One Stop Shop Guide

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Workshop Guide

Intensive “one stop shop”

Everything you need to get your job search started

For Graduate Students

Presented by

Lorna MacEachern & Susan Molnar





One Stop Shop Guide

CAREER PLANNING IN A NUTSHELL

1. Research Self

2. Research Options

3. Develop your toolkit

CV

Cover letter

Interview skills

4. Network your way into a job!!!

DEVELOPING A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY

Here is a more detailed look at the the job search process. It is important to at least review the steps to

ensure that you are targeting positions that are a good fit for you, and that the scope of your search is

broad.

1. Self Assessment Who am I? What am I passionate about?

START BY ASKING YOURSELF SOME BASIC QUESTIONS:

Why did you do your degree? Why graduate studies?

What skills did you intend to gain through your program?

What motivates you? What makes you happy?

Where do you get your greatest satisfaction?

What is important to you?

What are your ambitions/goals for the future?

Did you ever have a “dream job”

FOUR AREAS TO CONSIDER

Interests Industries

Skills Occupations

Values Organizations / Work Environment

Personality Overview

NEED HELP?Make an individual appointment at CAPS or Counselling

Take the career tests

C ome to our workshop: “Self Assessment?”

Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.16)

Participate in Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.)





One Stop Shop Guide

2. Research OptionsWhere can I use my skills and education?

Who would I like to work for? What company shares my values?

EXPLORE OCCUPATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS, CAUSES, INDUSTRIES

Career resource library

Websites - See Researching Occupations and Researching Employers sections of this guide and

www.mcgill.ca/caps

Career Fairs -Prepare in advance!

Company presentations

Panel discussions

Information Interviews & Networking

ENGAGE IN NEW EXPERIENCES Develop new skills

Volunteering/ Part-time / Summer jobs

o Online postings & Networking

Internshipso Arts: www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships

o Science: www.mcgill.ca/science

o Library resources (come to the CAPS library: Room 2200 Brown)

o Search engine: http://www.mcgill.ca/caps/students/job-

search/experience/internships/links/

Post-Docs

o Job postings, Networking, Academic Journals

Additional Training

o Information avail at www.careercruising.com & www.myplan.com

RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS

What to look for?

Basic

Location(s) – Head Office, Plants, Subsidiaries

What does the company do?-What products or services does it provide?

Recruiting Practices

Security

Is the company private or public?

How long has it been in operation?

What is the growth potential & who are the major competitors?

Financial statements, stock reports, annual reports

What are the Industry trends – any talk of mergers?Features

Mission statement/philosophy – does it match your values?

What types of positions are available? Salary ranges?

Employee satisfaction, training, work-life balance

Typical career paths. Who is at the top, what degrees do the managers have (gives insight on

company values)

http://www.mcgill.ca/caps


http://www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships



http://www.mcgill.ca/science



http://www.mcgill.ca/caps/students/job-search/experience/internships/links/




http://www.careercruising.com/



http://www.myplan.com/












One Stop Shop Guide

RESEARCHING OCCUPATIONS

www.careercruising.com

This Canadian website provides a great deal of

information about hundreds of careers. You can

search by career, discipline, or use their online

matchmaking tool. You need to login to this site:

Login: mcgill, Pswd: careers

www.myplan.com

This is a free US site, that is very similar to Career

Cruising. It also has online assessment tools, most of

which have a nominal charge associated with them

($10-$20). The values questionnaire is free, and a

very useful tool. It also has a “matching” feature.

You can create a free account that will allow you to

save you searches and the results of yourassessments.

Exploring Occupations

http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.ht

ml

Excellent site which contains descriptions of dozens

of different occupations, from U Manitoba

Occupational Information

https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/explor

e.cfm

A good resource with a variety of occupations from

UBC.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

A great US based source of occupational information

www.jobfutures.ca

A comprehensive Canadian Gov site with

information on over 200 occupational groups.

www.sciencecareers.org Offers an array of information for graduates from

science programs

www.canlearn.ca

Includes an occupational database, a

university/college guide, virtual career counsellor

and financial aid/scholarship information.

www.canadiancareers.com

Primarily a list of links to other web resources

www.JobHuntersBible.com

The online supplement to What Color is Your

Parachute?

Jobs, Workers, Training and Careers

http://www.jobsetc.ca/

JWTC is a government site that helps Canadiansfind work, decide on career directions, create a

personal learning plan or deal with workplace

issues. Get access to information, services,

interactive tools and quizzes that make a

difference

Labour Market Information

http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/

Occupational Profiles

http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/

Detailed descriptions of over 1,000 occupations.

Gov of Alberta. Updated regularly.

America's Career InfoNet

http://www.acinet.org/acinet/

If you are planning on moving to the US to work,

you'll want to look at American career info.

www.nextSteps.org

Employment and career related information

developed in Calgary

Ministry of Education and Training:

Occupational Descriptions

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/descrip.

html

Dozens of occupational descriptions from the

Ontario Government.





http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.html



https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/explore.cfm





http://www.jobfutures.ca/


http://www.sciencecareers.org/


http://www.canlearn.ca/


http://www.canadiancareers.com/


http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/










http://www.nextsteps.org/


http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/descrip.html
























One Stop Shop Guide

RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS

Canada's top 100 employers

http://www.canadastop100.com/national/

Canadian Almanac & Directoryhttp://circ.greyhouse.ca/search/quicksearch

Access thousands of records on Canadian organizations, government, business, schools and financial and

cultural institutions. This remarkable group of carefully maintained databases known for their breadth

and accuracy of information on Canada includes 7 databases: Associations Canada, Canadian Almanac &

Directory, Canadian Environmental Directory, Canadian Parliamentary Guide, Directory of Libraries in

Canada, Financial Services Canada, and Governments Canada

Government Electronic Directory Services

http://direct.srv.gc.ca

The Government Electronic Directory Services (GEDS) provides a directory of federal public servants for

all regions across Canada.

Management databases and online sources

http://www.mcgill.ca/howardross/collections/links/databases/

NAICS, the North American Industry Classification System

http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html

Strategis: Canada's Business and Consumer Site

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/company-entreprises.nsf/eng/home

Although this site is not very user friendly, it contains a great deal of information. The link above will

take you directly to the “Company Directories by Industry Sector” where you can search for companies

in Canada by industry or by keyword.

Vault

http://www.vault.com/cb/careerlib/careerlib_main.jsp?parrefer=7165

Vault publishes over 70 guides in three areas:

Industry Career Guides -on industries from accounting to media to technology. Get the scoop on the

hiring process, career paths, and more; Industry Employer Guides - get the scoop on potential

employers, includes guides on employers in banking, biotech/pharma, manufacturing, telecom and

more; and Career Topic Guides - From resumes and cover letters to schmoozing to starting your own

business. CaPS pays a fee for these guides, therefore you must be connected to the McGill network/VPN

to access these guides.



http://circ.greyhouse.ca/search/quicksearch


http://direct.srv.gc.ca/



















One Stop Shop Guide

3. Develop your toolkit How can I best present myself?

Writing a Non-Academic Cover Letter:

Know yourself and your target audience

Layout

o 1 pageo 3-4 paragraphs

First Paragraph

WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT?

Introduce yourself, provide a catchy picture of who you are. Link yourself directly to the needs

and interests of the employer in 1-2 phrases.

Second and third Paragraphs:

WHY ME?

Give EXAMPLES of your skills/Tell a compelling story that points to the specific skills and

experience you possess, summarize key aspects of your CV.

USES EXAMPLES!!! (do not write a “shopping list” of skills with no evidence)

Fourth ParagraphWHY YOU?

Talk about your reasons for wanting to work for this organization. Make a link between your

interests and their goals/services/products OR a link between your values and their mission

(hint: look beyond their webpage)

Writing a Non-Academic CV or Resume:

Know yourself and your target audience

Layout

o 1 or 2 Pages

o Use same font type throughout

o Use same format throughout : What, Where, When, Description

Addresses the skills that the employer is seeking

o SOFT and HARD skills

o Most relevant experiences appear at the beginning of the CV

Has a summary of qualifications at the top

Describe your activities and jobs

o Use action verbs

o Include achievements

Includes relevant volunteer and community service

Doesn’t necessarily include publications

Consider adding an “Activities and Interests” Section

References not included

NEED HELP?

Make an individual appointment at CAPS

Come to Grad Drop in Advising

Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.2)

Use our online resources:

o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/coverletter-writing_guide.pdf

o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/cv-writing_guide.pdf

http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/coverletter-writing_guide.pdf


http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/cv-writing_guide.pdf






One Stop Shop Guide

123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6 [email protected] • 514-123-4567

October 26, 2007

Ms. Kate JordanPersonnel ManagerHuman Resources DepartmentCREE BOARD OF HEALTH203 Main StreetMistissini, Quebec G0W 1C0

Dear Ms. Jordan,

Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your review for the position of Clinical Dietitian, asadvertised on the McGill Job Posting website. I believe that the combination of my clinical experiencein hospital settings and my passion for working with children will make me an ideal candidate for thisposition.

As of December 2006, I will have obtained my Masters of Science degree in Dietetics. My degreecovers many facets including biochemical and human behavioral sciences, clinical nutrition,community nutrition and research development. For my Thesis I examined nutrient deficiencies

resulting from discontinued use of traditional food resources in northern aboriginal populations.

I recently completed several internships. Three were in Hospital settings, where I gained valuableexperience in providing clinical services to individuals suffering from various medical ailments. Inaddition to my clinical duties I assessed food safety. My other internships were in long term careand rehabilitation. In these settings I developed my patience and compassion for working withpatients with ongoing special needs.

I would welcome the opportunity to apply my skills and experience at the Cree Board of Health. I amespecially interested in working with an aboriginal population, and have pursued a number of electives in First Nations and Inuit Studies at McGill. I thank you in advance for your review andconsideration of my application. Should you require any additional information, I may be reached at

(514) 123-1234. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,

Sally Green

Sally Green



One Stop Shop Guide

Sarah Smith123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6 [email protected] • 514-123-4567

QUALIFICATIONSEnglish and Mandarin (fluent), French (intermediate)

MS Office suite, SPSS, Adobe Illustrator, ProteinLynx, MassLynxWorked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings3 years of project management and report writing experienceUnderstanding and respect for diversity

Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations

TECHNICAL EXPERTISEExtracellular recording from brain slices, including use of ion-selective microelectrodesWholecell patch clamp recording in isolated neurons and brain tissue slices,

Confocal fluorescence imaging in neuronal cellsPrimary neuronal and glial cell cultureIn vivo models of cerebral schemia in both rats and gerbils

Cerebral microdialysis and HPLC amino-acid analysis

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy: Neurological Sciences 2006Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc

Master of Science: Neurological Sciences 2001Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc

Bachelor of Science: Biology 1998Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Doctorate Research 2001-2006Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc

Examined effects of pH on hypoxic neuronal injury and spreading depression in rodent hippocampal slicesMonitored field potentials and extracellular shifts in selected ions during hypotaxiaStudied changes in evoked responses in post-ischemic gerbil hippocampal slices

Supervised 2 undergraduate honours theses projectsTrained graduate students in use of laboratory equipment, such as _________ Collaborated with 2 teams of researchers in separate laboratories to produce a published manuscript

Research Biologist 1998-2001Fancypants Laboratory, Wuhan, P. R. China

Studied structure-function relationships of human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).Used sitedirected mutagenesis to generate cDNA variants. Expressed recombinant tPAs in cultured

mammalian cellsPerformed in vitro and in vivo assays to detect modified enzyme activity or half-lifePresented findings in oral and written reports to project leaders and directors monthly

BAD

(not specific enough)



One Stop Shop Guide

OTHER EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant 2002-2007Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc

Cellular Biology (NEUR310) Fall 2002, Winter 2003, Fall 2004

Created new marking scheme, evaluated students' competence, reports and examsFree Radical Biomedicine (NEUR550) Fall 2006, Winter 2007

Developed course content and teaching material, implemented novel assignment options

Editor 2005 – PresentNew Science Advances Magazine, Montreal, Qc

Select, proofread, and edit articles for the promoting scientific advances to the general communityDelegate monthly duties to staff of 10 volunteers

Successfully obtained financing from 30+advertisors

Student Representative 2006 – PresentMcGill Graduate Neuroscience Association, Montreal, Qc

Initiated Graduate committee to ensure graduate student representation the departmentStimulate fundraising as well as events for students and faculty

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS (additional references available)

Smith, S., Weigand, N. (2002) Corticosterone accelerates hypoxia- and cyanide-induced ATP loss in culturedhippocampal astrocytes. Brain Research, 482:153-158.

Smith, S., Hong, S., Anderson, R, and Weigand, N. (2004) Corticosterone exacerbates hypoxic and

hypoglycemic hippocampal injury in vitro: biochemical correlates and a role for astrocytes. Journal of Neurochemistry, 48:139-148.

3 conference presentations:Society for Neuroscience 2003 and 2005

International Brain Research Organization World Conference of Neuroscience 2005

AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS

National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship 2004-2006(valued at $20,000/annually)Society for Neuroscience, member 2001-presentInternational Brain Research Organization member 2005-2006

ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS

Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, makinghomemade wine and mead.Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing.

Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures andlanguages, exploring places off the beaten trail.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST



One Stop Shop Guide

Jessica Davies123 Lala Street • CITY • Quebec • H9X 2E6

[email protected] • 514-523-4567

SUMMARY: A highly motivated and mature computer-literate person, experienced in working with thepublic, youth and community, in administration, management and youth development, seeking achallenging internship at a youth and family service centre.

HIGHLIGHTS

Languages: Fluent in English, French, and Spanish

Proven communication skills as a youth worker, help-line counsellor and manager.

Worked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings

3 years of project management and report writing experience

Strong computer skills including: PowerPoint, Word and Excel

Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations

Quick to learn new systems and in-house programs

Understanding and respect for diversity

EDUCATION

Masters of Arts: Counselling Psychology 2005-2007 (expected)McGill University, Montreal

CGPA 3.8/4.0

Bachelor of Arts: Management & Human Resources (Honours) 1998-2001McGill University, Montreal

CGPA 3.67/4.0

Diploma of Collegial Studies: Liberal Arts (Honours) 1996-1998Dawson College, Montreal

CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE

Youth Program Assistant 2003-2005Head and Hands, N.D.G., Montreal

Assisted in coordinating several youth sex education workshops at 15 Montreal high schools

Successfully organised a public launch of the Head and Hands sex education video at the centre;attended by media (CBC Radio, The Montreal Gazette, The West Island Suburban) and major funding organization representatives

Designed and prepared brochures and workshop materials for youth, covering topics like sexualawareness, youth parenting and health

Created a safe, welcoming and relaxed environment for the young drop-in clientsInteracted with community leaders, members of the press, in-house counsellors and high schooladministration

Counsellor (Volunteer) 2001-2003McGill Sexual Assault Centre, McGill University, Montreal

Trained to counsel students experiencing grief and emotional stress

Provided bi-weekly counselling support and information services (helpline) to McGill students

Planned day-by-day running of the centre with 15 other volunteers

BAD

(not specific enough)



One Stop Shop Guide

Senior Counsellor 1998-2001Cote St. Luc Parks & Playground Program, City of Cote St.Luc

Supervised a group of 10 (3-5 yr old) children at a day camp

Planned, organized and facilitated group recreational activities on a daily basis

Assisted on various group field trips and theme days

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

Supply Merchandiser 2001-2002Le Chateau, MontrealAssisted Le Chateau supply management at head office in improving merchandising at store level

Incorporated latest product & merchandising trends into purchasing decisions, worked closely withstore managers in maintaining inventory levels for best-selling items and consulted customerfeedback to upgrade merchandise quality, thereby increasing annual sales by 25 percent

Prepared and wrote annual reports and developed supply forecasting reports every quarter

Achieved recognition for developing a better supply forecasting system for Le Chateau

Store Manager 1997-2001 Le Chateau, Montreal

Promoted from Sales Assistant to Merchandising Manager and then to Store Manager within a 3-yearperiod

Successfully exceeded annual store sales targets by 20 percent, 3 years in a row

Handled and replenished inventory, and performed weekly inventory checks

Dealt with customers and assisted headquarters with annual inventory control

Hired and trained 14 part-time employees in customer service delivery

Organized staff schedules and arranged weekly sales quotas

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

1. FASEB Summer Research Conferences Poster Award (100.00$) July 20062. John and Mary Smith Graduate Studentship (12 500.00$) 2005-20063. John Smith Travel Award (900.00$) 2004

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

Spanish Language course (intermediate) 2004Continuing Education, Concordia University, Montreal

Controlling stress and emotions & Successful communication workshops 2001McGill University Sexual Assault Centre

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, making homemade wine and mead.

Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing.

Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures andlanguages, exploring places off the beaten trail.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST



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One Stop Shop Guide

ACTION VERBS

Words that imply

communication

Advertised

Called

CirculatedCoached

Communicated

Conferred

Corresponded

Discussed

Displayed

Distributed

Edited

Emphasized

Familiarized

Informed

Instructed

Interested

Lectured

Oriented

PresentedPromoted

Publicized

Recommended

Redirected

Represented

Referred

Related

Showed

Translated

Transmitted

Tutored

Wrote

Words that imply leadership

AdministeredAllocated

Appointed

Approved

Assigned authorized

Awarded

Conducted

Controlled

Delegated

Designated

Directed

Disapproved

Discharged

Encouraged

Enforced

Evaluated

ExecutedGoverned

Hired

Led

Managed

Oversaw

Presided

Recommended

Regulated

Required

Selected

Settled

Signed

Specified

Sponsored

Stipulated

Supervised

Words that imply

organization

Arranged

Analyzed

Assembled

Budgeted

Calculated

Coordinated

Organized

Planned

Prepared

Purchased

Recorded

Reorganized

ReportedScheduled

Words that imply initiative

Attended

Automated

Collected

Compiled

Considered

Contemplated

Contracted

Delivered

Discharged

Engaged

Engineered

EstablishedExamined

Expedited

Founded

Handled

Implemented

Increased

Induced

Inspected

Instituted

Insured

Interviewed

Inventoried

Maintained

Monitored

Moved

OperatedPackaged

Participated

Performed

Processed

Provided

Received

Recruited

Reviewed

Shipped

Solicited

Sorted

Staffed

Submitted

Systematized

Trained

UtilizedVerified

Words that imply results

Accomplished

Accounted

Achieved

Advanced

Altered

Answered

Attained

Attracted

Awarded

Benefited

Built

Changed

CombinedCompleted

Constructed

Dismantled

Earned

Eliminated

Enlarged

Expanded

Finished

Generated

Identified

Improved

Manufactured

Marketed

Obtained

Predicted

Prevented

Produced

Profited

Reduced

Repaired

Replaced

Solved

Tested

Turned around

Upgraded

Words that imply

interpersonal skills

Accommodated

Adjusted

AdvisedAgreed

Arrange

Assisted

Consulted

Contributed

Cooperated

Counseled

Facilitated

Guided

Harmonized

Influenced

Mediated

Moderates

Modified

Motivated

NegotiatedPersonalized

Persuaded

Provided

Reconcile

Related

Requested

Respected

Served

Sold

Taught

Words that imply creativity

Adapted

Authored

Composed

ConceivedCreated

Designed

Developed

Established

Estimated

Forecasted

Formulated

Initiated

Invented

Investigated

Originated

Proposed

Researched

Revised

Studied

Set up

Sample action verbs at a

glance

Acted

Addressed

Anticipated

Applied

Appraised

Arbitrated

Assessed

Appraised

Audited

Balanced

Catalogued

ChairedCharted

Checked

Clarified

Collaborated

Compared

Computed

Conducted

Conserved

Consolidated

Constructed



One Stop Shop Guide

Convinced

Critiqued

Decided

Decreased

Defined

Detected

Determined

Devised

Diagnosed

Discovered

Dispatched

Dispensed

Disproved

Dissected

Drafted

Dramatized

Drew

Emphasized

Energized

Enlisted

Expanded

Experimental

Explained

Extracted

Filed

FinancedFixed

Gathered

Headed

Helped

Hypothesized

Identified

Illustrated

Improvised

Initiated

Innovated

Inspired

Integrated

Interpreted

Introduced

Invented

InvestigatedInvolved

Issued

Judged

Justified

Launched

Led

Learned

Listened

Litigated

Lobbied

Made

Manipulated

Mentored

Modeled

Navigated

Observed

Offered

Ordered

Painted

Perceived

Piloted

Played

Politicked

Prescribed

Problem-solved

Programmed

Projected

Proposed

Protected

Questioned

Raised

Realized

Reasoned

Rehabilitated

Remembered

Reorganized

Reported

Researched

Resolved

Responded

Researched

Resolved

Responded

Restored

RetrievedRevised

Risked

Screened

Sensed

Separated

Served

Shaped

Shared

Sketched

Spearheaded

Specified

Spoke

Studied

Summarized

Surveyed

SymbolizedTabulated

Talked

Team-built

Tended

Traced

Trained

Transcribed

Transformed

Traveled

Trouble-shot

Updated

Validated

Won

Adjectives

Accurate

Active

Adaptable

Advantageous

Analytical

Artistic

Beneficial

Better

Bigger

Calm

Capable

Careful

Competent

Complete

Confident

Conscientious

Considerable

Creative

Critical

Decisive

Dependable

Desirable

Determined

Diligent

Diplomatic

Distinctive

Distinguished

Durable

DynamicEffective

Efficient

Empathic

Energetic

Esteemed

Excellent

Exceptional

Extraordinary

Flexible

First-class

First-rate

Flourishing forceful

Fruitful

Functional

Good greater helpful

HumorousIllustrious

Imaginative

Important

Imposing

Improved

Independent

Industrious

Influential

Innovative

Insightful

Larger

Logical

Lucrative

Major

Methodical

Money-making

More

Notable

Noteworthy

Ongoing

Orderly

Organized

Original

Outstanding

Patient

Perceptive

Perfect

Phenomenal

Powerful

Practical

Prestigious

Productive

Professional

Profitable

Progressive

Prominent

Prosperous

Punctual

Reliable

Remarkable

Renowned

Reputable

Respected

Responsible

ResourcefulRewarding

Satisfied

Sensitive

Significant

Singular

Sizeable

Skilful

Solid

Solvent

Sound

Stable

Strong

Substantial

Successful

Superb

SuperiorSupportive

Thorough

Thriving

Top

Upbeat

Uncommon

Unique

Unparalleled

Unsurpassed

Uppermost

Useful

Valuable

Versatile

Winning

Workable

Worthwhile



One Stop Shop Guide

INTERVIEW PLANNING

Before You Go on a Job Interview

Do an inventory of your skills, knowledge and specific qualifications. Figure out what makes

you different from the other applicants for the job.Research the company thoroughly and prepare questions to ask them when given theopportunity.

Plan your clothes ahead of time along with the route you will take to the interview.

Plan to bring a copy of your cover letter, resume, references, and any other materials toprove your capabilities.

During the Job Interview

Always remember you are coming to the interview as a potential new employee for thiscompany, not as a job beggar.

Keep in mind the main purpose of a first interview is to be invited back for a secondinterview.

Plan on talking 50 percent of the time and not monopolizing the interview nor being toovague.

Speak clearly and with good voice intonation. You should be, and sound, enthusiastic about the job.

Never badmouth a previous employer or a previous place where you worked.

Your answers should generally be no longer then two minutes each. Depending on thequestion, it can be as short as twenty seconds, but do not run on and on.

Take into the interview room with you any evidence you have of past accomplishments (ie. anartist has a portfolio; a computer programmer has a printout of programs created). You willknow whether to use this evidence or not.

Do not bring up the subject of salary during your first interview unless of course they do.Always try to let the employer name a figure first.

No matter how many questions an interviewer could ask you, they basically are centeredaround the following:1. Why are you here? Why are you interested in our organization?2. What can you do for us? What do you have to contribute to what we do?3. What distinguishes you from the other applicants for this job?4. Will you fit in? Will you get along with the other employees?5. Can we afford you?

If you do not have the interviewer(s)’ contact information, try to get their business card while

you are there.

After the Job Interview

Always write a thank you note to the employer within the following 24 hours.

Always review your answers to see where you can improve and where you think you excelled.This can help you to prepare possible questions for your second interview.



One Stop Shop Guide

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Questions to find out if you can do the job (in addition to questions specific to your

functional area)

Tell me about yourself.

Tell me about your responsibilities on your last job.

How did your responsibilities evolve or progress during your last job?

Describe the process you go through to plan and implement a project?

How long would it take you to start making a contribution to our organization / department?

What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?

Give me an example of a time when you’ve taken the initiative on something.

In past performance reviews, which areas of your work have been singled out as needing

improvement?

What are your major strengths and weaknesses?

Question to find out if you’ll fit in

Tell me about a time when you had to work under much more pressure than usual.

Do you think you’ve done the best work you are capable of?

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

Describe your energy level.

What will your references say about you when I speak with them?

Tell me about a difficult decision you’ve had to make.

Do you prefer working alone or in groups?When working with a team, which role do you usually take?

In which kind of atmosphere do you work best?

What salary expectations do you have?

Questions typically asked of students and recent grads:

How did you choose your undergraduate / graduate degree?

Why did you choose your major in ________?

Tell me about your research/ honours project / thesis / dissertation/ other major project?

How has your university experience prepared you for a career?

Describe your most rewarding extracurricular experience while in school.

If you had to do it over again, how would you plan your education differently?

Are your grades representative of your abilities?

What was your worst grade and how did it happen?

Which teaching styles do you learn best from?

How would your classmates describe you?



One Stop Shop Guide

WINNING QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER

At some point during an interview, the interviewer with turn to you and ask if you have any questions.

Generally speaking, the best questions to ask are those that:

Help you determine if this is the job you want

Make a positive impact on the interviewer(s)

Provide insight into your background and qualifications

It is important to plan beforehand some of the questions you will ask. Here are some sample questions

that might be appropriate to ask. Review them before each interview and decide which ones apply to

your situation the best (prepare a maximum of 3 questions),

1. Is this a newly created position?

2. What would be my primary duties initially? How will these change over time?

3.

Why did the previous person in this position leave?4. What are the expectations of the supervisor?

5. How would you describe the management style of the company as a whole?

6. Can you tell me how my performance will be evaluated?

7. What do you see as my greatest strengths and weakness in terms of this position?

8. When will you be making your decision to fill this job?

9. What do you see for this company in the future – particularly as it might impact on career

opportunities?

10. What opportunities for advancement are typically available to people in this position?

11. How does this position fit into the organizational structure?

12. What are this department’s most important current projects?

13. How much autonomy would I have in this job?

14. Does the company have an orientation program for new employees?15. How do I become familiar with company policies, practice, and etiquette?

16. Does the company offer career development programs?

17. What would be the expected starting date of this job?

18. Is there any travel involved in this position?

19. What is the size of the department?

20. What would the next step of the hiring process entail?

Resources: The Perfect Interview – John D. Drake, Conquer Interview Objections – Wilson and Rambusch, Sweaty Palms – H. Anthony Medley



One Stop Shop Guide

INTERVIEW DOS AND DON’TS

* Do research the company * Don’t neglect appearance

* Do prepare questions to ask * Don’t give limp handshakes

* Do practice your answers * Don’t lack energy

* Do bring paper and pen * Don’t make excuses

* Do bring an extra resume * Don’t be rude

* Do be on time * Don’t be too familiar

* Do dress appropriately * Don’t emphasize money

* Do maintain eye contact * Don’t be indecisive

* Do wait to be seated * Don’t be unprepared

* Do be positive * Don’t criticize anyone

* Do be honest * Don’t name drop

* Do show you’re a team player * Don’t be too aggressive

* Do ask about the next step * Don’t talk too much

* Do ask for a business card * Don’t take a friend with you

* Do send a follow-up letter

* Do follow up by telephone



One Stop Shop Guide

4. Network your way into a job~85% of jobs are never advertized

Networking is an important part of any job search. It is the process of establishing contacts for the

purpose of gathering information, communicating your career goals, seeking advice, and obtaining leads

on jobs. Unsurprisingly, the larger your network is, the more likely you are to be successful.

Below is a general overview of how to build your network. For comprehensive, step by step help with

networking, consult our handouts below, attend our Networking workshops, and meet with a career

advisor to help you customize your approach.

Expand Your Network

1. Create a list of primary contacts. Your primary contacts are family members and friends with

whom you already have a relationship. Let these individuals know about your career goals and

ask them whether they know of anyone who works in your target area and who might be helpfulin your job search. The names they provide you are known as your secondary contacts.

2. Create new contacts. Start by getting in touch with the secondary contacts referred to you by

your family and friends. Be prepared to talk about your career goals, skills and experiences. You

may want to ask your secondary contacts whether they would be willing to have an

informational interview with you. Another way of making new contacts is by joining a

professional association, attending conferences in your target field and doing volunteer work.

3. Make cold calls. Calling companies and organizations of interest and attempting to meet with

the person who has the decision-making power to hire you, or with someone who is

knowledgeable about the field, is a great way to expand your network. If you are extremely

uncomfortable making cold calls, you can also write to the organization or company. However,

networking by email is much less effective than networking in person or over the phone.

4. Conduct informational interviews. An informational interview involves meeting with an

individual in a field or occupation of interest for the purpose of gaining current, regional and/or

specialized information. They are a great way of making new contacts and finding out more

about the position, organization and industry you are interested in. They can also help you

explore possibilities if you are in the process of choosing a major, narrowing down career

options or beginning a job hunt. The goal of an informational interview is to probe your contact

for information, not necessarily to ask about job openings. If you are interested in conducting

information interviews, review the handouts section for tips and advice on how to get started,

and ideas on appropriate questions to ask.



One Stop Shop Guide

NETWORKING CHECKLIST

As you embark on your job search, you will soon notice how many networking opportunities are out

there. If unprepared, it is easy to let these opportunities slip by. So in order to take full advantage, and

be more successful in your job search, get prepared with the necessary networking tools.

Networking tools include:

• Professional CV (various versions)

• Business / contact cards

• Your personal “infomercial” (adaptable to different situations)

• Pen and paper to make notes

What you need to ask yourself when networking

1. Before making a phone call.

•

What am I asking of this person?• Is it something he or she can do, or do I need to speak with someone else?

• Have I written a list of the things I would like to ask?

• Have I practiced out loud what I want to say?

• Am I ready to speak right now if this person can give me a few minutes?

• If he or she wants to schedule an appointment, is my agenda open and do I know my availability?

• What is the ultimate goal of this phone call (general information, to schedule an information interview,

obtain a job lead or a referral, or something else)?

• What outcome would I be happy with?

2. Before attending an event.

• Am I sure this event is appropriate for me?

• Do I have my CV and/or business cards with me?

• Have I prepared an infomercial appropriate for this situation?

• Am I able to confidently introduce myself to various people?

• Have I researched those in attendance to know whom I would like to approach?

• What is the ultimate goal in attending this event?


3. Before an arranged meeting.

• Why did I ask for this meeting?

• Will this person remember me or do I have to reintroduce myself?

• Do I have pen and paper to make notes?

• Have I prepared a list of questions to ask the person?• Is my cell phone turned off?

• What is the ultimate goal of this meeting?




One Stop Shop Guide

NETWORKING WORKSHEET

1. List Members of your immediate family and as many relatives as possible

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. List at least 5 of your closest friends (10 to 15 if possible)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. List the names of 3 neighbours

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4. List the names of past employers, professors and teaching assistants

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

5. List at least 5 roommates, drinking buddies, or friends ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

6. List 5 people you haven’t been in touch with for over 4 years

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

7. List 10 people you know from your church, temple, synagogue, mosque, social club,

associations, organizations, fraternities, sororities

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

8.

List 5 colleagues at past/present jobs with whom you worked closely or know well enough tochat

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

9. I belong to the following associations or professional organizations

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

10. List 5 people you know from a professional association

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

11. List every organization for which you have done volunteer work

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

12. The 3 ways in which I most frequently meet new acquaintances are

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

13. Five ways in which I could meet new acquaintances are

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________



One Stop Shop Guide

CREATING A PLAN OF ACTION

Write down your goals for each of the steps in the table belowResearch Self

Research options

Engage in new experiences

Develop tools (CV, cover letter…)

Networking

In this table:

Write down the steps you need to take to achieve your goals

Prioritize themThink about problems that might come up and be prepared with your plan B

Identify you potential barriers and how you will overcome them

Priority Goal Steps Problems/ Barriers Ways to overcome/

Plan B



Documents

One Stop Shop Guide