 After more than 35 years in the business, I think you could safely call them experts! Many of the counsellors have been here for over 10 years, proving how passionate they are about what they do. Each week we’ll feature a different job search related tip - something they have found useful or interesting. Check them out below!
Counsellor tips
September 2008
Interview DO's & DON'Ts
Do’s
Research the company – Review their website. If you know someone who works there, ask questions about their products and policies. Be prepared to answer questions about different aspects of the company during an interview. Know how you can apply your skills to their needs.
Turn off your cell phone – this needs no explanation.
Arrive 10 minutes prior to your interview time – Never late…but not half an hour early either. This may put pressure on the interviewer who most likely has a busy schedule. Showing up 10 mintues early demonstrates you are prompt and organized.
Dress appropriately – Dress according to the position you are applying for. The rule of thumb is to dress one level up from what current employees are wearing. Just because you’ve seen workers wearing jeans and T-shirts, doesn’t mean you should – you haven’t been hired yet. If you are unsure, it is always safe to dress in a professional manner. Be sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle free.
Introduce yourself – Be polite and pleasant. Speak clearly and shake hands – practice shaking hands; many interviewers make judgments based on this first contact. First impressions are the most important. No limp handshakes (guys and gals too).
Bring extra copies of your resume – Most likely they will not be needed, but it indicates that you have thought ahead and are prepared for the interview. It is also important that you have a copy you can refer to and follow along with during the interview. Bring copies of your references to give to the interviewer.
Be aware of your body language – Sit up straight and be attentive – make eye contact – don’t stare or overdo it, but eye contact conveys confidence. Smile – generally speaking, people like to be around people who make them feel good. Over 40% of communication comes from non-verbal cues.
Consider your answers – Take a second to think before you respond. Do not mumble or whisper – be honest, do not overstate your qualifications or abilities – remember to sell yourself but do not get cocky or convey overconfidence. Keep it simple; don’t go on and on with your answers – remember, it’s quality, not quantity that matters. Remember to focus on what you have to offer, not what you hope to get from the job.
Questions for the interviewer – Be prepared with a couple of questions. Most times an interviewer will ask if you have any. Having questions prepared shows you have done your homework and are interested in the position. They can be as simple as “What is the anticipated start date for the position?” or “Is there anything I might do to better prepare myself for the position?”
When the interview is over - remember to thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you and then send a follow-up email or note stating the same. You should also reiterate your interest in the position.
DON’TS
Wait until you are invited to sit down. Do not lean on the interviewer’s desk.
If you are a smoker, do not have a cigarette before going into the interview – there is the obvious smell that accompanies it, plus the employer may be a strong anti-tobacco person.
Do not chew gum.
Do not wear perfume or cologne – Some people have allergies and you don’t want the interviewer to be uncomfortable during your time together. No excessive jewelry, facial piercings or low cut tops. Again, first impressions count!
Do not speak in monotones – Maintain a conversational tone to your voice. This shows your interest during an interview.
Do not say anything negative about former employers or co-workers – You want to illustrate that you are a good employee who is easy to get along with; not make the employer question what you may say about them.
Do not ask about pay or vacation time during the interview – There will be plenty of time to do this when you are offered the position.
GOOD LUCK!
July 2008
Tips for STUDENTS to remember when applying for jobs.
As the coordinator for the Summer Jobs Service, I have seen a lot of students come through my office this summer looking for employment in between semesters.
Young people face multiple barriers when searching for work. Employers tell first time job seekers they want experience. How do you get work experience when no one will give you a shot? Employment Ontario offers many programs, such as Summer Jobs Service, that assist summer students overcome these barriers.
Things to remember when applying include:
Job Search & Apply Independently: Don’t go with friends! Employers see this as a red flag and wonder if you’re hired how many of those friends will show up when management isn’t around.
Introduce Yourself: Speak clearly and professionally to the employer. Slang use and mumbled speech won’t impress anyone. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT!
Fill out the Application for Employment Correctly: Employers not only judge your answers, but use these to monitor how well you follow direction. Make sure every blank is filled in or write N/A. Make sure you fill in your work history and don’t just put “see resume.”
Have a Professional Resume: Make sure your resume is correct, up to date and formatted in an attractive manner. Always keep your resumes handy in a folder or envelope…never hand out a crumpled or folded resume!
Good Luck and Have a Happy and Safe Summer!
June 2008
Ensure your resume contact information is accurate and appropriate.
Too often we call clients and cringe when we hear the message. They are frequently unprofessional and hard to understand. If it were an employer calling… odds are they are hanging up without leaving a message and tossing the resume in the garbage pile. First impressions count... starting NOW!
Phone number:
 Have a land line as a reliable means of contacting you.
Ensure that the phone is answered in an appropriate manner and that all members of your household know that it could be an employer calling so that they too answer the phone properly.
Your answering machine message needs to be professional. No music, no weird messages, no children leaving cutesy instructions, etc. Use a simple outgoing message: ”Sorry we are not able to answer your call at this time. Kindly leave your name and number and we will get back to you.” Check your messages regularly and respond promptly. If the employer doesn’t hear back from you in a reasonable time, they will assume you are not interested and will move on to the next candidate. |
Cell phones:
Only put your cell phone on your resume if it works! If you are often out of time or otherwise unable to take calls – leave it off your resume and use only your land line.
If you use your cell number, always be prepared to answer as if it is a prospective employer calling. |
Email address:
More and more employers are using email as the primary means to contact candidates. This allows them to keep a record and to test your ability to respond in a coherent manner.
If responding to the employer by email, check your spelling, grammar and sentence structure before you hit send.
Never use msn shortened words – they are not appropriate outside of your circle of friends.
Is your email address appropriate? Sexybabe@hotmail.com does not send a good message to the employer! Set up an email that includes your name and check it daily. Keep your account active to ensure messages are not returned to the sender as undeliverable.
If you don’t have a computer, you can use one in our resource centre, at your local library, a friends, etc. But if you can’t access it daily, do not offer it as a means of contacting you on your resume.
Check your junk mail or spam folders. For some reason valid emails end up in these folders instead of the inbox. |
One last tip: Do not delete the message or email UNTIL you reach the employer. You may need it to leave a second message. Better to be safe than sorry!
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