1. Job Search Strategies

2. SUCCESS We provide: Resume, cover letter, interview workshops
Information on workplace
Information on government programs
One on one client service 2

3. Resumes 3

4. What is it and why? What? A summary of your previous work experience
The purpose of a resume is not to get you a job, but to get you an interview 4

5. A Great Resume is…
Concise
Powerful
Persuasive
Well-written 5

6. Step 1: Contact Information
JESSICA SMITH
5540 Clark Drive • Vancouver, BC • V5R 4J2 • • 6

7. Step 2: Job Objective What positions are you applying for?
Why are you going to submit this resume?
Example:
To obtain a full-time position as a Supervisor at Superstore. 7

8. Step 3: Skills and Abilities
What type of skills and abilities are you bringing to this job?
Write the skills you have that match the job you are applying for
Do not forget to tell the employer how your skills can benefit the company 8

9. Step 4: Education Please specify everything including: Your program
The year you graduated or expected graduation date
The courses you studied that are relevant to the job you are applying 9

10. Step 5: Relevant Work Experience
Only include previous work experience that is relevant to the job you are applying
Do not list your duties randomly
List the work experiences starting from the most recent one at the top and the rest in reverse chronological order
Watch for your action verbs! 10

11. Guidelines to Writing a Good Resume
Action Verbs and Key Words
Action Verbs = Verbs that match the position
Key Words = Important words and statements from the job posting 11

12. Guidelines to Writing a Good Resume (cont’d)
Sell your job accomplishments and achievements
DO NOT just list your duties
Action Verb + Task = Result 12

13. Step 6: Hobbies and Interests
ONLY if your interests are related to the job
It is optional. If you want to keep your resume concise and less distracting, do not include it 13

14. Step 7: References
Do not provide your references, simply write “References available upon request” on the bottom
Only give it to the employer if they specifically ask for it during interview
Ask at least 2-3 people you have worked or volunteered for to be your references 14

15. Designing and Formatting
Traditional yet Innovative
Need to grab the employer’s attention
Stand out from the competition
Be original and comply to the rules of resume writing

16. Cover Letters 16

17. What is a Cover Letter?
A document that details your relevant experience and skills, in the form of a letter
It goes more in depth than a resume
Shows the employer your interest in the position 17

18. Steps Towards a Successful Cover Letter
Attention
Interest
Desire
Action 18

19. Step 1: Attention
Name and contact information should be at the top of the cover letter
Business letter style
Address it to someone by name 19

20. Step 1: Attention (cont’d)
Formatting
Clear layout
Standard font
No more than 3-4 paragraphs
No spelling mistakes and no grammar mistakes!
Sign letter with blue or black ink 20

21. Step 2: Interest Show the employer how much you want this job
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Try adding an interesting fact you have learned about the company
Be clear as to what position you are applying for 21

22. Step 2: Interest (cont’d)
Sell your merits
What are some VERY relevant work experiences?
What did you learn and what skills did you gain?
Mention your accomplishments
Awards, scholarships
Any major highlights in your career 22

23. Step 3: Desire Show the employer that you are willing to learn
DO YOUR RESEARCH!
Always know a few facts about the company
You are trying to find the right fit for yourself too!
Let them know you want to grow with the company 23

24. Step 4: Action In the last paragraph: BE PROACTIVE!
Let the employer know when YOU are going to call them to set up an interview
Close the letter with:
Sincerely,
Best regards,
Warmest regards, 24

25. Additional Tips! DO NOT regurgitate your resume!
Always have a cover letter template ready
Then, tailor your cover letter to the company
Watch out for grammar and spelling mistakes
Use formal language
Use matching stationary
Make sure you follow through with your ACTION! 25

26. JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

27. Looking For A Job? 27

30. High Opportunity Occupations in BC
0911 Manufacturing Managers
6261 Police Officers (Except Commissioned)
0013 Senior Managers–Financial, Communications Carriers and Other Business Services
2171 Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
2174 Computer Programmers and Interactive Media Developers
0713 Transportation Managers
7242 Industrial Electricians
0015 Senior Managers–Trade, Broadcasting and Other Services
0314 Managers In Social, Community and Correctional Services
2122 Forestry Professionals
3131 Pharmacists
7217 Contractors and Supervisors, Heavy Construction Equipment Crews
4163 Economic Development Officers and Marketing Researchers and Consultants
2173 Software Engineers
0311 Managers In Health Care
7351 Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators
1212 Supervisors, Finance and Insurance Clerks
6462 Correctional Service Officers
3152 Registered Nurses
7215 Contractors and Supervisors, Carpentry Trades
1441 Administrative Clerks
2147 Computer Engineers

31. Skills Connect
The Skills Connect for Immigrants program is an individualized employment bridging program that helps skilled immigrants connect to jobs in BC that build on their pre-arrival skills, training, knowledge, and experience.
This is achieved through providing services and supports to:
effectively assess recent immigrants’ skills, qualifications and experiences;
provide career counselling and planning;
skill upgrading and other enhancements, including workplace language support to meet BC labour standards;
Individual client services are delivered for a period of up to one year (two years for health sector occupations).

32. Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre
The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre is a free service to help immigrants with information and referrals they need to find a job in their field of education and experience.
Staff will help you identify:
Information on obtaining employment in your field
Agencies and organizations that can assist in your job search
Relevant professional associations and other organizations in your field
Employers and employer organizations in your field
Located on Level 4 in the Central branch of Vancouver Public Library at 350 West Georgia Street and is open during regular Central library hours.

33. Credential Recognition
This is the process of verifying that the education, training, and job experience you obtained in another country are equivalent to the standards established for Canadian workers.
Takes time and money
It’s not always guaranteed, so please do your research!
For more information:

34. Credential Evaluation
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) operates the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
They will assess foreign secondary and post-secondary certificates for employment
For more information:

35. Want more information? 35

36. The Hidden Job Market Networking The Internet Employer Visits
How do I find the jobs that are NOT advertised?
Networking
The Internet
Employer Visits
Cold Calling
Newspapers and Other Classifieds 36

37. What is Networking?

38. Networking The active pursuit of finding jobs
80 % of available jobs are NOT advertised
You can ask:
Family
Friends
Neighbours
Other employers 38

39. The Internet www.jobbank.gc.ca www.workingincanada.gc.ca
There are great websites where you can plan your career and find job postings 39

40. Employer Visits What are employer visits?
When you go store to store, fill in an application, and give your resume/cover letter
What should do?
Plan where you are going to apply
Bring tailored resumes and cover letters
Dress professionally
Ask for the hiring manager and give a firm handshake! 40

41. Cold Calling Make a list of the employers you want to call
Contact the hiring manager of the interested company
Prepare questions
about the position
Let them know when you
will drop off your resume 41

42. Newspapers and Other Classifieds
Very few job postings
Not many employers are paying for the advertising space
Many shady employers!
Not very successful job search method for youth 42 42

43. Interviewing for Success…
Interview Skills
Interviewing for Success… 43

44. What is an Interview?
An interview is a meeting with your potential employer
This is where you MUST market yourself in order to get hired 44

45. Before the Interview 45

46. Educate Yourself! Often employers will ask:
Why do you want to work here?
What can you tell me about this company?
Be prepared!
Go to the company’s website and learn more about the company
Mission statement
Company goals 46

47. Dress to Impress! It is important to look presentable for an interview
Always dress “one-up” for the job you are seeking
Your outfit could make the difference in whether or not you get the position 47

48. What to Wear!
Here are some examples: 48

49. A Few Tips… Things to bring Arrive early! Turn off your cell phone
Resume
References
Arrive early!
10-15 minutes
Turn off your cell phone

50. During the Interview 50

51. Stages of the Interview
Opening
Questions about credentials, skills, and knowledge
Situational and behavioural questions
Closing 51

52. Opening Introduce yourself, stand up and greet your interviewer
“Hi, I’m Jessica. Nice to meet you!”
Firm handshake
Clasp, pump, pump, break
Don’t be afraid to initiate the handshake
A good handshake also helps with the employer’s impression of you
Don’t forget to smile! 52

53. Credentials, Skills, and Knowledge
On your resume, you listed the transferable skills you gain from past work experience
The employer will now ask you to elaborate on your resume
Make sure to prepare for this! 53

54. How to Handle Questions
C.O.R.E
C = Clarify the Question
O = Organize the Answer
R = Respond to the Question
E = Examples 54

55. General Questions Tell me about yourself. Describe your personality.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Which three words describe you the best? 55

56. How to Answer General Questions
P.A.W.S
P = Personal
A = Academic
W = Work Experience
S = Skills 56

57. Work Experience/Skills Related Questions
Tell me about your last job.
What did you like the most/least about your last job?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Don’t give “deal-breakers”! 57

58. How to Answer Work Experience/Skills Related Questions
Don’t talk about your last job in a negative way
Think of the transferable skills you learned from your last position
Be ready with 3 strengths
Give examples of when and how you use them
Stay away from saying you’re reliable and responsible
Tell the truth about your weakness
Let them know how you are improving on it

59. Situational & Behavioural Questions
Give an example of a time you took meaningful action to solve a problem.
How do you tackle comprehensive projects?
Describe an episode of exceptional customer service.
How do you function in a high pressure situation? 59

60. How to Handle Behavioural & Situational Questions?
S.T.A.R.R
S = Situation
T = Task
A = Action
R = Result
R = Relevance 60

61. Summary Questions  C.O.R.E General Questions  P.A.W.S
Situational & Behavioural Questions  S.T.A.R.R. 61

62. After Interview 62

63. Thank You Letter Once you get home from the interview…
Write a thank you note, or card to the person that interviewed you
Ensure that you address the person by name
Let them know that you appreciate that they took the time to meet with you
Reaffirm your interest in the position! 63

64. Thank You Note Sample
Dear Mr. Rogers, Thank you very much for taking the time out of your schedule to meet with me. I am still very interested in the Sales Associate position because I have a passion for customer service and I believe that my communication skills will be an asset to your company. If any additional opportunities arise, please feel free to contact me at or call me at Best regards, Jessica Smith 64

65. 65

66. Follow Up If a week has passed since the interview…
Take the initiative to call the person that interviewed you
Ask them if they have made a decision on your candidacy for the position
If you did not get the job, ask the employer how you could have improved 66

67. Success! 67