanning by a computer is not happening.

2. A plain text document for companies that sort resumes using a scanner, and look for keywords (skills needed for this position). This could be sent as an attachment, copied into online forms, or posted to resume databases.

3. An email version to paste into a message. This could be used whenever there is a concern that attachments are not opened due to viruses.

Many Canadian employers may not be familiar with the type of training and experience of newcomers. Therefore, help them understand the similarities by writing a detailed, but concise resume that describes the following:

What tasks or activities you performed. For example, include only the projects that are relevant or interesting to the employer you are targeting.

Where did you perform these tasks? What was the environment like? Large organization? Industrial? What sector? Financial? Some people write a one-line description of their former company to help the prospective employer understand the environment.

How much experience do you have (number of years)?

How you used those skills within a work environment. Give examples of methods, tools, etc., that were used to achieve your objective. Remember; examples help to paint a picture for the employer. This will help them understand your skills more clearly.

What were the results of your activities? Did you reach your objectives? Today’s employer is results-oriented. Results equal productivity and give an indication of your ability to contribute to the organization.

Next: Follow up by email and telephone

Module 6: Job Search Process-Follow Up

In the previous module, we offered help for you to create a resume on-line, advice on resume formats and content designed to make your resume stand out!

These approaches fall under the category of MARKETING. Within this labour market, an essential part of gaining employment is the ability to market your skills. An essential part of the self-marketing process is to FOLLOW UP by telephone and/or e-mail.

WHAT IS FOLLOWING UP?

Follow up involves contacting the Potential employer / Resource person / Contact person after your resume has been sent.

HOW? Ideally, this should be done by telephone. However, as a newcomer, some of you may not be entirely comfortable speaking English. Therefore, the next best method would be in person (small companies only or by invitation), or by email.

By Telephone:

If you are calling about a position that has been posted or advertised,

1. "Hello Ms./Mr., My name is...I am calling to confirm that you received the resume I sent on...." "I'm very interested in the...position and would appreciate any feedback you have."

2. If your resume is targeting a company that has not advertised an available position:

"Hello Mr./Ms., My name is...I am calling to confirm that you received the resume I sent on...." "I’m very interested in learning more about the position of...within your company".

3. If you are still gathering information:

"Hello Ms./Mr., I am calling to confirm that you received the resume I sent on...." "I'm gathering information on the occupation of...and would appreciate if you could spare a few minutes to give some feedback on my resume and answer questions."

By E-Mail:

"Hello Ms./Mr., I am following up with you to confirm receipt of my resume sent on....” "Feedback on my resume is welcomed."

WHY FOLLOW UP?

Increase your networking contacts, and remind them that you are interested in the position or company. Employers assume that if you are enthusiastic, you will be satisfied with the job and work hard. Further, being ahead in their mind makes it more likely they will invite you for an interview.

Make a human connection. Resumes are very important; however, equally important is making a human connection. Employers hire people, not paper. Feedback from someone working in your profession or a hiring professional can tell you if your resume meets the needs and requirements for your occupation.

IS FOLLOW UP A LITTLE SCARY?

Yes, absolutely; however, you must do more than simply sending your resume. Fear that promotes change and movement is positive; so GET OUT THERE AND START MAKING THOSE CONNECTIONS.

Module 7: Job Search Process-Interview

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN INTERVIEW:

In last weeks training module, we discussed following up with employers by telephone and e-mail. Has anyone started using these methods? If so, I would be interested in learning your results. You could contact me at info@canadainfonet.org.

Remember: practice makes perfect. Accept that you will make mistakes. Marketing to employers, especially by telephone is a skill that will improve over time. Do not give up. Be persistent!

Let’s assume you have made some calls and employers are inviting you to a personal interview.

How can you prepare for a successful interview? What do you need to know?

The next three training sessions are designed to improve your marketing skills and convince employers that you are the best candidate for the job. The sessions include:

1.      Preparing For The Interview

2.      Introductions

3.      Typical Interview Questions

4.      Conclusion and Follow Up

Interview Skills

Remember The Four R’s: Research, Rehearse, Relax, and Reward

1. Research the company and be informed about the following:

        What are their products, services?

        Who are their clients? Competitors?

        What skills are essential for the position?

        Are there similarities between this company and your former employer?

        Marketing material found at their website.

        Libraries have databases letting you search by company. They reveal any articles written in journals, newspapers, etc.

        Trade journals and directories found at libraries.

After completing your research, begin to make links between your skills, background, and experiences and what the company’s needs and objectives are. The ‘links’ should be used at appropriate times within the interview to highlight your unique abilities and how you can benefit their organization.

2. Rehearse

Practice makes perfect. However, as someone whose first language is not English, perfection is not your objective; communication is. In other words, while it is important to improve your English skills, communicating with another individual (in this case, the interviewer) does not require perfect grammar.

The following exercise is designed to help with your interviewing communication skills.

Using your resume as the source, choose all the skills from your resume that are required for the job. Then take each skill and apply the following:

What- ‘what’ the skill is

Where-‘where’ the skill was acquired

When- ‘how’ much experience you have of a particular skill

How - an example of ‘how’ this skill was applied in a work environment

Example

Interviewer- “Mary Jane”, I see from your resume that you know how to use Microsoft Word.

Mary Jane- “Yes, I learned Microsoft Word 6.0 in a computer course which was offered at Sheridan College. I used this program extensively at Kennel Corp and have five years experience. This program was utilized for typing sales reports and correspondence.

This answer provides the employer with a well-rounded answer. This is especially important for newcomers who need to show employers that their skills are equivalent to those of Canadian trained job seekers.

Remember: practice out loud to yourself, your pet, in front of the mirror, in your car, with your spouse or partner.

3. Relax and Reward

Ideally, preparing for an interview should take place well in advance of the interview. The night before the interview, spend a short time looking over your resume and any other information.

Then RELAX. This will ensure that you sleep well and are fresh, focused and bright on the day of the interview.

After the interview, REWARD yourself. Approach every interview as a chance to learn. It is a positive event. Your efforts will be recognized. Reward yourself with a day off doing something you enjoy, play a sport, go out with a friend or just buy your favourite flavour of ice cream!

Module 8: Job Search Process- Interview (Cont.)

We are nearing the end of the job search training modules.

In the next two modules, we look at some of the questions typically asked during an interview. Of course, questions will vary according to the position and the relative experience of the person interviewing you.

Being prepared means practice. The italic print in the text below describes what the employer is really thinking when he/she asks you a question.

Reading Between The Lines: Responses to Typical Interview Questions

In the interview, the interviewee must be aware of what the interviewer really means by his/her questions and address the underlying meaning.

1. Tell me about yourself.

Why should I hire you? Is your mind on what you can offer the company or is it on personal concerns that may interfere with your work performance? What is your background as it relates to the job you have applied for?

RESPONSE: Briefly touch on the following three areas: your qualifications, experience as it relates to this position and your attributes, including your ability to get along with others. Be prepared for further questions from the interviewer about the interesting points you have made.

2. Tell me about your experience with this type of work.

Can you do the job or not?

RESPONSE: If you have done this work, state where and give examples of your achievements. If you have done related work or had related training, stress your transferable skills.

3. Why do you want to work here?

Will you be satisfied with your job? Will you stay? What have you heard about this company?

RESPONSE: Discuss any positive information found through your research about the company’s products and philosophy, and how your experience and interests compliment their goals.

You may also discuss confidence in your ability to do the particular job in question.

4. Why did you leave your last job?

Are you reliable? Do you have trouble getting along with people? Were you fired or did you quit? Did you have difficulties in your last position that affect your ability to do the job here?

RESPONSE: It is important to discuss the reasons honestly and favourably to you. Avoid anything negative or critical about previous managers or employers. If you can’t avoid disclosing that you were fired, keep the reasons professional, e.g. the job was not suited to your abilities, there was a re-organization. Emphasize that you feel the job you are being interviewed for differs from these problem areas.

It is important to work things out with your past employers so that they give you positive references. If an interviewer thinks you were fired, they will likely call your last employer to find out what actually happened. 

5. What are your greatest strengths?

How confident are you? What do you see as your skills? Can you present yourself confidently to the public?

RESPONSE: This is a very standard question and is your biggest chance to market your skills and accomplishments. These should include both job-related and inter-personal skills. Reinforce your strengths with examples.

6. What are your weaknesses?

Can you be honest about your shortcomings? How much training are you going to need, what are your problem areas?

RESPONSE: It is important to be honest and open, but to turn this question around by responding with weaknesses that will not interfere with your ability to do the job. Do not describe anything that implies you are unable to do parts of the job.

7. What are your long-range goals?

How long will you stay here? Are you career oriented? How important will this job be to you? Is this a stepping-stone to something else or will you make a commitment to this position?

RESPONSE: Respond with your intention to stay with the company and further your career. Stress that you value the company’s goals and hope to become a valuable employee. Perhaps discuss plans for continued learning and interests in related areas.

8. What kind of systems or equipment have you worked with?

Is your technical knowledge out-dated?

RESPONSE: Reveal specific types of systems and equipment you have operated, and any transferable skills. Comment on your ability to handle new systems.

9. How do you feel about overtime?

Are you a nine to five person? Will your family responsibilities make it hard to do any overtime? Are you flexible and will you be committed to putting everything into the job?

RESPONSE: Emphasize your flexibility, past instances where you have done over and above the expected amount of work, and clarify how much overtime is expected.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS ASKED DURING AN INTERVIEW

1.      Tell me about yourself?

2.      How would you define a self-starter?

3.      Describe your previous job(s)?

4.      Tell me what you liked the most about your previous job? least?

5.      Can you get references from previous employers?

6.      How do you think a friend/former co-worker would describe you?

7.      Could you explain this gap in your work history?

8.      What is your educational background?

9.      What were your best/worst subjects in school?

10.  Why did you not finish school? (If applicable)

11.  Are you willing to work shifts?

12.  In what ways can you make a contribution to this organization?

13.  What job in our company do you want to work toward?

14.  What do you think affects a person’s progress in a company?

15.  Why did you choose to enter this career?

16.  What personal characteristics are necessary for success in your chosen field?

17.  What qualifications do you have to succeed in your field?

18.  What do you know about opportunities in the field in which you are trained?

19.  Why do you think you would like this particular type of work?

20.  Have you changed careers and why?

21.  Why should I hire you?

22.  If you were hiring a person for this position, what qualities would you seek?

23.  What are the two or three most important things to you in your job?

24.  What do you look for in a job?

25.  How would you define a challenging job?

26.  When are you available for work?

27.  What are salary expectations?

28.  Are you interested in research? Do you have an analytical mind?

29.  Have you ever trained a co-worker?

30.  How would you describe your work methods?

31.  How do you go about making decisions?

32.  Everyone has pet peeves? What are yours?

33.  What have you learned from your mistakes?

34.  How adaptable are you? Can you give me an example?

35.  What are some accomplishments that have given you the most satisfaction?

36.  What is one significant problem you have overcome and how did you do it?

37.  What have you done which shows initiative and willingness to work?

38.  What work situations irritate you the most; satisfy you the most?

39.  How do you react to pressure and stress? What situations would trigger these?

40.  What makes you lose your temper?

41.  What types of people seem to rub you the wrong way?

42.  Is it an effort for you to be tolerant of persons with a background and interests different from your own?

43.  How do you react to criticism? What do you criticize in other people?

44.  Can you take instruction without feeling upset?

45.  What motivates you the most?

46.  Are you primarily interested in making money or do you feel that providing good service is a satisfactory accomplishment?

47.  Just what does success mean to you? How would you judge it?

48.  Do you like to take on new responsibilities?

49.  What career goals have you established for yourself for the next five years?

50.  Would you be willing to relocate?

51.  Do you like to travel?

52.  How do you spend your spare time? What are your hobbies?

53.  What do you do to keep in good physical condition?

54.  What questions do you have for me?

Hidden Questions

1.      How much enthusiasm does this candidate have about us?

2.      How poised is the candidate?

3.      Will we like each other if we work together?

NEXT: Behavioural Questions and the Interview

Module 9- Job Search Process- Interview Closing

By now, the interview is almost over. You have been asked questions about skills, how you deal with stress, and your reasons for wanting this job.

How do you gracefully and professionally close an interview? Consider these points:

At the end of an interview, you will be asked, "Do you have any questions?" Your reply should be, "yes."

Why? Questions express enthusiasm for the job as well as interest and curiosity.

The following are examples of Questions To Ask the Interviewer:

REMEMBER: Questions should be open (i.e. requiring more than a yes or no answer), answerable, and well informed. Choose those that show preparation and knowledge.

1.      When would the position begin?

2.      How would I spend my time in a typical day?

3.      Who would I report to?

4.      Who would I work with?

5.      Can I have a tour of the premises?

6.      Is this a new position? If not, why is it vacant?

7.      Is there an employee handbook?

8.      Is any special safety equipment required, and if so, who supplies it?

9.      Do you have any additional company literature that I can look over after I leave?

10.  How is an employee evaluated?

11.  Describe the typical first year assignments?

12.  What are the challenging aspects of the job?

13.  What are the company’s plans for future growth?

14.  What makes your firm different from its competitors?

15.  What are your expectations for new employees?

16.  Describe you work environment.

17.  What characteristics does a successful person have at your company? 

Always ask: "When can I follow up to learn if a decision has been made?" Again, this shows enthusiasm to the employer. Further, it provides you with an invitation to contact the employer again and remind them of your interest in the job.

What if they respond with, "We will contact you?" Respect their request and do not call. However, if they let you follow up later, DO IT!

Even if you do not get the job or another interview, this follow up provides you with an opportunity to get feedback on your interview. Very politely say, "I understand you have probably had a lot of applicants, can I ask you some questions about the interview and my suitability for the job? It would be very helpful."

Remember, interviews are always a learning experience.

Feedback is welcomed at info@canadainfonet.org.

Good luck,

Farah AlizadehahiEmployment Counsellor/Mentoring CoachCanada Infonet, Mentoring ServicesJVS Toronto