The new grad resume guide

Often when you graduate from post-secondary, you have little to no experience in your field.  You may have worked a few part time jobs, volunteered or even had a short internship, but how do you make YOUR resume stand out against the hundreds of other new grads vying for the same positions?  Monster.ca offers some tips for the new grad’s resume.

• Present your strongest selling point first. For a new grad, this will most likely be your education.  You should put any courses or course work that may be relevant to the position, as well as any clubs you belonged to, volunteer work, awards or special achievements.
• Include all work experience. This includes your part time gigs, volunteer work, internships and co-op placements.  Give evidence of skills, such as time management and customer service, that you attained while working.
• Detail transferable skills. These may be skills you picked up while working that part time job, while volunteering, or throughout the course of your studies (ie – research, writing & editing skills).

When applying for an entry-level position without any experience, remember that most other candidates will be lacking experience as well.  You need to show the employer that while you don’t have the exact work experience required, you are willing and capable to learn, and will end up being an asset to the company.

Fatal Career Moves

After months (and months) of searching you have finally landed a job.  A job search is tough in general, but with the current economic situation, it is becoming even more difficult to land a job.  That being said, you need to be extra careful at that job to make sure that you do everything in your power to keep it.  While it took you months to finally get it, it may only take weeks or even days to lose it.  Careerbuilder.ca offers career moves that will lead you back to that seemingly never ending job search.

1. Possessing poor people skills. People would rather work with someone who is more likable and less skilled than highly competent jerk.
2. Not being a team player. Being a team player goes a long way, and will help you get further ahead in the long run.
3. Missing deadlines. While it is understandable that you miss deadlines once in a while, don’t make a habit of it.  It makes you look unreliable and unprofessional.
4. Conducting personal business on company time. While sometimes it is unavoidable, keep personal calls and emails to a minimum.  Also, remember that your emails are probably monitored, so avoid slamming your boss or coworkers as well as inappropriate materials.
5. Isolating yourself. Develop relationships with your coworkers and management.   You don’t need to be friends with your coworkers, but you do need to respect and work with them.
6. Starting an office romance. NEVER a good idea, unless you are at separate locations.
7. Fearing risk or failure. You need to believe in yourself or no one else will.
8. Having no goals. You should be setting both short and long term goals.  Make sure these are attainable and you will be surprised at the confidence boost as you begin to achieve them.
9. Neglecting your image. If you hold a professional position, make sure you look the part.  This includes the way you dress, your overall appearance (hair, make-up, nails, etc) as well as your speech.
10. Being indiscreet. Watch what you say and where.  You never know who is listening, and how quickly it can get back to the boss may be surprising.

How to gain internal visibility

If you are like many employees out there, you would probably love a promotion (including a big raise of course).  In order to do so, you need to make sure your abilities and contributions are noticed and appreciated.  The more visible you are, the more likely you won’t be passed over for that promotion.  If you are one of hundreds of employees at a large company, this might be hard to do, but monster.ca offers a list of ways to become internally visible.

Become a good listener. This doesn’t mean eavesdrop on everything that goes on, but keep an ear out for what is going on in the office, and listen and be attentive when people speak to you.  This is a great way to find allies in the office, as well as other employees that can help you out in the future.

Get to know people at all levels of the organization, as well as their titles and what they do.  Stop by and say hello to as many people as possible.  Know the organizational chart, where everyone fits in and how everyone works together.  This will help you to put people together for problem solving.

Volunteer. Sit on committees and boards within your organization.  Volunteer to take on any projects or tasks that will put you in front of upper management or decision makers.

Meet face to face whenever possible. With company email a huge part of daily office life, many employees use email instead of walking across the office to ask a question.  While you can’t always see people face to face, try to do it a little bit more often, especially for complex problems or during decision making processes.

Know your options should your position become obsolete. Keep track of all your accomplishments and anything you are proud of.  This can be used to plead your case at performance reviews or when you are looking for a new job.

Introduce your contacts to others. Get to be known as the person who knows everyone.  If you know a great caterer, suggest they be used for the company Christmas party.

Job search database tips

Currently, there are hundreds of job search sites available to both job seekers and employers.  In fact, probably all of us have used one or another at some time.  However, do you know how to effectively use these job searching sites?  Are you having problems finding the types of jobs you are looking for?  While certain sectors are currently suffering due to the economy, there are still many that are flourishing and are looking to hire.  Albertajobcentre.ca offers some tips for searching job databases.

• Check your spelling. If you misspell during your search, you will severely hinder the results.
• Broaden your search. Instead of searching for specific job titles, search by key words and related fields.
• Don’t be specific about location. For example, if you are looking at jobs in Toronto, look at the whole GTA, not just in the city.  You may find something your perfect job in Scarborough or Mississauga.
• Seek out jobs related to your qualifications. Don’t apply for jobs that you are not qualified for. You are more likely to be called for an interview if your qualifications closely match the requirements set out by the employer.
• Create & submit online resumes. Most, if not all, job search sites allow you to post your resume.  Employers pay for this service and may chose to search instead of posting for specific jobs.

While you probably think that your job search will never end, once you start searching and applying for jobs that you are qualified for, the phone will eventually start ringing for interviews and job offers.

Questions to ask at a job interview

While properly preparing for an interview, you need to make sure that you are not only prepared for the questions asked of you, but also the questions you are going to ask the interviewer.  An interview should become more like a two-way conversation, rather than a drilling from one side.  Care of canadajobs.com, here is a small list of questions that you should ALWAYS ask at an interview.  However, if you think of more, or anything is unclear during the interview, be sure to speak up and ask!

• What is it like working for this company?  What is the corporate culture? This is a very important question to ask.  You need to know if you are going to fit in, whether or not you will enjoy going to your job everyday, and how the employees are treated by other staff and management.
• Can you describe a typical day in this position? This will give you great insight to what you will be doing day to day. After the answer is given, you can determine if these are tasks you are going to enjoy doing, if you are capable of doing them, as well as how much time is expected to complete them.
• How do you see this position evolving in the future? You need to find out if there is growth potential for you at this position.  Especially if you are a new graduate or new to the field, you need to ensure that you are not going to be doing the same thing for the length of your career.
• How soon do you expect to make a decision? This may be one of the most important questions to ask.  You need to know what time frame you will expect a response, as well as a better idea as to when you need to send your follow-up thank you letter (or email).

Remember that asking questions in a job interview is always expected, and doing so shows a greater interest in the position and the company.

10 ways to stand out from the competition

When applying for jobs, specifically through email and job search sites, it is hard to be as creative as when handing in a resume in person or even through mail.  However, careerbuilder.ca has come up with 10 ways to standout from the hundreds, maybe thousands of other applicants when applying for a job electronically.

1. Follow instructions. What format is the resume to be in?  Is is to be an attachment or in the body of the email?  Is there anything specific you need to include in your cover letter or subject line?
2. Avoid “resume spam”. Avoid applying for jobs you are unqualified for or sending your resume several times for the same position.
3. Post your resume on job search sites. Employers pay to search resume databases.  You never know who will see yours online.
4. Avoid “resume blasts”. While you may think it’s a great idea to have someone (or software) send your resume to thousands of employers, remember that a generic resume is less likely to get looked at, and you may be seen as lazy for doing so.
5. Remember a cover letter! Even if this is the body of your email, you need to introduce yourself, the job you are applying for and your credentials and qualifications.  For more info on cover letters, see “The Art of Writing a Cover Letter.”
6. Follow-up. If you have submitted on a corporate website, follow-up to make sure your resume was received and if the position is still available.  This can be done by email or phone.
7. Keep it simple. Electronic versions of your resume should be simple, avoiding graphics, shading, fancy text, etc.  These things are harder to read and see in electronic versions and your resume may end up being passed over.
8. Avoid attachments on unsolicited emails. Many people are cautious of viruses and will not open attachments from people or names they don’t recognize.
9. Use nouns! Many resume scanning programs look for nouns rather than verbs in a resume.
10. Try a career summary. Try using a career summary at the top of your resume.  This will allow you to use keywords to describe your qualifications, and being on the top of your resume, it will be one of the first things seen.

Recession proof jobs

While North American economists are avoiding the “r” word at all costs, many workers are bracing themselves for closures and layoffs.  If you are fearful that your job is in jeopardy, have already been laid off, or are just looking for a career change, there are fields out there that are safe and perhaps even growing during the time of a recession.  There are literally hundreds of websites and articles dedicated to this, but Yahoo’s Hot Jobs has come up with 5 different career paths deemed “recession-proof”.

• Education. We are always going to need those dedicated to teach our children.  With more and more professors and instructors retiring, and more people going back to school after taking a layoff, there is going to be a need at the college level as well as elementary and secondary.
• Health care. People are always going to get sick and need to be taken care of.  These jobs go beyond doctors and nurses, but home workers, personal support workers, physical therapists, administration, etc.
• Energy. People are always going to need to heat their homes and offices, and are going to need people to figure out how to do so cheaply. Alternative energy is also a growing field as environmental concerns are growing.
• Which brings us to…the Environmental sector. This is a growing sector that shows no signs of slowing down.  Environmental concerns cross over into many fields, including energy, recycling, engineering, communications and the list goes on.
• Security. This includes police, security guards, border patrol and much more.  Crime certainly doesn’t cease in a recession, and more people are going to be needed to keep us safe.

Excelling at Entry-Level

You are fresh out of school and are one of the lucky ones working in a position you have dreamed of.  While you are making next to nothing, the learning experience is one that will last for the rest of your career.  Make the most of your entry-level experience and you will be surprised how you are rewarded!  Careerbuilder.ca offers a list of ideas to help you do just that.

• Go beyond the call of duty. Ensure all your tasks and assignments are done on time and are error free.  Offer to help others with their workload and always offer to take on new assignments if you are able.  Just remember not to bite off more than you can chew, or this will most likely backfire.
• Show confidence, not cockiness. You need to work your way up the office totem pole.  Working hard and meet your colleagues’ demands while keeping a positive attitude is a great way to show what you are really capable of doing.
• Observe office dynamics. Find out how team projects are delegated, how staff members are recognized and who the key players are.  Try to find a mentor, someone who can help you along the way and offer career advice.
• Take the driver’s seat. Your career success is in your hands, so don’t expect someone to hold your hand every step of the way.  If you feel that you can confidently take on a project, volunteer to do it.  Look outside the workplace to better your career potential….volunteering, taking classes or seminars, joining associations, etc.
• Request regular feedback. Find out when performance evaluations occur, and if they aren’t regular, request one.  This doesn’t need to be formal, but you should find out how you are doing and where there is room for improvement.
• Self reflect. Your first job will teach you a lot about yourself – your likes and dislikes, as well as your strengths and weaknesses.  This gives you a chance to determine if this career is something you would like to continue pursuing.
• Have fun! Take time out to get to know your coworkers, see if there are any social gatherings you can attend.  You don’t need to be friends with your coworkers, but remember that you see these people everyday, so just make the most of it!

Top 10 ways to get fired!

Currently, with all the uncertainty in the job market, people are fighting to keep their jobs.  There are layoffs everywhere and many employees are doing whatever they can to avoid getting the axe.  If you are hoping to keep your job, take a look at this post, from monster.ca, outlining the top ten ways to get fired.

1. Lie on your job application or resume. You may think it’s a good idea to “fudge” your resume a little bit, saying you have more experience or education than you really have, but remember the truth  will probably come out eventually.  Whether you can’t perform the skills you say you have, or your manager speaks to one of your previous colleagues, there is a good chance management will find out.
2. Be indiscreet about your job hunt. If you are searching for a new job while employed, don’t send your resume or even search for jobs on your work computer.  Most companies monitor all computer activity and can see the websites you have visited, as well as the emails sent.  For tips on a discreet job search, see “Searching for a job while employed”.
3. Gossip or take lots of personal calls. If you hear a rumour, keep it to yourself.  You never know who is listening, and often in office environments, people can hear more than you think they can.  Gossiping is a very negative thing, which could result in the loss of your coworkers’ trust.  Taking or making too many personal calls indicates that you are not getting your work done, and that your personal life is more important than your career.
4. Drink at work.  Think twice before having a pint at lunch.  Find out what the company policy is…you may be surprised.  If you are able to have a drink with your lunch, be responsible, and keep it to one.
5. Surf the web excessively. Of course everyone wants to stay up to date on the news, weather and sports.  However, keep it to a minimum, as excessive web surfing shows that you are not doing your job.
6. Become romantically involved with your boss. While office romances in general are not a good idea, it is even worse with your boss.  If things go sour, guess who is going to get the can?
7. Forget to double check your figures. If you are working with numbers, make sure you double or even triple check everything.  An extra “0″ can make a big difference when it comes to budgets.  However, this same principle can be applied to almost every field.  Always look over your work, spelling mistakes and typos are not appropriate anywhere.
8. Alienate your coworkers. You and your coworkers are all part of a team.  Make sure that it remains that way, and you remain a team player.  You don’t have to be friends with your coworkers, but you do need to respect them.
9. Point the finger at everyone but yourself. If you make a mistake, take ownership.  Everyone makes mistakes, and blaming everyone one else will come back to haunt you.
10. Make faces. Be careful with your facial expressions around your coworkers and managers.  You may not realize the message you are conveying.  And remember to avoid eye-rolling at all costs!

Finding personal motivation at work

Many people think that talent, skills and knowledge are the key to career success.  However, there is one important piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked.  Your own personal motivation may be the most important key to your career success.  Bcjobs.ca has come up with a list of personal motivation tips.

• Become passionate about your mission. Take control of your career.  If you are not passionate about your career, it will be harder for you to want to succeed.  If there are certain aspects of your job that you love, make sure to incorporate them into your daily routine.
• Improve your time management skills. Make a daily “To Do” list and prioritize your tasks.  Put your least favourite tasks first, allowing you to do more fun things you enjoy, later in the day.  This will help alleviate stress and help you remember everything that needs to be done.
• Take pride in your work. Even if you don’t enjoy the task you are completing, take pride in it.  You will feel a sense of satisfaction with the results and your co-workers and  managers will take notice.
• Avoid negative experiences. Try to avoid workplace politics and negative team members.  This will only hurt your motivation and in turn your productivity.
• Take a break. Give your mind a rest.  Get out of the office at lunch, or at the very least, away from your desk.  You will be surprised how much this will recharge your batteries, and keep you going for the rest of the day.
• Rely on others. If you need help, ask for it!  It is not worth the stress and aggravation to try to work through it alone.  You are part of a team, so reach out to your other team members.
• Go easy on yourself. Don’t get down on yourself if you make a mistake.  Mistakes are going to happen, so learn from them and move on.
• Keep a record of your success. Write down your accomplishments and put them all into a folder.  When you are feeling down, have a look at the folder to see how much you have accomplished and how far you have come.
• Finish on a positive note. At the end of the day, sit back and relish in the day’s accomplishments.  Make a “To Do” list for the next day and tidy up your office so you will be ready and prepared for the next day.
• Consider extra-curricular activity after work. Play a sport, join a club or volunteer. You would be surprised what this does for your sense of accomplishment and stress level.  Just remember to not take on more than you can handle.
• Enjoy your weekends. Even though you probably have errands and housework on the weekend, make sure you take time out to relax and enjoy yourself.  Doing too much on your days off will only lead to burnout.