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How to make the most of a virtual job fair

Technology offers new and inventive ways for employers to find qualified candidates. The latest innovation is a virtual (or online) job fair where job seekers have the opportunity to apply for job postings and speak directly with multiple employers from anywhere in the world.

What is a virtual job fair?

Virtual job fairs allow job seekers and employers to meet online and discuss employment opportunities. Just like in-person job fairs, these events are scheduled at a particular date and time. They utilize a range of technologies, including written chat or messaging, and may include video or teleconferencing tools.

Preparing for a virtual job fair.

Online job fairs require job seekers to register for the event in advance. Registration may require submission of a resume and a series of qualifying and information questions that will help employers decide on the suitability of the candidate. Once registered, job seekers will receive a username and password to log into the event. They may even have an opportunity to review the positions advertised by each company before the event, and decide which positions they would like to apply for.

Preparation for a virtual job fair isn’t that different from an in-person one. Prior to “meeting” with employers, job seekers can research companies and learn about their values and the work that they do.

Just as with in-person interviews, job seekers need to be ready to talk about themselves with the employer, to demonstrate their strengths and accomplishments. Here are some sample interview questions and answers to help you prepare. 

Before the event begins:

1. Complete the registration as required
2. Find a quiet space where you can focus on the interviews
3. Make sure your computer, microphone (if needed) and other equipment are working
4. Research the companies you want to speak with, and review job descriptions for each position you want to apply for
5. Prepare a short introduction (an “elevator pitch”) targeted at each company that you can use when you first connect to a representative
6. Prepare 2-3 questions to ask each interviewer
7. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and accurately describes your skills and experience 
8. Check your social media accounts and make sure your online presence is up-to-date and professional
9. Prepare a folder of information (paper or electronic) that you can refer to during the interviews; include your resume, answers to interview questions, questions you want to ask, and company research

What happens at the virtual job fair?

At the designated start time, log in with your username and password. The website will direct you to chat rooms or booths where you can talk to the employers of your choice. Depending on the sophistication of the platform's software, some job fairs look like a live in-person fair complete with booths. Other simpler virtual fairs might just include a list of companies which you can click on to review and start a chat.

Tips to maximize the opportunity.

1. Type slowly and have spellcheck on; review what you write before pressing send/enter
2. Use formal language – don’t be too casual; stay away from typical text abbreviations (e.g. don’t use “u” instead of “you”)
3. Keep your answers short; long blocks of text can be overwhelming to the reader. Use paragraphs to break up blocks of text
4. Choose your words with care; have your resume ready as well as scripts that you can copy and paste from (e.g. your elevator pitch)
5. Answer one question at a time and only include the relevant information asked for
6. Avoid redundancy; do not repeat information
7. Be polite and avoid trying to be funny; humour, such as sarcasm, is hard to communicate online

At the end of the interview...

Thank the interviewers, express your enthusiasm about the job, and ask about next steps in the process. Ask for contact information from your interviewer so you can send a thank you note and follow up if you don’t hear back.

After the job fair…

1. Send a brief thank you email (same day)
2. Write down some of the questions you were asked in order to review later and learn from
3. If you don’t hear back from an employer, call or email them to check on your application status after the deadline set by the employer 

Remember, everyone is learning how to use these new technologies and everyone is bound to make mistakes. If you make a mistake, apologize, correct yourself, and keep going. Don’t let the technology intimidate you. By using it, you are showing the employer that you are adaptable and able to learn new skills.

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Now that you're ready, put your new skills to use at JVS Toronto's Virtual Employment Connections Fair happening tomorrow! Register online at jvstoronto.vfairs.com

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At this time of year, when the sidewalks are covered in ice and snow, it’s hard now that summer is just around the corner and will arrive sooner than you think! Recruitment job postings has begun.

Summer are offered across various sectors, including seasonal positions for amusement parks, summer camps, resorts, campgrounds, as well as landscaping, tourism, and agriculture. Municipal, provincial and federal governments also post jobs summer jobs in a range of departments. Retailers also offer summer hiring programs.

Where to find summer jobs

Start with the obvious
Search engines like Google are the best 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). Set up to receive email alerts based on your searches that produce the best results.  You’ll receive a notification every time a positions matches your search criteria.

Connect with companies on social media
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 also search for candidates like you.  You can conduct searches on each platform using hashtags like #summerjobs.  This article talks about  what employers look for in candidates on social media.

Job Boards
Look through specialized job boards, particularly if you’re a student, such as JobPostings.ca, Student Times and Talent Egg, which focus on summer jobs.

The government is hiring
Summer job postings for all three levels of government can start as early as January and promote vacancies on their website.  Here’s a few to check out.

Government of Canada
Ontario Government and Ontario Public Service Careers
City of Toronto
The Municipality of York Region
Peel Region
Durham Region

Also visit the websites for each city within a region for their summer jobs.  Through the Government of Canada Summer Jobs program, a range of employers, including small businesses, not-for-profit employers, and faith-based organizations, can apply for funding for summer positions.  Funding priorities are listed here and will give you an idea of organizations to research.  

There are also specialized government-funded programs that support youth such as:

• Youth Job Connection Summer for high school students who are dealing with challenges such as poverty, homelessness, a disability or mental health issue, as well as part-time after school job opportunities
• Youth Job Link for those between 15 and 29 years old, including a range of other job search supports
• Self-employment/entrepreneurial opportunities through the Summer Company Program, which provides students with hands on business training, mentoring and financial awards to start and run their own summer businesses
• Stewardship Youth Ranger Program, for students age 16 or 17, to work on local natural resource management projects for 8 weeks
• Summer Employment Opportunities program for students over 15
• Indigenous youth (15-24, or up to 29 for those with disabilities) can participate in the Indigenous Youth Work Exchange Program, an 8-week summer job for up to 3 consecutive summers, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program offers Indigenous youth (16-18 years old) placement opportunities for up to two summers in Northern Ontario to work on forestry and mining projects, receive workplace training and take personal development workshops
• The Articling and Summer Law Student Programs offer first and second year law students opportunities with the Ontario government.

Check out classifieds listings such as Kijiji, who offer a Summer Job search. Traditional job boards such as Workopolis have summer student searches. Similarly, the vertical job boards such as Indeed.ca have specific summer searches.

Think of which employers are busiest in summer. For jobs in camps, check out Ontario Camps. local camps. 

Remember that you can also create your own business and offer pet sitting, gardening, babysitting, elder care, housesitting services, for a fee, to friends and family. The provincial government offers support for summer companies, offered through JVS Toronto, through our Youth Services.

Keep in mind that temporary agencies might be ramping up their hiring to fill positions of employees away for summer. You will find a list of job boards compiled by our employment experts.

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 part-time work.  

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We sometimes forget that even the highest-ranking executives have gone through job interviews. Recently, CNBC posted an interesting article with the provocative title, 15 years ago, Google’s CEO had a brilliant response to a tricky interview question – and it helped him get hired, which offered insights into the questions that leading companies such as Google sometimes ask and what they hope to hear from candidates.

At an interview for a Vice President position at Google, Sundar Pichai was asked an unexpected question which he could not answer; his response provides a useful strategy for job seekers: early on in the interview process, Pichai was asked about his thoughts on a Google product that was launched earlier that day. A little confused, he answered honestly that he hadn’t yet seen it yet. Undeterred, he proceeded through multiple interviews where he was repeatedly asked that question, and continued to explain that he had not seen it yet. Eventually, at the fourth interview, the interviewer took the opportunity to demonstrate the product, which allowed Pichai -- at the fifth interview -- to finally share his viewpoint of the product.

Not only was Pichai hired for that position, but he went on to become Google’s CEO.

So, what did he do that was so effective?

The article goes on to highlight the impact of Pichai’s decision to be honest and direct when faced with a question about a product about which he had no knowledge. This approach kept him as a contender throughout the lengthy interview process.

Pichai’s honesty and directness in answering this seemingly impossible question was the key to his success. He remained focused and continued calmly during the interview. The article describes this as “intellectual humility” -- the value of honesty and curiosity in an interview, rather than pretending to be knowledgeable and perfectly skilled. Job seekers sometimes underestimate employers’ interest in character and soft skills, such as the ability to handle an unexpected question with grace.

Employers know that employees can learn a new skill or gain new knowledge, such as the recently launched Google product in Pichai’s case, whereas honesty, willingness to learn and humility cannot be learned. 

Laszlo Bock, former Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google is quoted in the article saying that,

“Successful, bright people rarely experience failure, and so they don’t learn how to learn from that failure. They instead commit the fundamental attribution error, which is if something good happens, it’s because I’m a genius. If something bad happens, it’s because someone’s an idiot or I didn’t get the resources or the market moved.” 

Job seekers need to remember that during an interview, there’s no need to rush into answering every question quickly. When presented with a difficult question, take a moment to consider your reply. Ask a clarifying question that may show a willingness to learn or thoughtful analysis. Keep in mind that getting to the interview stage means the employer has read your resume and decided that you have a lot to offer. In addition to demonstrating your skills and knowledge, an interview also provides the opportunity to show personal integrity, honesty and confidence. Respectful, curious and genuine employees make much better colleagues and contribute to a positive company culture.

To impress interviewers, not only should you prepare your knowledge of the job, the company, and of yourself, make sure to rehearse honest and clear responses to questions. This will allow employers to get know you as a thoughtful, critically self-aware candidate, who is open to new learning -- which are highly valued characteristics.

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Large companies continue to modernize their recruiting processes to screen candidates faster.  Traditionally, face-to-face and panel interviews were the standard.  In recent years, telephone, online video, and group interviews have become more commonplace.  Now employers are using speed interviews to sort through many qualified candidates quickly. 

What is a speed interview?

Speed interviewing gives employers the ability to meet with multiple candidates briefly in an organized and controlled way.  Ten to 15 candidates attend a speed interview.  One person interviews each candidate individually anywhere from five to 15 minutes.  This pre-screens candidates for selection for in-depth full interviews.

The article, Need to hire quickly? Try speed interviewing, describes how one startup company used speed interviewing to hire an account manager.  This company publicized this hiring event on social media then reached out to qualified candidates to attend a speed interview event.  During a five-minute interview, the interviewer asked four or five typical interview questions. Each candidate then moved on to three other rounds with different individuals.

After the interviews were all completed, candidates had a tour of the office. The interviewers met shortly afterwards to discuss their impressions and identify those candidates they regarded as “most promising”. The selected candidates had an in-depth second interview. This enabled the company to make a quick decision, resulting in hiring a new account manager within 48 hours of the speed-interviewing event.

This example gives you an idea of how speed interviews work. Depending on the employer and the sector, the format and character of speed interviews will vary. Small companies and startups seem to favour this technique.  You may also run across speed interviewing when recruiters or retail companies, for example, need to pre-screening candidates for multiple positions.  Speed interviews give employers a chance to compare candidates and watch how they perform under pressure.

Preparing for a speed interview

If you have ever had a pre-screening interview, or answered employer questions at a job fair, then you’ve had a taste of what a speed interview has in store.

Preparing for a speed interview is similar to preparing for any other interview. The difference is being able to respond quickly and succinctly. The more prepared you are, the better you will perform. 

Preparation and practice makes perfect

Prepare, then practice with a friend, or in front of a mirror.

• Review the job posting and make sure you know it well, especially the requirements for and the description of the job.
• Research the company. Review their website, understand their priorities and mission.
• Know your resume well. Describe your work history fluently and clearly. Be ready to answer how this job fits with your career goals.
• Think through why you are a good match for the job. Be prepared to market yourself as the best candidate.
• Think of examples in your work history when you accomplished or performed activities that are specifically relevant to this job.
• Practice your answers, especially common questions like, Tell me about yourself. Why should we hire you? What weaknesses and strengths do you bring to the job? What are your career goals?
• Prepare questions to ask each interviewer.
• Have your references ready.
• PRACTICE again!

During the speed interview

• Dress professionally but comfortably. You may be moving through various interview stations.
• Bring a folder with everything you need: five copies of your resume, the job posting, your company research, your questions and answers, your reference list, paper and a pen.
• Arrive early. You’ll be more relaxed if you’re not rushing.
• Put your phone on silent and place it out of sight.
• Bring a bottle of water and carry tissues.
• Be ready to shake hands enthusiastically, make eye contact, smile, and speak clearly no matter how nervous you feel. Be prepared for a noisy interview room.
• Collect business cards from each interviewer, or write down their name and email address for post-interview thank you notes.

After the interview

• Write a brief thank you email to each interviewer separately after the interview.  
• Contact your references with the position you’ve applied for.
• Be patient. Decisions take time. If you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks, follow up with a brief email to your main contact, asking when you can expect a decision.

Remember, this is just another type of interview. The only difference is that you need to make a great first impression quickly with each interviewer. Good preparation and organization will give you confidence and that will lead to a great first impression!

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Recently, a former client of mine anxiously called me. Her present employer of two years had begun restructuring. Some staff and a manager had already been laid-off. The company rumour mill said that her job was next. Understandably, she asked my advice on how to handle the rumours.

Unfortunately, job security is an on-going concern in today's labour market regardless of any imminent threat. Taking these important steps will give you a plan and a sense of control in your career.

Clarify the situation.

My first suggestion to my client was to reach out to her supervisor and address the issue directly. This private conversation allows you to ask if changes are coming? How would those changes affect my position? What can I do to protect my job?

In situations like this, be prepared for vague responses. Management are often asked to keep such details confidential, or have not been provided with the details. It may be that various manager positions will also be affected. In my client’s case, her manager did not deny the rumours but did not have any details. However, my client was reassured that her performance was not an issue and was encouraged to continue to do her best.

Opening up communication with your manager will put the rumours into context and reinforce your commitment to your company. If you work in a unionized position, in addition to your manager, you can also approach your union representative about the rumours. Your goal at this stage is to understand the nature of what may be happening.

Create a back up plan.

If you find that rumours of company restructuring are true, consider this advanced notice as an advantage. While you still don’t know if your position will be affected, you can take positive action with a back up plan. I advised my client to update her resume, review and update her LinkedIn profile, and discreetly gather references. At this point, you may want to invest in upgrading any outdated skills. For example, my client discovered that her software skills are outdated and she decided to pursue a Salesforce training course in the evenings.

During times of uncertainty, and while you're still working, take these proactive steps:

1. Update your resume
2. Review and revise your LinkedIn profile
3. Review and gather your references
4. Consider updating outdated skills

You may consider starting a job search to see how competitive the job market is. This will give you a sense of job vacancies earning potential, and what updated skills you will need to be more employable. Of course, employers prefer employed candidates, so if you feel you are at risk during a company restructuring, you can take this opportunity to look for work while you are still working. Taking action will ease your mind during uncertainty in the workplace.

Evaluate your finances.

Examine your financial situation. Figure out whether you be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) if you were laid off, how much you might be able to collect, and whether you could live on that income. That will help you decide when to start a job search. Keep in mind that if you find a new job while you are working, even if you have received a lay-off notice, resign the job, you will not be eligible for EI or a severance package.

If you are laid off...

During a lay-off, you will be given notice, usually through a meeting and a letter, outlining your termination notice. This is outlined in the Employment Standards Act of Ontario, and for unionized positions, in the Collective Agreement between the union and the company. This will outline what you are eligible for in terms of notice, pay in lieu, vacation pay and other benefits. Your employer will issue you a Record of Employment, that will indicate the reason you left the company. You will need this to apply for Employment Insurance. This is also the time to gather reference letters from your current employer.

Importantly, work as hard as you can to end your job on positive terms. The benefits of this are especially important for your job search by informing the next employer that, despite being laid off, you have a positive relationship with your former team members.

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If your plans for 2019 include a new job, now is a perfect time to prepare a new, carefully-planned job search strategy. While it is true that there are many job seekers out on the hunt for a new job, most of them do not conduct their job search in the best way possible, so your challenge for the new year is to conduct the best possible job search. We put together some useful advice to help improve your search and make sure you get noticed by employers.

Job Search
Resolutions:

RESOLUTION #1: I
will update my 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. New Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) demand that resumes are formatted to be processed and selected by a computer before ever being read by a hiring professional. A poorly formatted resume might never be picked no matter how qualified you may be.

To help you write the best resume possible, I surveyed the highly experienced employment staff at JVS Toronto, and put together a list of the ultimate tips for writing an excellent resume. It includes tips for layout and format, such as style, bullet points, spelling and punctuation, font, margins and alignment, as well as resume content, language, and grammar.

For those who are struggling with gaps in their employment history, we also put together these tips on overcoming resume gaps.

If you would like to write a resume from scratch, or review your resume in detail, check out our free online resume writing clinic.

RESOLUTION #2:
I will improve my online presence

As a job seeker, it is important to ensure that you are easily found online, where potential employers are most likely to look for you. More importantly, employers have to like what they learn about you.  Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and updated. Updating your skills on LinkedIn will attract the right employers.  In addition to LinkedIn, consider using Twitter to gather information, networking and tips.

RESOLUTION #3:
I will enhance my skills

In today's tech-savvy world, the pressure to have up-to-date skills grows. Even if you think your skills are up to par, in 2019 your skills and experience will appear a year old (at least on your resume). Consider it a challenge to engage in an activity which will enable you to add "2019" to your resume.

It might be a course (such as updating your computer skills or CPR certification). Courses can be found at your local community centre, community college (look for the continuing education courses, for part-time options). Another possibility is to volunteer in a meaningful role. If you live in Toronto, there are many opportunities to volunteer; Canada-wide, you will find your local volunteer centre here.

Make sure to add your newly acquired
skills and experience your resume and LinkedIn profile.

RESOLUTION #4:
I will grow my network

This goes back to that old truth about finding work -- it's not only about what you know, but who you know. You already have a network – put the people you know to work for you and leverage your network to get job referrals. It's a great time to reconnect with old contacts and make new ones. LinkedIn might be the best way to start the process -- see who you know, and figure out who you would like to get to know by asking for an information interview.

Go out and meet with people face-to-face; ask questions, get support and guidance and make sure they know that you are looking for a new opportunity.

RESOLUTION #5:
I will find new sources of job information

Many job search sites allow users to set up job alerts, which will send them emails with jobs that match their specific criteria. We have a detailed list of job boards, where you can search by keyword and location, and save an Email Alert or RSS Feed.

In 2018, Google set up a job alert system, which probably offers the broadest coverage of online job opportunities.

2019 could be the year that you
secure that job you always wanted. Follow through on these 5 resolutions and
watch it happen.

Happy new year from all of us at JVS Toronto!

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You’re in a job interview.  You’ve done well so far – smiling, making eye contact, and answering questions confidently. The interview is ending, and you start feeling that sense of relief that comes when a grueling task is over. Then the interviewer says, “Do you have any questions for us?”  This can be a make or break moment. Be prepared to take this opportunity to ask questions.

What asking questions tells the interviewer

Many candidates ask questions in interviews simply because it’s expected. However, interviews are a two-way process. Both you and the employer have a decision to make.  It is worth your time to think about what you’d like to know about the company in order to make the best decision when an offer is made. 

This can include the company structure, services and culture; and job challenges, opportunities and expectations.  You may want to highlight your expertise and areas of interest that fit with this role.

Questions that make the best impression

During an interview make a strong impression by preparing to ask questions like this:

• What personality would be ideal for this position?
• What are the challenges facing this position right now?
• How would you describe the company culture?
• What are the primary priorities for the company right now?
• How do my qualifications compare to the ideal requirements for this position?
• What do you think is missing from my resume for this position?

Check out this blog post for more on this topic.

Be prepared

Prepare more questions than you need.  Consider having five questions prepared and select two or three of the most suitable questions to ask based on information you’ve learned from the interview.  Bring a copy of the questions with you.  Trying to memorize them in advance will just add more stress before the interview.  Take notes during the interview and form questions based the notes if needed.

Timing is everything

Take the initiative to ask questions during the interview.  This can make the interview more conversational.  Take cues from the interviewer.  For example, if the interviewer is very formal and is progressing through their questions without an opportunity for you to speak beyond providing a response, save your questions until the end.

Carefully chosen, well-informed and appropriately timed questions can have a competitive advantage in an interview, leaving a positive impression that can go a long way to influencing the final decision of a potential employer.

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LinkedIn is a unique way for employers to find you based on the skills you offer.  Often underused by job seekers, adding your best skills in your LinkedIn profile increases the chances that employers and recruiters will find and connect with you.

What skills should I emphasis on my LinkedIn profile?

Job postings are a good source for ideas on skills to highlight. When searching on job postings sites, or through LinkedIn, review the qualifications listed in the postings you are targeting. If these skills line up with your experience, then add them to your profile.

You will notice that as you add skills to you profile, LinkedIn will suggest others based on your profile.  Use these prompts to identify further skills to add.  LinkedIn also has a directory of all the skills added to the site. Skills are categories into Industry Knowledge, Tools and Technologies (computer skills), Interpersonal Skills and Other Skills.

In addition to emphasizing hard skills on your LinkedIn profile, also include your soft or transferable skills such as organizational skills and interpersonal abilities. Online tools such as the online Employability Skills Assessment can help you evaluate your abilities, determine skills you are most confident in, and those you might want to improve.

Other helpful resources include LinkedIn’s article, The Skills Companies Need Most in 2018 – and the courses to get them and the Employability Skills reference guide published by The Conference Board of Canada.

Where else can I include my skills?

1. Your Resume - include your strongest skills here
2. Cover Letters – emphasis your strongest skills that match those listed in the job posting
3. Interviews – include key skills that match the job posting when describing your abilities
4. Show, don’t tell – use your best skills when conducting yourself throughout the recruitment process like your positive attitude, organization skills and interpersonal communication

Now that you’re prepared to share your strongest skills, here’s how to add them into your LinkedIn profile.

Starting from scratch

• Go to the LinkedIn homepage
• Click the Me icon at the top
• Click on the View profile
• click on the Add new profile section (located on the right)
• Select Skills from the dropdown menu
• Type the name of a skill in the Skill text box and select it from the dropdown list that appears. Once selected, this skill will be added to your list

Revising existing skills

• Go to the LinkedIn homepage
• Click the Me icon at the top
• Click on the View profile
• Scroll to the Skills & Endorsements section
• Click Add a new skill. In the pop-up window, type the name of a skill in the text box and select it from the dropdown list. If your skill does not appear, type the full skill name in the field provided and click to add.

 

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It’s thrilling to accept a new job and finally meet your job search goal. You’ll be earning an income and stepping into the professional world again. But starting a new job has its challenges. You may feel doubts about performing all the job duties as required, or have concerns about getting along with your new colleagues and clients. And then there’s the challenge of establishing new routines like commuting and family and home responsibilities. Adjusting to a new job is stressful!

Here are some strategies to ease the stress when starting a new job.

Say thank you before you start

Think back to all the people who helped you get the new position, like the person who referred you to the vacancy, your references and professional network. These people are valuable connections you’ll want to keep. Start by sending a personalized thank you message to each to acknowledge their support, and then maintain contact through LinkedIn.

Listen carefully

The most successful way to learn your new duties is by listening, observing, asking questions and taking notes. You’ll learn a great deal about a company by watching how tasks are approached, the preferred types of formal and informal communication, and the daily interactions between colleagues. This is especially true to understand your new company culture and organizational structure.

Introduce yourself

Don’t wait for introductions from others. Introduce yourself to your peers as you go and join others for lunch or for coffee. Smile and make eye contact as you meet people. Treat everyone the way you’d like to be treated. You never know who you’ll need on the job. Continue to build your network and invite your new colleagues to connect through LinkedIn.

Be enthusiastic and proactive

Follow the direction you’ve been given during any training. Ask questions, especially if you’re unclear about anything. Ask for procedures so you understand routines and schedules. Even if you are provided with reference material, there may be some informal practices that are followed. Build a rapport with your co-workers who can be additional sources of information about company processes. When your work load is low, ask to help with a task (no matter how small) or to attend a meeting or activity to observe and learn. This will show a willingness contribute and be part of a team.  It will also pave the way to contribute your ideas and possible improvements later in the job.

Set goals

As you learn your new job, be aware of your progress, areas you need to deepen your knowledge on, and opportunities for future professional development. This will keep you focused on growing in your role and ensure you maintain positive performance levels.

Remember

Getting the job is only the first step. Starting your new job with a planned approach will help you integrate into the company and set you up for long-term success.

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The lack of Canadian experience is the most commonly identified barrier identified by newcomers as they pursue meaningful work in their new country; many report that they continue to face this challenge even after two or more years of living in Canada. In response to complaints about these demands from job seekers, in 2013 the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) added requirements for Canadian experience to the Ontario Human Rights Code as a discriminatory practice. The Code covers a range of hiring practices, including asking about race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability. 

The Commission require employers to make hiring decisions without violating the Ontario Human Rights Code. In their publication, Human Rights at Work , under Interviewing and Making Hiring Decisions the OHRC details what employers should avoid asking; this includes questions based on:

• Presence or absence of Canadian experience
• Landed immigrant status, permanent residency, naturalization or refugee status
• Place of birth
• Affiliation with a particular “community” or where the applicant “comes from”
• Membership in organizations such as cultural or ethnic associations
• Name and/or the applicant’s appearance
• Name and location of schools attended

What should I do if asked a question that is discriminatory in nature?

Job seekers facing this question in an interview can consider these options:

• Answer the question – Weigh the pros and cons of this approach and the risk of it affecting your chances of being hired. It is your right to disclose whatever information you want to the employer.
• Refuse to answer – This option could create tension between you and the interviewer. Decide if this is an important principle to you.  If so, would you want to work for an employer that asks such questions?
• Inform the interviewer that the question they asked does not comply with the Ontario Human Rights Code - The interviewer may not be aware of this fact, have improperly phrased their question, or are concerned about your availability or ability to do the job.

Keep in mind that how you answer a question will make a big difference to the employer’s decision to keep the interview going. Using the right tone of voice and phrasing can also keep the interview moving in a positive direction.

Start by giving the employer the “benefit of the doubt” and they didn’t realize that their question could be perceived as discrimination. Try something like : “You might not know this, but that question violates the Ontario Human Rights Code.  I am sure you’ will understand if I prefer not to answer it. I can assure you, though, that my (health/family situation/life circumstances) will not impact on my ability to do the job. You are welcome to speak to my references who can speak to my high work ethic and dedication.”

When the lack of Canadian work experience comes up in the interview, consider:

• Preparing for the interview by researching this type of position in Canada and local industry terms, acronyms and related protocols that are typically used.  Use these terms during the interview.
• Reassuring employers that you have the skills and abilities described in the job posting. Offer examples of how you’ve used such skills in past positions.
• Ask the employer about the kind of experience they are looking and describe job tasks that you have that address demonstrate this experience.
• Show an openness and willingness to learn for any areas where you have limited experience.

As a job seeker, know your rights that are outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code, understand the role of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and what to do if you believe your rights have been violated.

Need more help?

JVS Toronto provides specific employment programs for immigrants and newcomers to Canada to help them navigate the challenges and be successful at securing a job.  Find out more: Newcomer Services – Prior to Arriving in Canada

Newcomer Services – after arriving in Canada.

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Making a career decision is difficult at any stage of life. When you are finishing school and have to decide, it’s hard to sort through all the options and possibilities. But it is even more difficult when you are an adult, possibly with family responsibilities, perhaps in the new country where you still don't have all the information you need, and facing the financial pressures that come with having to settle into a new place.

There are many factors to consider. Would this career choice allow you to earn enough to support your financial goals? Are jobs plentiful in this field? Will the job be fulfilling and meaningful? Are there opportunities for promotions and career growth? Will it allow you the work-life balance you need? Not only are there multiple factors, but the question is whether all these factors really matter to you equally. Perhaps work-life balance is more important to you than salary or career growth, whereas others might prioritize earning potential. Given everything involved, it isn't easy to make a rational choice.

The Decision-Matrix Method, or Pugh Method, is a weighted decision matrix, allowing you to weigh the factors that are important in your decision against each other when making your choice. Thus it can help you think more rationally through all the factors you need to consider.

This is how it works. Try it for yourself.

Draw a table with up to seven rows and six columns, like this:

Next, complete the following steps:

1. First, list all of the career options that you are considering as rows in the lefthand column.
2. Next, list five factors you need to consider, as column headings across the top. Factors may include salary, travel time, meaningfulness, work-life balance, etc.
3. Rate the relative importance of each factor for you, scoring them from 1 (not important) to 5 (most very important). For example, if meaningful work is more important to you than work-life balance, give it a 5, and work-life balance a 4. There is no right or wrong rating -- it is completely up to your personal preferences.
4. Now, go through each career option in the table and score them for each factor. Give each career a score between 1 and 5 for how well they meet each factor. For example, how are you going to earn the salary you want working in that career? How likely are you to have opportunities for advancement? You might need to do some research into your career choices to gather this information. Conduct a job search using Google to gather information about the jobs in your careers of interest.
5. Next, multiply each score by the relative importance rating you’ve already entered for each factor. Then total them up for each option.

When you've completed this last step, the option with the highest score will be your best choice.

Is it what you expected? If not, why?

Still stuck? JVS Toronto offers Career Exploration Coaching. Our certified counsellors will identify your skills and interests, and uncover the career path that will make you feel happy, successful and fulfilled.

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Job seekers often tell me that writing a cover letter is the most tedious aspect of the entire job search process. Maybe writing letters just doesn't come easily for people, because it isn't something we often do anymore. Even worse, employment professionals such as myself keep telling job seekers to write individualized (non generic) letters, so it takes extra time and effort to prepare one.

But I think it is still needed. First impressions do count. Employers often get a huge number of applications to the jobs they post, so they have to be picky and quick to exclude applicants that haven't made a proper effort to apply.

As employers sort through applications, they are hoping to find those candidates that appear well qualified, likable and competent enough to be invited for an interview. Cover letters give employers a chance to gather that information and learn more about the personality, writing style, language and grammar of the applicant. A candidate who can show that they have carefully read the job posting, and express how they meet the requirements outlined, is also showing employers how well they pay attention to detail and follow instructions.

How to write an effective cover letter?

A cover letter is a brief, one-page document that accompanies a resume, introduces the candidate, and motivates the employer to read the resume and consider the candidate for a position. It should help employers see how their needs (their described "qualifications" on the posting) are matched by the candidate. In effect, it's a way of saying to the employer: I have the skills, experience and personality that you are looking for.

You can do that by indicating that you have read the job posting and understand the expectations of the employer:

• show your interest and enthusiasm
• introduce your resume -- identify what parts of your resume are most relevant to the job
• show off your excellent writing skills, grammar, and spelling
• indicate to the employer that you can and will follow instructions by applying exactly the way the employer requested in the job ad/posting

Cover letters should accompany almost any resume, whether it is in response to a posting, is solicited (i.e. the employer asked you to send them a resume), or even unsolicited (i.e. you are sending the resume to employers, in case they are hiring).

Check your cover letter against this checklist of "do's" and "don'ts":

1. Follow the instructions in the posting, making sure to submit it in time and to the specific person outlined in the advertisement
2. Keep the letter short, simple and easy to read
3. Don't use a generic cover letter; write a unique and personalized letter for each employer
4. Use a formal tone, but show the level of enthusiasm that is suitable to the type of position to which you are applying
5. Match the format of the letter to your resume, in terms of the font and "letterhead" (i.e. the format you use for your name and address)
6. Don't forget to include the specific job title as identified in the job posting, including any reference numbers provided by the employer
7. Make sure to mention where you found the job posting
8. Describe yourself to the employer; reference the specific qualifications requested in the posting; don't assume that the employer will read your resume unless they find what they need in the cover letter
9. Before sending it, always check your spelling and grammar very carefully
10. Don't depend on spell-check -- it will only pick up some errors, not all (it won't pick up a mistake if it is a real word -- for example, it won't pick up using "form" instead of "from")

For samples of cover letters, check out some of my favourite websites such as Workbloom, Monster.ca and The Balance -- Careers.

It is worth investing time and effort to write a high quality letter which conveys your enthusiasm and shows the employer the exact reasons they should consider you for the position. Capturing the interest of the employer can be a deal breaker -- if your cover letter does not impress, the employer will probably not read your resume or call you for an interview, whereas a well-worded, thoughtful letter can go a long way toward helping you get that next great opportunity.

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Facing an employer in a job interview is often described as the most stressful and intense moment in the process of finding work. When asked what they fear most about interviews, job searchers often say that they worry that they may get overwhelmed by anxiety and forget what they wanted to say, or that they may not be able to answer a question properly.

Of course, the only way to deal with this anxiety is by preparing; work on some of the commonly asked questions. In addition to preparing answers to questions, you should be ready to talk about yourself by sharing examples of your achievements from your past jobs. These will serve to demonstrate your skills and prove your competency. It will help the employer to picture you in the workplace. When an interview has concluded, it is likely that candidates will most be remembered by the interesting stories or anecdotes they shared.

To identify your best stories, think back to your past jobs. Think of accomplishments or events which challenged you or which gave you an opportunity to demonstrate your abilities. Consider including the feedback you received for these achievements. Keep in mind that stories do not have portray you as perfect – situations are more likely to be believable and credible if they include times when you made mistakes and learned from them.

Your stories might include a time when you:

• lead a project from beginning to completion
• identified a problem/gap in service and took initiative to solve it
• were given responsibility to represent your company in a public event
• dealt with an unhappy or difficult customer
• assisted a colleague with a problem 
• developed and applied expertise in a particular area
• went above and beyond the usual demands of your job to contribute to the company
• did something really well

Write up and practice saying your stories out loud. Ask an employment professional or even a friend for feedback; let their impressions and questions guide you to improve the length, clarity, details and relevance of the story.

Once they are complete, try figure out which skills each story demonstrates. Each example may demonstrate a number of skills such as your ability to make decisions, work in a team, solve problems, take initiative, be responsible or flexible, and many other skills. Identify those which you would like to “show off” to employers. A good anecdote can often demonstrate multiple skills or strengths, and can be told differently depending on what you are trying to demonstrate. If you are able to talk in a relaxed and comfortable way, storytelling can become a very effective tool to market yourself. You will be demonstrating your communication skills, as well as having an opportunity to show the best of what you have achieved in your work history.

Read this guide for more ways to develop your storytelling abilities. Make sure to watch this excellent video included in the post for more tips on effective story telling in interviews:

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Dear Employment Specialist:

14 years ago, I left my job as a Medical Office Administrator to take care of my newborn son with special needs. After years of caring for him, I have finally found him a full time program, where he is happy and stable. Now, for the first time I feel like I can start planning for my own career, but I am really worried how I could do that after being away for so long.

I am really worried about the fourteen year gap in my resume. I did do some volunteering at his school and at a local community program, but until now, I needed to be available all day to go to his school when there were problems.

How do I explain what I have been doing all this time without sharing too much personal information? Do I have to tell employers everything? How do you think they’ll react to my resume? Please help me think through what I need to do to get back to work.

Thank you,

Signed: Returning Mom

____________________________________________________________________

Dear Returning Mom,

It sounds like you have had a busy and demanding fourteen years since the birth of your son. Congratulations for getting to the point where you can now start planning for yourself and your own future.

In terms of the challenges that you face, there are many things that you can do to help employers understand your situation without compromising your privacy too much. Remember – many parents face and successfully overcome the challenges of going back to work after taking time to raise children. It’s a matter of figuring out for yourself what you want to share and how to tell your story in a way with which you are comfortable.

Here are some of the issues to consider:

1. Seek some job search support.

I recommend that you get some professional employment support to help you sort through all the challenges you will face. An agency such as JVS Toronto is well positioned to help you navigate the demands of a job search. Most Canadians will be able to fund publicly funded services such as ours near where they live (such as our partners on the Employment Ontario site).

2. Your resume will need to be updated.

It is better to find a way to explain what happened in the last 14 years, rather than to just leave a gap in the resume. There is always a big debate about whether parents who have taken time off to care for children should tell employers. In my experience, different people deal with it differently and it is important to do what works for you. Some of my clients have decided to simply update their work history on the resume with term "family responsibilities’, coupled with the dates. Some have also added a mention of it in the Profile Summary, as well as in the cover letter, stating something such as “Experienced Medical Office Administrator, with over 10 years’ of working in a busy medical practice. Presently enthusiastically re-entering the workforce after taking time to deal with family responsibilities. Skills include advanced Microsoft Office (…and so on...)”. Note that the time away from work is not the first thing mentioned on the resume – it is simply mentioned in a matter-of-fact, confident way later on. Also, using the work “enthusiastically” is meant to reassure employers that you are not ambivalent about going back to work.

Also, include your volunteer work under the employment section of the resume -- it will help to fill the gap. Of course, you should mention that it was volunteer work, in brackets (no need to mention that it was your son’s school that you volunteered at, though – simply name the school and detail what you did there). Don’t forget to include anything else you might have done, including training or courses you might have taken.

Obviously, you do not need to mention your son or his special needs. You simply need to communicate confidently that you chose to take time off work for family and that you are now pleased to return. Remember – there are many more women in the workplace now than ever before – many of them have probably faced similar concerns.

3. Prepare for your interviews.

Write out the script for how you would like to answer the inevitable “what have you been doing for the last 14 years?” question that will arise. Work with an employment professional to find a way to explain what happened without disclosing the information you don’t want to share. Remember that you are not legally obligated to share anything about your personal situation that does not impact on your ability to do the job. Find the wording that makes you comfortable and practice saying it. You will be asked this question often – in job interviews, and when you network; make sure you are comfortable answering the question with confidence.

Put yourself in the employer’s position and think about what concerns they might have about you as a candidate. That will help you prepare what you need to tell an employer about yourself.

Employers concerns might include questions such as:

• Are you really ready to return to work?
• Can you be relied on to have your childcare arrangements set up, or will you need to take a lot of time off at short notice? (You might want to say something like: “I can assure you that I have made the necessary arrangements, and I don’t expect to have any difficulties coming to work every day”)
• Have you got the up-to-date skills needed to do the job? In your case, it may include skills such as updated software knowledge.

Make sure to pre-empt these concerns when you talk about yourself to employers.

To help you update your knowledge about the job market, consider signing up for Google Job Alerts for jobs in your field – start reading through the job postings in your field and learning about what employers are looking for.

4. Network, network, network.

In my experience as an Employment Counsellor, the best way to make these difficult transitions back into the workplace is through networks. Update your LinkedIn profile and start reaching out to former colleagues and employers. Take them out to coffee if you can, and share your enthusiasm about going back to work; ask for advice and tips, as well as ask them to keep an eye out for any job leads they might have.

Consider volunteering with an employer in your sector. Maybe a local hospital or community health centre could use a medical office volunteer. Offer to spend a day per week and make sure to get to know the staff. Show them what you can do, tell them about yourself and make sure they’re looking out for jobs for you, as well.

5. Update your skills.
It may be well worth upgrading your skills through continuing education courses, such as those offered at your local community college, community centre or adult education. Many colleges offer online courses, as well. You might also be able to teach yourself software when you volunteer.

Make sure that employers know that you just updated your CPR or software courses by adding it to your resume and mentioning it in interviews. This will go a long way to reassure employers about your ability and motivation to make the transition back into the workforce.

Best of luck with your next big challenge. I am sure you will find your way back into the world of work.

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Summer is here. The days are long, the city is buzzing with events, and laid back chatter flows from outdoor patios. It's getting harder to focus on the job search, even more so when employers seem to be posting less jobs and taking longer to reply to applications. It's tempting to take a break and restart your job search in September. But is that a good idea?

Not necessarily.

One reason to continue job seeking is precisely because job seekers often opt out of the job search in summer: competition for jobs is reduced and you might be able to snag a good opportunities.

Another reason is that jobs do continue to be posted. Some employers simply need to hire regardless of the season. Often hiring is urgent and employers are quick to grab the next available candidate.

Sometimes, employers are even beginning to line up opportunities for the December holidays.

Another advantage of job searching in summer is that employers are often more relaxed and receptive to chatting about what the next year may bring. Use this opportunity to connect with your targeted employers to gather information about the company, upcoming job requirements. and their hiring process. Having this information before jobs are posted gives you an edge over other job seekers. You will know what jobs are coming up, when they are accepting applications, the hiring process, and who is doing the hiring. If you are lucky and resourceful, you may even secure someone on the inside who can pass your resume on for you. People have a little more time to chat and may be open to longer discussions on potential opportunities.

However, you don't necessarily have to continue job search at the same pace. Everyone needs some time off to relax, regroup, and recharge. Just don’t stop. You may miss out on some great opportunities. So, use this time of year to your advantage. After all, this is your job search and you will get out of it what you put in.

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