Career Blog
As students and professionals, you may already have developed several job-search strategies: a solid resumé ready, multiple job alerts set up, and a vast LinkedIn network. But did you know that practising mindfulness can also help you optimize your job‑search results in many ways?
Searching for employment while pursuing a degree is stressful even under the best circumstances. As we are approaching our very first virtual fall term, we need all the tools we can get to remain focused despite uncertainty. Here is how you can use mindfulness to optimize your efforts and results.
What is mindfulness?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mindfulness is “an invitation to step out of the clutter and really focus on what we are doing, thinking, and feeling in this moment. (…) It’s also a skill developed by deciding to slow down and taking the time to pay attention and be curious about things that we’re experiencing and things that we see around us.”
How can you apply it to your job search?
1. Cultivate intention
By taking the time setting a clear intention regarding your job search, you will focus your time and energy on what really matters whether it’s determining your top 10 employers; finding your true professional purpose; setting short- and medium-term networking goals; or completing your self-marketing package.
Need help setting a clear career intention? We can help! Book an appointment with the Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
2. Remain mindful of your accomplishments and progress
As you evolve in a professional, volunteer, or extracurricular role, pay attention to your accomplishments and the skills and knowledge you are gaining. It will boost your confidence, help you set new goals, and make it much easier to update your self-marketing tools.
Looking for some guidance on how to remain mindful while updating your self-marketing tools? Book an appointment with the Career Centre staff for a resumé or LinkedIn profile critique through Career Launch.
3. Practice mindful breathing
Looking for employment while studying full time is like a marathon… for your brain. Give this precious organ some love by practising daily breathing exercises. Research shows that mindful breathing can increase awareness of our thoughts, regulate emotion, enhance attention, and reduce stress. All these improve your brain efficiency.
Don’t miss the free, weekly virtual mindful meditation sessions offered to all students via Zoom.
Learn more about how you can apply mindfulness to your job search with the following resources:
How to apply the art of mindfulness to your job search
Mindfulness: A resource for your job search toolkit
5 mindful habits you can adopt to boost your bob search
After several months of confinement (and a very, VERY slow de-confinement), we are finally approaching our very first all-virtual back‑to‑school season. And just as virtual networking events and workshops have been a prominent feature of the Career Centre’s programming this summer, building relationships virtually is becoming a crucial strategy for just about any job-seeking student.
As you are about to take on a new challenge this fall, we thought we could inspire you with a set of five SMART virtual networking goals to achieve over the next term.
Goal no 1: Get a LinkedIn profile critique with a Career Centre staff
First things first. If you have created a LinkedIn profile, but have not taken the time to perfect it with the help of a career development professional, it’s time to bring this precious marketing tool to the next level. Get tips and strategies that will enhance your professional brand, increase your visibility, and optimize your job‑search efforts.
For a personalized LinkedIn profile critique, book an appointment with our Professional Development Coordinator at the Career Centre through Career Launch.
REMEMBER: Recruiters may jump to your LinkdeIn profile before they’re even done reading your resumé.
Goal no 2: Perfect and fine-tune your LinkedIn summary and your elevator pitch
Did you know?
- The About section on your profile is one of the components that generates the most views.
- Your elevator pitch is one of the most powerful networking tools you could have in your arsenal.
- You can hit two birds with one stone by working on both simultaneously.
To create a strong LinkedIn summary and an impactful elevator pitch, you need to ask yourself insightful questions:
- What do I do, and how to I excel at it?
- What am I passionate about?
- What kind of challenges am I looking for?
- What value do I bring to a team?
To convince others of your passion, fit and value quickly, you need to convince yourself first. Finding the answers to these questions and putting them into words may take time but trust us: it will make a huge impact on your confidence level and on your ability to attract job offers.
To receive guidance on how to know yourself better or on how improve your LinkedIn summary, book an appointment with our Professional Development Coordinator at the Career Centre on Career Launch.
Goal no 3: Figure out your top 10 employers… for NOW.
To hit your target soon, you need to focus now. By doing some research and figuring out where you would like to work, let’s say, in three, six, or 12 months, you will narrow your job search enough as to not waste precious time and energy on countless applications that don’t align with your current professional intentions.
To receive individual tips on how to tailor your job search, book an appointment with a Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
Goal no 4: Identify the right professionals in your industry
Now that you have a solid LinkedIn profile, an engaging summary, a powerful elevator pitch, and a curated list of potential employers, it is time to reach out to gather relevant information. First, research your top 10 organizations’ websites and LinkedIn to identify the key individuals (recruiters and others) from whom you could learn about the corporate culture, the recruitment process, the qualities needed to succeed in a specific career path, and so much more.
Goal no 5: Reach out and set coffee chats
When you have identified several key professionals to network with, it is time to reach out. For real. This means: 1) inviting them to join your LinkedIn network (don’t forget to provide them with some context); 2) asking them for specific information; 3) and communicating your value. Why not ask them for a 20‑minute coffee chat? The important thing is to be clear about your expectations.
To receive specific advice on how to prepare adequately for coffee chats, book an appointment with one of the Relationship Managers at the Career Centre through Career Launch.
Don’t forget to make your virtual networking goals
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound!
As anachronic as a formal letter may appear in this era of rapid and instant communications, the cover letter remains a key component of your self-marketing package. Although not all employers require one, you should try your hand at it before you actually need to draft and submit one officially. It may take a little more time than you expect. If you don’t want your application to be rejected based on the quality of your cover letter, keep in mind the purpose of your cover letter and the pitfalls you should avoid in it.
What’s the purpose of your cover letter?
Your cover letter gives the recruiter a clear idea of how your current qualifications make you the perfect candidate for the job in the present, and of what you’ll bring to the table in the future if you are hired. It is not all about you, but rather about your future contribution to the organization and its goals.
What you should NEVER do in a cover letter:
- DON’T just read the posting once.
Read it several times and use a highlighter or a word cloud generator to identify the keywords you need to include in your letter.
Tip: MANY jobs require attention to detail and strong written communication skills. Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to show that you really understand what the job is about.
- DON’T just address your letter to “Dear Hiring Manager” (when possible).
Try to find out who would be your immediate supervisor and address your cover letter to them personally. There are often clues in the posting or on the employer’s website.
Tip: In a pile of applications, a cover letter with the recognizable name of an actual recruiter will stand out. Going the extra mile to make your letter more personal shows that you care.
- DON’T simply mention that you came across the posting on LinkedIn or something.
Start by stating why you want to work for this team or organization specifically. Express your enthusiasm early and reiterate your interest for the position in the ending paragraph.
Tip: Your “reader” (the employer) wants to feel wanted for a genuine reason. Don’t simply quote the employer’s mission statement. Research the organization and be authentic.
- DON’T summarize your past accomplishments like in a biography.
The recruiter has read your resumé. Don’t bore them with the same content. Focus on what you can do for them in the light of the responsibilities listed on the posting.
Tip: Use the posting as your guide. Less is more.
- DON’T forego the proofreading stage.
If you leave typos and other mistakes in your cover letter, you’re giving recruiters the perfect excuse to discard your application altogether. The care you put in your cover letter is supposed to reflect the care you would put in your work.
Tip: Take the habit of proofreading everything you write with the right tools (Reverso, Grammarly, Antidote, Proofreading Tool, Paper Rater, etc.)
REMEMBER: Writing a cover letter is a skill. To learn how to master it, book an appointment for a cover letter critique or tailoring with the Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
If you are looking for a job and have not yet been interviewed for a job via Zoom, Teams, Skype, or any kind of video platform, you may be part of a minority. You probably already know the basics, but we wanted to refresh your memory so that you can prepare.
1. Get your technology in working order
Make sure you have:
- a solid internet connection;
- fully charged batteries;
- a working camera;
- a functional microphone;
- all the required apps (properly installed) as well as plugins;
- the right camera angle;
- a friend or family member to rehearse with!
2. Resolve logistic issues beforehand
Avoid:
- clutter, embarrassing, or overly personal items in the background;
- poor lighting;
- background noise;
- any source of physical discomfort;
- clothes with jarring colours or distracting patterns;
- social media, text or email alerts.
3. Rehearse until it becomes natural
Why not:
- write down your talking points and your answers to anticipated questions (video interviews allow you to use notes so take advantage of it);
- rehearse in the shower;
- practice with a peer virtually;
- book a mock interview on Teams with a Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
4. Prepare.
- Write down your talking points in bullet-point form.
- Create a list of questions for your interviewers and make sure to have space for their answers.
- Have a cup of coffee or another beverage to help you keep from fidgeting and to make the interview slightly more convivial.
5. Embrace your mistakes.
Remember:
- No one is perfect at video interviews except robots. And you are not a robot. You are a human.
- Mistakes are not the end of the world; it is your ability to bounce back that matters.
- If you blow an answer, pause, take a deep breath, acknowledge that you find yourself rambling, and simply ask to restart the answer.
- Humility, humour, and humanity are also endearing qualities.
6. Show positivity
Try to maintain:
- a friendly demeanour and a great smile;
- your focus on the camera (and not on your notes);
- a conversational tone (listening is key).
7. Express gratitude
Remember to:
- send each of your interviewers a thank you note within 24 hours after the meeting; acknowledge the time of the person who coordinated the interview;
- reiterate your interest for the position and remind your interviewers the value you bring to the team.
Telfer job seekers, did you know that:
- More often than not, before your application reaches the desk of a recruiter, it must be flagged by what we call an applicant tracking system (ATS)?
- Therefore, it is estimated that 75% of applications are rejected even before they are seen by an actual human?
What is an ATS?
An ATS is a software that employers use to collect, sort, scan, and rank job applications based on preset criteria. It is estimated that 98 percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS software to help streamline their recruitment process. ATS have become a recruitment solution for an increasing number of organizations large and small.
What does an ATS do?
In essence, an ATS scans submitted resumés for specific keywords, hence determining which applications should be seen by recruiters. It weeds out unqualified applicants (and/or insufficiently‑tailored resumés), which makes the recruitment process easier.
What does it mean for you?
If your resumé is not optimized (i.e., written and formatted) for ATS, you may be rejected as an applicant EVEN if you are perfectly qualified for the position.
What can you do about it?
According to a study from TopResume, here are the tips you should follow for an ATS-optimized resumé:
- Select the right FORMAT.
PDF is not necessarily ATS friendly. If you are asked to upload your resumé to an ATS, and “PDF” appears in the list of accepted formats, use it. Otherwise, play it safe by sticking to Word (.doc or .docx).
- Avoid putting key information in a header and/or footer.
According to the TopResume study, ATS may not always be able to identify the job seeker’s contact information. Just to be safe, avoid using headers.
- Use keywords from relevant postings!
If you are unsure which keywords you should use in your resumé, collect a sample of job postings that represent the kind of position you are looking for. With the help of a word-cloud generator, such as WordClouds or Wordle, identify the vocabulary used in the job descriptions you have selected. Then, tweak your own resumé (and cover letter) accordingly.
- If you have several years of experience in something, take advantage of it.
After your Summary of Qualifications, add an “Areas of Expertise” or Core Competencies” section where you can list 3 to 6 of your strongest competencies (use terms from the posting). Don’t forget to “sprinkle” these same words into your “Professional Experience” and/or “Education” sections to demonstrate when you used those skills.
- Avoid tables, text boxes, images, charts, and other “creative” graphics
- Stick to plain and simple bullet points
- Keep it clean and organized
As you can see, optimizing your resumé for ATS is not rocket science, but it does require some thought… and time. To receive more personal tips and tricks on how to tailor your resumé for a specific application while making it ATS-optimal, book an appointment for resumé tailoring with the Career Centre staff through Career Launch.
To know more about ATS, check out the following resources:
What Is an ATS? How to Write a Resumé to Beat the Bots
We are now midway through the summer break. As many of you are about to start their next summer class or a new part-time job, our leaders here at the Student Services Centre are finally able to catch a breath after a grueling period of adaptation. At the Telfer Undergrad Office as in the business world, crucial decisions had to be made, and contingency plans had to be implemented. This week, two of our esteemed colleagues are sharing their insights on change, creativity, and resilience.
Matt Archibald, Director, Student Services Centre
Q. As Director, Student Services Centre, has your role been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
If so, how?
A. My role has not been significantly impacted in terms of the responsibilities, but the approach is certainly much different! The last few months have required a thoughtful effort to communicate as much as possible with team members, students, professors, and our external community. We are adapting well to the use of virtual platforms to connect us!
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to all newly admitted Telfer students as they prepare to embark on their university journey in a virtual setting, what would it be?
A. Your strong study habits that admitted you into this competitive program will help as you embark on the university journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as there are many services available to guide you in this new environment. And enjoy the experience!
Q. As a leader, what do you think are the three key elements organizations and individuals alike need to cultivate to successfully navigate change and uncertainty? Could you give us an example based on what your own team has implemented?
A. Communication, feedback, and flexibility. We have found a way to keep a positive attitude in the light of current changes and we are educating ourselves on how we adapt. Our team has been excellent at creating short videos to support students on various topics from registration of courses to networking at upcoming events. We are also engaging in social media platforms to engage incoming students. It has been remarkable to see our adaptability!
Q. In six weeks, we will be “back to school”. Do you have any final words of wisdom for the Telfer community?
A. We are here for you! We pride ourselves on the #TelferNation experience and we are proud of our community! Do not hesitate to reach out to us with questions or feedback. We look forward to working with you in this new environment!
Esther Ouellet, Academic Administrator
Q. As Academic Administrator, has your role been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?
If so, how?
A. The pandemic has not changed my role nor my responsibilities per se. However, I had to adapt my strategies, especially in terms of team management. Supervising a team remotely comes with many challenges, since we cannot access our colleagues constantly and directly. Communication is truly important. I’ve created more frequent sharing opportunities for my team and I, and I’m setting short, impromptu meetings as often as I can, just to see where each of my colleagues is, understand their personal challenges and successes, and discuss the best ways to support them.
Q. As a leader, what do you think are the three key elements organizations and individuals alike need to cultivate to successfully navigate change and uncertainty? Could you give us an example based on what your own team has implemented?
A. Flexibility, goal-based output, and opportunity development. We need to understand that normal work hours cannot apply to just everyone in the same way, especially when working in the presence of young children. But when a team sets specific goals and clear deadlines, it can remain efficient AND flexible enough to determine the when and how. Change disrupts work, but it also drives growth and can be an opportunity to change processes, like by implementing new tools and new ways of interacting with each other and with our students.
Q. If you could give one piece of advice to all newly admitted Telfer students as they prepare to embark on their university journey in a virtual setting, what would it be?
A. I would give them the same advice I give students who start their studies on campus: develop your soft skills. The best students are not necessarily those who have a memory like an elephant or who can adapt to just anything. The best students are those who understand the importance of time management, personal organization, stress management, and a balanced lifestyle. And if they do not possess those skills already, I would tell them to come see us! Our mentors can help them in their development.
Q. In six weeks, we will be “back to school”. Do you have any final words of wisdom for the Telfer community?
A. It’s summer, and we are working from home. We are lining through historic events, and we may never experience this again. So let’s be prudent, let’s help each other out, and let’s make the most of it!
If you have been living under a rock lately or simply too busy studying or working (in which case, good for you!), you may have missed our latest Instagram Live session and online workshop on virtual networking and coffee chats in times of uncertainty. Don’t panic: as usual, we’ve made sure that you could access the content at your own pace.
Instagram Live session on virtual networking (recording)
Let’s Talk Virtual Networking and Coffee Chats in Times of Uncertainty (recording)1
If you have not yet boarded the virtual coffee chat/informational interview train, it is seriously time for you to get… packing. To help you prepare for this crucial journey and remember the essentials to optimize your results, we have created the following checklist.
By checking the following boxes BE-FORE reaching out to Telfer alumni and professionals in your industry to set up virtual coffee chats, you will not only set clearer goals and expectations; you will also make a better impression.
Virtual Coffee Chat Checklist |
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I have updated and proofread my resumé, in case I am asked to provide it afterwards.* |
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I have created a strong LinkedIn profile.* |
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I have identified the 5-10 position titles in my industry I am most interested in.* |
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I have identified the 5-10 employers in my industry I am most interested in.* |
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I have identified 5-10 professionals from my targeted employers who could provide me with relevant advice. |
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I have developed and rehearsed my 15-second elevator pitch that highlights my value. |
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I have researched my targeted contacts (job descriptions) and employers (history, mission, values, potential challenges, strategic goals). |
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I have picked and tested a professional-looking, non-distracting outfit that looks appropriate in a “working from home” context. So maybe not a suit and tie, nor a fuzzy unicorn robe. | |||||
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For each potential coffee chat, I have clearly identified:
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I have tested several virtual meeting platforms (MS Teams, Google Hangouts, Zoom, Facetime, Skype) to be flexible. |
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I have performed a tech test/rehearsal, solved all technical issues, and calibrated the background, sound, lighting, notifications settings, etc. |
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I have determined the days and times when I’m available for virtual coffee chats, and the ones when I’m not. |
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I have taken the time to jot down a few small-talk points for my coffee chat. For example, in these times, asking people if they and their loved ones and team members are all safe and healthy is fundamental. |
*Need some help getting ready before you hit the virtual coffee chat road? Book an individual consultation with one of our professionals through Career Launch, whether it be to receive a LinkedIn profile critique or to get more information on the best virtual networking strategies.
1To watch the video, you'll have to log into your Microsoft account with the same credentials as your uoZone account.
Early Spring is my favourite time of the year for our student program. It’s when I finally get to see months of networking, attending events, and interviewing come to life in the form of new student hires all in one room eager to kick off summer onboarding.
This year has been a bit different, but it has still proven to be so fun to welcome students to our organization virtually. Now more than ever, we need keen bright-eyed new employees to help us think outside the box as we pivot in the way we do business.
As Canada’s Export Credit Agency, Export Development Canada has been tasked with offering additional support to Canadian businesses. I joked with some students that I felt like I was calling them to war, as I offered them opportunities to help Canada in this time of crisis.
We have had to flex new muscles to change how we onboard, train, engage, and support our new hires, but a couple months into quarantine, I think we’ve got it down! In amongst the crazy video call fails, we have had some major wins. Like all the extra support we have been able to offer employees through our online fitness program taught by EDC employees, access to video health care, a generous budget to create a work from home set up, fully virtual orientation sessions, a remote mentorship program, and a variety of upcoming professional development workshops for students. We also have a Growing Professionals Committee made up of students and new grads, who have gone above and beyond to welcome our new cohort of students. I think that being distanced from each other will only serve as a way to make us more intentional about how we connect with our early career employees!
I reached out to some of our Telfer students and new grads to hear about their experiences at EDC during COVID19 and their transition from the office to home:
Expectations and Adapting to Change
“Coming in as a student at EDC, I did not expect myself to be working from home full-time, but so far, my experience has been nothing but positive, from the onboarding, mentorship program available as well as job training. There are a lot of valuable lessons and skills to be learnt from starting a job remotely, especially as a student, and so I see this experience as a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow and learn how to be resilient, adaptable to change, discipline and innovative.”
Yasmina Zeidan, Student – Workforce Planning, Telfer 4th Year Student
The Importance of Communication and Work Life Balance
“COVID-19 aside, EDC places great emphasis on communication. Daily huddles with my team and weekly check-ins with my leader have been consistently present since I started with my role in January. These well-established lines of communication have truly made the transition to working from home seamless and less daunting as a relatively new hire. I have felt very supported through these abnormal times, continuing to receive regular training and progressing within my role despite working from home. Not to mention, I have continued to participate in my favourite fitness classes, as EDC is passionate about work-life balance and has implemented an excellent virtual fitness schedule, including guided mediations to ease stress and anxiety. On a larger scale, it is incredible to be working for EDC at a time like this, as the company continues plays such a significant role in responding to an economic crisis of this magnitude.”
Danica Toscano, Student – Loans Services, Telfer Grad 2020
Take Advantage of Online Tools
“EDC has developed a deep catalogue of online tools for its employees that have made the remote onboarding process seamless. In addition to resources, the culture is one which promotes constant internal communication and knowledge share. As someone adjusting to a new workplace virtually, I have never felt discouraged to ask questions or seek guidance from other employees.”
Luka Trivuncic, Student – Customer Experience & Analytics, Telfer Grad 2020
School to Work Transition
“I started my journey at EDC as a newly graduate. With 2 Bachelors, one in Finance and one in International Business, EDC’s HR found me the perfect team. I was placed in International Financing Guarantees. My daily tasks involve working with multiple counterparties such as financial institutions, foreign buyers and small/medium businesses. As a recent graduate, I felt encouraged and challenged in my role. I was treated as a professional and my team gave me the tools I needed to grow within EDC. Today, I am an Associate continuing to grow within the world of International Financing. I love the community and culture here and I encourage students to look into the great programs and scholarships offered.”
Amani Couture, Associate – International Financing Guarantee, Telfer Grad 2019
Helping Canadian companies overcome any challenges
Canadian companies are relying on EDC more than ever in these uncertain times and I am proud to say EDC has stepped up to the challenge. Despite working remotely, everyone across the organization has come together and aligned to one common goal… to help Canadian companies overcome any challenges they might be facing. I am lucky to be on a team that is focused on building solutions for small-medium-sized companies who have been hit the hardest. I am excited to start work every day knowing that my efforts are making a difference, it is a truly rewarding experience for a recent graduate.
Ben Lidzbarski, Student – Knowledge Services, Telfer Grad 2020
You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it. Times are strange, circumstances, unprecedented, and job prospects, uncertain. What you may not know, however, is that recruiters are still very much on the lookout for fit and value in potential candidates. Make no mistake: it’s only a matter of time before we start seeing more opportunities opening up like tulips under the hot sun.
So here’s how recruiters think you should prepare in the meantime:*
1. Connect and reach out
This means, among other things: 1) sharing openly your specific professional aspirations and goals with your family, friends, peers, and professional contacts; and 2) setting up informational interviews with people in and out of your network (not only recruiters) to gather vital information on your industry, top 10 employers and top 10 position titles. To find out more about those strategies, check out the recording of our Let’s Talk Job Search in Times of Uncertainty live session.
2. Be flexible and patient
By showing flexibility and patience in your job search as well as in your networking endeavours, you will not only broaden your prospects and increase your chances to find employment: you will also consolidate your professional brand. Remember that recruiters have been disrupted as much as you have, and that they are looking forward to hiring again. Build your credibility by showing them genuine empathy, reiterate your interest in the role or organization, and make sure they know where to reach you when something opens up. To receive personalized advice on networking, book an appointment with one of our Relationship Managers through Career Launch.
3. Get ready
So. Maybe your summer internship/job fell through. Maybe you had to move back home. Maybe you feel stuck and don’t really know what to do. It is entirely normal, but there is a way out. Take action and get ready. Here is a list of things you can do this summer if you find yourself unemployed:
- Build a job search strategy with our Career Counsellor (book an appointment through Career Launch).
- Research your industry, your top 10 employers, and your top 10 position titles (book an appointment with one of our Relationship Managers through Career Launch).
- Figure out the experience, knowledge, and skills you will need to land such positions.
- Identify the gaps, and create a strategy to address them.
- Get your video interview techniques in order (Stay tuned: We will hold an Instagram Live session and a live workshop on Teams entirely dedicated to interviews.)
For more information on each of those steps, make sure to watch the recording of our Let’s Talk Job Search in Times of Uncertainty live session. You can also book an appointment with your Career Centre Team to get professional advice.
4. Don’t give up
It is a fact: when things get back to normal (and they will eventually), recruiters are more likely to reach out to individuals who have remained positive, upbeat, and VISIBLE during the pandemic. Keep looking, including on social media such as LinkedIn and Facebook, clean up your own social media profiles, and start building your credibility online. Think of your online presence as a predictor of how you behave as an employee, and ask yourself if you are sending the right message. To know more about how to build your professional brand and online presence, check out the recording of our latest Instagram Live session on job search.
*The content of this article was inspired by a post by Andrew Seaman, Editor for Job Seekers and #GetHired at LinkedIn News, untitled What recruiters want you to know about job searching during the pandemic. It is also based on the many insightful comments recruiting leaders have posted as a response.
Spring invariably brings hope and new beginnings, and in 2020, it has forced us to embrace change like never before. This week, we want to highlight the positive side of change by looking at some of the many inspiring ways in which our staff have adapted over the last few weeks to accommodate, encourage and engage with employees, students, and employers alike.
With two of our dynamic leaders, discover how the Telfer Career Centre (SSC) and the Telfer Undergraduate Student Experience Team are evolving in the face of change.
Amanda Richardson, Manager, Telfer Career Centre
Q: What was your focus when you undertook the transition a few weeks ago?
A: “Making sure that my team was equipped and supported adequately to be working virtually. Switching from on-campus, face-to-face services to virtual, online ones was a HUGE change for us. It meant getting each employee set up with the proper tools to keep providing the services they were offering to students and employers. It also meant assessing each member’s well-being and mental health. This is a stressful situation for all of us: if we don’t support ourselves, we won’t be able to support others.”
Q: What do you intent to focus on looking forward?
A: “Remaining innovative and efficient in everything we do. Time is money, so we want to make the most of our resources for the very people that we serve: students, alumni and employers. Our priority is to find creative ways to meet the needs of our clients while using due diligence in the process. As a team, we are brainstorming regularly to make sure that we do the RIGHT things.”
Q: How have you innovated to maintain this focus?
A: “We had never worked in a virtual setting before, and we don’t realize just how important the small, daily interactions with our colleagues, like quick chats standing in the line at Starbucks, really are. There is so much personal connection that happens during those times. That is why I have found meaningful ways to interact with my teammates, and not just on work-related topics. Using MS Teams, we have created channels to share fun and personal stories, such as Motivational Monday and Fun Friday. The Student Services Centre is comprised of several smaller teams, so these “fun” pieces are what is breaking down the silos. In addition, we are using tools like MS Teams and MS OneNote for our one-on-one meetings to ensure we are collaborating efficiently and on the right things. We also highlight the “wins” of the week. Thanks to our weekly video meetings, we can see faces and build on those connections.”
Q: As a Telfer professional, what message do you have for your community?
A: “Sometimes the greatest challenges bring out the most creative solutions. Our current situation is going to change the way the world works overall and that includes the world of business. I look forward to seeing what will be in our future. I am proud to be part of the Telfer community, because I know these circumstances will lead to many, many amazing things.”
Isabelle Décarie, Manager, Student Experience
Q: What was THE most important aspect you and your team wanted to focus on as you undertook this transition a few weeks ago?
A: “Making sure that our future students have all the necessary information. We had to cancel our annual Open House at the last minute, and we wanted the participants to know that we were still there to answer all their questions regarding the admission process.”
Q: What is the focus of your team looking forward?
A: “As of now, collaboration and compassion have become such important aspects of our lives, both on a professional and a personal level. We try to collaborate as much as we can with student leaders and other teams on campus. We also think compassion is necessary when communicating with various stakeholders.”
Q: As a Telfer professional, what message do you have for your community?
A: “Let it be a moment of personal and professional growth. We need to see positivity in this situation. When I saw the School implement Telfer Acts of Greatness, I felt my heart grow. We are lucky to be working with such dedicated, passionate professors, staff and students. It all starts with being mindful of each other, every day. No matter whom or how we interact, we need to remember that the we are all living in unprecedented times.”
Have you also been adapting to change?
To learn how you can effectively pivot your career plan, job search strategy and self-marketing tools andleverage your adaptability and resilience as selling points, book an appointment with one of the Career Centre staff on Career Launch.