Who Makes a Good Reference?

Every employment and volunteer opportunity you’ve had has contributed to the network of people you know.  When you’re applying for a job, it’s a good idea to make a list of past managers, supervisors, co-workers, and professors who could provide a positive reference on your behalf.  For instance, a supervisor or manager makes a great reference because they are able to attest to your skill set, character and work ethic.  A former co-worker can also be a good reference, and can demonstrate how well you work as part of a team.  Ideally, you want to choose references that can evaluate your skills, are well spoken, and that you got along well with.  An academic reference is also a good possibility, because they will be able to convey your learning and communication skills to a potential employer.  Each time you leave a position, whether it was paid or volunteer, remember to ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference. But don’t forget, when you give their contact information to a potential employer, be sure to let your references know in advance.

Dos and Don’ts of Resume Writing

DO:

·         Use formatting and bullets on your résumé.

·         Keep your résumé clear and concise.

·         Target your résumé for the specific job you’re applying for.

·         Acquire relevant experience through internships and/or volunteer work.

·         Proofread your résumé multiple times, and have somebody else proofread it.

·         Keep your résumé up to date, even when you aren’t actively sending it out.

 

DON’T:

·         Lie on a resume. Ever!

·         Add irrelevant details (like hobbies and interests) if they don’t pertain to the job.

·        Make your resume too long. Aim for one page, two maximum if you have enough relevant experience to fill more than one page.

 

Résumé Resources

The best resource to help you create your resume is the Loyalist Career Centre. The Centre can help you develop, review, and fine tune your résumé before you start distributing it. If you can’t make it to the Career Centre for advice, here are some other good resources:

What Recruiters Look at During the Six Seconds They Spend On Your Resume

This interesting article shows you where recruiters spend the most time focusing on resumes.  The study, which used a scientific technique called “eye tracking” on 30 professional recruiters, determined some of the most important aspects of a résumé.

12 Revealing Traits of a Successful Résumé

This great infographic will help you review some of the details you should include when writing a résumé.

Résumé Keywords

Here you will find a list of 250 keywords you can add to your résumé (as long as they apply). Remember: It’s always a good idea to look for keywords in a specific job posting as well.

E-mail Matters

Something as simple as your e-mail address may not seem like a big deal, but it could actually be the reason you haven’t had any calls from prospective employers lately.  When you’re submitting resumes and cover letters, be conscious of even the small details – like your e-mail handle.  If you’re still using the same cutesy e-mail address you created in high school, it may be time to upgrade to something a little more professional.  When creating a new email address, remember to keep it simple. 

Creating a professional e-mail address is easy. Here are some formats to consider:

ü  FirstLast@domain.com

ü  FirstLast123@domain.com

ü  First.Last@domain.com

ü  Initial-Last@domain.com

Is Your Cover Letter Doing More Harm Than Good?

Your cover letter will often be the first thing a potential employer sees, so a simple mistake could cost you an interview or even the job.  Here is a list of common errors to avoid when writing and distributing your cover letter:

1.       Too generic. When you’re applying for multiple jobs, avoid using the same generic cover letter for every position.  You should always tailor your cover letter around the specific job posting, using concepts and keywords from the posting in your letter.

2.       Full of errors. As with everything, proofread thoroughly to make sure your letter is free of spelling and grammatical errors.  Make sure to have someone else read over the letter as well. A fresh set of eyes has a fresh perspective.

3.       Length. Your cover letter shouldn’t be too long, but it can’t be too short either.  Typically, cover letters are between three and five paragraphs.  See our last post for more information about what to include in your paragraphs.

4.       Salutation. When submitting a cover letter, ensure that you have referenced the right position. Attention to detail is very important to employers, and it’s easy to make simple mistakes when you’re sending out dozens of applications.  Also, avoid “To Whom It May Concern” whenever possible. Do research and try to find the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter. 

5.       Stolen content. Cover letters online are great, but only for ideas. You should never copy one word for word, or repurpose the content of somebody else’s letter. Be creative and write your own letter that accurately reflects your personality and experience.

 

10 Steps to a Cover Letter

1.       Make sure your contact information is in bold font and is accurate, with a professional email address included.

2.       A slogan on a cover letter is entirely optional.  If you feel it would work in your favour, or is appropriate for the career path you’ve chosen, add something that will attract an employer and make your cover letter stand out.

3.       Make sure to date and properly address your cover letter.

4.       The company’s contact information and the job you’re interested in, with the correct job title, should be in the job posting. When possible, always try to use the name of the person who will be reading your resume (do your research!).

5.       In the first paragraph, include the position you are applying for and indicate why you are the perfect fit for the job by demonstrating some of the biggest qualifications you possess. Use the original job posting as your reference point.

6.       In the second paragraph, include all relevant skills and experience and explain how your qualifications match up with the company’s expectations.  Tip: Make sure not to repeat your resume in this paragraph! Highlight only your key qualifications, and be creative.

7.       Your cover letter should be 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

8.       The closing paragraph of your cover letter should encourage the reader to follow up with you. Once again, include a contact number and e-mail address.  Most importantly, thank the reader for their time and consideration.

9.       When closing your letter, be professional. Print your name and sign the letter. If you are sending a cover letter via e-mail, you might want to scan a copy of the letter with your signature to use for online applications.

10.   Finally, make sure your letter is presentable, use a font that is easy to read, print the cover letter out on plain white paper, and keep the tone professional. Plus, don’t forget to proofread your entire cover letter and resume!

Volunteer Experience

Relevant volunteer experience is one of your biggest assets on a resume. Volunteering is also great for networking, acquiring solid references, and gaining relevant experience while looking for a job in your field.  If you do well in a volunteer position, it may have the potential to turn into a paid position.  The biggest piece of advice you can follow while volunteering is to treat it as if it were a paying job.  Show up often and on time, establish strong relationships, and show a passion for the work you’re doing.  Showing the initiative to take on new things in your volunteer position will show the people you work with that you are ambitious and eager to learn, and have various skills you can apply to the position.  Versatility and attention to detail are key in any situation, and can be valuable when volunteering as well.  Most importantly, let the manager know you are interested in a position if one becomes available, and make sure to keep in contact so he or she knows you’re interested.  Making connections can be valuable to your career, but maintaining those connections is key.    

 

The Old Fashioned Way

The convenience of the online job search has its advantages, but there can also be disadvantages.  The process of applying for a job from behind a computer screen can sometimes take away the personal face-to-face experience of searching for a job. The convenience of applying with a click of a button also creates a lot of competition between applicants.  If a job posting asks applicants to apply online or in person, consider dropping off a resume in person and shaking a hand or two while you’re there. Taking the time to go in person, even if you don’t make it past the receptionist, shows that you are genuinely interested in and serious about the position.  Although applying in person can give you an advantage, remember that if the job posting specifically asks for an electronic application, you should respect the company’s wishes.

Where to Look for a Job

A good job doesn’t have to be impossible to come by. Ultimately, one of the best resources for finding a job is your ability to network and research.  You can find many job postings online, but don’t be limited to electronic resources. Don’t forget to check your local paper, career centres, and connect with local businesses.  The Loyalist Career Centre offers a list of specific job search sites for each program offered at the College, and should be your primary resource while searching for a job. They offer job boards within the school and online, and provide a list of generic job search sites to start your search.  When appropriate, remember that it can be a good idea to visit a business in person and ask for an application or drop off a resume.  Another way to gain experience and make connections during your job search is volunteering.  Volunteering gives you the chance to build your network in a field that is relevant to you, while you gain hands-on experience. Volunteer positions can also lead to job opportunities.

Restricting Social Media at Work

How does restricting social media in the workplace affect employee productivity? Check out this infographic from Socialcast.

Personal Branding

When you are putting yourself out there – passing out resumes and business cards, applying for jobs, and networking – you’re selling yourself. In order to be successful, you have to have strong personal branding in person and online. Check out this infographic for tips to improve your personal branding on social media:

 

Clean It Up!

Searching for a job can be tricky, but it can be even more challenging when your social media accounts are bringing you down behind the scenes. If you’re job hunting, or even if you aren’t, keeping your social media accounts free of inappropriate content is always a good idea. About.com offers these tips for social-savvy jobseekers:

• Don't post anything you wouldn't want your current employer or a prospective employer to see.
• Avoid any comments that could be interpreted as racist, sexist or discriminatory in any way.
• Remove or ‘untag’ photos of you that show you in an unfavorable light. If you prefer not to, then be sure to carefully manage your album privacy settings. These control which people can see which of your albums.
• Look at your wall. Remove comments from your friends that seem distasteful.
• Look at the apps on your profile. Does their purpose portray you well? There are more than a few apps that may not be the best ones to have on your page when you're looking to get a job.
• What groups are you a member of? If you belong to "It's 5 a.m., I'm drunk, and on Facebook" or any similar groups, you probably want to leave them.

Facebook Privacy Settings

• Make sure only friends can see your photos, religious and political views, and posts.
• Within the privacy settings, you are given an opportunity to preview your profile as an outsider. Take advantage of this and double-check what others can see.

Twitter Accounts for Jobseekers

Some of the great advantages of being a Generation Y job seeker are the information and career resources readily available online, but this can also be a job seeker’s greatest downfall.  There is an abundance of relevant information out there, but there is just as much out-dated and conflicting advice out there too.  Twitter to the rescue!  There are many experts who have taken to twitter with a focus specifically on Generation Y job seekers.  Here are a couple of great career-focused accounts:

Heather R. Huhman: @heatherhuhman

v  Offers tons of helpful advice, interesting articles and relevant information for Gen Y job seekers looking for internships and entry-level jobs

 

Dan Schawbel: @DanSchawbel

v  Follow his interesting and often witty blog about career success specifically for Gen Y’s

 

Jac Poindexter: @ValueIntoWords

v  A reliable resume expert who mixes things up with work and life balance

 

Loyalist College Career Centre @CareerCentre

v  Offers information to assist you with your career, job search and professionalism

14 Career Experts to Follow on Twitter

v  Click here for more great career experts on Twitter

How Professionals are Using LinkedIn: Infographic

Who uses LinkedIn? Find out with this infographic from SiliconANGLE and Lab42.

Employers on Social Media

Did you know 37% of employers are using social media to research job candidates? Career Builder put together this infographic to show you just how social your social media profile has become.

The Low-Down on LinkedIn

According to Forbes, 97.3% of employers who use social media as a recruitment tool turn to LinkedIn. Here are some tips and tricks to get you started building an effective profile on LinkedIn:

Profile:

• Have a good quality profile picture of just you.
• Make sure it is 100% filled out.
• Add keywords that represent you in your position.
• Be specific  i.e. if you are a student, state your school and program with the use of keywords to make it effective.
• Include all of your education, awards, and even extra-curricular activities.
• Stay up to date with your profile, and update your responsibilities often.

Summary:

• Never leave your summary blank!
• Make sure your summary is clear and concise.
• Share goals, accomplishments, and qualities – and make sure to use keywords that will help you stand out.

Connections:

• Focus on expanding your network on LinkedIn by adding professional connections.
• Always personalize your connection requests – avoid using the default LinkedIn invitation text.
• Join groups on LinkedIn that are specific to your field of interest.

Recommendations:

• Try to get a variety of recommendations from all of the positions you've held.
• Ask for recommendations for part employers, professors, or colleagues.
• Just like you would for a reference, ask for a recommendation politely and professionally - don't assume you deserve one.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

Ever since Twitter erupted, celebrities, athletes, and your friends have been able to share anything they want at any given moment.  Sure, this method of communication has its perks, but do you really need to share everything?  After researching what the experts had to say, here’s what we suggest keeping off Twitter, no matter how tempting it may be to post!

 

1.       Work-Related Gossip: This one seems like a given, yet it continues to be a problem for some.  Sure, your boss may have ticked you off today, or maybe you heard a juicy tidbit about a fellow employee, but there is never a good reason to share this information with the rest of the world.

2.       Your Whereabouts: Maybe you’re going to be coming home from work late tonight, you’re alone in the house for the night, or you’re going away for the week. As innocent as a tweet about any of these things may seem, posting about it on the internet spells out vulnerability. While you think you’re sharing your exciting vacation details, you’ve also let who knows how many people that your house is going to be empty for a week, or you are going to be at home alone tonight.  Bottom line: don’t share this information on social media – for your own safety.

3.       Inappropriate or Offensive Content: This one is pretty simple. If you are about to tweet something that you wouldn’t want your Grandma to see, don’t tweet it.  Remember, employers scan through potential candidates’ social media posts, and you don’t want inappropriate tweets to cost you a potential job.

4.       Personal Information: It’s surprising how many people still share too much personal information online.  Just remember – the info you’re tweeting can be seen by hundreds of people, some of who you may not even know. Being smarter about your posts can help you stay safer online.

How to Clean Up Your Facebook Account

Facebook is still one of the most popular social media sites, which means it’s important to know how to clean up your profile before applying for jobs.  When you’re reviewing your profile, your aim should be to have a career-appropriate profile (and profile picture!) but still show some personality.  When reviewing and cleaning up your Facebook profile, focus on these things:

·         Pictures of Yourself (tagged and uploaded by you)

-        Remove inappropriate photos that may portray a negative image. For example, pictures that are overly revealing or show you or your friends engaging in illegal activities.  

·         Privacy Settings

-        One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is deleting their Facebook profile all together and/or creating a new one. This could make a potential employer think that you may have something to hide.

-        Review the things you would like to be accessible to the public and the things you would like to keep private.

·         Interests and Groups

-        Make sure none of your interests or groups conflict with the job you are applying for, or the industry you’re interested in.

-        Consider deleting any status updates that may come off as controversial or overly-negative to your potential employer. For example, if most of your posts are complaints, an employer may see you as a negative person and not want to add you to their team.

·         Timeline Posts  

-        Your main goal should be to avoid any potentially racist, sexist, or controversial posts that could make you look bad to somebody who hasn’t met you yet or doesn’t know you very well.

-        Don’t forget about the things others have posted on your timeline too – your friends may not realize it, but their comments can have a negative impact on you.

Traditional Energy vs. Alternative Energy

It’s been mentioned that green and alternative energy, along with traditional energy such as gas and oil, will both be in demand in the next decade.  At first glance, it seems to be a paradox – why would both types of energy be in demand? The fact is, since 2009 the oil and gas industry has been focusing on the transparency and sustainability of the traditional energy industry.  In accordance with the Responsible Canadian Energy program, the oil and gas industry has been attempting to adopt more sustainable strategies to reduce their environmental impact.  They will be in need of new, younger employees to fill the positions of retirees, along with the increasing need for environmental studies graduates. That means new job opportunities within the industry.  Even if you are enthusiastic about green and alternative energy, the oil and gas industry still could be a great option. You could help develop new environmentally-friendly and sustainable methods that will reduce the natural impact of petroleum corporations.  Check out the following article, originally posted by Talent Egg, for a little more insight to how these two industries will coexist in the future.

Canadian Oil and Gas Industry

You may have heard of, or even know, people who have chosen to relocate to Western Canada to work in the Canadian oil sands, and there is good reason for this.  The Canadian oil and gas industry pays some of the highest wages. Six-figure salaries are not uncommon for entry-level workers.  These jobs are laborious and physically demanding, yet also rewarding.  The oil and gas industry is predicted to double in size in the years to come, increasing the demand for young, strong workers.

Check out this inforgraphic: http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/10/12/infographic-drilling-deeper-careers-oil-gas-industry/

Health Information Technology Careers

Careers in healthcare are not limited to nurses, pharmacists, and doctors.  There is, in fact, a whole other branch of healthcare to be explored - Health Information Technology.  The medical field is dynamic and forever changing, especially in terms of technology and advancement, making health IT a promising field.  Electronic health records have slowly been implemented in the healthcare industry. With the hopes of improving patient care and outcomes, eHealth will continue to progress in the future as medicine becomes more technical.  Health Information Technology involves working with electronic health records, diagnostic coding, and increasing the safety and security of patients.  Though it may not be the conventional healthcare career you immediately think of, this career path involves a good starting salary, dynamic and challenging work, and most importantly, job growth.

Jobs in the Healthcare Industry

One of your best bets to gain employment quickly after graduation is to pick a career in the healthcare field.  You most likely have heard of the term Baby Boomer. If not, they are people who were born between 1946 and 1964. Baby Boomers will greatly impact the healthcare field in the future, since a large percentage of current employees within the field are Baby Boomers who are approaching retirement age. This means a number of jobs will open up for recent graduates.  Since one in three Canadians are Baby Boomers, this means that 1/3 of the population will retire from various industries and require additional care in coming years. 

 

Why choose a career in healthcare?

·         The industry is dynamic and fast paced

·         Job growth and job security

·         Opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team

·         Competitive salary

·         Make an impact and work with people

Important Skills to Get a Job

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to consider both your hard and soft skills. Your hard skills are your college education, and any relevant certifications and/or internships you’ve completed. Many of your hard skills will come from your academic background, but don’t forget to take the initiative to build extra skills in your field outside of school. This will give you a competitive edge when you apply for jobs. 

Soft skills will be what make you a well-rounded candidate and an asset to any company. Your soft skills pertain to how you conduct yourself:  how do you communicate? Are you professional? Are you able to work well with in a team?  Employers want to see that you are able to communicate clearly and effectively, which is usually conveyed through your resume, cover letter, and during the interview process. Employers also focus on your ability to analyze, problem solve, and be creative.

When you apply for a job, consider the skills listed on the job posting. Prepare examples of how you have demonstrated these skills in the past, so you’re prepared during an interview.

Job Possibilities in the Green Industry

With over 100,000 current employees retiring from the ‘green’ industry in the next decade, workers will be in high demand.  Jobs in the environmental sector can include the traditional green trades, green education, green design and innovation, and many more. Here are some examples:

Green Trades:

• Wind Turbine Technician

-        Increasingly in high demand

-        A background in Engineering Technology is useful for this career

-        Work as part of a small team that repairs, programs, and assesses wind turbines

-        Average wage: $18-26/hour

• Solar Service Technicians

-        Be a part of a small team that repairs and maintains solar installations

-        A licensed or apprenticing electrician can work as a solar technician  

-        Average wage: $20-30/hour

•  HVAC Technician

-        Electrical technician diploma holders can get into this area

-        Apprenticeship opportunities

-        Average wage: $15-30/hour

-         

Green Education

(A background in Public Relations is suggested for these positions (http://www.loyalistcollege.com/programs-and-courses/full-time-programs/public-relations)

• Communications Officer

-        Found in different sectors of the green industry

-        Build and project a company/organization’s profile through media resources

-        If environmental conservation interests you, this could be a great opportunity for you

-        With a diploma in advertising and marketing communications this could become a career possibility

-        Salary is based on experience. For one to four years of experience, employees can expect to earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually. Those with more than 20 years of experience can make as much as $75,000 annually.

• Community Animator

-        If you are outgoing this could be a good fit for you

-        Inform the public about sustainable energy and technology

-        Average wage: $30,000 - $80,000 annually

The Green Energy Industry in Ontario

Did you know that Ontario has one of the largest demands for “green collar” jobs?   With the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, released in 2009, Ontario has increased its focus on renewable and clean energy, energy conservation, and the need for jobs in the related fields.  This act is expected to create at least 50,000 new jobs in the green energy industry, which is promising for students and recent grads.  On top of the jobs created by the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, many workers in the industry are looking at retirement within the next ten years, creating even more potential positions.  According to Eco-Canada Environmental Careers Organization, renewable energy is within the top five green sectors with job vacancies.  Some vacancies within this sector include: quality control management, security advisor, mechanical service technicians, and wind technicians.  Renewable and green energy includes things like hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, and many others. If this is the sort of thing that interests you, it is definitely worth a look!

Where Will the Jobs be in 2020?

To view the original infographic, visit http://www.nextpunch.com/job-growth-2020/.

M. Silvester

Making it Big Monday

How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
 

A cover letter is essentially a formalized letter about you and why a company should hire you. Your cover letter should represent you and your personality. It shows a potential employer your knowledge, skills and abilities that are related to the position you are applying, while illustrating your basic communication skills, grammar and that you are truly interested in the position that the company is hiring for. Although cover letters are time consuming they are imperative to get an employer to look into your resume further.

Every cover letter should be customized to the position and company you are applying for. A generic cover letter does not pop at a potential employer and will not get you into the "maybe" pile. The employer is essentially telling you what you need to write in your cover letter through their job description and job requirements section. When beginning to write your cover letter, look at the job posting mark down which attributes you currently possess, and an example of each attribute. Then look at the attributes you do not possess and think of ways to either conquer those challenges, or other items in your positive skills section that are similar to the attribute and include that into the cover letter.

Personalize the cover letter to the hiring manager’s name and job position. Do not use “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir/ mam”. When in doubt, leave it out.

A common mistake on a cover letter and/ or resume is lacking professionalism. Ensure your email is proofread, email and grammar are professional and that you demonstrate your qualities with examples. Anyone can say they are a fantastic communicator, but how will you prove you are what you say you are.

Do not use unprofessional email addresses. Although your email address from grade 9 “Ilovekittys6912@hotmail” is cute to you, your potential employer may not appreciate it as much.

Use a professional approach to all aspects of your job search. Again, when in doubt ask someone else or leave it out.

E. Kryschuk