Tip of the Day Tuesday

10 Cover Letter Don'ts

Mistake 1: Overusing 'I'

The focus of your cover letter should be on how you meet an employer's needs, not on your life story. Avoid the perception of being self-centered by minimizing your use of the word "I".

Mistake 2: Using a Weak Opening

When writing a cover letter, job seekers frequently struggle with how to begin. This often results in a feeble introduction lacking punch and failing to grab the reader's interest.

Mistake 3: Omitting Your Top Selling Points

Just like the resume, a cover letter should be compelling and give the main reasons you should be called for an interview. Winning cover letter tips include emphasizing your top accomplishments.

Mistake No. 4: Making It Too Long

If your cover letter exceeds one page, you may be putting readers to sleep. A great cover letter is concise but compelling, and respects the reader's time.

Mistake 5: Repeating Your Resume Word for Word

Your cover letter shouldn't regurgitate what's on your resume. Reword your cover letter statements to avoid dulling your resume's impact. Consider using the letter to tell a brief story, such as "My Toughest Sale" or "My Biggest Technical Challenge."

Mistake 6: Being Vague

If you're replying to an advertised opening, reference the specific job title in your cover letter. The person reading your letter may be reviewing hundreds of letters for dozens of different jobs. Make sure all the content in your letter supports how you will meet the employer's specific needs.

Mistake 7: Forgetting to Customize

If you're applying to a number of similar positions, chances are you're tweaking one letter and using it for multiple openings. That's fine, as long as you customize each letter. Don't forget to update the company, job and contact information.

Mistake 8: Ending on a Passive Note

When possible, put your future in your own hands with a promise to follow up. Instead of asking readers to call you, try a statement like this: I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any preliminary questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (your cell/phone number).

Mistake 9: Being Rude

Your cover letter should thank the reader for his time and consideration.

Mistake 10: Forgetting to Sign the Letter

It is proper business etiquette to sign your letter. However, if you are sending your cover letter and resume via email or the Web, a signature isn't necessary.

By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert. To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

10 Ways to Become a Powerful Leader at Work

1. Recognize Your Staff
   If you don't appreciate your staff, they will leave. Many people receive very little workplace recognition in a given year so it's vital that you recognize and reward your employees for their efforts at work.
2. Stand out and become more visible.
   Participate and share more of who you are with others. Sometimes, people prefer to have you stay invisible and not be seen and you must not let this affect you.
3. Be yourself and stand up to the hierarchy.
   You can't let hierarchy get in the way of you being yourself. It's vital that you don't acquiesce to the system or it will suck you up and eliminate who you are in the process.
4. See yourself in as great a light as others sometimes project onto you.
   Often, people will see you in a different and more positive light than you see yourself. It's important that you work on your confidence and begin to see yourself in as great a light as others see you.
5. Speak your mind and tell others what you think.
   Begin to share what you think and be more assertive. The more you are true to yourself, the easier it is to be more confident in who you are.
6. Build relationships with senior people.
   Engage with people above you. As you build relationships with executives, you'll increase your confidence. Don't be intimidated by their title or influence.
   
7. Find more opportunities to be yourself.
   Look at your current projects and responsibilities and see how you can be more of yourself in the work you are currently doing. Also, look at new things you can do (outside your current work). Choose opportunities that allow you to be more you!
8. Find your edge.
   You might feel a little anger for letting yourself get so dis-empowered and withdrawn. Channel this anger and find your edge. Feel the fire in your belly. This fire is the fuel to help you move forward, speak out and speak up. Be willing to challenge where you are and the limits surrounding you.
   
9. What's the worst that can happen?
   Fears about being punished for speaking up are almost always unwarranted. The next time you find yourself holding your tongue around your superiors, ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?"
   
10. Finally, be positive and offer solutions.
    You'll build your own self-confidence (and earn the confidence of your superiors) if you offer positive solutions to problems.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

4 Frustrating Facts and Solutions on Job Seeking

Fact 1: “Submit” button takes your resume into a mysterious black hole
Whether you submit a resume because the job description matches your experience perfectly, or whether it is just a random shot in the dark, sometimes you don’t hear back from anyone. Unless a position requires a highly specialized skill set, hundreds of applications, just like yours, will be submitted. Don’t despair! Try networking harder, think and ask everyone you know to recommend you at their job. Internal referrals work miracles!

Fact 2: Employers look to fill job openings internally first
Place yourself in a hiring manager shoes: would you waste hours of your precious time skimming through similar resumes, when a fellow employee's brother apparently has similar work ethics and talents? Invest your effort into networking. Become a regular on LinkedIn – you would be surprised by what former co-workers, bosses, and recruiters you could run into.

Fact 3: Competition in a job market is fierce
Yes it is fierce! Do not get frustrated. Search everywhere. There are various job search websites as well as magazines, newsletters and blogs.

Fact 4: Recruiters get paid to fill job openings, not to befriend you.
Do not spend much of your job searching time on networking with your recruiters. As nice and caring as they might sound, their job is to fill their openings with any person who qualifies.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Considering Becoming a Teacher?

Teaching is a challenging job but with numerous rewards! Some of the many benefits include the following:

• Experience the Joy of Making a Difference: Teachers mold the future through impacting their students’ views and understandings. They foster creativity, develop character, give students lenses with which to view the world and provide students with the skills they need to reach their full potential. Many individuals are attracted to teaching by a sense of service, because they want to make a clear, tangible difference in the lives of others.
  

• Have a Vocation, Not a Job: For many people, their work is a means to an end. They work for a paycheck in order to live their lives. But those called to teach have a true vocation. To those with whom you interact most during your day of teaching - the students - you are not an employee but a friend, a mentor and a guide to the world.

• Enjoy Interpersonal Interaction: Teachers interact with their students, other teachers and community members regularly. Many decide to pursue teaching over other careers for this personal interaction.

• Benefit From Variety: Teaching offers a great deal of variety. Each year, teachers get to work with a new group of students with unique personalities, experiences and ideas. Teachers can introduce new topics into the courses, change the way they teach a particular topic or design new classes to keep things new and exciting.

• Be a Lifelong Leaner: You will never learn a topic better than when you start to teach it. Students always ask the most interesting questions, prompting you to dig deeper and learn more.

• Spend More Time With Your Family
  One of the great perks of a teacher’s schedule is that it matches up with a child’s school schedule. If you teach in the same school system that your children attend, you will have the same vacation schedule and will be able to spend your summers home with your children. Speaking of vacation….

• Enjoy Lots of Vacation
  While some schools have moved to a year-round schedule, where teachers’ vacation is divided up throughout the year, most teaching jobs allow you to have a couple of months off in the summer where you can choose to get another job, teach summer school, or just relax and revamp for the next year.
  

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Job Title:

Secretary

Position Type:

Contract

Job Location:

Belleville

Employment Category:

Administrative (Office/Support)

Job Description:
Reporting to the Team Manager, the Secretary, Geriatric Psychiatry Specialty Outreach Team provides secretarial and related office services for the team manager, psychiatrists and other team members; acts as a resource person for clients and families; and in collaboration with the team manager , ensures the smooth operation of the team.

Qualifications:
• Post secondary education in office administration or related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• Completion of a 2 year Office Administration Diploma preferred
• At minimum, 2 years recent office/administrative experience, preferably in a health care setting
• Demonstrated good judgment, tact, discretion when dealing with the public and clients
• Respect of confidentiality issues
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, spelling and English grammar
• Sound knowledge of computers and software, office methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures for handling patient records.
• Knowledge of security and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant sections of governing legislation (i.e Mental Health Act)
• General knowledge of local community resources for the team’s target population.
• Proficiency in computer (PC) operation for the purpose of inputting and retrieving data and generating reports with speed and accuracy. Ability to use word processing, presentation, spreadsheet and data base computer software in order to produce various reports, charts, letters, forms, presentations etc.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize e-mail and electronic calendars
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to prioritize
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing
• Ability to work with limited supervision in carrying out instructions and clerical procedures
• Ability to compose correspondence
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of team members and community partners in supporting capacity enhancement initiatives
• Ability to work accurately with figures and clerical details
• Excellent critical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and professionalism
• Ability to work in a very busy clinical office environment, balancing competing demands within short timeframes
• Valid Driver’s Licence with access to a reliable motor vehicle

Working Conditions:
• Possible exposure to client aggressive/defensive/agitated/disruptive verbal and/or physical behaviours
• Frequent Interruptions in the work environment
• Extended periods of time sitting, viewing a computer monitor and keyboarding
• Minimal local travel involved

Salary:

$22.64/hr - $24.79/hr

If by email, send to:

work@providencecare.ca

Application Material Required:

Cover Letter

Resumé

Additional Application Information:

Providence Care, Mental Health Services is a regional provider of specialized services to adults with serious mental illness in Southeastern Ontario.

As a teaching facility, Mental Health Services participates in the training of students in several disciplines. A number of professional staff hold joint appointments with Providence Care and Queen’s University, and conduct clinical research to contribute to the understanding of mental illness and treatment approaches.

Providence Care Mental Health Services, an accredited 198-bed facility, provides treatment through three clinical program areas: Adult Treatment and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. Each program offers a continuum of care – inpatient, outpatient and community – with an emphasis on reintegrating clients into the community at the earliest possible opportunity.

To Apply: Please apply quoting competition number LC MHS 11-065. Please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted

Organization:

Providence Care Centre

Division:

Human Resources

Fax:

(613)5446036

Website:

www.providencecare.ca

Email:

work@providencecare.ca

Address:

340 Union Street

Kingston

Ontario

Application Deadline: Feb 03, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day Tuesday

Resume Tips and Tricks

What could possibly be the worst mistake you could make when it comes to your resume? Not targeting it to the kind of job you’re looking for is a biggie or leaving out keywords that a scanner can pick up is another no-no. Another is failing to list your achievements in ways the reader will find meaningful.

But the biggest error of all in putting your resume together is simply this: BEING SLOPPY.

A spelling mistake here, forgetting to leave out information, or sending it in the wrong format are all small bits of sloppiness which add up quickly. They can end up getting your resume tossed into the “don’t call us, we’ll call you” pile in a flash.

Here are three tips to prevent this from happening.

Tip 1. Don’t Rely Entirely on Spell Check When Proofreading
Think your word processing software will fix all the mistake on your resume? I doesn't.

So what should you do as an alternative? Get others to go over your pre-final draft and catch the errors. A few more pairs of eyes on your work can spot what you – and that word processor of yours – didn’t.

Tip 2. Customize Your Wording To The Job You’re Applying For
You may be able to get away with a “one size fits all” approach when applying for lower paying jobs but for the higher paying jobs, an employer expects you to put in some extra effort.

Try your best to match the requirements listed in the job ads you’re applying for. You should also create a cover letter which relates to the job you are applying for.

Tip 3. Send It In The Proper Format
In our era of electronic job postings and e-resume submissions, don’t guess which format the employer prefers. Follow their instructions on the job posting carefully. If sending directly to an employer via their e-mail, include your resume as scannable text within the body of the e-mail itself; then attach a version with nice layout and fancier fonts too, just in case they want to show it around to other staff.


By Mark Swartz. To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

How To Be Confident At Work

Find direction
One thing you can do is list areas you feel you lack confidence in at work. It could include your fear of making presentations or your inability to make a quick recovery after you have made a mistake. This list will provide you with a better picture of what is dampening your confidence level.

You can also start adopting a positive attitude. Replace the "cannots" with more "cans". Do not become too pressured to effect change immediately. If you are relaxed and focused, you will accomplish more. Remember, you should only compete with yourself.

Don't be shy
Shyness results because you focus too much on yourself, your fears and your insecurities, therefore, start focusing on others instead. Show genuine interest in what your colleagues tell you instead of nodding mindlessly. Also, do not underestimate the power of a smile. A smile speaks volumes and makes you more approachable. When your peers accept you, you feel better about yourself.

Take risks
Taking risks actually boosts self-confidence. You just have to adopt the right attitude at the beginning. Assume responsibility for the risk and have clear ideas about where you are heading. Having a positive attitude towards risk-taking is a good way to make great strides forward.

Do not fear criticism
Do not be caught up in the emotions brought on by criticism and go into immediate denial or counter-attack mode. Instead, consider the source and decide if the person really has the expertise or knowledge to make his or her comments. If you decide that the words are not just empty accusations, look at it as an opportunity to improve yourself. Don't try to control what others think of you. Instead, control what you can: your own thoughts and feelings.

Dress right
If you are unsure about the colors to choose for your clothes, start safe and go with neutral and discreet tones. Wear colors that you feel suit you. Being comfortable with how you look often translates to being comfortable with who you are. And as you become more certain of yourself, you can spice up the look with a little color.

Enjoy life
How you are at work is strongly influenced by how you are outside work. Away from work, pursue your interests passionately. Even if these passions are not related to your work, your enjoyment of life will reflect on your disposition when you are at work.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Here's what human resources professionals revealed what you as a job seeker need to avoid to land the job:

• Fifty-one per cent of managers said “dressing inappropriately” for an interview was the biggest mistake jobseekers could make. It gives the impression that the candidate didn't bother to research the company or does not take the industry seriously.
• Forty-eight per cent of managers said that if you seem disinterested you will not get the job. Job seekers appear disinterested when they haven’t researched the company or don't have any questions to ask the interviewer.
  
• Forty-nine per cent of managers said that complaining about a former employer is a HUGE mistake a candidate can make.
• Remember to turn off your phone before entering the room. Interviewers do not appreciate someone answering a mobile phone during an interview.
• You should also avoid asking about the salary on the first interview and focus on selling the product, which is you.
• It's great if you are friendly but you should avoid to be “too friendly” since interviewers may try to draw candidates into a “false sense of security” to see if they stay professional.
• Don't use slang. It's unprofessional and annoys older managers.
• Don't tell to many details when asked “tell us about yourself”. Instead, have a personal statement of two to three minutes prepared which highlights your key strengths and how they are relevant to the job itself.
  
• Arrogance won't land you the job according to the survey. Even if you have been successful all your life, you still need to taken the initiative to learn about or show interest in the company.
  

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Becoming a Writer:
The Pro's and Con's

Advantages

A huge advantage of becoming a writer is the fact that the hours are flexible. This is especially true for those who do it as a hobby or sideline career. It allows many people to hold full time jobs to supplement their income until their writing career starts rolling.

Another great advantage is that writers can work anywhere. Many writers find to soothing to sit in a park, cafe or elsewhere to find inspiration. It is also extremely helpful for those who have children and need a quiet space to think.

Being able to create your own world is another amazing advantage of being a writer. You can let your imagination shine and allow your characters and the world you're creating to be whatever you want them to be.

Disadvantages

A significant disadvantage to being a writer is the time it takes to complete a piece. If you plan on becoming a writer make sure you have the patience to keep at it.

Another unfortunate disadvantage of being a writer is the lack of income while you are writing. Most writers do so as a side hobby to hold themselves over until their writing career takes off, if it ever does.

Rejection is one of the biggest disadvantages of being a writer, as well as one of the most common. Many authors claim they have turned in several manuscripts before ever being accepted, and some say they have never been accepted. Many also say the hardest part in being a writer is the competition. Publishers pick roughly 10% of the manuscripts received to make it to print.

_____________________________

If you are considering becoming a writer it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Do you have the time or the means? There are many things to consider and never take them lightly. Writing is a competitive world and you should put your all in it and have as much fun as possible.

By Judith Allison. To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Job Title:
Accounting Course Developer

Position Type:
Immediate Full-time

Job Location:
Toronto

Employment Category:
Accounting - Chartered Accounting

Job Description:

POSITION: Accounting Course Developer

COMPANY DETAILS: AME Learning (“AME”) is a leader in providing financial literacy education in corporate and academic markets. Founded in 1997, AME uses a patented and award-winning system to teach accounting and financial principles in an intuitive way. Some of AME’s corporate clients include Burger King, Hallmark, Toyota, Alliance Atlantis, Bell Canada, Purolator, Royal Bank of Canada, and Second Cup. Some of AME’s academic clients include Seneca College, Fanshawe College, Conestoga College, University of Findlay, and Humber College.

AME is a venture-backed company experiencing rapid growth throughout North America. AME is expanding its team to support new growth initiatives and customer traction. For more company information, visit our website at www.amelearning.com

JOB DESCRIPTION: The role of an Accounting Course Developer will be to work in conjunction with the author of our accounting courses and department lead to create course material.

Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

· Work closely with subject matter specialists (accounting authors / editors) to create in-class course material including:

o In-class textbooks

o Online quizzes and exercises

o In-class exercises, tests, exams

o eLearning course curriculum

· Improve existing material based on instructor and students feedback
Research and edit course content

Job Requirements:

· Strong knowledge of accounting subject matter: accounting degree, CMA, CGA or CA designation preferred

· Very creative and detail oriented

· Excellent organizational and time management skills

· Work well in teams

· Good working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Application Procedure:

Employer Email

If by email, send to:

career@amelearning.com

Application Material Required:

Cover Letter

Resumé

Additional Application Information:

Position and responsibilities will expand based on proven competence across core deliverables. Selected candidates will undergo training to understand the method of creating course material.

PERFORMANCE METRICS AND COMPENSATION: Success will be based on mutually agreed milestones. Compensation will be composed of a base salary and performance bonus.

APPLICANTS: Please send applications, including cover letter, resume and a copy of unofficial transcript to career@amelearning.com. We thank all applicants who choose to apply; however, only those selected will be contacted.

Organization:

AME Learning

Division:

Education

Job Contact:

Linda Z.

Contact Title:

Operations Manager

Phone:

(416)479-0200

Website:

www.amelearning.com

Email:

career@amelearning.com

Address:

1200 Sheppard Ave. E

Suite 303

Toronto

Ontario

Application Deadline: Feb 11, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day Tuesday

Dress for Success!

Unless your job requires you to wear a uniform, choosing clothing for work can be difficult. What do you wear if you work in an industry where there really isn't a typical style of dress? Complicating the matter further are companies that allow more casual attire. How do you keep from crossing over the line from casual to sloppy? What about the job interview? Here are some pointers for dressing for any type of work situation:

• Your hair should be neatly styled.

• Your clothes should ALWAYS be neat and clean.
• Keep your shoes in good condition.
• Nails should be clean and neat and of reasonable length.
• Dress for the job you want. If you aspire to be a manager, dress like managers in your company do.

• For women: makeup should be subtle.

Rules for Casual Dress at Work

Although in theory most people love the idea of not having to wear a suit to work, they are often confused by the casual dress policies some employers have instituted over the last few years. Here are some simple rules:

• Casual doesn't mean sloppy. Your clothing should still be neat and clean.
• You can't go wrong with khakis and a sport shirt or a nice sweater.
• If you are going to a meeting or making a presentation, professional attire may be in order.

Dressing for a Job Interview

Heed this advice when you go on a job interview:

• Adhere to the employer's dress code: find out whether it's formal (suit and tie) or casual by asking around or by observing employees arriving for work.

• Cover up tattoos and remove body jewelry until you know whether they are acceptable at that particular workplace.

• Dress slightly better than you would if you were an employee.

By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

10 Ways To Be Noticed At Work

If you want to climb into the spotlight at your work place here are 10 tips to put you on the right track.

1. Increase visibility. Make an effort to visit others in your office. You can see what others are working on, see where you can offer help and just simply have a chat.

2. Dress the part. Getting noticed can be as simple as adjusting the way we dress. Dress appropriately for your office environment and you'll be on your way to success.

3. Give your reputation a kick. Your name needs to be seen and heard. Does your company have a blog or a forum? If so start posting regularly. If your company is large enough to have an internal publication start offering stories for it.

4. Step up to the plate. If an opportunity is offered and you have the ability to get the job done then raise your hand high.

5. Learn to learn. The world is in information overload, if you don’t know how to do something it is now as easy as opening up a new browser window on your computer and searching for the answer. We should all be striving to learn something new every day no matter how small or big it is.

6. Keep in tune with the world at large. Know exactly what your company’s competitors are doing. Do some market research. What opportunities are out there? Is there a gap that could be filled?

7. Respect others. If somebody is doing a good job tell them. Also mention this to people higher up the chain. Being fair and showing you care is a great way to set an example.

8. Be a mentor. Don’t be selfish with your own knowledge. Sharing is a great way to be noticed.

9. Find your niche. What are you really good at? Find out and make yourself the expert on the subject. Become the “go to” person in the office for that particular thing.

10. There is no try only do. Just like Yoda said, there is no second best. It’s no good moaning to your colleagues about not being noticed unless you are prepared to work hard at your job and be the absolute best you can be.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Fun Facts Friday

Interesting Facts on College Students

College and Sleep
Most College students require 9 hours of sleep to learn and study well. However, on average college students get about 5-6 hours of sleep per night. Nearly 20% of college students suffer from sleeping disorders.

Changing Your Major
Approximately 80% of college students change their major at least once during their college career. On average, college students change their major three times until they are able to settle on a major they really enjoy.

College Students and Facebook
In 2010 one of the most popular websites used by college students is Facebook. It is twice as popular among young women.

Hungry?
College students tend to drink a lot of carbonated beverages and very few students eat fruits and vegetables. Many students eat yogurt, cereal and sandwiches since they are very affordable and easy to make. Only about 1/5 of college students actually eat breakfast.

College Dropouts
About 1 in 4 college students drop out at some point in their college career. Some reasons why these students don't make it include, financial constraints, homesickness, or educational burnout.

How much do College Graduates Make?
College graduates with a bachelors degrees make an average income of $53,000, while high school students make an average of $29,000. College graduates with a masters degree tend to make $31,000 more per year than high school graduates.

How Many College Students Fail A Course?
About 1/3 of college students fail at least one class in their college career. Most students fail classes in their first year since they are not use to the way the college class is structured.

Average College Tuition
Students that go to community college and live at home tuiton can cost about $3000 a year. For students that go to private colleges and live at home, tuition per year can be anywhere between $9,000-$39,000 per year

How Much Debt Does a College Student Have?
On average the typical college student has about $21,000 in debt when they graduate. Graduates tend to find it hard to pay off their debt and also save for goals such as purchasing a home or buying a car.

To view the original article CLICK HERE

Top Job Thursday

Benefits of Being a Graphic Artist

Express Your Creativity
An excellent benefit of being a graphic artist is the ability to express your creativity. Many artists are moving towards graphic design because it’s easier to make a living as a graphic designer than it is in areas such as fine art.

Web or Print Flexibility
Just like fine art, you have different mediums as a graphic designer, two major ones being print and web. If you get into web design and you can pick up programming skills such as html, css and php. Being a graphic artist will allow you to branch off into other skill sets.

Huge Client Base
Every business needs a graphic artist. If a business is going to do marketing someone is going to need to design those marketing materials. As long as businesses keep growing and new ones keep appearing, then graphic artists will always have plenty of work. Because of this, the competition is getting rougher every day, so you will need to work much harder to stand out from the crowd.

Freelance
As a graphic artist you have the ability to easily do freelance work online. There are various places to find freelance work on the Internet and you can work from the comfort of your own home.

Work In-House
If you are not ready to freelance or run your own studio you can always work full-time for someone else. Some designers worry about their creativity being limited in-house, but its up to you to look at the benefits and disadvantages to make the right choice.

Learn on Your Own
While it is recommended to go to school for graphic design, many amazing graphic artists have learned on their own. If you practice enough at home, study other art, practice tutorials, read books and have a passion for design, you can learn on your own. The benefit of going to school is having teachers to guide you and critique your work, so if you learn yourself you need to be able to gauge what your current skill level is and understand what areas need improvement.

Easy Online Marketing
Today's design community is full of excellent forums, blogs, gallery sites, organizations, tutorials sites and much more. There are so many ways to market your skills online. It just takes a little a bit of time and energy but its worth it.

By Cadence Wu. To view the original article CLICK HERE

Weekly Feature Wednesday

Job Title:

Residential Child & Youth Worker

Position Type:

Off-campus Part-Time Employment

Job Location:

Consecon

Employment Category:

Social Service/Recreation/Health

Job Description:

This role provides for the daily care and supervision of Bayfield’s children and youth through the use of various relationship building, mentoring, teaching, conflict resolution and crisis management skills.

1. Responsible for maintaining a safe environment and to assist youth in learning and achieving their goal plans.
2. Promote and maintain a therapeutic environment for a diverse population of children/youth experiencing a range of social, behavioral and mental health difficulties.
3. Work jointly with program specialists in providing program activities.
4. Assist co-workers by sharing program activities, daily care responsibilities and problem solving.
5. Follow behavioral support and intervention guidelines including crisis intervention
6. Complete administrative tasks related to client progress reports, incident reports and behavior tracking

Job Requirements:

At minimum, a diploma in Social Services, Child and Youth Worker, Corrections, Police Foundations or a related discipline from a recognized community college or university.
A valid CPIC, current immunization record and an insurable driving record with a minimum “G” Class Driver’s License
Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Application Procedure:

Employer Email

If by email, send to:

tlee@bayfield.net

Application Material Required:

Cover Letter

Resumé

Additional Application Information:

Please reference CYW2012 in the subject line of the email

Organization:

Bayfield Treatment Centre

Division:

Human Resources

Job Contact:

Tom Lee

Contact Title:

Human Resources Coordinator

Phone:

(613)392-3551

Website:

http://www.bayfield.net/

Email:

tlee@bayfield.net

Address:

30 County Road 39

Consecon

Ontario

Application Deadline: Jan 11, 2012 11:59PM

Tip of the Day Tuesday

The Best Questions to Ask in the Interview

An interview is meant to be a two-way street. The hiring manager is interviewing you to determine whether you're the best fit for the job. At the same time, you should be asking questions to determine whether you would be happy working with this the company. But once nerves take over, it's easy to forget your role. By the time the employer asks if you have any questions, it's easy to be so drained you can only stammer out, "Nope." Not asking questions, however, passes up your chance to stand out from the competition. Before the interview, prepare a list of questions that demonstrate your interest in the company and position. Some good questions include:

• What do you see ahead for your company in the next five years?
• How do you see the future for this industry?
• What do you consider to be your firm's most important assets?
• What can you tell me about your new product or plans for growth?
• How do you rate your competition?
  
• What happened to the last person who held this job?
• What were the major strengths and weaknesses of the last person who held this job?
• What types of skills do you NOT already have onboard that you're looking to fill with a new hire?
  
• What is the overall structure of the company and how does your department fit the structure?
• What are the career paths in this department?
• What have been the department's successes in the last couple of years?
• How do you view your group/division/department?
  
• What would you consider to be the most important aspects of this job?
• What are the skills and attributes you value most for someone being hired for this position?
• Where have successful employees previously in this position progressed to within the company?
• Could you describe a typical day or week in this position? The typical client or customer I would be dealing with?
  
• What are the most immediate challenges of the position that need to be addressed in the first three months?
• What are the performance expectations of this position over the first 12 months?
• How will I be evaluated at XYZ company, and how often?
  
• What are the next steps in the interview process?

Kate Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Editor. To view the original article CLICK HERE

Making It Big Monday

Top 10 Tips for Interns

Organizations seek interns with a "go-getter" attitude. They want people doing internships in their company who have a strong work ethic and are dependable. Many Human Resource Departments state that they seek many of their full-time employees those who have previously interned with their organization and have these qualities. Following these tips will increase the likelihood that your internship will turn into a full-time job offer.

1. Meet and Greet with Everyone You Meet
Successful work relationships require excellent communication skills as well as a positive attitude. Make sure you take the initiative to introduce yourself and exhibit a positive and friendly attitude to everyone you meet; be it the janitor or the CEO.

2. Research
Make it a point to do research and learn all you can about the company and industry. You can also write directly to a company for information, or engage in informational interviews. Reading local newspapers and business publications is another way to find out more about an organization.

3. Set Personal Goals and Keep Yourself Busy
Set personal goals that you want to achieve during your internship and ask your supervisor for things to do. If you find that your work is done, ask for new projects or look to read company literature. Goal setting is especially important for interns to ensure that you gain the relevant skills employers are seek.

4. Read Professional Trade Journals & Magazines
Keep up on employer information and read what the professionals are reading. Are there new trends currently happening in the field? Internship success requires motivation and a true desire to learn more about the industry. Successful interns take the initiative to learn as much as possible.

5. Be Prepared to do Some Grunt Work
Take the smaller tasks in stride and keep your mind focused on the big picture. You may need to make some coffee or do some filing at some point. Remember there are menial tasks included in all jobs and pitching in and doing your share will establish better teamwork and goodwill among co-workers.

6. Ask Questions
Take advantage of your student status and ask questions about everything you don't understand. As an intern, employers do not expect you to know everything about the job or industry. Internships are a great learning experience. The more questions you ask the more you will learn about the job and how the industry operates.

7. Find a Mentor
Learn from those you admire and develop mentoring relationships you can continue long after your internship has ended. Professionals enjoy sharing their expertise and want to assist new professionals entering the field.

8. Be Professional
Maintain a professional image and avoid gossip and office politics. You must also maintain a positive and professional image both inside and outside the office.

9. Develop Professional Relationships
Communicate with supervisors and co-workers and keep yourself in the loop of office communications. Professional relationships are key in starting a successful career. Throughout your career a professional network will help you to learn of new opportunities.

10. Be Enthusiastic!
Show your enthusiasm and motivation and ask to be included in meetings and professional workshops. Enthusiastic employees tend to rub off on each other and have a positive impact on the organization as a whole.

By Penny Loretto, About.com Guide. To view the original article CLICK HERE