Team Up
Form a study group or success team, a group of four to eight people working together on a weekly basis to motivate each other, build contacts, generate job leads and think through career decisions. You can build a team with former work colleagues, school classmates and acquaintances from special-interest groups (SIGs) or by contacting a local career center.
Email
You shouldn't spend all of your networking efforts in front of a screen, but email lists can be one way to jump-start the process.
Non-Techie Groups
Think beyond your area of expertise. Churches, alumni groups, sports-related clubs and other groups organized around interests, from mountain biking to macrame, can generate contacts for your job search. Such groups have a distinct advantage: They're not dominated by other techies looking for work. To be successful, realize that you shouldn't focus too intently on generating immediate leads for job openings. Remember, networking is about building relationships.
Informational Interviews
An informational interview with a company manager, or even a peer, has several goals: gathering information about the firm, garnering advice and developing a relationship. Don't be shy about requesting a short amount of someone's time.."
e mërkurë, 20 qershor 2007
The Biggest Success Secret: Be Bold and Ask
Always ask. Never be afriad to say things that you have in mind or want o know about the position. later on, it might be the greatest tool that you used for that particular job.
e martë, 20 mars 2007
Credential evaluation services for immigrants
WES international credential evaluations are important and valuable documents, whether you are pursuing further education, licensing, employment or immigration in Canada. Your WES evaluation will serve as your lifelong passport to education and employment.
WES Is Fast WES will mail your evaluation report within 7 business days. We also offer 3-Day and Same-Day Rush Service and Express Delivery options.
WES Is Reliable WES evaluations are relied upon by hundreds of North American academic institutions, as well as by occupational regulatory bodies, major corporations, and government agencies such as Citizenship and Immigration Canada. With WES, you can be assured that you are receiving a credential evaluation trusted and relied upon by institutions and organizations throughout North America.
******WES is recognized, and funded in part, by the Government of Ontario. ******
WES is MultipurposeA WES evaluation report can be used for immigration, employment, higher education, apprenticeship training, and licensing purposes in Canada. Particularly if it is a Course by Course report, one report can serve all purposes. In addition, WES will mail a complimentary original copy of your report to the institution of your choice - don't forget to indicate the name and address of the institution in your WES application form.
WES Is Affordable For one low fee, they will evaluate all of your formal academic credentials, regardless of number or complexity, and calculate Canadian grade average at no additional charge if your evaluation is for educational purposes.
http://www.wes.org/ca/index.asp
WES Is Fast WES will mail your evaluation report within 7 business days. We also offer 3-Day and Same-Day Rush Service and Express Delivery options.
WES Is Reliable WES evaluations are relied upon by hundreds of North American academic institutions, as well as by occupational regulatory bodies, major corporations, and government agencies such as Citizenship and Immigration Canada. With WES, you can be assured that you are receiving a credential evaluation trusted and relied upon by institutions and organizations throughout North America.
******WES is recognized, and funded in part, by the Government of Ontario. ******
WES is MultipurposeA WES evaluation report can be used for immigration, employment, higher education, apprenticeship training, and licensing purposes in Canada. Particularly if it is a Course by Course report, one report can serve all purposes. In addition, WES will mail a complimentary original copy of your report to the institution of your choice - don't forget to indicate the name and address of the institution in your WES application form.
WES Is Affordable For one low fee, they will evaluate all of your formal academic credentials, regardless of number or complexity, and calculate Canadian grade average at no additional charge if your evaluation is for educational purposes.
http://www.wes.org/ca/index.asp
Organizations featured on hire immigrants
American Express Canada
Apotex Inc.
ATI Technologies Inc.
Cambrian Credit Union
CIBC
City of Toronto
ConvergysDuke Energy
Ernst & Young LLP
Girit Projects Hummingbird Ltd.
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
IBM Canada Ltd.
Iris Power Engineering Inc.
LEA International Ltd.
Magna International Inc.
Manulife Financial Nascor Ltd.
National Bank
NoAb BioDiscoveries Inc.
Ottawa Police ServiceRBC Financial Group
Rodrigues Winery
St. Michael's Hospital
Teranet Inc.Teshmont Consultants
LPToronto and
Region Conservation Authority
Apotex Inc.
ATI Technologies Inc.
Cambrian Credit Union
CIBC
City of Toronto
ConvergysDuke Energy
Ernst & Young LLP
Girit Projects Hummingbird Ltd.
Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
IBM Canada Ltd.
Iris Power Engineering Inc.
LEA International Ltd.
Magna International Inc.
Manulife Financial Nascor Ltd.
National Bank
NoAb BioDiscoveries Inc.
Ottawa Police ServiceRBC Financial Group
Rodrigues Winery
St. Michael's Hospital
Teranet Inc.Teshmont Consultants
LPToronto and
Region Conservation Authority
e premte, 19 janar 2007
SIX TIPS FOR RELOCATING JOB SEEKERS
1. Be Focused
As the job market continues to become more specialized, employers are looking less for generalists and more for individuals who know what they want and have prepared for a career in a specific field. Employers tend to hire people with specific industry experience and education that is directly related to the position.
The employer is taking a risk by agreeing to hire someone who is not local. This is especially the case with international relocation, when the employer has spent a lot of time and effort on paperwork for the work permit. An employee who has relocated usually does not have local ties and may decide to leave if they are not prepared for the new job. An employer will be more willing to take this risk if you can demonstrate a commitment to their field.
In order to focus and be prepared for your job search, you should take a careful inventory of your skills, interests, lifestyle considerations, values, and work environment. This way you cannot only show the employer how you can contribute to the company, but also show that how you can adapt to your new location.
2. Research Your Destination
Work considerations should be balanced with life considerations. You may consider factors such as the job market, local industries, climate, cost of living and lifestyle.
For example, you may have worked in a particular industry, so you need to know if this industry is healthy or large enough to warrant an abundance of opportunities in the new location. You may be interested in particular leisure activities, and require access your favourite pastimes. You can research any city by searching the Internet, by contacting the local city government or tourism authorities, or by ordering the Relocation Information.
3. Research the Job Market
Gather information by researching a variety of sources: trade publications, journals, professional associations, and electronic bulletin boards. Or have us conduct research for you by discussing your qualifications with local employers. The Employability Report provides you with valuable information on the local market for your individual skills, , and provides you with the facts required to make an informed decision on your job search strategy.
4. Build Your North American Resume
In most cases, a US or Canadian resume is different from the format utilized overseas. It is necessary to ensure that your resume conforms to the local employers’ expectations. Our job search services include the revision of your resume into US or Canadian market-effective format. With our assistance you will be able to present your employment objective clearly and communicate your most marketable skills
5. Network in Advance
According to employment statistics, the average time for a job search is three months. The sooner you begin your job search, the sooner you will be able to relocate and earn an income. Relocation often involves obtaining a job offer in advance, so that a work permit can be obtained. While it is possible to find employment by applying to advertised positions, this can be a long and arduous process, because only 25% of the job market is advertised. Most employment is found through networking. We have been successful in assisting clients with their relocation by helping them network in advance, either by arranging interviews for them in advance of arrival on the Full Service Job Search Program or by providing them with suitable employer contacts on the Self Directed Job Search Program.
6. Send a Thank You Note
In the USA and Canada, job seekers are counseled to send thank-you notes to their interviewers. The idea is to get others to like you so they will hire you directly or refer you to their friends and acquaintances. The sooner you build good relationships, the sooner you'll be hired, and the words "thank you" create good will. Send warm thanks to everyone who gives you any kind of help in the job search, however small.
As the job market continues to become more specialized, employers are looking less for generalists and more for individuals who know what they want and have prepared for a career in a specific field. Employers tend to hire people with specific industry experience and education that is directly related to the position.
The employer is taking a risk by agreeing to hire someone who is not local. This is especially the case with international relocation, when the employer has spent a lot of time and effort on paperwork for the work permit. An employee who has relocated usually does not have local ties and may decide to leave if they are not prepared for the new job. An employer will be more willing to take this risk if you can demonstrate a commitment to their field.
In order to focus and be prepared for your job search, you should take a careful inventory of your skills, interests, lifestyle considerations, values, and work environment. This way you cannot only show the employer how you can contribute to the company, but also show that how you can adapt to your new location.
2. Research Your Destination
Work considerations should be balanced with life considerations. You may consider factors such as the job market, local industries, climate, cost of living and lifestyle.
For example, you may have worked in a particular industry, so you need to know if this industry is healthy or large enough to warrant an abundance of opportunities in the new location. You may be interested in particular leisure activities, and require access your favourite pastimes. You can research any city by searching the Internet, by contacting the local city government or tourism authorities, or by ordering the Relocation Information.
3. Research the Job Market
Gather information by researching a variety of sources: trade publications, journals, professional associations, and electronic bulletin boards. Or have us conduct research for you by discussing your qualifications with local employers. The Employability Report provides you with valuable information on the local market for your individual skills, , and provides you with the facts required to make an informed decision on your job search strategy.
4. Build Your North American Resume
In most cases, a US or Canadian resume is different from the format utilized overseas. It is necessary to ensure that your resume conforms to the local employers’ expectations. Our job search services include the revision of your resume into US or Canadian market-effective format. With our assistance you will be able to present your employment objective clearly and communicate your most marketable skills
5. Network in Advance
According to employment statistics, the average time for a job search is three months. The sooner you begin your job search, the sooner you will be able to relocate and earn an income. Relocation often involves obtaining a job offer in advance, so that a work permit can be obtained. While it is possible to find employment by applying to advertised positions, this can be a long and arduous process, because only 25% of the job market is advertised. Most employment is found through networking. We have been successful in assisting clients with their relocation by helping them network in advance, either by arranging interviews for them in advance of arrival on the Full Service Job Search Program or by providing them with suitable employer contacts on the Self Directed Job Search Program.
6. Send a Thank You Note
In the USA and Canada, job seekers are counseled to send thank-you notes to their interviewers. The idea is to get others to like you so they will hire you directly or refer you to their friends and acquaintances. The sooner you build good relationships, the sooner you'll be hired, and the words "thank you" create good will. Send warm thanks to everyone who gives you any kind of help in the job search, however small.
Sample Interview Questions
The following list of questions are for preparing yourself for an interview. The below questions are commonly asked by employers. There is a set of general questions as well as teaching specific questions for you to go through and practice prior to going to an interview.
Sample Questions - General
Tell me about yourself.
What are your long-range and short-range career goals and objectives, and how are you preparing to achieve them?
Why did you choose your career?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
How would you describe yourself? How would a friend or professor describe you?
How has your college experience prepared you for your career?
Why should I hire you?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
Describe a situation when you had to use your creativity to the fullest to complete a project.
Describe your most rewarding college experience.
If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for?
What led you to choose you field or major?
What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
How do you work under pressure?
Describe the ideal job.
Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization and what do you know about us?
What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
Give me an example of how you convinced your supervisor to assign you to a project.
What are your salary expectations?
Sample Questions - General
Tell me about yourself.
What are your long-range and short-range career goals and objectives, and how are you preparing to achieve them?
Why did you choose your career?
What do you consider to be your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
How would you describe yourself? How would a friend or professor describe you?
How has your college experience prepared you for your career?
Why should I hire you?
How do you determine or evaluate success?
In what ways do you think you can make a contribution to our company?
Describe a situation when you had to use your creativity to the fullest to complete a project.
Describe your most rewarding college experience.
If you were hiring for this position, what qualities would you look for?
What led you to choose you field or major?
What have you learned from participation in extracurricular activities?
How do you work under pressure?
Describe the ideal job.
Why did you decide to seek a position with this organization and what do you know about us?
What major problem have you encountered and how did you deal with it?
Give me an example of how you convinced your supervisor to assign you to a project.
What are your salary expectations?
Effective Interviewing by Peter Newfield
Arrive on time, if not a few minutes early, for your interview. If you show up to a job interview late, ill prepared, or dressed inappropriately, you could be sealing your own fate. It may sound old fashioned, but a neat, professional appearance is always apropos for a job interview. Walk tall, smile, make eye contact, and present a firm handshake -- this goes for men and women. Bring at least two flat copies of your resume to the interview. Rehearse with a friend, relative, or co-worker a day or two before the interview to sharpen your communication skills. (See Interview Questions)
Answer questions clearly and concisely. Don't get long winded or meander into personal details that are just not appropriate to discuss. Try to keep the interview on target and focused on you. Be prepared to sell yourself in person by highlighting your strengths, your accomplishments on your present or previous jobs, and your eagerness to work for this potential employer. No need to apologize for anything, just accentuate the positive, relevant information instead.
Display an attitude of "humble egotism". Psyche yourself up into creating the impression that "I'm great, I know I'm great, but I know I have more to learn" and "I want this job more than anything else in the world and if I don't get a job offer, I'm just going to lay down and die". Show your enthusiasm, dedication, and ambition through your words and body language. If you come in with an attitude of "show me why I should work for this company" and halfway through the interview you think you might want to, it's too late. The most important goal of the job interview is to get a job offer. You can always think it over and turn it down later, but the name of the game is to get that job offer above all other candidates!
Try not to fidget in your chair, pick at your cuticles, hum, chew gum, tap your foot or do anything else that might give the impression that you are a nervous, neurotic mess. If the interviewer asks an open-ended question, "How do you feel about status reports?" try to narrow down the focus by asking a more specific question in return, "Would you like to know how I handle deadlines and maintain an organized data base"? An interview is not the appropriate place to haggle over money -- it's best to conduct salary negotiations only when you actually get the job offer as well as ask questions about benefits, personal days, or vacation time.
When the job interview is concluded, stand up and extend your hand, and thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you as a qualified candidate for this position. Leave gracefully -- you may ask when the decision is anticipated but don't offer to call back or give your cell phone and pager numbers -- just walk out as confidently as you entered.
Answer questions clearly and concisely. Don't get long winded or meander into personal details that are just not appropriate to discuss. Try to keep the interview on target and focused on you. Be prepared to sell yourself in person by highlighting your strengths, your accomplishments on your present or previous jobs, and your eagerness to work for this potential employer. No need to apologize for anything, just accentuate the positive, relevant information instead.
Display an attitude of "humble egotism". Psyche yourself up into creating the impression that "I'm great, I know I'm great, but I know I have more to learn" and "I want this job more than anything else in the world and if I don't get a job offer, I'm just going to lay down and die". Show your enthusiasm, dedication, and ambition through your words and body language. If you come in with an attitude of "show me why I should work for this company" and halfway through the interview you think you might want to, it's too late. The most important goal of the job interview is to get a job offer. You can always think it over and turn it down later, but the name of the game is to get that job offer above all other candidates!
Try not to fidget in your chair, pick at your cuticles, hum, chew gum, tap your foot or do anything else that might give the impression that you are a nervous, neurotic mess. If the interviewer asks an open-ended question, "How do you feel about status reports?" try to narrow down the focus by asking a more specific question in return, "Would you like to know how I handle deadlines and maintain an organized data base"? An interview is not the appropriate place to haggle over money -- it's best to conduct salary negotiations only when you actually get the job offer as well as ask questions about benefits, personal days, or vacation time.
When the job interview is concluded, stand up and extend your hand, and thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration of you as a qualified candidate for this position. Leave gracefully -- you may ask when the decision is anticipated but don't offer to call back or give your cell phone and pager numbers -- just walk out as confidently as you entered.
Top Ten Resume Mistakes
Top Ten Resume Mistakes
By Peter Newfield - President, Career Resumes Inc.
Your boss has annoyed you for the last time. You're going to look for another job and move on. You turn to the blank computer screen in front of you and start writing your resume.
How hard can that be? Apparently, it's a task not to be undertaken lightly. Most resumes circulating in cyberspace and on paper are terrible and actually do more harm than good for the prospective job seeker. How can you avoid resume mistakes? Let's look in on our fictional co-worker to see where the mistakes are lurking!
1. UNDERGRAD FORMAT -- If the guy in the next cubicle is writing his resume in the same style that he's used since college graduation, he'll lose. The old curriculum vitae, or block style, format with "Objective" and "Education" listed on top are not appropriate for anyone with more than three years of professional work experience. Much more effective is a 3- to 5-line overview of your unique professional strengths.
2. NO DATES -- Our friend has jumped around a lot and does not want prospective employers to think he's a flake. So he lists the companies but eliminates the dates for each position. Wrong! Leaving dates off your resume will surely cause eyebrows to raise and make people wonder what you've been up to lately.
3. FACTS BUT NO PIZAZZ -- Mr. Job Seeker has listed his responsibilities under each job title. But what separates him from the crowd? A great resume should include accomplishments and achievements that you have been instrumental in making happen. Increased widget sales by 65% in six months! Brought in 15 new clients with total billings in excess of $100,000! Don't be afraid to brag a little -- just be honest.
4. HITHER AND YON -- Our co-worker has changed fields more than models change outfits at a fashion show. His resume looks like a jumble of job listings. If you have experience in more than one field and it needs to be included on the resume, consider grouping the types of jobs together under specific headings such as "Instructional/Training" or "Customer Service/Sales."
5. GRUDGE FACTOR -- Don't include the reasons you've left or are leaving your job. Do not mention "sexual harassment," "lawsuit," "workers compensation claim," or "fired me for no good reason." Some situations are better explained in person, if at all.
6. PERSONAL INFO -- No one cares if you are single, married, play the trombone, or enjoy league bowling. Personal information does not belong on a resume. Do not include your age, race, gender, or blue ribbons for gardening.
7. LONG-WINDED HISTORY -- Only your relatives have the patience to read through every job you've held since stocking groceries in high school. Prospective employers want to know what RELEVANT EXPERIENCE you've had in the past 10-12 years. Highlight the most recent jobs and consolidate the past into several lines on a strong 1- or 2-page resume.
8. SLOPPINESS -- Our friend is in such a hurry to find a new job that he thinks printing the resume on green or orange paper will get him noticed fast. He'll get noticed -- and then dropped in the circular file! There is a coffee ring stain on the hand-written envelope, which also happens to have the return address of his current employer in the corner -- No, no, no. Looks count!
9. NO APPROPRIATE TARGET -- Just because our co-worker is fed up today and wants to find a new job A.S.A.P. doesn't mean that he should send a resume to every ad that appeared in the Sunday newspaper! Take the time to target the jobs for which you really have a chance of being interviewed. Does your level of experience match the requirements listed?
10. NO REASON FOR SENDING RESUME -- Once you have carefully checked over your professionally written resume to ensure that the salient points mentioned above have been addressed, don't forget one of the most important adjuncts to a good resume -- THE COVER LETTER. In the cover letter, you have the chance to state why you are sending your resume to this company and for what specific position. Don't make people guess as to why you have sent them your resume -- make it clear right up front.
By Peter Newfield - President, Career Resumes Inc.
Your boss has annoyed you for the last time. You're going to look for another job and move on. You turn to the blank computer screen in front of you and start writing your resume.
How hard can that be? Apparently, it's a task not to be undertaken lightly. Most resumes circulating in cyberspace and on paper are terrible and actually do more harm than good for the prospective job seeker. How can you avoid resume mistakes? Let's look in on our fictional co-worker to see where the mistakes are lurking!
1. UNDERGRAD FORMAT -- If the guy in the next cubicle is writing his resume in the same style that he's used since college graduation, he'll lose. The old curriculum vitae, or block style, format with "Objective" and "Education" listed on top are not appropriate for anyone with more than three years of professional work experience. Much more effective is a 3- to 5-line overview of your unique professional strengths.
2. NO DATES -- Our friend has jumped around a lot and does not want prospective employers to think he's a flake. So he lists the companies but eliminates the dates for each position. Wrong! Leaving dates off your resume will surely cause eyebrows to raise and make people wonder what you've been up to lately.
3. FACTS BUT NO PIZAZZ -- Mr. Job Seeker has listed his responsibilities under each job title. But what separates him from the crowd? A great resume should include accomplishments and achievements that you have been instrumental in making happen. Increased widget sales by 65% in six months! Brought in 15 new clients with total billings in excess of $100,000! Don't be afraid to brag a little -- just be honest.
4. HITHER AND YON -- Our co-worker has changed fields more than models change outfits at a fashion show. His resume looks like a jumble of job listings. If you have experience in more than one field and it needs to be included on the resume, consider grouping the types of jobs together under specific headings such as "Instructional/Training" or "Customer Service/Sales."
5. GRUDGE FACTOR -- Don't include the reasons you've left or are leaving your job. Do not mention "sexual harassment," "lawsuit," "workers compensation claim," or "fired me for no good reason." Some situations are better explained in person, if at all.
6. PERSONAL INFO -- No one cares if you are single, married, play the trombone, or enjoy league bowling. Personal information does not belong on a resume. Do not include your age, race, gender, or blue ribbons for gardening.
7. LONG-WINDED HISTORY -- Only your relatives have the patience to read through every job you've held since stocking groceries in high school. Prospective employers want to know what RELEVANT EXPERIENCE you've had in the past 10-12 years. Highlight the most recent jobs and consolidate the past into several lines on a strong 1- or 2-page resume.
8. SLOPPINESS -- Our friend is in such a hurry to find a new job that he thinks printing the resume on green or orange paper will get him noticed fast. He'll get noticed -- and then dropped in the circular file! There is a coffee ring stain on the hand-written envelope, which also happens to have the return address of his current employer in the corner -- No, no, no. Looks count!
9. NO APPROPRIATE TARGET -- Just because our co-worker is fed up today and wants to find a new job A.S.A.P. doesn't mean that he should send a resume to every ad that appeared in the Sunday newspaper! Take the time to target the jobs for which you really have a chance of being interviewed. Does your level of experience match the requirements listed?
10. NO REASON FOR SENDING RESUME -- Once you have carefully checked over your professionally written resume to ensure that the salient points mentioned above have been addressed, don't forget one of the most important adjuncts to a good resume -- THE COVER LETTER. In the cover letter, you have the chance to state why you are sending your resume to this company and for what specific position. Don't make people guess as to why you have sent them your resume -- make it clear right up front.
Winning Cover Letters
Top Ten Reasons Why You Need a Cover Letter
By Peter Newfield - President, Career Resumes Inc.
Your cover letter presents your intentions, qualifications, and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct, appealing format. It's your first chance to make a great impression, a personalized letter indicates you are serious about your job search. Your resume can give the nitty-gritty of dates, places of employment, and education but your cover letter must entice the reader to take the extra few minutes to consider you when faced with hundreds and thousands of candidates for any one job opening.
1. Do you really need a cover letter?
You bet! Just as you would never just show up unannounced at a prospective employer's door, your resume should Never just appear solo on a decision- maker's desk. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself, present your qualifications, and show the search committee you are a potential candidate for the advertised position.
2. Personalize it to the company.
Anyone can reproduce a "canned" cover letter and hope for the best. Instead, take a few minutes to personalize your letter by showing that you are really serious about working for the companies you are contacting. State the reason that you are interested in working for that particular company. Mention a department, a new project the company is involved in, an acquisition the company has made. Show that you have done your homework. Address the cover letter to a specific individual whenever possible.
3. Why are you sending your resume and cover letter?
Cover letters should be clear and to the point. Include the specific job title, two to three reasons why your experience makes a good fit, and a brief outline of career highlights.
4. Highlight your strengths!
You may be a great person and never call in sick, but prospective employers really want to know why they should consider you for this position. Brag a little! Give a few facts, list relevant skills, and state accomplishments on your present or most recent jobs that will be impressive. Increased overseas sales by 93%? Negotiated new financial leases/loans? Implemented new training programs which reduced staff turnover by 15%?
5. State your intentions and qualifications right up front.
If you expect a senior personnel manager or recruiter to wade through a mish- mash of information on your cover letter before understanding why you are sending your resume, chances are, it will never happen.
6. What makes you different?
Emphasize your skills, talents, and experiences to show how you would be a valuable addition to the team. If you have relevant volunteer or professional experience include it briefly in your cover letter. Example: An accountant who serves as volunteer treasurer for a nonprofit community health organization; an international sales rep who has lived in Europe and Asia and speaks several languages.
7. No negative information!
Never include personality conflicts with previous employers, pending litigation suits, or sarcastic remarks in your cover letter. If you are bad-mouthing your present place of employment, interviewers may fear a repeat performance if they hire you.
8. When should you include salary/relocation information?
The rule of thumb is to always include salary requirements and/or salary history in the cover letter if a prospective employer requests it. For example: My salary requirements are $60,000-$75000 (negotiable). Or: My current salary is $53,000 at XYZ corporation. To eliminate this information from your cover letter may justify your resume getting tossed out. Never include salary and relocation information on your resume, only address this information in your cover letter.
9. Action Steps to Take
Take a proactive approach in your cover letter. State the fact that you are available for a personal interview; give your home, work, e-mail, and/or cell phone numbers where you can be reached; note that you will follow up by phone (where possible) to provide any additional information required.
10. Be direct!
A professionally written cover letter and resume can open the doors to your next position on the corporate ladder, as well as a new career in a different field. A clean, error-free presentation combined with strong phrasing and solid facts will encourage the reader to review the attached resume and call you in for an interview.
_______________
Peter Newfield is President of Career Resumes, one of the premier resume writing services, providing cover letters, professional resumes, and Internet posting in all fields and industries. Career Resumes is a member of both the National Resume Writers' Association and the Professional Association of Resume Writers. www.career-resumes.com
By Peter Newfield - President, Career Resumes Inc.
Your cover letter presents your intentions, qualifications, and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct, appealing format. It's your first chance to make a great impression, a personalized letter indicates you are serious about your job search. Your resume can give the nitty-gritty of dates, places of employment, and education but your cover letter must entice the reader to take the extra few minutes to consider you when faced with hundreds and thousands of candidates for any one job opening.
1. Do you really need a cover letter?
You bet! Just as you would never just show up unannounced at a prospective employer's door, your resume should Never just appear solo on a decision- maker's desk. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself, present your qualifications, and show the search committee you are a potential candidate for the advertised position.
2. Personalize it to the company.
Anyone can reproduce a "canned" cover letter and hope for the best. Instead, take a few minutes to personalize your letter by showing that you are really serious about working for the companies you are contacting. State the reason that you are interested in working for that particular company. Mention a department, a new project the company is involved in, an acquisition the company has made. Show that you have done your homework. Address the cover letter to a specific individual whenever possible.
3. Why are you sending your resume and cover letter?
Cover letters should be clear and to the point. Include the specific job title, two to three reasons why your experience makes a good fit, and a brief outline of career highlights.
4. Highlight your strengths!
You may be a great person and never call in sick, but prospective employers really want to know why they should consider you for this position. Brag a little! Give a few facts, list relevant skills, and state accomplishments on your present or most recent jobs that will be impressive. Increased overseas sales by 93%? Negotiated new financial leases/loans? Implemented new training programs which reduced staff turnover by 15%?
5. State your intentions and qualifications right up front.
If you expect a senior personnel manager or recruiter to wade through a mish- mash of information on your cover letter before understanding why you are sending your resume, chances are, it will never happen.
6. What makes you different?
Emphasize your skills, talents, and experiences to show how you would be a valuable addition to the team. If you have relevant volunteer or professional experience include it briefly in your cover letter. Example: An accountant who serves as volunteer treasurer for a nonprofit community health organization; an international sales rep who has lived in Europe and Asia and speaks several languages.
7. No negative information!
Never include personality conflicts with previous employers, pending litigation suits, or sarcastic remarks in your cover letter. If you are bad-mouthing your present place of employment, interviewers may fear a repeat performance if they hire you.
8. When should you include salary/relocation information?
The rule of thumb is to always include salary requirements and/or salary history in the cover letter if a prospective employer requests it. For example: My salary requirements are $60,000-$75000 (negotiable). Or: My current salary is $53,000 at XYZ corporation. To eliminate this information from your cover letter may justify your resume getting tossed out. Never include salary and relocation information on your resume, only address this information in your cover letter.
9. Action Steps to Take
Take a proactive approach in your cover letter. State the fact that you are available for a personal interview; give your home, work, e-mail, and/or cell phone numbers where you can be reached; note that you will follow up by phone (where possible) to provide any additional information required.
10. Be direct!
A professionally written cover letter and resume can open the doors to your next position on the corporate ladder, as well as a new career in a different field. A clean, error-free presentation combined with strong phrasing and solid facts will encourage the reader to review the attached resume and call you in for an interview.
_______________
Peter Newfield is President of Career Resumes, one of the premier resume writing services, providing cover letters, professional resumes, and Internet posting in all fields and industries. Career Resumes is a member of both the National Resume Writers' Association and the Professional Association of Resume Writers. www.career-resumes.com
Identify Your Career Options
Categories What's Your Favourite Subject?
These five pamphlets illustrate the relevance of school to occupations and provide a sampling of related career opportunities.
Training and Careers Features Career Quizzes
These quizzes are designed as a starting point in self discovery. Through the Career Quizzes you can explore your abilities, interests and preferences as part of making a career decision.
Career Counsellors
Career counsellors are trained professionals who can help you with your job search, career planning, and career management.
Internet Resources Student Planner / Learning Opportunities Databank - CanLearn Interactive
Helps you identify potential occupations based on your interests and then tells you where you can get the education or training required.
Found on: srv650.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
What can I do with my studies?: University of Ottawa
Found on: web.sass.uottawa.ca
Career and Orientation Profile - Questionnaire
Found on: www.jobboom.com
DiscoverIT.org
These five pamphlets illustrate the relevance of school to occupations and provide a sampling of related career opportunities.
Training and Careers Features Career Quizzes
These quizzes are designed as a starting point in self discovery. Through the Career Quizzes you can explore your abilities, interests and preferences as part of making a career decision.
Career Counsellors
Career counsellors are trained professionals who can help you with your job search, career planning, and career management.
Internet Resources Student Planner / Learning Opportunities Databank - CanLearn Interactive
Helps you identify potential occupations based on your interests and then tells you where you can get the education or training required.
Found on: srv650.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
What can I do with my studies?: University of Ottawa
Found on: web.sass.uottawa.ca
Career and Orientation Profile - Questionnaire
Found on: www.jobboom.com
DiscoverIT.org
e hënë, 8 janar 2007
Job Search Safety Tips
Valid or legitimate Job Bank ads will not ask for any banking or personal information or for any money deposits.
We recommend that you do not provide personal or sensitive information in your resume, such as:
Your Social Insurance Number.
Your age, marital status, birth date.
Your driver's license number.
Your health card number.
Your banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).
Certain information may be discussed with a prospective employer, only after the hiring process has begun. If a job posting seems questionable, please don't hesitate to contact us.
http://www.jobsetc.ca/category_drilldown.jsp;jsessionid=FE6EDB0FCE961BD17A4E4C8A59F4D111.jvm9?category_id=2340&crumb=34
We recommend that you do not provide personal or sensitive information in your resume, such as:
Your Social Insurance Number.
Your age, marital status, birth date.
Your driver's license number.
Your health card number.
Your banking or financial information, which includes credit card or bank account numbers and any Personal Identification Numbers (PIN).
Certain information may be discussed with a prospective employer, only after the hiring process has begun. If a job posting seems questionable, please don't hesitate to contact us.
http://www.jobsetc.ca/category_drilldown.jsp;jsessionid=FE6EDB0FCE961BD17A4E4C8A59F4D111.jvm9?category_id=2340&crumb=34
Job Application Package: Cover Letter, Resume, Follow Up
It's interesting to take a look at an entire job application package - the resume and cover letter (targeted towards the position applied for), and the thank you letter, which asks for a second interview, as well as reiterates the candidate's interest in the job.
The candidate was kind enough to share her application materials with us and it's important to note that they worked. The cover letter was focused on the job she was applying for and the resume reflects her relevant skills. The thank you letter sent after her interview, expressed her interest in securing a second interview and, like her prior materials, showed why she was an excellent fit for the position.
http://jobsearch.about.com/
The candidate was kind enough to share her application materials with us and it's important to note that they worked. The cover letter was focused on the job she was applying for and the resume reflects her relevant skills. The thank you letter sent after her interview, expressed her interest in securing a second interview and, like her prior materials, showed why she was an excellent fit for the position.
http://jobsearch.about.com/
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