RESOURCES FOR JOBSEEKERS
How to start looking for work…
This section covers everything from job search dos and don’ts and what to include in your resume, as well as our key tips to help you how to find a new job, whether it’s full-time, part-time, or temporary work . Find out everything you need to know about looking for work now.
Five personal qualities valued by employers
Confidence – Having the right personal skills and experience for a role is essential – but it isn’t always enough. Employers also want someone who can prove their abilities, know their worth, and actually follow through with their claims. After all, if you’re not sure of yourself, how can they be sure of you?
Resilience- No matter what the job is, roadblocks will always come up. This means that employers need someone who’s able to approach unexpected challenges in an optimistic, non-defeatist manner. This means not only being able to solve problems, but also being able to learn and grow from adversity.
Adaptability- Change is a natural part of business.Not only will employers be looking for someone who’s open to that, they’ll also want someone who can be flexible and adaptable in their work. It just means you need to show you’re open to new things and willing to expand your knowledge.
Positivity- Let’s face it, your attitude matters. Even if you’re fully qualified for a job, a negative attitude can put you at the bottom of the candidate list. Not only will you come across as unenthusiastic, you could also imply that you’d rather focus on the bad than the good.
Proactivity-Do you wait to be told what to do, or do you lead by example? If you veer towards the latter, you’re probably the proactive worker that a lot of employers are looking for. A team of quick thinkers with a high level of initiative is key to a smooth-running workplace.
Other great personal qualities to communicate in any interview: Accountability, Ambition, Empathy, Reliability, Creativity, Decisiveness
Effective Resume Writing
We understand how stressful and challenging it can be when you sit down to write your résumé. We have come up with a few tips to make it easier and as painless as possible
1. Start by writing down your work and volunteer experience, past education and interests that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
3. Focus on the job description and requirements for the position you are applying for. Ensure the content of your resume is relevant to the position and match with the employer’s needs. Try using similar language to the job posting, because if an employer uses that language, it will be easier for them to pick it out, but never copy and paste their advertisement word for word to highlight your skills.
4. Aim to keep your resume to the point and relevant as it demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. If you do have a multiple page résumé, ensure that your name and phone number are on the top of each page.
5. If you choose to submit your resume by hand print your résumé on white paper and in black ink. When applying online, save and title your resume so it reflects the job you are applying to: “Customer Service Position”
The 5 NEVERS of Résumé Writing
1. Its never a good idea to include your personal and private information such as birth date, age, race , picture, religious or political affiliations
2. Never submit a résumé with spelling or grammatical errors. Also, make sure your personal information is up to date. Have someone else proofread it for you
3. Never lie, stretch, or twist the truth about your work experience and education. You will be found out.
4. Never submit the same resume for different positions , particularly if the job description are completely different. Customize your resume for each position you apply for.
5. Never include your references on your résumé. You may state “References available upon request”. If an employer wants your references, you can provide them with a separate page.
How to make your CV stand out during COVID-19
Looking for work may seem like a daunting task right now…
It’s no secret that the job market has become increasingly competitive since Canada has started to open up. So how can you stand out against the competition, and ensure recruiters remember your application? Here are our top tips:
Try and stick to the most relevant roles
It may be tempting to apply for as many roles as possible right now. Especially if you’re currently out of work, or are facing an uncertain future due to the pandemic.
However, this strategy might actually be doing more harm than good. Particularly when it comes to your mental health. if you aren’t really reading the job description properly, to see if you’d be a good fit, then it may be even harder to stand out against the competition.
Instead, it’s as much about making a shift in your mindset. Rather than applying for a hundred roles you probably won’t hear back from, take your time to search for something that will actually match your skills and experience.
That way, you won’t waste any more time and energy on the wrong roles, and can ensure your resume is much more likely to get noticed by an employer
Remember: jobshunting should never be a numbers game.
Tailor your application to the job description
OK, so you’ve found a role that really matches your skills and experience level. The next step is to make the connection completely clear to the hiring manager.
In other words, it’s time to tailor your CV to the job description. (Don’t already have a CV? Luckily, we know where there are some free templates you can use…)
Think of it this way: a job is a problem to be solved. You need to present yourself as that solution. The company has set out everything they need from their perfect candidate already, so it doesn’t even need to take much work to make sure your CV matches up. It may only take a matter of minutes.
However, as not that many applicants actually do this, you’ll instantly be able to stand out. Not to mention demonstrate that you’re willing to put the additional effort in to make reading your CV worthwhile.
Start with this simple exercise: take each of the requirements from the job description, then write down how you fit the bill. Try backing them up with real, quantifiable examples – and work on incorporating them into your application.
Upskilling and reskilling*
Our final recommendation to set yourself apart is to show a proactive approach to personal development.
Since the start of the pandemic, 74% of those we surveyed admitted that they’ve worked on their own development in some way. And the good news is that it doesn’t even have to come at a significant cost.
There are lots of free and discounted courses out there to help you build up your knowledge in a particular subject. Whether it’s getting qualified for a new role or sector, working on your transferable skills, or simply sharpening your skills in your current role.
Most are available to take online, and allow you to enrol right away. Once completed, you’ll be able to add your new certification straight to your CV.
Aside from making yourself eligible for a wider variety of jobs, you’ll also demonstrate that you’re committed to progressing in your career. Even during Coronavirus.
Interview Skills
Having the educational and work experience is just a small part of landing that job you always wanted. We believe in order for you to make a strong and lasting impression you should.
1. Spend some time learning about the company and about the position you are applying for. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to handle interview questions
2. Try answering some common interview questions that way on the day of your interview you feel comfortable responding to the questions employers usually ask. This type of rehearsing will help you feel confident on the day of the interview.
3. Pay attention to how you communicate. Don’t use slang when answering questions. Speak clearly and definitely. Think before you answer the questions in your interview. If you need to think about a response to an interview question, it’s fine to take a minute. It’s better to think before you talk than to stumble over your words. You’ll want to appear calm and focused, not flustered, while answering questions. This will help you make a good impression on your interviewer.
4. Your appearance at the interview is very important and how you conduct yourself during the interview are important as well. Pay attention to what you wear and your personal hygiene.
5. Lastly, remember to focus on listening, have questions to ask and thank the interviewer.