JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE WEEK

Did You Know?

When job searching voicemail is an important tool. Whether you are using a cell phone or home phone number on your resume, you won't always be available to answer the phone, so it is important to have a voicemail service or answering machine where an employer can leave a message.

For online job search resources go to http://www.mosaicbc.com/employment-programs/links/employment-useful-links

posted: July 23rd, 2010

DON'T WAIT: Apply immediately

If you see a job posting that interests you and closely matches your skills and experience apply right away instead of waiting until just before the deadline.

For online job search resources go to http://www.mosaicbc.com/employment-programs/links/employment-useful-links

posted: July 13th, 2010

Did You Know?

Labour Market information (LMI) has a variety of information on careers and occupations. LMI includes important details such as industry growth and decline, required skills for a job and wage and working conditions.

Click on the link below as a first step in your job search.

http://www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca/labour_market_information.html

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: July 5th, 2010

CHECK YOUR RÉSUMÉ

Checking your résumé (proofreading) to catch any mistakes is important when job searching. The smallest mistake can cost you an interview.

Check your résumé several times for correct punctuation and word use.
Before you send it to an employer ask a friend who has good English skills to check for any mistakes you may have missed.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: June 20th, 2010

Did you know? A standard résumé is one or two pages in length. If you are using a two page résumé, the second page should have more than a few lines of information.

For more information and resources on résumé writing, drop by MOSAIC's Employment Resource Centre in Burnaby or Vancouver http://www.mosaicbc.com/employment-programs/working/employment-resource-centres

posted: June 11th, 2010

THE RÉSUMÉ: Getting started

Do your research. If you are newer to Canada you will want to find out what kinds of résumé are used in the local labour market.
Information that doesn't go on a résumé. This includes your age, marital status, religious affiliation (unless it's related to the job you are applying for), Social Insurance Number or picture.

posted: June 11th, 2010

Did you know? MOSAIC has two Employment Resource Centres, one in Vancouver and one in Burnaby, providing résumé writing books and resources as well as information on programs and services to help with résumé writing. http://www.mosaicbc.com/employment-programs/working/employment-resource-centres

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: June 4th, 2010

PATIENCE: Networking takes time

When trying to build your network be persistent but mindful that people have many other priorities.
Keep in touch with your network regularly, not just when you are job searching.
Be patient. Networking does not always provide immediate results.

For more informaiton on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: May 31st, 2010

NETWORKING: An important part of the job search

It's not always what you know but who you know. EVERYONE you know is part of your network including friends, family, professors, instructors and coaches.
For every person you make a connection with, they have access to others with potential job leads.

Social networking sites such as Facebook can be used as a helpful networking tool. Remember to use the privacy settings and make sure you are only sharing information relevant to your job search.

For more informaiton on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: May 21st, 2010

REFERENCES: Make Sure They Know

Call your references. It is better to contact them before you go for an interview.
Tell your references about the position you have applied for and if possible provide a copy of the job posting.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: May 10th, 2010

FOLLOW-UP: Thank you notes

Your work is not done when the interview ends. Follow-up can give you an added advantage over other candidates.

Ask for the interviewer's business card. This will provide the correct spelling of the person's name and contact information.

Write an individual "Thank you" note within two days of your interview stating your continued interest in the position and a brief comment on why you are the best person for the job.

Although thank you notes are now acceptable by email with the increase in technology use during the hiring process, many employers are still impressed by a handwritten note and some employers prefer this over the electronic version.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: April 30th, 2010

CLARIFICATION: It's alright to ask

Stay calm. If you do not understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat it, or
Repeat your understanding of the question. For example, "To clarify, you are asking me to explain how I have shown flexibility throughout my career?"

The ability to clarify is an important skill in the work environment. It will help ensure effective communication with your supervisor or team.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: April 26th, 2010

PRACTICE: Makes perfect

Prepare by practicing responses to commonly asked interview questions such as "What are your strengths."
Provide a strength that speaks to a skill or experience listed on the job posting. You can also talk about a "soft skill." For example if you work well with people.

Did you know? MOSAIC's Career Connections and New Start programs provide opportunities to practice your interviewing skills. These "mock" interviews are video taped. Areas for improvement are worked on with the suppport of experienced employment counsellors.

For more information on programs and services contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604-708-9300

posted: April 16th, 2010

RESEARCH: The first step to a successful interview

Be prepared to answer the questions "What do you know about our company?" and "Why do you want to work here?"

Review the company's web site or ask for company literature.
Google the company name to see what other information is available online.

Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans will not only impress the employer but provide you an opportunity to speak to how your skills and experience can contribute.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: April 12th, 2010

DON'T FORGET: That first impression

Greet the receptionist in the same way you would the interviewer. The receptionist may be asked to comment on you as part of the interview process.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: April 4th, 2010

FIRST IMPRESSION: You have seconds

A positive first impression can contribute to a successful interview.

When you are going for an interview take care with your appearance. Keep your clothing simple, shoes polished and accessories to a minimal.
A firm handshake shows confidence. Practice and ask for feedback to get it right.

Did you know? Some people have allergies to scents and fragrance that can produce symptoms such as headache and difficulty breathing. If you are going for an interview you may decide not to wear perfume or cologne.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: March 26th, 2010

DRIVING: To answer or not

It can be tempting to answer the cell phone when driving especially if you are actively job searching and anxious for the opportunity to talk with an employer. Let it go to voicemail. An employer may have some pre-screening questions and you'll need to stay focused for a chance at that interview.

Did you know? As of February 1, 2010 a driver talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device will be subject to a fine of $167. To find out more go to http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/osmv/publications/index.htm

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: March 19th, 2010

STAY ORGANIZED: Track your job search

Attach job posting, cover letter and résumé together then file in a binder or folder. You may need to refer to this when an employer calls.
Have a pen and notepad ready to write down information an employer provides when calling to arrange an interview.

For more information on job searching or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: March 5th, 2010

CHECK OFTEN: Don't miss out on an opportunity

When job searching it's important that you check your e-mail and voicemail regularly, at least twice a day.
Follow-up immediately with an employer. You may have more flexibility in interview times and show the employer you want the job.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: February 19th, 2010

DON'T GET CUTE: The right job search e-mail address

Use a professional-looking e-mail address. A version of your name works very well. You want to project a professional image to any prospective employer.
If you have an e-mail address that is quirky or fun, use it for your personal e-mails and set up a special e-mail account for job searching. You can set up a free e-mail address through gmail, hotmail or yahoo, for example. You can always delete the extra e-mail account when you get a job!

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: February 12th, 2010

BE PREPARED: Your telephone number

Be easy to find. Put your cell phone and your home numbers on your résumé.
Sound good. Make sure the response on your voice mail(s) sounds professional, is well-recorded, grammatically correct, easy to understand and is in English.

For more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300

posted: February 5th, 2010

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JOB SEARCH TIP OF THE WEEK