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Career Edge Blog

Jan 01
Love0

Unwritten Rules of the Workplace

By Succeed in your Job

Your first day of work can be exciting. You tour the office, eat lunch with the team, learn about employee perks like Fun Friday, review the workplace’s written rules – and then realize these rules clash with the unwritten rules.

The unwritten rules are different at every organization. By quickly recognizing these de facto policies, you’ll acclimate to the organization quicker, giving yourself a greater opportunity of achieving success at the workplace.

An example of an unwritten rule is the daily working hours. In a typical scenario, the formal policy dictates I work 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but it’s half past four and no one’s left. If I leave first, will my boss think I was lying when I said I was hard-working in the interview? This concept may be hard to grasp and navigate for a newcomer to Canada – or anyone new to the workforce – trying to launch a career in their new country.

The common mistake is transferring all office etiquette from your previous workplace to the current company because unwritten rules often depend on the leadership and the other ‘office influencers.’ Some open-door policies may mean “Come in whenever, or let’s go for a coffee and chat” while other interpretations are “Come in whenever, but make sure you schedule it on the calendar.” Both these CEOs boast reasonable and similar open-door policies but offer different approaches.

What do you do when you’re unsure?

As Marilyn vos Savant, says “To acquire wisdom, one must observe” so sit tight and watch closely for the workplace norms.

Jan 01
Love3
soft skills

Soft Skills Most in Demand

By Professional Development
Got every hard skill required for the position? You might be thinking that’s enough, but you’re wrong! Soft skills are as important!

Picture this: you’re in an interview, and the interviewer asks you questions to assess your behaviour, but you’re blank. You’ve never been in this situation before.

That’s how employers determine your soft skills.

Think about which ones you need to develop or improve because managers value soft skills. Often, it’s these personal attributes employers use as the tiebreaker to decide between you and the other qualified candidates.

If you’re unsure where to start or what’s most important, here are some soft skills recruiters and interviewers look for:

Read More

Jan 01
Love1
cover letter

Why Write a Cover Letter

By Cover Letter & Resume

Crafting an effective cover letter is a crucial step in securing your dream job. In a world where hiring managers spend an average of seven seconds per cover letter, making those moments count is essential. Here’s an in-depth look at the importance of cover letters and how they can be optimized for success:

So why write one?

In the brief time it takes a hiring manager to scan your cover letter, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impression. While your resume outlines your professional history, a cover letter complements it by showcasing the skills you’ve listed. Don’t merely reiterate your resume; instead, leverage this space to demonstrate practical applications of your skills. For instance, if you claim to possess creativity and communication skills, narrate a relevant experience that vividly illustrates these qualities.

The goal of the cover letter is to secure an interview. You must separate yourself and show why you’re more qualified than the other candidates. Consider the responsibilities of the hiring manager and answer the question:

Why should I be one of the five (out of 100) applicants who deserve another 30 minutes to demonstrate why I’m the best candidate?

What can cover letters reveal?

Your concise writing abilities, attention to detail, researching skills, reading comprehension, interest level, personality type, and creativity…essentially a lot, so you can’t use the same cover letter for each application. Customize!

Tailoring Each Cover Letter

One common mistake job seekers make is using a generic cover letter for multiple applications. However, customization is key. Each one should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Highlighting misconceptions, explaining achievements, and expressing genuine interest in the company can set your letter apart from the rest. Remember, a generic cover letter may be perceived as a lack of effort, potentially jeopardizing your chances.

Unveiling Skills Beyond the Resume

A well-crafted cover letter is a window into your abilities beyond what’s listed on your resume. It reveals your concise writing skills, attention to detail, research capabilities, reading comprehension, and even your personality. This multifaceted snapshot of your abilities requires careful consideration and customization. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who take the time to showcase their unique qualities, as it reflects genuine interest and effort.

The Ultimate Goal: Securing an Interview

The primary objective is to secure an interview. In a sea of applicants, your cover letter should answer the hiring manager’s unspoken question: “Why should I choose you for a more in-depth conversation?” To achieve this, align your skills and experiences with the company’s needs. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the role, and articulate how your unique qualifications make you the ideal candidate.

Selecting the Right Cover Letter Template

Various templates are available, catering to different styles and preferences. It’s essential to choose a format that aligns with your personality and the industry you’re applying to. Whether it’s a traditional format, a narrative style, or a visually appealing design, the key is to strike a balance between professionalism and individuality. Finding the right style enhances your chances of making a memorable impact.

In conclusion, despite the brevity of their attention span, hiring managers value cover letters as a means to distinguish exceptional candidates. Use this opportunity wisely, customize each letter, and aim to secure that coveted interview. It’s not just a formality; it’s your unique voice in a competitive job market.

Jan 01
Love6

How to Get Hired Before Graduation

By For Students

It’s not impossible to get hired before you finish school – many students do it. Domenic Sgambelluri, our Alumni of the Month for October 2017, did it. This is his advice on how you can too:

“Get your resume reviewed by someone else. Preferably your school internship/job coordinator, career services centre, etc. Two, three, four sets of eyes and advice are better than one.”

Prepare your application materials. Keep your resume concise, but include the URL to your LinkedIn, where you can provide more detail. Include only school projects that are related to the job you’re applying for.

 

“Apply early and often! Don’t wait until four weeks before the end of exams of your final year to start looking. Everyone else will already be interviewing.”

Most post-secondary students graduate in April, creating greater competition.

 

“Go to the career events/fairs that your school holds! This may seem like a waste of time, but companies are there with job vacancies looking for fresh talent. The job market is hot and the fight for talent is real. Your skills are desirable.”

Many employers will offer conditional offers of employment to graduating students because they prefer recent graduates possessing the latest education. Top companies value diversity and innovation, and new graduates provide these.

 

 “Network. Get used to people telling you ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’. This statement often holds true. Get out there.”

At any moment, you could meet the right person who can connect you to your career-launching, life-changing opportunity.

 

“No opportunity is too small or insignificant. If someone offers even a one day per week internship that requires an hour bus ride each way, take it or someone else will.”

A short-term entry-level position could turn into a permanent role. Many employers offer internships to recent graduates confident enough to bet on themselves, and give them the chance to prove their value and indispensability. If your program curriculum didn’t implement work-integrated learning, you’ll likely need to acquire some related experience. A company could offer you a short-term opportunity that exceeds the average time it takes for a recent graduate to secure a full-time position, so any related experience is better than no experience.

 

“Don’t become discouraged if you don’t find a job as soon as you would like. Keep taking advantage of all of the opportunities presented to you, including your resources. The right job is out there for you and good people don’t stay unemployed/underemployed very long.”

Domenic is now a member of the talent acquisition team at the City of Brampton. He serves one of Canada’s fastest-growing and ninth-most populous municipality, a city with 209 distinct ethnic backgrounds and 89 languages represented. Performing high-volume, full-cycle union and non-union recruitment, he finds the best candidates for the Flower City.

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