If you’d like to go to work every day knowing you’re serving Ontarians and making Ontario the best province to live in the world, this opportunity is for you!
That’s how Chidinma Unigwe felt – and now, she can’t think of a better way to give back. Read More
When the number of candidates far exceeds the number of entry-level positions, we’re left with underemployed and unemployed recent graduates.
A report published by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario in 2014 revealed that less than one-quarter of employers posting entry-level positions would consider hiring a candidate with no experience, and that most of these employers required at least one year.
It’s no surprise a follow-up study discovered that close to 60 per cent of entry-level hires had three or more years of experience.
How does a recent graduate compete?
During the period of your internship, there are a few job etiquette you need to do to make sure you present yourself as best as you could. The first few days, weeks, and months, will determine whether the employer is willing to hire you full-time or even be a good reference for you later on.
Here is a list of things you should and shouldn’t do during your internship time that will help you get a great experience and will definitely help you break into the Canadian workplace.
SHOULDN’T: Ignore the employer’s onboarding process and work culture, or skip company events…
SHOULD: Follow procedures and attend events to acclimate yourself.”
SHOULDN’T: Book vacations before consulting with your supervisor, or consistently ask for a non-essential leave of absence because you know your supervisor can’t grant every request…
SHOULD: Ask the supervisor for an extended leave when it’s necessary.”
SHOULDN’T: Complaint, display a negative attitude, or refuse to perform an administrative responsibility that every employee is required to fulfill…
SHOULD: Demonstrate a positive attitude and be a good team player.
SHOULDN’T: Share confidential work information outside the office…
SHOULD: Discuss what you enjoy and don’t enjoy about your job privately with your family and friends, without revealing any confidential information.
SHOULDN’T: Perform the minimum, and monitor the clock…
SHOULD: Ask the supervisor for additional assignments when you complete all your tasks.
SHOULDN’T: assume that your supervisor expects you to know everything…
SHOULD: Ask for help and advice when you need it.
SHOULDN’T: Ignore your mistakes and wait until the last minute to notify your supervisor…
SHOULD: Tell your supervisor about your mistakes/shortcomings immediately
SHOULDN’T: Excessively check your phone and distract your co-workers by making personal calls at your desk…
SHOULD: Respect co-workers and briefly leave the office to use your phone.
SHOULDN’T: Expect a pay increase immediately or quit too soon if things aren’t going well…
SHOULD: Honour the contract terms and remain resilient by working through difficulties that arise.
SHOULDN’T: assume your employer will hire you full-time…
SHOULD: Work hard to either (1) receive an offer of full-time employment, or (2) thank your employer for the valuable experience and new skills learned, and find permanent work elsewhere (Which is what happened last year for 85% of Career Edge interns – they launched their careers by remaining at their host organization, or securing full-time, meaningful employment within three months of completing their Career Edge internship!).
Looking for a job? Apply for open internships on Career Edge website.
Read Next: How to Get Hired Before Graduation
Almost every graduating student knows a classmate who’s secured a job before graduation. How do they do it? They start early, like Domenic Sgambelluri, Career Edge’s Alumni of the Month for October 2017.
Before his exams began, his internship coordinator posted a role through Career Edge.
Two weeks later, he signed a contract.
On the first Monday after classes finished, he became Loblaw Companies’ newest talent acquisition specialist. Read More
If you frequent networking events often and plan to attend industry conferences and events, you’ll always want to make sure that you make a good impression. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your visit and experience: Read More
Immersed in every prolonged job search, are seemingly endless days.
And in between every grueling day, are breaks for reducing stress.
And during stress-reducing breaks, are a few mornings spent flipping through channels.
And during channel-flipping mornings, are a few minutes of “Let’s Make a Deal”.
If you can learn anything from the popular game show, or its brother and sister versions “Khullja Sim Sim” and “Trato Hecho”, it’s that there’s a prize behind every door.
Every contestant picks between doors and leaves with a prize, but your job search gives you better odds of choosing the right prize when you explore the hidden job market. Unlike Let’s Make a Deal, your job search doesn’t force you to pick between two doors and their hidden prizes. Your job search holds infinite doors and reveals these prizes, but it’s your responsibility to open as many as possible, by applying for as many relevant jobs as possible. Read More
In last week’s blog entry, we listed video interviews as one of 2018’s recruitment trends. If you’re in the majority, you dread video interviews (like how the average millennial dreads voice calls and prefers text messages). But video interviews aren’t an obstacle, they’re an opportunity.
By supplementing your application, you can showcase your personality and soft skills, and present a strong employer-employee fit to separate yourself from the majority and give yourself a better chance to join the minority – that exclusive shortlist of candidates who receive an invitation to meet in person.
Here are some things to consider before you complete your video interview: Read More
Ready to unlock the full potential of your LinkedIn profile? Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, optimizing your LinkedIn presence is crucial for standing out in today’s competitive job market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into 14 strategies designed to boost your profile, expand your network, and attract valuable opportunities on LinkedIn.
Approximately 90% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent. Will you get their attention? Follow these tips to get noticed.
Make sure to complete your profile with a professional photo, headline, summary, and detailed work experience. A complete profile not only enhances your visibility but also demonstrates your commitment to professionalism. Remember to tailor your profile to your target job field for optimal results.
Ensure there are no discrepancies between your resume and LinkedIn’s core elements.
Your headline is more than just a job title – it’s an opportunity to showcase your expertise and value proposition. Use keywords relevant to your industry and consider incorporating a brief statement about your professional philosophy or aspirations. A captivating headline can significantly increase your visibility in search results.
Your summary serves as your elevator pitch to potential employers. Use this space to highlight your skills, accomplishments, and career goals in a concise yet compelling manner. Share your unique professional story and what sets you apart from the competition. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors to refine your summary further.
Research job descriptions you’re interested in and ensure your LinkedIn mirrors the grammar, punctuation, and language style of the descriptions and contains ‘enough’ keywords found in those postings. A recruiter will see your LinkedIn profile, so keep your keyword frequency reasonable and leave out those fluffy, cliché buzzwords.
Customize your LinkedIn URL to make it easier for others to find and connect with you. A clean, professional URL not only enhances your profile’s appearance but also makes it more memorable for recruiters and employers reviewing your resume.
Utilize the “Featured” section to showcase your best work, projects, articles, or presentations. Providing concrete evidence of your skills and expertise can siginificantly improve your credibility and draw the attention of potential employers.
Select relevant skills that align with your expertise and strengths. Endorsements from connections can validate your skills and increase your profile’s visibility. However, prioritize quality over quantity to maintain authenticity and relevance.
Expand your network by connecting with professionals in your industry, alumni, colleagues, and recruiters. Personalize your connection requests to establish rapport and foster meaningful relationships. Leverage LinkedIn’s email synchronization feature and follow up on meetings or conversations with personalized connection requests.
Like, comment, and share relevant posts to demonstrate your industry knowledge and engage with your network. Active engagement not only increases your visibility but also positions you as a valuable contributor within your industry community.
Consider writing articles or posts on topics related to your expertise to showcase your thought leadership. Share valuable insights, experiences, and perspectives to resonate with your audience and establish credibility in your field.
Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry or interests and actively engage in discussions. Provide valuable contributions, ask questions, and share resources to expand your network and knowledge. Remember to prioritize quality interactions and avoid overly promotional behavior.
ALSO READ: Develop a Winning Mindset for Your Job Hunt
Reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or clients for authentic recommendations that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Thoughtful recommendations can significantly boost your credibility and differentiate you from other candidates.
Regularly update your profile with new experiences, skills, or achievements to demonstrate your ongoing professional growth and engagement. Keeping your profile fresh signals to recruiters and employers that you’re actively invested in your career.
Explore LinkedIn’s job search features to discover relevant job openings and apply directly through the platform. Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities in your field and leverage your network for referrals and introductions.
ALSO READ: Maintaining Your Well-being During Unemployment and Job Search
Expand your network strategically and nurture professional relationships through meaningful engagement. Attend networking events, join relevant groups, and initiate conversations to build genuine connections. Remember to observe professional etiquette and maintain a positive online presence at all times.
By implementing these 14 strategies, you can optimize your LinkedIn profile and maximize your chances of success in your job search. Remember to stay authentic, proactive, and engaged with your network.
With the right approach, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for advancing your career goals and unlocking new opportunities.
If you’re worried about your next video interview (like how the average millennial dreads voice calls and prefers text messages), think of them as opportunities, not obstacles.
Embracing video interviews is crucial in today’s evolving job market, where remote interactions play a pivotal role in the hiring process. Instead of viewing them as daunting obstacles, consider video interviews as valuable opportunities to showcase your personality and soft skills, setting yourself apart from other applicants.
Navigating the Video Interview Landscape: A Checklist for Success
Before diving into a video interview, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a seamless and impactful experience.
