job search strategies. we provide: resume, cover letter, interview workshops information on...
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Job Search Strategies
We provide:• Resume, cover letter, interview workshops• Information on workplace• Information on government programs• One on one client service
SUCCESS
Resumes
What is it and why? What? A summary of your previous work experience
Why? The purpose of a resume is not to get you a
job, but to get you an interview
A Great Resume is…
Concise Powerful
Persuasive Well-written
Step 1: Contact Information
JESSICA SMITH5540 Clark Drive • Vancouver, BC • V5R 4J2 • 604-458-6421 • [email protected]
Step 2: Job Objective
What positions are you applying for?
Why are you going to submit this resume?
Example:
To obtain a full-time position as a Supervisor at Superstore.
Step 3: Skills and Abilities
What type of skills and abilities are you bringing to this job?
Write the skills you have that match the job you are applying for
Do not forget to tell the employer how your skills can benefit the company
Step 4: Education Please specify everything including:
Your program The year you graduated or expected graduation date The courses you studied that are relevant to the job
you are applying
Step 5: Relevant Work Experience
Only include previous work experience that is relevant to the job you are applying
Do not list your duties randomly
List the work experiences starting from the most recent one at the top and the rest in reverse chronological order
Watch for your action verbs!
Guidelines to Writing a Good
Resume Action Verbs and Key Words Action Verbs = Verbs that match the position Key Words = Important words and statements from the job posting
Guidelines to Writing a Good
Resume (cont’d) Sell your job accomplishments and achievements
DO NOT just list your duties Action Verb + Task = Result
Step 6: Hobbies and Interests
ONLY if your interests are related to the job
It is optional. If you want to keep your resume concise and less distracting, do not include it
Step 7: References Do not provide your references, simply write
“References available upon request” on the bottom
Only give it to the employer if they specifically ask for it during interview
Ask at least 2-3 people you have worked or volunteered for to be your references
Designing and Formatting Traditional yet Innovative
Need to grab the employer’s attention Stand out from the competition Be original and comply to the rules of resume writing
Cover Letters
What is a Cover Letter?
A document that details your relevant experience and skills, in the form of a letter
It goes more in depth than a resume
Shows the employer your interest in the position
Steps Towards a Successful Cover
Letter Attention Interest Desire Action
Step 1: Attention Name and contact information should be at the top of the
cover letter
Business letter style
Address it to someone by name
Formatting Clear layout Standard font No more than 3-4 paragraphs No spelling mistakes and no grammar mistakes! Sign letter with blue or black ink
Step 1: Attention (cont’d)
Step 2: Interest Show the employer how much you want this job
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Try adding an interesting fact you have learned about
the company
Be clear as to what position you are applying for
Sell your merits What are some VERY relevant work experiences? What did you learn and what skills did you gain?
Mention your accomplishments Awards, scholarships Any major highlights in your career
Step 2: Interest (cont’d)
Step 3: Desire Show the employer that you are willing to learn
DO YOUR RESEARCH! Always know a few facts about the company You are trying to find the right fit for yourself too!
Let them know you want to grow with the company
Step 4: Action In the last paragraph:
BE PROACTIVE! Let the employer know when YOU are going to call
them to set up an interview Close the letter with:
Sincerely, Best regards, Warmest regards,
Additional Tips! DO NOT regurgitate your resume! Always have a cover letter template ready
Then, tailor your cover letter to the company Watch out for grammar and spelling mistakes Use formal language Use matching stationary Make sure you follow through with your ACTION!
JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
Looking For A Job?
High Opportunity Occupations in BC
0911 Manufacturing Managers 6261 Police Officers (Except
Commissioned) 0013 Senior Managers–Financial,
Communications Carriers and Other Business Services
2171 Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
0713 Transportation Managers 7242 Industrial Electricians 0015 Senior Managers–Trade,
Broadcasting and Other Services 0314 Managers In Social, Community and
Correctional Services 2122 Forestry Professionals
3131 Pharmacists 7217 Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy
Construction Equipment Crews 4163 Economic Development Officers and
Marketing Researchers and Consultants 2173 Software Engineers 0311 Managers In Health Care 7351 Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary
Equipment Operators 1212 Supervisors, Finance and Insurance
Clerks 6462 Correctional Service Officers 3152 Registered Nurses 7215 Contractors and Supervisors,
Carpentry Trades 1441 Administrative Clerks 2147 Computer Engineers
Skills Connect The Skills Connect for Immigrants program is an individualized
employment bridging program that helps skilled immigrants connect to jobs in BC that build on their pre-arrival skills, training, knowledge, and experience.
This is achieved through providing services and supports to: effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and
experiences; provide career counselling and planning; skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language
support to meet BC labour standards; Individual client services are delivered for a period of up to one year (two
years for health sector occupations).
www.skillsconnect.ca
Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre
The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre is a free service to help immigrants with information and referrals they need to find a job in their field of education and experience.
Staff will help you identify: Information on obtaining employment in your field Agencies and organizations that can assist in your job search Relevant professional associations and other organizations in
your field Employers and employer organizations in your field
Located on Level 4 in the Central branch of Vancouver Public Library at 350 West Georgia Street and is open during regular Central library hours.
Credential Recognition This is the process of verifying that the education,
training, and job experience you obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for Canadian workers.
Takes time and money It’s not always guaranteed, so please do your
research!
For more information:
http://www.credentials.gc.ca/http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/
Credential Evaluation The British Columbia Institute of Technology
(BCIT) operates the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
They will assess foreign secondary and post-secondary certificates for employment
For more information:
604-432-8800
www.bcit.ca/ices
www.workingincanada.gc.ca
www.workbc.ca
Want more information?
The Hidden Job Market
How do I find the jobs that are NOT advertised?
Networking The Internet Employer Visits Cold Calling Newspapers and Other
Classifieds
What is Networking?
The active pursuit of finding jobs
80 % of available jobs are NOT advertised
You can ask: Family Friends Neighbours Other employers
Networking
There are great websites where you can plan your career and find job postings
www.jobbank.gc.cawww.workingincanada.gc.ca
www.monster.cawww.craigslist.org
The Internet
What are employer visits? When you go store to store, fill in an
application, and give your resume/cover letter
What should do? Plan where you are going to apply Bring tailored resumes and cover letters Dress professionally Ask for the hiring manager and give a firm
handshake!
Employer Visits
Cold CallingMake a list of the employers you want to call Contact the hiring manager of the interested
company Prepare questions
about the position Let them know when you
will drop off your resume
Newspapers and Other Classifieds
Very few job postings
Not many employers are paying for the advertising space
Many shady employers!
Not very successful job search method for youth
Interview Skills
Interviewing for Success…
What is an Interview?
An interview is a meeting with your potential employer
This is where you MUST market yourself in order to get hired
Before the Interview
Educate Yourself! Often employers will ask:
Why do you want to work here? What can you tell me about this company?
Be prepared! Go to the company’s website and learn more about the
company Mission statement Company goals
Dress to Impress! It is important to look presentable for an interview
Always dress “one-up” for the job you are seeking
Your outfit could make the difference in whether or not you get the position
What to Wear! Here are some examples:
A Few Tips… Things to bring
Resume References
Arrive early! 10-15 minutes
Turn off your cell phone
During the Interview
Stages of the Interview
1. Opening
2. Questions about credentials, skills, and knowledge
3. Situational and behavioural questions
4. Closing
Opening Introduce yourself, stand up and greet your interviewer
“Hi, I’m Jessica. Nice to meet you!” Firm handshake
Clasp, pump, pump, break Don’t be afraid to initiate the handshake A good handshake also helps with the employer’s
impression of you Don’t forget to smile!
Credentials, Skills, and Knowledge
On your resume, you listed the transferable skills you gain from past work experience
The employer will now ask you to elaborate on your resume Make sure to prepare for this!
How to Handle Questions
C.O.R.E C = Clarify the Question O = Organize the Answer R = Respond to the Question E = Examples
General Questions
Tell me about yourself. Describe your personality. What are some of your hobbies and interests? Which three words describe you the best?
How to Answer General Questions P.A.W.S
P = Personal A = Academic W = Work Experience S = Skills
Work Experience/Skills Related Questions
Tell me about your last job. What did you like the most/least about your last job? What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Don’t give “deal-breakers”!
How to Answer Work Experience/Skills Related
Questions Don’t talk about your last job in a negative way
Think of the transferable skills you learned from your last position
Be ready with 3 strengths Give examples of when and how you use them Stay away from saying you’re reliable and responsible
Tell the truth about your weakness Let them know how you are improving on it
Situational & Behavioural Questions
Give an example of a time you took meaningful action to solve a problem.
How do you tackle comprehensive projects? Describe an episode of exceptional customer service. How do you function in a high pressure situation?
How to Handle Behavioural & Situational
Questions? S.T.A.R.R
S = Situation T = Task A = Action R = Result R = Relevance
Summary Questions C.O.R.E General Questions P.A.W.S Situational & Behavioural Questions S.T.A.R.R.
After Interview
Thank You Letter Once you get home from the interview…
Write a thank you note, e-mail or card to the person that interviewed you
Ensure that you address the person by name Let them know that you appreciate that they took the
time to meet with you Reaffirm your interest in the position!
Thank You Note SampleDear Mr. Rogers,
Thank you very much for taking the time out of your schedule to meet with me. I am still very interested in the Sales Associate position because I have a passion for customer service and I believe that my communication skills will be an asset to your company. If any additional opportunities arise, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call me at 604-658-3521.
Best regards,
Jessica Smith
Follow Up If a week has passed since the interview… Take the initiative to call the person that interviewed
you Ask them if they have made a decision on your
candidacy for the position If you did not get the job, ask the employer how you
could have improved
Success!