Job Search and Interview Preparation Guide
Looking for work in Canada, whether you're new to the country or just looking to find a job, can pose many challenges. There are so many aspects to the job search process like finding the right place to seek job opportunities, targeting the right job boards, networking, writing an effective resume, preparing for interview, etc.This online Job Search and Interview Preparation resource will help guide you in a systematic manner. This online guide is designed to keep the process simple, yet provide in-depth information to keep you focused and help you find the job you are looking for and effectively prepare for the interview process.
This Interview Preparation Guide will cover topics like: how to prepare your resume, how to write cover letters, how to search and apply for jobs, how to prepare for interviews, how to build a network, dos and don'ts during the interview process, what you should do after your interview and much more.
Step 1: Your Resume
Your resume (or Curriculum Vitae) is a marketing tool in which you will present important and relevant information about yourself like contact information, career objective, strengths/skills, educational background, work experience, special achievements, extra-curricular activities and references.
Click Here for sample Canadian resume formats and templates. Below are details about what you should include in each section:
- Contact Information: full name, address, email address and phone #;
- Career Objective: one or two sentences describing your career objective that are relevant to the job you are applying for;
- Key Strengths & Skills: list down relevant abilities & skills relating to the job;
- Education: include details on diplomas, degrees certifications obtained in chronological order;
- Work Experience: list down companies, positions, dates and relevant duties in chronological order;
- Special Achievements/Training: include information on awards received, training programs attended, volunteering, languages spoken, etc.
- Extra-curricular Activities: list down your interests, activities and hobbies;
- References: you can just include "Available Upon Request" (on your resume), but be prepared to provide 3 references of previous employers.
Step 2: Cover Letter
Sending a cover letter with your resume is always a good idea. It's an effective tool that allows you to quickly grab the attention of the individual who is involved in screening process and potentially get your foot into the door. The cover letter should be concise and tailored to individual jobs that you apply for.Most cover letters will include four sections: a header in which you will include your full name and contact details as well as the recipient's name and contact details. Also a salutation should be included in this section of the cover letter.
The next section of the cover letter is the opening paragraph which will include the purpose of your letter. In this section, you must also specify the position you are applying for.
The third section of the cover letter will include a synopsis of your educational qualifications, work experience, core skills, and key strengths that match the job requirements and criteria.
And finally, the closing paragraph will include an enthusiastic message to solicit an opportunity to meet with the potential employer. The closing should end with " Yours sincerely" or "Yours truly" with your name at the bottom of the cover letter. For some examples of cover letters Click Here.
Step 3: Search and Apply for Jobs
With the rise in popularity of the internet, social media sites, and networks, it's easy to find the jobs available on online job boards. Some of the most popular and effective Canadian online job boards are listed below. Employers, recruiters and candidates, can all create accounts on these job websites. Like I mentioned earlier, it's a good idea to create an account and create a profile.
Recruiters and employers who are also members of these job boards regularly look for suitable candidates to fill their positions. This increases your chances to be directly contacted by them. Apart from using the search functionality available in these job sites, you can also create automatic alerts for jobs that match your credentials.
Finally, one of the websites below Indeed.ca is a online job aggregator site which summarizes job postings from various online job boards. You can create an account on that site as well and set up job alerts that are sent directly to your email inbox.
Sure Jobs Canada | GTA Jobs | Workopolis | Yahoo Hot jobs | Monster Jobs Career Builder | Ontario Jobs | Indeed.ca
Professional Networking with LinkedIn
As mentioned earlier, Networking is a very effective way to look for jobs in Canada's hidden job market. You can build your network of contacts over networking platforms like LinkedIn as well as seek volunteer opportunities that will help you find jobs that may not be otherwise advertised.
LinkedIn is the world's largest professional network and a great place to find the right people who may be able to put you in contact with recruiters or employers who are looking for potential candidates. LinkedIn is similar to personal social media sites like Facebook. You can create a free account, build your professional profile and start connecting with individuals and relevant groups.
Step 4: Prepare for the Interview
Once you've prepared your resume along with your cover letter and applied for jobs that you are seeking, it's time to start preparing for the interview process. Depending on the recruiter or employer, you may be asked to do a brief phone interview which could last for half-hour. This means that you need to always keep yourself prepared.Making a first good impression is important and you should work hard at it. With some preparation and practice it's possible to do just that. Most interviews follows a set process and include some commonly asked interview questions. So the best thing to do is write down the answers to some of the tough interview questions. So essentially, you are creating a script that you can stick to, but at the same time it's important not to sound robotic. By doing so, you are able to keep your answers focused and to the point.
As soon as you get an interview scheduled, make sure to do some research about the job you're applying for as well as the company. Most of this information can be found at the company's website. This will help you better prepare for your job interview as well as keep you ahead of the game. It will better help you match your credentials to the job you're applying for. Overall, if you stick to the above, you will be able to make a first good impression and potentially push through to the next stage of the interview process.
What to Research About the Company and Job?
Below is some of the information you should seek about the company and job:
• History of the company, including the founder, industry and products;
• Vision, mission and core values of the company;
• Company's management, customers and competitors;
• Company's reputation, strategic goals and recent changes;
• Community involvement and support of specific causes;
• Requirements of the job like qualifications, skills and experience;
• Opportunities for training, development and advancement.
How to Answer Interview Questions?
Do not try to memorize the answers to all interview questions. The important thing is to prepare yourself, but this 3-step process, outlined below, will help you answer just about any interview questions:
Step 1: attentively listen so you can understand the context of the interview questions;
Step 2: keep your answers to the point and focused by providing facts about your credentials;
Step 3: present the facts mentioned above in a way that shows relevance to the job.
Click Here for most commonly asked interview questions and answers.
What Material you Should Carry to the Interview?
Carry a professional portfolio case or bag to the interview that includes the following:
• Copies of your resume or CV;
• Copy of the job posting you are applying for;
• Copies of your professional reference list;
• Writing pad and pen;
• A list of questions for the interviewer;
• A photo ID.
Dos and Don'ts During the Interview
Making a good first impression will give you head-start during your interview. Here are some important pointers which will help you know what TO do and NOT TO do during a job interview:
DOs
• Smile and greet the interviewer(s);
• Introduce yourself making eye contact with a firm handshake;
• Make sure to turn off your cell phone;
• If you don't understand a specific question, clarify before answering;
• Be prepared to ask a few questions at the end of the interview;
• It's ok to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts before answering questions;
• Display your sense of humor, but don't tell jokes.
DON'Ts
• Don't talk about salary and benefits, until asked;
• Don't lie, answer questions truthfully;
• Don't act like you're desperate for the job;
• Don't slouch or fidget, sit up-right, but relaxed;
• Don't show that you're over-confident;
• Don't bad-mouth your previous employers or bosses;
• Don't chew gum during the interview.
What you Should do After the Interview?
Upon completing your interview, it's critical to follow up with a "Thank You" note or email to the individuals who interviewed you. This is a great opportunity to not only show your professionalism, but also to reiterate your interest in the job and company. It also allows you to include any points you may have forgotten to mention during the interview. Having said so, keep the "Thank You" note brief and to the point.Another important step after the interview is to take the time to reevaluate your performance. In doing so, you will learn a lot and become better at the interviews. As the saying goes "Practice makes perfect", so use this opportunity as a learning experience. Most importantly, stay positive through the job search process. Sometimes, it takes a few tries for the right job opportunity to come along. If the job opportunity doesn't work out, it's ok to ask the interviewer or recruiter what the reason was for not considering you for the job. Again, use this as a developmental opportunity to become better.
Don't bank on just one job opportunity. If you managed to get one interview, it doesn't mean that you will get the job. Continue to follow up regularly, if you don't hear from the individuals who interviewed you, but don't stall your job search. Stay active by continuing to network and look for other job opportunities.
Being successful at job interviews comes through practice. Therefore, take the time to do your homework and practice as much as possible. In fact, go to as many interviews as possible, especially before you go for that all important interview which will land you your dream job…all the best!
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