Experience More Opportunities

The first thing all employers look for is relevant experience. It is often one of the key factors in landing a job. But most of us are at the beginning of our career path and have not had the chance to gain enough experience relevant to our field yet. Some people find themselves in a cycle where to get a job you need experience, and to get experience you need a job. But do not worry! There are various ways to gain valid experience and expand your professional network as well.

Networking

Finding and learning about new opportunities will become easier if you have connections in the field you are pursuing. Professional networking may sound intimidating at first, but it is one of the best approaches to the job search process and further career advancement. Eighty percent of the job market is hidden and cannot be found on job-search platforms. The only way to access the hidden market and learn about these opportunities is through networking. By expanding your professional network and developing meaningful long-lasting relations, you will increase your chances of finding out about an open position ahead of other applicants which will give you an advantage. Luckily, Brock University provides numerous opportunities to get to know more about your industry and connect with professionals and employers from your field. Annually, Brock hosts and participates in career fairs and networking sessions for students from all programs. Make sure to keep track of the events posted on the CareerZone (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) and ExperienceBU (https://experiencebu.brocku.ca/) websites as they get updated regularly with new opportunities. And to help you present yourself in the best way to potential employers and professionals, CareerZone hosts online cafe workshops on Teams, where we share helpful tips on networking.

Social Media & Branding

Another approach to expanding your professional network is using social media. LinkedIn is the biggest professional platform that allows you to make connections in your field and explore various opportunities. We encourage everyone to update their profile regularly and remain active on LinkedIn to increase your chances of getting noticed, make useful connections, and not to miss out on opportunities. Online recruiters often look for potential candidates on platforms like LinkedIn. However, you have to regularly update your profile and remain active on social media to increase your visibility. In addition, there are other networking platforms such as Ten Thousand Coffees which allows you to connect with alumni. This gives you a chance to request an informational interview with professionals and gain more insight into a career that is of interest to you. CareerZone (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Social Media and Branding has multiple resources to help you set up a professional account and useful tips on online networking. 

Memberships & Professional Associations  

Now that we learned about opportunities for making career connections, let’s explore ways to get experience and learn in new environments. One such option is to join a professional association in your field. These organisations provide networking and professional development opportunities relevant to your pursued profession. Joining a professional association would allow you to expand your professional network, gain valuable industry knowledge, attend academic conferences, and most importantly learn about job opportunities. A lot of associations have job boards that are exclusive to members. Check out a list of Canadian professional associations at http://www.cpmdq.com/htm/org.canada2.htm.

Volunteering Experience

Another common way to get experience is volunteering. Some people may think that just because it is unpaid work, it is not as valid to employers as work experience. However, volunteering is just as valid as a job and helps you to develop core skills. It is important to be strategic when selecting volunteer experience that is relevant to your field. Consider the type of work you want to do and its relation to your future career goals. This will allow you to gain an insight into your chosen profession and connect with the right people. It is not rare for a volunteering position to lead one to employment if enough passion and commitment is demonstrated. Helpful resources and platforms as well as a Volunteer Board with opportunities can be found on the CareerZone website (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Gain Experience. In addition, check out the Brock University Volunteer Association (BUVA) that provides students with opportunities and skill development workshops. To learn more about BUVA visit the ExperienceBU website.

Internships

Internships are another great opportunity to gain relevant experience. Many organisations provide internship opportunities for students and recent graduates to give practical skills and relevant knowledge. Internship placements can be remote or in-person, international and domestic which gives you a lot of flexibility and options to explore. It is also common for an internship to turn into a full-time position offer after a successful completion. You can find more information and platforms with internship postings on CareerZone website (https://careerzone.brocku.ca/) > Student Resources > Gain Experience. 

With summer coming up, it is the perfect time to make connections and fill your resume with new relevant experience. Every step on your career journey counts, as it adds up and fills you with confidence and knowledge. Whether it is working on your resume, volunteering, or completing a professional development workshop, your efforts will not go unnoticed by employers!

Connect With Us!
We are here to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help! We offer many student resources on our portal (careerzone.brocku.ca) and can be contacted via email at career@brocku.ca to answer any inquiries you may have. 

Follow Us Our Social Media to Stay Up-to-Date With All our Upcoming Events and Workshops!
Twitter: @BrockCareerZone
Instagram: @brockcareerzone 
 
Written by Angelina Shtramel, Goodman Career Assistant
Edited by Kara Renaud, Supervisor of Career Education, CCEE Department

4 Tips for Social Media in Job Search

Some may beg to differ, but social media is great. It's prominent in this generation and allows us to connect with friends, family members, and other individuals all around the world. There are plenty of benefits to having these outlet and if used properly, social media can be incredibly useful for job searching. Here are 4 tips to enhance and protect your online presence:

1) Have "The Talk" With Your Friends
I get it. You've had some crazy nights out and maybe you didn't realize that your friends were documenting your shenanigans. You take a look online the morning after and see you're tagged in 8 different posts. You figure that employers won't see, so you assume it won't matter, right? WRONG. Don't let it slide. Any pictures online that were not uploaded by you CAN be deleted. Kindly ask your friend to remove the picture, untag yourself, or report the content if needed. Employers spend a lot of time online looking up current or future employees, don't jeopardize possible opportunities.

2) Keep it Consistent
There are so many social media platforms, and the number seems to only be going up. Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more, it's easy to keep each channel different. Instead, try to keep it as consistent as possible. From your profile picture, to the actual content you share. This will give employers a general idea of your background, interests and values.

3) NO TRASH TALK ALLOWED
Never, I repeat, NEVER, bash employers,coworkers or organizations on social media. Even if you no longer work there or with that person, posting disrespectful or threatening messages about an individual or company could land you in a lot of trouble.


4) Put the Effort in
Up-keeping your social media channels takes time, and that's okay. It's taken me a year to get to "All-star" on LinkedIn, and I'm still constantly updating it in order to improve my online presence. This is important to do on all of your platforms. Dedicate some time to look through pictures or posts you're tagged in or have uploaded, and decide what is appropriate to keep and what can be deleted. Have a social media clean up. That includes getting rid of friends or followers that might need to go. Take the time and put the effort in to market yourself as best as you can to possible employers.

Lydia Collins

Senior Career Assistant 

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

Creating a Personal Brand on Social Media

Social media can be a great tool for individuals looking for employment no matter what position they are currently in. Websites such as LinkedIn have been developed as a professional social network, however, people may be surprised to hear that Facebook and Twitter can also be used to find employment. Marketing on social media can sometimes be hard, especially for the younger generations where it is a habit to use these sites for personal reasons. Here are some tips to find a job on social media:

1. LinkedIn: One of the good things about LinkedIn is that there is no page limit. This means individuals can add all things they find relevant and avoids the process of eliminating some experiences. It also means you can include as many recommendations from colleagues or previous employers to expand on your descriptions of your experiences. You can also include all of your relevant work experience and skills you've developed. Finally, make sure you are active, make meaningful connections and join relevant groups. Engagement shows employers your dedication and enthusiasm for the job search.

2. Twitter: Your Twitter bio should outline your general interests, your current position and the field you are working in. If you are actively seeking a job make sure to follow companies you are interested in and influential users in your field. Finally, use hashtags, retweets and favorites to get noticed by professionals! Just make sure they are relevant and appropriate.

3. Facebook: Work on making your profile professional rather than personal. Begin by untagging or deleting any content that you think is inappropriate and make your profile as private as possible (aside from your employment history, location and professional skills and interests). Look for groups that focus on issues you are interested in and that other professionals in your field making it easier to network. Sometimes you may find job postings in these groups!

In general, make sure to create your own online personal brand. This can help you identify what makes you different and unique about you compared to everyone else. Using keywords can help employers who are searching for specific skills find you online. Finally, don't use inappropriate words or statements! This will weaken your personal brand and make you stand out in the wrong way to employers.

Career Services at Brock University has tons of resources on social networking for career success including books, handouts and magazines!

Sarah Mitchinson
Senior Career Assistant

Twitter & Facebook for Job Searching

For many, social media is just a means to keep in touch with friends and family and a way to share photos, jokes, and memories. But for others, social media is also a way to find employment opportunities. From Twitter to Facebook, using social media to job search is not only quick and easy, but it also allows you to tap into the hidden job market to find the opportunities that others don't know about who aren't using social media in this way.

The key factor to utilizing social media to job search is to make the right connections. So, as an example, if you are a psychology major like myself, liking or following the American Psychological Association (APA) could lead to knowing about job opportunities within that association. This goes for almost every area of interest or expertise; there will always be an association you can like or follow in order to stay in the loop with upcoming or current opportunities. Our Degree Exploration Guides are a great resource to help you figure out who to follow within your field. 

There are also more general ways to seek out employment opportunities using social media. Many job search companies and organizations have created pages on social media and post employment opportunities constantly. Here are a few companies and organizations to like and/or follow to help get you started:


Brock Career Services
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brockcareerserv
Twitter: @BrockCareerServ

Indeed
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Indeed?fref=ts
Twitter: @Indeed

Job Bank
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Job-Bank/22724568071?fref=ts
Twitter: @JobBank_GC

Monster
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Monsterca?fref=ts
Twitter: @Monster

Workopolis
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/workopolis?fref=ts
Twitter: @Workopolis

Glassdoor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glassdoor?fref=ts
Twitter: @Glassdoor

Before you know it, your news feed will be full of job opportunities! Just remember that if you utilize social media for job searching, you'll want to make sure that all the content available about yourself is professional. Read last weeks blog for some tips on how to clean up your social media in order to make a good first impression! Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Cleaning Up Your Online Image

Social media has not only changed the way in which we communicate with one another, it has also changed the way in which we look for job opportunities. With more and more employers utilizing platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin, job hunting on these platforms has become easier then ever before. But one more thing has also become easier too: screening applicants! Employers and recruiters often check you out 
the same way you are checking them out. This is why it is important to clean up your social media and/or online image. If right now you're saying "Me? I would never post anything inappropriate for a potential employer to see!", try a simple Google search of you're full name. If anything comes up which you wish hadn't, the content that relates to you on the web, especially via social media, may need a cleaning more so than you initially thought. Here is an easy three step method to cleaning up your on-line image:

Delete Existing Negative Content
Sometimes, this step is easier said than done. If someone else has posted something damaging about you or of you, it may require reaching out to them in order for the content to be removed. But remember: even if your Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin profile is riddled with inappropriate unprofessional content, there is always the option to delete the account entirely and start from scratch. Although this means you are losing contacts, it may be the best way to re-brand yourself entirely, as well as help you to make wiser decisions about who you decide to network with in the future.

Create New Content
Once all that negative content is gone, start filling up you're social media and professional profiles with positive content. Whether it be work related, school related, or even nice weather related, maintaining positive content is key in order to successfully re-brand yourself and in order to squash all that preexisting negative content. As already mentioned, you may need to start you're Twitter, Facebook, or Linkedin profile from scratch; but no worries! Re-branding yourself takes time but will be worth it in the end when recruiters start to call and e-mail you with job opportunities!

Ensure Consistent Maintenance 
Now that you have re-established yourself online, be consistent and try and maintain you're newly created online image! Ensure that all you're online content is in line with both personal and career related goals and also follow, friend, or link with fellow professionals in your field or sector. Another great tip is to utilize advanced settings and filters so you can control what others can post about you as well as control who can see you're content and who can post content linked to you're name or profile.

So now that you've got a squeaky clean online presence, you can now confidently share you're Linkedin URL under "Contact Info" on a resume or add that Twitter handle to you're business card knowing that you're image online is a positive reflection of what you have to offer employers and recruiters. If you'd like more tips, check out "Find a Job Through Social Networking: Use Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and More to Advance Your Career" by Diane Crompton and Ellen Sautter, a book you can find here at the Resource Centre! Thanks for reading!

Scarlet Stark
Career Assistant
Psychology Major

Being Social Media Savvy

Your online presence in relation to today's job market can have a critical impact how people perceive you. Social media has become a part of a lot of things we do in life. We share some of our most important events, share photos of our lives, and lastly use it as a form of communication to people all around the world. Whether you currently use your social media platforms to your career advantage or not, you certainly have a presence.

If you are looking to make the most out of your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and other social media pages, you have come to the right article. It feels amazing to be confident online with the content and information you share, so much so you might even include a link to your social media pages on your resume or in your career portfolio! The following are 5 tips to help you become savvy and resourceful online:

1) Have inspiration:

Have you ever seen a social media page that has blown you away? You suddenly seem to know everything about the person, and they seem extremely professional in the way they showcase themselves. The first tip is to seek out inspiring pages that you could see yourself producing to enhance your career. There are thousands of people today who are not only using social media for their career advantage, but also actually making money from there social media platforms, why not try it yourself?

2) Be consistent in your personal brand:

Your personal brand is extremely important when constructing your social media pages. You want to make sure you are posting about the same content (for example, if you are in the Education field, you want to post about related resources, articles, webpages etc. You will not however want to post about Business, since that is not who you are.

3) Stay active:

Staying active are your accounts attracts people to keep an eye on your pages. You can also learn a lot about your field by looking for things to write or repost about! Along with this, make sure you Retweet, Follow, and Like influential organizations in your field.

4) Appearance:

This is a given... but you want all your social media pages to be free of unprofessional or inappropriate material. If that means deleting an account and starting a new one, it may be the best option for you instead of going through all your material.  

5) Know your social media platform:

This is my last tip for you. Knowing your social media platform and how people use it is the most powerful knowledge you can have when marketing and highlighting yourself online. There are many different platforms that support so many different ways of marketing. Between hashtags, tagging, liking, tweeting, reposting, and other social media actions, you want to learn the ones that best help you on that platform. Click here for info on a wide range of platforms from the 60 Second Marketer!


Alysha-Lynn Kooter, Senior Career Assistant, 3rd Year Visual Arts and Education, Brock University

Protecting and Promoting Yourself Through Social Media

Employers (Current and Future) Are Watching You

As much of a 'Big Brother' statement as this is we are living in a very technologically dependent to
get an inside look at their lives outside of work. This could ultimately make or break whether or not you get hired. A potential employee could have all of the required qualifications for a position but if their online presence shows unpredictable, unprofessional, and unreliable qualities then the job would be offered to someone else. Because of this, it is crucial that we all stay on top of our online presences by ensuring that what we post on our social media profiles is information that we don't mind future employers seeing about us. The fact of the matter is that many employers now Google candidates in order to determine whether or not they are reliable and live up to the expectations set by their resume.

And don't think that you are safe to post what you want after you have been hired. Check our this list on Business Insider which highlights 17 different individuals who were fired for content that the posted on their Facebook walls. We may feel that this is an invasion of privacy but employers can access sensitive information if you make it available in a public forum such as the internet. In the end, if posting pictures of last night's binge drinking is more important to you than keeping your job, that's ultimately your own choice.

Keepin' it Classy: Using Social Media to Promote Yourself

Don't worry, it isn't all terrible! Social media can actually be a fantastic way to promote yourself online and reach out to a world of employment opportunities. The following are some tips for ensuring that your social media presence reflects the best (not worst!) of who you are and what you have to offer.

When posting anything on Facebook and Twitter ask yourself the questions: "would I mind if a future/current employer saw this?" If the answer is "no" or you are uncertain then its highly recommended that you avoid a terrible situation and refrain from posting that content online. Instead, use Facebook and Twitter as a means of promoting your job search to your friends and behaving in a mature and dignified way. Do no engage in arguments and avoid using profane language. Your ability to compose yourself online will speak volumes to an employer. If  you have a personal or company blog then posting this information on Facebook and Twitter is also a great way to promote yourself to your social network.

LinkedIn is currently a trendy social media platform in the professional world which is designed specifically to help you promote yourself to future employers online. Set-up like an online resume, LinkedIn allows you to input your educational, work, and volunteer experiences while also highlighting projects you have been a part of and awards that you have received. Creating a LinkedIn profile is important for keeping a professional online presence since it is the ultimate way to connect with future employers and stay connected with past ones.

Customizing your online presence is especially easy through the maintenance of your own personal blog. Do you have a hobby or a skill that you think would be worth promoting to the world? Or do you (like me!) just love to write? Employers who Google you might just get the opportunity to sift through your blog if you decide to take the time to maintain your own little piece of the internet. This isn't for everyone, of course, but its still a fun way to make your presence in online world known!

Google Yourself!

Curious to see what employers have access to? Try Googling your own name to see what comes up. You might be surprised how much information about yourself is publicly available. Always ask yourself if what you see will deter or attract a future employer. The internet is amazing place to advertise yourself to a world of employment opportunities so be sure your online presence is a positive experience that properly reflects the professional side of your life. Take the time to clean up your own Google search - you'll be glad you did! If you see something you don't like at least you'll catch it before a potential employer stumbles upon it! :)

Happy Promoting!

Ashley Paolozzi, Lead Career Assistant
4th Year History of Art (Honours) 

Applying Online? Stay Classy!

Job search has made a swift transition from applying to ads in the paper to finding positions by the click of a button online. This has made job search a lot easier, hasn't it? We are able to search for the perfect job just be visiting a site like Indeed.com or Eluta.ca and type in our location and desired job title and voila, 20 hits! And even better, you can visit the employer websites in a cinch to do that important research for tailoring your resume and cover letter, as well as for preparing for the interview.... that is if you get it. If. Because while there are thousand and thousands of jobs featured online, 85% of jobs are not. Don't believe me? Have you have thought about how those 20 perfect jobs you applied for online might also be perfect for somebody else? And by somebody else I mean somebodies -  many of them. Think of all of the people job searching online, just like you, applying to the same 20 jobs. All of the sudden 20 doesn't seem like many at all....

BUT, that does not mean you are at a disadvantage! In fact, by reading this you are ahead of the game! This blog goes over some handy tips to consider for maximizing your online job search techniques, as well as your online presence!

1. Don't apply to all 20 jobs. Take the time to read through each posting carefully, considering how and if your skills coincide. It's better to spend time on 5 job applications than to blindly to 20.

2. Be formal. It is the tendency to be more casual online because you're not face to face in your encounters (usually). Consider the first email sent to an employer with your job application attached your handshake. Always introduce yourself the way you would in person - this is your first impression, and that is a lot more difficult to make over the computer!

3. Follow directions when preparing the email. Often employers will indicate what they would like you to put in the header of the email when you apply to the job, but if they do not the best best is to identify your name and the position for which you are applying. (ex. Brittany Stewart - Application for Sr. Career Assistant). It is important to be clear and to also follow directions - you are telling a lot about yourself already just by preparing this email!

4. Can't sign the cover letter? Add an electronic signature. Because you cannot sign your cover letter when sending it online, it is still important to be formal and use a loopy font as a signature in its place. You may also choose to scan your signature right onto the computer for copying and pasting, whatever you choose!

5. Edit the email. One benefit to applying online is that you get a chance to edit your first impression again and again, something you never get to do "irl" (in real life, bad joke?)


These might seem straight forward and basic, but you'd be surprised at how many applications get trashed just for missing something like this! There is a lot more to professional etiquette online than these five tips so feel free to comment here if you have a question, or come on in to the Career Resource Centre between 9 and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday!

Happy searching,

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant

Using Time Wisely: Networking Over the Holidays!

Are you all done exams/assignments and have nothing to do? Of course you're enjoying your free time after a crazy final month of the semester, catching up on much needed and overdue sleep. Maybe you're seeing your friends, family, and other loved ones. Or maybe you're like me and diving into a good book that you've been meaning to read since now you've got the time! But there are lots of other productive things we could all be doing over the holiday break and one of them is networking!

You might be asking, "what does she mean? I'm going to be spending the month cuddled on my couch watching Holiday Movies for the next two weeks, with odd Holiday Parties and dinners to attend. How could I possibly network?" WELL, you don't have to change that!  I'm going to give you some suggestions for how to network while doing all of the regular things you normally do over the holidays anyway! Don't believe me? Keep reading....

1. Holiday Parties: Tell EVERYONE what you do.  You know those awkward conversations you always seem to have at holiday parties where you cannot wait to inch away AS SOON AS the conversation slows or someone breaks eye contact? Use them to your advantage! Figure out who is going to be at these parties and make sure you rub elbows with those who you think you can benefit from talking to career wise! Even people you don't know - you never know who THEY know! Talk to  these people about what you're currently doing, what you hope to do and what your plan of action is - make an impression! Who knows what opportunities they might know about or even offer to you!

2. Holiday Greeting Cards: Send a Quick Update!  Save the generic holiday greeting for passing people at the mall - in YOUR holiday greeting cards make sure to update everyone on what you've been up to and encourage people to respond with the same! By updating others and finding out what they're doing in return, you'll have an opportunity to hear about new fields of interest and also consider where you might fit into someone else's plans right now.

3. Social Media: Catch up on Facebook! Go ahead and reactivate your Facebook account now that exams are over, we all know you want to. Take the time to see what everyone has been up to in the world of Facebook and Social Media in general (Twitter, Linkedin)! Did somebody update their job title? Any statuses about new opportunities or work promotions? Now's your chance to send out your congratulations and ask your friends/acquintances about how they got where they are! You never know what kinds of tips you might recieve! Who knew lurking could be so productive afterall? ;)

And in the meantime, now is your chance to also update your career documents so they are ready for whatever opportunities might come your way. In all seriousness, there are lots of people off work right now and very few people looking for employment - take this opportunity to be on the top of everybody's list of hires when they get back to work!  My advice - be ready!

Also, feel free to come by the Career Resource Centre to talk to us further about job searching and networking over the holidays! We can review your cover letter or resume in just 15 minutes! Open 9-4pm this month, Monday to Friday until the 21st, open again on January 2nd and regular hours beginning January 7th! A good reason to get up off the couch! :P

Happy Networking and see you soon!

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant

SMART FINISH 2013!

Graduating this school year (or next)? Anticipating further education or entry into the work force? Wondering what your next steps after graduation are? Well then don't miss out on this year's SMART FINISH 2013! From seminars on further education, to building a network, using social media in job search and useful strategies for paying back your OSAP, this conference has everything you need to finish your degree smart!

When? Saturday, January 19th, 2013
Time? 8:30-4:30pm
Cost? $20! with lunch provided :)
How to Register? Career Zone!

This event was a huge success last year so make sure to mark it on your calendar! Spaces fill up fast so keep an eye on Career Zone for the registration date! If you have any questions for how to prepare or what to expect, feel free to drop by the Career Resource Centre from 9-4:30pm, Monday to Friday and any of the Career Assistants would be happy to help you out!

See you soon!

Brittany
Sr. Career Assistant

Tips for Introverts on Networking

So you're a little shy. Maybe you like to keep to yourself sometimes. You're an introvert - and that's okay!! Your skills and accomplishments are just as important as everyone else's. It also means that you, as a student or potential job-seeker, need to learn the ropes of networking!

Never fear, Career Services is here!

As an introvert myself I've learned that successful networking is beneficial to both my personal and professional goals - I've learned to be more confident and clear when explaining my past experiences and have also learned to take more initiative in setting up a networking experience. It's amazing how the more you practice, the more comfortable you are in speaking to and/or meeting with professionals!

Here are a couple tips for my introverted friends out there:

• Remember those things called Information Interviews? They're a great way to network one-on-one with professionals who are in your current position of interest. These are less intimidating situations that can allow you to obtain great information from a professional. They can happen in-person or over the phone. A great stepping stone to other forms of networking!
• Do your research before attending networking events or meeting with employers. If you feel more comfortable with your knowledge on the company, you'll feel better about getting up to approach professionals or other people within a networking setting.
• Know yourself! If you're confident about your skills and abilities, talking about them with others will come a lot more naturally.
• Practice, practice practice. Not sure about your interview skills or how you would answer certain questions that employers may ask you? Try your hand at Interview Stream to perfect responses to a variety of questions you may come into contact with.
• Update your online profile(s). Yes - that means twitter, your blog, LinkedIn, and even facebook. Make sure your social networking sites that are meant to be private stay private, and update the rest to reflect your achievements and career goals. A lot of networking nowadays can take place online - so make sure that you maintain a professional online image.

Bottom line: Always take advantage of networking opportunities regardless of your comfort level!

Make sure to stop by Career Services if you have any questions or would like to go over some more networking strategies.

- Lia

Talent Egg Services - Register Today!

As a Career Resource Centre located in a University setting, we get a lot of inquiries that have to do with finding work for students. Specifically, we find many students are wondering where they can find work that fits their entry-level, fresh-out-of-school qualifications.

Well, do we have a resource for you.

Say hello to TalentEgg.ca, a website dedicated to helping students jump-start their career. With a job search tool containing part-time, full-time, and internship opportunities and an online employer directory, TalentEgg is committed to assisting students with their job search both during their studies and after graduation. This website is filled to the brim with tools and information that are so valuable to students, and here are just a few:

• A Further Study tool that can be used to find educational opportunities such as post-graduate certificates and graduate programs across Canada
• Career Guides for many popular industries including Accounting, Healthcare, and Sales & Marketing
• An "Incubator" containing a huge selection of articles and columns on topics such as social media, financing your education, entry-level jobs, etiquette, and networking
• An Events section that advertizes career and employer events & recruitment by province

By registering for free on their website, you can access all of these tools and more!
It's also a good idea to follow TalentEgg on Twitter @TalentEgg or via Facebook. They consistently promote recruitment campaigns and current job postings for new graduates so you never miss an opportunity!


Who says no one is out there to help new grads? Career Services and TalentEgg are definitely on your side. Visit TalentEgg.ca or stop by Career Services for more information.


- Lia

The Right Way to Network

We all know that networking has become a huge part of the modern day job search. Who hasn't heard the phrase that "it's all about who you know"? There is definitely some truth to this - especially with the competitive job market out there. It's crucial that you have a network who can not only provide you with valuable information about your prospective career, but may also be able to inform you about upcoming opportunities.

So what is the right way to network?
Well, here are a few ideas:

• Attend a Networking Event such as a Career Fair, an event hosted by a company/organization you're interested in, or an event held by your Academic Faculty. Our annual Career & Post Graduate Expo is held every November, and is a great way to meet professionals who are in you're field and currently hiring.
• Set up an information interview with a professional who is currently in your career of choice to gain more information about their position and working environment. By being enthusiastic about speaking with them about their career, they will likely keep your name in mind should opportunities arise.
• Utilize social media to your advantage. Be wary that your Twitter and/or your Facebook account may be able to be seen by professionals - so tweak your privacy settings or make your profiles more acceptable for anyone to view. LinkedIn is a great online networking tool that many professionals now use to recruit candidates for open positions, as well as build their professional network. Create and maintain your profile as you would a resume; you never know who you'll end up connecting with!
• Start sharing your career objectives/job search goals with everyone. By getting the word out that you're looking for work in a specific field or that you're interested in a certain occupation, the people you know may be able to connect you with someone who can help you find what you're looking for. Don't underestimate the power of networking!

Remember that networking alone is a great way to connect with employers and learn more about your chosen field, however it must also be done professionally and with the correct etiquette. Stop by the Career Resource Centre for tips and tricks on proper dress, communication etiquette and manners over the phone or by email.

Also try to keep a list or log of the people who you have networked with regarding a job opportunity or career information - you might need to look them up in the future and it will sound a lot better if you have a name on hand!

Good luck, and happy networking!
-Lia

Who's Creeping Your Facebook?

The results are in. The most popular answer to our survey concerning your most addictive social media tool was Facebook. Surprise, surprise.

Regardless of the social media you prefer to use, there are rules and regulations that have to be followed, especially if you are building your online reputation. Facebook is no exception. Unfortunately, some people just don’t understand the permanent nature of the internet. Being careless on Facebook can cost you your job - and you do not want to be that person.

It is no secret that employers use Facebook to research applicants for positions. Vanessa Holmes, the Communication and Talent Coordinator for Innomar Strategies says, “Facebook is no longer just a means of keeping in touch. If an employer wants to research you, the first site they will probably go to is Facebook.” So if you have an account, it is vitally important that your profile is professional and not full of content that would make your grandmother blush. Ensure that you are proactive in removing any questionable pictures or comments made not only by you, but your friends as well.

When commenting on others profiles, keep it positive. Facebook is not a forum for ranting or spreading gossip. If you don’t have something positive to say, don’t say anything at all. Your brand should show that you are engaged in your surroundings. No one wants to be friends with Debbie Downer.

Use your privacy settings! If you feel your profile is a little too personal, start from scratch and make a professional account that is visible to everyone. Vanessa says, “If you are cognoscente of your behavior and take the time to control your privacy, it shows that you care about how the world perceives you and securing your identity.”

Facebook is also a great tool for finding old connections. People don’t like creepers, but if you genuinely know someone who could help you find a job, why not reconnect? Search for networking events to attend and keep on top of companies posting positions through the site.

P.S Did you know that Jack McIsaac has Facebook? I can’t think of a better first “friend” to have on your new professional page. Jack regularly updates with career information, events on campus and job postings from our board.

You can also read more about Facebook on Vanessa’s blog “Facebook Etiquette 101.” It’s definitely something to “like.”

How Loud is Your Tweet?

Welcome to Generation Y, where the early bird still gets the worm or, tweeters get the latest gossip, news and deals. Let’s face it, our world is kickin’ it into high gear and we’re not slowing down any time soon. Twitter delivers the press hot and fresh by the second in a painless 140 characters or less. Days of the tin can and string are over folks. It’s time to join the 21^st century or be left behind.

A lot of people are staying faithful to Facebook because they don’t understand Twitter. I finally made the shift in March and I love it. It takes about a week to get into but once you follow friends, celebs, companies etc and they follow back you’re set!

Just like any presence online, you should maintain a professional image. I would even encourage you to set a theme to your tweets to attract specific people to you. For example, if you are looking for a job involving sports, add athletic associations, clubs, athletes etc to stay in the loop and have your name noticed in the world of sports.

Your twitter username is important because it will be used any time someone wants to mention you or retweet one of your many interesting posts. If you use your real name be professional! Don’t taint your name by tweeting personal matters or being insensitive about world issues. Remember, once something is online it’s there for good. Even if you delete it, who knows how many people already saw it and re-posted elsewhere. Practicing social media etiquette will not only make you a professional avatar, it will also reflect on your personal presence.

Know that you can be as involved in Twitter as you like. Add photos, videos, your current GPS location and hashtag trends on your tweets. The more #swag your tweets have, the more likely it is for them to show up in searches and be viewed by others.

If you’ve only made a Twitter account to keep up with celebs and gossip I’d suggest you make your profile private – protect your tweets. Once that option is checked, your future tweets will not be available to the general public.

If you’re still snuggled in your little egg, hatch already and tweet your heart out! Check out this guidebook if the thought of Twitter has birdies and stars circling your head. AND we have this cool book in the Resource Centre!!! Why I like it: 1. Covers the basics of Twitter, 2. Networking and your brand 3. Job search with Twitter 15 minutes a day. Follow @JackMcIsaac for updates on events, job postings, cool articles and more :D

P.S a social media tip: Tweet after 5pm or during lunch hour to have the most views.


#riseandshine
Samantha Del Duca

LinkedIn: A Professional Network

What happened when you Google’d yourself on Monday?

My professor once asked: if you don’t have an online presence do you really exist? Think about it…more and more companies are moving from our phone books to our browser's favourites list. I tried searching for a pizza company’s phone number the other day – it didn’t come up on Google so I opted for somewhere else. It’s not laziness…it’s convenience. So, when an employer looks at your resume and tries to find you online you want something to pop up, and that something better be professional or they’ll move on too.

Since you’ve already made your Linked In account and joined the GradLINK Network last week, I can go ahead and tell you how to make it snazzy and pro.

Give yourself a title. When the big boss searches your name you want to be associated with your specialization like: Jane Doe – 3D Animator. The user automatically knows Jane’s field and her position without even going to her profile. Go ahead and include your current/past employment with accomplishment statements following it. Just because it's online does not excuse grammatical errors or short points.

Complete every section of your profile and keep it relevant. For example, Jane may include film, video games, drawing, and fantasy novels. Now the viewer knows Jane is probably interested in working in a tv, film or game industry. It may look odd if she included 'shopping-sprees with the gals' though.

Get connected and expand your network. Join groups, ask for recommendations, and include a link to your website, twitter account or portfolio.

Finally, give your profile a friendly face and upload a professional photo of yourself.

Linked In won’t “hook you up” with a job but it will make it easier for you to find the networks that can. Subscribe to the Linked In channel on YouTube for tips on how you can benefit from this networking tool.

More resources at Career Services for you:

• How to Find a Job on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other Social Networks
• Job Search for Graduating Students: GradLINK

Samantha

"Google it"

Have you ever tried to Google your name? No? Well, maybe you should. You might be surprised with the result. With the internet ever present in our lives, sometimes we forget that what goes online stays online. Everything from that angry blog comment to the awkward drunken picture of you taken last Friday night is available for anyone who searches you. Scary, huh?

More and more employers are choosing to Google their potential employees and many do not like what they see. Your online presence is just as important as your day to day one, so portraying yourself in a light that represents the real you is as important as ever.

Having a professional online presence is crucial for anyone starting a new career. People have access to all sorts of information about you, and let’s face it, privacy has pretty much been thrown out the window. Even if you don’t have Facebook or Twitter, people can still post searchable content about you, so your reputation can be damaged by just about anyone.

So what can you do about it? There are a few ways to make sure your online reputation stays professional so your next employer doesn’t run for the hills after hitting “enter”.

• Always make sure your social media accounts are up to date and professional.
• Activate your privacy settings! If you have personal accounts, make sure they are only accessible to those you want to see it.
• Remember, anything that is posted online is there forever. When in doubt, leave it out!
• Set up a Google Alert for your name so you are notified when people post things about you online. This way you can be proactive in managing your online reputation and doing any necessary damage control (we are all human…).

Here is a blog post by Seth Godin on “Personal Branding in the age of Google.” It’s funny because it’s true. So Google your name and see what you find. You might be surprised.