The Inside Scoop on Job Hunting Today

Tips & Tricks from Human Resources

Stephanie Andrews

5 Years Hospitality at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (retail, spa, concierge, tour desk, royal service - management)

4 Years at the Town of Banff (communications and marketing, human resources)

Completing Business Management – HR from the University of Calgary

Hello My Name Is:

Cosmic Noodles Life from the Cabin to the Universe

www.cosmicnoodles.blogspot.com

Cosmo

Noodle

Where was technology when you last left it? How were people looking for jobs? How has the workforce changed?

Upgrade Your Skills

Cosmic Noodles Inc.March 10, 2011

To whom it may concern,

Attached is my resume, please get back to me as soon as possible because I’m very keen to start work.

 Sincerely,Joe Shmo

The Cover Letter

My only concern is to recycle this

application.

If that’s sincerity I

don’t want to see sarcasm.

Why should I hurry to get

back to you at all?

Address your cover letter

Find out who the department manager is

Personalize your letter and add in points about how you can directly benefit the company.

Triple check for spelling and grammar!

Research is Your Friend

Cover Letter Hint: Leave Banff out of it.

I am so excited to see this opportunity at your

company. I feel that living and working in Banff is the ultimate dream and I am

ready to live that dream. I love to camp, hike, bike, snowboard, climb, kayak, trapeze and snowshoe. I

think that I would fit in well with your company because I’m a true mountain person.

Sigh, this is a waste of time. I wonder what I’ll have for lunch?

Add new skills?

Bring related experience?

Bring new experiences?

Save me money?

Make me money?

Where’s my money?

In the Cover Letter, tell me if you’re going to...

When in doubt:

Questions to ask yourself:

◦Have you been out of the work force for a long time?

◦Are you applying for something that you don’t have direct experience in?

◦Watch for gaps in time lines ◦Non-work related experience counts too!

Experience vs Chronological Resumes

What is Your Online Presence?

Job is Posted

Review Resumes

Pre-Screen Candidates

Schedule Interviews

Reference Checks

Make the Offer

The Steps of Recruitment

The Job Is Posted

Reviewing Resumes

Pre-Screening

Oh yes very much so. I also require 4 hour naps mid-day and someone

to

Treats? Um yes sometimes we have

muffins at meetings. Is that important to you?

Confirm Date Time Where to park Who you’ll be meeting with

Bring 2 additional copies of your resume, and references

Be 5-10 minutes early

Take a deep breath and have some water!

The Interview

Do your research! Prepare yourself with answers to potential questions Don’t bash previous employers Ask questions at the end – show initiative

Interview Tips

Tell me about yourself Why do you want to work here What do you know about our company Why did you leave your last job Tell me about your experience at your last job What experience do you have at (fill in the tasks) Tell me about your strengths Tell me about a time when... What is your salary expectations What questions do you have for me

From www.askamanager.org

Top 10 Questions You’ll Most Likely Be Asked:

‘Thinking back to people who have been in this

position previously, what differentiated the ones who were good from the ones who were really great?’

This shows that you’re thinking beyond the interview, and that you want to be great in this job, not just fill a void.

From www.askamanager.org

The Ultimate End-Of Interview Question:

Dress for the environment Office? Outdoors?

Corporate vs Casual Clean and pressed Pulled together Simple & appropriate

Always err on the side of over-dressed rather than under

What To Wear (and what not to!)

Present a list of references to call (2-3) Previous supervisors/managers Members of committees Phone & email if available

Follow up with a ‘thank you’ email:

‘Thank you Stephanie for taking the time to interview me for the administrative position yesterday. I look forward to speaking with you further about this opportunity. Kind regards,

-Stephanie’

Post-Interview

Trust that you WILL get a job!

Employers want to put you in a position where you will succeed.

If you don’t get the job – ask questions. What can you do to improve your chances? Feedback, like research, is your friend.

Confidence is key – fake it until you make it baby!

Lastly...

Questions?

Stephanie Andrews Contact Me: Stephanie.m.andrews@hotmail.com www.cosmicnoodles.blogspot.com

Favourite HR Blogs: www.askamanager.org www.thecynicalgirl.com www.womenofhr.com

ResourcesThanks for having me!