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For questions, comments about the blog, or to submit a question for the Ask an Employment Specialist column, email the Editor, at klewis@jvstoronto.org.
March 8th, 2020 was International Women's Day; a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work that needs to be done to achieve equality. Immigrant women face a range of challenges in the workforce, including the gender pay gap, and difficulties accessing executive roles in the workforce. This is made even clearer by the data -- a recent study by TRIEC shows that women only make up about 36 percent of executive roles in the Greater Toronto Area, and when those 36 percent are analyzed for immigration status and ethnicity, the number falls further -- only 2 percent of executive roles in are occupied by racialized immigrant women. To mark International Women’s Day, we asked a few of our female mentors to share their stories and challenges in finding a place in the Canadian workforce. Maral Melkonian arrived from Syria in 2016, with a background in banking. After a challenging job search, she secured a position as a Credit Analyst at TD Bank and joined the Canada InfoNet program as a mentor. Experiences dealing with immigration challenges and assistance she received from employment and mentoring programs inspired her to become a mentor. She shared the following about her experience: It is very hard for all of us to be uprooted from our land, home, friends and parents, packing all our life souvenirs in few suitcases, and decide to begin a new life in a very different country like Canada, different in culture, nature, weather and environment. Undertaking the challenge because we all believe we are going to have a better and safer life, a brilliant future for our children and us. The biggest and hardest challenge comes when we start to search for a job, related to the same profession and field (we had before immigrating). The main and most important point is to meet the correct person or organization to help and advise you, not necessarily by finding the job, but an encouraging word makes and means a lot, or lead you to dive deeper in searches in the proper sectors, companies and institutions. In addition to barriers faced by all immigrants, women have to overcome additional challenges, Maral shares: …the work schedule, the working hours and days, especially if they have families and young kids. It is so hard to manage if both parents are working and they have to accept any offer just to start and survive. For example, I have to work three different schedules a week with one day late shift, other examples some retail workers and bank branches require all weekends, noting here the kids’ drop off and pick up strict times by schools. These are some of the many challenges faced by women, which can lead to their career goals having to be set aside. The support Maral received from her mentor – whom she calls “a lifesaving angel” – was crucial for her to get her first job in Canada at a leading bank. She emphasizes how her mentorship experience was beneficial, not only for the technical knowledge her mentor shared, but also to keep her motivated and encouraged. For that reason, Maral later became a mentor with Canada InfoNet -- to pass on her experience and pay forward for all the support she received when she was new in Canada. Fabi Ramos, now employed as a Marketing Manager at Next Edge Capital, immigrated from Brazil in 2016. She chose to become a mentor because she saw it as “an opportunity to learn, develop leadership skills and gain a personal sense of satisfaction” from helping immigrants who are now facing the challenges that she previously faced. In regards to being a woman in the Canadian workplace, she shares: Like most women, I have also experienced challenges in the job market such as gender pay gap, career ladder opportunities, fear of becoming pregnant, appearance judgment, room temperature disparity and other gender bias. I usually say that women need to work harder to prove our worth in the work place, to win our space. Employers have an important role to play in achieving more equality in the workforce. A study by McKinsey & Company reveals the importance of the link between diversity and corporate financial out-performance; one of their findings showed is that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams were 21 percent more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies in the fourth quartile. We still have a long way to go, but we believe that bringing awareness to the issues and giving an opportunity for women to tell their stories is one step towards finding solutions that will benefit our whole community. JVS Toronto’s Canada InfoNet mentoring program is enriched by all the support offered by our women mentors to immigrating professionals. Beyond International Women's Day, diversity should not simply be something to strive for but it should be a given that women have their place in the workforce. Despite having sent out hundreds of resumes, you still haven't received a response. You know connections are important to land a job, however you are new to the country and find it difficult to reach out to employers. Job fairs offer a rare opportunity to make a good first impression on potential employers and let them know the skills you have to offer. As virtual job fairs become more popular, we are sharing tips to help job seekers make the best of this event. Virtual job fairs are solely online and are similar to regular job fairs except communication with employers is done in writing via an instant messaging platform rather than in person. Since the job fair is not in person, it isn't necessary to wear a suit or other formal office wear, however being too comfortable can also have its pitfalls. Participating in the job fair in a comfortable environment might lead you to communicate in an informal manner. Imagine the kind of answers you might give if you were talking to employers while wearing a bathrobe, lying in bed and eating chips. Also, remember mood and attitude can be apparent in your writing so it's very important to maintain a positive attitude. To ensure you are in the right frame of mind, take yourself out of the space you are in by showering, getting dressed in presentable clothes and sitting at a table. Here are some tips to make the most of the virtual job fair experience: Employers want to know that you are interested in working for them and the job they are hiring for. Virtual job fairs can bring in hundreds of job seekers so showing genuine interest is more likely to make you stand out from the crowd and convince the employer that you might be the right fit for the position. For this reason, it’s important to research and only approach employers you are really interested in. A job fair is just like an interview, so prepare accordingly. Prepare some short and direct answers to standard questions such as “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want to work here?” and “What skills do you have?” It’s also very important to create an elevator pitch to introduce yourself. As this is a virtual job fair, you will be communicating in writing so make sure you chose your words carefully because once they have been sent they can't be taken back. The sidewalks may still be covered in ice and snow, but winter is ending soon. With that in mind, employers are starting to recruit for summer positions. Summer jobs come in a range of sectors, including seasonal positions for amusement parks, retail, summer camps, resorts, campgrounds, as well as landscaping, tourism, and agriculture. Municipal, provincial and federal governments also post a selection of summer jobs in many departments, giving students a huge selection of opportunities to expand their skills sets, earn some money and build a resume. Search engines like Google are a good starting places to start any kind of job search. Start with keywords like summer, jobs, a job title (e.g. landscaping) and location (e.g. Toronto). See which sites are posting jobs of interest, and sign up for them to send you alerts for futures positions. Many companies and organizations post job opportunities on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can follow companies offering summer employment to get posts about vacancies. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date so employers can find you and be impressed. You can conduct searches on each platform using hashtags like #summerjobs. Use the popular sites such as Indeed.ca, as well as specialized job boards such as JobPostings.ca, Student Times and Talent Egg that focus on student summer jobs. Summer job postings for all levels of government can start as early as January, and they fill very quickly. Here are a few to check out: Check out sites such as Kijiji’s Summer Job search, as well as Craigslist. For jobs in camps, check out Ontario Camps. Remember that you can also create your own business and offer pet sitting, gardening, babysitting, elder care, house-sitting services, for a fee, to friends and family. (The provincial government offers support for summer companies, offered through JVS Toronto, through our Youth Services.) Look around you – nearby Malls might be hiring students, for example. Put on a decent interview outfit, take your resume and walk into stores. Ask about summer hiring. Google companies you would like to work for, and apply online. Besides an opportunity to build your resume and earn an income, summer work can have a lasting effect. Hard work and a good attitude can get you invited back for multiple summers, or turn into on-going work opportunities. A few years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Dan Ariely, author and Duke University Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Economics, at his book launch. In the book, he mentioned the challenges that people face finding love on online dating sites. It got me thinking about the parallels between the struggles finding work and finding love, and the fact that we have still not succeeded in creating particularly effective systems to connect job seekers and job openings (or people to one another). AI is smart, but not smart enough to figure out what makes people “click” with each other. While there are qualified job seekers and suitable jobs out there, somehow it is exceedingly difficult to connect the two; the question is what works? Based on my experience as an employment expert, I have concluded that there are real parallels between what works for finding work and love. To test this theory, I decided to research "how to find love", which yielded a lovely, common-sense Wikihow post that demonstrates my theory pretty well. It recommends 10 steps to help "find love", most of which can be neatly applied to job search. It divides the 10 steps into 3 main parts: Employment counsellors also typically advise job seekers to: Consider what you bring to a relationship: For job seekers, this is excellent advice: identify your assets, professional interests and weaknesses; understand them and be willing to discuss them openly (obviously, only as they relate to your ability to do the job). Identify your strengths, and practice being able to talk about them confidently. “Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, a hilarious crowd pleaser or a very kind friend, be confident about what you have to offer”. Know what you have and own it. Confidence comes from understanding what makes you a strong candidate, and being able to back that up with examples from your experience. All relationships benefit from clarity of purpose. Do you know what you are looking for in a job? Have you thought through and evaluated your priorities? Write down what you consider most important characteristics for your next job, such as salary, status, keeping busy, social connections, a chance to build your career, or learning new skills. Try to not being too specific or too superficial in your preferences; if you are too selective, you might narrow your options too much and miss out on opportunities which you might regret later. It may also be helpful to write down a list of definite “NOs.” What won’t you compromise on? “One of the best ways to do this is to start by making friends. It is always said that making friends is the surest way to finding love, and that’s because it’s true; it’s a great way to build a mutual relationship based on caring and trust.” The same can be said for job search – make sure to reach out to people. Avoid hiding behind your computer screen. You are mostly likely to find work (especially work that meets your unique needs and skills) through networking. Networking starts with meeting people. Don’t be quick to reject an opportunity based on superficial criteria – love at first sight is a rare and often unsustainable thing. Look beyond your notion of what your ideal employer might be like – avoid restricting yourself based on superficial criteria such as location, travel time, company size, brand, job title. Think about your long-term goals; consider whether this opportunity might move you in the right direction. Expect success to take time. Commit resources, effort and time to finding the right opportunity. Be patient. To find love, “accept invitations to parties, sporting events, and concerts. If you aren’t much of a joiner, ask a few people out for lunch or coffee. The point is to create a lot of situations that give you the chance to get to know people - and it’s hard to do that from home”. This applies to job search just as well: stretch yourself beyond you natural tendency for independence and self-sufficiency – reach out. Go to workshops and conferences, volunteer and do what it takes to meet new people. Let people know that you are looking for work. Send out resumes to those who might know someone. Mention it to friends and former colleagues. (Careful not to overdo it though – no one wants a desperate person.) Make sure you have an easy-to-find online presence. Sites such as LinkedIn provide good opportunities to showcase your skills. Be aware of how you appear to others, online (Google yourself!) a in terms of professional dress (no perfume – this is job search, after all.) When meeting with network contacts, practice active listening. Be attentive, make yet contact and ask curious questions. Thank people afterwards for the meeting and stay in touch. When you meet them next, or reach out again, try to follow up by recalling something he or she said and mentioning it at the beginning of the conversation. Show people you are paying attention. Be honest and genuine. Your ability to talk about your strengths and weaknesses with confidence is, as the article suggests “an act of courage, and that’s attractive”. I suppose we could describe LinkedIn, networking meetups, recruiting sites as “dating services” for job seekers and employers. Even volunteering in a place where you can meeting potential colleagues and employers might be a great place to find employment “love”. As the article states: “you might find it easier to get to know people in places that facilitate conversation.” Reach out to people who might be able to help or support you, and take up any opportunity to meet face to face and have a conversation by phone. Informational interviews can be very beneficial for both you and a potential employer. No need to make it complicated or formal. Take your contact out to coffee or meet them at their office and bring a cup (call/text before and ask: “I’m bringing coffee – what would you like?”). The format of the meeting doesn’t matter -- just focus on having a good conversation and learning something new. Making a good impression is most important. Remember that personal connections are stressful for both sides. The person you’re meeting might be concerned about your expectations from them, as well. Keep in mind that not everyone is in a position to refer you to a job, and keep expectations low key and relaxed. Talking about yourself in a genuine and self-critical way makes you more trustworthy and confident sounding. You do not have to be perfect to be interesting -- employers want an employee who is open to criticism and learning. Sometimes you are just not a good fit with a job. Sometimes a network contact just won’t want to meet. Know when to give up and move on to better opportunities. Do not let a negative experience put you off. Learn from any mistakes you might have made, dust yourself off and try again. Staying motivated through the process can be difficult. An article in the Journal of Management quotes researchers who suggest that the most important thing a job seeker can do to find work is to stay motivated and focused -- advice which could just as easily apply to those seeking love: “Just keeping motivated. You know, that's a tough one when day in and day out, doors are slamming in your face because, you know, you're not the only person applying for a particular job or you're not the only person reaching out to somebody. And, I think, trying to keep a smile on your face and staying motivated that it will happen when it's meant to happen. That's the ticket. I think that's the toughest thing when you've been out of work for a long period of time. What other rocks have you not turned over? And if you turned over every rock that you can and reached out to god knows how many people (…), and you're not getting anywhere and the train is not moving down the tracks, it is very tough to put one foot in front of the other and say, okay, tomorrow's going to be a better day. That sounds just so old-fashioned or cliched but it's true.” Whether looking for love or trying to find work, human nature requires that we do certain things in order to be successful: we need to be self-aware, clear about our goals, and to plan and implement steps to reach out and to meet others face to face. Most importantly, acknowledge that the process of meeting goals (whether it's love or work) will most probably take more time, energy and motivation than we would like. And then, just keep going. Bell Let’s Talk launched in 2010 with a focus on building awareness, acceptance and action in mental health. Since then Canadians have taken the conversation around mental health to remarkable heights, making it clear that mental health matters. Dr. Hadley Koltun, a Psychologist at JVS Toronto’s Career, Education and Psychology Services, addresses some questions regarding mental health; its symptoms, diagnosis and how those who are struggling can find help and support in the workplace. Q. What are the signs that may indicate you are struggling with mental health? Mental health challenges cover a wide variety of different moods and behaviours. Symptoms of mental health issues may include: Physical: Emotional: If you, a friend, colleague or family member are experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be an indication of a problem that requires professional care or support. Q. How is a mental health disorder diagnosed? A mental health disorder is diagnosed by a registered health professional such as a physician or psychologist. Social workers and psychotherapists are registered health professionals but are not authorized to make such a diagnosis. To diagnose a disorder, a psychologist will conduct an assessment. Typically, an assessment will involve an interview with the client and the completion of standardized checklists or surveys. It may take more than one visit to determine whether or not a client has a mental health disorder, which disorder it is, and what accommodations or interventions are required. Q. What are some of the symptoms people with mental heath issues experience that affect their ability to work? The symptoms listed above may be indicative of a mental health condition that could affect someone’s ability to work. Some of these symptoms can cause decreased performance or absenteeism. Q. Should I disclose my mental health issue to my employer? If so, what documentation do I need to provide? Disclosure of a mental health disorder is not necessary. However, if you are asking your employer for accommodations, you may require a letter from a health professional outlining what is required. Q. What are some typical accommodations that a person with mental health concerns can ask for from their employers? If work becomes overwhelming, employees can ask for a decrease in the volume of tasks to a manageable level, at least temporarily. Or space tasks out over a longer period of time to be worked out between the employee and their immediate supervisor. An employee may also require a quiet place to work as well as having regular breaks. However, any accommodation recommended must not bring an undue hardship, i.e. the accommodation must not place an unreasonable burden on the employer or other employees. What constitutes undue hardship will vary in each case depending on the nature of the workplace and the employee’s role within it. Q. Do I need a note from my doctor or psychologist in order to take time off work for reasons regarding mental health? According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, approximately 500,000 Canadians, in any given week, are unable to work due to mental health problems. If you have sick days available, it’s better to take them than to try and push through when you are not feeling well. If your mental health care requires more time off, the Canada Labor Congress recommends you talk to your Human Resources department and find out what sick time or short-term disability leave is available to you. You will likely need a doctor’s note if you have to take a longer time off work, but it will depend on your employer’s policies. Q. Can I claim any medications or therapy treatments on my employee benefits? That depends on your particular employer and the employee benefits plan they offer. To find out what is covered by your employee benefits, speak with your manager or Human Resources department. Q. If I am struggling with feelings of anxiety, stress or depression that are affecting my performance in the workplace, what do I do? Mental health matters. Speak with your doctor, a psychiatrist or a psychologist about your symptoms and treatment options. A physician may prescribe medication and both a physician and a psychologist can recommend counselling, psychotherapy, or accommodations at work. Don’t suffer in silence. If you have a question about mental health or the psychology services offered at JVS Toronto, contact us. It isn’t easy keeping up with our ever-changing workplace. Technology is changing the way we work in dramatic ways, leading to what some people are calling the fourth industrial revolution; just as each of the past three industrial revolutions (the steam engine, the age of science and mass production) required workers to adapt their skills to keep up, this technological revolution is forcing us to rethink what we do, and how we do it. Having new computer skills, or knowing how to code is only part of what new technology demands of workers -- it is also about your ability to do the things computer cannot do -- your uniquely human interpersonal "soft" skills. The World Economic Forum reviewed labour market trends and identified ten skills that employees will need in 2020 to thrive in the new technical economy. Review each skill and think about your work experience: can you think of examples from your work history that demonstrate how you have used these skills? 1. Complex Problem Solving The ability to take on a complicated problem and work on solving it has become a high valued asset. It is not just about the solution – it is the process of figuring it out. Think of a time when you took on a complicated problem and worked to resolve it: what happened? What did you do? It may be a problem presented by a customer or client, or perhaps a challenge facing your team. Think about specific examples, and find ways to share them on your resume and in your interviews. 2. Critical Thinking In this age of fake news and loud opinionated voices everywhere, critical thinkers who can tell fact from fiction, and challenge their own and other’s biases and illogical thinking bring a highly valuable strength to the workplace. A critical thinker can think differently about a situation, to gather information and develop new ways of understanding. Think of situations where you might have been able to challenge a client, colleague, or employee to look at a problem in a new way. 3. Creativity Creativity is about innovation, risk taking and the willingness to try something new. It takes courage and the ability to challenge the status quo. Think of times where you tried a new way of doing an old thing. Maybe you found a way of making something routine into something fun, or you were able to generate interest in a new idea or behaviour among your colleagues or clients. 4. People Management If you have had an opportunity to take charge of leading a group, or even simply overseeing an individual, then you may have an interesting skill for employers in this new economy. Leading people is not a skill that technology can handle (yet). Managing others demonstrates your responsibility, initiative and maturity. It means that your employer trusted you. People management skills include an ability to be a role model, to solve problems, to think on your feet, to make decisions, to be supportive and assertive when necessary. 5. Coordinating With Others Many companies are much less hierarchical than in the past. A lot more work happens in small teams; teamwork requires planning and coordination. Your ability to make a plan with others and think of a way to ensure that goals are set and met cooperatively is extremely valuable. Also, companies are striving for greater inclusiveness, which will benefit from your ability to work well with diverse colleagues and clients. 6. Emotional Intelligence In the workplace, Emotional intelligence (EQ) is often described as even more important than standard intelligence (IQ). EQ is a set of abilities that relate to self-management and self-awareness. People with high EQs get along better with others and cope well with change. High EQ employees tend to be: These skills are often easier for some people than others, but we all can work on enhancing our ability to engage in these behaviours. Think through your work experience, and consider how you could describe what you have done in these terms. 7. Judgment and Decision-Making No matter how much technology is introduced to our workplace, we still need to rely on humans to make ethical, thoughtful, and appropriate decisions. Employers will increasingly value decisive and responsible decision makers who are able to incorporate values, needs and morals into their decisions. 8. Service Orientation Customer service is as important as ever, even if we are providing it using new tech tools such as social media or email. Employers continue to value a personality style that enables an employee to be helpful, patient and considerate, as well as inclusive, resourceful and informative in their work with customers. 9. Negotiation The ability to negotiate with a range of people such as colleagues, managers, customers, buyers and service providers is still a uniquely human skill. Negotiation skills include participation in all stages of a negotiation: 10. Cognitive Flexibility The fast changing nature of the world of work requires employees who are open, willing, and able to learn new skills. Employers especially value the ability to initiate learning and take responsibility for your own professional development. The flexibility to change the way you do things and unlearn skills is also important; workers need to be willing to try new ways of doing their work, using new tools. Of course, don't forget your hard skills -- your technical knowledge is key. Whether you are a server in a restaurant, teacher, office worker or architect, technology is becoming a part of all of our jobs; employees are expected to learn and master a range of new tools, both hardware and software. "Hard" tech skills may include coding, social media, data entry, data analysis, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, scheduling and project management, and database management. Skills such as the ability to communicate well on email and via video, as well as learn to use new hardware are related assets, as well. Make an effort to identify the new skills demanded by employers (job postings are an excellent source), and make an effort to learn them. Don't wait for employers to train you. All of us in the workforce, whether employed or job seeking, can benefit from carefully assessing ourselves against this list of skills. As a job seeker, let employers know which skills you have by describing them on your resume and LinkedIn profile, and demonstrating how you used them. In interviews, prepare examples of where you used those skills. Consider setting yourself some goals to build new skills -- engage in projects on the job, take on a volunteer position for find online or in person courses. Soft skills are like muscles – you may have a natural strength, but it only becomes a valuable power if you build it and work on sustaining it. Few job search experiences are more frustrating than applying for a perfectly suited job only to discover that that your application has disappeared into the black hole of cyberspace, never to be heard from again. Many job seekers do not know that at least 70 percent of resumes are rejected before they are ever reviewed by humans. Instead, resumes are being received, parsed and evaluated by computer bots known as Automated Tracking Systems (ATS). ATS require applicants to register on a company recruitment site and submit resumes online. While it would seem that job seekers would benefit from the convenience of submitting a resume anytime and anywhere, many are at a disadvantage because their resumes haven’t been created in a way that computer software can read. Therefore, talented candidates might not be selected by employers for interviews, regardless of how well-qualified they may be. To succeed in the online application game, it's important to understand what an ATS system can read and how it selects candidates for further consideration. ATS refers to a range of software programs companies used to gather, read and process the contents of resumes. ATS bots are designed to evaluate resumes against a set of parameters or keywords and then rank each resume according to how well it matches the specific requirements of the job. Based on that ranking, employers decide which candidates will be invited in for an interview. A new year means new opportunities and chance for job seekers to rethink their job search process. As the old saying goes, if you keep doing what you’ve always done, you are going to get what you always got. So before you ring in 2020, take the time to review your job search strategies and set some new goals. Consider these resolutions to boost your job search: 1) Update your resume A resume that appears outdated or incompatible with today's technology may give an employer the impression that you might not be ready for a new job. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) require that resumes are formatted to be processed and selected by a computer before ever being read by a HR. This means that a poorly formatted resume will not be selected, regardless of how qualified the applicant is. Keywords are vital to getting your resume noticed. Update your profile summary and work history using keywords used by employers in their job postings. This will increase your chances of getting your resume past an Applicant Tracking System and into the hands of the hiring manager. Tip: To make sure that your resume matches the keywords being used, try an online tool such as WriteWords or Jobscan to compare your resume with job postings. Even a resume optimized for ATS should still be to be easy to read and pleasant to look at. When formatting your resume, pay attentions to things like punctuation/bullet points, fonts, and alignment. Print out resume and look through it. You can also ask for feedback from potential employers or network contacts. Tip: For additional help with your resume, sign up for our free Resume Clinic email course or check out our Workshop Calendar for in-person resume writing classes. 2) Improve your online presence Over 80 percent of employers use social media to screen candidates before hiring. Your social media presence can directly influence your employment prospects, and can impact on whether employers will find you, and whether they will consider you a good match to the job and the company when they do come across you in their search for candidates. As a job seeker, you want to make sure that you are easily found online and that employers will be suitably impressed with what they see. A well-written LinkedIn profile will allow you to showcase your skills and make a professional impression. Tip: Check your privacy settings. Make sure the content on your Facebook or other social media accounts is private and can only be viewed by your friends. Also, you may want to conduct a search of yourself online to see what employers might find. Don’t just look for web results, check the images as well. 3) Update your skills Keeping your skills up-to-date is vital to every job seeker. Whether you are a newcomer to Canada, recently lost your job, a mature worker, trying to overcome a gap in your resume, or changing careers, enhancing your skills is a worthwhile investment of your time. Listing courses completed in 2019 (or even better, 2020) on your resume will reassure employers that despite being unemployed, you are still ready to hit the ground running at your next job. You may want to brush up on your programming or computer knowledge, language skills, management or any number of other skills that could improve your employability. Don’t forget to add your newly acquired skills and experience to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Tip: Check out our top 5 resources for quality training courses in Toronto. 4) Expand your network You’ve heard it before; finding work is not only about what you know, but who you know. You already have a network of former colleagues, acquaintances and friends. Put them to work for you and leverage your network to get job referrals. The holiday season is a great time to reconnect with old contacts. If you can, meet with people in person; ask questions, get guidance, and make sure they know that you are looking for a new opportunity. Tip: Start with LinkedIn. See who you know and who you would like to get to know better. Ask questions using LinkedIn's Messaging tool and approach the more responsive contacts for an information interview. 5) Boost your job search strategy It is important to examine how you look for job opportunities, companies you have applied to, and the responses you are getting. Develop a job search plan complete with weekly goals to keep you on track. Goals can include: Tip: When you follow a company on LinkedIn, you will get notified when those companies post new job opportunities. If you see a job that you're interested in, it is easy to apply for it on LinkedIn's Jobs tab or the company's LinkedIn page. 2020 might be the year you land the job you have always wanted. Keep these five resolutions and watch it happen. For more personalized help with your job search, contact JVS Toronto or visit one of our nine locations across Toronto and York Region. Happy new year from all of us at JVS Toronto! The snow is falling, festive music is playing, and people everywhere are talking about their travel and party plans. It’s December and the holiday season has officially begun! For job seekers, the thought of taking some time off during the holidays is hard to resist. But before you shut down your computer and set aside your job search for December, our employment experts have a few insights you should consider. More Networking Opportunities Employers may be less busy and more relaxed now that they have wrapped up projects for the year which means their schedules are often clearer and they have more time to chat. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to employers and ask for an information interview to learn more about the company and any upcoming job opportunities The holiday season is also a chance to reconnect with your network. Reach out to existing contacts to wish them happy holidays. It can spark a fresh conversation and remind them that you are searching for work. If you haven’t done so already, ask for a reference. Tip: This is also a perfect time to thank those people who have been particularly supportive or helpful during your job search. No need to buy gifts –– a personalized greeting message will show your gratitude and help them keep you in mind for next year’s opportunities. Fewer Job Seekers Means Less Competition At this very moment, some employers are planning to start the new year off with new hires. And with many job seekers opting to take a holiday break, there will be less competition for those new positions. Applying early, just as new positions are posted, might give you a big advantage –– hiring managers will take notice of an enthusiastic job seeker applying when most are not. So get those cover letters ready! The Year-End Wrap-Up While some companies are planning next year’s job openings, others are will want to wrap-up their hiring before the year-end. Now is a good time to follow-up on past interviews where a decision has not yet been made. Don’t go into the new year thinking what if… Find out now and start January with a clean slate. Your Own Wish List Happy holidays from all of us at JVS Toronto! Failure isn’t just a bump on the road to success — it can be a prerequisite. A recent study followed professionals over the course of decades and found that those who experienced setbacks early on in their careers were not only successful later, but they were actually more successful than those who had an easier time: “early career setback appears to cause a performance improvement among those who persevere.” Of course, not every failure will automatically lead to success. The study found that simply trying again isn’t going to make you better at the task: “what matters is how people fail, how they respond to failure and where those failures lead.” Trying again only works if you learn from your previous mistakes. Successful people are able to critically review their failures, learn from them, and quickly change their actions accordingly. The ability to act swiftly was identified as a key predictor of future success. People who wait too long between attempts at a task were less likely to be successful at achieving their goal. The faster you fail and move on, the better your chances of success. We know that for every job posting, only one candidate will be hired and those who apply and are rejected may experience a sense of failure. Every job seeker knows that the search for employment can be challenging and finding a new job rarely happens quickly. Unfortunately, disappointment is inevitable but there are things you can do to build your resiliency. Expect to fail. Be ready to learn from it. There are many opportunities to get feedback on your resume, LinkedIn profile, or job search strategy. An organization such as JVS Toronto, which offers a range of job search support, can give you objective and knowledgeable feedback on all aspects of your job search. You may also consider asking someone in your network — especially professionals in your field — about what you could be doing better or ask an employer for feedback on your performance after an interview. The goal is to be able to reflect on and evaluate your job search. Be open to new ways of doing things and be ready to pivot quickly if you are unsuccessful. Don’t take it personally. Remember, failure isn’t just something to overcome. It is actually a necessary step on the road to success. So confidently face your failures, learn from them, and being willing to try a different approach. Practice makes perfect. Imagine you are happily working at your job when you receive an email from your HR department notifying you of an exciting new job opening at your company. The position matches your skills and experience, and most importantly, aligns with your long term career goals. You are interested in applying for the position but worried about risking your current employment. Will your manager be supportive? Will they think you’re unhappy in your current role? If you apply for the new role and don’t get it, will it negatively impact your working relationships? Employers will often send out internal job postings to announce open positions and encourage current employees to apply. By doing so, employers create a workplace where employees feel they have the opportunities for career growth – one of the five most significant factors that employees want from their employer – thus contributing to employee retention and engagement. After all, it’s more beneficial for a company to promote from within rather than spend the time and effort recruiting external candidates. If an internal job posting gives you the chance to grow your skills and experience, here’s how to apply without risking your current job. Not all companies require employees to notify their managers when applying for an internal position. In fact, most require the manager be notified only if the employee is selected for an interview. Whether or not you are required to tell you manager, it is best if they find out from you in order to maintain a positive working relationship. If you have a supportive relationship with your manager, speak with them about the possibility of an internal move before the opportunity arises. Your current boss is be a valuable source of advice on the matter. If you have a tense or unsupportive relationship with your manager, make sure to follow your company’s protocol and inform them when you are required to do so. If a position has become available before you have had a chance to broach the subject with your manager, ask to meet with them privately and share your interest in the position. Make sure they understand that your desire to apply is not about leaving your current role, but rather the opportunity to work at something new that is more inline with your carer goals and your future within the organization. Consider who in the company might be a good source of advice and information. For example, colleagues who have successfully gone through the internal application process may be able to coach you through the experience. You will also need to gather references from colleagues and managers. If possible, discretely reach out to the person who is acting the position you want and ask for tips or even a referral. And, of course, your manager can be an excellent source of support as well as a possible reference. Treat this as you would any job application. The job posting should explain the application process. Make sure to follow it exactly as described. Update your resume with your current position as outlined in the original job description and highlight what you have accomplished while in the role. Don’t assume that the hiring manager knows exactly what you do and how well you do it. Pay attention to any transferable skills that may be useful in the new role. When writing your cover letter, show appreciation for your current employment in addition to your interest in the new position. You want to show enthusiasm for the new job but also your desire to stay in your current role if you are not selected. Lastly, review your LinkedIn profile and make sure it is up-to-date and professional. If you’re not connected already, invite some of your colleagues and managers into your network. Like the application process, prepare for the job interview as you would any other. If you get the job, ensure that your work is ready to be transferred to a new person but don’t let it interfere with your productivity. As you prepare to leave your current role, continue to do your job as you always have. Prepare yourself for the possibility that you might not get the job. If that happens, avoid recriminations or hard feelings. Often someone else might get the position for reasons that are beyond your control. Ask for feedback from the interviewers about how you performed during the entire application process. This will demonstrate that you are open to critique and will give you an opportunity to learn something new about yourself. Maybe you’ve handed in your resignation letter or maybe your contract is almost over. However, it happened, your job is officially coming to an end. This is the time when your employer may invite you to an exit interview. An exit interview is a closing meeting between an employer and the employee leaving the organization (either voluntarily or through termination). It is an opportunity for employers to gain feedback from exiting employees in order to evaluate the company’s practices, retain employees and reduce turnover, and improve the organization. While it might be unnerving to meet with your soon-to-be previous employer and you may be tempted to decline, don’t turn down the invitation. Since you are leaving the position, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain! It helps to be prepared to fully maximize the opportunity and end the employment relationship in a positive note. If the interview was initiated by the employer, then they set the agenda. Be ready to answer questions such as: Do your best to answer the questions as honestly, constructively and as tactfully as you can. Employers who conduct exit interviews genuinely want to learn from your experience, so don’t be shy about offering helpful feedback. Your opinions might benefit the colleagues you are leaving behind. At the end of the interview, make sure to thank your employer for the opportunity to give your feedback and for any you received in return. Offer your gratitude for the employment experience. Many employees dislike exit interviews, describing the experience as awkward or uncomfortable and without any benefit for the employee who is leaving. However, you may be surprised how useful exit interviews can be. 1. Reference Letters and Networking Contacts: Assuming that the job ended on relatively collegial terms, exit interviews are a chance to secure a strong reference. It’s a simple as asking who would be available to provide a reference for you. Keep in touch with your colleagues and supervisors, especially those who you want to keep as networking contacts. Make sure you connect on Linkedin. Job hunting is an unpredictable process and you never know when you may learn about a new employment opportunity from former supervisor or co-worker. 2. Evaluating your Skills: Before the interview ends, make sure to ask for time to address a few questions of your own – things you really want know about. Consider asking for: If the job ended on negative terms and you’re still dealing with anger and resentment, it may not be a good idea to participate in an exit interview. Expressing your anger with an employer will only end your chances of a reference and may ruin your professional reputation. If you have a legal or human rights cause with your employer, discuss it with your union, lawyer or the Ministry of Labour; don’t handle it on your own at the exit interview. While first impressions are powerful, so are final, lasting impressions. Ending a job on a positive and constructive note will benefit both you and the company well into the future. Employers have been known to ask some difficult questions during a job interview, such as “What is your biggest weakness?” or “What salary do you think you deserve?” But have you ever been asked to talk about a time when you faced conflict on the job? What did you say? It can be tempting to pretend you never had a conflict or tell part of the story and leave out all the negative stuff. Job seekers worry their answers may reflect poorly on them and decrease their chances of getting the job they are interviewing for. While it isn’t easy to talk about criticism or conflict in a job interview, you need to have an answer that is truthful and professional. And the best way to do that is to handle criticism properly when it happens. Dealing with criticism is a challenge for all of us. We all want to have the respect of our colleagues and to think that we are doing our job well. So being told that you are doing something badly can be painful to hear. It is easy for us to see criticism as an attack in which we might “fight back” - response defensively, confronting the critic or throwing accusations back at them - or we may “flee” where we sulk or perhaps complain to others. Either way the issue is not resolved and neither response is good for our working relationships. 1. Take a moment to process. 2. Be aware of your tone. 3. Clarify and acknowledge. Then acknowledge the other person's point of view. If you think that their feedback is rational and reasonable, then acknowledge that. This deescalates the situation for both you and the critic allowing them to expand on their thoughts and/or offer solutions once they understand that you are listening. Even if you do not agree with the criticism, you can still acknowledge what the other person is saying. Example: Supervisor: Your desk is such a mess. Why are you so disorganized? Employee (calmly): You’re saying that I am disorganized because my desk is mess. Looking at my desk right now, I can see why you’d think that. 4. Offer a solution. Example: I will have it done by the end of Friday. I would also like to meet with you at some point to discuss how I can better stay on top of this paperwork. 5. Explain (if necessary). Example: I can see why you would think that my desk is a mess. I need to do something to make sure that it doesn't appear that way. However, I am actually in the middle of preparing document packages and have spread the papers out so I can sort through them. 6. Set boundaries. Example: Also, I’d like to discuss how you gave this feedback. In future, I would prefer it if you would speak to me privately if you have a concern. Like any difficult interview question, preparing your answer ahead of time is key. Prepare for this question by thinking back to a time when you received feedback at work. Ideally, you want to tell the interviewer about a time where you handled the conflict gracefully and rectified the mistake immediately and with efficiency. Give enough detail so it sounds authentic but don’t dwell on the mistake. If you haven't deal with a conflict well, you can simply acknowledge that. It may impress an employer to hear that you realize that dealing with criticism is something you need to work on (That’s true for most of us, if we were honest with ourselves). Follow it up with how you would now handle it differently. Tip: Stay away from recriminations against the person who offered the criticism. You want to show the interviewer that you are able to consider the validity of the criticism and arrive at a solution. Example: Interviewer: Tell about a time you faced criticism on the job. How did you handle it? Candidate: I try to always work on handling criticism better. I think I've improved a lot over the years. In my last job, my supervisor walked my cubicle and was very critical of how messy it was in a very public way. She expressed concern that I was disorganized. I was able to respond calmly to her initial comment, promising to tidy up, and we made a time to meet and discuss concerns I had about paperwork in the office. We were able to devise a system that enabled me to stay on top of the paperwork. Interviewer: Is your desk less messy now? Candidate: It's not perfect but I have definitely improved now that I have some systems in place. I was pleased to deal with the issue openly with my supervisor. Remember, the reason employers ask this question in the first place is that they want to know whether you have the capacity to evaluate yourself and accept critique from others. You are allowed to be imperfect. Showing that you are honest and dedicated to self-improvement makes you a more interesting and valuable employee. Making a career decision is never easy. It’s a complicated process and there is no shortage of (often contradictory) advice. As job seekers, we are often told to “follow your passion” or “do what you love and the money will follow.” We hear these types of sentiments from celebrities, motivational speakers or in graduation speeches. It may sound simple and even inspirational, but following your passion is much more complicated than it sounds. In his podcast series WorkLife, Organizational Psychologist Adam Grant explains the challenges faced when trying to follow your passion. In the episode "The Perils of Following Your Career Passion", Grant suggests that following your passion might be some of the worst advice that you will ever get. “The reality is that many people don’t know what they love to do—and even if you do, most passions don’t translate neatly into careers… For many people around the world, passion at work is a luxury, while income is a necessity.” He adds “Most of the time, our early passions are not the best guide to our later careers.” For our employment specialists who work with both students looking for their career paths and adults who may want to change careers, these challenges sound very familiar. 1. You may not know what you are passionate about. Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, compares career decisions to choosing a life partner and suggests that decision makers need to “date” to try out different career options. “Career passion is rarely love at first sight…. When you’re considering career paths, you shouldn’t cling to your old ideas of what your passion is. Don’t pursue the job that your past self thought would make you happiest. Follow your curiosity into the job where you think you’ll learn the most, where you can gain mastery over useful skills, and build your passion over time.” In simple terms, keep an open mind. 2. You may have more than one passion. Research shows that the search for a calling can be uncomfortable and confusing. People often get too focused on only one passion which can result in narrow tunnel vision where the decision maker fails to consider multiple interests or passions. Urging people to find their passion may lead them to put all their eggs in one career basket. There also is evidence that being too focused on following a single passion means people are unprepared for challenges, more easily frustrated, and likely to give up when facing difficulties on the job; often assuming that since challenges exist, this must not be the right career path for them. 3. Passions evolve over time. Passion isn’t something that is just waiting to be discovered — it’s something that takes time to figure out and develop. Grant says, “Passion is a consequence of effort,” pointing to studies following the career paths of entrepreneurs over time. Their passions became stronger the more time and effort they invested into their start-ups. “Their passion grew as they made progress,” noted Grant. “So, the problem is, the advice to ‘follow your passion’ reflects a fixed mindset: it assumes that your interests are stable. So if you don’t immediately enjoy a field or a task, the writing is on the wall; this must not be your passion, but that’s a mistake. You don’t want to quit the moment you don’t like a job, because passion can grow over time.” 4. Career paths, like passions, require exploration. In previous generations, workers seemed able to map out their careers early on and pursue a linear employment path. That isn’t true for the new economy. In fact, according to Workopolis, only 30 per cent of people stay in any one job for over four years. Job hopping is the new normal. In today’s job market, careers are much more fluid and workers are have to be flexible when responding to a fast-changing economy. So instead of the old straight forward “plan-and-implement” strategy, it may be more effective to consider a “test-and-learn” approach. Think of yourself as a scientist running experiments on your career; you have a hypothesis that a job might be a good opportunity and you try it out to see if it’s a good fit. 5. You won’t always love everything about your work. Expecting to love every aspect of your work can set you up for disappointment. You may be left wondering whether there’s something better out there which will leave you with dissatisfaction and, ultimately, regret. Chasing happiness can chase it away. Grant points out that when you start a job at the bottom of the career ladder, you will be disappointed if you think it is going to be all fun -- “most entry-level jobs aren’t designed to be fun.” If you start your career with realistic expectations, you are more likely to push through the more challenging aspects of your job and eventually move into more satisfying roles. 6. Sometimes it just isn’t realistic to expect to fulfill your passions at work. Not everyone is going to find personal fulfillment at work. Many people have other callings—passions they pursue outside their careers. Some are perfectly content to follow their passions through volunteer work, side businesses or as hobbies in their leisure time. “So when you’re thinking about your career,” advises Grant, “the best place to start is not to follow your passion.” Follow your curiosity into a job where you think you’ll learn the most, gain useful skills, and then build your passion over time. Quoting some useful advice from Oprah Winfrey “Your job is not always going to fulfill you… and the number one lesson I could offer you where your work is concerned is this; Become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed.” 7. Consider some expert advice. Career exploration services, such at those offered at JVS Toronto, can help you build a clear picture of what will make you feel happy and fulfilled in your career by identifying jobs that align with your interests, skills, personality and values. Whether you’re still in school or already working, it’s never too late to put yourself on the path to a career you love. To know if you could benefit from Career Exploration, contact us at 416-649-1600 or pave@jvstoronto.org. Whether you are looking for a new job, networking with colleagues, or giving a presentation, there will be many times throughout your professional life where you’ll be asked to “briefly introduce yourself.” However, finding those few words to describe yourself isn’t an easy task. The challenge is to describe your professional skills, accomplishments, and personality in simple, yet compelling terms that will catch the attention of those who might be in a position to help you with your career goals. Your bio shouldn’t be just be a list of job experiences; that’s what your resume is for. Instead, it should show the person behind the accomplishments.Are we Doing Enough to Support Immigrant Women in the Workplace?
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Read MoreIt's Time to Apply for Summer Jobs
Where to find summer jobs
Start with the obvious.
Connect with companies on social media.
Job Boards.
The government is hiring.
Classifieds’ listings.
Think of which employers are busiest in summer.
How Finding Work is Like Finding Love
PART ONE: KNOW YOURSELF
1. “Understand what you have to offer.”
2. “Build confidence”
3. “Know what you are looking for."
PART TWO: REACH OUT
4. “Meet people.”
5. “Present yourself as someone who is available.”
6. “Try dating services.”
PART 3: MAKE MOVES
7. “Ask people on dates”
8. “Don’t be too pushy”
9. “Be vulnerable.”
10. “Know when to drop it and move on.”
Bottom line:
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Bottom line:
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Tips for Job Searching over the Holiday Season:
Use this time of year to consider your options and do what serves you best. If you need a break, take it -- without guilt or doubt. After all, everyone needs a chance to relax sometimes and you can come back to your job search in January rested and reinvigorated. If you do decide to extend your job search into December, do it knowing it's a worthwhile endeavour.Is Failure the Secret to a Successful Job Search?
What factors make some successful while others struggle?
What can job seekers learn from this?
Don’t expect to find your next job immediately. Recognizing that it is a process that can take time might allow you to bounce back more quickly when setbacks happen. Be prepared to reevaluate and adjust your job search as needed.
If you are sending out multiple resumes and not getting responses or are struggling to get past the first interview, ask yourself the following questions:
An unanswered email or a rejected job application does not reflect your worth as a person or a professional. Think of these setbacks to be stepping stones to better things. Be willing to talk about your struggles openly… even in job interviews. Remember employers want to know more than just your career history. They want to know who you are as a person. Don't avoid talking about the struggles you might have had. If you can frame it in terms of what you learned from failure and how you adapted, you might be able to make a positive impression.How to Apply for an Internal Position in your Company
Approach your manager.
Seek information and advice.
Apply for the position.
Prepare for the interview.
And be prepared for any outcome.
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Tackling Difficult Job Interview Questions: “How do you handle criticism on the job?”
The Emotional Side of Receiving Criticism
Tips for Handling Criticism
Don't respond immediately. Set aside your initial reaction and take the time to think about the criticism objectively before responding. You may need to find a quiet space to contemplate or discuss it with a trusted colleague or friend.
For criticism to be productive, both sides must express themselves calmly and respectfully. One of the most effective things you can do in dealing with criticism is to keep control over your tone of voice.
The first step when responding to criticism is to clarify what was said. Make sure you understand what you’ve been told.
People are much more likely to accept an apology if it comes without excuses. If the criticism is reasonable, simply acknowledge your part in the mistake and offer to change it. If you require assistance in order to fix the mistake, then ask for it.
Once the issue has been acknowledged, and if you think it is necessary, calmly explain your side of the story.
You might feel the need to address the way the criticism was given, e.g. if the criticism was done in a public space or in a way that you believe was unfair. Also, if you genuinely think the feedback was unwarranted, you could express that. Use this moment as an opportunity to treat others the way you would like to be treated -- without anger, and in a clear and direct way.Answering “How do you handle criticism on the job?” in a Job Interview
Is “follow your passion” the best career advice?
Here are some of the challenges that make finding your passion so difficult:
How to Write Your Professional Bio
