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Career Options is unique in that it’s created just for Canadian college and university students. The information is tailored to meet your requirements. The advertisers contribute because they want to let you know about real opportunities in their organizations. In fact, Career Options is the one publication where the ads are as invaluable as the articles!
Citation preview
career optionsFor Canadian Post-seCondary students
www.careeroptionsmagazine.comFall/winter 2009 / Volume 23 no. 2
co
aVoiding Common interView PitFalls
aPPlying For graduate sChool
Careers in health
06
14
26
you’re on yourway: strategies to succeed at career fairs
Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 1
career options fall/winter 2009
06avoiding common interview pitfallsBy Kristen Stolze
08maximize your return on educational investment in a recessionBy Sean Junor
10creating your online brandBy Patti Church
12career fairs: a piece of your job search puzzleBy Panagiota Panagakos
14applying for graduate schoolBy Dorothy Ritz
17boning up on money managementBy Angela Fennelow
20résumé writing: from good to greatBy Mary Giamos
24career fair datesBy the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers
25career fair guideBy Anne Markey
26careers in healthBy Anne Markey
33getting the job you want – putting your best foot forwardBy Gina John and Carol Evenson
36the “where” factorBy Karen Gallant
41first year of full-time: adjusting tips & moreBy Zahraa Al-Ali
43how i am making the transition from student to professionalBy Erica Simmonds
46cacee ethical recruitment guidelinesBy the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers
<< the “super” image gracing our cover this month is by gabrielle beer, winner of the first-ever career options photo contest. gabrielle recently graduated from the professional photo-imaging program at langara college in vancouver. congratulations!
2 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 3
career options
managing editor
Anne Markey
project management – gordongroup
Kita Szpak
art direction / print management – gordongroup
Leslie Miles
design & layout – gordongroup
Dominika Kowalczyk
advertising sales direction – gordongroup
Thomas Krayer
advertising sales – gordongroup
Fred Hanson Kirill Kornilov
contributors
Zahraa Al-Ali Patti Church Carol Evenson Angela Fennelow Karen Gallant Mary Giamos Gina John Sean Junor Panagiota Panagakos Dorothy Ritz Erica Simmonds Kristen Stolze
Career Options is published bi-annually in January and September by the Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE),
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 202, Toronto ON M5S 2T9.
for subscription information, contact anne markey:
Tel: 416-929-5156 ext. 223 Fax: 416-929-5256E-mail: annem@cacee.com Website: www.careeroptionsmagazine.com
for advertising inquiries, contact thomas krayer, director of sales, gordongroup:
Tel: 613-234-8468 ext. 223 Fax: 613-234-8655E-mail: tkrayer@gordongroup.com Website: www.gordongroup.com
ISSN: 1712-1183
The Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers (CACEE) is a national, non-profit partnership of employer recruiters and career services professionals. Our mission is to provide authoritative information, advice, professional development opportunities and other services to employers,
career services professionals and students.
Career Options is distributed to students at post-secondary institutions across Canada. Career Options is available free of charge through
campus career centres.
NOTE: The opinions expressed within are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect CACEE policy. No part of this magazine may be reproduced
in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher.
The National Student Resource of:Canadian Association of Career Educators and Employers
720 Spadina Ave., Suite 202Toronto ON M5S 2T9
www.cacee.com
editor’s letter
w elcome to the Fall/Winter 2009 edition of Career Options! Thank you for picking up the magazine. You’re sure to find it informative as you move forward with career or employment planning. Career Options will
be a valuable resource for you as you transition from post-secondary education to the working world.
Career Options is unique in that it’s created just for Canadian college and university students. The information is tailored to meet your requirements. The advertisers contribute because they want to let you know about real opportunities in their organizations. In fact, Career Options is the one publication where the ads are as invaluable as the articles!
In this issue, employer representatives from Loblaw, Camco and Sun Life Financial provide advice on how to land the job you want. Recent graduates Erica Simmonds and Zahraa Al-Ali discuss their transition from student life to the working world. And I have prepared a list of careers in healthcare that includes alternatives to being a doctor or a nurse—not that there’s anything wrong with those career paths!
By the time you read this, our new website, www.careeroptionsmagazine.com, should be live! The site is designed to continue and expand on the topics and connections made in the print magazine. You’ll be able to share your views on the articles, submit articles of your own, read and comment at the “Speak to an Expert” blog spot, and interact with employers at the Connect Zone. The Career Options website is live, interactive, and here for you to use as you make your own school-to-career transition!
Lastly, I want to draw your attention to the photo on the cover of the current issue, and to introduce the photographer: Gabrielle Beer was the winner of the photo contest held by Career Options and CACEE over the summer. Contest entrants were asked to submit images related to post-secondary education and careers.
We’ll be holding another installment of the contest beginning at the end of this month for the Winter/Spring 2010 issue. Aspiring photographers, stay tuned!
Anne Markey,Editor
4 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 5
22 ATB Financial
i ATCO Group
22 B.C. Hydro
48 Brenntag Canada
31 British Columbia Transmission Corporation
39 Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council
30 Certified Management Accountants
50 CGA Ontario
32 Communitech: Waterloo Region Technology Association
09, 42 Concordia University College of Alberta
48 Desjardins
47 Durham Regional Police Services
34 Enterprise Rent-A-Car
28 Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
48 Hire Canada Inc.
38 Home Depot
49 Humber College Business School
47 Imperial Oil
15 JobMire
16 Insight Canada Inc.
44 Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC)
48 JET Programme
01 Mining Industry Human Resources Council
32, 47 National Energy Board
48 Naylor-McLeod Group
42 New Flyer Industries
45, 48 Nexen
05, 47 Queen's University
02 RCMP
13 Shell Canada
36, 47 Student Work Abroad Program
19 Sun Life Financial
04, 47 Talisman Energy
11 The Canadian Payroll Association
16 Yellow Pages Group
we would like to thank our advertisers…
6 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 7
Have you ever had an interview that you thought
went well and then found out you didn’t get the
job? Did you ponder what you could have done
differently? Did you wonder what the interviewer
really thought? The interview is usually the factor
in the recruitment process that determines
whether or not you get the job, so strong interview
performance is crucial. Let’s look at some
common interview errors and how to avoid them.
1 listenA mistake that candidates often make is deciding
in advance what they want to talk about in the
interview, regardless of the questions being
asked. Preparing answers that highlight your
skills is important, but don’t let your prepared
answer distract you from the actual question.
In an interview setting, there is nothing wrong
with jotting the question down and taking a few
moments to formulate your answer. If you didn’t
understand the question, ask for clarification.
When asked a question, provide relevant
examples that allow the interviewer to picture you
in the job. An answer that gives one complete
example is more effective than an answer that
gives multiple shorter examples. Listen carefully to
the question and ensure that your answer relates
to what is being asked of you.
2 be confident but not boastfulIn an interview, you want to present yourself as
the best candidate for the job; you don’t want to
come across as arrogant or boastful. Confidence
is essential, but be careful not to overstep this
fine line. Communicate your skills, knowledge and
eagerness to learn, taking care not to imply that
you already “know it all.”
3 review the job descriptionAnother common error is not thoroughly reviewing
the job description prior to the interview. When
applying to multiple jobs, especially jobs with a
similar title, don’t assume that job descriptions
from different companies are comparable. The
role of a marketing analyst at one company might
be quite different from a marketing analyst at
another company. A comprehensive review of
the job description will allow you to answer the
interview questions in the best way possible and
to ask informed and insightful questions. You
don’t want to ask a question about something
that is stated in the job posting. It’s also helpful
to think about relevant examples that relate to
job responsibilities.
4 remain positive about current or past experiences and employersCriticizing a current or past employer or manager
comes across as immature and demonstrates a
lack of professionalism. It can also suggest an
inability to work with others or to deal with difficult
situations. Use tact and diplomacy to convey
messages about less favourable experiences.
5 prepare questionsInterviewers often conclude an interview by asking
if the candidate has any questions. Responding
with a simple “no” may give the impression that
you aren’t passionate about the company or the
job. Prepare several potential questions about the
company and the position. If you’re interested in
the environment, for example, ask if the company
is pursuing any environmental initiatives. Perhaps
the company has just launched a new product;
ask about it. Inquire about the office culture or
what your first few tasks on the job might be.
Choose your questions carefully in order to display
your knowledge of the company and confirm your
interest in the job. Select your questions based on
the tone of the interview. Make sure you don’t ask
a question that was already answered.
Never underestimate the importance of the
interview. It’s an opportunity for you to “sell”
yourself and demonstrate your potential value to
the employer. Always prepare, and be honest,
professional and positive. co
avoiding commoninterview pitfalls
By Kristen StolzeGrad Program Manager,
Loblaw Companies Limited
8 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 9
the current global recession is a foreign
concept for the majority of young
Canadians. Those of us who were still
children during the last recession in
the early 1990s have witnessed nothing but robust
economic times and strong labour markets for
nearly 15 years. But that all changed in the fall
of 2008, as the perfect economic storm rolled in
and eliminated many perceived certainties. The
U.S. housing market bubble burst. The global
financial sector fell into chaos. Stock markets
and commodity prices took a nosedive. North
American auto makers, already struggling, were
forced to the brink of collapse. All of these factors
resulted in a downward spiral for the labour market.
There was once a time when job seekers could
simply dictate their terms and conditions of
employment to desperate employers, but the
downturn has made it appear that those days are
over. Gone too are the days of quitting one job to
walk across the street for another, better-paying
position. The balance has also shifted at today’s
job and career fairs, as fewer companies from
a smaller range of industries participate, and
the numbers of job seekers swell. It seems the
scales have been reset, and now appear to be
weighted in favour of the employer, rather than
the prospective employee. What does this mean
for you?
first and foremost, don’t panic. Post-secondary students today still have
employment options—they’re reduced, yes, but
options are still out there. It is important to note
that the current domestic recession has not
spread equally across regions or occupational
sectors in Canada. Ontario, Alberta and British
Columbia are bearing the brunt of the economic
downturn. Saskatchewan and many parts of
Atlantic Canada still have pockets of employment
growth. Even inside the provinces hardest hit,
there are glimmers of hope as major urban
centres are faring much better than northern,
rural or remote communities. Employment
in health-related fields shows little signs of
prolonged weakness. The massive stimulus
spending currently being undertaken by provincial
governments and the Government of Canada will
result in new opportunities in the construction
sector for tradespeople, technicians and engineers.
In addition, public sector employment (government,
law enforcement) will continue to expand.
second, have a plan. Do some research
on what companies and industries are remaining
relatively strong in the current economic
climate. There are now over 30 sector councils
(www.councils.org/en/) in Canada representing
almost every industry, and each council is
dedicated to producing employment information
and promoting careers on behalf of that
industry. Examine recent Manpower Research
labour market reports. Manpower documents
employment trends in jurisdictional and industrial
sectors by quarter for Canada, and often has
some good emerging employment information.
Make use of provincial and federal employment
resources (e.g., www.labourmarketinformation.ca,
www.saskjobs.ca, www.albertajobs.com). Finally,
examine some of the new online tools being
created for graduates. Talent Egg (http://talentegg.ca)
is one such example and a nice starting point for
job seekers familiar with social marketing sites.
third, stand out from the crowd. This
means that you need to work a little harder on
your employee value proposition. Employers
have spent the past decade branding and
re-branding to appeal not just to customers, but
also to future employees. Now it’s your turn.
Treat every interaction with a potential employer
like an interview. Ask thoughtful questions. Feel
free to inquire about hiring plans for the year.
Keep in mind that paid employment is only one
way into a company. Some companies offer
internships; others may be happy to book you
for an informational interview with a specific
occupational representative. Remember that your
abilities, competencies, knowledge and skills
are assets that set you apart from your peers. It
is important to display both hard and soft skills.
Previous employment or volunteer experience
needs to be packaged or positioned to assist your
personal pitch. Dressing the part is also important:
present yourself professionally for every interaction with a potential
employer by ditching the blue jeans and t-shirt in favour of a collared
shirt and dress pants. You only get one chance at making a first impression.
fourth, pound the pavement—literally and figuratively. Attend
career fairs or information sessions on campus. Come to those sessions
well prepared and be ready to ask questions to staff representatives. Feel
free to approach the staff offline, ask them a series of additional questions,
interview them about their company, or even drop names. Make whatever
connection you can within reasonable boundaries. Remember, companies
who spend time at your school are usually there for a reason: a successful
history of recruiting. Conduct advance research on the companies with
which you are interested in securing summer or full-time employment. Talk
to previous graduates or professors about the company. Find an alumni
connection within the company and see if they can assist you in gaining a
leg up in the organizational employment process. Learn some history and be
aware of key things like the geographic locations and industry involvement
for each company of interest. Nothing is more frustrating than hearing your
company name mispronounced or wrongly identified by so-called informed
job seekers.
The hints documented in this article are just suggestions. Graduates
looking to successfully enter the labour market would be wise to leverage
all their contacts, skills and experience. In the end, job seekers possess
a commodity—their work—that employers need, today and in the future.
The tricky part is executing the buy and sell. co
maximize your return on educationalinvestment in a recession
By Sean Junor
“ employers have spent the past decade branding and re-branding to appeal not just to customers, but also to future employees. now it’s your turn. ”
sean junor is Senior Specialist –
Workforce Planning, at Cameco
Corporation.
10 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 11
let’s face it: we have all felt the impact of
branding efforts by businesses, schools,
politicians and entertainers. Their goal
is to create an emotional response, to
engage us, to compel us to act. Because of the
strong Starbucks brand, many of us believe that their
specialty coffees are worth $5. As consumers, we
buy into brands and believe there is value in their
product offerings.
In the past, a brand was defined by advertising
and carefully crafted messages delivered through
traditional media. Today, a brand is shaped and
developed by its actions and engagement with
different audiences as much as by advertising and
key messages. The Internet has fundamentally
changed how brands are defined and maintained.
Blogs, YouTube and Twitter are three communications
vehicles people use to rant, rave or complain about a
product, service or person.
Whether you realize it or not, you have an online
“brand,” too. Do you have a Facebook or MySpace
account? Do you comment on blogs? Have you tried
out Twitter? When you post content, engage others
or share information about yourself on the Web, you
are creating a unique identity—branding yourself, in
a sense.
In your job search, it’s important that the personal
brand you present is professional and has a strong
message about you to offer employers. According
to Monster.com, 77% of employers will Google
you. Why? Because they need to manage risk
and find the right candidates. The hiring process is
time-consuming and expensive, so making the
right staffing decision is critical. In many cases,
what they can learn about you online will affect their
final decision. It’s important to Google yourself and
become strategic about your online image.
The advent of blog software and social media tools
(Flickr, Twitter, Whyhire.me, LinkedIn, Facebook,
YouTube, etc.) presents a new opportunity for you
to take control of your personal brand. Along with
your printed résumé, flashy business card, firm
handshake, well-researched conversation points and
well-crafted cover letters, you have a new tool to use
in your job search: the Personal Uniform Resource
Locator, or PURL.
what’s a purl?Plain and simple, a PURL is a personal web address
that you can share with employers, and that can
be found via a Google search. Twitter jumped
on the notion of a personal Twitter page. Facebook
recently introduced vanity URLs for its members.
Although many of these new communication tools
have the capacity for a PURL that allows for Google
to find you easily—which is the end goal—it’s also
important to consider buying your personal domain
name, and to grab your account name on many of
these new social networks. The more accounts you
have with consistent use of your name, the more
links and connections to you Google will make, and
the easier it will be to find your content when an
employer searches your name.
For new graduates, your online brand should include
both traditional résumé elements and detailed
project experiences that leverage photos, videos,
references, links and more. Integrating blogging,
Twitter, Flickr, YouTube or Vimeo, WhyHire.me and
LinkedIn will also demonstrate your engagement
with a chosen course of study, future career
interests, an industry sector or a company that
brings out your passion.
why should you care?The Internet offers you an opportunity to create
an impression of your skills, experiences and
overall potential. Your personal brand can now
communicate and engage your possible employer
throughout the interview process. The ultimate
aim of developing your online brand is to help
differentiate yourself from the competition and to
establish a deeper and more meaningful connection
with the hiring manager and his or her colleagues.
Think about a traditional printed résumé, with a
nice-looking font, printed on crisp paper. The
challenge that most graduates face is that their
résumé lacks employment experience and depth.
When the employer sees a stack of printed résumés,
they all begin to look the same.
So how do you stand out? With branding and
differentiation: two proven marketing tactics long
practised by businesspeople of all types, including
celebrities, musicians, politicians and sports stars.
Branding is all about creating an emotional
connection. Your online brand, correspondence,
appearance and behaviour during your interviews
will ultimately shape how you are perceived.
Include your PURL in your cover letter, your résumé
and your business cards. Take the opportunity to
reference your online brand during the interview.
When you draft your thank-you e-mails, point out
one of your online contributions or opinions that
reinforces the impression you would like to leave
behind. Show them you are engaged and passionate
about their business and that you can help solve
their business problems.
stay committed—it will pay offPersonal branding requires a commitment of a few
hours each month—a small price to pay given the
overall investment you have already made in your
education. As you develop your brand online through
school, your first job and beyond, it will attract more
traffic through cross-linking with others in your
field. In time, your name and PURL will rise to the
top of Google search, opening the door to more
opportunities for you. co
creating your
online
Brand patti church is a co-founder of Whyhire.me,
a social media portal dedicated to personal
branding. She is also a part-time instructor
at Algonguin College. You can find her at
whyhire.me/patti_church.
By Patti church
12 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 13
stop complaining about online recruitment systems—get face time at a career fairCareer fairs offer an excellent opportunity for you
to obtain first-hand knowledge about the careers
and industries that interest you. As a participant in
a career fair, your objective is to build relationships
with company representatives who can provide
you with valuable information and/or referrals to
potential job openings.
Maxine Dubuc, Manager, Community Based
Learning and Career Development at Huron
University College, believes students should
consider career fairs as a component of
their overall job search strategy because of
the relationships they will build. “Next time you
go to a networking event such as an information
session, you may recognize someone [company
representative] you met at a career fair and
you’ll be able to talk to them on a more
familiar basis.” Career fairs are not just
about getting a job, they’re about building
contacts within organizations and developing
those relationships.
Remember that first impressions are lasting ones:
being properly prepared for a career fair will
ensure that you leave company representatives
with a positive impression of you.
hit the ground running—prepare by conducting researchYour goal at a career fair is to get noticed. During
these events, company representatives are literally
meeting hundreds of students. The way to stand
out is by being prepared. “Career fairs are about
having quality meetings versus quantity [number
of employers] meetings,” advises Angie Paisley,
Career Advisor, Hired Career Services at Durham
College and the University of Ontario Institute
of Technology (UOIT). Before the career fair,
determine which companies will be attending
and research the ones that interest you. Your
research will enable you to be more confident
and better prepared when speaking to a company
representative.
“At our school, the Hired Career Services portal
acts as a repository,” explains Paisley. “Students
can go there and find out which companies will
be at a career fair and get the link to a company’s
[Internet] site.” Researching a company sends a
strong message to a potential employer that you’re
not just looking for a job, but that you’re interested
in working for that particular organization.
Research will also enable you to match your skills
and experiences with the needs of a company.
“You need to know what the company does,” says
Paisley. “You don’t want to be the person who
says, ‘What do you do?’”
Chris Antzinas, founder and owner of Design Cycle
Resources, a technical search and placement
firm, recommends being unique and confident in
order to have a successful career fair experience.
“Everyone will be asking standard questions, and
getting standard company answers,” he explains.
“Prior to going to the career fair, visit the target
company’s corporate website and find recent
news about the organization to talk about. Print,
highlight and bring this along with you to the
career fair.”
dress for the job you want—don’t dress like a student You get only one chance to make a first impression,
so professionalism is paramount. Dress for a
career fair as you would for an interview. Be sure
to check your business attire a few days before
the fair. Make sure it is neat, clean, pressed and
well put together. Also make sure your shoes are
polished and that you are well groomed. Antzinas
says that “what the potential employer is testing
the candidate on is not their fashion sense per
se, but their judgment.” In other words, how they
present themselves at the career fair reflects the
image they project to the company’s clients.
your conversation starter and self-marketing tool: the “elevator pitch”Your introduction, also known as your “elevator
pitch” to an employer is a 20–30 second synopsis
of your education, experience and interests, and
a very brief explanation of how you can make a
contribution to that company. Always end your
introduction with a question for the representative
to engage him or her in a conversation.
come equipped with the right toolsIt is recommended that you bring the following
items to a career fair:
business cards: Create your own business cards,
as company representatives don’t normally accept
résumés at career fairs. “If you have a business
card, give it to the company representatives you
meet,” advises Dubuc. “If they are impressed
by you, then they can write notes on it so when
they receive your online application you will be
recognized.” You should present your business
card as follows: the front of your card should face
the recipient as you hold the upper corner. If you
are the recipient, accept a business card from the
bottom corner, look at it, and thank the person
who offered it.
pad of paper and a pen: It’s a good idea to buy
a portfolio to carry your pen, paper and business
cards. By taking notes at the career fair, you’re
demonstrating to company representatives that
you’re interested in their company and that you
think what they’re saying is important.
a list of questions: Based on your research, make
a list of questions to ask representatives/potential
employers.
follow up with an e-mail It’s important to follow up after the career fair. Be
sure to send a personalized thank-you note via
e-mail within a week to every representative you
spoke to. This is an effective way to reintroduce
yourself to the employer and demonstrate your
interest in their company. Since career fairs are a
form of networking, Dubuc suggests that you “look
at other ways that you can meet the company
representatives again, such as information
sessions” to get constant exposure and to build
a good relationship with the employer. When
you make the employer remember you for your
enthusiasm and professional manner, you are
ensuring that your application makes it to the top
of the pile. co
career fairs a piece of your job search puzzle
“ you get only one chance to make a first impression so professionalism is paramount. dress for a career fair as you would for an interview. ”
By Panagiota Panagakos
» career fairs are your chance to meet and network with employers. make a good first impression by being confident and prepared.
» research companies online so you know what to say to representatives.
» dress for success and have your “elevator pitch” always ready!
» make your own business cards, as résumés aren’t usually taken at career fairs.
career fair tips:
14 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 15
as Graduate School Liaison in the
Office of the Registrar at Grant
MacEwan College (Edmonton,
Alberta), part of my role is to provide
information and support for students and alumni
applying for graduate study. Applicants include
students graduating from university or alumni
who have been in the work force for some time.
Following are tips and things to consider:
should i apply for graduate study now? reflect on:● Your skills, abilities and interests● Life space and significant relationships
(your age and health, partner, children, health
of family members) ● Career goals● Learning goals● Geography (where you choose to live)● Finances● Labour market trends
where do i start? the first step is research: ● Research can be done online using websites
that list numerous programs offered worldwide. ● Universities outline detailed information on
their websites. ● Read the information carefully.
● What is the design and structure of a program?
(For example: Is it thesis-based or course-based?)● Review the biographies and research interests
of faculty members in the department. ● Will this program match your learning, career
and personal goals?● What are the costs for tuition, books, supplies,
travel and living accommodations?● Review scholarship and assistantship opportunities.● What are the residency requirements?
give yourself time:Applying to a graduate program is not a quick
process. If you are also applying for scholarships,
extensive research may be required.
applications may or may not require these components:● Application form● Transcripts with grades (from each
post-secondary institution you attended)
● Statement of intent or statement of research● Reference letters● Résumé or curriculum vitae● Portfolio● Autobiography● Proof that you took the specific courses
the department has listed as admission
requirements ● Proof of proficiency in the language you will use
in your studies● Qualifying standardized examinations● Information on available financial resources for
your course of study● Interview(s)● Audition (often required for performing arts)
references: ● Decide who your referees will be.● Specific content requested for letters will vary.● Check websites to clarify to your referees the
type of content an appropriate reference
should include. ● Meet with individuals to request a reference
letter. Discuss the letter with the referee.
He or she may be knowledgeable about the
department you are applying to, as well as your
skills, interests and abilities in the context of this
course of study.● Do not delete or destroy undergraduate
assignments, projects or papers! They may be helpful in the future. For
example, a referee may request samples of course work (especially for
classes where she/he was your instructor), transcripts, a list of school-
related activities, and information on your volunteer and work experience.
finances:● Educational institutions offer funding allotted for prospective and current
graduate students. These awards are based on merit (GPA, research and
publishing background). ● Admissions departments may review your statement of intent to ensure that
your area of research matches designated funding resources.● There are opportunities for graduate students to apply for paid teaching
assistant positions.● Some departments offer co-op programs where a student can earn income
within the learning experience.● Some employers are interested in the career development of their
employees and provide support (in terms of money or time) for
ongoing learning. ● Student loans are usually available.
statement of intent: ● Applications for graduate school or professional education often require
a written statement of intent.● If you are applying for scholarships, teaching assistantships or bursaries,
you may be required to submit similar statements.● Think about your audience. The purpose of a statement is that it helps the
faculty admissions office determine whether you would be an appropriate
candidate for their program. They may consider the following: ● How the program addresses your learning interests: specifically, what
you want to study and why. ● An explanation of how you would function within the department’s
environment and culture and alongside faculty and other graduate students.
standardized examinations: ● Admission requirements may include standardized examinations.● Register to write the examination in the spring or summer before you
submit your application.● The format of the examinations is unique. It is essential that you practise
using sample questions before you write. ● You may request that results be sent to universities that require them for
admission. Note that fees are charged each time results are sent.
As you earn a masters or Ph.D. degree, new career doors may open. At the
same time, the investment of time and money can be significant. Solicit
advice from friends or co-workers who have taken the route of further
learning. Choose a program with interesting content. Study something that
you are passionate about. Enjoy the journey! co
applying for
graduate school
By dorothy ritz
✍
“ applying to a graduate program is not a quick process. if you are also applying for scholarships, extensive research may be required.”
dorothy ritz, Graduate School Liaison at
Grant MacEwan College, provides information
and support for alumni, current students, faculty
and staff with regards to researching and applying
for graduate study or professional education.
16 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 17
boning up on
money management
might make you richor not. but it will probably keep you from being poor!
By angela Fennelow
18 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 19
in this age of free-flowing data and
immediate access to massive amounts
of information, encountering a subject
that’s still taboo is a rare phenomenon.
Information sharing between parents and their
kids is more open and honest than ever before,
yet there’s one topic that’s avoided in many
households: money and personal finances.
Parents who have no problem talking about
sensitive topics with their children clam up when
it comes to the money they make and how it gets
spent. As a result, many people enter adulthood
knowing very little about the basics of household
financial management.
Learning how to manage your money is a necessary
life skill. Though it may not seem important when
you’re young, it will become more so later in life.
As your income and responsibilities increase, your
personal finances will likely get more complex.
Learning the basics of sound financial management
now is a ticket to dealing with money more
effectively when you have more of it.
Unfortunately, many people don’t learn about
money management until they’re deep in debt and
in full panic mode. This can, and does, happen to
anyone regardless of education or income level.
Credit is available to just about anybody, and for
those who aren’t disciplined in their approach,
the ease of credit can be devastating. Easy-to-
borrow money enables us to get the things we
want—right now!—and far too many people have
taken full advantage, buying houses that are too
big, cars that are too fancy and wardrobes that are
ridiculously large.
One fact escapes these people: they’ve bought
their stuff with money that isn’t theirs. It all has
to be returned to the lender—with interest. The
piper must be paid.
The past couple of decades have seen consumer
debt rise astronomically as saving rates drop.
People have forgotten lessons from past
recessions and assumed that the value of their
homes will always go up, and that increases will
offset the cost of the money borrowed to buy
them. This same psychology extends to consumer
goods with more dire results; long after the fancy
shoes are gone, the balance remains on the credit
card—at 18% interest or more.
Here are a few pieces of practical information that
are good for everyone to know. Learning them
when you’re young will give you the basic financial
knowledge to keep your financial future “in the
black,” ensuring your money works for you, rather
than against you.
1. remember that credit cards are not free money. If you carry any monthly
balance at all, they are the most expensive
money you can borrow, short of a payday
loan company. (By the way, don’t use payday
loan companies. Ever. Just don’t.)
4. learn to get help from experts when you need it. You can get good advice on money matters
in many different ways; part of educating yourself is to
figure out where to go for the help you need.
3. acquire basic knowledge about finances. Learning about saving, investing and budgeting, as
well as protecting what’s yours with
appropriate insurance, is one of
the most valuable gifts you can give
yourself. Read articles, take classes
or just Google it. The information is
out there.
2. use debt wisely by carefully considering the reason you’re taking it on. There is good debt and bad debt.
Good debt can allow you to buy a house or attend post-secondary
school. Just never forget the fact that it’s not your money. The more
you can save up for what you want, the better off you’ll be in the long
run. Bad debt, such as credit card debt, grows as you buy stuff that
depreciates in value—anything you can buy in a mall or online,
for example.
Since this is a career magazine, a few words about
career opportunities are in order. Remember
the first point in this article—that parents don’t
like to talk to their kids about money? Perhaps
it’s because they aren’t very knowledgeable
themselves and need advice as well. Many people
struggle through on their own, with inappropriate
investments, out-of-control debts, and very little
to protect their savings if an unanticipated event
happens, like premature death or illness.
There is a tremendous need for professionals
who can offer guidance on achieving financial
security. Providing advice in the financial field is a
potentially lucrative career choice for people with
strong interpersonal skills and the desire to run a
business that helps others. While you’re weighing
your career options, take some time to learn about
this one. co
You can contact Angela Fennelow at
recruit@sunlife.com.
www.sunlife.ca/careers/advisor
money tips »
angela fennelowis Director, Campus
Recruiting, Career Sales
Force, at Sun Life
Financial.
20 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 21
» what makes a great résumé—the kind that stirs employer interest and compels them to call the applicant right away?
A strong résumé is not a stroke of luck, but rather the result of matching
skills and experience to job qualifications. Many graduating students are
challenged by this idea because they often feel they don’t have either. The
truth is everyone has skills, whether specific/technical or soft/transferable.
The beauty of soft skills such as organizational, communication,
interpersonal and analytical skills is that they apply to so many work situations,
and are an excellent way to demonstrate your potential even if you lack
experience in the field.
If you want to convince an employer that you are a strong candidate, you’ll
need to put some time into your résumé. Great résumés are well researched
and well written. Begin by looking at what you’ve accomplished over the
last four or five years. Identify the skills, knowledge and experiences gained
through your course work, and review previous jobs, volunteer positions and
co-curricular activities. Involve your campus career centre in this process, as
they will have tools and/or counsellors available to guide your work.
Next, research the position and the organization to which you’re applying.
What skills, level of responsibility and previous experiences are required?
What are the company’s vision and goals for the coming year? What are the
major trends in the field? The answers to these questions will help you decide
which of your skills and experiences best match the position. Depending on
where these come from (for example, volunteering or the classroom), you will
know how to format and name the section headings. Let’s look at an example
of how this is done.
» danielle is a 4th-year student graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. She has a part-time job at
The Body Shop and is a member of the Economics Students’ Association.
She is interested in applying for a job with a consulting firm specializing in
public policy advising. After reviewing the qualifications for the position, she
compared them to her education and work experience:
employer qualifications: Post-secondary degree in Economics,
Urban Geography or related discipline
danielle’s experience: BA in Economics; courses included Urban
Economics, Financial Economics
employer qualifications: Outstanding spreadsheet abilities with
strong emphasis in Excel
danielle’s experience: Developed Excel spreadsheets for Financial
Economics course
employer qualifications: Excellent written and oral communication skills
danielle’s experience: Part-time job helping customers with product
selection; chair meetings and take minutes for Economics Students’
Association; write reports for courses
employer qualifications: Strong analytical abilities
danielle’s experience: Group project work analyzing city financial
planning process
Danielle meets their qualifications, but only when she takes into account
all her experiences: her course work, her part-time job and the Economics
Students’ Association. This is not uncommon, and it’s the reason you need to
broaden your experience outside the classroom while at college or university.
résumé writing:
from good to great
By Mary giamos Career Management
Consultant, Career Centre, University of Toronto✍
22 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 23
» the final step in preparing a résumé is to have it reviewed. Have someone from your career centre look it over for you. They can
offer feedback on how well you are presenting yourself through the use of
concrete examples, action verbs and accomplishments—they may even help
by spotting typos.
Your goal is not to have just one résumé, but rather to have several versions
tailored to specific positions. Remember: the effort you are willing to put into
your résumé shows your prospective employer the effort you are willing to put
into the job! co
qualification highlights:● Graduating in June 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics● Spreadsheet abilities; developed Excel spreadsheets for Financial
Economics course● Excellent written and oral communication skills: share product knowledge
with customers in retail store; chair meetings and take minutes for
Economics Students’ Association● Strong analytical abilities developed through group project analyzing city
financial planning process
education:2006–2010 bachelor of arts, economics, university of toronto Related courses: Urban Economics, Financial Economics, Quantitative
Methods in Economics
relevant course work:sept.–dec. 2009 critical analysis of the city of toronto’s financial planning process, urban economics, dept. of economics, u of t● Collaborated with three other students to critically evaluate the financial
planning process in relation to accountability and efficiency● Analyzed the plan and recommended a process intended to deliver the right
services in the most cost-effective manner● Earned the second highest mark in the class based on final report and
class presentation
work experience:2007–present sales assistant, the body shop● Assist customers with their needs by sharing product information in
a helpful manner● Increased sales by 15% from the same four-month period of the previous year
leadership experience:2008–present executive member, economics students’ association, u of t● Implemented a speaker series inviting prominent members of the financial
community to discuss Canada’s economic situation in the global economy● A record 85 students attended each session, a 35% increase over
previous events
interests and activities:Cycling, sudoku, amateur computer programming
» For an immediate impact and to showcase her diverse experience,
Danielle decides to begin her résumé with a “Qualification Highlights”
section presenting the employer with evidence.
» She then follows this with an “Education” section and highlights
courses relevant to the job, demonstrating her depth of knowledge. If
she has received academic awards or special recognition (e.g., Dean’s
list), they could be added here. Until Danielle has professional work
experience on her résumé, her post-secondary education is critical and
needs to be on page one.
» In the next section, Danielle lists a course assignment that
demonstrates her knowledge base and the skills she developed along
the way. Notice her choice of action verbs: collaborated, analyzed,
earned. There is a greater chance that an employer will conduct a
keyword search on these verbs than on the more commonly used
terms worked, responsible for and earned. This section could also
have been titled “Relevant Experience.”
» Working at The Body Shop, Danielle has strengthened her
interpersonal and communication skills. She also demonstrates
her work ethic by doing her best to increase sales for the company.
This achievement helps to make an otherwise ordinary job
noteworthy to employers, as it illustrates the contribution she is
capable of making.
» Danielle realized that she would not impress employers with her G.P.A.
alone, and decided to further improve her skills by joining the Economics
Students’ Association. Here she gradually built up her leadership skills
by chairing meetings, organizing events, and introducing and thanking
speakers. She also added another accomplishment to her list by
implementing a very successful speaker series.
» Danielle has trouble deciding whether to include an “Interests and
Activities” section; it may impress a potential employer to see that she
has diverse interests that have further sharpened her analytical skills, but
it may also be viewed as extraneous information. The only way to know
is through further research to determine company preferences—this
would be true of many decisions made when composing a résumé. Only
include details about yourself that are important to the company, but at
the same time also make sure not to leave unexplained gaps.
résumé tips »
24 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 25
algonquin college sept. 15campus connections – part-time work
brock university nov. 1career and post graduate expo
carleton university sept. 29 work and study abroad fair
carleton university oct. 6 + 7 career fair
confederation college oct. 22career fair
durham college/university of ontario institute of technologyoct. 20 career and education fair lakehead university oct. 23 career day
mcgill university sept. 24 desautels faculty of management career fair
mcgill university sept. 29 + 30 engineering and technology career fair
mcmaster university sept. 17 career fair
mcmaster university sept. 29 government career expo
memorial university sept. 30 + oct. 1 career and graduate school fair
queen’s university sept. 28 + 29 part-time job fair
queen’s university oct. 1 international work/ study career fair ryerson university sept. 16 part-time job fair ryerson university sept. 23 science and hi-tech career fair
ryerson university sept. 29business career fair schulich school of business sept. 25 career fair
schulich school of business nov. 6 internship and summer employment fair
seneca college of applied arts and technology sept. 23 part-time job fair
sheridan institute of technology & advanced learning nov. 18 applied computing and engineering sciences career fair
simon fraser university – surrey campus sept. 22 career days 2009
simon fraser university – burnaby campus sept. 23 + 24 career days 2009
simon fraser university – burnaby campus sept. 24 graduate and professional school fair
st. francis xavier university sept. 30 making the career connection event
trent university nov. 5 career fair
université de monctonsept. 30 9th annual career fair
université de sherbrookeoct. 1engineering and computer science fair
university of alberta sept. 23 careers day
university of alberta sept. 26 health sciences career fair
university of alberta nov. 4 arts career fair
university of alberta nov. 20 pharmacy career fair
university of british columbia sept. 25 ignite career fair
university of calgary sept. 22 2009 science and engineering career fair
university of guelph oct. 14 ontario agricultural job fair
university of new brunswick oct. 1 fall career fair
university of northern british columbia oct. 6 fall career fair university of ottawa sept. 29 public sector career fair
university of ottawa oct. 1 engineering and hi-tech career fair
university of ottawa oct. 8 international work and study abroad fair university of saskatchewan sept. 16 career expo 2009 university of toronto sept. 16, 17 + 18 information technology and engineering
university of toronto sept. 21 life, physical science and business/commerce
university of toronto sept. 22 arts, social science, business/commerce
university of waterloo sept. 23 on-campus part-time job fair
university of western ontario oct. 1 career fair
wilfrid laurier university, university of waterloo, conestoga college, university of guelph sept. 30 partnership career fair
list based on cacee member career fairs appearing in the career fair calendar as at july 31, 2009.
students: Whether in your first year or your final year, make
time to visit your institution’s career fair! The
career/job fair is an important component of the
on-campus recruitment process. Employers at
a career fair may also be recruiting for co-op or
internship positions.
get ready1. Speak with an advisor at your career centre (or
at least visit the centre’s website) to find out what
employers will be attending the career fair and
what types of positions they will be promoting.
If your career fair takes place over several days,
there may be different companies on each day.
2. Research the organizations attending the fair.
Select those that interest you, visit their websites
and learn what you can.
3. Develop a list of intelligent questions that
demonstrate your knowledge of each organization.
Corporate representatives will remember you if you
come prepared.
4. Plan your introduction speech to potential
employers. Make sure it covers the basics: who
are you, what are you looking for, and what are
your key qualifications?
5. Make sure your résumé is an accurate
reflection of you as a soon-to-be new graduate.
Your résumé should highlight your qualifications
for the types of positions you want.
on the day6. Dress to make the best impression. This
doesn’t mean you must wear a suit; it does mean
your clothes must be clean and pressed, your
shoes shined (no sandals), your appearance
neat—in short, look professional.
7. Be prepared to introduce yourself and have
your questions ready. You may or may not be
asked for a résumé; ensure you have copies on
hand. Some students prefer to distribute business
cards with their contact information and a few key
skills or qualifications.
8. Ask representatives for their business card,
which you may or may not receive. Business cards
are like gold in your search for a first professional
position.
after the career fair9. Make notes about what you have learned
from corporate representatives. You can use this
information in writing a résumé for an advertised
position, or in preparing for an interview.
10. Decide whether or not a company and
position meet your interests and requirements.
Just because a position is available, doesn’t mean
that it is the right one for you. co
career fair dates
career fair guide
By anne MarkeyEditor, Career Options
26 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 27
here are some of the careers available in canada, along with educational requirements and other useful information. keep in mind that this is not a complete list. visit your campus career centre to find out more about careers in the field.
careersin healthso you want to work in healthcare…
➸
By anne MarkeyEditor, Career Options
28 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 29
chiropracticIn Canada, chiropractors are educated through
programs offered at the Canadian Memorial
Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, and the
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).
Both programs are accredited by the Canadian
Federation of Chiropractic Regulatory and
Educational Accrediting Boards (CFCREAB). ● Minimum of three years of university before
eligible for admission. ● CMCC program involves four years of full-time
study, including a one-year internship.● UQTR program involves five years of study
following graduation from a Cégep health
science program.● www.ccachiro.org
dieticianThe first step is a bachelor’s degree (with major
credits in Foods and Nutrition) from a university
offering an accredited dietetic education program.
Next is successful completion of an accredited
practical experience program. The final step is
registration with the regulatory body (college or
association) in the province in which you intend
to practise. ● Most provinces require successful completion
of the Canadian Dietetic Registration
Examination (CDRE). ● To enter the profession via the graduate degree
route, you must complete the master’s degree;
you will also likely need to obtain volunteer
experience in a practice setting, under the
direction of a dietitian. ● www.dietitians.ca/public/content/career_in_
nutrition/how_to_become.asp
health records management/ health managementMany positions are available in this diverse field.
Search under “Certified Professional in Healthcare
Information and Management Systems” on the
Healthcare Information and Management Systems
Society website (www.himss.org). A variety of MBA
programs are available, providing leadership in
healthcare management.
medical doctorMost students entering medicine have a degree
or previous post-secondary education with at least
a B+ GPA. Subjects such as physics, chemistry
and biology may be helpful, and a range of studies
in non-medical areas is also recommended.
Volunteer experience related to your medical
field of interest is also essential. In 2006–2007
there was a 25% success rate for medical school
applicants. McMaster University, which does not
require applicants to write the MCAT, had a 4.9%
success rate for all applicants in 2007–2008. ● Three to four years in basic medical school,
followed by a residency of two to seven years
(depending on specialty or focus). ● Mandatory written exam to practise medicine
in Canada.● www.cma.ca
medical laboratory technologist, pathologists’ assistantThese positions may require a Bachelor of Science
degree, a Medical Laboratory Science degree or a
two- to three-year college diploma and a period of
supervised training. Certification by the Canadian
Society of Medical Laboratory Science and
registration with a provincial regulatory body (in
New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan
and Alberta) may also be required. ● Most provinces have separate, specialized
programs in cytotechnology; British Columbia
and Ontario have programs in clinical genetics. ● www.csmls.org/english/english.htm
naturopathic medicineNaturopathic medicine is a distinct primary
healthcare system that blends modern scientific
knowledge with traditional and natural forms
of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is
to stimulate the healing power of the body
and treat the underlying cause of disease.
Universities and colleges may choose to call the
naturopathic degree they confer either the “Doctor
of Naturopathy” or the “Doctor of Naturopathic
Medicine” degree; these are two different names
for the same degree. ● In Canada, usually a four-year degree from an
accredited institution is required.● www.cand.ca/index.php?id=home&L=0 –
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors● www.ccnm.edu/ – Canadian College of
Naturopathic Medicine
nursingAlthough some provinces still accept a nursing
diploma, most require a baccalaureate in nursing
(BN or BScN). A degree program takes four years. ● Entrance requirements differ from one school to
another. Generally, admission requirements are
high school with senior-level English or French,
mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology. ● Completion of either an approved diploma
program or a baccalaureate in nursing are
required to write the Canadian Registered
Nurse Examination (CRNE).● www.cna-nurses.ca/CNA/nursing/becoming/
default_e.aspx
occupational therapistOccupational therapists are university trained and
complete a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised
fieldwork (on-the-job training). By 2010 all
Canadian graduates wishing to enter practice as an
occupational therapist must hold a master’s degree. ● The Canadian Association of Occupational
Therapists (CAOT) recommends that you
contact the individual university for admission
requirements, course descriptions and curriculum. ● Graduation from a professionally accredited
program is typically required to write the CAOT
they’re not all doctors and nurses: careers in healthcare are varied enough to suit just about anyone.
30 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 31
Certification Examination, which you must pass
to work in some provinces. ● www.caot.ca
occupational therapist/physiotherapist assistantThese professionals help rehabilitate patients
with physical and psychological ailments under
the supervision of an occupational therapist
or physiotherapist.● Sciences, volunteer experience and a
community college diploma are required.
paramedic/emergency medical technicianRequirements vary by province. Most provinces
require secondary school completion, first aid
and CPR, a valid driver’s licence and physical
conditioning. ● To become a paramedic in Ontario, candidates
must also pass the Ministry of Health’s
Advanced Emergency Medical Care Attendant
certification examination following completion of
their program.● Community colleges and private vocational
schools may offer training; programs recognized
by the Canadian Medical Association allow for
national mobility.
pharmacistCurrently there are nine universities in Canada
with pharmacy schools. To practise pharmacy in
Canada you need: ● A bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from a
Canadian university. ● To complete a national board examination
through the Pharmacy Examining Board
of Canada. ● Practical experience through an apprenticeship/
internship program.
Requirements vary by province. Additional
information is available by searching provincial
regulatory authorities.
pharmacy technicianPharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists
provide medication and other healthcare products
to patients. They perform tasks such as counting
tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer
any questions regarding prescriptions, drug
information or health matters to a pharmacist. ● Candidates must graduate from a Canadian
pharmacy technician program accredited
by the Canadian Council for Accreditation
of Pharmacy Programs, and pass the PEBC
Pharmacy Technician Evaluating Examination. ● www.capt.ca
physiotherapyCanada has 14 physiotherapy programs across
the country. Starting in 2010, universities will
no longer offer bachelor’s degrees in this field;
anyone who wants to be a physiotherapist will
have to complete a master’s degree.● An undergraduate degree, usually with
specific prerequisites, is required to qualify for
admission to master’s entry-level programs. ● Graduates of physiotherapy programs must
complete the Physiotherapy Competency
Examination.● www.physiotherapy.ca
radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine technologies A college diploma or university degree may
be required for this cluster of professions,
which includes: ● Magnetic resonance technologist – uses
magnetic resonance imaging scanners to
capture specific images ordered by a physician
to aid in patient diagnosis.● Radiation therapist – performs prescribed
radiation therapy to destroy the abnormal cells
causing the patient’s illness.● Nuclear medicine technologist – carries
out diagnostic imaging and some treatment
procedures; acquires images that help pinpoint
the nature of a disease and how it is affecting
the body. ● www.radiopharmacycollege.com● www.camrt.ca/english/home.htm
speech pathology/audiology Professional training in speech-language
pathology or audiology is available at the master’s
level at nine Canadian universities. Given the
limited number of spaces in graduate schools,
it is not unusual for Canadians to complete their
degree in the U.S. Requirements include: ● Master’s degree in audiology and/or speech-
language pathology, or equivalent. ● Completed practicum. ● Clinical certification exam and other
requirements set out by the Canadian
Association of Speech-Language Pathologists
and Audiologists.● www.caslpa.ca co
32 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 33
It’s no secret that in a struggling economy, getting
the job you want can be very challenging. Add to
that rapidly changing technology and a constantly
growing competition pool, and it’s easy to become
overwhelmed by the whole process. As you
navigate through the recruiting cycle, you will
no doubt encounter many situations where your
actions and reputation will be deciding factors
in getting the job you want. What can you do to
make sure that you are always portraying yourself
in a positive, professional way? The following
article will give you some insight into how to put
your best foot forward when attempting to secure
your dream job.
the public domainAs our society relies increasingly on innovative,
Internet-based modes of communication, a
potential employer can now learn about you in
many more ways than just through your résumé
and cover letter. Social networking sites like
Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are great ways to
connect with your family and friends, but can also
be used by potential employers to determine your
suitability for their organization. With the growing
number of recruiting avenues currently being
explored, especially online, students need to be
conscious of the information about them available
in the public domain. Taking precautions such
as limiting questionable content on your various
profiles, strategically choosing the type of social
networks you use, or making your profiles private
are highly recommended.
honestly speakingHiring managers and human resource
professionals have an obligation to abide by the
ethical standards put forth by the labour board,
their organization, and the schools in which
they are recruiting. When speaking about their
organization, recruiters should not overstate the
benefits the organization offers, or embellish the
tasks of an entry-level position in an effort to sway
candidates to join the organization. Conversely,
candidates should have their own code of ethics
when it comes to applying for positions. From
the first handshake to the first day of work,
candidates should be honest with themselves, the
organizations to which they apply, and the career
contacts they make.
Your résumé is an organization’s first look at your
skills and abilities. While there are many different
formats you can choose from for your résumé
layout, the one consistent requirement is that you
be honest. Do not embellish any of your past job
responsibilities or exaggerate your abilities (e.g.,
getting the job you want – putting your best foot forward
By gina JohnRotman Commerce Career
Centre, University of Toronto, and carol evenson,
Ag-Quest Inc.
34 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 35
saying you can speak Japanese if you only know
how to say “hello” and “goodbye”). There are
many high-profile cases of individuals who did not
portray themselves honestly on their résumé, and
suffered significant consequences. Radio Shack
CEO David Edmonson was forced to resign when
it was discovered that he lied about his academic
credentials. Similarly, Notre Dame football
coach George O’Leary was removed when it was
discovered that he grossly overstated his past
accomplishments.
As cliché as it sounds, honesty is the best policy
when it comes to writing your résumé. If you
have never written a résumé, or would like yours
critiqued by a professional, visit your university
or college career services office. They partner
with employers to learn the specific skills and
abilities candidates need to have, and prepare
programming such as résumé workshops and
one-on-one coaching sessions to help students
understand how to acquire these skills and
abilities, and market them in an effective way.
network like a professionalTaking advantage of networking opportunities,
attending employer information sessions, taking
office tours and meeting contacts through career
services or professors are equally as important as
your résumé. How you portray yourself at these
events will either assist or hinder you in your job
search. Awkward conversations, inappropriate
alcohol consumption and poor food etiquette are
just a few of the gaffes that can prevent you from
networking successfully. How can you make sure
that the impression you leave is a good one?
The best advice that we have heard about
preparing for networking events is to create your
personal “elevator speech.” If you were in an
elevator and the CEO of the organization you
wanted to work for stepped in, what would you
say? You only have about 30 seconds to hold that
person’s attention before he or she either leaves or
loses interest. Your elevator speech should include
your name, your major/year of study and the type
of opportunity you are looking for. From there, you
should have multiple topics to discuss.
interviewsThe interview stage, for some of you, will be the
first time you meet a representative from the
organization; for others, it could be the third or
fourth time. Whether it’s the first or fourth time,
your approach should be consistent with the
steps you have taken to get here. If you have any
gaps in your résumé, address them with your
interviewer right away so they don’t leave the
interview with more questions than answers about
you. Be honest with your interviewer about why
you left a previous job, even if you were fired,
because you can use it as an opportunity to talk
about what the experience taught you. Under no
circumstances should you ever speak negatively
about a former employer. The working world is
surprisingly small—and you never know how the
person interviewing you may be connected to others.
sealing the deal with an offerOrganizations select candidates whom they
believe are a good fit for the role, the team and the
organization; when you get a job offer, it’s up to you
to decide if the role, the team and the organization
are a good fit for you. Most organizations will give
you at least a week to indicate your response to the
offer. If this is your first offer and your first choice,
accepting right away may be a good option for you.
If this offer is your second or third choice (and you
haven’t yet heard back from the organizations that
you are truly interested in), it is acceptable to ask
to take some time to review the offer before making
your decision.
If you receive an offer from an organization and
it is not your first choice, it is not in your best
interest to accept immediately, because you may
be tempted to back out of your offer if a more
desirable one comes along. Backing out of an
offer can negatively affect your reputation as well
as the reputation of the school from which you
were recruited. Be honest with the hiring manager
or recruiter by letting him or her know that you
are waiting to receive another offer, or that you
need some time to evaluate the offer they have
presented. It is much better to be remembered as
the candidate who made a conscientious decision,
rather than the student who accepted and then
backed out of an offer.
Although this article covers many typical scenarios
within the recruitment cycle, you will no doubt
encounter new and unexpected circumstances
in your job search. Maintaining your integrity
and professionalism along the way will help to
make your recruitment experience a successful
beginning to your career journey. co
“ as cliché as it sounds, honesty is the best policy when it comes to writing your résumé. if you have never written a résumé, or would like your résumé critiqued by a professional, visit your university or college career services office. ”
if you found yourself in an elevator with the ceo of a company you want to work for, what would you say? have your elevator speech ready for those chance encounters!
Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 3736 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm
student workabroad program
the
“wh
ere”
fact
or
this might be the most important decision of your life.
By Karen gallantDirector, Talent Networks,
Communitech
38 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 39
for a new graduate, deciding where to
live requires a great deal of thought and
consideration. Although job opportunities
may seem to be the most important
factor to consider, in reality there is so much more.
As you choose the community you want to live in,
you need to be thinking about the lifestyle you want,
proximity to family and friends, access to arts and
entertainment, a feeling of belonging and a sense
of place. You need to think beyond the immediate
job opportunity and determine whether the location
really appeals to you. Does this move to a different
city hold out the promise for personal growth,
development and enjoyment?
what makes a great communityA city that is truly great is known for the quality of life
that it offers its citizens. It is creative, safe, diverse,
builds on its strengths and offers opportunity for all.
This kind of community fosters a sense of pride and
desire to give back. Great communities support their
citizens no matter what stage of life they are in—
furthering their education, beginning their first job,
starting a family or choosing a new career direction.
Jane Jacobs, renowned for her views on what
makes a city work, has almost single-handedly
revolutionized urban planning. She has published books on how the different
elements of a city, such as sidewalks, neighbourhoods, parks, government
and the economy, function together to create synergy. In her well-known book
The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), she wrote: “Lively, diverse,
intense cities contain the seeds of their own regeneration, with energy enough to
carry over for problems and needs outside themselves.”
advice to considerAccording to Richard Florida, economist and author of Who’s Your City?,
choosing where you live is one of the most important decisions you will make in
your life. Young graduates are the most likely demographic group to move, and
this mobility peaks at the age of 25.
For recent graduates today the possibilities can seem endless. Many decide to
move across the country, or even the world, in search of life experiences. The
freedom to live wherever you choose presents great opportunities, but also the
challenge of choosing wisely.
There are some key questions Florida suggests that you consider:● What are your expectations based on the stage of life you are in?● Where are the places you’d most like to live? ● Where are your current networks? ● How much does the weather and climate matter to you?
Florida suggests that after generating a list of priorities consisting of deal-makers
and deal-breakers, the next step is to generate a shortlist of places that fit your
criteria. From there, you’ll need to do some research to determine what qualities
each place has to offer in terms of job opportunities, basic services, your values,
and so on.
a great example Ontario’s Waterloo Region is a model example of a thriving community that offers
a desirable quality of life and many work opportunities. A unique blend of urban
and rural areas, Waterloo Region has always exhibited a strong entrepreneurial
spirit. It has rapidly re-configured itself into a megacentre of technology and
innovation, and is home to some of the most dynamic companies in Canada,
including some of the hottest technology companies in the world.
The area is maturing in many of the ways described by both Florida and Jacobs.
For example, an initiative is underway to continue strengthening the Region’s
already vibrant arts and culture scene.
choosing wiselyDeciding where you will live is an investment in your future. If a particular city
doesn’t seem like a match for you, don’t be afraid to reject it. It’s important to
listen to your gut when making such an important life decision. If you consider
all the factors from the start and choose wisely, just think about all the moving
expenses you can save on! co
» what’s the most important to you right now: your work? your family? finding a mate? your physical environment?
» do you prefer to be in a young, urban hipster environment or a rural community?
» to what degree do you value the arts, entertainment and culturalscene in a community?
» is it important to be in an aesthetically pleasing city?
more key questions »
40 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 41
now, looking back at my first year at
my first full-time position, I see it as
an incredible journey. It took some
effort to adjust to the new phase
of my life—new routine, new environment, new
expectations. Having worked as an intern during
my undergrad, I had an idea of what to expect;
my internship experience helped in easing the
transition. However, certain things were difficult,
including changes in time management, social
skills, professional skills, and expectations from
both the employer and myself.
One of the hardest changes has been to realize
that I’m no longer a student or an intern, but a
professional. What I do, how others perceive me
and how I present myself is much different and
more mature now. As a professional, I have certain
rights, obligations and expectations to meet. I
believe that recognizing this is the first step toward
adjusting to work life.
The work environment can be very challenging and
different from school life. Time management is very
important; meeting and working around deadlines
can be tricky. As well, depending on the type of job,
you could be working within a team or individually.
This can be hard to adjust to, so discussing the
matter with your supervisor is a good idea.
Also, a lot of employers and supervisors have
high expectations for their new hires. However,
realizing that the grad is fresh out of school and
has limited practical, real-life experience may help
in establishing realistic goals and expectations for
both parties. Depending on the position and the
employer, some technical or professional training
may be provided. In most cases, however, training
is on-the-go. This may put a lot of pressure on
you to learn as much as possible as quickly
as possible. If your supervisor offers training
references, manuals or courses, you should take
advantage of them.
Communication skills are very important as
well. Writing professional correspondence and
reports, and giving presentations are common
requirements in the workplace. It may be hard at
the beginning to adjust to the appropriate level of
language and terminology used in the workplace,
but practice definitely helps. You might consider
having a trusted coworker or even your manager
or supervisor look over your writing and provide
feedback at first.
What helped me during my first year was having
a work buddy, someone in a similar job who
had been with the organization for a while. At
my first job, my work buddy was assigned to me
immediately. My buddy helped me greatly in
answering all my questions, concerns and anything
that I was not able to direct to my supervisor.
However, not all employers offer this system. An
alternative is to ask your manager or supervisor to
assign a go-to coworker, someone who can guide
you and generally help make your adjustment
easier and faster.
Also, being hired with a group helped a lot.
Because we all attended a similar orientation
program, there were others going through the same
experiences as I was. It made things seem not so
foreign and gave me someone to share with and be
friends with. This definitely helped at the beginning
when everything and everyone was new and there
was so much to learn and do.
Finally, it’s good to start the year by having a
defined set of goals and expectations. This will
help you map out a path and establish a career
plan to work towards. It will also enable you to
identify the skills required to meet your targets at
the end of the year. co
first year of full-time:adjusting tips & more
“ one of the hardest changes has been to realize that i’m no longer a student or an intern, but a professional. what i do, how others perceive me and how i present myself is much different and more mature now. ”
zahraa al-ali graduated from McMaster
University in Electrical Engineering in 2007.
Her first year of full-time employment was with
Accenture Canada as a consulting analyst. She
has been with Ontario Power Generation since
July 2008.
By Zahraa Al-Ali
42 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 43
my first job gave me the opportunity to travel, learn about
another culture and meet incredible people. It wasn’t related
to my degree, but it was the best life experience I’ve had
since graduation.
I was in my last semester studying journalism at the University of King’s
College (in Halifax, Nova Scotia), but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after
graduation. I didn’t know how I wanted to use the skills I had developed, but
I did know I wanted to travel. I found my first job teaching English in Japan
very easily. Almost too easily: I applied to two companies over the Internet.
One never got back to me; the other hired me.
I thought teaching English in Japan sounded like a great working holiday. I
could learn about another culture and earn money to support my travels in
Asia. I didn’t have any teaching experience, and the thought of standing in
front of a classroom full of students made me nervous. To gain experience,
I took a TESOL class and volunteered as a teaching assistant, helping
teenagers new to Canada improve their English.
My first week in Japan was a mix of culture shock, excitement and jet lag.
I was responsible for teaching about 50 students, counselling them on their
progress and managing their paperwork. My students ranged in age from
two to 65.
I scrambled to come up with ideas for lessons and to remember warm-up
exercises, games and activities from my training. At first my adult students
asked me lots of questions about where I was from, my family and my
hobbies. Some of the children sat at their desks in silence; others cried, hid
under the desks or ran out of the classroom back to their mothers. I never
thought one of my first challenges in the workforce would be learning how to
discipline and engage children.
I gradually became a better, more confident teacher. As I got to know my
students, they started inviting me to their homes for dinner and taking me to
castles and other local attractions. During my spare time I started taking painting
and tea ceremony classes. I also visited other Japanese cities such as Kyoto and
Hiroshima, and other countries including Thailand, China and Vietnam.
But while I enjoyed teaching, I didn’t want to make it my career. When my
contract ended, I decided not to renew it and to go home.
After returning to Canada my first task was to find a job. I decided to find work
that drew on my journalistic training and involved writing. I thought getting
a job would be a simple, straightforward process, just like getting my job in
Japan. I spent hours searching for job postings, drafting cover letters and
sending applications, but offers for interviews and jobs didn’t come so easily.
I received a few responses, but not nearly as many as I had anticipated.
4network and ask people for advice. Sometimes the best advice can
come from someone in a different field.
2follow your passion. Ask yourself what you want to
do, not what you think you should do.
what i’ve learned »
how i am making the transition from student to
professional
1 travel, work or volunteer
overseas if you’re not sure what you want to do after graduation.
You’ll gain some
amazing life experiences
that may help put
your career goals into
perspective.
3be open-minded and
flexible. Are you
willing to relocate or to
try looking for work in
a different industry?
By erica Simmonds
44 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 45
Some of my friends had started entry-level professional jobs right after
graduation and had already been promoted. Whenever I felt a little jealous
of their success, I looked at my photos from Japan: me with my students,
me visiting temples, wearing a kimono, riding an elephant and climbing
the Great Wall of China. If I had stayed home and gotten a different job, I
wouldn’t have had all of those experiences.
Maybe I wasn’t at the same place in my career as some of my friends,
but it didn’t matter. Life isn’t a race. I had so much fun travelling, learning
about Japanese culture and getting to know my students. I wouldn’t have
traded these experiences for the chance to be settled into a career in my
early twenties.
Teaching English in Japan taught me a lot about organization, presentation
skills, customer service and professionalism. Some potential employers told
me the experience was irrelevant, while others said it demonstrated that I
could do almost anything.
I didn’t receive any job offers during my first couple of months back in
Canada, so I decided to change my job search approach. I got a job at
a boutique to earn some money, and I started taking job search strategy
courses. The instructors said about 80% of jobs are found through people
you know, so I talked to my relatives, my friends, my parents’ friends and my
alumni association. I learned something valuable from each of them.
To expand my network and gain some experience, I started volunteering with
two non-profit organizations. One organization offered me a communications
internship a couple of weeks later. When I was a student I had never
thought about working for a non-profit, but I loved my internship. I enjoyed
contributing to a good cause. I also liked working in a small team and having
more responsibility than I would have had in a larger organization.
Since the recession hit, it’s been harder to get interviews and job offers,
but I keep persevering. After my first internship ended, I received several
more internships and contracts. Most of these resulted from networking
with my friends’ business contacts, with people I met through a professional
association and, most unexpectedly, with a friend of a friend of a friend of
someone to whom I once sold a sweater.
I graduated four years ago and I am still making the transition from student
to experienced professional. I am building my resume and my portfolio. In
addition to my school projects, I now have published articles and newsletters
I’ve helped put together to show potential employers.
My year in Japan, combined with the recession, has meant that it may take
me a little longer to settle into a career path than I had originally thought.
But all of the amazing life experiences I’ve had along the way have been
worth it. co
erica simmonds graduated from the
journalism program at the University of King’s
College four years ago. She continues to
build her résumé and portfolio with published
newsletters and articles.
46 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm Career OptiOns fall/winter 2009 47
this document sets out guidelines for
ethical recruitment at post-secondary
educational institutions. These guidelines
are intended to provide a framework for
the professional relationships between employers,
students, third-party recruiters and career educators.
The guidelines are based on industry research,
have been generally agreed upon by employers and
educators, and are advocated by CACEE for national
implementation.
employers it is the employer’s responsibility to: ● Comply with all relevant federal and provincial
legislation.
information sessions:● When arranging information sessions, most post-
secondary institutions book space on a first-come,
first-served basis and it is strongly recommended
that employers book early to avoid conflicts.
guideline:● Information sessions should begin no earlier than
the first Monday after Labour Day.
interviews:● Contact the career centre well in advance to
reserve interview space and provide company
literature. Most post-secondary institutions book
space on a first-come, first-served basis and it is
strongly recommended that employers reserve
space early. ● Provide accurate information on job
responsibilities, compensation, benefits and
contact information. ● Notify all applicants individually of their status. ● Interview for positions whose starting dates are
within 12 months of the initial interview. ● Respond to all applicants within agreed-upon
time frames and give reasonable notice (a
minimum of three days is recommended) of any
interview cancellations. ● Advise applicants of compensation for site or
interview visits.
guideline:● On-campus interviews should begin no earlier
than the first business day in October.
job offers:● Provide a reasonable amount of time for
candidates to respond to job offers. ● Confirm job offers and terms of employment in
writing to candidates. ● Inform the career centre regularly of the status of
your campaign. ● Honour all offers of employment.
guideline:● Full-time job offers to students attracted via
on-campus recruitment should have a minimum
of two weeks for an acceptance deadline or until
the first business day in November, whichever
is the later. ● Job offers to summer students are not subject to
any minimum acceptance date rules; however, it
is recommended that a minimum of one week be
provided for job offer acceptance.
studentsit is the student’s responsibility to:● Comply with all relevant federal and provincial
legislation. ● Provide accurate and appropriate information on
résumés, application forms and in interviews.
interviews:● Prepare for the interview. ● Notify the career centre well in advance if
interviews must be rescheduled or cancelled. ● Acknowledge invitations for site visits or second
interviews promptly whether accepted or rejected. ● Notify employers well in advance if site visits or
second interviews must be postponed or cancelled. ● Accept interview invitations (second and
subsequent) only when seriously considering a
position with the employer.
job offers:● Discuss offers with employers to verify terms and
reach mutually acceptable responses.
● Respond to every offer whether it is to be accepted
or rejected. ● Notify employers of acceptance or rejection of an
offer as soon as a decision is made. ● Notify the career centre immediately upon
confirmation of a job acceptance to withdraw from
the recruitment process. ● Honour the acceptance of the offer as it is a
contractual agreement with the employer.
career educatorsit is the career educator’s responsibility to: ● Comply with all relevant federal and provincial
legislation. ● Provide equitable services to all students and
employers.
interviews:● Accommodate employers’ reasonable requests
for job posting, information session and interview
space. ● Ensure that students have reasonable time
(a minimum of five weeks is recommended)
from the start of the school year to prepare for
the on-campus recruitment process prior to the
commencement of interviews.
employment preparation:● Provide information, resources and advice to
students on career planning and job search. ● Inform students of ethical recruitment practices,
procedures and responsibilities.
other:● Follow legal and ethical guidelines in providing
student information to employers. ● Bring to the attention of the parties involved any
questionable recruitment practices.
third-party recruitersThird-party recruiters are agencies, organizations
or individuals recruiting students for employment
opportunities with other organizations.
The following guidelines for third-party recruiters
have been established to best meet the needs of
students, employers and career educators. ● No direct referrals will be made for vacancies
listed by third-party recruiters without posting and/
or contacting candidates with the information
relating to the position. ● Third-party recruiters will be asked to identify their
employer clients; career educators will treat this
information as confidential. ● Candidates’ résumés must not be held in the files
of the third-party recruiter for later referral to other positions unless authorized
by the candidate.
guidelines management:● When scheduling on-campus recruitment activities, both employers and
career educators should respect dates of religious and cultural significance. ● Guidelines should be determined and managed locally. ● Penalties for non-compliance should be: ● determined locally; ● have local jurisdiction, be relative in severity to the associated infraction; and ● clearly indicated to employers well in advance of the recruitment season.
In the event of an unresolved dispute between parties engaged in on-campus
recruitment, CACEE members are invited to refer the matter, and any identified
penalties, to the CACEE Ethics Committee for review and recommendation via
the CACEE website at www.cacee.com. co
cacee ethical recruitment guidelines
By the Canadian Association of Career
Educators and Employers
48 fall/winter 2009 www.CareerOptiOnsmagazine.COm
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