MJSC Job Searching Tips
Job Searching on the Internet – “Careers are just a click away”
Planning the Job Search: Finding a good job is usually a "numbers game" - the more effort you put into it and the more people you contact, the more good quality opportunities you will uncover. The more opportunities you uncover, the more you have the power to choose the best of them.
Like any major effort, planning is essential for a good job search. If you are organized and use your time efficiently, then you will contact more people and find more opportunities.This is particularly important if you are working out a notice period. Here your employer will want you to complete as much work as possible in the time you have remaining. You, on the other hand, need to put as much time as possible into finding your next job. Finding the right balance between your needs and your current employer's needs takes careful management. Plan the time you need to find a job into your schedule and set yourself targets. Treat finding a good new job as a job or project in its own right, putting as much effort into it as you would expect to put into your new job.
Job Searching Tips:
Be professional in the way you manage your job hunt - employers will be watching your approach and judging your professionalism as they deal wit you. Keep a good track of the people and companies you talk to. It can be hugely embarrassing to forget that you have already spoken to someone!
If you make commitments to people, make sure you deliver on them. When you talk to people, send them a letter of thanks - this will help to fix you in their minds as someone they want to help, and will keep your name in front of them that little bit longer…Why Job Search on the Internet?
The Internet is a powerful job-searching tool. For some people it can work superbly, but for others it can be surprisingly daunting.
Primarily, jobs that are posted on the Internet are those that have not already been filled internally. Internet job searching is so easy that if a good job is posted, it does not take long for others to send in their resumes ahead of you.
7 Key Reasons to Job Searching on the Internet:
* Networking – This can be the key to finding a job. The Internet is the world's largest network! * The growth of online listings and other information – As the Internet grows and expands, so do the participant's job listings.
* The Internet is available at all hours of the day/night/weekend – Who cares if you're logged on at 2 a.m.?
* The geographical reach of the Internet – From wherever you live, you can begin searching for work in Vancouver or even St. John’s from your computer.
* Demonstrate to an employer your skills and familiarity with the Internet – This additional skill may set you apart from other candidates for the same position.
* Find jobs more easily using keywords – Keyword searching in the various databases and networks can let you pull up the list of skills in a listing and target it more readily.
* On-line job listings can tip you off when a company is increasing staffing.
The Internet gives you access to some superb job-searching tools, and it may work for you very quickly. Use of the Internet is an important strategy to use as part of your job search. There are some fabulous research and job-searching tools on the net, and the larger job boards have excellent facilities for matching the right people with the right jobs.There are thousands of websites that post various types of job opportunities and you can't search them all. Find what websites work for you and stick with them, but feel free to do “key word” searches for any new sites you may have missed. It takes approximately a half-hour to fill out most on-line resume forms and you can spend hours surfing the net to find job openings, so Invest your time wisely. – Good Luck!
Corey Fuchs, Owner & C.E.O.
Media Job Search Canada Inc.
The Job Interview – “Will You Fit In”?
Handling job interviews is probably the most critical part of the whole job searching process. There are numerous books on the subject and just about everyone has something to say on the matter. Mention job interviews and most people will have a horror story to tell you about some experience they had.
The job interview is a time for them to get to know you better. They have already decided that you have the experience and knowledge that they require, that is why they want to meet you in person. What they really want to see at the interview is who you are. Your attitude and personality are going to be the most important factors in the decision making process.
Preparing for job interviews:
Preparing for job interviews is probably the most important aspect. Do this right and you will breeze through it, go unprepared and you will fail miserably. Preparing for a job interview means getting your mind right and feeling confident. Remember you are the best person for the job, you just have to show them that.
Firstly do some research on the company and its products, know who their customers are and what the company's objective is. Once you have this information, then make a list of what skills or knowledge you have that would be valuable to them.
Next thing to prepare is your physical appearance. You have to dress right for job interviews, don't wear anything too flashy, neat and clean are more important than the latest fashion. The aim is to look professional without overdoing it. It is important that you feel comfortable; the last thing you want is to be worried about your appearance during the interview. It will only make you nervous and you will quickly lose confidence.
Work out what you need to take with you. A copy of your CV, originals (and copies) of your qualification papers, copies of references, samples of your work (if applicable) and anything else that they may want to see. Again make sure everything is well organized and neatly presented. Don't take a pile of paperwork that you have to sift through for ten minutes to find something that will give them the impression that you are disorganized.
Interviewing Methods:
Some of the processes that you might experience include:
Aptitude tests: These tests are designed to find your personality traits. They would be looking for a particular type of person and this test will show them if you fit their profile. You can't cheat in these tests, if you attempt to "formulate" your answers, the results of the test will show. Be honest here, you can't hide who you are.
IQ/Thinking tests: These have been prepared to work out your analytical and logical thinking patterns. To some extent general knowledge would be useful, however they are really geared towards finding out how you analyze data and find solutions to problems. Again it is impossible to cheat on these tests, but a little preparation would go a long way.
General knowledge: Tests in this section include mathematical, grammar, spelling and general knowledge. Preparing to take some of these will include doing a revision of your school work. Forget the calculator and go back to pencil and paper. If you are a whiz at math, then you should have no problem, but if you are like the rest of us that reaches out for the calculator, then get some practice prior to attending.
Panel Job Interviews: These can be nerve-wracking types of interviews, however, most job interviews these days include a panel. The panel might just 2 people or it can be as many as 10. To handle this interview well, you must appear to be confident, don't hesitate too long before you give an answer. Watch your posture and try not to fidget too much. When answering a question make eye contact with one or two of the people. Find a friendly face and use that person for most of your eye contact, it will help in making you feel more relaxed.
One on-one-job interviews: These types of interviews are easier to handle, they are generally more informal. The best way to handle these types of interviews is to relate to them as a form of conversation. You should ask questions and exchange information as you would during a normal conversation. Offer your own information as needed without waiting to be asked.
Handling job interview questions:
There are various types of questions asked at a job interview. Most job interviews start with chitchat type of questions, these are designed to break the ice and get the conversation flowing. Questions like "did it take you long to get here", "did you find the place alright", "were you able to find parking". Most of these just require a "yes, no problem" type of response, you can elaborate more if you wish, however ensure that you don't provide information that will give them a bad impression.
Most questions will be geared towards finding out a bit more about you. They might be historical questions regarding your previous employment or education, or they may be hypothetical questions "what if...". These are geared to finding out how you would handle a situation or to find out your personal views to certain areas.
Whenever answering a job interview question, give as much information as you can.
Tell them why, where, when and how. In other words use samples to prove what you are saying. Make a statement, and then qualify it by giving a sample of a situation and how you handled it.
There are times that you will be asked a hard question during a job interview. Don't panic, there is a reason why these questions are asked and that is to see how you handle a difficult situation. Being prepared is always the best policy.
Following are some samples of questions and some advice on how to handle them efficiently.
How would you handle a difficult customer?: Be careful here, don't say that you have never had a difficult customer as anyone who has dealt with customers knows that is impossible. Use a sample to demonstrate how you handle a difficult customer. Talk about an incident at a previous job (where, when), explain the situation, how you handled it, and what the outcome was.
Why should we choose you?: Ask yourself why you applied, what makes you prefect for this position, what can the company gain from hiring you, what have you got to offer, how would you handle this job. This is what they want to know, so go ahead and tell them.
Tell me about yourself: Split your answer into two, the professional and the personal level. Both are just as important, how you move from one to the other depends on what you have to say. The best way to answer this job interview question is to give a brief summary of your life, professional and personal, less emphasis on the early past, more emphasis on the present and the future.
What are your weaknesses?: Don't say 'I don't have any". Everyone has weaknesses and it takes strength to recognize them. Say something relevant but not hugely important to the specific position, and always add a positive.
What are your strengths?: Customize your answer to meet the position requirements, remember the things they asked for in the advertisement? Tell them your strengths but also demonstrate them and show them how they would apply to this job. Use samples of how your strengths were valuable, use the "why, where, when, how" demonstrate and prove your strengths.
Job interviews are not that bad, so long as you are prepared. Maintain good eye contact and ensure that you have some questions to ask. job interviews are a two way process, a conversation where they want to get to know you better and you want to find out more about the position.
Above all, try and keep calm, smile and show professionalism.
Corey Fuchs, Owner & C.E.O.
Media Job Search Canada Inc.
Getting the Attention of Recruiters AKA "Breaking through the screening Process
All recruiters have different processes; represent different levels of employment, and different areas of expertise. It’s helpful to research the companies, in order to establish what areas of industry they work in, what level of experience they represent (mid-senior-exec management) and finally, which consultants represent which areas. The following, while not definitive, will at least offer some perspective on the recruiting process, and hopefully help you find your way through to establishing meaningful contact with the recruiters.
Tips for Preparing CV's
First and foremost, please remember that recruiters speak with hundreds of people on a weekly and/or monthly basis. It's tough for them to remember everyone, unless you are a serious candidate for a search they have in house.
Submitting your CV to a recruiter database is important. Make sure your CV is in word.doc format, and clearly and cleanly lists your name at the top, followed by your coordinates (both email and voicemail). Your CV should "lead in" with a short paragraph profile/objective, which states a) who you are; b) what you’ve done; and c) what you want/what your long-term objective is.
Your CV should have all dates listed down the right hand side, against the right margin. Please be mindful of gaps in timing - recruiters scan for gaps in timing.
On the left side, against the margin, the name of the company you worked with should be bolded, with the position you held listed underneath, and a short descriptor of your experience there (in block format) OR, a sampling of 3-5 responsibilities and/or accomplishments, or successes in that position. They should be listed in reverse chronological order, with most recent first.
List your last 3-4 jobs, and anything else should be listed under "additional experience", again, with Position/Title and company on left side, timing on right.
Educational experience should be next. If you received a degree, diploma or certificate, again, list it on right hand side, with timing on left. Example:
Degree: BA XXX, X University 1990-1995
Diploma: Small Business: George Brown College 1989
Finally, any community work/public service/extra curricular activities related to your professional portfolio should be listed last:
Chair: XX Committee 2000-2003
Volunteer: XX Association 2001
Member: XX Association 2001-2005
“References available upon request" is not necessary.
Keep your CV clean, and avoid any unnecessary descriptors like "PROFILE". We know it's a profile. Save the space for more important information.
Personal interests are sometimes used to flesh out bottom end of CV, but unless relevant to professional portfolio, not necessary.
Tips for submitting your CV's:
* Use CV writing reference materials, or get a professional to help you prepare your CV
* Submit on line, using word.doc format.
* Covering letter not necessary unless applying for a specific position.
* Your profile could be followed by a section which states in point form, your notable expertise: eg., business development, marketing campaigns, customer relationship management, etc., (no more than 8). This is helpful if electronic software is scanning your resume, or, if the recruiter does a search for "media marketing" "direct sales" "business affairs", etc.
* Succinct File names for resumes/CVs are helpful: e.g., "Smith, Robert CV 2003", as opposed to Bob.resume. Brand yourself, and make it easy on the recruiter to find your CV and/or remember your name!
* Covering letters are fine in initial email transmission - no need to submit as separate word doc, simply include in email, if submitting to an individual recruiter. Covering letters submitted as separate documents need to be downloaded and stored by the recruiter, taking valuable administrative time. When submitting covering letter as email, don’t default ot an informal format - and ensure all your coordinates are listed.
* Finally, don't apply for positions for which you have no direct experience. Transferable skills are transferable skills but are best introduced third party, or represented in person - not on paper. If you plan to sell your transferable skills, make direct contact with the recruiter first, otherwise, your CV and letter will be automatically screened out as not applicable (remembering that the first job of the recruiter is to screen "out" from a long list to a short list of candidates). In this case, it is appropriate to call the recruiter and ask for the name of the associate handling your functional area "marketing" or "sales" or "finance", etc. Speak directly with the recruiter or introduce yourself by email and state your interest in the position first, so that when you do submit, they will take a moment to review your submission.* When leaving voice messages for follow ups, be succinct and clear: This is XX, following up on XX position, not hi, it's Bob calling back… we talked Tuesday afternoon…Book a time for a return call e.g., I can be reached from 8-9 am on my cell phone…and be available for the call!* When updating your CV and resubmitting to a recruiter database, call first and check appropriate method. Otherwise, your CV comes up twice, and is confusing, and takes more time to administer/screen!* When submitting for a specific job, be available by cell phone or email, and respond in a timely manner. Much of life is timing, the more you are on your game, the better your chances!* When invited in for an interview, prepare! Bring copies of your CV; be clear on why you want this specific position and communicate those intentions effectively. Recruiters always ask about strengths and weaknesses, future goals, companies you would like to work with. Come with answers. Also, be prepared to address why you want to leave your current position – or why you havn’t had one in a while. Honesty is best – and it gives recruiter an opportunity to represent you properly to their clients. The more prepared you are, the more you impress a recruiter with your professionalism, integrity and planning, and the greater your chances of being short listed!
Good luck!
Mitch Nadon, Managing Director
MediaIntelligence
1061 Bathurst Street
Suite 300
Toronto, ON
M5R 3G8
Phone 416.533.6788
Mitch Nadon: nadon@mediaintelligence.ca
General Inquiries - info@mediaintelligence.ca
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