JVS Toronto

DONATE
  • About
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Funders & Donors
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • Service Interruption Notices
    • FAQs
  • Find a Job
    • Career Development and Job Search Support
    • Disability Services
      • RiseAbility
    • Jewish Community Services
    • Newcomer Services
    • Youth Services
    • Job Search Resources
  • Workshops
  • Employers
  • Pre-Arrival
  • Give Back
    • Donate
    • Send an E-Card
    • Volunteering and Mentoring
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Donate

October 26, 2015 Leave a Comment

Not-to-be-missed Resume Tips from a Top Recruiter

Business man looking at smart phoneAn excellent article caught my eye recently. Written by a top recruiter who has worked with a range of sectors, it focuses on the mistakes that job seekers make on resumes which most get noticed by recruiters. It’s well worth reading the entire article — especially if you are looking for work in the IT sector — however, I would like to point out a few key points which, from my experience, are particularly true and somewhat universal for all job seekers.

1. Don’t bother with paper.

The recruiter plainly says “I hate paper. I do everything online.” She later suggests that resumes should be emailed, not faxed, nor hand-delivered. Stay away from using an outdated approach that inconveniences the recruiter — insisting on handing a paper copy of your resume to the employer in person might make you stand out, but not in a good way.

2. Make sure to include all the important keywords.

Besides the convenience of not having to deal with paper, the recruiter’s main reason for insisting on electronic resumes, is that she searches the resumes electronically for certain keywords. Keep in mind, though, that it isn’t enough to simply list the keywords — make sure that the words are included in the relevant work experience, so the recruiter can understand how and when those skills were used.

3. The recruiter will focus on your recent work experience

Expect the recruiter to be curious about why the last job ended and whether your recent experience is relevant to the job to which you have applied. She also will focus on career progression — have you moved upwards in your career? Is it clear how the job to which you are applying fits into your career path?

Interestingly, while she is interested in what you have done over the years, she mentions that she doesn’t mind a gap in your resume. It’s all in how and whether you explain yourself:

I don’t mind gaps so long as there’s a sufficient explanation. Oh you took three years off to raise your children? Fine by me, and might I add: #respect. You tried your hand at starting your own company and failed miserably? Very impressive! Gap sufficiently explained. Whatever it is, just say it. It’s the absence of an explanation that makes me wonder.

4. Share your online profile

The recruiter mentions that she particularly enjoys reading up on candidates online, if you share links to your personal websites or social media profiles. So make sure to include your LinkedIn URL, blog, Twitter handle or other relevant (and appropriate, of course) on your resume.

5. Try not to be too boring

If you have something to share that makes you more interesting and perhaps helps the recruiter better understand who you are, share links to them. Try to be a little creative on your LinkedIn profile — share some personality together with all that valuable information. Remember to stay professional in your tone, though — for example, she warns against writing in first person, recommending that you:

…eliminate pronouns (e.g. my, I, she, he) from your resume altogether. Instead of writing “I helped increase overall sales by 300% by breeding rabbits in my garage,” eliminate the “I” in that sentence. Go through your resume and remove all the pronouns and rewrite the sentence to make it sound like a bullet point. By “past tense” I mean that your resume should always be voiced from the perspective of something you already did, not something you’re currently doing.

Bottom line: “recruiters move quickly”

When prescreening candidates, recruiters rush through resumes.

Total time it takes me to do all of above: < 25 seconds.

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: find work, job search, jobsearch, recruiters, resume, tips

October 12, 2015 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: 6 key tips for professional networking

Business people shaking hands in a meeting roomDear Joanna,

I have been following your employment advice over the past few years regarding professional networking. I’m using social media, volunteering in my field, active in the associations, as well as attending as many professional events as possible. Something is wrong. I definitely need to improve. I have met a ton of people in my field, and my tireless efforts have not led to employment.

Please can you give me some suggestions on how to improve my networking.

Signed: Tireless Efforts (TE)


Dear TE

There is a fantastic article on this topic on Forbes. Here are some tips and tricks to improve your networking from the authors, as well as from my own professional insights.

1. Forget that you’re working.

Whether you are introduced to someone at an industry event or you initiated the conversation, engage with people in a professional manner. Talk shop. Talk about the business. Listen. Make sure you know about your business and industry. Learn from the other person about the latest trends. Think about building a new relationship, with give and take.

2. Set goals.

Don’t focus on getting the job. Set small and attainable goals. For example, if you go to an event, set a goal of getting five business cards or set up 2 coffee dates with new contacts for next week, or even just adding two new LinkedIn contacts.

3. Mind your manners.

Don’t straight ask for a job or sound desperate about your job search. Don’t ask for anything from the strangers that you are meeting. Listen more than you talk. Be thoughtful in your interactions and generous with your time. Don’t complain. Be positive, optimistic and upbeat when you are meeting new people. Ask permission to connect with the person on LinkedIn; and ask for the business card. Build relationships before you ask for anything from a network contact.

4. Elevator pitches still matter.

Be prepared to sell yourself in casual way. Don’t be pushy or forceful. Be able to articulate what you do, who you are and why it’s relevant if asked. Practice ahead of time in front of a mirror. Like a resume, elevator pitches need updating.

5. Follow up.

Always follow up with people you meet with a by email. Connect with them on LinkedIn (ask permission – see above). Research the person online and if relevant, follow the companies, join the groups and influencers that they follow on social media. Engage in social media dialogue. Keep in touch by emailing updates and current events that would interest the person.

6. Keep track.

Being organized in key in order to remember who you met, the nature of the activity, and then plan ahead. Google Documents, Google Tools, Jibberjobber and Outlook are some of the online tools you can use.

Even when you find employment, you will need to continue building your professional network at your workplace, and in your industry.

Joanna

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: best networking tips, find work, job search, networking, tips

October 5, 2015 Leave a Comment

Do You Have the Skills that Canadian Employers are Demanding?

Series of icons representing various skillsWhether you are rethinking your career, writing your resume, or preparing for an interview, the importance of knowing the skills that employers are demanding cannot be underestimated. Skills are the lens through which employers focus on candidates. Ultimately, if the employer doesn’t think you have the skills that they require, you will not get hired.

What does this mean for you, the job seeker? It means that you will benefit from investing time in learning about what specific skills that employers need — read job postings, speak to employers and employees in you target companies. Don’t assume that you know what they want. It also means that you need to be clear to employers about the skills that you have — in resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters and when you network.

Earlier in 2015, Workopolis surveyed 256 Canadian employers about their hiring plans, and gathered some useful information for job seekers. Most interestingly, the 2 in 3 employers surveyed admitted to struggling to find candidates with the backgrounds they require.

What do Canadian employers say candidates are lacking?
Experience – 38%
Soft skills – 29%
Technical skills – 23%
Education – 4%

Interestingly, education wasn’t as important as experience. Another interesting finding is that soft (personal) skills valued even more by employers as hard (technical) skills. The Workopolis report is well worth reading — it also outlines the 10 most sought after skills in job postings specific to these 10 popular sectors:

  • Accounting / Finance
  • Admin/Clerical
  • Arts / Media
  • Engineering
  • Hospitality and food service
  • Human resources
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Skilled trades
  • Technology and Digital Media

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: News & Highlights Tagged With: 2015, canadian employers, employability, find work, job search, job skills, skills, soft skills, technical skills

September 28, 2015 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Non-verbal communication

Dear employment specialist2

Dear Joanna,

I recently had an interview for a position as an Architectural Technician for which I am absolutely qualified! I prepared and practised diligently. After the interview I felt hopeful that I would receive a job offer soon. Unfortunately, I did not get it! I was shocked. When I asked for feedback, the HR manager was vague at first, but I practically begged her to be honest. She said that I did not seem like I was not interested in the job and I kept looking around the room and rarely looked at her. As painful as this sounded to me, I was grateful for her honesty.

How can I make a better impression in the interview for next time?

Signed: Honesty is Painful Sometimes (HPS)


[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: communication, find work, interview, interview behaviour, interview communication, job interview, job search, non verbal

September 14, 2015 Leave a Comment

The Challenge of Being Noticed by Employers – Find your authentic, confident voice

Woman smiling and talking through a megaphoneEver wonder why you don’t hear back from an employer once you’ve submitted your application? Employers are sorting through hundreds, sometimes thousands of resumes and LinkedIn profiles that are sent after each posting.

“I want to say, ‘Why do you work so hard to make your resume and your LinkedIn profile sound exactly the way every single other job-seeker’s resume and LinkedIn profile do?’”, says Liz Ryan, a former Fortune 500 Human Resources Senior Vice President.

Another sign of employers’ growing frustration is the number of recent articles that list words you should never use. Stephanie Vozza’s article in Fast Company suggests that candidates “…stay away from these buzzwords… because you sound like everyone else. These words almost lose their meaning the more that people use them.”

The problem, of course, is that employers use those buzzwords in their own job postings. Effective job seekers know that they have to show those employers that they have the skills and characteristics that those employers demand.

So, what should you do, to be noticed?

The bottom line is to be as honest and confident as possible – don’t undersell yourself.

1. Prepare interesting accomplishment statements

Make sure to share enough detail on your resume and LinkedIn so that you are able to give readers a genuine sense of the depth of your responsibilities. This works well in interviews, as well. Replace uninteresting mundane details with accomplishment statements that follow what Google’s SVP of People Operations, Lazlo Bock, offers as an effective formula:

“But how do you make your accomplishments stand out? There’s a simple formula. Every one of your accomplishments should be presented as:
Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z]. In other words, start with an active verb, numerically measure what you accomplished, provide a baseline for comparison, and detail what you did to achieve your goal.”

Find examples that demonstrate your strengths and be ready to share them at interviews. Bock offers a number of excellent examples for candidates, which are worth checking out on his LinkedIn post.

2. Choose a likeable LinkedIn photo
Authenticity is also conveyed through the use of a good profile photo that is not too serious or formal, but rather projects a genuine, likeable yet suitably professional image. Dress as you would for an interview, and make sure to look toward the camera. Also, make sure the picture is current. You don’t want potential employers to notice when you walk into the interview, that you look 10 years older than your photo. Lydia Abbot, writing for LinkedIn, offers some useful tips for a good profile photo.

3. Demonstrate your strengths
Rather than simply listing your strengths, demonstrate them. Upload LinkedIn photos, web links, samples of work and other audiovisuals that showcase your work. Link to them on your profile. Gather good LinkedIn recommendations and professional references. Be active on LinkedIn, especially by participating in groups where employers might notice you. Volunteer, and make sure to point it out in your profile and resume.

Bottom line:

To stand out from other candidates, work on ensuring that in every interaction with potential employers – whether they find you online, talk you on the phone, read your resume or meet with you in person – you are able to come across as an impressive, compelling yet genuine person.


By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: authentic, be yourself, find work, interview, job interview, job search, linkedin, no buzzwords

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • …
  • 24
  • Next Page »
Jump-start Your Job Search

Sign up now to connect with a JVS Toronto employment expert.

Jump-start Your Job Search - Sidebar

JVS Toronto

For general inquiries, contact:
T: 416-787-1151
E: services@jvstoronto.org

Find a Location

More Information

  • Careers at JVS Toronto
  • Customer Service Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility at JVS Toronto
  • Terms of Use
  • JVS Insider Login

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube
Imagine Canada Trustmark JVS Toronto is accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program dedicated to operational excellence.
Imagine Canada Trustmark

Copyright © 2025 · JVS Toronto

Youth Career Launch Program

Youth Career Launch Program Registration Form

Because you are employed full-time, you are not eligible for this service.

Recruitment for Equity, Accessibility and Diversity (READY)

READY Webpage Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

International Skills Applied for Geriatrics (ISAGE)

ISAGE Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Newcomer Youth: Connections for Success (NYCS)

NYCS
Are you a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee? *
Are you between 15 and 18 years old? *

Newcomer Youth: Connections for Success (NYCS)

NYCS
Are you a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee? *
Are you between 15 and 18 years old? *

Job Search Workshop for Newcomers

JSW
What kind of program would you like to attend?
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Since you are located outside Ontario, you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Due to your Citizenship Status you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Youth Reach

YouthReach Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *

Professional Engagement for Access to Careers (PEAC)

PEAC Contact Us

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades
First
Last
Citizenship Status: *

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Eligibility:

  • Open to Permanent residents, convention refugees, and protected refugees
  • Must have work experience outside Canada
  • Must meet the requirements to be licensed in Ontario
  • No CLB required

Road to Employment for Immigrant Women

Road to Employment for Immigrant Women
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Since you are located outside Ontario, you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Due to your Citizenship Status you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN)

Application for Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN)
First
Last
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Request Student placement application assistance

Please select a valid form.

Apply to be a volunteer

Application for Apply to be a volunteer
First
Last

Request Assistance Making a donation

Application for Request Assistance Making a donation
First
Last

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

Application for Canada-Ontario Job Grant
First
Last

Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)

Application for Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)
First
Last

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership

Application for TRIEC Mentoring Partnership
First
Last
So you currently live in Ontario? *

Building Unbiased and Inclusive Workplaces Leveraging Diversity (BUILD)

Building Unbiased and Inclusive Workplaces Leveraging Diversity (BUILD)
First
Last
Do you currently live in Onatrio? *

Canadian Workplace Communication

Canadian Workplace Communication
First
Last
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Youth – Our Future Initiative (YOFI)

Application for Youth – Our Future Initiative (YOFI)
First
Last

Disability Services

Please select a valid form.
IPLAN PRACTICE Eligibility Requirements
  • Open to Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, or Convention Refugees
  • High level of English-language proficiency (CLB 7/8). Enhanced language training is available to applicants, if needed, prior to starting the program
  • Degree in architecture from a university outside Canada
  • OAA Intern Architects eligible to write the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)**

 

*Note:

  • The practice of architecture in Ontario is governed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). All individuals who are internationally trained in the field of architecture, or who have held the status of architect in another jurisdiction must contact the OAA or visit the OAA website at www.oaa.on.ca for current information about licensing requirements and the licensing process in Ontario.
  • JVS Toronto is not a licensing body in Ontario.
  • The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole organization recognized by the architectural profession in Canada to:
    • Assess the educational qualifications of architecture graduates;
    • Accredit professional degree Programs in architecture offered by Canadian Universities; and
    • Certify the professional qualifications of Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects.
  • Architectural services may only be offered through a Certificate of Practice issued by the OAA.

**The content of this program has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Committee for the Examination for Architects in Canada (CExAC). The ExAC is an experience based exam. It is the practical application of knowledge acquired through education and readings that will support examination success. Taking this program without applying the knowledge gained through practice may not result in examination success.

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Eligibility Requirements

You should sign up for the program if you:

  • Have 2+ years of international experience in your professional field
  • Have lived in Canada for less than five years
  • Are unemployed or underemployed and looking to use your professional skills in Canada