Choosing a job with advancement potential

When you set out on the quest to finding the perfect job, there are a number of things you should be looking for.  Salary and overall enjoyment are pretty important, however, perhaps even more importantly, is the opportunity for advancement.  You probably don’t want to be working at an entry-level job forever.  Bcjobs.ca has given 7 tips for picking a job where you can move up.

1. Set a career goal when doing your career planning.  If you want to be in a management position one day, set that goal for yourself early on in your job search.
2. Figure out what steps you need to take to meet your ultimate goal.  This process will most likely be a long one, lasting many years.  However, it is a good idea to map out each step you need to take to meet your ultimate goal.
3. Identify experiences, skills, education, training, job titles and opportunities that will help with each step.
4. Determine your priorities in advance.  Although you have an ultimate career goal, you should be willing to give and take a little bit along the way.
5. Assess your own advancement potential.  Is there anything you can do to help your chances of being promoted.  Credentials, additional schooling or volunteer experience may help you along the way.
   Ask yourself “How do I stack up against the factors involved in progressing through each step toward your career goal?”
6. Take a good look at the company.  Look at the size of the company, other types of positions offered, frequency of openings, revenue, mentorship opportunities, training, etc.
7. Take time to evaluate the job offer.  What is the next job title in this career path?  How have people in this position progressed before? How long have previous employees stayed in this position?  What were their reasons for leaving?

Getting your resume to the right person

By now you should know to apply for jobs even if the company does not have any offers posted.  So you send your resume in the mail, or even email to a generic “jobs@the company.com” email address.  Once it is sent, how do you know it has reached the right person, or that it has been read?  How do you know who to follow-up with?  While it is not an easy task, it is possible to find the person you are supposed to send your resume to.  It will require some research and digging, but finding out the right contact will be worth it in the end.  Here are monster.ca’s tips for ensuring your resume gets to the right place.

• Call the company and ask. This may seem easy, but often there is an automated attendant that is impossible to get through, the receptionist is unable to transfer without a name, or trys to send you to HR.  However, it is definitely worth a try, and you may get the answer you are looking for.
• Visit the company website. Have a look at the website.  It will only take a few moments, and may be an easy way to get the answer you are looking for.  You may find an employee directory with extension and email, but at the same time, you may only find a generic email address.
• Read articles about the company. Do a Google search, look through magazines, newspapers and trade journals to see if the company is mentioned anywhere.  If someone is quoted in the article, take note of their position at the company.  This could be a good place to start.
• Ask career counsellors, professors and fellow students. Reach out to your network. You never know who you know that knows someone at the company you work at.  Your career centre may also have a contact name, as many companies use the career services department to post job opportunities, register for career fairs and hold information sessions.
• Join a professional organization. Not only does this allow you to expand your network, but more than likely you will meet someone that works at or knows someone else that works at the company you are looking to apply to.  Some organizations even publish their member’s names online, and this may be another good way to find your contact name.
• Find internet discussion groups. Better yet, look up blogs or podcasts in the field you want to break into.  The more you read and listen, the more you will learn about the industry, and will probably come across a name or two.
• Try the back door. No, not literally, but you need to think creatively.  For example, if you want to work at a publishing company,   look at the inside front cover of a book the company has published.  Often there will be contact information there, or the author may thank the publisher in the acknowledgements.

While there probably isn’t an easy way to figure out who to send your resume to, a little research and hard work should get you an answer.  Eventually, it will pay off, as your resume will be in the hands of the person who will be interviewing and possibly hiring you.

Using transferrable skills to your advantage

At every job, both paid and unpaid, you gain valuable work skills.  These are skills, such as multi-tasking or the ability to work under pressure, that you have acquired from a previous position, but can be transferred to another job, even if the positions are unrelated.  As a student, you gain numerous transferable skills, both in school, and while working at part time and summer jobs.

Transferable skills are separated into three categories: skills with things, skills with people and skills with information or data.  Skills with things includes working with equipment, software, tools, food, plants and even animals.  Skills with people may include the types of people you worked with (colleauges, clients, supervisors, students, etc), as well as the nature of your interaction (negotiating, selling, serving, informing, etc).  Lastly, skills with information or data includes planning, research, organizing, designing, editing, and computer skills.

Once you know what your transferable skills are, it will be much easier to put them together on a resume.  A recent article on careerperfect.com suggests when putting transferable skills on a resume, remember that there needs to be both a verb and a noun, allowing the reader to not only see what your skill is, but how you have applied it to real life situations.  For example “Writing and editing sales flyers for Company X.”  While you could have done this at your part time job, the writing and editing skills transfer over to many different professional careers.

Everyone has transferable skills…you just need to know how to use them to your advantage!

Understanding job postings

While searching on a job search board, you see a job titled “Project Coordinator.”  By just looking at the title, it sounds like something you might be interested in doing, but you aren’t really sure what the job entails. Many job titles are vague, but there isn’t a trick to deciphering a job posting.  You just need to read a little more deeper into things.  Jobboom.com offers four things you need to look at before deciding to apply for a job.

1. Skills and interests.   Look carefully at the posting’s skills and qualifications section.  The employer put these in the posting for a reason.  You must be sure that you possess all, or at least most of these.
2. Focus on the verbs. The verbs in a posting will give you a better understanding of what you will be expected to do.  “Manage” or “lead” signifies you will be in a management or leadership roles, while seeing the term “reports to” would tell you it is a more junior role.
3. Check the years of experience required. Employers include this for a reason.  If they want 3-5 years experience, don’t expect to get a call back if you are just finishing school with little or no experience.  However, in some cases your experience in school will translate into experience in the “real world”.
4. Know your requirements from you assets. First, you need to understand the difference between requirements and assets.  A requirement is a must have, while an asset is something that you don’t need to have, but if you do, you will be given more consideration.  Again, remember that the employer puts the list of requirements because this is what the candidate needs to possess to get the job done.

Understanding a job posting is not hard, you just need to take a little extra time to figure out what the employer is really looking for.  The closer matched your skills and qualifications are to the job posting, the more likely it is you will get a call for an interview.

Handling Multiple Job Offers

After months of emailing resumes, going on interviews and mailing follow-up letters, you have finally received a job offer.  You are just about to accept the offer, when the phone rings.  You have just received another job offer.  Now what do you do?  Canadajobs.com offers some things to think about before accepting either job offer.

• The job itself. Carefully review each job.  What kinds of duties are you going to perform?  Who do you need to answer to?  What are your responsibilities?  Consider which job you would enjoy more.  Which most closely aligns with your career goals?  Which job has better growth potential?
• The salary and benefits.  More than likely the salaries offered will be similar.  However, take into consideration “extras” such as raises, bonuses and expenses.  You should also carefully consider the benefits package offered.  What kind of healthcare coverage is offered?  How much vacation time do you receive?  How many sick and personal days off do you get?
• The location. If the jobs offered are in the area which you currently reside, take into account how far your commute will be, and if it is in close proximity to public transportation. If the offers are in other parts of the country, take into account moving expenses, as well as a change in the cost of living.  Don’t forget to think about climate, crime rate, school systems, culture and entertainment.  If you have a family, take into account everyone else’s feelings and concerns about the move.
• The company. You should have done some research on both companies while preparing for your interviews, so you should know how each operates.  Take into consideration the corporate culture, social responsibility, reputation and status, as well as the overall outlook for the company.  You should also find out how the company treats its staff, so you know what to expect from them as an employee.
• Your instincts. While it is important to get other people’s ideas and opinions, remember when all is said and done, you will be the one doing this job everyday.  Sometimes you just need to listen to your gut instinct.

Once you have gone through this list, and you still haven’t decided, make a list of what you think is important to you in a job.  Once you have this list, rank how well each job fulfills each category.  While this isn’t guaranteed to help you make a decision, it will certainly help you see how each job fits into your long term career planning.

How to deal with being the youngest person on your team

Being fresh out of school and at your first job, you are more than likely going to be the youngest person on your team.  This may be intimidating, as not only is it your first job, but there is a fear that you are going to be treated differently because of your age.  Older employees may think that you lack essential skills and even the knowledge required to do your job well.  Careerbuilder.ca gives some tips on how to deal with being the youngest person on your team.

• Find your place.  Establish your role on the team by determining what you can learn from others, as well as what others can learn from you.  Being the youngest, you may be more knowledgeable in areas such as technology and social media.  However, be warned that you MUST NOT assume that older employers don’t know how to use Facebook or My Space, as this will not help your cause.
• Earn respect. This may require you to go the extra mile.  You may need to come in early, stay late and get your projects done early.  This will let your manager and co-workers know that you are serious about the position, and that you want to be taken seriously.  While this may take some time, remember everyone has to start somewhere.
• Communicate like a professional. Speak clearly, intelligently and authoritatively.  If you want to be taken seriously, you need to remember that you are no longer in school and should sound like a professional.
• Participate in brain-storming and problem-solving.  If you have a good idea, speak up.  Your fresh views on things could be exactly what the company needs.  This will show that you are serious about the position, as well as that you are knowledgeable and skillful.
• Dress the part. Not only do you need to sound professional, but you need to look like a professional.  Look around you and see how others are dressed, and make sure that you follow the dress code.
• Be respectful.  Just as you need to earn the respect of your co-workers, you also need to show respect to them.

Following these simple rules will help you feel less alientated and more like a part of the team.  And remember — you won’t be the youngest on the team forever!

Relocating for a job

In my last year of university, I was looking for jobs all over Canada.  I kept saying that I had nothing holding me here, and that I was willing to move anywhere.  However, now that I think about it, I am not sure that I was really ready to move away.  The decision to move to another city for a job is definitely a tough one.  A recent article on bcjobs.ca highlights four important questions you need to ask yourself before you pack your bags.

1. Are you looking at the big picture? You need to think of the position in its entirety.  The location may be ideal, but is the job exactly what you want to be doing?  Does the position align with your career goals?  Are there opportunities for advancement?  Is it a permanent position? What are the reasons you are looking to relocate?
2. Do you really want to live there? Do your research beforehand.  Find out as much information about the city and surrounding area as possible.  Find out about the weather, school systems, public transportation, culture, nightlife, etc.  It might be a good idea to scope out the area before hand (if possible), and speak with your future neighbours to get as much information as you can.
3. Can you afford to make the move? While you may be seeing a pay increase, remember that there are different costs of living from one city to another.  Also, remember that moving is not cheap, especially if it is over a long distance.  Find out if your company will cover part of your moving expenses.
4. Can your spouse find work? While you may be making a great career move, you can’t forget about your significant other.  If they are willing to make the move, first, they should find out if they can receive a transfer from their company.  If not, see if your new company can help out in any way.  Perhaps they could offer career counseling or even a temporary position.

The decision to move is not one that should be taken lightly.  There needs to be serious research and consideration put into the decision.  However, being prepared and doing your research will help make the transition a smooth one.

How to beat out experienced competition

What is the hardest thing new graduates face when entering the workforce?  Lack of experience, of course.  With the current economic crisis we are facing, coupled by the many people who are losing their jobs, the competition for entry-level positions has gotten fierce.  It was hard enough for recent grads to compete for positions before, but now fighting against those with more experience has made the job search even more difficult.  However, many grads do not realize it, but as an article on monster.ca points out, they do have some advantages over their more experienced competition.

• Work on employer’s terms. Let the employer know that you are willing to work on their terms and don’t have a hidden agenda.  A more experienced worker may demand more money or find work elsewhere after a few months.  An experienced worker who is working in an entry level position may also be more likely to be looking for another position with a higher salary.
• Stress salary flexibility. Because you lack experience in the field, you will be less likely to demand a high starting salary or a large pay increase in a few months.
• Get experience — somehow. There are ways you can get experience in your field, even if it means taking on an un-paid internship.  You could also volunteer or even work part-time in the field.  You could even find a job in an unrelated field that will help you gain transferable skills.
• Out market competitors with a career portfolio. While you are in school, you should be composing a career portfolio.  You can include things such as your degree/diploma, any work you have done that you are proud of, awards, certificates, volunteer work, etc.  For more info on career portfolios, see Using a career portfolio.
• Invest in additional short-term training. Look into classes at your community college.  You could find a writing course, a weekend seminar on sales, or a workshop on event planning.  These classes are usually fairly inexpensive, can be taken at night or on the weekend, and will boost your resume and job skills.

Most importantly, remember that employers aren’t always looking for the most experienced candidate.  Having a great resume and cover letter is a start, and if you make it to the interview, all you have to do is be prepared, be yourself and show the employer what you are capable of.

The art of writing a cover letter

Writing a cover letter is harder than it seems.  I would argue that it is harder to write than your resume.  It is the employer’s first glimpse of you, and often if they don’t like what they see on your cover letter, your resume won’t even be looked at.  Think of your cover letter as a sales pitch.  You are selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the position.  Drake International has created a wonderful document to help with the cover letter writing process.  Here are some of the key points:

There are 5 questions you should ask yourself before you begin writing your cover letter.

1. What is the prospective employer looking for? Which skills, knowledge and experience would be an asset in the job you are targeting?
2. What are your objectives? Are you applying for a specific job, trying to get an interview, or simply hoping to get someone to spend 10 or 15 minutes on the phone with you discussing opportunities in general at that organization?
3. What are three to five qualities that you would bring to this employer or this job? If you’re responding to a job listing or classified ad, look for “clues” that will tell you what they are really looking for. If you’re not applying for a specific job opening, then think of which skills, knowledge and experience would typically be valued.
4. How can you match your experience to the job? What are at least two specific accomplishments you can mention which give credence to the qualities you identified in question number three?
5. Why do you want to work for this particular organization or person? What do you know about them? What is it about their products or services, philosophy, mission, organizational culture, goals and needs that relates to your own background, values and objectives?

Once you answer these questions, you have the basis for your cover letter.  Now you just need to know how to put it all together.

Just like any other piece of writing, a cover letter has a beginning, a middle and an end.  You need to know what to put in each section in order for it to be effective.

The Beginning - this is where you introduce yourself, why you are writing and how you heard about the job opening.  Your introduction should be short and to the point.  For example, “I am a fourth year student at Brock University, completing my Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.”  Why you are writing sums up that you are applying for X position and how you heard about it.  Example “I am applying for the Communications Coordinator position posted on www.workopolis.com”.

The Middle – Consists of 2 parts: The sales pitch and flattery.  The sales pitch is just that — you are selling yourself to the employer.  This is where you point out why you are the ideal candidate for the position.  You can do this in either paragraph or bullet point form.  Drake International states that it is best to start out with a statement that summarizes your qualifications and then go into specific detail.

The flattery is where you flatter the company.  State why you want to work for their company.  This may require a little bit of research to find out about their corporate culture, their views on corporate responsibility, their sales numbers, or even just the company’s reputation.  This is an important section, as it shows that you are interested in the company, and they are not just one of the hundreds of companies you have applied to.

The End - This is where you not only thank the employer for their time, but you also open the door for further contact.  Make sure you let them know that you look forward to hear from them, as well as state that if you don’t hear anything that you will follow-up, either with a phone call or email. Be assertive, but courteous at the same time.

Once you have put these sections together, it is important to PROOF READ!  Make sure there are no typos, grammtical errors or errors of any type.  Once you have created one cover letter, you can use it as a skeleton for others.  You just need to change the specifics to apply for different jobs at different companies.

Happy writing!

Maximizing your resume’s impact

Everyone knows that in order for you to get an interview, you need to have a fantastic looking resume.  However, you may have a great resume, even one written by a professional, but unless you actually know how to use it, it really isn’t of much use to you.  Hiring managers spend only a few seconds looking over a resume before deciding to proceed or not.  Because of this, you need to make sure that your resume is perfect, and exactly what the employer wants to see.  Careerbuilder.ca has posted 5 sure fire ways to get your resume noticed.

• Customize your resume for every job you apply to. You may not think so, but an employer can spot a generic resume from a mile away.  You need to make sure that your resume uses specific key words used in the job posting, showcasing exactly how you are the best candidate for the position.
• Tap into your network to identify helpful contacts at the hiring company. If you know someone else at the company, ask them to use their name on your cover letter.  The old saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” is definitely still prevalent today.  If they are close to you, you could even consider using them as a reference, or even having them hand deliver your resume.
• Submit both electronic and hard copies of your resume.  Although almost every employer requires a resume to be sent electronically, many hiring managers have admitted that they miss hard copies of resumes.  Sending both not only caters to this, but also ensures that your resume is received and not lost en route.
• Send a second submission of your resume two days later. Two days after you submitting  your electronic and hard copies of your resume, resend a second hard copy.  On the top right corner of your cover letter, write “Second submission – very interested.”
• Go direct. Make a list of 25-100 companies you would like to work for.  Mail them a copy of your resume and cover letter, even if they are not hiring.  Do your research, and if you can find out a contact name, it’s even better as this will ensure your resume gets to the right person.   Approximately one third of all jobs are found this way, but less than 10% of job searchers actually do it.