Work Placement Preparation

 Labour Market Information – why is it important?  What is needed for searching for a job?  Where to look? What are they asking for?  Tips on looking  What causes job vacancies?

BRAINSTORM

 Poor personal appearance  Overbearing/overaggressive/know it all  Lack of planning for career (no purpose or goal)  Inability to express himself clearly  Lack of interest and enthusiasm (passive and indifferent)  Failure to participate in activities  Overemphasis on money  Unwilling to start at the bottom  Limp, fishlike handshake  Indecision  Poor scholastic record  Makes excuses  Lack of tact  Lack of maturity  Lack of courtesty – ill mannered  Condemnation of past employers  Lack of social understanding  Marked dislike for school work  Lack of vitality  Fails to look interviewer in the eye  Unhappy married life  Friction with parents

 Ontario – Ready Set Go

 What can a resume do? Resumes do not secure jobs; they reinforce all other job-search efforts. Good resumes can lead to interviews; poor resume can disqualify otherwise qualified job seekers.

 First impression the employer has of you, in addition to cover letter.  Advertising and info package  Highlights your skills and abilities  Brief overview of your history in a nutshell

 TARGETED  Toward the employer and position for which you are applying  FOCUSED  On your skills and abilities and how they match the employer’s needs  CONSISE  Includes only relevant information  ACTION ORIENTED  Uses action verbs to show the range of your skills (IMPORTANT)  EYE CATCHING  Uses white space to make it appear organized, easy to read and visually attractive

 Chronological  Emphasizes dates and duties of jobs, and highlights a steady work history  Functional  Emphasizes skills and accomplishments instead of employment background  Combination  focuses on skills related to the job as well as a history of past employment  Resouce: Resume 101

 Brainstorm

 Who and how to ask?

 Video

 Handout  Three different types:  Job Specific  Transferable  Self Management  Helpful sheets  Conference Board of Canada - VIDEO

 Cover letters are an extremely important part of your application package because it creates that all-important first impression of your qualifications. Think of it as an INTRODUCTION!  To be effective:  Original  Get the employer’s attention  Appeal to the employer’s interests and needs  Highlight skills and accomplishments  Explain how your skills meet the employer’s needs  Convince the employer to read your resume and/or application form

 Format letter properly  Addresses, names, date, salutation, three paragraphs, closing, signature, typed name, enclosure – HANDOUT!  Brief and to the point  Tailor your letter to the requirements of the job  Mention when you are available for interview  Proofread letter carefully

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 video

 Saskatchewan Human Rights  General Tips