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Resumes vs LinkedIn. Which is better?

Interracial women holding icons representing Resumes VS LinkedIN

When reading job search blogs, it’s easy to think that employers are no longer using resumes; that resumes are being replaced by platforms such as LinkedIn and Applicant Tracking Systems. So, do job seekers still need resumes?

The Benefits of Resumes

Employers tend to regard your resume as a simple and clear summary of your most important skills and experience. They assume that more information will be available about you on sites such as LinkedIn. So think of your resume as a brochure, a self-promotional tool. It should be brief (no more than two pages) and written in concise, formal language (without first person pronouns).

It’s expected. The majority of employers still ask for resumes to be sent via email or uploaded to the company’s web site even when using LinkedIn to promote job openings.

Resumes are easily shared. Potential employers can read your resume on a computer screen, email it to colleagues and hiring managers, and print it out to refer to at a later point in time.

Resumes are adaptable. Job seekers can tailor their resume to highlight those qualifications that best match the employer’s needs. Update your profile summary and work history using keywords found in the job posting. This will increase your chances of getting your resume past any Applicant Tracking System and get it in front of the hiring manager.

The Benefits of LinkedIn

A LinkedIn profile is quite different. It is a living, dynamic record of you and your career. LinkedIn provides you with a chance to tell your story using a range of media such as text, slideshows, photos, work samples, websites and video.

The summary portion of your profile is an opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your history and let potential employers know what makes you unique. It can be less formal than a resume profile — just make sure that the tone is appropriate for your industry.

LinkedIn allows for longer, more detailed work history than the standard 10 year span of a resume. If you have worthwhile professional experience that goes back more than 10 years, share it on LinkedIn.

It’s popular. We know from surveys conducted that 87% of recruiters regularly use LinkedIn to review potential candidates.

It is a secure way of sharing information. Resumes typically include your email address, phone number and street address, whereas LinkedIn does not require you to share such information without your permission.

Unlike a resume, LinkedIn provides space to list your interests. Choose what you share carefully. Consider listing interests that relevant to your industry and reflect the values and culture of the companies you are engaging with.

The goal of LinkedIn is to make you stand out to employers as not just well-qualified, but as an interesting, accomplished and impressive person.

And the Winner is…

It’s a tie! Resumes and LinkedIn serve very different purposes. Resumes function best as internal documents that employers and hiring managers will use to determine if you have the right qualifications for the position you applied for. Whereas LinkedIn is a promotional tool that job seekers can use to market their personalities and highlight experience and skills that traditional resumes don’t allow.

Tip: As a job seeker sending out resumes to potential employers, make sure that your LinkedIn profile reveals something new about you. You want them to be impressed by who you are and your personality, as well as your expertise and professional background.

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How to use Job Fairs to Find Your Next Job

Illustration of a magnifying glass focused on one individual in a crowd

It’s job fair time once again! Every spring, employers and crowds of job seekers congregate to discuss job opportunities.  Job fair events feature a maze of employer stalls with long line-ups and lots of noisy chatter.  Presenting your best self at a job fair can be stressful, and there is no guarantee of being hired.  So what is the point of a job fair?

A job fair as a way to build a professional network of employers in your field, learn about job openings, workplace culture, and the nature of sector. The few minutes that you interact with an employer gives you a great opportunity to “look” and “sound” like a potential employee.  Usually only your resume speaks for you when you apply for jobs.  A job fair gives you a rare chance to sell yourself before any formal interviews take place.  Some employers even have an on-the-spot interview for certain positions. While job offers don’t typically happen at a job fair, you can make progress towards that offer, or be considered for other opportunities. 

For employers, job fairs are a chance to meet face-to-face with candidates before any formal interview.  Think of it as an in-person screening process.  Candidates can sell their hard and soft skills and employers can quickly evaluate fit.  The goal is for employers to identify candidates for interviews. 

Finding job fairs and hiring events.

Use Google to search for job fairs in your area. Find job fairs notices on websites such as Eventbrite, Peter’s New Jobs and Jobs Canada Fair. 

Before the Job Fair

Register for the event.

Sign-up on job fair organizer websites so you receive notices for upcoming events.  Look for registration instructions and register, or obtain an entry ticket. Note that some job fairs ask you to submit your resume when you register.  Not every job fair requires registration and just show up.

Find the companies attending.

Job fair advertisements include participating companies and the types of positions they are promoting. Visit company websites to understand more about them, who they hire and available positions.  Search online for company news and check out their social media posts.  Follow the companies you’re most interested in. Take notes about their mission statement, products and services. Consider applying for positions listed on their website and bring a record of the application to show the employer at the job fair.

Be ready to market yourself.

Prepare your elevator pitch to introduce yourself and the skills that would benefit the company. Have an idea of what you would like to emphasize to each company based on your research and the positions they are filling.

Think about what you want to tell the employer about your last job, how it ended (stay positive!), and what you have been doing since. Find a way to tell them how your journey brought you to this company and their jobs.

Make sure you have suitable clothes to wear at the event.  Think of it like dressing for an interview, with the exception of wearing comfortable shoes that are still suitable for an interview. You can get a sense of each company’s attire from the photos used on their website.

Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Expect employers to look your profile up. Include your LinkedIn profile address on your resume as well. Have multiple copies of your resume to hand out.

Think of questions to ask.

Prepare specific and open-ended questions to understand or clarify details about the company, positions, sector news, etc.  Company representatives will remember your conversation if they feel engaged.  Job fairs are very busy, so be concise, professional, friendly and mindful of those waiting in line.

At the Job Fair

Present yourself professionally.

Arrive early, neatly dressed, with resume copies, notepaper and questions in a folder. Make sure you have a pen.   Speak and act professionally.  Offer a firm handshake when you meet company representatives and make eye contact. Silence your cell phone. Avoid asking about salary or benefits at this stage.  Job fairs are busy, noisy and fast paced so don’t go into too much detail and be aware of time restrictions. 

Take care of yourself while you’re at the event. Bring water and snacks.  Take short breaks. Stay focused and calm.

Schedule a follow-up appointment, if possible.

Some companies prefer making an appointment following the job fair; this is an opportunity to have an in-depth conversation with the employer, which is difficult to do at larger events. If the conversations went well, considering asking to meet with the employer after the event to continue the discussion. If they refuse, this may not be their protocol during job fairs.

Gather business cards of employers.
Follow-up is important. After each conversation or meeting with a company representative, take notes and ask for a business card. If this is not available, get the person’s name, company, job title, and email address. Ask permission to connect with them on LinkedIn.

After the Job Fair

Write a brief email to the employers you met to show appreciation for their time and emphasize your interest in the company.

Lastly, job fairs are an extraordinary opportunity to meet employers who can offer you your next career move. Taking the best effort you can during a job fair will increase your professional network and lead to positive opportunities in the future.

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Is Networking overrated?

Business people chatting during a networking event

I recently came across an interesting opinion on networking that might make many job seekers happy; Networking, as many employment professionals describe it, might not work for most.

Networking is the process of reaching out to professionals in your industry, that you may not know personally, in order to make connections and gain job referrals. And when I describe it to job seekers, I can see the concern on their faces – not everyone feels comfortable marketing themselves so directly to potential employers. Many candidates worry they are not qualified enough and are concerned their self-promotion may appear desperate.

The question is whether networking is worth the effort and time required to make it work. For many job seekers, it is well worth it. For others, the anxiety it provokes and its lack of short-term returns might turn a job search into a stressful process that causes avoidance and frustration.

The good news is that there isn’t just one way to find work. Keep in mind that the often-quoted “hidden job market” isn’t so hidden anymore. The vast majority of jobs are easily found online on job boards, social media and on company websites. Of course, having good network contacts can help a candidate stand out, but that often isn’t enough – candidates have to be able to compete equally with a highly talented pool of job seekers.

Here are some interesting insights from the New York Times:

Having a strong network cannot replace qualifications, experience and competitive skills.
“It’s true that networking can help you accomplish great things. But this obscures the opposite truth: Accomplishing great things helps you develop a network.” Networking tends to be more effective if you are already accomplished and have an established credibility in your professional circle.

Sustainability matters.
“Achievements don’t just help us make connections; they also help sustain those connections.” Networks need to be sustained, and that can only happen if your accomplishments are visible.

Connections have to be meaningful, not just plentiful.
”Networking alone leads to empty transactions, not rich relationships.” While it is a good idea to connect to as many people as possible, it is even more important to build your existing relationships and get to know your contacts.

Networking works much better if you already have recognizable achievements.
“It’s remarkably hard to engage with those people unless you’ve already put something valuable out into the world. That’s what piques the curiosity of advisers and sponsors. Achievements show you have something to give, not just something to take.” Share your achievements on your resume and on LinkedIn. It will make you a much more interesting to others and a valuable professional contact.

Networking cannot replace achievements.
“The best way to attract a mentor is to create something worthy of the mentor’s attention. Do something interesting, and instead of having to push your way in, you’ll get pulled in. The network comes to you.” Work on making an impact, whether it is in your volunteer work, your current interim job, or in a training course.

Access and opportunity do give certain people an unfair advantage.
It is important to acknowledge that networking is much more challenging for those who are new to a country or a career. In those situations, job seekers may have to rely on transferable skills to market themselves. “It’s dramatically easier to get credit for achievements…if your pedigree is full of fancy degrees and prestigious employers, and you come from a family with wealth and connections. But if you lack these status signals, it’s even more critical to produce a portfolio that proves your potential.”

It is key to work on recognizing and publicizing your achievements.
“Accomplishments can build your network only if other people are aware of them. You have to put your work out there. It shouldn’t be about promoting yourself, but about promoting your ideas. Evidence shows that tooting your own horn doesn’t help you get a job offer or a board seat, and when employees bend over backward to highlight their skills and accomplishments, they actually get paid less and promoted less. People find self-promotion so distasteful that they like you more when you’re praised by someone else — even if they know you’ve hired an agent to promote you.”

It’s not all about making connections. Focus on making an impact through interesting, innovative and impressive activities.
“The best networking happens when people gather for a purpose other than networking, to learn from one another or help one another.”


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How to make the most of a virtual job fair

successful businessman celebrating his victory raising arms, in front of a laptop

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.

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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How to Handle Speed Job Interviews like a Pro

Two people sitting at a table speaking

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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