Career Blog
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
─ Winston Churchill
Q: What do you like most about Telfer?
A: “The best thing about Telfer is its people. Telfer has an inclusive community, and people genuinely want, and try their best, to help you succeed. My advice to any Telfer student would be to get involved and let the school do its tricks.”
Q: What would be your ideal job?
A: “My dream job would be to work as a Management Consultant at one of the top three consulting firms.”
– Teehreem Nasir, 3rd‑year student (Business Technology Management; CO-OP), Director of Events, Telfer Finance Society, PMCP participant
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Have you been wondering why you are not getting any interview invitations? It may be because you are using a resumé template found you in a minute through your favourite web browser. Did you know that 70% of resumés go unseen by employers? Meaning? Your chances of setting yourself apart are slim, especially if you use the “best resumé templates” commonly suggested by the “browser that must not be named”. Here’s why.
1. They are often overly formatted
Finding an appropriate format for your resumé is a vital step in your job hunt. A well-formatted resumé is simple, clean, easy to read and includes accurate and relevant content. Too often, resumé templates found through a quick Internet search are full of formatting features, such as text boxes and tables that are likely to compromise the readability of your resumé by humans and bots alike.
2. They are often full of empty space
There is a delicate line between having too much and too little white space. When there is not enough white space on your resumé, it seems crowded and challenging for recruiters to read and follow. Too much white space, on the other hand, makes your resumé appear empty and devoid of information, as is the case with many heavily formatted templates commonly found on the web.
3. They often contain problematic/irrelevant elements
Photographs. Marital status. Cute infographics. Multiple columns. Elaborate fonts. Schedule pie charts. Skills bar charts. Four-line skill statements, etc. These are just a few examples of the many elements found in those “best” resumé templates found online that add virtually no value to your resumé. Use your space wisely: if we cannot know in less than 10 seconds if you qualify for the position, go back to the drawing board.
Choosing the best resumé template for you to get the job you want (or any job, for that matter) can be difficult. Hopefully, these points have helped you realize why you should not use just any resumé template found online . Instead, check out the Career Centre Team, as they can assist you in crafting an impactful resumé that will be seen and noticed. Schedule a resumé critique with the Professional Development Coordinator at the Career Centre through Career Launch now.
Reference: https://getfive.com/blog/eye-opening-facts-must-know-applicant-tracking-systems-ats/
Q. What is your best memory of Telfer?
A. “The case competitions, without a doubt. In my first year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Marketing Happening and then the Jeux du Commerce (JDC). This year, I am the co-coordinator of the JDCs and am bringing over 85 delegates to the largest case competition in Eastern Canada. This role not only allows me to oversee the delegation, but also to carry out amazing side projects such as a fundraiser for the David Suzuki Foundation and an awareness video for Canadian Blood Services. For me, going to college is more than just going to class: it’s also about putting theory into practice in real-world situations, meeting colleagues from other universities and growing professionally.”
Q. How has Telfer transformed you as a business student?
A. “Telfer has had a great impact on my academic journey because of its global perspective, enriched by its local actions. The branding that Telfer has adopted is not just a facade: during my four years at Telfer, I was able to take advantage of a variety of opportunities that would not have been available at another business school. I believe that the many experiential learning experiences available to students help prepare them for the professional world and build tomorrow’s Canada. Whether it’s in clubs, case competitions, or through career development services, there’s something for everyone here!”
Q. What would you like to do when you graduate?
A. “With the goal of making a real impact on the country we live in, I plan to begin my career as a digital operations transformation consultant in the public sector. My experience at Telfer will allow me to further understand the issues that government entities face and to better assist them in developing software solutions. I’m excited to have ventured down several professional avenues during my summer internships: I’ve finally found a field I’m passionate about and in which I’m very much looking forward to making a measurable impact.”
– Charles Doray, 4th-year Marketing student, JDC Coordinator at TCCT, Teaching Assistant
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all had to adjust to new things that are now the norm, from virtual classes to online work meetings, interviews, and even networking events on digital platforms. While it can be convenient to turn off your camera while cooking spaghetti or lounging around, some meetings require you to be aware and present, which includes turning on your camera. And body language is just as important in an online setting as it is in person. Here are three tips to master the art of body language in virtual meetings.
1. Maintain a good posture
You wouldn’t slouch in a job interview or a meeting in person, so it’s important to maintain that good posture in a virtual setting. Avoid sitting in your bed or on a couch because you will start hunching much quicker than you think. When you sit upright, not only do you appear more confident, but you also feel more confident. You will pay more attention in your meeting.
2. Don’t keep looking at yourself
A lot of people keep looking at themselves on the screen when it’s their turn to talk or even when they’re listening in during the meeting. This can lead to a loss of focus and it’s easy to get distracted when you’re more worried about what you look like to others. Instead, look directly into the camera when you are speaking. You would look at someone’s eyes when you’re in person but if you’re staring at yourself on the screen, it can look like you are unfocused and not really paying attention to them.
3. Smile! :)
Starting off your meeting with a smile will set the tone for the rest of the meeting. It shows that you’re a happy and positive person. It also puts other people at ease, possibly even yourself! A genuine smile makes you look friendly and approachable.
With these three tips, your body language will become significantly more effective in virtual meetings. Not only will it be better for you, it will also help others feel more at ease.
Q: How has getting involved on campus enhanced your experience at Telfer?
A: “Honestly, I wish I had done this earlier! I had met so many people and made so many valuable connections. I have built trust and relationships with the club members. I was able to apply everything I have learned in my courses directly to my positions at Telfer clubs which enhanced my learning experience.”
Q: Why did you choose to study at Telfer?
A: “I saw the CO-OP program and the number of student clubs. The CO-OP program is amazing, especially for finance students. Although it is competitive, there are so many opportunities. I know so many people who have gone to Telfer and have told me about their experiences. The resources. There are so many, such as the Telfer Career Centre and the Academic Writing Centre. Everything that everyone told me about Telfer is true and I feel so happy with my choice.”
Q: If you could describe Telfer in one word, what would it be?
A: “Valuable. Because everything at Telfer is so valuable. The people, the courses, the programs. Everything at Telfer adds to your student experience. Over these past three years I have grown so much because of everything offered in Telfer.”
– Natalie Abo Setta, 3rd-year Finance student, Vice-President Marketing, Telfer International, Marketing Generalist, Telfer Human Resources Association
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
“Studying almost entirely in French as an Anglophone and adjusting to a primarily online learning environment has been challenging and often stressful. But that is also what I love most about my program. To succeed, I must expand my comfort zone constantly, which can be scary. Despite this, my professors have often gone above and beyond to make me feel supported, even at times where I felt that I was struggling. Diamonds are made under pressure, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I were in any other program.
My biggest inspiration throughout university has been all the wonderful people I’ve met in class and in my extracurriculars. I feel like I’ve been constantly surrounded by so many people who excel in myriad ways and inspire me to put myself out there and be the best version of myself. I never would have thought that I would be so comfortable as a leader in two different student groups but everyone I’ve met has been so encouraging even when I’ve doubted myself.
In the future, I hope to practice either corporate law or insurance claims litigation.”
– Veronica Fusco Hitchlock, 3rd‑year student, BCom and J.D.
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
Job-hunting stress and professional burnouts are real and can seriously undermine your psychological and physical wellbeing. Often, the pressure we experience at work (or looking for employment) becomes overwhelming, leading us to feel powerless. To regain a sense of control, we need all the tools that we can get to properly manage our stress. Here is how you can make mindfulness your most powerful tool in stress management.
What is mindfulness?
First, let us examine what mindfulness is. The Oxford Mindfulness Centre defines it as a “moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience, without judgement.” It involves focusing exclusively on the present, redirecting our focus, and avoiding distractions. The state of mindfulness makes you aware of your thoughts, emotions, and actions, without getting you all caught up in them. Here are 4 key mindfulness practices for you to try that will help you manage your stress better.
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Get comfortable!
To begin, find somewhere quiet and comfortable as you enter your mindfulness journey. Take this moment to focus on your breathing, redirect your focus, and avoid distractions. By focusing on your breathing, you are improving your mind-body connection, which will ultimately help to reduce stress levels, regulate your body’s reactions, and increase overall awareness.
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Observe your thoughts, feelings, and environment
Once you have gotten comfortably set up, you will experience a growing sense of awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and environment. Be patient and take the time to identify your stressors (e.g., career, personal, upcoming exams, etc.). As you acknowledge these stressors, slowly redirect your attention to the present and you will come to find that there is a lot of information that can be gathered for further guidance.
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Accept Your Feelings
As you continue your mindfulness journey, learn to accept your feelings and embrace them. Remember, a part of being mindful is to not judge yourself. These feelings do not define you, and as long as you are aware of them, you can decide how to act.
Although it may seem simple, it is important to note that it can take some time to incorporate mindfulness into your routine. With practice, you will come to achieve a number of the long-lasting benefits. Check out the following resources for more information on how you can make mindfulness your most powerful tool:
Resource:
www.mindtools.com/pages/article/mindfulness.htm
Do you feel like everyone has a job except you? Have all your friends already gotten internships and CO‑OP placements? Have you been pouring your heart and soul into your job search, without any result? We often find ourselves asking these questions when we don’t hear back from a large chunk of employers. It can be discouraging… but there must be some sort of justification, right? After all, in our eyes, we are all skilled and talented candidates. Nonetheless, here are a few reasons employers may not be responding…
Reason #1: Your application is not tailored to the job description
Are you using the same cover letter and resumé for all your applications? Whether it’s your overall application, cover letter, or resumé, you must tailor them all. Today, applications are often screened by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems match specific keywords from the job’s description to your application. If flagged by an ATS, your application is then reviewed by a Hiring Manager. In short, avoid the “copy/paste” approach: instead, submit tailored, key‑word-optimized applications.
Reason #2: You are not being proactive.
Have you been passively “downloading” applications? Or have you been: 1) posting on LinkedIn your professional story and success; 2) eagerly following up with your interviewers; 3) strategically networking with employers by either attending their events or interacting with their social media to stay abreast of industry trends? Those are just a few examples of what you should do to become visible to potential employers and gain a competitive advantage over the other hundreds of candidates.
Reason #3: “It’s Not You, It’s Them.”
Commonly heard in romantic relationships, the “It’s not you. It’s me.” also applies to job hunting! Very often, rejection is not about you, specifically. It’s business. With a plethora of applicants applying for a limited number of positions, you can’t possibly expect to get the first job you applied for. There may be someone more qualified; your application may fall into the wrong hands; there may be unconscious hiring bias. Whatever factor it may be, remember you are not alone in this process and that you must learn from your mistakes and try again.
We can all agree that job searching is about constantly learning to deal with rejection and trying our hardest not to take it personally. However, if you’re not hearing back from employers: remember to tailor your applications, search for jobs proactively, and don’t take every rejection personally!
Need some extra help? The professionals at the Telfer Career Centre can coach you on how to search for a job, build your resumé, hone your interview techniques, and so much more. Book your individual appointment now on Career Launch.
Now go and impress those employers!
Q: Why did you choose Telfer?
A: I chose Telfer over other business schools in Ontario as it is the only one of two that offers bilingual courses. Laurentian University was much further away from home than uOttawa. Given the scale of Ottawa as a job market, CO-OP opportunities are also better and more exciting in the capital. I hope my experience at Telfer continues to be great.
Q: What do you like the most about Telfer?
A: What I like the most about Telfer is the fact that it’s a school at the University of Ottawa, so bilingual courses are available. I really like that this option is available, as I enjoy taking classes in both languages to preserve and sharpen my language skills.
– James Ferguson, 2nd-year Finance student
Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this weekly feature of the Telfer Career Blog will contain photography of individuals from the Telfer School of Management community and a corresponding narrative that gives us a glimpse into their lives.
LinkedIn. What is it, exactly?
LinkedIn is a social network (much like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter), but one that is used for professional networking. According to Techno-Science, this online service is a social network that facilitates dialogue between professionals.
At some point, regardless of our program, we must look for a job that fits our profile or, better yet, is related to our program of study. Throughout our academic journey, we want to build a network that will open doors for us. To achieve this, we need to equip ourselves with the best tools available. That is exactly why we should invest in LinkedIn. Here are basically the ABCDs of a solid LinkedIn page!
A is for appearance: your profile photo
The overall look of your profile is dictated by your profile photo. No selfies, please! A graduation photo, maybe. But still. You need an EXCELLENT profile photo: a well-framed, crisp portrait in which you are smiling. Remember, you want to encourage people to check out the rest of your page.
B is for basis: your headline
Your headline is THE component that LinkedIn users rely on to determine if your summary and the rest of your profile are worth reading. Make sure your headline draws attention to your potential. It can have several components: your job title, your student status, your main area of expertise, etc.
C as in copy-paste: your experience
A simple trick to quickly build your “Experience” section: “grab” the content of your resumé (as long as it is complete). A tip about volunteering: if you do volunteer, mention it in your experience, as employers appreciate it. If you don’t have any volunteer or extracurricular experience, try to get some: you’ll thank me later!
D is for details: your skills
On a LinkedIn page, every detail counts. And it starts with your skills. Add at least 10 that are relevant and that your network members can endorse.
BONUS: Don’t hesitate to “like” and comment on posts, or even share them if they align with your values. This will increase your visibility!
So here are the ABCDs of the LinkedIn profile! To bring your profile to the next level, be sure to schedule a one-on-one critique with our Professional Development Coordinator through Career Launch.
Source: https://bit.ly/3BdSaJz