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

Tough Interview Questions: Your Weaknesses

♫ It's the most wonderful time of the year.

Employers are hiring and some are firing

And now is your chance

To show em' your skills, and be the best  ♫

That's right- its interview season. Employers are hiring for summer positions, preparing for the fall, and maybe (if lucky) you may also have an interview for a full-time position. No matter what your interview is for, one the most common questions regards your weaknesses.

How to approach this tough questions? First be honest and only give one weakness unless asked otherwise. You want to let the employer know you are being honest, sharing something that needs improvement and a skill or behaviour that you can work on throughout your time with the company/organization

When mentioning the weakness, also mention how it can be turned positive. Although you want to be honest with your weakness, I would encourage you to share how you plan to turn it into a positive and something that can then further enhance the job.

Lastly stay away from "I work too hard" or "I like things a certain way"...because, lets be honest, everyone could work harder. When the employer hears that, they don't think of it as a weakness, but rather a poor excuse for not acknowledging your 'flaws'.

This is your opportunity to discuss places of weakness, but also how you are open to growth and learning opportunities. Its your opportunity to be honest, to show them you are not a perfect human being, but rather doing everything possible to become one.

As philosopher Jean Vanier once said "Growth begins when we begin to accept our own weakness". May you accept yours and freely start to bloom

All the best
Hillary

Your Reputation With Your Exes

Some time or another you're going to have to make a choice to leave a job - maybe things aren't working out with your boss or colleagues, or it's just time to move on to something else that you feel will take you further in your career path.

Either way it is important to resign with class to make sure you still have a decent reputation with your ex-employer. Especially if you want a reference from them in the future, it is absolutely crucial that you take these steps before you pack your bags:

• Give plenty of notice. 2-4 weeks is usually the standard, but double check with your company policies in case they expect differently.
• Offer to help with the hiring/training of your replacement. This will show your employer that you valued your position and have the expertise to help them find someone suitable to take on your role.
• Continue working hard and completing tasks on time. Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you get to slack off!
• Maintain your network. Before you leave make sure you have all the contact information of your colleagues and supervisors that you want to keep in contact with, they could come in handy!
• Finally, thank everyone for their support before you're out the door - it's only common courtesy.

- Taken from Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

In the world of work, it certainly helps to have a good reputation with your exes. Take the time to resign and leave respectfully and with dignity.


Best of luck,
Lia

Preparing to Meet with Employers: Career Expo

If you haven’t already researched the organizations coming to the Career & Post-Graduate Expo, now is the time to do so! We have over 100 post-grad institutions, employers and non-profit organizations attending who are eager to network and recruit Brock students and alumni. Many students have found their dream jobs at the Expo, and doing your research of attendees saves time and allows you to focus your efforts on companies that interest you.

We really do have something for everyone this year. Whether you are a business student, in Recreation and Leisure studies, Computer Science or Community Health, there are organizations that want to talk to you. A full list can be found in our guidebook which is available in the Career Resource Centre, online on the Career Services Website, or on the downloadable app.

I can’t emphasize enough how important doing research is before you attend. You may look through the list of attendees and come to the conclusion that no organization is relevant to what you are studying at Brock. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Service Canada, for example, is looking for majors in Community Health, Sociology, Nursing, Biological Science, Political Science and English. If you didn’t do your research, you might not have given them a second thought. You will be surprised who is hiring for what positions, and the only way to know is to research them beforehand.

A major turn off for employers is to have potential employees ask them what they are hiring for. Don’t be that person! If you are serious about finding a job, have your research done and know what positions are available so you are ahead of the curve.

If you have any questions about the Career & Post-Graduate Expo, or about any of the exhibitors attending and how to prepare, visit the Career Resource Centre and speak with a Career Assistant. Additional information can also be found on our website.

- Rachel