A resume can get your foot in the door when you’re looking for a job. But, oftentimes hiring managers want a new hire to fulfill criteria that can’t be expressed on paper. Why? These traits will help hiring managers ensure that the candidate will benefit the organization in ways that go beyond just fulfilling their... Continue Reading →
When searching for a job, what’s in a name?
I recently heard about a new process in Canada’s federal government that will help reduce bias around who is contacted following a job application in an interview on Toronto’s Metro Morning. Six federal departments are piloting a blind recruitment strategy with the goal of increasing equity and diversity in its workforce. This process will remove... Continue Reading →
Why I admire this student’s “dating resume”
Your resume is a critical tool for a job search. It’s usually one of the first impressions of you that a potential employer gets, so it’s appearance, and each word, is important. No surprise here! Based on resumes that I’ve seen – including my own – I assume that many professional resumes are in a... Continue Reading →
Google your way to a new job
Image via Google If you’re like me, you use Google to find out pretty much everything you want to know. But, Google probably hasn’t been your go-to for one of the most important types of searches you can do – a job search. Well, there's good news! Google has created Google for Jobs, which is... Continue Reading →
Should I start my career with an internship?
Last week, Bank of Canada head honcho Stephen Poloz recommended that unemployed young Canadians should take on unpaid internships to gain experience in their professional fields. The fact that top government officials accept that unpaid work is the only way to get ahead indicates that internships have become commonplace in today's economy. Further, the competition to... Continue Reading →
Setting SMART goals
I'm in the process of writing my professional goals for the next year at work. So, it's a good time to focus on some best practices for goal-setting. Rather than just shooting blindly for the stars, I'm going to set SMART goals so I can prove I've reached them during my annual review. What are SMART goals?... Continue Reading →
How to use the right keywords to get your resume past hiring software
In some organizations, hiring managers are looking for candidates for several different departments, looking to fill many diverse roles. It would take ages for them to review all of the resumes manually, and this would result roles not being filled in a timely manner. As a solution, a tool referred to as a human resources... Continue Reading →
“So, you want to be a pubic relations specialist?”
This question was asked to a fellow student by the career development course instructor at my public relations certificate program after the instructor reviewed a draft of her resume. A missed “L” in what was supposed to be the word "public" not only implied this student was looking for an entirely different career, but also earned... Continue Reading →
Lights, camera… action words
It’s critical to use action words – or verbs – to bring your resume to life for a potential employer, who wants to get an idea of what tasks you took on in a previous role. Rather than just listing job duties, use concise and descriptive action words to help shine a spotlight on what... Continue Reading →
“We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be.”
– Canadian author Kurt Vonnegut when describing his take on illusionist and master manipulator Harry Houdini, who plays a role in the book, The Confabulist, via the Calgary Herald. How much can I embellish my experience on my resume? Moving forward in your career is important. Whether it’s moving up to a manager role, a new job,... Continue Reading →
