Job Seekers: Counsellor Tips

Searching For A Summer Job
You need to have

• a Social Insurance Number
  
  
• a professional looking resume
  
  
• references

Where to look

• a great starting point is the EH website where you can follow the links to many sites that can provide you with important information
  
  
• apply to places that are busier in the summer months such as:
  • garden centres
  • campgrounds
  • building suppliers
  • lawn care and landscaping companies
  • summer camps
    
    
• Also consider:
  • movie theatres
  • grocery stores
  • gas stations
  • restaurants (including fast food chains)
    
    
  • shopping malls – remember that the information kiosks in these malls will provide you with a list of the stores that are hiring

How to look

• apply directly to the businesses and companies you would like to work for
  
  
• network with family, friends and neighbours. The more people who know that you are looking for work, the better.
  
  
• market yourself through cold calling employers who are not advertising a job opening. Showing up in person, appropriately dressed and ready for a possible interview can set you miles ahead of the others. You also cut down on the competition for positions that may be available or coming up soon. Most employers tell us that this is their preferred way of hiring.
  
  
• follow up every application you drop off. This shows enthusiasm and desire to work.

When to look

• NOW – don’t wait until you’re available for full time work. Getting out there early gives you a head start on the competition.

Come down to our office and check out and apply to the hundreds of jobs available through our Summer Jobs Service. Click here for more details.

Job Searching and Social Networking Technology

Many of us use online tools like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter to stay socially connected, but have you ever thought of using these sites and others as a job searching tool?

Networking is a crucial component of any job search and online networking makes this easier as it allows you to build and expand important connections.

There are many sites for you to access for your online networking. A site such as www.linkedin.com not only allows you to post an online profile but you can also exchange information and opportunities.

Social Networking Sites
www.linkedin.com/
http://www.facebook.com
http://www.myspace.com
http://twitter.com
Post your resume on these other sites
http://www.kijiji.ca/
http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/ca/on
http://monster.ca/
http://www.workopolis.com/
Be sure to keep both your profiles and resumes up-to-date.

Don’t sabotage your job search. Is there anything about your online presence that you wouldn’t want a prospective employer to see? Use your network’s privacy settings.

Let people know that you are looking for work. Do not be embarrassed to admit to this, you are not alone! Most employers prefer referrals for an opening rather than take a chance on an unknown.

Your Elevator Speech

What is it?

a brief and clear piece of communication about yourself that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride on an elevator

it contains the highlights of your skills, strengths, experience and accomplishments

it is an introductory ‘pitch’ about yourself that when effectively delivered will create an interest about you in the listener

When to use it

interviews – it can provide the answer to the questions “tell me about yourself” and “why should I hire you?”

job fairs – when the time for making a positive connection is short

casual networking – social gatherings, in a coffee shop or riding a bus

How to create it

list your skills including both hard skills, your training and experience, and soft skills such as hardworking, team player and punctual

organize your list using active verbs ensuring you are clear about what you have to offer

if you are going to use it for a specific company do your research and include some information about that company

How to deliver it

confidently and positively without overstating your abilities

smile and maintain eye contact

professionally, but in a conversational tone

Remember

if possible, write your own elevator speech using your resume, particularly the skills section, as a resource

rewrite until you are sure it is as good as it can be

practice, practice, practice

Be a part of the solution

Because none of us think, act or feel the same way, there may come a time in the workplace that you will be faced with a disagreement or conflict with another employee. Workplace conflicts come in all sizes therefore one approach doesn’t fit all.

Problem solving may appear to be a complicated task but actually it is very simple and starts with a choice. The choice is between being a part of the problem or a part of the solution.
No one wants to deal with the effects of unresolved workplace problems such as increased stress, low morale and hostility - so on to some solutions.

Positive experiences can come from problems. Conflicts provide people with the opportunity to work on improving relationships. We learn what needs to be fixed in order to avoid future mistakes.

The solution comes at the end of the problem solving process not the beginning. If you don’t solve the problem immediately, be assured that you’re on the right track in pursuing a solution. Some problems take longer to resolve completely.

Breathe…relax and control your emotions. Remember that you’re trying to work towards a solution not creating more of a problem.

Focus on the facts and maintain a respectful, direct and honest approach. Be sure to clearly identify and communicate the problem with the appropriate co-worker(s) involved. Concentration should be on the problem not the feelings people have resulting from it.

Practice good common sense and avoid making the situation worse. You are encouraged to address your colleague directly before going to a boss or supervisor. This shows that you’re capable of solving problems on your own. Going directly to the boss is necessary when more serious work-related problems occur i.e. health and safety risks, violations of labour laws, etc.

Know your company policies as guidelines may already be in place that you must follow when conflicts arise. It’s best to meet and address the problem privately in order not to disrupt the productivity of the workplace.

The ultimate solution fulfills everyone’s interests. To realistically achieve this, it is critical to listen intently. Reaffirm what others have stated to avoid any miscommunication.

Be accountable for your actions. Own up to a problem you’ve created. Take ownership of your role in the problem and have a positive attitude towards working it out.

Your honesty will strengthen your relationships and will likely be taken into consideration especially if any disciplinary measures are to be implemented.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Don’t mimic the actions of others that you know to be a problem i.e. gossiping, taking extended breaks, tardiness.

The same solution doesn’t always work for the same problem. Remember, conflicts as well as solutions come in all shapes and sizes.

A calm approach with an open mind is a key factor to problem solving in the workplace.

References and other ways to check you out!

Don’t miss the opportunity to sell yourself by providing a reference WITH your resume!

My advice on this includes

Get rid of the line “References available upon request.” That is a given.

Include your references WITH YOUR RESUME. This allows an employer to learn more about you as they are making their decision which pile your resume goes in. Enclose ONE reference letter and your list of 2-3 names of references on a separate page. I find this very helpful when sorting resumes.

When listing former employers, the relationship between you and the reference will be obvious. Include their full name, position, company, phone number and email if you can.

Personal references should be listed as such. These are not people you have worked for. List the same information and include an evening phone number if they should not be taking personal calls at their place of work.

Supplying references up front may mean the interviewer recognizes someone or knows them and may give them a call to find out more about you.

In all cases you should have their permission in advance. Let them know what kind of work you are looking for, so they are prepared.

Your work reference does not have to be the “big boss”. If a supervisor can better address your strengths, use that person.\

If you have just had a good interview and you know your reference will get a call, give them a heads up with details of the job. If they happen to be on vacation when you call, it is best you know that and can update your interviewer with a different name perhaps.

Don’t continue to use the same reference for years without verifying that they still work for the company.

Other “reference” tips

Google your name and see what comes up. You might be surprised. Many employers are doing this and finding some interesting results. It could be a copy of a letter to the editor of your local paper or any article in which your name is mentioned, etc. Unfortunately once it is there, you can’t do anything about it, but you should know what is available on the web with a name search.

Facebook searches bring about interesting results as well. Those party pics don’t go over so well with a prospective employer. Ensure your Facebook page is set to “Private” but keep in mind that any of your “friends” who have tagged you in a pic may not have a private page.

If you had a bad experience with a former boss, you may want to list a colleague or different supervisor instead. Always know what they would say about you BEFORE you supply their name.

References are often the key to a job offer. You may have a great interview but if your references are not good, then a job offer will not follow. Choose them carefully.

Organizing Your Job Search

Whether you have applied in person, by fax, email or through a networking contact, be sure to put it on a list. Staying organized is essential in tracking and following up your job search.

This list should contain the following information:

date of application

company name

contact name (if available)

contact name

job title

wage (if known)

date that you will follow up the application

Many employers do not move as quickly in their hiring process as you’d imagine, so a few weeks could go by before they respond to the applications they’ve received. So what do you do if 3 weeks have passed and you receive a phone call from the employer, giving their name and the company name and you don’t have them on the list? The employer will not be overly impressed if you have to ask them what the job is or any other details of the position. Conversely, if you respond quickly and knowledgeably to the call, the first impression you make will be a good one.

Maintaining an accurate list of your applications will also assist you in organizing your follow up. It’s important to remember that following up to an application will greatly increase your chance of getting the interview. Not many people do follow up, so if you make it a regular part of your job search, both you and your application are going to stand out.

When you apply for a position in person, you have the perfect opportunity to ask for the name of the person you have handed your resume to. If this is not the hiring person, ask for that person’s name and add it to your list. This will make it much easier to reach that person directly when you do follow up, either in person or by phone.

Another benefit of keeping an accurate list of your applications is that you will have it handy for any agency or program you apply for that requires evidence of your job search.

Staying organized is a critical part of your job search and it will go a long way in helping you to track your progress and make changes to your overall plan as you view your results.

Is Your Resume Out of Date?

Job searching is no walk in the park.  Your resume speaks for you.  Do a resume check-up to see if yours needs updating.
It is important that your resume:

Clearly states your qualifications for that particular job

Uses bullets to allow the reader to scan it easily

Is concise.  Say what you have to in as few words as possible

Is only one page (in most cases)

Your resume should speak volumes about who you are and what you can do. If you created a resume years ago, chances are it is out of date. Styles have changed.  Employment Hamilton offers advice on “ramping up” your resume so it reflects your skills and strengths. 

Books and the internet are also a great resource.  Watch for American publications / web-sites though, as they do things a bit differently.  Check out our Job Seekers link page for some great links that offer resume templates!

Keeping your resume clear and to the point is key.  In the past, the person with the most experience got the job. Nowadays, the person who’s most talented, has the most relevant skill set, and has proven to be most valuable to his or her former employer gets the job.

Don’t detail irrelevant jobs just to fill up space. Instead, expand on the jobs that are relevant. Focus on measurable achievements in each role as opposed to a play-by-play of your daily responsibilities.

Look at your resume as a potential employer would.  Give it a 10-15 second scan.  Does anything stand out that would interest you?  What do they have that someone else may not?  How does it relate to the requirements of the job?    

If you would like to meet with an employment counsellor to get help with your resume, stop by 67 Victoria Ave. S. in Hamilton
Monday – Thursday 9:00am - 11:00am and 1:00pm - 3:00pm

How to Apply & Get Results!

Job openings today may seem few and far between.  With fewer available jobs, applying for work today may not be as simple as it used to be.  Competition is high and it is important to get a leg up on the competition.

Here are some simple tips and advice to follow while applying:

Apply right away

Job advertisements often have a closing date; this is the date the employer has asked you to apply by.  Do NOT wait until the very last day to apply, or even the day before for that matter.  Apply for the position as soon as you see it.  Employers receive a lot of applications and often find the right candidate even before the closing date.  If you wait to apply, you may miss the chance to prove that you could be the best person for the job!

Speak with someone in person

If you are dropping off a resume in person, always ask to speak with the person in charge of hiring.  If you leave your resume with the person behind the counter or at the front desk, it is likely that it will not make it to the person it needs to go to.  Along these same lines, when addressing cover letters or emails, always address them to a person directly.  If there is not a name given on the job description, call the company and make a general inquiry as to the person in charge of hiring.  Not only does this show that you took initiative, but it is more personable and the person on the other end in more likely to read your application.

Follow-up

 While the internet is a great invention and many employers chose to post job openings on electronic job boards, simply emailing an application to an employer is not enough.  You MUST follow-up.  This goes for any job you apply for.  After you submit your resume, allow two or three days before you make a follow-up phone call.  By this point you should know the person’s name that is in charge of hiring, but if you don’t you can always ask to speak to the human resources department.  Prepare a script ahead of time so you will know what you are going to say.  Keep it short, polite and to the point.

Be persistent…but not pushy!

As mentioned before, employers receive many applications at once.  If you aren’t able to reach someone directly for follow-up, leave a message.  If you haven’t heard back within a day or two call again.  Being persistent and following up is a good thing, becoming a nuisance to the person hiring or even the receptionist answering the phone is a BIG negative.  Give them time to respond to your message and always keep conversations polite and to the point.

Mind your manners

I must stress this point.  The number of job seekers who and rude and impatient never ceases to amaze me.  It is human nature that we will like someone who is polite and accommodating and will be more likely to help them.  If you are having a particularly bad day or are getting frustrated that no one has responded to you, wait to contact them again until you have calmed down.  If you call and are impolite, chances are the employer will not be in a rush to hire you.

Please and thank you really does go a long way!

A successful job search is a matter of attitude
Employers want people who believe in themselves and their skills, who want to work, who want to work for them, and who generally have a positive attitude.

While maintaining a positive attitude is vital to a successful job search, there will be times when you get discouraged. It may seem impossible to revive that positive energy level. But there are many things you can do to bring your rosy outlook back to life and keep it in good shape.

Feel good about yourself. This is the key to a positive attitude, and all the points that follow are ways of helping you feel good about yourself.

Talk positively about yourself and your abilities.

Take charge! Accept responsibility for your life and your job search. It is not up to your mother, father, girlfriend or boyfriend, or your aunt Zelda in Jasper to find you a job. Although your network can be a definite help, YOU are responsible for the success of your job search.

Let go of regrets about the past. Instead of blaming yourself and constantly rehashing past mistakes, take the opportunity to learn from the past. Build on past experiences to improve yourself and your abilities.

Flatter yourself. The job search is no time to be humble. Read every complimentary thing about yourself that you can find. Letters of praise, past awards, performance appraisals, or any other positive recognitions you have are good ways to remind yourself of your worth and talents. Paste these things on a wall or a bulletin board in your work area to boost your spirits whenever you feel a little down.

Get physical! You've heard the saying, "healthy body, healthy mind." Keeping yourself healthy and in good physical shape will boost your energy level and make it easier to maintain a positive mental attitude.

Create a schedule and stick to it. Knowing what you are supposed to do each day can prevent you from feeling lost or bored. Sticking to your schedule as closely as possible will provide focus to your job search.

Keep up appearances.  While nobody expects you to wear a suit and tie every day on your job search, try not to dress too casually.  Keep your work space and living space neat and tidy as well.  Lying around the house in your old sweats with pizza boxes strewn all over the floor may be relaxing, but it won't help you set a positive framework for your job search.

Keep growing. Continue to develop your skills and knowledge while looking for work. Do this by:

Taking a class.

Attending conferences, workshops and seminars.

Subscribing to trade magazines.

Reading the newspaper and other current-affair magazines.

Doing volunteer work that uses the skills and knowledge you want to use in your next job.

Don't take rejections personally. Very few people land the very first job they apply to or are interviewed for. see it as an opportunity to grow and learn more about yourself

Attitude is contagious. Surround yourself with supportive, positive people.

 Talk to someone. You might feel really burned out, angry or frustrated after a long, unsuccessful job search. Or you might reach a stage where you want to give up looking for work altogether. At this point it might be a good idea to talk to a trained professional, such as a counsellor, psychologist or religious leader, that can help you sort out your feelings.

Accessing the Hidden Job Market

Jobs that are not advertised are considered to be the “Hidden Job Market.”
This remains the best route to successful job searching, regardless of the economy.  As jobs become harder to find, the importance of using all entrances into the job market increases.

Taping into what is known as the, ‘hidden job market,’ may be your best chance at finding employment.   It is often said that 80% of available jobs are never advertised. Companies fill openings using applications/resumes already on hand or referrals from employees.  Why pay to advertise when you have someone dropping off a resume at your door – or when your best employee recommends their cousin who just lost their job?

Don’t give up on places that list openings like job banks, company web-sites and classifieds completely though, people still get hired through this avenue.  While you continue to scour the ads however, it would be wise to use a variety of tactics to ensure you can access the positions that have not been broadcast.

Tips on accessing the hidden job market:

Do your Research
Make lists of businesses that employ people in your area of interest.  Phone to get a contact name to address your resume to.  Send your resume and then follow-up with a phone call in a week or so.  This is especially effective for positions like cooks, receptionists and retail positions.  Typically these businesses have a high turn over rate, so even if they aren’t currently hiring, chances are they will be in the future.

Go on Information Interviews
Get out there and talk to people!  Even if a company is not hiring, you can make another contact. You can learn from someone in your field.  Ask them for tips and strategies they used to find work, as well as advice on the content and layout of your resume. Finally, ask them to keep you in mind if their company decides to hire in the future.

Use your Network                                                                                                
  Networking can be your best strategy for finding work.  If you are out of work, it is tempting to retreat and wait for the perfect job to be advertised…..this is highly unlikely! Keep in touch with friends, family, ex co-workers, etc. and let them know that you are looking for work.  Chances are they may know someone who is hiring and be able to recommend you for an interview.  Right away you have an edge over the competition.
Tell your Facebook friends, join networking groups, and view blogs if your field is more specialized. 

Find an Employment Agency
Organizations such as Employment Hamilton specialize in helping job seekers look for work.  They can provide company referrals, help with resumes, cover letters and interviews.  All services are free and it can never hurt to have another set of eyes and ears helping you look for work.  Call 905-522-4902 for more information.

Visit job/career fairs
At these public events, organizations send representatives to talk to job seekers, providing you with a great opportunity to network with several employers at once.

Remember
Very few job postings are advertised.  Even fewer are advertised on the internet.  If you are serious about your job search, the hidden job market isn't going to come to you – you have to go after it.

How to Make a Good Impression at a New Job

Rule # 1 – Listen and Observe
Listen and observe before suggesting any changes.
While innovation is a good thing, it is important to be mindful of dynamics of the workplace. If you are entering an environment where routines are already in place, a newcomer walking in and talking about "better ways" to do things, will often be met with negative reactions.

Rule #2: Mind Your Manners
On an interview and in the workplace, it is important to remember proper etiquette. People may not remember your politeness, but they certainly will remember rude behaviour.

Rule #3: Don’t be a Gossip
You don't want to begin your job with a reputation for being a gossip. Don’t listen to or contribute to gossip.

Rule #4: Have a Positive Attitude and be a Team Player
Nothing works better than having and expressing a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organization show to everyone you interact with.

Rule #5: Dress appropriately/Blend in With Co-Workers
Never underestimate the importance of dressing appropriately. Ensure your clothes/uniforms are clean and ironed.  Observe how your co-workers dress.  Low tops, clothes with “sayings” may be offensive. 

Rule #6: Ask Questions/Ask for Help
No one expects you to solve all the business’ problems on your first days on the job or that you know everything.  Asking for help is not a bad thing; it demonstrates your concern for doing the task correctly.

Rule #7: Be a Self-Starter; Take Initiative
When entering a new job, at the beginning you most likely will be given small doses of work.  As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, take the initiative and ask for more assignments. Whatever you do, don't just sit there waiting for your next project.  Be proactive!

Rule #8: Work Full Days
Be on time, come in early, stay a little later.  Return from your breaks on time and book personal appointments for after work hours if possible.  Nothing is worse than gaining a bad reputation for missing work hours.

Rule #9: Establish a Good Attendance Record
Just as with working full days, it's important to show up to work every day and establish a good attendance record. Yes, there will be emergencies, and yes, you may get sick, but as best you can, try to make it to work every day during those first weeks/months on the job.

Rule #10: Show Appreciation
Nothing works like kindness and genuine appreciation. So, show your appreciation to everyone who helps you learn the ropes during your first days on the job -- from your co-workers to receptionists to the human resources folks. Having friends on the job makes for a much more pleasant work atmosphere.

Rule #11: Ask for Feedback 
Not every supervisor does a good job of giving positive feedback and constructive criticism to help you improve.  Ask how you are doing.  Be prepared to listen and implement the suggestions for improvement.  Never take constructive criticism personally.  If you don’t know what you are doing wrong – you can’t change it.

Volunteering & Your Career

If your job search has not yet been successful, you may choose to volunteer.

You can:  

show an employer that you are keeping busy and contributing 

gain a reference who can speak to your work habits 

gain experience in a field directly associated to the one you are searching in

gain contacts – every person you meet builds your network

add to your resume

build your social network – make friends

enjoy the personal satisfaction of contributing to whatever cause you choose

You can volunteer a couple of hours a week or more while you continue your job search. 

Regardless of your age or experience, consider what you have to offer when you are looking for a place to volunteer.  Your personality plays a big part in where you will best fit in.  Try to mesh your own needs with those of the organization to find the best match that suits you!

Volunteering can be very rewarding in many ways.  Start by visiting Volunteer Hamilton  http://www.volunteerhamilton.on.ca/  where you can search the database by community, area of interest, and scheduling.