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Introduction

            You have found your way to our website and decided to peruse our career resources. Likely, this means that you are at least looking into some options for your career.
Is it time to assess your career? There is no right or wrong time to explore your options. You may have found that you are unhappy with something work-related. To be unhappy with something work-related is a broad statement. This could be something as simple as needing a new chair for your back problems. This may also mean that you are unhappy with the organization entirely, and you no longer see yourself with them long term, or perhaps you woke up one morning and had an epiphany, and it is time for a complete career overhaul.

            Ultimately, you will come to one of three realisations:

  • You just need a few simple tweaks in your current position. Find out how to fine tune your current position.
  • You are still passionate about your career path, but perhaps the organisation is not meeting your needs. You may even be out of work, looking to transition back into a career after some time off or looking for work after recently leaving your former place of employment. Find out what to do when you’ve decided to consider new opportunities.
  • If you’ve been unhappy in your career for a significant amount of time and are ready for a drastic change, find out how to perform a complete career assessment.

If you are already sure of which three options you should choose, go ahead. If you are uncertain whether you should simply tweak your current position, find a new job within the same line of work, or whether you need a complete career overhaul, find out whether you should pursue a new opportunity or a career change.

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Job Change or Career Change?

            So you’ve decided to assess your career. The first step is to accurately identify why you may be unhappy or unsatisfied with your current position. Be sure to know whether or not this is something that can be fixed or if you need to change organizations or career paths altogether. The bigger the change you decide to make, the more time is likely involved and the greater the impact there will likely be on your life.

            To start looking at your career, begin making a list. Consider the following items.

Go through a typical day and note what you experience.

  • What tasks do you enjoy completing and what do you not enjoy?
  • How long is your commute, and is this a sustainable commute distance for the future?
  • What is the quality of your existing office space?
    • Does it put you at ease, or does it fry your nerves the moment you see it each day?
  • Are your coworkers a good fit for you?
    • Do you enjoy seeing them, being around them and occasionally collaborating with them?
  • How do you feel at the end of the day? Energized, proud of what you’ve done and looking forward to the next day, or just happy to be getting out of there?
  • Are you unsatisfied with your pay and think you are worth more money?
  • How does your current career affect your work life balance?
  • Do you find that you have enough time for your family?
  • How is your relationship with your boss? Is it conducive to a positive work life?
  • Does your work offer the challenges you are looking for?
    • Are you satisfied with the level and amount of responsibility you get?
  • Do the values of the company align with your own?
  • Do you get enough sleep?

 

Consider your long term aspirations.

  • Long term, is the size of the company one that suits your career aspirations?
  • Is there room for growth within the company in terms of promotion or expansion of responsibilities?
  • Does the company’s long term strategy fit with your long term plan?

 

Review the list you’ve made and see if there is anything else you can ask yourself about your current position. Try not to leave any rock unturned.

Now, review your responses. Be sure to think critically about the answers you have written down. Make sure that you agree with the bigger picture that you have created by writing down the answers to these questions.

 

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You’ve decided to stay…

If you just need to finely tune some aspects of your current work situation to make you happier without having to leave, it is time to explore some of your options. Are you unhappy because of a working condition? Are you satisfied with your work-life balance? Or is there some social aspect of your job that needs assessment?

The Bottom Line
Whatever you are unhappy with at work, it is most important that you know how to approach finding and implementing a solution. 

  • Know your circumstance; identify what is not working for you.
  • Brainstorm, research or think of some ways to solve your problem. If you have back problems, maybe you need a new chair at work. If telecommuting is the answer, you need to consider equipment and supplies that you will need to sustain you through a work day. If you have outstanding issues with a co-worker, likely you just need to speak to him or her.
  • Do the leg work before approaching your boss. Find out about different types of chairs available and how much it will cost, find out how much money you will save by telecommuting as well as how much it may cost to have you set up at home, or perhaps decide whether or not you need an unbiased third party to monitor a discussion between you and a colleague.
  • The only thing left to do is ask. Speak to your boss and explain the research or thinking you’ve done. If you approach your boss with the work and research already done, you are more likely to have your request approved.

Remember, these steps can apply to any problem you come across in your work life. Identify the problem, decide on the best solution(s), research the implementation cost or any processes involved, and then present the information.

If you are still unsure whether or not you are meant to stay where you are, review your list once again (or create one if you haven’t already).  If you feel you deserve a salary increase, find out how to ask for a raise.

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How to ask for a Raise

When it comes to asking for a raise, there is a simple process you should follow.
1. First and foremost, do your research. You may feel undervalued, underpaid and deserving of more money, but what do others in your field make? You may discover that you are paid fairly. Do some investigating at sights like salary.com and Service Canada’s site labourmarketinformation.ca. Keep in mind that salaries can vary from region to region.
Don’t forget to look at your case from the company’s perspective. Are they in a financial situation which would allow them to afford a pay increase? Make sure that you are not asking for something that is financially unrealistic.
2. Set a target salary increase. Establish how much you think you are worth and how much of a pay increase range you would like. Keep in mind that the average salary increase in Canada for 2008 is 3.7%. If you set yourself a range then you will remain flexible if your boss offers you something better than what you are currently getting, even if it is not most ideal. This will also provide you with a bare minimum you are willing to accept.
3. Be flexible. Being flexible not only entails being flexible with the pay increase you are willing to accept, but with what forms your raise may come in. Be open to any of the following: flextime, more personal days, payment for unused vacation, incentive compensation, stock options, extra vacation, education benefits, and even compensation for time spent outside of work at conventions, trade shows or seminars. A raise need not come in the form of money. Decide what may suit your lifestyle best; perhaps the extra week at the lake every summer would be worth more to you in the end.
4. Set a meeting with your boss. It is best to allow your boss to choose a time to meet, preferably when she is not busy and will have time to listen to you. Request the meeting when she is in a good mood and if possible, after you have been praised for a job well done. Start off on the right foot with the whole process.
Remember that even though you can schedule this meeting with your boss at any time of year, this process is relevant at your yearly review as well. Do not neglect to be prepared for your review in order to get the most out of it as possible. You should also be aware of when budgeting occurs in your company as this is a time when salaries are often reviewed.
5. Be prepared. Your boss is not going to want to listen to you ask for more money. Be sure you have a way to sell your case to her. Track your accomplishments. Have you saved the company money, led a successful project, or improved workflow? By presenting your boss with solid data, she will be able to see your true worth. Speak about your accomplishments before you broach the subject of a raise.
Remember, do not make your request for a raise personal and threaten to leave if you do not get what you want. The outcome of your request is impacted by your professionalism in this meeting. 
6. State your case explicitly. Now that you have discussed with your boss your accomplishments and value to the company, be direct. State that you would like to discuss a salary adjustment.
7. Follow up. Understand that your boss will likely not have an answer for you right away. It may be odd if she did. Discuss a good time to follow up, and be sure to do so. Thank your boss for the consideration and be courteous during the whole process.

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So You’ve Decided to Leave Your Current Job…

            At this point, you should be confident that the factors you wish to change cannot be changed in your current job, and you still want to remain within your current line of work.

The new job you desire might be with a different organization altogether, but don’t forget to look internally first. Your current employer may have positions opening up that are not yet advertised. Decide whether or not the positions available would offer what you need to be satisfied, be it a new challenge, different workspace or more flexibility. Make a list of what benefits or changes you would get with one of these positions and compare it to the list of what you want.

If there are no internal opportunities, you should now be prepared to look externally for your dream job. A good starting place is to specify in words what job title you are seeking. Consciously identifying the job will direct you in a more focused search. If you are not finding exactly what you want, keep your mind open to similarly described positions.

The next step is to actually locate the job and apply for it. You may want to reach out to your personal network and see what comes up. Let select people know you are interested in considering other options. Look online for job postings and submit resumes directly to the company or submit your resume to job banks. Recruitment agencies are a great option as well; often, recruiters provide hands on guidance in your job search, and by working with a recruitment agency you will benefit from its developed network in the recruiting market as well as have access to jobs which otherwise are not advertised. Don’t forget to look at newspaper classified sections, industry publications, and of course, don’t be afraid of the telephone. Sometimes calling a company directly will give you information not provided in classified ads or elsewhere and is also a good way to ask anonymous questions.

Think up other ways that could get your foot in the door of a suitable organization. In some cases, volunteering for a company will not only get you noticed but will also give you great insight into whether or not this job will be right for you.

Make sure you are fully prepared when applying for jobs:

  1. Have a great resume, appropriate for the job you are applying for.
  2. Make sure your cover letter will separate you from the crowd.
  3. Your network can help you find a job that hasn’t been advertised and that few people know about. Learn how to build your network.
  4. Learn how to impress your interviewer.
  5. Find out what all the buzz is about with career branding.

 

Please remember that while it is important to have these aspects of job searching in order while you are job hunting, it is an excellent idea to stay up to date with the recruiting in your field and have your up-to-date resume on hand just in case. You may be happy in your current job at present, but you never know what could change to make you want to find another job or when opportunity could come knocking. Being prepared at all times will allow you to make a move when the time is right.

Remember to always leave your job with class and dignity.

You are now closer to obtaining your dream job. Still not sure that you know what you want to do? Perhaps you need a complete career assessment.

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How to Quit your Job

            Deciding to make a career change is not always easy. However, once you have made the decision to leave your current employer, it is important to handle this process professionally, just as you would handle any business endeavour. Do not burn any bridges in the process because you will likely want to use that employer as a reference. Besides that, most industries are well-networked microcosms. You never know who knows your employer and who speaks about you and how. Remain on your best professional behaviour.
Please note that if you are leaving your current job, you should already have other employment lined up, otherwise you need to have sufficient emergency funds saved to sustain you during your job search.

Give your notice
You’ve decided to leave, so now you must communicate this. Inform your boss first before letting any colleagues know; it will come across as disrespectful if you don’t.
Your resignation should come in two forms: verbal and written. Most bosses will appreciate a face-to-face meeting where you state your decision to leave. Either during or shortly thereafter should come your written resignation. The letter must be in professional business standard format and need not be complicated. The bare minimum should include a greeting, a line stating your resignation from your current position and the date your resignation is effective, including your last day of work, as well as a closing and your signature.
Know how long you are expected to stay. Your contract will state how much notice you are required to give. Otherwise, the norm is two weeks.
If you so choose, you can decide to include a thank you in your letter of resignation and how you appreciated the opportunities you experienced while you were there. This is not necessary however; it is entirely up to you. Avoid apologizing and explaining the reasons for your departure in your letter. If you want to discuss this, do so with your boss or with the human resources manager.

The counter offer
Be prepared for a counter offer. Companies generally save recruiting and hiring costs in the short term by offering you a slightly bigger pay cheque. However, be aware that once they know you already considered leaving, they may use that time to find your replacement anyway.
It is in your best interest not to accept a counter offer. If you do, you have already labelled yourself a disloyal employee; you will appear indecisive and will also not put you in the best light with the company you were going to be working with. Furthermore, as many as 90% of people who accept counter offers leave within six months, as whatever made you decide to leave in the first place has not changed.

Important details
            Don’t forget to find out about salary or unused benefits that you can take advantage of such as unused vacation and sick days, exercising of stock options, as well as what you may do with your pension plan and any insurance. It is an excellent idea to find this out before you leave, and there is no reason you shouldn’t receive benefits owed to you.
As a side note, keep in mind that it is not a good idea to use vacation days during your notice period before your last day of work. You want to take advantage of these last days to work extra hard, and leave with a good reputation in your boss’s mind.

Etiquette of a Resignation
            Remain diligent until your last day of work. Continue to be as productive as when you first started. If you slack off, you may risk losing a good reference.
Avoid bragging about your new job, your great new salary and any benefits you will be receiving. Don’t let emotion get in the way of your last days at work being positive and productive. You want to maintain a good reputation and leave everyone at your old job with good memories of you.
Don’t be alarmed by the possibility of being walked out, especially if you are going to a competitor. If you have personal files on your computer, make copies and take them home with you before you resign, but never copy information that would be considered confidential or proprietary.
In some cases, you will be faced with an exit interview. Someone probably from the HR department will interview you with the intention of determining how to improve your situation for the next person. Do not take this opportunity to speak poorly of your boss or complain about the company. You can be tactful in providing feedback, but always end your comments on a positive note, and if you really have nothing nice to say, avoid saying anything. It is best to remain positive or neutral.

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Resume Tips

What do I need to know to write a winning resume?

The Basics

Aesthetically speaking, your resume should be printed on white or off white 8 ½” by 11” paper with 10 or 12 size font. Only print on one side of the paper and avoid busy or distracting font styles.

Types of Resumes

            There is not one correct layout or format to use when making a resume. The key is to make sure you use the right one for your situation or the field you are pursuing. The main types of resumes are functional, chronological, curriculum vitae and some resume alternatives. To find out which type you should use, learn more about each kind. If you are not sure after this, do not hesitate to ask a professional recruiter for their input.

What to include

            Regardless of the resume format you use, there are some basic things that should be included in it.

            Experience. This includes work history and any relevant related volunteer experience if the involved skills transfer.

In stating your experience, use titles and headings that fit the job you want. For many people, one of the challenges is that their job title may not reflect their level of responsibility. This can be a real challenge when applying for a new role. You may have all the relevant skills required, but your title is getting in the way; consider including additional information with your title.
For example, if you are currently an Administrative Assistant who also serves as Office Manager and are applying for the role of Office Manager, consider listing your position as Administrative Assistant (Office Manager).
Another good idea is to pick out keywords from the ads you are applying to and include them in your resume. Sometimes recruiters scan resumes specifically for those keywords.

            Instead of stating your job responsibilities, focus on your accomplishments. A lot of resumes we receive are simply a list of job responsibilities. A recruiter would rather read about your successes than reading a list of duties that anyone in your position would be expected to do.
Let us know how you performed the job better. Accomplishment statements will help you do this. Consider the following:

  • Improved the process…
  • Increased sales/production/profits…
  • Reduced time/money…
  • Had lowest error rate at…
  • Had best record of…
  • Was one of the top performers at…

Also, quantify where possible. If you have any numbers to back up your statements, use them.

Emphasize relevant information. If you have all of the skills required for a job, don’t put them at the bottom of the last page of your resume.  Though it would be nice to believe that a hiring manager or recruiter is going to read every word of your resume, the reality is there are often more resumes to review than time in the day.
Organize your resume so that the most relevant information makes it to the front page.  If you don’t, there is a real risk that your resume will end up in the ‘Not Qualified’ pile before it gets read all the way to the end.
Always include chronological information. Whether you opt for a chronological resume format or a functional one, always include a clear chronological work history.  Employers want to see your work progression, and not including one leaves the impression that you have something to hide.
If you have gaps in your work history, address them up front.  If you took time off to study, travel, raise a family or find yourself, your prospective employer just wants to know.
Education. Be sure to focus on the education most relevant to the position or field you are pursuing.
Also, make sure you put appropriate emphasis on the degree or qualification you received as opposed to the institution you attended to obtain it. Include relevant recognitions here as well, such as Dean’s Honour List or other related recognition.
What not to include

  1. Avoid including any information that would indicate age, marital status or ethnicity.
  2. Do not include any information that may reveal religious or political involvement, for example, volunteering for a political party or with your church youth group.
  3. You may also choose to exclude your current work number if you prefer not to be contacted there.

Do not forget:
Have someone proofread your resume. Just like a cover letter, if there are any glaring grammatical or spelling errors, your resume will quickly find a new home in the shred pile.
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Types of resumes

Chronological
Use the chronological format when you are looking for work in your current field, your work experience shows progression in responsibilities, and/or an employer is particularly noteworthy or important.
The chronological resume is a reverse timeline of your work experience, from your most recent experience to your least recent. The focus with this type of resume will be on your experience and growth and any achievements worth emphasizing.

Functional
Use the functional format when you are making a career change, the job you want doesn’t match the skills you have or if there are any significant gaps in employment.
The focus with this type of resume is on your skills, abilities and credentials, and each skill that you include can be drawn from more than one work experience. 

Combination
Use the combination style resume when you are applying for a job for which education is important, but your work experience may be limited.
This resume format takes advantage of both types of resumes by listing your education reverse chronologically to emphasize it, but then you are able to focus on your skills even though you may have limited work experience in the field.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A CV serves a similar purpose as a resume, but the format and content is quite different. In North America, a CV is typically required for individuals in academic, scientific/research or educational positions. However, if you are seeking a job internationally, in Europe, Asia, the Middle East or Africa, a CV is expected instead of a resume.
Templates can be found online as well as what specific information should be included and how. Like a resume, a CV should include your name, contact information, and education and work experience. Unique to CVs, you should include any teaching and research experience you may have, any awards, grants or fellowships, details of any published work, involvement in any professional associations and any other information relevant to the position you are seeking. Like a resume, you should have different versions of your CV for different positions.

Alternatives to Resumes
There are several different alternatives to resumes that are worth mentioning, but a resume is still the most common and expected way for you to sell yourself. The most important thing when considering an alternative to resumes is to select the right format for the position you are applying for.
There are alternatives for technically inclined positions like personal websites, video resumes (which can be posted for free on websites like youtube.com), power point CVs/resumes, and electronic resumes including multimedia like pictures, graphics and music. The technically inclined alternatives can often incorporate creative elements and may take on an artistic appearance. Also notable are brochure resumes, folded a variety of ways to best sell yourself, video chats, marketing packages and portfolios. It is up to you to determine what is included in a marketing package; this form is an open ended way to market yourself. Portfolios on the other hand, are historically meant for creative types like designers, artists and marketers, but this is not the case anymore. Anyone can benefit from creating a professional portfolio. Include awards, special recognitions, letters of recommendation and anything else tangible that will back up your resume.

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How to Write a Great Cover Letter

            A cover letter serves as a great companion to your resume. If it is clear you are well qualified by reading your resume, a recruiter will typically proceed to read your cover letter. Cover letter resources online will give you varying recommendations for the layout of your cover letter, but ultimately the cover letter serves one purpose: to land you an interview.
A cover letter is important in displaying succinct and well developed communication skills as well as your ability to organise your thoughts. This means the letter should be no more than one page. In some cases, individuals applying for upper management executive positions should allow for two pages. With a precisely communicated letter, a recruiter will already know plenty about your skills, and if you do this well, it will help you stand out from the other applicants and land that interview.

So what do you include in a cover letter?

            Be sure to know a proper letter template, including format, addresses and a date. Most word processors have templates, and there are also lots of templates online. Next, be sure to address an individual directly as opposed to writing “To Whom it May Concern.” You may have no option, but it may be a good idea to try cold-calling the company you are applying to and anonymously requesting information like the name of the hiring manager for a certain position.
There are a few things that you should include in your cover letter, the order of which are up to you. It is a good idea however, to start off by introducing yourself and explicitly stating which position you are applying for. If applicable, make reference to any job posting code. It is a good idea to mention any ties you have to the company. For example, if you met an individual from the company at a trade show or convention and he or she told you to apply, you can mention this in your cover letter.
Speak about your skills and experiences and how they relate to the position you are applying for. This is your chance to sell your soft skills, which is difficult to do within the limits of a resume. The recruiter will be able to tell by your resume if you have the education, training and abilities to perform the duties of a position. The soft skills you promote in your cover letter will show a recruiter your potential to cope with varying situations, manage people, improve business functions and successfully perform the duties required by the position.
Another section to include should state why you want to work for that company. This will show that you have done your research on the company and are truly interested in working with them. The recruiter will know you have taken the time to write a cover letter specifically for them, instead of writing a template and just changing names and titles.
In your closing, thank the recruiter for their consideration, state how they may contact you, and let them know your plans for follow up with a specific time frame.
Lastly and maybe most importantly: proofread. Have someone you trust read your cover letter. Do not allow a letter with any spelling or grammar mistakes into the hands of a recruiter.

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Networking

            The wonderful thing about a network is that everyone has one, whether you know it or not. The challenge is to know how to tap into the network you do have and grow it as you do so.
A network is the connection between people and the extended connection between those people to other people that they know, and so on. The size of someone’s network depends on the extent to which an individual is willing to probe for those extended contacts.
To establish your network, first think of all of your professional contacts with your current employer as well as previous employers.
You can grow your network from this foundation of contacts, or if your network is currently a little deflated, you can look outwards as well. There are several things you can do to build your network and make connections between individuals within your field.

Join Associations
            Find out if there are any relevant associations in your field. Often associations have publications that will keep you posted on current events and developments as well as prominent individuals to be aware of. Being a part of associations helps to connect people within fields.

Attend Events
Seek events specific to your field with speakers and networking opportunities. This will give you a chance to get to know other people with a common interest from organizations in your field. As you develop these contacts, they may give you further contact information for key people in their organizations, like hiring managers.
Don’t be afraid to approach a speaker with any questions that may have come up during the presentation. If there are people you want to speak to and are not sure what to say, you can always ask questions having to do with how they got their position, how they chose their line of work, what they most enjoy about it, what they least enjoy about it, and any advice they may have for you in general or about other training or experience that would be a good idea to have.
If you are ever stuck in an awkward silence, a good thing to do is to keep up on the news. If you feel awkward, the news is a safe, usually inoffensive topic to mention. Do not be afraid of silence; talking too much can also make you appear nervous or insecure.

At Career Fairs/Trade Shows/Conventions
This is your chance to be strategic in your networking. Anytime you can find out who will be at an event, whether it is a specific organization or a particular speaker, decide who it is you are most interested in meeting, find out where they will be and when, and then plan out your physical route to fit in all the people you want to meet with in the allotted time.

 

Volunteer
Find different ways of getting involved with associations and at events by volunteering. Volunteering is an excellent way to meet people without really trying or planning who you will meet. Volunteering will also allow you to be more visible in your field, even making you more approachable and available and thus, making networking easier. Remember, anytime you volunteer at an event with industry-relevant individuals present, be enthusiastic, positive and consistent in your work.

Informational Interviews
An informational interview serves two purposes: finding out more information and networking. This is your chance to arrange a meeting with a professional from your industry or an industry you would like to get into and find out facts like how they got started, what they like and don’t like, specifics of the job and other such details. Not only do you get to find out if you will be interested in a similar job, but you get to meet another person and potentially add them to your network. Even if this person does not provide you with an opportunity right away, they may in the future or they may even know of someone else with whom you should speak.

Online Networking
Don’t overlook the possibilities of online networking. Social networking sites like LinkedIn are specifically designed for professionals and serve as an easy way to find and meet people with similar professional interests and ambitions. This is another chance for you to develop important contacts with key individuals within organizations. This kind of networking also helps in reinforcing the networking you do elsewhere, like at conventions and other association events: a great way to maintain the connections you make.

Keep Track
            When you meet new people (especially when you meet lots of new people) write down names, where you met them, what organization they are part of and names of people they may have told you to speak to. That way when you speak to the people they have referred you to, you know who it was in your network who sent you to them.

Maintain
Just like any relationship, your network will need maintenance every now and then. Keep in touch with your network contacts and remain visible in your field. You never know when you will be a crucial contact to someone else and successfully connect two other people.

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Interview Tips

An interview is a strategic meeting with the following purposes:

  • Persuade the employer that you have the experience, education and ability to do the job
  • Show the employer that you have the personality and leadership style that fits into the organization
  • Convince the employer that you want to join the organization
  • Gather sufficient information that will allow you to decide whether or not joining the organization is the best choice for you

How can you get ready for an interview?

Preparation is critical before an interview in ensuring your success and moving onto the next step.

  • Research the job and the organization. Knowing about the job will help you prepare a list of your qualifications so that you can show, point by point, why you are the best candidate. Knowing what the company is all about will help you prepare an interview strategy and appropriate questions and points to emphasize. Find out as much as possible about the interview methods of the company or organization, including the interviewer(s) name(s) and the proper pronunciation as well as what position(s) they hold within the company.
  • Prepare for the interview questions. Seek typical interview questions on the internet and practice answering them. Do the same for difficult interview questions. If you are particularly nervous, have someone you trust interview you and get feedback, or videotape yourselves and judge for yourself. Knowing what questions could be asked and preparing for them in advance will help calm your nerves before and during the interview.
  • Review your resume and cover letter. Have one last look at what the company has seen of you so far and anticipate what they may think about you before meeting you in person. This may help in anticipating what they may want to discuss with you.
  • Know how to get there. Figure out how to get to the interview place before the day of the interview. Know how long it will take you to drive and park, and be sure to budget time for heavy traffic if your interview is during rush hour or near construction. It is a good idea to take a practice drive to the interview spot beforehand so you will feel completely comfortable driving there the day of your interview. This will also help to prevent unnecessary stress.
  • That said, arrive early. Arriving 10-15 minutes before your interview time shows you respect your interviewer’s time and also means you won’t be out of breath when you arrive. Collect your thoughts while you wait, and take advantage of those moments before the interview to learn what you can about the company’s culture.

Should you bring anything to the interview?

  • Bring only what is necessary. Remember you want to reflect your career brand. Bring a couple of extra copies of your resume as well as a copy of your references. If you have a portfolio with examples of your work and testimonials, bring that as well.  Bring a pad of paper and a trusty pen in case you need to jot down details or notes, but don’t get distracted by this; keep your attention on the interviewer. You should be able to fit all of this into a briefcase or a professional portfolio.
  • Prepare your questions. Your notepad may also serve as a means to write your questions for the interviewer down before the interview. Having them in front of you will ensure that you gather all the information you need to be able to make an informed decision after the interview.

 

It’s time for the interview.

  • Make a great first impression. You will already be dressed in an appropriate interview outfit so all you have to do now is acknowledge the interviewer with a firm handshake, eye contact and a smile. Characteristics that contribute to a professional image are appropriate business attire, good posture, self confidence, enthusiasm, a positive outlook, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, maturity, sense of humour and warmth. Chewing gum at an interview is not acceptable.
  • It’s not just about the interviewer. Always be polite to the receptionist and any other employees you encounter; you would be surprised how often these people are asked for their impressions.
  • Go in relaxed. A positive upbeat style enhances the image you’re presenting – you want to shine from the inside out. While skills and talents are essential, exuding calmness and a positive attitude is equally important.
  • Be prepared for small talk. Don’t let small talk catch you off-guard. Read the paper or keep up on news before your interview so you can be ready to discuss something besides the weather that day.
  • Know your strengths. Emphasize your strengths, and stress achievements that relate specifically to the position for which you’re being considered.
  • Be clear. Be prepared to state your objective, including what you want, what you don't want, relevant experience, education and career goals. Tie your responses to the company's mission or to the function of the position you're interviewing for. Alignment and creating mutually beneficial alliances is attractive, so demonstrate this within the interview.
  • Focus on the needs of the company. Be an exceptional listener and focus on the needs of the company as well as how and what you'd contribute. This will help you to establish rapport. Also, you'll most likely learn valuable information about the company, the position or the interviewer that will enable you to better respond – this will help you to make better contact and a strong impression.
  • Describe your weakness as strengths. There are two effective ways to communicate your weaknesses. One way is to communicate your weakness in the context of what you've learned as a result of the weakness, demonstrating the ability to learn from your mistakes. Another effective way to discuss your weaknesses is to demonstrate that your weakness is actually a strength.
  • Ask questions. Ask intelligent questions that demonstrate your range, depth and curiosity. This demonstrates your prior research and sincere interest in the job and the company. Don’t hesitate to ask about the interviewer’s experience and professional background, as this builds rapport and is a good way of breaking the ice. Also ask about skills of individuals who have been hired for similar roles to anticipate how well you may fit the position. You may ask general questions about the company’s thoughts of expansion, or the long term goals of the company, or how they see the department evolving in the next few years. Do not ask specific questions about salary or benefits unless the employer broaches the subject first. When an interviewer asks you if you have anything else you would like to add or say, having a response is best. You can use this opportunity to thank the employer for the job interview, summarize your qualifications and repeat your interest in the position. If you want to add information or emphasize a point made earlier, you can do that too. This last impression is almost as important as the first impression and will add to the substance discussed during the interview.

 

What should you do after the interview?

  • Make notes immediately after the interview. Write down the names and titles (check spelling) of all your interviewers, your impressions, remaining questions and information learned. Also note any dates of importance for follow up or further interviews or meetings.
  • Follow up the job interview with a thank you letter or email. Employers regard this as an indication of your final interest in the position.
  • Learn from your experience. Ask yourself if you were dressed appropriately, whether you answered any questions particularly well or poorly and whether or not there was anything about the company you should have known but did not. Recall the quality of your questions as well as your answers.

 

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The Buzz about Career Branding

            Everyday you are affected by brand images. A brand represents a promise associated with a product and all of the tangible and intangible benefits a consumer seeks from purchasing that product or service. When you realise your vehicle needs gas, where do you go? Do you always go there? When you go grocery shopping, what makes you choose one brand of ketchup over another? If you choose the same one every time, why is that? The answer to that is simple: it is because you have brand preference. Companies make huge investments in building their brand so that when it comes time for you to choose, they come out on top.
During your career, you also build a brand promise, but now the consumer would be anyone who may be interested in hiring you. Building a positive career brand is hard work and doesn’t happen overnight. If you succeed, it can pay huge dividends in the long run.  

Where do I start with my personal career brand?

            Your personal brand will start with your reputation. Your reputation and brand will start with the first contact a company has with you. Often this means your resume and cover letter. The manner in which you communicate and correspond with the company should also be consistent with the brand you are creating. Remain professional and concise in your communication. Of course, the first impression you make is also crucial to your brand. Your personal brand should reflect the career you are pursuing. At your interviews, be dressed appropriately, depending on the organization. Ensure you are well-groomed. Don’t be afraid to express your individuality if the organization reflects that kind of image. Most importantly, just make sure that everything the company sees about you reflects the personal brand you are striving for down to the little details.

 

 

What else can I do for my personal brand?

            Building a personal brand also means being visible enough to have a reputation in your field. Attend workshops, trade shows and/or conventions. Find opportunities to speak and be seen and heard. By participating in events for professionals in your field, more people will know you, and you can grow your network and reputation.
Write articles and look into getting published. By being an expert in your field, your brand will benefit, and more people will know who you are and think of you when recruiting for important positions.
Create a professional portfolio. Have two, one print version and one online version. Having an online version will increase your visibility and better allow you to market yourself. Your portfolio can and should include any of the following: a personal mission statement, a list of accomplishments, examples of your best work, articles that you have published or articles that you are mentioned in, awards you have received and testimonials. Include anything that best displays your professional self and promotes your career brand.
Don’t forget to track your accomplishments. These can be included in your portfolio, but they will also help you be prepared at review time. (For more information about review time and how to get the most out of it see How to get a Raise.) Also, you may want to think strategically about obtaining any additional training or education necessary for the career path you want to follow. Just having certain education or training will put you in good standing for some opportunities.
Lastly, find out what happens when you Google your name. This can either work for you or against you. Make sure you take advantage of this. It would be ideal if your professional website comes up as well as events you have participated in, either as a speaker, volunteer or contributor of some sort. Make sure what is coming up is positive, and this includes pictures. If it isn’t all positive, be prepared to address this if necessary. 

            Remember the importance of word of mouth. The more visible you are, the more your reputation will grow as will your network. Expect more people to talk about you and your promise of quality: your brand.           
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Here is a list of career branding aspects you should be aware of:

  • You’ve got a great new suit, but your shoes are falling apart. If you are going to look the part, it’s got to be from head to toe.
  • Dress appropriately in general.
  • Bring a notepad or a professional briefcase or purse. You don’t want to distract the interviewer by your sporadic image when you walk in with your grungy backpack from high school.
  • Don’t bring your keychain to an interview if it has a tonne of things on it, makes a lot of noise or takes up a lot of space. Bulk down and only bring what you need: likely just your car keys.
  • Don’t keep a pile of change in your pocket as that is noisy and distracting to an interviewer.
  • If you have tattoos, be aware of what is showing.
  • For women, if you wear makeup, make sure it is clean and soft. Don’t wear loud makeup.
  • Also be cautious of nail polish as it may be distracting. For an interview it is best to keep your nails clean and tidy as opposed to bright and vibrant.
  • Do not use an inappropriate or unprofessional email address. Anything that sounds like “party_chic” or “metalhead69” is unacceptable. The best option you have is to use an email address with just your name.
  • Speaking of emails, maintain professional language while corresponding by email. Do not use numbers instead of words (like 4 instead of for or 2 instead of to or too). Be sure to capitalise where you should, use proper grammar and do not use email slang or acronyms like ‘lol’, ‘btw’ or ‘cya’.
  • Beware of social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace. Be very careful of what information you include on your personal page. The best idea would be to take advantage of these sites to promote yourself. Include positive, career-geared information including industry involvement, accomplishments and awards.
  • Make sure the voicemail any potential employers may reach is professional and concise. Do not include music or any attempt at being funny on your voicemail.
  • Be sure to use the washroom facilities before you interview. Don’t get stuck in an interview fidgeting anxiously because you’ve got to go.
  • That said, take a water if one is offered to you. You may get a dry throat in the interview and it is best to have a water on hand just in case. Accepting one does not mean you have to drink it.
  • Give a firm handshake. Nobody likes to shake a weak or clammy hand.
  • Don’t chew gum in your interview.
  • If you have a runny nose, blow it. Sniffling throughout an entire interview can be irritating to an interviewer, and you want to keep them focused on your best qualities, not how annoying you seemed.
  • Don’t have a smoke before your interview so you go in smelling like a cigarette.
  • Avoid offensive smells altogether, and that means strong perfume.
  • Maintain good posture in your interview. Slouching sends a negative, uninterested message.
  • Don’t let your nervous habits get the best of you. Don’t tap your fingers or feet, scratch yourself unnecessarily, shake your crossed foot, bite your nails or fidget.
  • Be aware of where you are looking. Don’t look around too much, avoid checking your watch, staring at your feet, or staring at the interviewer. Eye contact is important, but too much can make someone uncomfortable.
  • Also regarding watches, if it doesn’t match your classy new suit, don’t bother wearing it, just like the shoes. You want to go for a consistent image.
  • Avoid jargon, slang and cursing in your interview as well. The interview is your chance to impress your interviewer with strong vocabulary and knowledge of your field.
  • Do not answer your cell phone in an interview. Turn your phone to silent or better yet, turn it off altogether.

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When I grow up…

            The age-old question “what do you want to be when you grow up” used to come up countless times when you were young. You may even have given a different answer each time someone asked it. Now that you are “grown up”, the question rarely, if ever, comes around.
Many people will go through entire careers never achieving what they really want to do before they retire. Have you found yourself in a situation that may turn into that? If you live for your days off and dread the work week rolling around, it may be time to reconsider your career path. Maybe you think that you are too invested in your current career, and it would be impossible to leave and start fresh. The idea of change is scary to many people, especially when a lot of time has been invested into the current career path. This is a normal feeling to have, and it is important that you realise it is never too late to reassess what you want to be “when you grow up.”

Assess your current situation.

            Why did you choose your current career and what aspects of it were appealing to you when you chose it? It may be that you once loved this job, but you have experienced changes with the company that are negatively impacting your role. It is possible that the company is not the same company you started working for. Or maybe changes in the industry or technology have fundamentally changed your daily work. Once you have grown significantly within the company and been promoted as well, the job just may not suit you anymore.

When you have acknowledged a need for change, identify what about your career has met your expectations and what has failed to meet your expectations. Determining these aspects will help you make decisions in the future. Assess what values you want to keep from your old job and what skills and abilities you would like to carry over onto your future job. The difficult part is actually deciding what your future job should be.

So how do I know what I want to do?

Many experts suggest first starting with a simple exercise of identifying your interests and favourite activities. This can be anything; don’t limit yourself in this process, be it stamp collecting, walking, cooking, reading or spending time with friends. Next, find out why you like these things. Fundamentally speaking, what behind the activity do you like? Do you like the solitude of stamp collecting, the experimental nature or precision of cooking and providing a meal for others or the interaction with people when spending time with your friends? This will help you discover transferable activities that you enjoy. Make a list of everything you think of.
As an extension of this exercise, you may want to reminisce back to when you were young. What were the occupations you wanted to do when you grew up and what attracted you to them? Did you have any role models that inspired you in your answers to what you wanted to be when you grew up? Who were they and what did they do? At this point it may be valuable to consider talking to people that knew you well when you were young, like relatives or old friends. Getting their input may allow you to see yourself through a different set of eyes.
Also, consider things like what subjects you thoroughly enjoyed or classes you regularly attended entirely for the material. If you can locate old transcripts, look through them and remember each class and how you enjoyed or did not enjoy them. Locate patterns. Think about what section of the newspaper you read first or if there are any television shows that catch your eye. Allow yourself to dream big. What is your dream job? What lifestyles do you envy? If you could do absolutely anything in the world, what would it be? By identifying activities, subjects and other such aspects of life that thrill you, this happiness can spill over into your daily work life, letting you live for the day, not for the weekend.
The most important part of doing these self-assessments is to identify what will make you happiest. It will also be important along the way to figure out what stopped you from chasing your dream career. It may have been money issues, lack of education/training, or even self-doubt and fear. Being aware of what stopped you from achieving your dreams in the first place should prevent this from happening again.

Moving forward

You have now identified a need for change and hopefully what career path you want. Don’t forget to learn from past experiences. Review old jobs that you had. What did you like about them and what did you not like about them? What drew you to them and why did you leave those positions? If you choose to neglect your past, you may be doomed to repeat those things you did not enjoy. Learn from mistakes, and embrace the experiences and values from previous jobs, and carry those values with you if you can.
Learn about the career path you want to pursue. Be aware that liking a subject or topic may be different than enjoying the work activity associated with that subject. For example, a cowboy who cannot tolerate the smell of barns and horses and does not enjoy the lengthy process of caring for horses will likely not be successful. Know what a job entails before committing to it.
An informational interview could be beneficial to you at this point. Generally in an informational interview, you will meet with a professional in the field and use this time solely to gather information about the career. Time permitting, you may want to consider job shadowing this individual to see first-hand what a day on the job would be like. Participating in an informational interview and job shadowing will also help you build a relevant network of people already within the profession and may help you get your foot in the door if you do decide to make the switch in the end.
Before you decide to officially change careers, it is a good idea to do a simple cost/benefit analysis. Weigh what you must put in when changing careers against what you will get out once you have. In changing careers will you need further education, additional training or will you experience an initial cut in pay? If you need to further your education, does this mean taking time off work and spending the extra money on necessary education? Decide if the expense in time and money is worth the long term benefits like improved work/life balance, satisfaction in work, chances for more promotions and overall happiness.

The Bottom Line

Be aware that the timing will never be perfect for a career change; there will always be some aspect that is not optimal. This is why career changes are risky. Always be informed of any decision you make regarding your career. Never jump into a huge career change without first knowing what you are getting yourself into, and avoid burning any bridges in case you need support from old contacts.
In the long term, it is important that you are happy with your work, even if this means short term pain and toil. Life is just too short to hate what you are doing. After all, we spend the bulk of our lives at work. Lastly, as you go through this career change, remember to be grateful for what you do have, and focus on what makes you happy presently.

 

Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.
-Confucius

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