Freelance Friday

The Canadian Council for the Arts - www.canadacouncil.ca

This website provides loads of information on important industry related topics such as:

-Writing & Publishing
-Audience Market & Development
-Media-Arts
-Grant Writing

Tip of the Day

Volunteer for boards


If you have your career set on something beyond what you are doing in your present position, seek out opportunities to volunteer or serve on advisory boards, where you can build a reputation as someone who is passionate and dedicated to your particular industry.Volunteering is also a great way to network with people who are intrested in a similar career as you.


http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-career-development/11128-1.html

Work Abroad Wednesday

It is important to be aware of the requirements which must be met when chosing to move and/or work abroad. Be sure to visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade website for further information.
http://www.international.gc.ca/iyp-pij/iyp_introduction_page.aspx

Tip of the Day

When Job Hunting: Dress for Success


When job-hunting, first impressions are critical. You are marketing a product -- yourself -- to a potential employer, and the first thing the employer sees when greeting you is your attire; make every effort to have the proper dress for the type of job you are seeking. Will dressing properly get you the job? Of course not, but it will give you a competitive edge and a positive first impression.


http://www.quintcareers.com/dress_for_success.html

Tip of the Day

Reference Checking On Facebook


Facebook could be sabotaging your career.You’re being judged by what you do in the public domain. Every move you make, every step you take leaves a trace in cyberspace. The best way to keep on top of your own personal brand is to control the information you put out there. Make sure your Facebook is clean or at least Private.


http://career-advice.monster.ca/job-interview/interview-preparation/facebook-job-search-canada/article.aspx

Freelance Friday

www.freelanceswitch.com

Take a look at this website offering a wealth of information on FREELANCING from project tools and website development, to business resources and blogs!

Tip of the Day

Career Planning Tip

"Without a plan, you are like a ship without a rudder." Without a career plan you will be blown off course by the slightest breeze. Without a good career plan experienced professionals can stall and stagnate and become targets for downsizing. Without a good career plan college students are likely to change majors, lose credits, drop out, or take too long to graduate. When times get tough, and the classes become hard, self doubt begins to creep in. Having a firm career direction will help keep Yourself on track during tough times.


http://www.careerplanner.com/Career-Articles/CareerPlanningAdvice.cfm

Work Abroad Wednesdays

Check out these websites for the most recent and reliable information on working abroad!

www.hostelworld.com
www.lonelyplanet.com
www.acdi-cida.gc.ca

Tip of the Day

Acing your interview


Company Research
Research should always be your first step. Gathering background information on employers is a crucial element in successful interview preparation.

Practise Makes Perfect
Practice with a friend and record or videotape your responses so you can replay the interview and see how well you did. Prepare answers to commonly asked interview questions.

Prepare for the interview
It is very important to be on time for the interview. Know the interviewer's name and use it during the interview.

Stay Calm
if you're not sure what's been asked take a moment or two to frame your responses.

http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/aceinterview.htm

Mentoring Monday

Workplace Mentoring Tips


YOUR KNOWLEDGE: Be aware of your roles and responsibilities - what you are supposed to be doing, and how things are to be done.

YOUR ATTITUDE: Attitude determines how you interpret the things that come your way. Be positive. Choose to see things positively.

YOUR BEHAVIOUR: Be patient with yourself and those that you are working with.Do not be in too much of a rush. Do not rush your work.

http://apprenticeship.nscc.ca/mentoring/Mentoring.Resource.Handout.Tips.pdf

Freelance Friday

Sometimes LESS is MORE. Many writer's are reluctant to make extreme edits to their work. Instead they poke at it piece by piece hoping that this will ultimately lead to a major improvement. Perhaps another way to create a successful piece is to break it down, drill it apart and REFRAME.

Tip of The Day

Maintaining your confidence during a prolonged Job Search

Networking
Networking with other job seekers allows you to realize that their are many bright, competent people in the very same position as you.

Volunteering
When no one is paying you a salary in exchange for your skills, it’s easy to start thinking those skills aren’t valuable. Volunteering your talents for causes that matter to you can stop this negative thinking in its tracks.

Socailizing
Throughout your job search, it’s important to keep yourself surrounded by the people who know you best—for more than just your job title.

http://www.ontariojobsite.com/articles/maintaining-your-confidence-during-a-prolonged-4923-article.html

Work Abroad Wednesday

A few important questions to ask yourself before you go work abroad:
- Do you know where you're going to live?
- Are vaccinations required?
- How much money will you need?
- What languages are spoken?

Tip of the Day

What not to do in an Interview


1. Show up for your interview early
Interviewers dont like to feel rushed.

2. Set your cell phone to silent or turn it off
Many people even consider it bad to look at your cellphone while waiting to be called in.

3. If something truly crazy occurs that causes you to be late, Apologize profusely
Their is no easier way to get off on the wrong foot with a potential employer than to give them the impression that you don't value their time.



http://www.ontariojobsite.com/articles/what-not-to-do-in-an-interview-4916- article.html

Freelance Friday

WORD OF MOUTH WORKS!
Here's How...
Enlist your friends and family to spread the word about your services.
Ask your satisfied clients for referrals.
Offer free consultations for new referrals.
Consider a referral or finder fee.

For more tips on how to get your services out there viva voce, see the link below!

http://freelanceswitch.com

Tip of the Day

Make career Planning an Annual Event

Many of us have physicals, visit the eye doctor and dentist, and do a myriad of other things on an annual basis, so why not career planning? Find a day or weekend once a year -- more often if you feel the need or if you're planning a major career change -- and schedule a retreat for yourself. Try to block out all distractions so that you have the time to truly focus on your career -- what you really want out of your career, out of your life.

By making career planning an annual event, you will feel more secure in your career choice and direction -- and you'll be better prepared for the many uncertainties and difficulties that lie ahead in all of our jobs and career.



http://www.quintcareers.com/career_planning_tips.html

Work Abroad Wednesday

• Looking for great tips on how to find the perfect job or volunteer position?
• Look no farther than the VERGE magazine which can be found in the Career Centre at Loyalist College or online at vergemagazine.com

Tip of the Day

Some eye-catching phrases to use when writing your resume

Phrases can add energy to statements about your work-related duties and accomplishments

Here are just a few

• Acted as liason for/between..
• Accounted for..
• Drew up...
• Mapped out...
• promted to....

To find out about more of these Phrases go to www.workopolis.com/work

Mentoring Monday

The power of a career mentor

When you study with a career mentor, you benefit from their experience. That experience can give you the advantage that moves you ahead. As you reach your career goals, don't forget to repay the favor by helping others achieve their career goals.

http://www.seekingsuccess.com/articles/art154.php