The Search is on for Summer Jobs!

The warm weather is quickly approaching and we're all getting ready for that dreadful search- the search for summer employment. Here at Career Services, we do our best to make your summer job search as effective and pain-free as possible. Here are a few tips: 

How to Find the Perfect Summer Job

The key to finding the perfect summer job is remembering that it might not currently exist. As important as it is to look for positions that align with your personal goals and passions, remember that gaining valuable experience comes in many different ways! Rather than looking strictly for a job within your field of study, focus on finding a position that interests you- even if it doesn't necessarily fit into your "perfect job" category. Many skills are transferable and can be used in various roles, so instead of asking yourself what type of job you want, ask yourself what kind of problems you would like to solve or what skills you'd like to gain. 

Where to Look

Go to Careerzone (careerzone.brocku.ca) to take a look at positions that are available on and off campus. Many on-campus summer jobs have the potential to extend into part-time positions in the school year.  Here are a few on-campus services that you could apply to this summer:

• Brock Dining Services
• Brock University Students' Union (B.U.S.U)  
• Brock Human Resources
• Recreation Services
• Student Life and Community Experience

Off-campus jobs also have their benefits, here are some general job search sites that can help you land a position within the Niagara Region:

• http://www.jobbank.gc.ca
• http://www.jobgym.com
• http://www.indeed.ca
• http://www.wowjobs.ca
• http://talentegg.ca 

When to Look

Don't wait, start now! One of the biggest misconceptions students have regarding summer job searching is that they have to wait until the summer to start. Many employers prefer to begin their hiring process months in advance. You can find summer job postings as early as January! Start your process now and make your chances of getting summer employment higher. 

How to Prepare 

Preparing for your job search can seem difficult at times. Drop by the Career Resource Centre or email us at Career@brocku.ca for interview tips and job search strategies to help you land a summer job that you enjoy!




Lydia Collins
Senior Career Assistant

Networking for Success!

Here is a common scenario which virtually everyone has encountered at some point in their lives: you need a new job or some career advice, and you're unsure who to turn to or where to go for help. One commonly overlooked and often underutilized tool to help with this is networking!

Networking involves sharing knowledge and contacts, helping others, and building relationships. Networking is NOT bluntly asking those you know to give you a job! This is an important distinction because many people make the mistake of thinking that networking is a way for others to do the work for you when really networking is simply a tool to help make your life easier through reciprocation - helping others and getting help in return. 

In order to utilize the people in your network for job search help or career preparation information, you firstly need to identify who your network is. Is it composed of coworkers, managers, teachers, or maybe even your neighbors? Your network can come from anywhere and can encompass a wide variety of people with different areas of expertise. Most people only begin to reach out to this network when they are in need of career help, but it is crucial to maintain these relationships even when you have found the job of your dreams, as you never know when you will be in need of help, especially in today's unpredictable job market.

Secondly, perspective matters! A good way to view your network is like writing a resume; it is a continuous process which requires updating, attention, and individual effort in order to thrive. By viewing it as an ongoing process, you will always be in the loop with those in your network, and because of this, they will be happy to help you when you are in need. If you ignore those in your network until you need something, they may not be as eager to give you a hand. 

Finally, be sure to effectively utilize online platforms for networking. This is especially useful for contacts from past jobs or those people in your network who have moved away or whom you don't see often. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can all be used to stay connected with your network and are extremely effective in regards to expanding the network you currently have. One important note is not to randomly network; always have a strategy or a reason for why you are reaching out to someone, in order to utilize these online platforms appropriately and effectively during career development and job hunting.

As the old saying goes, it's not always what you know, but who you know! Using these simple tips, you will be on your way to developing and utilizing your network as effectively as possible to enhance the caliber of job opportunities that come your way and to help with career development. Happy Networking everybody!

Scarlet Stark, 3rd Year Psychology Major, Career Assistant 

What does it all mean?: The Importance of Knowing Yourself

Finding a rewarding and fulfilling career is not an easy task. There are so many things to consider when deciding on a field, and occupation. Regardless of whether you feel a bit intimidated by selecting a career, or whether you are just interested in knowing all the facts, knowing yourself is the most useful thing you can do in your job search.

In my experience, people tend to search for jobs backwards. They hone in on one particular job title and say  "I want to be THIS!" instead of finding a job that would suit them, and weighing different careers. Having only one job in mind limits your research and potentially closes your mind off from related careers you may be interested in. While there is nothing wrong with having a directed vision and knowing where you want to go, we here at Career Services like to give you every resource we can to help you be successful in your career related quests. :)

Completing personality assessments (that can be accessed for free on careerzone -  I like typefocus for the purpose of this topic!) are an excellent place to start reflecting on what is important to you, and the workplaces you would succeed in. In addition to career and personality assessments, you may find it useful to reflect on your personal thoughts on:

Your Values:

• What is important to you? 
• How would you uphold your values in the workplace?
• Does the workplace of the job you are interested in support your values?

Pace:

•  Is the job you are researching a fast paced job? 
• Would you be required to work under pressure?  
• How do you perform under pressure?

Expression:

•  Do you enjoy performing the same tasks every day, or do you like variety?
• Do you enjoy having some degree of creative freedom over your work?

Working With Others:

•  Would you prefer to work as a team or by yourself?
• Would you like to help others through your work?

This is only a sample of the many questions you could ask yourself when it comes to evaluating yourself and certain jobs. This information is useful because it can assist you in your job search. There are many related careers out there that are within the same field, but may be more customized to your specific values, wants, and needs and will ultimately make you happier in your future position.

 If you would like to talk more about assessments, the career search process ( ask to see the triangle!), or knowing yourself  then come on by to Career Services. We would be happy to help you!

Becky White
Lead Career Assistant
4th year Tourism and Environment (Hons.)

Net worth or Network

This week we're linking up to an article that was writen by Chris Illich from The Brock Press titled:

Net Worth or Network

http://www.brockpress.com/focus/net-worth-or-network-1.2828471

We understand the anxieties of graduating, finding a job, and all that encompasses post-graduation. It can be stressful, there are many unknown factors and for some, financial stress. Become aware and knowledgable in your field, be confident in yourself and your skills, and ensure you are doing everything possible to get your dream job, because eventurally it will happen!

Good Luck!

Last day to register is TOMORROW: Smart Finish!

Tomorrow, February 1, is the last day of registration for the Smart Finish Conference

Specifically designed for 3rd and 4th year students

held Saturday February 4, 2012

It's your life, your degree, your future: Make the most out of it!

It's only $20.00 and lunch is included.

To register please visit: http://www.brocku.ca/career-services/students-alumni/smart-finish

Keynote speaker is Mark Swartz, author of Get Wired, You're Hired 

 Conference Sessions: alumni panel, networking session, speaker panel o ninterviews, further education options, information on OSAP repayments, resume dos and don't, and more!

Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity! Register today

- Hillary

How Employers Hire

As students many of us feel left in the dark about how employers hire, and by consequence what kind of things we should know in order to up our chances of scoring that dream job.

In reality, the hiring process employers use to hire new employees varies depending on the company. Typically though, the process begins by reviewing the applications that come in for the open position, which usually entails going over both resumes and cover letters provided by the applicants. Stop by Career Services to go over any portion of your application, and make sure all of your documents are free of spelling and grammar mistakes - this is seen as extremely unprofessional.

*However* it is important to note that many employers are now using various social networking tools such as LinkedIn as part of the applicant screening process - the quality of your online profile can play a huge role in determining whether you move on to the next stage of the hiring process. Make sure your profile is professional and highlights all of your valuable and relevant experience!

If you get a call for an interview, congrats! This is the next stage of the process. Interviews may come in many forms including group interviews, panel interviews, individual interviews and even Skype/phone interviews depending on the location of the job. Make sure you Prepare for your Interview properly by doing your research and anticipating the kinds of questions they might ask you.

This stage will usually either be followed by another interview or the decision making process by the employers. Give the employers some time in order to make their decision (1-2 weeks) and follow up if necessary. Always provide a Thank-You note!

The hiring process may seem daunting to those of us who are the prospective employees and not the employers, but the most important thing is to be prepared and confident in your skills and abilities. Stop by Career Services for more resources & tips!

- Lia