an insider's guide to finding work in canada
TRANSCRIPT
An Insider's Guide to Finding Work in
CanadaApril 17, 2012
Presented by: Victoria Montgomery, Drake Global Tech and
Adriana Romero, Drake International
Agenda
• Resume Writing Tips and Tricks
• Interview Essentials
• Personal experiences of being expats in Canada
• LinkedIn Basics
• Tips for Applying on LinkedIn
• Q/A – Questions and Answer Period
2
Resume Essentials
• Keep it Short and Simple
(KISS)
– Max 2 pages
– Clutter-free
– Clean layout
– TAILOR IT TO THE JOB
• Professional Summary
• Optional:
– Skills
• Work experience:
– Achievements per position
(2-3 key points)
– Relevant projects (if
applicable)
• Education
• Memberships
3
Interview Tips
• Dress professionally
• Arrive 10 minutes early
• Bring a copy of your
resume / relevant
documentation
• Stay on point
• Prepare 2 to 3
questions beforehand
• BE YOURSELF
• BE HONEST
4
Interview Follow Up Process
• Day 1 – Email follow up:
– “Thank You for the opportunity, I think this could be a
good fit because of point XYZ….”
– 2 sentences MAXIMUM
• Day 3 to 4 Phone Call follow up (unless otherwise
stated):
– Same as above, keep it short and be polite
5
PERSONAL EXPERIENCES
Adriana’s story
6
Creating Your Online Profile
The Importance of a Complete Profile:
• If you’re using LinkedIn to try and find a job, you want to
have a solid online presence
• Avoid an incomplete profile by following LinkedIn’s
guidance to complete your page
• Be creative!! Grab attention. Make it memorable.
7
Creating Your Online Profile
Have a GOOD picture:
8
BAD BAD GOOD
Tips for Applying
1. Have a Plan
– Don’t go into your search blind
– Narrow down what you REALLY want to do and who
you REALLY can see a career with
– Get a list of 10-20 companies and start hunting
2. Connect on LinkedIn with people in the company
who can help you with your search:
– Remember to have a complete profile
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Tips for Applying
3. Tailor your resume to the job description if there is
one available
– Your job at Burger King in 2001 may not be relevant
4. Hit them with the “Highlights”
– Having a cover letter isn’t always necessary
– If you have a professional summary at the beginning
of your resume, it can be just as effective if you tailor
it to the job you’re seeking
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Tips for Applying
5. Follow Up
– Don’t annoy the person you’ve made contact with, but
do let them know you appreciate them taking the time
they spent talking to you
– Short & Sweet thank you email does the trick
– Check in every 1-2 weeks, ask them how they are – if
you talked about anything personal (pets etc.) ask
how they are
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THANK YOU For Questions Please Contact Victoria Montgomery
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Contact Victoria:
Email:
For Current Job Openings:
Visit: http://www.drakeintl.com/
Click the “Jobs” Tab on the
homepage
“Like” our Facebook Page and
gain access to new jobs across
Canada
Contact Adriana:
Email: