As you create your career action plan, it is important to consider which methods and sources you will employ in your job search. 

Here is a quick list of ways to take charge:

• Make a list of companies you want to work for, and watch for employer notifications
• Map out your sphere of influence and connect with your network
• Create a LinkedIn profile, utilize social media
• Hold an informational interview
• Uncover the hidden job market
• Target your job search and your marketing materials
• Stay on top of industry news, trends and related associations
• Line up your references, ask for referrals
• Master your elevator pitch
• Connect with staffing agencies

VIU Career Studio offers workshops on Job Search Strategies, Social Media and LinkedIn, and Labour Market Information. View and register for upcoming events.

Is a Cover Letter different than a Resume? Is it really necessary? Yes and yes!

Cover Letters can be hard to write, it's true.  Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on your skills and qualifications for the role differently than you did in the resume.  Watch your sentence structure. Don't start every sentence with "I".  Do not start your cover letter with "My name is..." 

A cover letter is an opportunity to build an "emotional connection" with the employer through a professional, conversational document that highlights your written communication skills. Tell the employer why you're interested in working for them, and demonstrate how you fit the culture by sharing what resonates with you about their organization. Show some personality, but remain professional in all instances.

Here are some tips to make your cover letter shine:

• Use a standard business letter format 
• Use a non-decorative font (size 10 - 12)
• Keep it to one page
• Write a separate, tailored letter for each job application
• Make your application stand out with a consistent marketing brand (use a header that emphasizes your name and contact information). Use the same header for the cover letter and the resume
• Address the hiring manager by name if possible
• Open with an attention-grabbing first paragraph 
• Use STAR stories to share additional skills you did not elaborate on in the resume
• Ensure that you have fulfilled the company's application requirements (include all information requested, attach all required documentation and follow all submission instructions).
• Finish your cover letter with a professional salutation such as:
  • Sincerely
  • Best
  • Regards
  • Respectfully

Note:  It is important to sign your cover letter; you may e-sign if you are sending it online

References

VIU Career Studio offers workshops on setting SMART goals and writing Resumes and Cover Letters, and how to include references. View and register for upcoming events.

Interviews, What's the Point?

The primary purpose of a job interview is to determine a match between the prospective employee and the organization. 

This process focuses on three areas: 

Qualifications: does the job seeker have the necessary skills and experience to do the work?

(Can they do the job?)

Motivation: is the person a self-starter, or does this person need constant monitoring?

(Will they do the job?)

Match with the Organization: will the person match the culture (core values and collective behaviours) of the organization and work collaboratively and productively with the existing staff?

(Will the partnership align?)

PRO TIP: During the interview, candidates are evaluated by the organization. The candidate should also be evaluating the employer with career goals in mind.

Networking

Networking is key when exploring opportunities for employment and connecting with potential employers in the hidden job market.  

Did you know it's said that 80% of jobs are not advertised?

Active Job Search - means getting out there, meeting people, and making connections with a targeted networking strategy focused on matching the employer's preferred hiring process. 

Passive Job Search - is utilizing online job search tools to find employment.

Searching for jobs online is not enough—get out from behind the computer and make sure you have a strong elevator pitch!

Creating a networking plan starts with reviewing your sphere of influence and creating a map or list of contacts.

This map will get you started thinking about who you might want to add to your list.

When creating a Networking Map, start by making a list of people you’d like to get to know even if you think it might be difficult to meet them. This could include weak ties that you want to get to know better or new people that you want to be introduced to. 

Things to consider when building the network map:

• What are my career goals and how can the people listed in my network help me achieve them?
• What value can I bring to the people listed in my network and how can they help me?
• Who else do I want in my network; who can introduce me?

VIU Career Studio offers workshops on Networking/Informational Interviews, Interview Preparation and Mock Interviews, and a STAR Story Cafe to help you answer behavioural-style interview questions. View and register for upcoming events.