What to do after the interview

If you are one of the lucky ones selected for an interview, you know how important it is to prepare beforehand (at least you should by now).  You spent hours preparing, had a great interview, and are now going to sit back and wait for your phone to ring, right?  WRONG!  You may have been just  one of the great interviews and are in the running for the position with a number of other people.  How do you stay on the mind of the hiring manager?  You need to be sure to follow up!  Here are some great tips to follow post-interview, with the help of MSN.com.

• Reflect on the interview. As soon as you can, take out a pen and paper and deconstruct the interview.  Recall what was said, how it was said, the mood in the room, as well as your answers to the questions asked of you.  Think of things that you can include in your thank-you letter.  This will help the interviewer remember exactly who you are.
• Send a thank-you e-mail as soon as possible. Send a quick email thanking the interviewer for their time.  If you feel like you need to elaborate or expand on anything said at the interview, now is the time to do it.
• Follow-up with a hand-written thank you card. In our electronic age, it is getting extremely rare to get a letter in the mail, let alone a hand-written card.  It may be a small gesture, but it shows that you have taken time to write and send, which in turn shows your dedication.  This will definitely set you apart from the other candidates.
• Follow-up on referrals or advice. If the interviewer recommends you contact any other professionals or organizations, be sure to get in touch with them in a timely manner.  This will show that you are sincerely interested and proactive in your career search.

2009 Grads – Saskatchewan wants you!

I, like many others, am sick of hearing about the problems with the economy.  We all know it sucks and that there are layoffs and closures announced daily.  Maybe for once, we should focus on the positive, and instead of complaining that you are out of work, why not get off your butt and do something about it!  While there may be a lack of jobs in your area, there are places that have more jobs available than people to fill them. Of course it will be hard to move to a new place, but it is going to get harder and harder to collect EI benefits, and it is getting harder to find work.  The solution?  Saskatchewan, the new land of opportunities!

For years, Alberta has been the place to be in Canada.  There was constantly work available in the oil sands, and many recent grads flocked here to start their lives after graduation.  However, these kinds of projects have slowed down (although not closed down completely), and there are no longer the same number of jobs available.  Saskatchewan, believe it or not,  has the same oil sands, and is also rich in potash and uranium.  While these are the primary sectors that are looking for employees, the boom in industry has created a need for employees in almost every sector.

If you are a recent grad, the breadbasket of Canada has something else to offer you.  If you stay in Saskatchewan for at least seven years after graduation, they will pay you up to $20,000!  Twenty grand just for moving to a place where you can get a job!?!?  I know that if I were graduating this year, this is something that I would seriously take into consideration.

I know what you are thinking…Saskatchewan, seriously??  Well, I am not saying that this often forgotten province is for everyone, but do your research, and you may be surprised what you find out.  Check out “Saskatchewan, no longer just the breadbasket of Canada” for more information and some links to help you with your decision.  Also, if you are going to be in the Toronto area next week (March 31 & April 1), check out the National Job Fair.  There is a whole area dedicated to Saskatchewan jobs and recruitment.

What else do you have to lose?

Don’t settle

We have all been there before…working at a job we really don’t like.  Some of us have even been there more than once.  I know the dread of facing another day, constantly watching the clock to see when my shift was over, thinking that there had to be some other way to make ends meet.  But why do we put ourselves through this dread?  Right now, especially, there is such uncertainty in the economy that many people are just considering themselves lucky to have a job, and feel guilty even thinking about searching out something else.  If you are unhappy with your job, you need to stop thinking this way, and do something about it!  Here is a list of things you should be doing to get yourself back on the market and into a job that you actually like.

• Have an up-to-date resume. Every time you start a new position you should be adding it to your resume.  If you haven’t kept it up to date, now is the time to do so.  A good resume takes time, so don’t rush it.  Don’t be afraid to ask others for help.
• Keep your eyes and ears open. You need to be discreet about your job search if you are searching while employed, but always be aware of potential positions.  In your free time, search online job banks, the classifieds and company websites.
• Join a networking group/professional organization. This is a great way to meet people who are in your chosen field, and many have job openings in the future.  The more people you know the better…just be mindful of who you tell about your job search.  You don’t want it to get back to your current boss.
• Volunteer. Not only is this a great way to boost your resume, but it is a great way to meet people (not to mention the good feeling you will get about yourself for making a difference).  Volunteering could also turn into a full time position!
• Up your education. Consider taking night/weekend/correspondence courses to upgrade your skills.  These kinds of courses will not interfere with your work schedule and just may be what you need to get ahead (either at your current company or at a new one).

While we all know that now is not the best time to be searching for a job, there are companies that are still hiring, and most importantly, you need to remember to look out for #1.  It probably won’t happen overnight, but once you find a job that you are happy going to every day, it will all be worth it.

You do have options after graduation

If you are one of the many soon-to-be grads of 2009, you need to know that there are other options besides getting right into the workforce.  We all know it is going to be tough, and since the majority of you have little to no experience, it is going to be harder than ever to secure one of those few positions available after graduation.  However, who says that you have to get a job right after school?  There are many different options available to you, including, but not limited to:

• Travel. How many people wish they had gone backpacking around Europe before starting life in the “Real World?”  I am certainly one of those people!  This is a fairly inexpensive way to see the world before starting work.  Make sure your passport is up to date, and if you are not picky where you begin your trip, you can get a great deal on a flight.  Also, remember that hostels are inexpensive alternatives to hotels and a Euro-pass will allow you to travel between countries.
• Work Abroad. Look into organizations such as SWAP, who help obtain important documents, such as work visas.  You may not know it, but if you are a Canadian citizen, you are able to work up to a year in a number of different countries around the world.  Check out www.international.gc.ca/experience to see how the Government of Canada can help you get out and see the world, while making some money!
• Teach English. There are many great opportunities to teach English abroad.  Many recent grads head over to Asia to teach English in countries like China, Japan and Korea.  There are many different organizations that help set you up with training and even job opportunities.  Do your research, talk to people who have gone, and keep an open mind!
• Continue your education. If you feel that going back to school is going to help your chances of getting a job, then by all means continue your education.  However, don’t just go back to school for the sake of going back.  Far too many students stay in school because they are afraid of the real world, and take up the spaces of those who truly want to be in school.
• Take an internship or volunteer. I know that it may be hard, but in order to get the experience you need, you may need to work for free for a little bit.  If you are unable to work daily at an internship, consider volunteering a few hours a week, while working part time elsewhere.

Above all, you need to be proactive in whatever you do.  Don’t just sit idle because of what you are seeing and hearing in the media.  If you are searching for a job, continually search for job postings and send out your (perfected) resume.  We all need to remember that the media tends to blow things out of proportion, and although things are tough, there are options (and jobs) out there!

Not your typical 9-5 job

Everywhere we turn, there seems to be layoffs announced, company closures and overall bad news for the economy.  There are hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs in Canada alone!  The unemployment rate, while not as high as it has been in the past 2 recessions, is climbing faster and quicker than ever before.  February saw an unemployment rate of 7.7%…and it appears that it’s only going to get worse.  When it is getter harder and harder to get unemployment cheques, and the job possibilities are few and far between, what is a job seeker to do?  THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!

While I can admit, it would not be the first place I would look for work, my eyes have recently been opened to the Canadian Forces.  There are many different positions available from doctors and nurses to communications officers to mechanics.  All you have to do is pass basic training, and you are on your way to a guaranteed pay cheque.

Another great place to look is the RCMP.  While the organization has come under some fire lately, it seems like if you have what it takes to be a cop, the RCMP would be a great place to work.  They accept applications from every discipline, and though the testing and training is rigorous, there is always going to be a need for police officers.

While these two organizations may not be for you, I just wanted to illustrate that during these tough times, you need to think outside of the box and look for employment with organizations that are always going to be hiring!

Writing a killer resume

Whether you are just starting out your job search as a fresh grad, are currently employed and looking for something more, or are a seasoned professional looking for a career change after a lay off, you need to make sure that your resume is perfect.  Here are some basic tips to writing a killer resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get noticed.

• Prepare. Do your research, and find out the best resume format for you, your field and your history.  You also need to find out what kind of style (font, spacing, etc) will work best for the format you chose.  Be sure to follow the same format and style throughout the entire resume.  Write a few different drafts, and ask around to see which one is most visually appealing and best highlights your qualifications.
• Start with your objective. Be straight up about who you are and what you are looking for.  Include your most important qualifications and skills here.  Better yet, also have a qualifications summary at the top of your resume, which outlines these key words from the job posting.  This allows the recruiter to see how you are a fit right from the start of your resume.
• Use your strengths. Your resume is not about the duties you perform day to day, but rather your accomplishments.  I have seen far too resumes that are simply a list of daily tasks.  This DOES NOT show the recruiter how you will benefit the team.  You are allowed to brag on a resume…if you have done something are particularly proud of, be sure to include it.
• Hook them in. Recruiters generally only look at a resume for 10-15 seconds before they decide to put you in the “Yes” or “No” pile.  Make sure your resume is keyword rich, meaning that you take key qualifications, experience and attributes directly from the job posting and include them in your resume (NOTE: only include these if you actually possess them, remember NEVER LIE!).
• Some other general rules:
  • Keep it short – 1 or 2 pages
  • Start with your most recent/relevant experience
  • Try to quantify results/achievements – people like numbers, it is a great way to measure success
  • EDIT – watch your spelling and grammar.  Have more than one other person proofread!

Don’t always believe the media hype

The media has a way of blowing things way out of proportion, thus causing a panic among the masses.  The recent recession is no different. The doom and gloom that is featured daily in almost every medium is enough to make even the most optimistic job seeker start to rethink things.  However, stop and take a look for yourself…there are jobs out there.  Workopolis.com currently has over 500 jobs posted for the GTA alone, and these range from entry-level to senior executive. Sure, there is going to be stiffer competition for the jobs available, but that means that you need to have a perfectly written cover letter, a flawless resume that is keyword rich and a stellar interview.

If you are a soon-to-be grad, you may feel even more helpless, thinking that it is going to be impossible to find a job upon graduation, and give up before you start.  You may think that going back to school is your only option.  However, you need to do some research and put some serious thought into what you really want to do.  School isn’t always the answer for everyone.

I am not saying that every company out there is hiring in mass numbers, and some have in fact cut back the number of recent grads they are hiring, and/or cut back their recruitment budgets.  However, there are companies are are hiring students.  You need to learn to be more diligent, and know that there is no room for error.  You also need to be more flexible in the ways you search and the types of jobs you are looking for. Eventually your hard work WILL pay off…and we won’t be in a recession forever.

Now, more than ever, you need to enlist help.  If you are still in school, visit you career centre.  If you are out of school, see a recruiter or employment action centre.  They will be able to help you out with your resume and cover letter, as well as give you tips for successful interviews and more!

Temp or part time work

With increasing unemployment rates and mass layoffs making the news all around the world, job seekers may need to think outside the box when searching for their next job.  While many of us are accustomed to working one full time job Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, another option is working more than one part time job or seeking temp work.  I know that for many people, this is less than ideal, but at this point, beggars can’t afford to be choosers.  And remember…having a couple jobs means money in your pocket!  Here are some great places to find these kinds of jobs.

• Recruitment and temp agencies. Be sure to register with all of the agencies in your area.  The more your name is out there, the better chances you have of finding work.  Who knows, you could even find a full time gig this way.
• Ask around. Talk to everyone in your network.  You never know who may need someone to fill in for a vacationing secretary or a website upgrade.  Talk to your previous employers, let them know your situation and they may be able to help you out.
• Seasonal work. Look for seasonal work, such as construction or landscaping.  These kinds of jobs are going to be readily available in the next few months.
• Pick up the phone. Look into call centres.  While not the most glamorous positions, they often pay decent and have flexible schedules.
• Baby-sitter/Nanny. This may seem like a job for a teenager, but in this economy, why not?  Babysitters can make up to $10/hour (if not more), and it gives you a chance to act like a kid again.
• Product demonstrators. If you have ever gone to Costco or Wal-Mart on a weekend, you have probably had your fair share of samples.  These demonstrators usually only work for a couple hours, and the hourly pay is generally pretty good.
• Freelance. If you have a skill such as graphic design, writing or web design, consider freelancing.  It is a great way to gain resume experience!

With this economy, you definitely need to keep your options open.  Temp work is a great way to make money while continuing the search for your perfect job!

Finding a summer job

If you are a student or even a soon to be grad, you have probably started looking for a summer job (if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?).  Sure times are tough, but there are still tons of opportunities for summer employment.  Here are some places that will still be hiring this summer, even with the economy the way it is.

• Summer camps. Thousands of kids are still going to be heading to summer camps once the weather changes.  There are many different kinds of camps, including day camps, weekend camps, as well as overnight, long term camps.  These camps offer a variety of positions including cooks, instructors, counsellors, and event coordinators.
• Landscaping. Landscaping companies and even municipalities hire tons of students every summer.  Sure, it’s hard work, but you get to spend the summer outside, and think of all the exercise you will get!
• Construction. The federal and provincial government’s stimulus plan includes millions of dollars in upgrades to infrastructure.  This means that there will be TONS of construction on roads, sidewalks and bridges this summer.  Find a non-union company and be prepared to work hard!
• Beaches and pools. Lifeguarding is a great way to spend the summer relaxing by the pool (or beach).  Be sure to look into theme and water parks and resorts.
• Amusement parks. Amusement parks hire students every summer for everything from concessions to ride operators to mascots.  If there is not a park near you, many parks offer accommodations for staff, so consider spending the summer away from home.
• Internships. While they may not always be paid, an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door.  Many companies will still be looking for interns this summer, as they are a low cost hire.  Check all levels of government for available summer internship opportunities.

There are tons of places that are going to be hiring this summer. While travel and tourism is going to slow down, many tourist areas have a minimal staff in the winter, so will still need to hire this summer.

Look at your local city hall.  There are usually many different opportunities, for students of many different backgrounds.  Another great place to look is the government of Canada’s job bank.  Think outside the box, start early, and you should be able to get some great experience while having fun!