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Workshop Guide
Intensive “one stop shop”
Everything you need to get your job search started
For Graduate Students
Presented by
Lorna MacEachern & Susan Molnar
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CAREER PLANNING IN A NUTSHELL
1. Research Self
2. Research Options
3. Develop your toolkit
CV
Cover letter
Interview skills
4. Network your way into a job!!!
DEVELOPING A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY
Here is a more detailed look at the the job search process. It is important to at least review the steps to
ensure that you are targeting positions that are a good fit for you, and that the scope of your search is
broad.
1. Self Assessment Who am I? What am I passionate about?
START BY ASKING YOURSELF SOME BASIC QUESTIONS:
Why did you do your degree? Why graduate studies?
What skills did you intend to gain through your program?
What motivates you? What makes you happy?
Where do you get your greatest satisfaction?
What is important to you?
What are your ambitions/goals for the future?
Did you ever have a “dream job”
FOUR AREAS TO CONSIDER
Interests Industries
Skills Occupations
Values Organizations / Work Environment
Personality Overview
NEED HELP?Make an individual appointment at CAPS or Counselling
Take the career tests
C ome to our workshop: “Self Assessment?”
Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.16)
Participate in Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.)
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2. Research OptionsWhere can I use my skills and education?
Who would I like to work for? What company shares my values?
EXPLORE OCCUPATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS, CAUSES, INDUSTRIES
Career resource library
Websites - See Researching Occupations and Researching Employers sections of this guide and
www.mcgill.ca/caps
Career Fairs -Prepare in advance!
Company presentations
Panel discussions
Information Interviews & Networking
ENGAGE IN NEW EXPERIENCES Develop new skills
Volunteering/ Part-time / Summer jobs
o Online postings & Networking
Internshipso Arts: www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships
o Science: www.mcgill.ca/science
o Library resources (come to the CAPS library: Room 2200 Brown)
o Search engine: http://www.mcgill.ca/caps/students/job-
search/experience/internships/links/
Post-Docs
o Job postings, Networking, Academic Journals
Additional Training
o Information avail at www.careercruising.com & www.myplan.com
RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS
What to look for?
Basic
Location(s) – Head Office, Plants, Subsidiaries
What does the company do?-What products or services does it provide?
Recruiting Practices
Security
Is the company private or public?
How long has it been in operation?
What is the growth potential & who are the major competitors?
Financial statements, stock reports, annual reports
What are the Industry trends – any talk of mergers?Features
Mission statement/philosophy – does it match your values?
What types of positions are available? Salary ranges?
Employee satisfaction, training, work-life balance
Typical career paths. Who is at the top, what degrees do the managers have (gives insight on
company values)
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RESEARCHING OCCUPATIONS
www.careercruising.com
This Canadian website provides a great deal of
information about hundreds of careers. You can
search by career, discipline, or use their online
matchmaking tool. You need to login to this site:
Login: mcgill, Pswd: careers
www.myplan.com
This is a free US site, that is very similar to Career
Cruising. It also has online assessment tools, most of
which have a nominal charge associated with them
($10-$20). The values questionnaire is free, and a
very useful tool. It also has a “matching” feature.
You can create a free account that will allow you to
save you searches and the results of yourassessments.
Exploring Occupations
http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.ht
ml
Excellent site which contains descriptions of dozens
of different occupations, from U Manitoba
Occupational Information
https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/explor
e.cfm
A good resource with a variety of occupations from
UBC.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
A great US based source of occupational information
www.jobfutures.ca
A comprehensive Canadian Gov site with
information on over 200 occupational groups.
www.sciencecareers.org Offers an array of information for graduates from
science programs
www.canlearn.ca
Includes an occupational database, a
university/college guide, virtual career counsellor
and financial aid/scholarship information.
www.canadiancareers.com
Primarily a list of links to other web resources
www.JobHuntersBible.com
The online supplement to What Color is Your
Parachute?
Jobs, Workers, Training and Careers
http://www.jobsetc.ca/
JWTC is a government site that helps Canadiansfind work, decide on career directions, create a
personal learning plan or deal with workplace
issues. Get access to information, services,
interactive tools and quizzes that make a
difference
Labour Market Information
http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/
Occupational Profiles
http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/
Detailed descriptions of over 1,000 occupations.
Gov of Alberta. Updated regularly.
America's Career InfoNet
http://www.acinet.org/acinet/
If you are planning on moving to the US to work,
you'll want to look at American career info.
www.nextSteps.org
Employment and career related information
developed in Calgary
Ministry of Education and Training:
Occupational Descriptions
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/descrip.
html
Dozens of occupational descriptions from the
Ontario Government.
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RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS
Canada's top 100 employers
http://www.canadastop100.com/national/
Canadian Almanac & Directoryhttp://circ.greyhouse.ca/search/quicksearch
Access thousands of records on Canadian organizations, government, business, schools and financial and
cultural institutions. This remarkable group of carefully maintained databases known for their breadth
and accuracy of information on Canada includes 7 databases: Associations Canada, Canadian Almanac &
Directory, Canadian Environmental Directory, Canadian Parliamentary Guide, Directory of Libraries in
Canada, Financial Services Canada, and Governments Canada
Government Electronic Directory Services
http://direct.srv.gc.ca
The Government Electronic Directory Services (GEDS) provides a directory of federal public servants for
all regions across Canada.
Management databases and online sources
http://www.mcgill.ca/howardross/collections/links/databases/
NAICS, the North American Industry Classification System
http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html
Strategis: Canada's Business and Consumer Site
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/company-entreprises.nsf/eng/home
Although this site is not very user friendly, it contains a great deal of information. The link above will
take you directly to the “Company Directories by Industry Sector” where you can search for companies
in Canada by industry or by keyword.
Vault
http://www.vault.com/cb/careerlib/careerlib_main.jsp?parrefer=7165
Vault publishes over 70 guides in three areas:
Industry Career Guides -on industries from accounting to media to technology. Get the scoop on the
hiring process, career paths, and more; Industry Employer Guides - get the scoop on potential
employers, includes guides on employers in banking, biotech/pharma, manufacturing, telecom and
more; and Career Topic Guides - From resumes and cover letters to schmoozing to starting your own
business. CaPS pays a fee for these guides, therefore you must be connected to the McGill network/VPN
to access these guides.
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3. Develop your toolkit How can I best present myself?
Writing a Non-Academic Cover Letter:
Know yourself and your target audience
Layout
o 1 pageo 3-4 paragraphs
First Paragraph
WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT?
Introduce yourself, provide a catchy picture of who you are. Link yourself directly to the needs
and interests of the employer in 1-2 phrases.
Second and third Paragraphs:
WHY ME?
Give EXAMPLES of your skills/Tell a compelling story that points to the specific skills and
experience you possess, summarize key aspects of your CV.
USES EXAMPLES!!! (do not write a “shopping list” of skills with no evidence)
Fourth ParagraphWHY YOU?
Talk about your reasons for wanting to work for this organization. Make a link between your
interests and their goals/services/products OR a link between your values and their mission
(hint: look beyond their webpage)
Writing a Non-Academic CV or Resume:
Know yourself and your target audience
Layout
o 1 or 2 Pages
o Use same font type throughout
o Use same format throughout : What, Where, When, Description
Addresses the skills that the employer is seeking
o SOFT and HARD skills
o Most relevant experiences appear at the beginning of the CV
Has a summary of qualifications at the top
Describe your activities and jobs
o Use action verbs
o Include achievements
Includes relevant volunteer and community service
Doesn’t necessarily include publications
Consider adding an “Activities and Interests” Section
References not included
NEED HELP?
Make an individual appointment at CAPS
Come to Grad Drop in Advising
Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.2)
Use our online resources:
o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/coverletter-writing_guide.pdf
o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/cv-writing_guide.pdf
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123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6 [email protected] • 514-123-4567
October 26, 2007
Ms. Kate JordanPersonnel ManagerHuman Resources DepartmentCREE BOARD OF HEALTH203 Main StreetMistissini, Quebec G0W 1C0
Dear Ms. Jordan,
Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your review for the position of Clinical Dietitian, asadvertised on the McGill Job Posting website. I believe that the combination of my clinical experiencein hospital settings and my passion for working with children will make me an ideal candidate for thisposition.
As of December 2006, I will have obtained my Masters of Science degree in Dietetics. My degreecovers many facets including biochemical and human behavioral sciences, clinical nutrition,community nutrition and research development. For my Thesis I examined nutrient deficiencies
resulting from discontinued use of traditional food resources in northern aboriginal populations.
I recently completed several internships. Three were in Hospital settings, where I gained valuableexperience in providing clinical services to individuals suffering from various medical ailments. Inaddition to my clinical duties I assessed food safety. My other internships were in long term careand rehabilitation. In these settings I developed my patience and compassion for working withpatients with ongoing special needs.
I would welcome the opportunity to apply my skills and experience at the Cree Board of Health. I amespecially interested in working with an aboriginal population, and have pursued a number of electives in First Nations and Inuit Studies at McGill. I thank you in advance for your review andconsideration of my application. Should you require any additional information, I may be reached at
(514) 123-1234. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Sally Green
Sally Green
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Sarah Smith123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6 [email protected] • 514-123-4567
QUALIFICATIONSEnglish and Mandarin (fluent), French (intermediate)
MS Office suite, SPSS, Adobe Illustrator, ProteinLynx, MassLynxWorked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings3 years of project management and report writing experienceUnderstanding and respect for diversity
Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations
TECHNICAL EXPERTISEExtracellular recording from brain slices, including use of ion-selective microelectrodesWholecell patch clamp recording in isolated neurons and brain tissue slices,
Confocal fluorescence imaging in neuronal cellsPrimary neuronal and glial cell cultureIn vivo models of cerebral schemia in both rats and gerbils
Cerebral microdialysis and HPLC amino-acid analysis
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy: Neurological Sciences 2006Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc
Master of Science: Neurological Sciences 2001Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc
Bachelor of Science: Biology 1998Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Doctorate Research 2001-2006Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc
Examined effects of pH on hypoxic neuronal injury and spreading depression in rodent hippocampal slicesMonitored field potentials and extracellular shifts in selected ions during hypotaxiaStudied changes in evoked responses in post-ischemic gerbil hippocampal slices
Supervised 2 undergraduate honours theses projectsTrained graduate students in use of laboratory equipment, such as _________ Collaborated with 2 teams of researchers in separate laboratories to produce a published manuscript
Research Biologist 1998-2001Fancypants Laboratory, Wuhan, P. R. China
Studied structure-function relationships of human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).Used sitedirected mutagenesis to generate cDNA variants. Expressed recombinant tPAs in cultured
mammalian cellsPerformed in vitro and in vivo assays to detect modified enzyme activity or half-lifePresented findings in oral and written reports to project leaders and directors monthly
BAD
(not specific enough)
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OTHER EXPERIENCE
Teaching Assistant 2002-2007Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc
Cellular Biology (NEUR310) Fall 2002, Winter 2003, Fall 2004
Created new marking scheme, evaluated students' competence, reports and examsFree Radical Biomedicine (NEUR550) Fall 2006, Winter 2007
Developed course content and teaching material, implemented novel assignment options
Editor 2005 – PresentNew Science Advances Magazine, Montreal, Qc
Select, proofread, and edit articles for the promoting scientific advances to the general communityDelegate monthly duties to staff of 10 volunteers
Successfully obtained financing from 30+advertisors
Student Representative 2006 – PresentMcGill Graduate Neuroscience Association, Montreal, Qc
Initiated Graduate committee to ensure graduate student representation the departmentStimulate fundraising as well as events for students and faculty
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS (additional references available)
Smith, S., Weigand, N. (2002) Corticosterone accelerates hypoxia- and cyanide-induced ATP loss in culturedhippocampal astrocytes. Brain Research, 482:153-158.
Smith, S., Hong, S., Anderson, R, and Weigand, N. (2004) Corticosterone exacerbates hypoxic and
hypoglycemic hippocampal injury in vitro: biochemical correlates and a role for astrocytes. Journal of Neurochemistry, 48:139-148.
3 conference presentations:Society for Neuroscience 2003 and 2005
International Brain Research Organization World Conference of Neuroscience 2005
AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS
National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship 2004-2006(valued at $20,000/annually)Society for Neuroscience, member 2001-presentInternational Brain Research Organization member 2005-2006
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS
Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, makinghomemade wine and mead.Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing.
Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures andlanguages, exploring places off the beaten trail.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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Jessica Davies123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6
[email protected] • 514-523-4567
SUMMARY: A highly motivated and mature computer-literate person, experienced in working with thepublic, youth and community, in administration, management and youth development, seeking achallenging internship at a youth and family service centre.
HIGHLIGHTS
Languages: Fluent in English, French, and Spanish
Proven communication skills as a youth worker, help-line counsellor and manager.
Worked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings
3 years of project management and report writing experience
Strong computer skills including: PowerPoint, Word and Excel
Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations
Quick to learn new systems and in-house programs
Understanding and respect for diversity
EDUCATION
Masters of Arts: Counselling Psychology 2005-2007 (expected)McGill University, Montreal
CGPA 3.8/4.0
Bachelor of Arts: Management & Human Resources (Honours) 1998-2001McGill University, Montreal
CGPA 3.67/4.0
Diploma of Collegial Studies: Liberal Arts (Honours) 1996-1998Dawson College, Montreal
CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE
Youth Program Assistant 2003-2005Head and Hands, N.D.G., Montreal
Assisted in coordinating several youth sex education workshops at 15 Montreal high schools
Successfully organised a public launch of the Head and Hands sex education video at the centre;attended by media (CBC Radio, The Montreal Gazette, The West Island Suburban) and major funding organization representatives
Designed and prepared brochures and workshop materials for youth, covering topics like sexualawareness, youth parenting and health
Created a safe, welcoming and relaxed environment for the young drop-in clientsInteracted with community leaders, members of the press, in-house counsellors and high schooladministration
Counsellor (Volunteer) 2001-2003McGill Sexual Assault Centre, McGill University, Montreal
Trained to counsel students experiencing grief and emotional stress
Provided bi-weekly counselling support and information services (helpline) to McGill students
Planned day-by-day running of the centre with 15 other volunteers
BAD
(not specific enough)
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Senior Counsellor 1998-2001Cote St. Luc Parks & Playground Program, City of Cote St.Luc
Supervised a group of 10 (3-5 yr old) children at a day camp
Planned, organized and facilitated group recreational activities on a daily basis
Assisted on various group field trips and theme days
ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE
Supply Merchandiser 2001-2002Le Chateau, MontrealAssisted Le Chateau supply management at head office in improving merchandising at store level
Incorporated latest product & merchandising trends into purchasing decisions, worked closely withstore managers in maintaining inventory levels for best-selling items and consulted customerfeedback to upgrade merchandise quality, thereby increasing annual sales by 25 percent
Prepared and wrote annual reports and developed supply forecasting reports every quarter
Achieved recognition for developing a better supply forecasting system for Le Chateau
Store Manager 1997-2001 Le Chateau, Montreal
Promoted from Sales Assistant to Merchandising Manager and then to Store Manager within a 3-yearperiod
Successfully exceeded annual store sales targets by 20 percent, 3 years in a row
Handled and replenished inventory, and performed weekly inventory checks
Dealt with customers and assisted headquarters with annual inventory control
Hired and trained 14 part-time employees in customer service delivery
Organized staff schedules and arranged weekly sales quotas
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
1. FASEB Summer Research Conferences Poster Award (100.00$) July 20062. John and Mary Smith Graduate Studentship (12 500.00$) 2005-20063. John Smith Travel Award (900.00$) 2004
ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Spanish Language course (intermediate) 2004Continuing Education, Concordia University, Montreal
Controlling stress and emotions & Successful communication workshops 2001McGill University Sexual Assault Centre
ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, making homemade wine and mead.
Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing.
Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures andlanguages, exploring places off the beaten trail.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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ACTION VERBS
Words that imply
communication
Advertised
Called
CirculatedCoached
Communicated
Conferred
Corresponded
Discussed
Displayed
Distributed
Edited
Emphasized
Familiarized
Informed
Instructed
Interested
Lectured
Oriented
PresentedPromoted
Publicized
Recommended
Redirected
Represented
Referred
Related
Showed
Translated
Transmitted
Tutored
Wrote
Words that imply leadership
AdministeredAllocated
Appointed
Approved
Assigned authorized
Awarded
Conducted
Controlled
Delegated
Designated
Directed
Disapproved
Discharged
Encouraged
Enforced
Evaluated
ExecutedGoverned
Hired
Led
Managed
Oversaw
Presided
Recommended
Regulated
Required
Selected
Settled
Signed
Specified
Sponsored
Stipulated
Supervised
Words that imply
organization
Arranged
Analyzed
Assembled
Budgeted
Calculated
Coordinated
Organized
Planned
Prepared
Purchased
Recorded
Reorganized
ReportedScheduled
Words that imply initiative
Attended
Automated
Collected
Compiled
Considered
Contemplated
Contracted
Delivered
Discharged
Engaged
Engineered
EstablishedExamined
Expedited
Founded
Handled
Implemented
Increased
Induced
Inspected
Instituted
Insured
Interviewed
Inventoried
Maintained
Monitored
Moved
OperatedPackaged
Participated
Performed
Processed
Provided
Received
Recruited
Reviewed
Shipped
Solicited
Sorted
Staffed
Submitted
Systematized
Trained
UtilizedVerified
Words that imply results
Accomplished
Accounted
Achieved
Advanced
Altered
Answered
Attained
Attracted
Awarded
Benefited
Built
Changed
CombinedCompleted
Constructed
Dismantled
Earned
Eliminated
Enlarged
Expanded
Finished
Generated
Identified
Improved
Manufactured
Marketed
Obtained
Predicted
Prevented
Produced
Profited
Reduced
Repaired
Replaced
Solved
Tested
Turned around
Upgraded
Words that imply
interpersonal skills
Accommodated
Adjusted
AdvisedAgreed
Arrange
Assisted
Consulted
Contributed
Cooperated
Counseled
Facilitated
Guided
Harmonized
Influenced
Mediated
Moderates
Modified
Motivated
NegotiatedPersonalized
Persuaded
Provided
Reconcile
Related
Requested
Respected
Served
Sold
Taught
Words that imply creativity
Adapted
Authored
Composed
ConceivedCreated
Designed
Developed
Established
Estimated
Forecasted
Formulated
Initiated
Invented
Investigated
Originated
Proposed
Researched
Revised
Studied
Set up
Sample action verbs at a
glance
Acted
Addressed
Anticipated
Applied
Appraised
Arbitrated
Assessed
Appraised
Audited
Balanced
Catalogued
ChairedCharted
Checked
Clarified
Collaborated
Compared
Computed
Conducted
Conserved
Consolidated
Constructed
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Convinced
Critiqued
Decided
Decreased
Defined
Detected
Determined
Devised
Diagnosed
Discovered
Dispatched
Dispensed
Disproved
Dissected
Drafted
Dramatized
Drew
Emphasized
Energized
Enlisted
Expanded
Experimental
Explained
Extracted
Filed
FinancedFixed
Gathered
Headed
Helped
Hypothesized
Identified
Illustrated
Improvised
Initiated
Innovated
Inspired
Integrated
Interpreted
Introduced
Invented
InvestigatedInvolved
Issued
Judged
Justified
Launched
Led
Learned
Listened
Litigated
Lobbied
Made
Manipulated
Mentored
Modeled
Navigated
Observed
Offered
Ordered
Painted
Perceived
Piloted
Played
Politicked
Prescribed
Problem-solved
Programmed
Projected
Proposed
Protected
Questioned
Raised
Realized
Reasoned
Rehabilitated
Remembered
Reorganized
Reported
Researched
Resolved
Responded
Researched
Resolved
Responded
Restored
RetrievedRevised
Risked
Screened
Sensed
Separated
Served
Shaped
Shared
Sketched
Spearheaded
Specified
Spoke
Studied
Summarized
Surveyed
SymbolizedTabulated
Talked
Team-built
Tended
Traced
Trained
Transcribed
Transformed
Traveled
Trouble-shot
Updated
Validated
Won
Adjectives
Accurate
Active
Adaptable
Advantageous
Analytical
Artistic
Beneficial
Better
Bigger
Calm
Capable
Careful
Competent
Complete
Confident
Conscientious
Considerable
Creative
Critical
Decisive
Dependable
Desirable
Determined
Diligent
Diplomatic
Distinctive
Distinguished
Durable
DynamicEffective
Efficient
Empathic
Energetic
Esteemed
Excellent
Exceptional
Extraordinary
Flexible
First-class
First-rate
Flourishing forceful
Fruitful
Functional
Good greater helpful
HumorousIllustrious
Imaginative
Important
Imposing
Improved
Independent
Industrious
Influential
Innovative
Insightful
Larger
Logical
Lucrative
Major
Methodical
Money-making
More
Notable
Noteworthy
Ongoing
Orderly
Organized
Original
Outstanding
Patient
Perceptive
Perfect
Phenomenal
Powerful
Practical
Prestigious
Productive
Professional
Profitable
Progressive
Prominent
Prosperous
Punctual
Reliable
Remarkable
Renowned
Reputable
Respected
Responsible
ResourcefulRewarding
Satisfied
Sensitive
Significant
Singular
Sizeable
Skilful
Solid
Solvent
Sound
Stable
Strong
Substantial
Successful
Superb
SuperiorSupportive
Thorough
Thriving
Top
Upbeat
Uncommon
Unique
Unparalleled
Unsurpassed
Uppermost
Useful
Valuable
Versatile
Winning
Workable
Worthwhile
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INTERVIEW PLANNING
Before You Go on a Job Interview
Do an inventory of your skills, knowledge and specific qualifications. Figure out what makes
you different from the other applicants for the job.Research the company thoroughly and prepare questions to ask them when given theopportunity.
Plan your clothes ahead of time along with the route you will take to the interview.
Plan to bring a copy of your cover letter, resume, references, and any other materials toprove your capabilities.
During the Job Interview
Always remember you are coming to the interview as a potential new employee for thiscompany, not as a job beggar.
Keep in mind the main purpose of a first interview is to be invited back for a secondinterview.
Plan on talking 50 percent of the time and not monopolizing the interview nor being toovague.
Speak clearly and with good voice intonation. You should be, and sound, enthusiastic about the job.
Never badmouth a previous employer or a previous place where you worked.
Your answers should generally be no longer then two minutes each. Depending on thequestion, it can be as short as twenty seconds, but do not run on and on.
Take into the interview room with you any evidence you have of past accomplishments (ie. anartist has a portfolio; a computer programmer has a printout of programs created). You willknow whether to use this evidence or not.
Do not bring up the subject of salary during your first interview unless of course they do.Always try to let the employer name a figure first.
No matter how many questions an interviewer could ask you, they basically are centeredaround the following:1. Why are you here? Why are you interested in our organization?2. What can you do for us? What do you have to contribute to what we do?3. What distinguishes you from the other applicants for this job?4. Will you fit in? Will you get along with the other employees?5. Can we afford you?
If you do not have the interviewer(s)’ contact information, try to get their business card while
you are there.
After the Job Interview
Always write a thank you note to the employer within the following 24 hours.
Always review your answers to see where you can improve and where you think you excelled.This can help you to prepare possible questions for your second interview.
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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Questions to find out if you can do the job (in addition to questions specific to your
functional area)
Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about your responsibilities on your last job.
How did your responsibilities evolve or progress during your last job?
Describe the process you go through to plan and implement a project?
How long would it take you to start making a contribution to our organization / department?
What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
Give me an example of a time when you’ve taken the initiative on something.
In past performance reviews, which areas of your work have been singled out as needing
improvement?
What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
Question to find out if you’ll fit in
Tell me about a time when you had to work under much more pressure than usual.
Do you think you’ve done the best work you are capable of?
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Describe your energy level.
What will your references say about you when I speak with them?
Tell me about a difficult decision you’ve had to make.
Do you prefer working alone or in groups?When working with a team, which role do you usually take?
In which kind of atmosphere do you work best?
What salary expectations do you have?
Questions typically asked of students and recent grads:
How did you choose your undergraduate / graduate degree?
Why did you choose your major in ________?
Tell me about your research/ honours project / thesis / dissertation/ other major project?
How has your university experience prepared you for a career?
Describe your most rewarding extracurricular experience while in school.
If you had to do it over again, how would you plan your education differently?
Are your grades representative of your abilities?
What was your worst grade and how did it happen?
Which teaching styles do you learn best from?
How would your classmates describe you?
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WINNING QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER
At some point during an interview, the interviewer with turn to you and ask if you have any questions.
Generally speaking, the best questions to ask are those that:
Help you determine if this is the job you want
Make a positive impact on the interviewer(s)
Provide insight into your background and qualifications
It is important to plan beforehand some of the questions you will ask. Here are some sample questions
that might be appropriate to ask. Review them before each interview and decide which ones apply to
your situation the best (prepare a maximum of 3 questions),
1. Is this a newly created position?
2. What would be my primary duties initially? How will these change over time?
3.
Why did the previous person in this position leave?4. What are the expectations of the supervisor?
5. How would you describe the management style of the company as a whole?
6. Can you tell me how my performance will be evaluated?
7. What do you see as my greatest strengths and weakness in terms of this position?
8. When will you be making your decision to fill this job?
9. What do you see for this company in the future – particularly as it might impact on career
opportunities?
10. What opportunities for advancement are typically available to people in this position?
11. How does this position fit into the organizational structure?
12. What are this department’s most important current projects?
13. How much autonomy would I have in this job?
14. Does the company have an orientation program for new employees?15. How do I become familiar with company policies, practice, and etiquette?
16. Does the company offer career development programs?
17. What would be the expected starting date of this job?
18. Is there any travel involved in this position?
19. What is the size of the department?
20. What would the next step of the hiring process entail?
Resources: The Perfect Interview – John D. Drake, Conquer Interview Objections – Wilson and Rambusch, Sweaty Palms – H. Anthony Medley
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INTERVIEW DOS AND DON’TS
* Do research the company * Don’t neglect appearance
* Do prepare questions to ask * Don’t give limp handshakes
* Do practice your answers * Don’t lack energy
* Do bring paper and pen * Don’t make excuses
* Do bring an extra resume * Don’t be rude
* Do be on time * Don’t be too familiar
* Do dress appropriately * Don’t emphasize money
* Do maintain eye contact * Don’t be indecisive
* Do wait to be seated * Don’t be unprepared
* Do be positive * Don’t criticize anyone
* Do be honest * Don’t name drop
* Do show you’re a team player * Don’t be too aggressive
* Do ask about the next step * Don’t talk too much
* Do ask for a business card * Don’t take a friend with you
* Do send a follow-up letter
* Do follow up by telephone
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4. Network your way into a job~85% of jobs are never advertized
Networking is an important part of any job search. It is the process of establishing contacts for the
purpose of gathering information, communicating your career goals, seeking advice, and obtaining leads
on jobs. Unsurprisingly, the larger your network is, the more likely you are to be successful.
Below is a general overview of how to build your network. For comprehensive, step by step help with
networking, consult our handouts below, attend our Networking workshops, and meet with a career
advisor to help you customize your approach.
Expand Your Network
1. Create a list of primary contacts. Your primary contacts are family members and friends with
whom you already have a relationship. Let these individuals know about your career goals and
ask them whether they know of anyone who works in your target area and who might be helpfulin your job search. The names they provide you are known as your secondary contacts.
2. Create new contacts. Start by getting in touch with the secondary contacts referred to you by
your family and friends. Be prepared to talk about your career goals, skills and experiences. You
may want to ask your secondary contacts whether they would be willing to have an
informational interview with you. Another way of making new contacts is by joining a
professional association, attending conferences in your target field and doing volunteer work.
3. Make cold calls. Calling companies and organizations of interest and attempting to meet with
the person who has the decision-making power to hire you, or with someone who is
knowledgeable about the field, is a great way to expand your network. If you are extremely
uncomfortable making cold calls, you can also write to the organization or company. However,
networking by email is much less effective than networking in person or over the phone.
4. Conduct informational interviews. An informational interview involves meeting with an
individual in a field or occupation of interest for the purpose of gaining current, regional and/or
specialized information. They are a great way of making new contacts and finding out more
about the position, organization and industry you are interested in. They can also help you
explore possibilities if you are in the process of choosing a major, narrowing down career
options or beginning a job hunt. The goal of an informational interview is to probe your contact
for information, not necessarily to ask about job openings. If you are interested in conducting
information interviews, review the handouts section for tips and advice on how to get started,
and ideas on appropriate questions to ask.
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NETWORKING CHECKLIST
As you embark on your job search, you will soon notice how many networking opportunities are out
there. If unprepared, it is easy to let these opportunities slip by. So in order to take full advantage, and
be more successful in your job search, get prepared with the necessary networking tools.
Networking tools include:
• Professional CV (various versions)
• Business / contact cards
• Your personal “infomercial” (adaptable to different situations)
• Pen and paper to make notes
What you need to ask yourself when networking
1. Before making a phone call.
•
What am I asking of this person?• Is it something he or she can do, or do I need to speak with someone else?
• Have I written a list of the things I would like to ask?
• Have I practiced out loud what I want to say?
• Am I ready to speak right now if this person can give me a few minutes?
• If he or she wants to schedule an appointment, is my agenda open and do I know my availability?
• What is the ultimate goal of this phone call (general information, to schedule an information interview,
obtain a job lead or a referral, or something else)?
• What outcome would I be happy with?
2. Before attending an event.
• Am I sure this event is appropriate for me?
• Do I have my CV and/or business cards with me?
• Have I prepared an infomercial appropriate for this situation?
• Am I able to confidently introduce myself to various people?
• Have I researched those in attendance to know whom I would like to approach?
• What is the ultimate goal in attending this event?
• What outcome would I be happy with?
3. Before an arranged meeting.
• Why did I ask for this meeting?
• Will this person remember me or do I have to reintroduce myself?
• Do I have pen and paper to make notes?
• Have I prepared a list of questions to ask the person?• Is my cell phone turned off?
• What is the ultimate goal of this meeting?
• What outcome would I be happy with?
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NETWORKING WORKSHEET
1. List Members of your immediate family and as many relatives as possible
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. List at least 5 of your closest friends (10 to 15 if possible)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. List the names of 3 neighbours
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. List the names of past employers, professors and teaching assistants
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. List at least 5 roommates, drinking buddies, or friends ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. List 5 people you haven’t been in touch with for over 4 years
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. List 10 people you know from your church, temple, synagogue, mosque, social club,
associations, organizations, fraternities, sororities
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8.
List 5 colleagues at past/present jobs with whom you worked closely or know well enough tochat
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9. I belong to the following associations or professional organizations
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. List 5 people you know from a professional association
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11. List every organization for which you have done volunteer work
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
12. The 3 ways in which I most frequently meet new acquaintances are
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
13. Five ways in which I could meet new acquaintances are
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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CREATING A PLAN OF ACTION
Write down your goals for each of the steps in the table belowResearch Self
Research options
Engage in new experiences
Develop tools (CV, cover letter…)
Networking
In this table:
Write down the steps you need to take to achieve your goals
Prioritize themThink about problems that might come up and be prepared with your plan B
Identify you potential barriers and how you will overcome them
Priority Goal Steps Problems/ Barriers Ways to overcome/
Plan B
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