useful tips
Question:
I have lost my job. I have sent out lots of resumes and no response. Are there jobs out there or not?
Answer:
I can understand the frustration in your question.
We firmly believe that there are jobs to be had, but you must be skilled and up to date in your trade. You must have an organized job search. Just mailing out a batch of resumes is a complete waste of time. Every resume sent out must be to an employer that you have researched and targeted for your information. An employer can’t hire you if he doesn’t know about you, but you must make your resume stand out from all of the rest. Your resume helps secure an interview…there is a process to all of this.
Please, come work with our staff. It may take time but a planned job search will get results.
Question:
I have a great resume that I had prepared 5 years ago. It tells a lot about my work history. I think my skills are valuable but I can’t get a decent interview? Why aren’t employers giving me a chance?
Answer:
Your resume is 5 years old. That in itself may be a problem. Is it still relevant to the market that you are now in? Does it point out other than direct skills ? Is there information missing that would help to alert the potential employer to your talents?
You may have relevant skills but it would appear that your resume is not helping you to obtain useful interviews. We would strongly recommend that you update your resume but work through the content with a counselor. There are likely hidden talents that should be highlighted. Sometimes there can be errors of grammar or formatting that can cause a negative reaction.
A resume can be a complicated document, but it must reflect you with a comfort level that you can buy into.
Question:
Do I need to be receiving Employment Insurance (EI) in order to get help with my job search or skills training questions?
Answer:
No, all of our programs can help anyone who is looking for employment. All services are free and EI eligibility does not matter. Staff will assist with resume development, job search counseling, on line activity and job research, etc.
Financial assistance for skills training is quite varied and is best discussed with counseling staff.
Today’s job market is very competitive. We can help you get the direction and assistance that you need. Our services are offered to all people who are seeking employment, again without need to be receiving EI or any other form of benefits.
JOB INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Congratulations!
You have an interview. Your resume did its job. It presented you in the appropriate light. It has drawn the interest of the potential employer.
Now, make sure you are prepared for the interview.
Obtaining the interview has given you confidence. Hopefully you made it easy for the employer to contact you and that there was a good first phone impression. Presumably you answered the initial question with conviction. You know your strengths that apply to the job in question. You made scheduling your interview appointment as easy as possible for the employer.
You should focus on preparing for the interview. Household chores and voluntary distractions will have to wait. Getting this job IS YOUR JOB.
Make it your business to understand the company’s services or products.
Asking the interviewer “what do you do?” is a great way to undermine your chances. A reasonable knowledge of the company is reassuring and you will already have an idea that you could be comfortable working for this employer.
This will make you more comfortable when explaining why you think that you would be a good fit for the company and for the job. Try to obtain a job description prior to the interview. A detailed knowledge is better than a reasonable guess.
In other words, KNOW the JOB and KNOW the BUSINESS.
In your research find out:
- What does the company produce / do?
- What is expected in the position that you are applying for?
- What qualifications support this position?
- What skills or other talents, might the employer be looking for?
- What is the company’s reputation?
- Will I likely be happy working for this company?
CHECK LIST:
- Make sure you confirmed the time and location of the interview
- Make sure you know who booked you for the interview and ideally, who will actually be conducting the interview
- Ask if there will be any written test or assignment requirements
- Review your resume to make sure that you can answer questions about any of your statements.
- Bring a fresh copy of your resume, unfolded in an enveloppe.
- Pick appropriate clothing the day before and make sure that your transportation is in order. DO NOT ARRIVE LATE! Do you know the route to the interview. If not, find out ahead of time.
- Relax as best you can, Remember, the employer WANTS to meet with you.
Here are some survival tips:
If the interviewer is having a bad day or is not prepared, take charge of the interview by asking questions that ensure that your essential information is revealed.
- Don’t chew gum or smoke.
- Never bring a friend to the interview.
- Turn off your cell phone.. give the interview your complete attention.
- Be polite but not overly personnal.
- Maintain eye contact, but do not stare, provide a proper handshake, not overly forceful, but not wimpy.
- When leaving, again shake hands, eye contact and thank the interviewer for the time, don’t hover and make a graceful exit.
- Don’t discuss personal or financial problems.
- Wages and benefits are not usually discussed at an initial interview. If you are asked directly about your expectations you will be at a disadvantage unless you have researched the company and have some idea of wage ranges that they currently offer. Some people are comfortable by stating “Well, I have never worked for less than…” or “ I am sure that your wage ranges would likely suit me”.
It is best if money discussions are conducted in the job offering stage but be prepared with some sort of answer if pressed.
REMEMBER.. The resume got you the interview, Preparation will separate you form the others. Please be reasonably sure that this is a job that you want. If you are casually interested, it will show.
|
