TorontoJobs.ca

THE 7 DEADLY SINS OF HIRING , By Dave Hagel

2012-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

We’ve all been there; you have to fill a position, and it needed to be done yesterday. Any warm body will do, right? Wrong.

Poor hiring decisions mean decreased profits, lost sales, productivity and costumers, increased costs and a decrease in employee morale - costly mistakes for any employer. The average cost of a bad hire is 2.5 times the person’s salary.

If you don’t want to incur unwanted expenses and grief, pay heed to the 7 deadly sins of hiring:

1. Not understanding the job thoroughly

If you don’t fully understand what the position you’re hiring for does, how will you know what to look for? In order to understand the job thoroughly, you need to conduct two types of analyses. A job analysis will not only provide you with detailed information about the duties and responsibilities of the job, it will also identify the key soft and technical skills required to perform the job successfully. It will also tell you what experience, education, attributes and physical skills are needed.

The organizational analysis will provide you with information about the company, its business practices, culture, mission statement and vision. This information will help you determine what type of person will fit the best into your organization.

Once you have this information, you can start writing interview questions that focus on the key skills and attributes needed to be successful on the job.

2. Not developing a comprehensive hiring plan

Prior to conducting your search, it’s critical that you develop a comprehensive, well thought out plan. This plan should spell out the methodology you’ll be using to source candidates and include written interview questions based on the key skills. It will also include the interview format and questioning strategies you’ll be using as well as a mechanism to rate the candidates.

Employers often tell me that they don’t have time to put a plan together. If you’re going to be successful, you need to find the time. It’s a short term investment that will pay huge dividends in the long term. As the saying goes, 10 minutes spent planning will save you one hour in execution.

3. Not having structured interviews with prepared, pertinent questions.

There is nothing worse than an interviewer who likes to “wing it”. The scenario goes like this. The interviewer shows up for the interview late and appears to be harried, harassed and disorganized. The interviewer apologizes, requests a couple of minutes to read the resume and proceeds to develop and ask questions based on whatever comes to mind at the moment.

This type of interview lacks structure and consistently. As well, it may be legally indefensible if the hiring decision is challenged by one or more of the applicants.

In a structured interview, the interviewer has a set of pre-prepared questions that follow a logical progression. The same questions are asked to all candidates, ensuring a consistent approach. It also makes it easier for the interviewer to evaluate the interview answers.

4. Asking illegal questions

Illegal questions can occur in two places: in the interview and on the application form. Usually, they involve matters that are considered to be prohibited grounds of discrimination in provincial human rights codes. They include questions about age, sex, marital status, disability and so on.

The best way to avoid these questions and to stay legal is to visit the website for your province’s human rights commission. Take some time to read up on the issues. Become educated. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable defense.

5. Ineffective listening skills

The Greek philosopher Epiceticus once said: “God has wisely given us 2 ears and one mouth so we may hear twice as much as we speak."

Unfortunately most interviewers don’t practice this philosophy. They spend huge amounts of time talking about the company, the job and themselves and precious little time listening. As a result, they learn very little about the candidate and their ability to perform the job. They have very little upon which to make an educated decision.

Active listening skills are critical to effective interviewing. You need to listen carefully to the answers given so that you can probe for additional information. You need to get a clear picture of the candidate’s skills and abilities. The only way you can do this is by asking questions and listening to the answers.

6. Failing to conduct a realistic job preview

The purpose of the realistic job preview is to provide candidates with accurate information about the job and the organization. This includes providing information on the negatives and positives of working at your organization.

The goal of this exercise is to improve the person and job fit, to allow candidates to opt out if not interested and to prepare them psychologically for the negatives and positives of the job.

The interviewing process is a two-way street. You are evaluating the candidate and the candidate is evaluating you and your organization. If you don’t tell the candidate about the negatives and they join your organization and quickly find out that the job contains a number of things they don’t like or know about, they could quit.

7. Making hiring decisions based on “gut feelings”

This type of decision making is not based on objective criteria, but rather on subjective factors like feelings, stereotypes and biases. This approach is not legally defensible and usually results in a poor hiring decision.

Gut feelings do have a place in the interviewing process. Instead of using them for hiring decisions, use them to ask more questions. If you get a gut feel that something is out of place or wrong, ask a question about it. Don’t let the “gut feeling” go un-answered. Probe into it by asking good opened questions.

Hiring good qualified candidates in today’s marketplace requires a major investment of time and resources. Avoid these 7 deadly sins and you’ll be sure to improve the quality of your hires while at the same time providing a return on your investment.

Building Effective Teams, By Marc Belaiche, C.A.

2012-02-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

Teams can be an extremely effective method for accomplishing goals, motivating employees and problem-solving.

This article covers some tips on how to build effective teams for your organization.

Make sure team members are committed
A team is sure to fail if the members aren’t committed to meeting the objectives of the team. Imagine a hockey team whose players aren’t committed to winning games – the team won’t do well.

Appoint a team leader
Regardless of how strong the individual members of a team might be, it is usually best to appoint one team leader who is accountable for the team achieving its goals and staying focused. Some teams may be effective when the various members share or rotate leadership responsibilities – this will depend on the strength of the members.

Expectations should be clear
What is the objective or purpose of the team? Is there/are there a particular goal(s) to achieve? How will you know if/when those goals are met? Are there ongoing goals or just one goal for the team? Team members should be clear as to the expectations and goals of the team, if/when/how will they be achieved and what happens if/when they are achieved? Does the team continue, does it change or does it disband upon meeting objectives?

Who will team report to?
Is there someone that the team will be accountable to or report to? How often should that reporting happen and in what method?

Budget
Does the team have a dollar or resource budget to help it meet its objectives? If so, who decides the amount and how often is it reported on?

Who are team members
Who decides who will be a team member? Is it based on a certain skill or experience level or on some other criteria? You need to also decide who will create the team and who will decide if/when someone should be removed from the team.

Let team members get to know each other
Teams become more effective the more they trust one another. As such, allow for time for members to get to know one another on a personal and not just professional basis.

Introduce new members
The team leader should introduce any new member to the team, explain the reason(s) why they were added to the team and allow for the new team member to say a few words. Each team member should welcome the new member.

Encourage idea generation
Team leaders should encourage everyone to contribute. Brainstorming exercises should allow for team members to not be shy about generating ideas even if, on the surface, an idea might not be viable. Someone else might take that idea and adjust it to come up with something better. Team leaders should prompt each team member at meetings for ideas.

Acknowledge differences in team members
Each team member will bring different strengths to the table. Differences in team members’ experience, age, education, work ethic, etc. should help the team, not hinder it.

Schedule/Format of the meetings
Agree on the format and timing of the meetings early as well as the length of each meeting. There should be an agenda for each meeting and you should also decide how frequently the teams need to meet. Meeting too frequently or too infrequently can have negative effects on the team.

Team members should be competent
Each member of the team should be competent in the specific skill set that is useful for the team. They should also be experienced enough with the organization to anticipate problems with implementing ideas generated by the team.

Ensure appropriate training
The members of the team should either be already trained in their areas relevant to the group or should be trained before or during their involvement with the team.

Take minutes
Ensure that someone is appointed to take minutes and distribute to team members on a timely basis.

Create sub-groups
If there are too many members on a team or if there are too many inherent projects as part of a bigger objective, it might be better to create subgroups and assign team leaders to each of those sub-groups. Perhaps you may only need the sub-groups meeting regularly and then have the team leaders of the sub-groups meet periodically to share updates instead of having everyone meet all at one time.

Empower the team to make decisions
Give the team the power to make decisions or implement recommendations that come from the team, or make it clear what decisions need to be approved by upper management. Encourage the team to take risks as well as think outside the box to come up with ideas.

Stay focused
Ensure the team stays focused on the objectives. Regularly review what the original purpose of the team was and be flexible to change direction if necessary. The team leader and all members should be responsible for making sure the team stays focused on goals.

Use Technology
Use technology to improve the efficiency of the team. Perhaps meeting virtually such as via skype or using telephone conferencing can be more efficient than trying to get everyone to meet in person. Also, minutes and project updates can be uploaded to your organization’s shared networks so anyone can access at any time, especially if someone missed a meeting.

Reward the team
Team leaders and/or management should reward the team for meeting their objectives or upon reaching certain stages.

Conclusion
When set up and managed properly, teams can be an excellent way to generate ideas to improve organizations or come up with solutions to difficult issues. Make sure to follow the tips noted above to maximize the use of teams.

Marc Belaiche is a 1990 CA and is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an Internet recruitment business and recruiting firm located in the Greater Toronto Area in Canada. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995. TorontoJobs.ca allows companies to post their positions online, search a resume database to find candidates, provides outplacement services and full temporary and permanent recruitment services. It also allows candidates to search and apply to positions directly online and get career, interviewing and resume tips all at no charge. Marc is also President of TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca, an organization geared towards business owners (see www.TorontoEntrepreneurs.ca). You can reach Marc at marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca and check out TorontoJobs.ca at www.TorontoJobs.ca.

Top 5 Things you Should Implement in your Job Search for 2012

2012-01-06T05:59:00.000-08:00

2012 has arrived and with a new year comes new aspirations, new opportunities and new growth in many areas of both your personal and workplace life. It's time to evaluate your current career objectives, whether you are currently working, or seeking full or part-time employment. 2012 is set to be a growth year for positions in many industries throughout the Greater Toronto Area and now is a great time to take a closer look at your current "work-life" balance and find ways to improve your life both personally and professionally.

Our Top 5 Job Search Tips Include:

1. Create Professional Profiles on Social Networking Sites: Social Networking has exploded over the last few years. Many Recruiters are now using social networking sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to recruit, network and to also do background checks on current candidates they may be interviewing. Social networking sites are a great way to follow and track company profiles. Following companies that you want to work for might increase your chances of being visible and being one of the first candidates to see their current openings.

2. Set Realistic Goals for 2012: Write down a one year plan which should include goals, how these goals will be achieved and how often successes and progress will be tracked (should be every 2-3 months). Setting goals will not only keep your focus but will also increase self esteem and confidence as goals are achieved.

3. Develop a “Plan B”: Always keep the idea that “anything can happen” in the back of your mind. With uncertainty in the employment industry over the past few years it’s a good idea to be prepared. Get your resume up-to-date and have family members or friends review the document for accuracy, ramp up your networking, practice your elevator speech, research common interview questions, and apply to companies that you would like to work for even if they aren’t hiring.

4. Focus on Developing your Professional Network: Most career changes are as a result of networking. It’s a proven statistic that approximately 80% of jobs are found through who you know. Keep in touch with old friends and family members as you never know who might be able to help you down the road in your job search. Joining associations within your field will also allow you to develop relationships and gain contacts within your line of expertise.

5. Develop a Proactive Approach for Development: This might mean spending less time on personal activities such as shopping and hanging out with friends and spending more time on developing new skills, acquiring knowledge by participating in assignments (personal or professional), volunteering and reading industry related books and news articles.

www.TorontoJobs.ca

2011-12-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

10 Ways to Avoid Being “The Talk of the Water Cooler” at the Holiday Office Party

2011-12-06T06:50:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release: December 6th, 2011

10 Ways to Avoid Being “The Talk of the Water Cooler” at the Holiday Office Party

December 6th, 2011 – TORONTO, ON – 'Tis the Season' for Holiday Parties! As we all know there is always that one employee who stands out from the crowd and behaves completely inappropriately at the annual Holiday Party. We have all heard tips of “How Not to Behave” hundreds of times before, however according to the statistics below, company staff still aren’t listening to sound advice to stay out of trouble.

A recent survey of Office Holiday Party Goers, conducted by TorontoJobs.ca found that:

• 79% of party attendees have witnessed extreme cases of intoxication by co-workers
• 67% observed co-workers inappropriately dressed for the occasion
• 63% of party goers observed unsuitable behavior (co-workers flirting, associate verbal fights, etc.)

Given the stats, TorontoJobs.ca felt it was necessary to emphasize appropriate behaviour. Our top 10 tips include:

1. Show up. Don’t pass up the invitation to the annual Holiday Party; not attending could hurt your reputation.

2. Dress appropriately. Remember this is a Holiday Party and work function not a Saturday night club outing with friends.

3. Drink in moderation. 1-2 drinks at maximum. Excessive drinking could be cause for future complications within the workplace.

4. Absolutely no gossiping about other co-workers – you never know who is listening. Keep in mind that with the evolution of social networking; news travels fast!

5. Create a conversation that doesn’t involve business. Research current news and show your co-workers you have a life outside of the office.

6. Don’t flirt. An office party is the #1 time NOT to try and swing a date with the girl from Accounting or the guy from Sales.

7. Watch your language. More people than you think take offense to profane language.

8. Eat carefully. Nothing screams unprofessional like shrimp sauce on your shirt.

9. Avoid controversial topics such as politics and religion.

10. Don’t overstay your welcome. Arrive shortly after the start time and mingle but don’t overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours of the night.

TorontoJobs.ca is a full-service recruitment organization, including TorontoJobs.ca Online Job Board, Recruitment Division and Outplacement Services. The local focus and advanced features make TorontoJobs.ca a vital asset for both job seekers and employers within the Greater Toronto Area.

Tips to Consider When Pursuing an Inter-Office Romance

2011-02-11T08:58:00.000-08:00

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. With approximately 2/3 of one’s day being spent at work it’s only natural that relationships will develop within the workplace. Working with others to successfully complete projects, taking lunch breaks together and working in a close environment on a regular basis are definite ways to assist in the development of sparks!

TorontoJobs.ca recently polled over 100 Employees throughout the GTA and found that over 26% of those surveyed have admitted to have had or are currently engaged in an office romance with a co-worker.

Given this statistic, we at TorontoJobs.ca felt that we should share our top tips to consider when pursuing an office romance:

1. Investigate Company Policies: It’s a good idea to find out what the organization’s take is on inter-office dating before jumping into a relationship with a co-worker. If the connection is serious it’s a good idea to let your boss know before they find out by way of the “water cooler gossip”.

2. “Breaking up is Hard to Do”: Dating a co-worker or boss might seem like a great idea at first, however, think about the repercussions if the relationship ends in failure. Entering into a relationship with someone you work with that ends on a sour note could lead to awkward boardroom meetings and tension in the workplace.

3. Do your Research: You may work with your colleague but how much do you know about them outside of work? It’s a good idea to do some research on your potential “love interest” to ensure they aren’t married with children or living a secret life you may not know about.

4. Play it Safe: Starting a relationship with a co-worker may have to be kept a secret. Between the hours of 9-5 be prepared to act as if nothing is happening between each other. Avoid intimate contact and make sure guidelines are set up front to ensure you are both on the same page to ensure that problems don’t arise that may affect your job.

5. Keep Social Networking in Mind: In today’s society information travels fast. Ensure that your professional and personal profiles are kept separately on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking tools. You never know who might be connected to you that could break the silence of your new relationship.

Top 5 Things you Should Implement in your Job Search for 2011

2010-12-22T08:26:00.000-08:00

The New Year is fast approaching and with a new year comes new aspirations, new opportunities and new growth in many areas of both your personal and workplace life. It's time to evaluate your current career objectives, whether you are currently working, or seeking full or part-time employment. 2011 is set to be a growth year for positions in many industries throughout the Greater Toronto Area and now is a great time to take a closer look at your current "work-life" balance and find ways to improve your life both personally and professionally.

1. Set Realistic Goals for 2011: Create a one year career plan for yourself. Your plan should include your career goals and how you are going to achieve them over the next year. Be sure to note how, and how often you will track/measure your successes (should be every 2-3 months). For example, you could set the goal of attending at least 2 networking events per month, and/or to apply to 5 - 10 positions you are qualified for per month. Be sure to follow your goals all the way through. Simply submitting a resume for 10 different positions is not the end of the application process. Doing a full job application includes following up with the company after applying as well! By setting attainable goals you will increase your self-esteem as you begin to recognize the competence you hold in achieving the goals you have set.

2. Have a Clear Direction: The basis to any successful job search starts with a clear direction. What is your ideal job or career? Use your interests, education, and experience to determine the direction you would like to go career-wise. After determining your direction you should be able to answer the question, "what type of position are you looking for" in a specific, and concise manner. Having a clear direction will help you perform a more thorough and successful job search with more rewarding and suitable results.

3. Create Professional Profiles on Social Networking Sites: Social Networking has exploded over the last two years. Facebook, alone, has over 500 million active users worldwide. LinkedIn, has 85 million. Recruiters are now, more than ever, using social networking sites to recruit, network and to also do background checks on current candidates they may be interviewing. Take advantage of this opportunity! Create professional, complimentary profiles for yourself, highlighting your qualifications and successes, and stay active on each site. Join groups, participate in discussions and following companies that you want to work for. This will increase your chances of being visible, and will help you be one of the first candidates to see their current openings.

4. Brand Yourself: Branding yourself is important, especially when you're visible on social networking sites where your "brand" will be on display. Branding yourself will set you apart, which can help you get noticed in the job market. Make a list of what you personally and professionally represent, and learn how to express what's different about you. This could mean putting a personal brand statement on your resume stating who you are and what audience you serve, or creating a dynamic summary incorporating your personal brand statement on your LinkedIn summary or other social networking profiles. Remember to stay genuine, clear and consistent, and your brand will help you stand out in the crowd.

5. Stay Positive: Searching for employment is a difficult task -it can become a fulltime job in itself. While this may be trying on your attitude and at times, you may feel down about the whole process, it's important to try and stay positive throughout your search. Not only will a positive attitude keep you in a better, more confident state of mind, but you will also portray yourself to employers in a better light. There is nothing recruiters like less than desperate, pushy and rude job seekers who will "do anything" for a job. Keep a smile on your face, and a clear direction in your search.

10 Tips to Survive your Holiday Office Party

2010-12-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

10 Tips to Survive your Holiday Office Party

“Tis the Season for Holiday Parties!” As we all know, without fail, there is always that one co-worker that stands out from the crowd and behaves completely inappropriately at the annual Holiday Party.

We have all heard tips of “How Not to Behave” hundreds of times before, however, according to the statistics below, company staff still aren’t listening to sound advice to avoid future repercussions.

A recent survey of Office Holiday Party Goers conducted by TorontoJobs.ca found that 70% of Party Attendees have observed unsuitable behavior at their Office Holiday Party such as flirting, inappropriate dress and intoxication.

Given the stats, TorontoJobs.ca felt it was necessary to emphasize appropriate manners to ensure employees are on their best behaviour this holiday season.

Our Top 10 Tips Include:

Show Up: Don’t pass up the opportunity to attend the company Holiday party. Not attending could give the impression that co-workers and the organization have no bearing on your life past your 9-5 work day.

Put the Blackberry Away: There is nothing worse than having a conversation with someone and in mid-sentence they pull out their blackberry and start texting or tweeting. Respect your co-workers and leave the tweeting until you get home.

Dress Appropriately: Remember that this is a work party not a Saturday night outing with your personal network. Stay away from short skirts, muscle shirts and visible undergarments!

Don’t Flirt: This point, though pounded into employees brains, still seems to slip some people’s minds when the Holiday Party rolls around. Yes, Samantha’s booty may look rockin’ in that dress, but it’s probably best for your career to keep that thought and your hands to yourself.

Absolutely NO Gossiping: You never know who is listening to your conversations and how what you say could affect your future career. Keep in mind that with the evolution of social networking, news travels fast.

Don’t Talk Strictly Business: If you shoptalk all night, there will be one word going around the office to describe you: SNORE! Research current news and show your co-workers you have a life outside the office.

Drink in Moderation: 1-2 drinks maximum! Make a pact with a trusted colleague that you will monitor each other’s alcohol intake for the evening and keep in mind that excessive drinking could cause future complications in the workplace.

Don’t Overstay your Welcome: Ensure to check the invitation for event times before attending. If the party ends at 11:00pm, don’t try and keep the party going by broadcasting the songs you have downloaded to your IPHONE. Arrive shortly after the start time and leave when the majority of the other guests decide to pack it in.

Mingle: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about those you spend the majority of your time with. Maybe Tim in Accounting shares a common interest of playing tennis in his spare time or maybe Renee in Human Resources has children your age.

Eat Carefully: Nothing screams unprofessional like shrimp sauce on your shirt! We suggest bringing a change of clothes just in case!

The Toronto Career Fair - October 29th, 2010

2010-10-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

THE TORONTO CAREER FAIR (TorontoJobs.ca & Toronto Argonauts)
"We're Putting Toronto Back to Work"

Date: Friday, October 29th, 2010
Time: 1:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Rogers Centre, Windows, Northwest corner of Rogers Centre between Gate 13 and the hotel entrance

FREE FOR JOB SEEKERS!

Join "TorontoJobs.ca" and "Toronto Argonauts"
at their Up Coming Career Fair!

Enjoy face-to-face networking with some of the top Employers in the GTA, have your resume professionally reviewed and enjoy an amazing view of Rogers Centre Field! Great Argos game tickets available for purchase on site.

Network with our current exhibitors, including:

Complete our online pre-registration form for
advanced entry to ensure no line-ups! www.TorontoJobs.ca/registration

We look forward to helping you score a
touchdown with your next career!

The Top 5 Worst Questions to Ask your Potential Employer

2010-09-10T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Top 5 Worst Questions to Ask your Potential Employer

Labor Day weekend is officially over, summer has come to an end and it’s now time to start that dreadful job hunt after months of fun in the sun. According to a recent survey by TorontoJobs.ca, 35% of employers do the majority of their hiring in the fall months.

With the economy in a growth stage, many employers have lifted their “hiring freeze” and are looking to source “the perfect candidate” and the interview process is the “make or break” stage of their hiring procedure. The interview is the deciding factor of whether or not a candidate demonstrates key communication skills and shows the employer how well this potential hire will fit into the company culture.

TorontoJobs.ca has conducted 1000’s of interviews over the years and has repeatedly seen the same mistakes being made during the interview process that have caused the candidate to be eliminated from being hired. From these interviews, we have created the top five questions you should never ask your interviewer…

The Top Five Include:

1. Don’t start the interview with the question “What is the Salary of the Position.”. Ask questions about the company and the position requirements before you start into questions about how YOU will benefit. Companies are looking to hire candidates that express an interest in the organization and want to be team players rather than candidates that are concerned with “What’s in it for me?”

2. “Can I work from home 2-3 days a week to save daycare costs?” The initial posting would have stated if this was a flexible or work from home position. Starting the position and gaining some credibility within the workplace would be a good idea before asking for additional perks.

3. “How long are your Lunch Breaks?” This question screams that you are more concerned about taking breaks and having free time as opposed to working. There are Employment Standards that companies MUST follow in terms of breaks throughout the work day. If you aren’t sure about the procedures check http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/ rather than asking your potential employer.

4. Will I be Required to Work Overtime? Rather than directly asking the interviewer about the overtime policy, it might be a good idea to ask more probing questions to get an idea of what the workload for the position will be. “What are the day-to-day expectations?” is a much better way to get an idea whether overtime will be required.

5. “What are your interoffice dating policies?” Going to an interview should be for the sole purpose of finding a job, not finding a date. If a love interest should develop once you are working within the organization that would be the ideal time to review the company’s policies on interoffice dating.

The Top 5 “Must-Ask” Questions:

- What are the short and long term goals of the company and how does this role fit into these?
- What are the three main qualities you are looking for in a candidate for this position?
- What is a typical day like for someone in this role?
- Where do you see the company in the next 5-10 years?
- What are the next steps in the interview process?

G20 Summit: Forced to Work from Home?

2010-06-21T11:44:00.001-07:00

G20 Summit: Forced to Work from Home?

With the G20 Summit happening in Toronto this week, there has been controversy stirring over the fact that many businesses will be closing their doors to employees for security reasons forcing them to work from home for a day or more.

Over 10% of Canada’s population is now working from home on a part-time or full-time basis according to the Canadian Telework Association. With technology advancing each day, telecommuting has become easier and more efficient than ever. With the right equipment and dedication to the organization, telecommuting increases work-life balance, creates cost savings and sustains personal flexibility and freedom.

So how can you stay productive and get the job done through telecommuting? TorontoJobs.ca has produced a list of our top ten things you can do if you work from home this week:

The Top Ten Include:

1. Start your morning with an enjoyable task to help build momentum for the day

2. Get up and get dressed as if you were going to your 9-5 job

3. Work off a to-do list

4. Leave the house for a scheduled lunch hour

5. Set-up any scheduled appointments early in the morning or late in the afternoon

6. Define your workspace; separate from your living space

7. Set boundaries with your family and friends

8. Set up conference calls with your co-workers and/or be available online

9. Stay focused – don’t get distracted with things going on around you

10. Stick to a schedule

Ignite your Job Search Career Development Sessions - July 22nd, 2010

2010-06-14T08:57:00.001-07:00

Searching for a Job? Need Job Search Strategies? Attend our Full Day Career Development Sessions to:

- Attend presentations and workshops given by Career Experts in resume writing, interview techniques and networking
- Receive resume tips and have your resume professionally reviewed
- Take part in networking opportunities

For additional information and full event schedule please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=22291

COST:
Pre-Register to Reserve your Seat!

$39.95 in Advance (Early Bird Rate until July 14th, 2010)
$49.95 at the Door

Free Parking | Light Refreshments & Snacks will be Provided

To Register or for more information please call (905) 566-5627 or email presentations@TorontoJobs.ca

Top 10 Avoidable Resume Slip-Ups

2010-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

At TorontoJobs.ca, our Recruitment Division reviews 1000’s of resumes each year. Of those resumes, nearly 30% have major errors that can cost applicants the possibility of being called in for an interview.

After reviewing these “blunders”, the staff at TorontoJobs.ca has come up with a list of the most common resume mistakes we have viewed over the past year. What “NOT” to do includes:

1. Having an Unprofessional Email Address - Most companies aren’t seeking a sexykitten69@email.com.

2. Spelling Mistakes – Avoid having your resume meet the garbage can by making spell check your best friend.

3. Typos – Spell check won’t catch it, but there is a big difference between “worked many sh*ts" and "worked many shifts.” Make sure to proofread.

4. Listing Inappropriate Activities in the ‘Hobbies and Interests’ Section – Partying is not a hobby that equates to a hardworking individual.

5. Adding Inappropriate Personal Information – Pictures, Social Insurance Numbers, and marital status’, are neither something employers need or want to see on a resume.

6. Missing Contact Information – Employers aren’t going to hunt you down if you forget to put your contact information in your resume. Make sure to include both your phone number and email address.

7. Formatting Errors – Smiley faces as bullet points...enough said.

8. Using an Unusual Font – Cursive font may look fancy, but does not look professional. Resumes should be written in a commonly used font such as Arial or Times New Roman.

9. Overuse of a Thesaurus – While using a thesaurus may aid in expanding your vocabulary, ‘Supported the Manager’ and ‘Buttressed the Manager’ have two very different meanings. Be careful with your use of synonyms.

10. Using Industry or Company Jargon – While you may think it makes you look like an expert, Human Resource Professionals, Recruiters, and Hiring Managers may not know the jargon from your previous positions, so leave it out.

Resume slip-ups, such as the ones listed above, seriously hinder a job seeker’s chances of getting a job. To avoid such unfortunate mistakes, the rule of thumb is proofread, proofread, proofread, and when you’re done proofreading, get someone else to proofread. Sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to catch what you didn’t.

Top 5 Signs of Burn-Out within the Workplace and How to Cope

2010-03-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

In todays economic climate, going above and beyond at work by taking on extra roles or working longer hours can often mean the difference between an employee retaining his or her job and being laid off.

After surveying more than 200 job seekers throughout the GTA, TorontoJobs.ca found that over 26% of respondents have been forced to work extended hours and have been experiencing increased responsibility without seeing an increase in pay.

Being overstressed for a prolonged period of time is detrimental to employees and can lead to what is known as Burnout. TorontoJobs.ca has come up with our top five signs you are experiencing Burnout and how to cope...

Our Top 5 Signs Include:

- Becoming Irritable - "You get angry at your bladder for interrupting you at work"

- Lack of Motivation - "Its Monday and you cant wait until Friday"

- A Feeling of Overload - "You consider a 40 hour work week a vacation"

- Work encompasses your whole life - "Your dinner partner is your Blackberry"

- Exhaustion "Shower-time and nap-time have become synonymous"

So How Do You Avoid Job Burnout?

Take Regular Breaks throughout the Day - A lunch break is the biggest source of stress relief throughout the work day. Try taking a break and getting out of the office it will most definitely make a significant difference in every day life.

Eat a Healthy Lunch - According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, eating a healthy lunch can help boost our immune system, increase our energy and improve our ability to function during hectic work days.

Stay Organized - Office filled with clutter? It may be time to start thinking about organizing your work space. Take some time each week to get organized. Keeping organized may lead to a more efficient work day.

Avoid Negativity - Try to avoid gossiping and negative thinking within the work place. Focus on the positive things that surround your working environment.

Set the Blackberry Down - If you are one of those people that have their Blackberry glued to their hands, you must realize that when work hours are over, personal time is a MUST. Turn those phones off and focus on things that are enjoyable in your free time.

Overall, while going above and beyond at work can be beneficial to employees in hard economic times, it also puts them at risk for experiencing Burnout. To avoid Burnout and the detriments that accompany it, employees should take proactive steps to reduce and relieve the added stress that comes along with increased workloads and hours.

Visit our TorontoJobs.ca Booth at the Up Coming National Job Fair & Training Expo

2010-03-18T08:22:00.001-07:00

Visit TorontoJobs.ca on March 24th and 25th from 10:00am - 7:00pm at the National Job Fair & Training Expo...

TorontoJobs.ca will be accepting resumes on site for the following positions:

- Bookkeeper - Law Firm - needs PC Law
- Legal Assistant
- Bilingual Customer Care
- Property Claims Adjuster
- Business Planning and Analysis Manager
- Purchasing Assistant
- Software Sales Representative
- Credit Coordinator

For more information please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951

To learn more about Maximizing the Use of Job Fairs: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/Maximizing_the_Use_of_Job_Fairs2.html

We look forward to seeing you there!
HAPPY JOB SEARCHING!

Increased Work Hours and Responsibility: Catch 22?

2010-03-12T12:52:00.000-08:00

In today’s economic climate, going above and beyond at work by taking on extra roles or working longer hours can often mean the difference between an employee retaining his or her job and being laid off. Working overtime or outside of your job description may help get you through the recession, but there are also disadvantages of doing so.

This article will address the pros and cons of working above and beyond job requirements.

Pros

1. Skill development
Employees who participate in skill upgrading activities outside of their regular work hours, such as Lunch & Learns, Webinars and additional courses, demonstrate that they are enthusiastic and keen to remain current by learning new skills sets. This is a win-win situation in the long run for both the company and the employee.

2. Enhanced visibility
Positive visibility is important, especially in challenging economic times. Going above and beyond expectations in the workplace makes employees more visible which has the dual benefit of helping them make it through hard times as well as potentially setting them up for advancement in the future.

3. Demonstrates loyalty
At all times, but especially in tougher economic times, employers are looking for their employees to have commitment, drive and a positive attitude towards the business. Employees who are loyal to their employers and stay positive in tough times will be rewarded when the good times return. Working overtime or outside of one’s role will show this dedication and loyalty to the company, proving to employers that the employee is in it for the long run.

4. Less likely to be downsized
After surveying fifty of some of the hardest hit employers in the manufacturing sector regarding what employees can do to safeguard their jobs, research indicates that good employees who remained loyal and worked harder during the tough times were the last to go in downsizing situations.

5. Develop new connections
By working outside of a job description, employees have an opportunity to make new connections or contacts that they would not have gained otherwise. For example, if an employee attends a corporate networking event that is outside of their current role, this is an opportunity to make new connections or contacts that can help advance them in their current position, or prove beneficial to their careers in the future.

Cons

Although working overtime and outside of a job description may benefit employees, there are also some downsides to working long hours. And there are laws which employers must abide by regarding hours of work and overtime payments. Following are some disadvantages to taking on additional roles and working overtime.

1. Health issues
According to The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety , workplace stress can be caused by a number of factors including fear of job security, workload, and hours of work. Consistently working overtime, or taking on too many roles may trigger stress and adversely impact employees’ health. Some stress is normal and may even help employees complete work and achieve new goals; however, over-stress such can lead to various health issues and may result in reduced job performance. It’s important to control these activities to avoid the negative health effects that accompany stress.

2. Overtime compensation
In recent years, some organizations have come under scrutiny and incurred lawsuits for their disregard or misinterpretation of the legislative regulations concerning overtime payment. Employees and employers need to understand the rules and keep up to date on the regulations concerning overtime and compensation so that everyone benefits in the long run.

3. Deteriorating work-life balance
Having an equilibrium between the different priorities in your life, both work and personal, defines a work-life balance. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association , “Without good work/life balance, the performance of both employees and employers suffers – productivity drops and rates of absenteeism increase.” By adding more roles to work life, or by increasing the amount of time spent in the workplace, this equilibrium can easily go off balance. If taking on extra roles or working overtime is harming an employee’s work/life balance, steps should be taken to correct this imbalance so as to not adversely affect job performance.

4. Will it make a difference?
When companies need to downsize, at times there is nothing that can be done to save an employee’s position. Working overtime and taking on additional roles, while beneficial in some ways, may not necessarily save the employee’s position at a company. Therefore, employees may see any extra responsibility they take on, or time spent at the company as wasteful and redundant if their position is terminated.

Conclusion

In essence, going above and beyond at work by taking on additional roles or working overtime has both advantages and disadvantages. While efforts such as the above mentioned pros may be helpful to both employers and employees, the resultant stress from taking on too much can also be detrimental to the employee and in turn, be a drain on the company.

Employees must learn to regulate their stress levels and monitor their overtime compensation to ensure that many of the results of going above and beyond at work are advantageous rather than damaging.

Note: This article is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be used as such. Please consult a lawyer if there is any clarification required on the above.

Standing Out From the Crowd: Top Five Tips to Writing an Effective Resume

2010-02-18T07:28:00.000-08:00

Good News Job Seekers! According to Statistics Canada*, Canadian employment increased by 43,000 in January, pushing the unemployment rate down 0.1 percentage points to 8.3%, marking the fourth employment rise in six months. Within these numbers, Ontario employment was up by 30,000 in January, accounting for more than half of the employment gains.

This decrease in the unemployment rate means that there are more job openings within companies, and therefore, employers will be actively reviewing resumes for potential employees. Although jobs are being created, there is still stiff competition in the job market. Job seekers must impress employers with well written, high quality resumes that will help them land an interview.

We at TorontoJobs.ca receive and review hundreds of resumes each week. We have compiled our knowledge and experience about what makes one resume more successful than another to create the following top five tips to writing an effective resume so that you will get noticed by employers.

Top Five Tips to Writing an Effective Resume:

Use Quantitative Information: Including numerical information such as percentages, dollar amounts, numbers of people, etc., will effectively explain your experience and accomplishments to employers, providing them with solid data about your abilities and past performance.

Have a Strong, Descriptive, Objective: Employers make judgment within the first ten seconds of reviewing a resume. It is important to clearly state a strong, descriptive, objective that highlights to employers that: (a) you know what you want (b) what you can bring to the position/company and (c) your familiarity and experience with the field/position. Due to the specific nature of objectives, they should also be tailored to each position and company applied to.

Focus on Emphasizing Successes: A resume shouldn’t sound like a job description. Employers are looking for concrete examples of how candidates succeeded in their last position, not a list of their day to day tasks. Rather than simply listing your past duties and responsibilities, your resume should emphasize your successes and what you’ve done well in your previous experiences and positions.

Use Action Words: Action words are verbs that add impact to your statements, bullet points and sentences. They should be used carefully to highlight your skills and accomplishments to ensure that they contribute to your resume in a positive way. Avoid using the same action word too often, and check to make sure that the tense you use is consistent. Some good action words include: achieved, assessed, initiated, secured, negotiated and implemented.

Formatting/Grammar/Spelling: The overall format of a resume is important due to the fact that many employers receive resumes in large quantities, and may weed out resumes that have poor formatting, grammar or spelling. Effective resumes should be, at the most, two pages in length, and should utilize either Times New Roman or Arial 12 point text style throughout. Margins should be set at one inch, and while it is appropriate to make your name stand out, unnecessary or distracting graphics such as lines or shading should be avoided. Spelling and Grammar should be double checked to ensure accuracy. Having a friend or family member review and edit your resume will ensure any mistakes are caught.

With the economy on the rise, and more jobs becoming available, employers will be receiving resumes in great numbers. It is important that your resume be well written so that it will stand out and be noticed by employers. In review, an effective resume should: use quantitative information; have a strong, descriptive, objective; focus on emphasizing successes; use action words; and use correct formatting/grammar/spelling.

TorontoJobs.ca is a full-service recruitment organization, including TorontoJobs.ca Website, Toronto Jobs Newspaper, full-service Recruitment Division and Outplacement Services. The local focus and advanced features make TorontoJobs.ca a vital asset for both job seekers and employers within the Greater Toronto Area.

*Source:
Statistics Canada, Latest release from the Labour Force Survey, January 2010, http://www.statcan.gc.ca/subjects-sujets/labour-travail/lfs-epa/lfs-epa-eng.htm

Tips to Consider When Pursuing an Inter-Office Romance

2010-02-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

Tips to Consider When Pursuing an Inter-Office Romance

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is in the air. With approximately 2/3 of one’s day being spent at work it’s only natural that relationships will develop within the workplace. Working with others to successfully complete projects, taking lunch breaks together and working in a close environment on a regular basis are definite ways to assist in the development of sparks!

TorontoJobs.ca recently polled over 100 Employers throughout the GTA and found that over 36% of those surveyed have admitted to have had or are currently engaged in an office romance with a co-worker.

Given this statistic, we at TorontoJobs.ca felt that we should share our top tips to consider when pursuing an office romance:

1. Investigate Company Policies: It’s a good idea to find out what the organization’s take is on inter-office dating before jumping into a relationship with a co-worker. If the connection is serious it’s a good idea to let your boss know before they find out by way of the “water cooler gossip”.

2. “Breaking up is Hard to Do”: Dating a co-worker or boss might seem like a great idea at first, however, think about the repercussions if the relationship ends in failure. Entering into a relationship with someone you work with that ends on a sour note could lead to awkward boardroom meetings and tension in the workplace.

3. Do your Research: You may work with your colleague but how much do you know about them outside of work? It’s a good idea to do some research on your potential “love interest” to ensure they aren’t married with children or living a secret life you may not know about.

4. Play it Safe: Starting a relationship with a co-worker may have to be kept a secret. Between the hours of 9-5 be prepared to act as if nothing is happening between each other. Avoid intimate contact and make sure guidelines are set up front to ensure you are both on the same page to ensure that problems don’t arise that may affect your job.

5. Keep Social Networking in Mind: In today’s society information travels fast. Ensure that your professional and personal profiles are kept separately on Facebook, Twitter and other social networking tools. You never know who might be connected to you that could break the silence of your new relationship.

TorontoJobs.ca is a full-service recruitment organization, including TorontoJobs.ca Website, Toronto Jobs Newspaper, full-service Recruitment Division and Outplacement Services. Our local focus and advanced features make TorontoJobs.ca a vital asset for both job seekers and employers within the Greater Toronto Area.

10 Tips for Interview Success

2010-02-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

It is said that one is interviewed for one's skills and hired because of "fit". At the same time it is essential to be extremely well prepared before setting out on a job interview. With more and more people being professionally coached on interviewing techniques, you can count on the competition being up on their game too. Ian Kennedy of Essential Communications here in Toronto has insightful advice for making the best of your interview preparation.

1. Research the company. Use the internet, annual reports or company promotional brochures. Ask employees of the company or ex-employees about the ins and outs of the company and about the people you are slated to meet with.

2. Have your own personal agenda. Ask questions. Interview the interviewer. Be prepared to discuss up to date issues or findings related to your industry. Show them you have done your homework and that you have something to offer in the knowledge as well as the skill department.

3. Write out answers to speculated questions. Identify 8-10 skills or competencies that you anticipate will be targeted and write out your Situation, Action and Result (SAR) stories for each one.

4. Dress for success. Even casual day should find you in a suit or as dressy as your industry dictates.

5. Call the interviewers voice mail after hours and listen to their voice to get an idea of how they present themselves.

6. Don't change your routine; follow your regular pattern of sleep and activity before the interview. Try some deep breathing exercises if you are nervous.

7. Don't watch the news the night before or listen to it on the radio in the morning. You need to stay focused on the interview not on the latest news breaking terrorist story. Stay positive and upbeat.

8. Don't argue with family members.

9. Start your Thank you letter or card the night before the interview. Hand written notes are very welcomed. Do not send email unless…nope, don't send a thank you by email.

10. Prepare a form that allows you to jot down your thoughts and feelings about each interview for review purposes. Detail what took place and what you could do better next time.

Visit www.TorontoJobs.ca for 100's of job listings throughout the GTA!

TorontoJobs.ca Presents: Hot Career Topics of 2009

2010-01-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Economic Downturn of 2009 has affected hundreds of thousands of Canadians within the workforce. Over the course of the past year, TorontoJobs.ca has made it our #1 priority to educate job seekers on up-to-date career trends within the workplace and to deliver current open positions from top GTA companies! Listed below are our Hot Career Topics of 2009 which received tremendous feedback. We wish you much success in 2010!

Branding Yourself Online: The Internet and online social networking has radically changed the way we interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this transformation, people need to be aware of how they are perceived when their name is searched online.
Read More: http://torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/Advice_for_Branding_Yourself_Online.html

10 Tips To Help You Maximize Social Media To Find Employment: Social media is a growing resource for job seekers looking for new opportunities to help you land your ideal job.
Read More: http://torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/10_Tips_To_Help_You_Maximize_Social.html

Career Change in an Economic Downturn: When a lot of the news about the economy is anything but positive, many people focus on making sure that there is stability in their lives.
Read More: http://torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/Career_Change_in_an_Economic_Downturn.htm

How to Defeat the “Job Search Recession Blues”: 10 things job seekers can do to ensure they are making the most of their job search in tough times.
Read More: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/Current_Unemployment_Rate.html

READ MORE HOT CAREER TOPICS OF 2009: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/

Career Resolutions for a Successful Start to 2010

2010-01-06T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Economic Downturn of 2009 affected hundreds of thousands of Canadians within the workforce. “Layoffs”, “reduced work weeks” and “pay decreases” are phrases that we have heard far too often throughout 2009.

The New Year is finally here and with a new year comes new aspirations, optimism and new growth in many areas of both personal and workplace life. 2010 is set to be a growth year for positions in many industries throughout the Greater Toronto Area and now is a great time to evaluate current career options and become proactive on the job front.

Our Top 5 Career Tips for a Successful 2010 Include:

1. Create Professional Profiles on Social Networking Sites: Social Networking exploded during 2009. Facebook alone has over 60 million active users worldwide. Many Recruiters are now using social networking sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook to recruit, network and to also do background checks on current candidates they may be interviewing. Social networking sites are a great way to follow and track company profiles. Following companies that you want to work for might increase your chances of being visible and being one of the first candidates to see their current openings.

2. Set Realistic Goals for 2010: Write down a one year plan which should include goals, how these goals will be achieved and how often successes and progress will be tracked (should be every 2-3 months). Setting goals will not only keep your focus but will also increase self esteem and confidence as goals are achieved.

3. Develop a “Plan B”: Always keep the idea that “anything can happen” in the back of your mind. Throughout the duration of 2009 we heard of thousands of layoffs, companies downsizing, etc. With uncertain predictions for 2010 it’s a good idea to be prepared. Get your resume up-to-date and have family members or friends review the document for accuracy, ramp up your networking, practice your elevator speech, research common interview questions, and apply to companies that you would like to work for even if they aren’t hiring.

4. Focus on Developing your Professional Network: Most career changes are as a result of networking. It’s a proven statistic that approximately 80% of jobs are found through who you know. Keep in touch with old friends and family members as you never know who might be able to help you down the road in your job search. Joining associations within your field will also allow you to develop relationships and gain contacts within your line of expertise.

5. Develop a Proactive Approach for Development: This might mean spending less time on personal activities such as shopping and hanging out with friends and spending more time on developing new skills, acquiring knowledge by participating in assignments (personal or professional), volunteering and reading industry related books and news articles.

To view 100's of current openings on TorontoJobs.ca please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/search.php?search=job

Advice for Branding Yourself Online, By TorontoJobs.ca

2009-12-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

Advice for Branding Yourself Online
By TorontoJobs.ca

The Internet and online social networking has radically changed the way we interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this transformation, people need to be aware of how they are perceived when their name is searched online.

This article will cover some online branding tips to consider, especially during a job search process.

Google your name
Advice for Branding Yourself Online
By TorontoJobs.ca

The Internet and online social networking has radically changed the way we interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this transformation, people need to be aware of how they are perceived when their name is searched online.

This article will cover some online branding tips to consider, especially during a job search process.

Google your name
A first quick and easy step is to Google yourself to see what comes up and what documents are linked about you.

You can Google yourself with quotes around your name or you can search without quotes. If you have a common name such as Mike Smith, you might want to include more specific information with your search such as Mike Smith Chartered Accountant or Mike Smith/recent employer’s name.

The goal is to ensure that what you’re seeing about yourself is what you want others to see.

Decide what brand you want
It’s important to consider how you would like to be perceived and what image you are trying to convey. For example, do you want to be recognized as a tax expert or as someone with experience in a specific industry?

Highlight expertise and publicize achievements
Ensure that your expertise is showcased and updated as much as possible in all of your online communication vehicles, such as in articles/blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Include any awards, designations or nominations received that highlight your accomplishments.

Allow people to contact you
Advice for Branding Yourself Online
By TorontoJobs.ca

The Internet and online social networking has radically changed the way we interact with each other on a day-to-day basis. As a result of this transformation, people need to be aware of how they are perceived when their name is searched online.

This article will cover some online branding tips to consider, especially during a job search process.

Google your name
A first quick and easy step is to Google yourself to see what comes up and what documents are linked about you.

You can Google yourself with quotes around your name or you can search without quotes. If you have a common name such as Mike Smith, you might want to include more specific information with your search such as Mike Smith Chartered Accountant or Mike Smith/recent employer’s name.

The goal is to ensure that what you’re seeing about yourself is what you want others to see.

Decide what brand you want
It’s important to consider how you would like to be perceived and what image you are trying to convey. For example, do you want to be recognized as a tax expert or as someone with experience in a specific industry?

Highlight expertise and publicize achievements
Ensure that your expertise is showcased and updated as much as possible in all of your online communication vehicles, such as in articles/blogs, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. Include any awards, designations or nominations received that highlight your accomplishments.

Allow people to contact you
Have an easy way for people to connect with you by email or phone. Reach out to your contacts to connect in order to build your network and try to stay in touch with your contacts regularly.

Join groups to connect with relevant people
People surfing the Internet will look at who belongs to various groups as well as who is connected with whom, so it’s a good idea to join groups relevant to your background in order to expand your network.

Post discussions
Posting discussions to groups will help to enhance your online brand and create dialogue with others interested in the same topic areas. Take caution to ensure your topics have a professional tone and are in good taste because once posted, it’s difficult to have them removed.

Keep your status current
Post updates to your status on a regular basis. Doing so will show that you are an active online participant and your other connections will get notifications of your change in status.

Keep graphics relevant
Add any graphics, pictures, or logos relevant to you and/or your brand. Make sure pictures are current and in good taste.

Ensure accurate spelling and grammar
To ensure a professional online presence, double-check to verify there are no spelling or grammatical errors in anything online about you or something you’ve written.

Register your name as a domain
You can register your name as a domain (e.g. www.yourname.com or www.yourname.ca) as well as making sure that you can get domains such as www.linkedin.com/yourname or www.twitter.com/yourname.

Be selective
With the growing number of websites and social websites available, it’s important to be selective and target the appropriate websites that you wish to be associated with. Credible sites such as your company’s website as well as association sites are a good place to start. Keep in mind that it may tarnish your reputation to be associated with the wrong website.

Create videos
It is quite easy to create videos to upload to sites like YouTube or even create your own YouTube channel to create a brand for yourself.

Blog
Starting up your own blog also helps to accentuate your brand. A website such as www.blogger.com allows you to create your own blog at no cost.

Press releases
Send out a press release whenever you win an award or do something that the media might find interesting.

Think of someone trying to find you
If you’re looking for a job, think like a recruiter who may be trying to find someone with your skill. How would they search for you? What keywords would they search on and do you appear there? Make sure that you can be found wherever they might be looking and think about how your online presence would appear to someone who doesn’t know you.

Take Action
If you find something online about you that is not accurate or can be construed negatively, take action with the webmaster of that website to get the information removed or adjusted accordingly.

Conclusion
When branding yourself online, think of yourself as a business and how you want to brand your business. Then create your online strategy so that people view you around that brand. Be creative, but also make sure to be professional.

10 Ways to Avoid Being The Talk of the Water Cooler at your 2009 Holiday Office Party

2009-12-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

10 Ways to Avoid Being “The Talk of the Water Cooler” at your 2009 Holiday Office Party

“Tis the Season for Holiday Parties”… As we all know there is always that one employee who stands out from the crowd and behaves completely inappropriately at the annual Holiday Party. We have all heard tips of “How Not to Behave” hundreds of times before however according to the statistics below, company staff still aren’t listening to sound advice to stay out of trouble.

A recent survey of Office Holiday Party Goers, conducted by TorontoJobs.ca found that:

- 82% of Party Attendees have witnessed extreme cases of intoxication by co-workers
- 67% observed co-workers inappropriately dressed for the occasion
- 81% of Party Goers observed unsuitable behavior (co-workers flirting, associate verbal fights, etc.)

Given the stats, TorontoJobs.ca felt it was necessary to emphasize appropriate behaviour. Our top 10 tips include:

1. SHOW UP. Don’t pass up the invitation to the annual Christmas Party; not attending could hurt your reputation.

2. Dress appropriately. Remember “This is a Christmas Party” and “Work Function” not a Saturday night club outing with friends.

3. Drink in moderation. 1-2 drinks at maximum. Excessive drinking could be cause for future complications within the workplace.

4. Absolutely no gossiping about other co-workers – you never know who is listening. Keep in mind that with the evolution of social networking; news travels fast!

5. Create a conversation that doesn’t involve business. Research current news and show your co-workers you have a life outside of the office.

6. Don’t flirt. An office party is the #1 time NOT to try and swing a date from the girl from Accounting or the guy from Sales.

7. Watch your language. More people than you think take offense to profane language.

8. Eat Carefully. Nothing screams unprofessional like shrimp sauce on your shirt.

9. Avoid Controversial topics such as politics and religion.

10. Don’t overstay your welcome. Arrive shortly after the start time and mingle but don’t overstay your welcome by partying until the wee hours of the night.

Network using an Information Interview

2009-11-17T06:48:00.001-08:00

How to Get Your Networking Going

When you are looking for a job it might be best to ask the professionals on what they want and expect from candidates that they would want to hire. An information interview allows you to become aware of the demands of the industry you are interested in. Expand your knowledge in the industry you are interested in by learning about an executive that is successful in the field. Who knows, maybe this new contact will be the key to your next job!

Information Interview Definition

An information interview is an appointment that you make with a particular individual in order to gain valuable information from someone who has great knowledge in that field. This is a great way to help you to explore your possibilities when you are job hunting. The tension that exists when going for a job interview is not existent in an information interview because you are not trying to sell yourself to an employer. However, you do have to present yourself properly because the impression you leave behind can affect the outcome of the interview.

Information Interviews Tips

1) Research: Research the organization you are interested in and learn all about the company, the people, and the industry. You want to make sure you do your homework before interviewing anyone in the company.

2) It shouldn’t be too long: You want the meeting to be short and concise. Try to not go over 15-20 minutes for the meeting unless the contact is willing to spend more time with you. Remember to ask only a few of the important and appropriate questions.

3) Have questions ready: When you make an appointment with an executive you have to be prepared ahead of time. Your contact doesn’t know what you want to ask him/her; if you already have questions then the contact will give you direct answers instead of a vague explanation of the company.

4) Know your own background: Before meeting for your interview make sure to review your own education, skills and experience in case the contact wants to know. If you prepare ahead of time you will be able to explain your background better.

5) First impressions matter: When you go for a job interview you want to look your best. This doesn’t change for an information interview because you are trying to make a good impression to the professionals in the field you are interested. Dress appropriately, arrive on time, be polite and professional.

6) Bring your resume: An information interview is not a meeting in order to look for a job. However, you might be asked for your resume and, if so, you should have one in hand.

7) Note taking: Make sure to keep eye contact but it is important to remember why you are meeting the business professional. Remember to bring a pen and a notebook because you will not be able to remember everything your contact informs you about the industry expectations. The executive may also give you valuable information on contacts, associations to join and activities to participate in. You want to be ready to jot down these tips!

8) Follow up on leads: If your contact gives you valuable information on associations, other contacts, and activities you want to make sure to follow up. They were given to you for your own good and taking advantage of this information will help you find your job.

9) Thank you note: Make sure to send a brief thank you note immediately after the interview meeting, either by email or by a handwritten note.

10) Keep in contact: The meeting’s purpose is for you to make a new contact in order to network. Keep your contact informed on your developments that result after you follow up on his/her suggestions.

2009-11-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Refer, E-mail, and Win!

The job market has been hit extremely hard over the past year and TorontoJobs.ca’s focus throughout this tough economic time has been on connecting job seekers with top companies throughout the GTA. TorontoJobs.ca would like to continue this effort by assisting as many Torontonians as possible to get back to work and we need your help!

About the Contest:

Refer 5 friends to follow us. If your friends join our social network page and your name is chosen you will win a free 2 hour consultation with a Career Coach to work on resume writing, interview tips, etc! You will also win a Career Workbook which includes samples resumes, sample interviewing questions and more! Value of over $400!!

How to Enter:

1.All you have to do is refer five of your friends to our page
2.Ensure these five friends join
3.Once they have joined, email those names in order to enter the draw to win free career coaching to contests@TorontoJobs.ca

Contest Submission Deadline:

ACT NOW!! The deadline for submissions is November 27th, 2009.
One Grand Prize of a free 2 hour consultation will be drawn on November 31st, 2009 and the winner will be contacted via email.

Socializing Online – An Essential Tool for Finding Employment

2009-11-09T05:33:00.000-08:00

Socializing Online – An Essential Tool for Finding Employment

Based on two surveys recently conducted by TorontoJobs.ca, only 19% of job seekers are using social networking sites to search for employment. On the contrary, 44% of employers surveyed are actively using social sites to network, recruit and gather information for potential candidates.

Based on the employers surveyed the majority are using social networking sites to post jobs, pre-screen candidates and to network to fill their current openings. Based on this statistical data, TorontoJobs.ca has come up with a list of the top 5 reasons someone looking for a job should add social networking to their job search routine. The Top 5 include:

1. POST CREATIVE STATUS UPDATES (Facebook): Social networking circles are mainly comprised of friends and family members. A top priority should be letting them know you are looking for work, how you are looking for work and asking them for assistance in your search. You never know who they might know that can help you within your search.

2. FOLLOW COMPANIES YOU WANT TO WORK FOR: For example, on Twitter, you can follow companies. You should do this for two main reasons: 1. You will be the first to know about openings within their company before they seek outside assistance to recruit for the position. 2. Once you apply and get an interview, they will be impressed knowing that you belong to their social networking group and that you have been aware of the latest updates from them.

3. JOIN GROUPS: Join groups that relate to the type of employment that you are looking for. Post discussions, points of interest and even a professional summary of your background and what you are looking for.

4. ASK FOR CONNECTIONS: Ask your primary connections for introductions to their contacts that share the same background or interests as you. If you have 100 primary contacts and each of those contacts have 100 contacts, you have a network of over 10,000 potential people to network with.

5. CREATE A GROUP: Create a group and call it, for example, “Let’s Work Together to Search for Work”. Invite all your contacts that are searching for employment to join and ask them to add their contacts. Before you know it you will have a huge forum of people helping others find employment.

Visit TorontoJobs.ca on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2424753494&ref=nf

Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/TOJOBS

Join our Group on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=1126067&trk=anet_ug_grppro

Writing an Effective Resume

2009-11-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Writing an Effective Resume

Your resume is the first and far most important document towards getting the job that you want! Some recruiters receive hundreds of resume per day and getting your resume to stand out among them can be challenging.

Your resume should be a well-organized profile of your qualifications for a career; it should also communicate enough information to an employer to keep them interested!

The experts at TorontoJobs.ca have come up with some suggestions to write an effective resume:

Writing with Style: Font size of the text throughout the resume should be 12 point and either Times New Roman or Arial style. Use 1 inch margins at the top and bottom and sides of your resume. Try to avoid using horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading. If you’re mailing your resume, try to put it in an envelope that doesn’t require you to fold it. Try to avoid overusing italics, scripts and underlined words.

Use Effective Vocabulary: Define all experiences with as many actions words as possible, such as accomplished, delegated, achieved, conducted, coordinated, organized, etc.

Don't Get Too Personal: Your name, address, postal code, telephone number and email address is appropriate. Specific personal information such as age or birthdates, marital status or citizenship is not important. Also avoid using nicknames.

Objective: Write what you want to do and be specific. Explain in one or two sentences how your abilities will benefit the company or organization for which you are applying at the top of your resume.

Achievements: Show your unique skills and list the most important first i.e. clubs, languages, awards etc.

Work Experience: List experience in reverse chronological order; that is, your most recent experience should be listed first. Include the following information:

Title of position,
Name of organization
Location of work (town, province)
Dates of employment
Describe your work responsibilities and list specific accomplishments.

Volunteer Experience: List any related volunteer or community experience.

Education: Show your most recent education first and then go back in time, similar to how you show your work experience. Include the years you attended each school (e.g. 2001-2003) and any degree or diploma received.

Interests: List specific interests that will show that you have the skills and attitude needed by the employer.

References: Add a note that you will provide references if needed (e.g. “References Available upon Request”)

The finished product should look outstanding. Make sure your resume is neat, proof read for spelling errors and be honest!

Bilingual COMMUNICATIONS/DISPATCH CENTRE OFFICER’S

2009-11-02T12:23:00.000-08:00

Securitas Canada Limited is searching for Bilingual COMMUNICATIONS/DISPATCH CENTRE OFFICER’S.

Apply Online Now: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=19723

GOOD NEWS! EI recipients drop in August According to StatsCan

2009-10-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

GOOD NEWS! EI recipients drop in August According to StatsCan

The number of people receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits in August fell 2.4% (-19,100) from July, the second consecutive monthly decline. Decreases occurred in nearly all provinces, with the most notable percentage declines in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Source: http://news.gc.ca/web/article-eng.do?m=/index&nid=491989

Visit TorontoJobs.ca on October 28th, 2009 at the Scarborough Job Fair & Conference

2009-10-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Visit TorontoJobs.ca on October 28th, 2009 at the Scarborough Job Fair & Conference
From 12:30pm-5:00pm

Location: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Drive

Free Admission - Variety of Positions - Speed Interviews - BRING RESUMES AND DRESS TO IMPRESS!

PRE-REGISTER ONLINE NOW AT www.next-steps.ca

Seeking a Bookkeeper - Law Firm - needs PC Law

2009-10-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

WHY WORK WITH OUR RECRUITMENT TEAM?

LOCAL FOCUS! TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division focuses on working with our clients to deliver top local talent in the Greater Toronto Area. Combined with our online job board www.TorontoJobs.ca, our Employment Newspaper as well as our Outplacement Services, we are the largest Employment Network in the GTA!

EXPERIENCED! Our Recruitment Managers are highly experienced within their field of expertise and are focused on much more than assisting with job placement. Our Recruitment Managers focus on your skill sets, assist with the interview process and are enthusiastic about maintaining a relationship with you in order to assist you with your career growth

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!

*******************

Our client, located in Vaughan, is looking for a full-time Bookkeeper for a Law firm. You must have experience with PC Law. If you are interested, please apply online below or call 905-566-5627x2873.

Senior Sales Manager GTA- must be fluent in Chinese, Cantonese or Mandarin language

2009-10-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

Job Description:

Our client is currently seeking a Senior Sales Manager fluent in Chinese, Cantonese or Mandarin language for their GTA based food service company.

Duties and Responsibilities:

DEVELOPMENT ROLE

-Proposes and implements all merchandising and promotional programs, including preparation and copywriting in appropriate customer language.

- Develop broker partners in the GTA to increase their knowledge of the company’s products.

- Develop and promote company’s products to meet the "Toronto GTA Strategy" to ensure entry into the GTA mass market

- Develop new channels in the GTA market place.

- Make recommendations to improve sales function on a regular basis and maintain and improve the company image and brand

PROSPECTING

- Build internal and external business relationships for the company

SALES TARGETS

- Develop and implement cost effective sales programs for the GTA.

- Achieves sales target on monthly and annual basis.

- Acts as front-line sales representative on all sales-related matters in the GTA.

- Maintains accurate sales records and reports; prepares written summaries for major accounts and promotional activities.

- Manage the Toronto strategic sales plan in conjunction with marketing

- Manage with the sales team trade related shows in Ontario and Quebec

REPORTING

- Collects related marketing data and sales information for management.

PROFESSIONALISM

- Maintains good customer relationships with all accounts and relates with customers in a diplomatic and professional manner.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

- Works with Customer Service Department and Shipping Department to enhance service to accounts.

- Attends and participates in regular business and customer meetings, as assigned by management or arranged as part of the job.

- Responds to customer’s inquiries during and after regular work hours, holidays and weekends, when required. Assists customers in emergency situations as needed. Occasional irregular working hours may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

- Sales conditions using a company vehicle and working from a company office as needed.

- Available to work evening and weekends as required to the business.

- Travel is required across Canada.

- A dress code standard consistent with Sales, no jeans, no logo jackets, business casual.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

- Skilled at working with people in the following functions; operations, marketing, and production.

- Find and open new accounts and opportunities in Ontario and Quebec

The ideal candidate will possess:

8 – 10 years’ experience in packaged goods sales, at a key account and sales management level, experienced with building a business through a dedicated sales force and distribution network. Experience in Asian and English culture and language

-College or university education in business or marketing

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

-Analytical skills; experience in handling people, accounts, and budgets

-Decision maker, handle both day to day activity and longer range planning

-Proficient in Microsoft applications, Word and Excel

-Self starter, can work independently and in a team environment

-Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

-Strong Chinese, Cantonese or Mandarin language skills are required / including other language i.e. French

-Should hold a valid drivers license, passport and be able to drive in any city can/usa

Go to our website to check the job posting
Job ID:19609

Looking for an Accounting Manager

2009-10-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

Our client a leading, cutting edge company in professional services and high tech is currently looking for an Accounting Manager. Located on the Oakville border this fast growing enterprise is looking for a manager with supervisory experience and strong communication skills. Reporting to the controller you will be responsible for billing, inventory, payables and complience issues. If you are a designated CMA or CGA this may be the role for you. If you enjoy working in a fast paced environment for a company that is on the move this may be what you are looking for. This is a full time roll with regular working hours 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with little overtime required.
Strong communication skills both written and verbal
Supervisory experience required
Designated CGA or CMA
Experience with month end reporting, billing, inventory and payables
Resolution of compliance issues

Looking for an Inside Sales Associate

2009-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Our client a well know company in the Home and Auto Insurance industry is currently looking for an inside sales associate for their Hamilton location. This is a full time salaried position with full benefits and 3 weeks vacation. You will be working in a call centre environment taking inbound calls giving quotes to customers for their insurance coverage. There is no cold calling in this role. Also included with the base salary is a sales bonus. If you have insurance experience coupled with a strong sales background this may be the opportunity you are looking for.

Current RIBO or OTL license
Minimum 1 year experience is insurance sales ( Home and Auto )
Previous sales experience
Excellent communication skills

GREAT NEWS: Statistics Canada reports Employment is finally seeing an Upward Trend in September – How to be Prepared for Interview Call-Backs

2009-10-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

GREAT NEWS: Statistics Canada reports Employment is finally seeing an Upward Trend in September – How to be Prepared for Interview Call-Backs

Toronto, Ontario - According to Statistics Canada, employment increased for the second consecutive month, up 31,000 in September, reducing the unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage points to 8.4%. This improvement was primarily fuelled by an increase of 92,000 in full-time jobs, the largest since May, 2006.

With employment on the rise, it’s time to brush up on those job search skills that have been practiced since the economic downturn and finally put them to use. With the competition stronger than ever, there is one chance to make a remarkable first impression on a potential employer. Interviews are the key component that will make or break a chance for landing a position.

We at TorontoJobs.ca receive 100’s of comments from employers in regards to interviews conducted from job seekers on our website. We have taken their feedback and tossed in some advice from our Recruitment Managers and have compiled a list below of the top five things to keep in mind during and before the interview process.

The Top Five Include:

1. First and Foremost, Be Prepared: One of the worst case scenarios for an employer is interviewing a candidate that doesn’t have a hard copy of their resume, isn’t dressed professionally and doesn’t have a clue of the background of the organization. Research the company the night before the interview. Have they won awards recently? Are they doing any special events in the next 3-6 months? Knowing this information shows how eager the candidate is to work for their organization. It also shows the level of effort that the candidate will bring to the position.

2. Keep all Comments Positive: One of the main questions asked in an interview is “Why did you leave your last position”. If the reason for leaving was that the employer was “the company treated their employees like ****” or “the boss and I didn’t see eye to eye”, it would be a good idea to creatively turn these comments into a positive. Badmouthing prior employers may make the future employer think you may do the same to their organization.

3. Listen: It is very important to let the employer finish the question before answering. There is nothing more annoying to an employer than to be interrupted and overtaken by a job seeker during the interview. This trait also shows how the candidate will perform in a team environment. One of the main components of teamwork is listening to the ideas of others.

4. Yes, we live in a Social Society but turn off all Electronic Devices: Over 45% of employers we have spoken to have indicated that over 20% of candidates they have interviewed have had their phone ring during an interview. Of the 20%, 50% of these candidates have proceeded to answer the call/text during the interview. This is automatic cause for an employer to stop the interview. Leave your cell phone in the car or turn if off before you proceed to meet with your potential employer.

5. Rehearse: There are 100’s of websites on the internet to assist you in preparing for potential interview questions. Review these potential questions and practice probable answers. Answers to employer’s questions during an interview also work well with real life scenarios. Think of past accomplishments that you can relay to your potential employer that will make you shine. Once you have prepared, practice the interview process with a friend, family member or even in the mirror. A good idea is to also jot down questions that you can ask the interviewer.

Companies Continue to Hire on TorontoJobs.ca

2009-10-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Position: Sales/Management Trainee
Company: Enterprise Rent A Car

JOB DESCRIPTION: During your first year, you'll learn valuable business skills from capable mentors who were once in your shoes. Nearly 100% of all our managers and corporate executives started out as Management Trainees and followed a clearly defined career path that took them to where they are today.
JOB LINK: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=16222

Position: Computer Systems Analyst
Company: Latest Developments Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Network design & installation; Maintain, troubleshoot and administer networks; Evaluate and implement hardware & software solutions; Diagnose & troubleshoot hardware & software issues; Implement network security measures.
JOB LINK: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=19284

Position: LINE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE - Toronto (YTZ)
Company: Porter Airlines Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Re-fuelling aircraft; Aircraft marshalling; Aircraft de-icing; Apron upkeep and maintenance and Hangar upkeep and maintenance.
JOB LINK: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=19277

Position: Flash/Java Developer
Company: Ganz Interactive

JOB DESCRIPTION: Designing, developing, and unit testing of Flash based Internet applications and games, utilizing object oriented ActionScript, Ensuring that best-practices are followed and that code is optimized in order to ensure that applications are operating as efficiently as possible on a high traffic websites and Participating in the software development process from design to release.
JOB LINK: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=19279

VISIT WWW.TORONTOJOBS.CA FOR 100'S OF ADDITIONAL POSTINGS!

TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division - Current Openings

2009-10-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

WHY WORK WITH OUR RECRUITMENT TEAM?

LOCAL FOCUS! TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division focuses on working with our clients to deliver top local talent in the Greater Toronto Area. Combined with our online job board www.TorontoJobs.ca, our Employment Newspaper as well as our Outplacement Services, we are the largest Employment Network in the GTA!

If you or someone you know is interested in applying for one of the positions below please send your resume to: resumes@TorontoJobs.ca

1. Sales Co-ordinator: Our client an IT Company specializing in software for the construction industry is looking for a Sales Co-ordinator. Located in North York this is a full time position with full benifits. This is a solution selling role and requires a minimum of 2 years experience in the New Home or Condo Industry.

2. Property Field Adjuster: 3 years advanced experience in property claims. Excellent customer service skills and is an asset if you are working towards or have a CIP designation.

3. Seamstress - 2 month Contract: The position will be responsible for making sure the cresting on 600 uniforms is to government standard, which means sewing the crests on, moving them as applicable, etc.

4. Senior Accountant: Our client, a Consumer packaged goods company located near the airport (large U.S. sub) is looking for a Senior Accountant/Senior Financial Analyst. CMA/CGA/CA would be ideal for this position.

Please submit your resume to resumes@TorontoJobs.ca. Don't see a position listed that matches your skill set? Visit www.TorontoJobs.ca for 100's of additional postings throughout the GTA!

The first sign of positive employment numbers in 11 months - GREAT NEWS!!!

2009-09-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Payroll Employment up in July - first increase since October 2008.
Total non-farm payroll employment rose by 74,300 in July, up 0.5% from June. This was the first increase since payroll employment peaked in October 2008.

READ MORE: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090930/dq090930b-eng.htm

TorontoJobs.ca Flies the Y!!!

2009-09-29T13:48:00.001-07:00

TorontoJobs.ca Flies the Y!!!

Visit our Booth at the NAPP Job Fair - October 1st, 2009

2009-09-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Visit our Booth at the NAPP Job Fairs
October 1st, 2009 - International Centre, Mississauga

SHOW TIMES FROM 10:00AM - 3:00PM
For more information please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951

Visit our Booth #513 at the 15th Edition of the National Job Fair - September 22nd and 23rd, 2009

2009-09-17T05:38:00.001-07:00

Visit our Booth #513 at the 15th Edition of the National Job Fair - September 22nd and 23rd, 2009

WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Hall C
Day 1: Tuesday, September 22, 2009: From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Day 2: Wednesday, September 23, 2009: From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The National Job Fair & Training Expo is the only job/career event open to the general public that always welcome more than 150 exhibitors in Canada. Attend the most influential recruitment event in Ontario!

TorontoJobs.ca will be Recruiting for the Following Positions:- Sales Coordinator
- Commodity Tax Manager
- Intermediate Accountant
- Registered Physiotherapist
- Bilingual Technical Support
- Property Field Adjuster
- Credit Coordinator

Visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951 for more information about the fair.

We look forward to seeing you there!

12 Tips on the Elements of a Successful Interview

2009-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

An Article by Tali Nizic, Controllers on Call

Throughout the many years of my recruiting experience, I have collected feedback from employers and candidates alike. Fact: You will get hired because of the solid job you do during the interview. Remember: The interview is your opportunity to present yourself at your best. It is an opportunity to make a positive impression about you. How do you make your interview a successful one? From feedback as well as my own personal experience, please allow me to share with you a few of these elements of a successful interview:

Be prepared – research the company you are meeting with.

Read the web site which will supply you with a lot of information. In the event that there is no web site, call the company and ask to pick up annual reports, employee newsletters, promotional material and a corporate brochure. Where applicable, ask your recruiter for information. You need to find out what the company does, what a person in your position might be doing, and whether the company has growth potential.

Bring extra copies of your resume. Print your hard copy resumes on 100-gsm-weight paper, either white or ivory available at any office supplies store.
Be presentable, clean, tidy, and neat. Ensure that you dress for the position you are applying for.

Be punctual! It is good practice to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the interview. In the event that you are running behind, stop and make a phone call! Tell the interviewer that you will be late, ask whether that is suitable with their timetable. In the event that it is not suitable, re-schedule! When you arrive, apologize profusely!

Be courteous and pleasant. Include the individuals who will not be interviewing you, i.e. the receptionist. A good impression passed on to the interviewer will only work in your favor.

Greet the employer. Introduce yourself – extend a warm and firm handshake, make direct eye contact. Wait until you are invited to sit down. Be friendly. Smile. It is o.k. to be nervous. Let the employer know that you are nervous, that will “melt” the ice. Speak clearly. Build rapport. Get the interviewer to talk about the organizations past successes, future plans, and present resources. This will give you context for the interview.

Never smoke or drink alcohol before your interview. The smell is strong, and the aroma will follow you for a long time.

For complete article follow the link, http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/12_tips_on_elements_of_successful_interview.htm

Job-Hunting in Times of Uncertainty: Five Overlooked Strategies to Help Make Your Job Search More Productive and Successful

2009-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

In times when the economy falters, when financial markets fall, and when companies of all sizes in many industries announce plans to reduce their workforce, job-seekers tend to get a bit concerned about the length and success of the job search they may face. It almost goes without saying that job-hunting in a boom economy is quite different (and much easier) than job-hunting in a slumping economy.

Different, yes. Harder and often more time-consuming, yes. Impossible, no. Job-hunting is an art that simply takes more time and work to perfect in uncertain times than in good times. You will have to work harder and smarter at finding new opportunities, but they are out there, and if you take advantage of these five strategies you will be much better positioned to land a new job.

Utilizing the Power of Networking
What’s the most important tool of job-hunting, especially in times of uncertainty? Not a resume nor interviewing skills…but networking. Why networking? Networking is the most effective tool of job-hunting because if you use your network properly, you will hear of multiple job opportunities, often before they are even listed (if they are ever listed).

Some job-seekers shy away from networking because they equate networking with taking advantage of people, but if done correctly, networking can be a rewarding experience for all parties involved. Networking is not asking everyone you know for a job. Networking means developing a broad list of contacts -- family, friends, and people you've met through various social and business functions -- and using them to your advantage when you look for a job. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network.

Now is the time to broaden your network -- even if you are not currently looking for a new job. You never know when you’ll need your network, so make every effort to grow it.

Need more information about networking? We have lots of networking tips, names and contacts for numerous networking and professional organizations, networking do’s and don’ts, and much more in the Art of Networking section of Quintessential Careers.

Finding Hidden Job Opportunities
In good times job openings are plentiful, but in uncertain times the job openings disappear. Job-seekers are left scrambling for the few “open” jobs. But there are always other job possibilities lurking in the background, and it is up to the persistent job-seeker to find those hidden job opportunities and/or to create new opportunities.

Finding hidden opportunities. Job-seekers must take full advantage of their network to uncover as many potential job openings as possible. Hunt down every lead. Consider using cold calling techniques to find other opportunities. Focus more of your time and energy here than trying to respond to every job posting at Monster.com or the other job boards.

Creating new opportunities. As companies downsize and consolidate job functions, many opportunities may arise for a job-seeker with the right skills. Determine your most marketable skills, examine the ongoing needs of the employers where you want to work (including your current employer), and develop a proposal showcasing how the employer would benefit from hiring you.

For the complete article follow the link, http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/article_jh_uncertainty.html

Top 10 Tips for Career Changers

2009-09-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

by Ross Macpherson, President, Career Quest

How many of you reading this, right now, can look at your career and find yourself saying things like "I hate what I do" or "If I had my way, I'd rather be doing ____________" or "I just sort of fell into this" or "I never thought I'd be here this long." If these sentiments sound familiar, then chances are you've already considered changing careers.

There was a time when changing a career was virtually unheard of. Sure, a person might change jobs or even companies now and again, but what they did day-to-day generally stayed the same - they were in sales, or finance, or logistics, or retail. But this was also back in a day when working with one company from cradle to grave was the benchmark of a fine career.

In today's work world, the benchmark is different. Changing your career is quite common, very possible, and often recommended. In a full-time job, we spend roughly 50% of our waking hours every week at work, getting ready for work, and travelling to work. Personally, I consider 50% of my waking hours quite precious, so I made a major career change a number of years ago and started my own company. And I am much happier and professionally satisfied than ever.

You too can make a significant career change if you want, but it's not as simple as changing a pair of shoes. Changing a career takes work, careful thought, and a plan if you want to do it right - but the payoffs can be life changing. So here are a few key points you need to consider if a major career change is in your future.

1. Be clear
I've had many clients come to me and say "I don't know what I want to do; I just know I want out of here now." Well, the motivation is obviously there but the lack of focus will virtually guarantee failure, because even if this person does manage to get another job, chances are it won't be the right job and he/she will be looking for something new again in short order.

If you know what you want, great! If, however, you still aren't certain, then you need to take the time and effort to find out. Trust me, it will be worth it. You will need to go through a good self-assessment process - this will help you determine where your true interests and passions lie, how your skills might relate, and what gaps might need to be addressed. While there are some interesting career assessment tools out there, in my opinion you cannot replace the value that a good career coach can provide.

On the web, you can find the right career coach for you in a number of places, including:

- Career Masters Institute
- Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches
- Association of Career Professionals International
- Career Coach Academy

2. Give yourself a realistic timeframe
While your motivation to change may be immediate, chances are the transition will take some time. If you rush into it ill-prepared and in a rush, chances are you're going to get frustrated. So, be realistic about how long this might take. There might be training you need, you will most likely need to do research into your new industry, you will need to make a new list of contacts, etc.

Give yourself a realistic timeframe to make the change. It will help you guarantee success and reduce stress and frustration.

Follow the link to view the entire article;
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/career_changers.html

How to Get Back Into the Workforce After Being Off

2009-09-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

An Article by Marc Belaiche, TorontoJobs.ca

You’re ready to go back into the workforce after being off for a while, whether as a return from an extended maternity/paternity leave or sabbatical or other situation. Your skills might not be as sharp as before or the last time you went for an interview was several years ago.

Here are some tips to get you back into the workforce:

Update Your Resume
Make sure your resume reflects all your experience. Have a Resume Writer, friend and/or Coach review your resume to make sure it’s written in the appropriate format. Formats change over time so the resume you wrote 5 years ago may be in a format that is not common.

Step Back
Be prepared to take a step back in the type of position that you obtain. The longer you are off the more of a step back you may need to take. The world and technology changes very quickly.

Network, Network, Network!
One of the best ways of getting back into the market without taking too far a step back is by networking. For some tips on networking see: https://%20www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101040. Tap into your network as much as possible.

Don’t Fudge Dates!
Make sure your resume shows exact dates of when you last worked. Don’t underestimate what people can find out about you.

Use A Coach
A coach can be very helpful in helping you set goals and giving you some advice on your reducing your search time. For some Tips on Coaches, see: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101740&lang=en_CA.

Show No Regrets
Showing no regrets that you made the decision to be off will show recruiters that you are confident in your decision-making and will send a positive message to them.

Consider Contract/Part-Time Work
Looking at an opportunity that is either part-time or on a contractual basis will allow you to get back into the workforce at your pace and keeps your options open for other opportunities that might come up as time goes on.

Save Time in Your Search
Familiarize yourself with ways of making your search as efficient as possible. You can find some tips in a previous article I wrote at: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101360.

Be Honest
In covering letters, be honest as to why your resume doesn’t show recent work experience. Explain your situation and what you’ve been doing over the period that you’ve been off.

Volunteer Experience Counts
Make sure your resume includes any volunteer experience you have.

Use Recruiters
Recruiters will help you get opportunities that you might not otherwise know about and will be able to update you on current experience requirements and compensation trends.

Current Compensation
Be aware of current salaries for people with your experience. You might need to factor a discount given your time-off and the fact that a new employer may have to train you to catch up on industry or software issues.

Practice Interviewing
Again, a coach can help you here. Be aware of what types of questions are common in interviews as interviewing techniques change over time.

Upgrade Education
There may be some courses that you could take to make sure you are ready for the current market requirements.

Prepare Mentally
You’ll need to get used to the hours and perhaps overtime required in your new position. Being mentally prepared for this change will help ease your transition.

Set Goals
Setting goals (e.g. when you want to be working, what kind of pay, industry, etc.) will help you focus in your job search.

Support Mechanism
Having family and/or friends help you with your transition will help make life easier for you. Have someone you can confide in to share any difficulties you are having.

Employment Networking Groups
There are many networking groups available that you may be able to join. This will help in your transition.

Consider Your Own Business
This may be the right time to start your own business. Choose something that you are familiar with so you can set your own hours as you transition back into the workforce.

Conclusion
Although it is natural to have fears and/or certain expectations about returning to the workforce, the more you prepare for it the easier the transition will be. By following some of the steps above you should be able to get a great start at your new position.

TorontoJobs.ca is the on-line recruitment website where you can post your resume, search and apply to 100’s of jobs in the Greater Toronto Area. You can also get career, interviewing and resume writing tips all at no cost to you. TorontoJobs.ca also provides recruitment services. Since 2002, TorontoJobs.ca has been a local leader in job postings in the GTA. Check out www.TorontoJobs.ca or email your resume to resumes@TorontoJobs.ca.

Unemployed for a while? You can overcome this obstacle in your resume

2009-09-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

An Article by Sharon Graham, CRS, CIS, CPRW, CEIP
Graham Management Group

As a professional resume strategist, I often come across job seekers who have been out of the workforce for a period of time. Many of my clients are highly experienced professionals, who suddenly find themselves unemployed and looking for work. With loads of qualifications, most start their job search anticipating a quick shift into a new organization. Days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and months drag into years. In the early days of the job search, the resume produced a few interviews; now the same document is no longer working. Something drastic needs to be done to jump-start the interview activity again.

Whether you've been unemployed, raising your family, or in retirement, the good news is that you can address the gap in your resume. The key is to re-write your document thinking strategically to address this obstacle. There are many things that you can do to minimize this issue. First, let’s talk about some ideas that don’t work. Then we’ll get into some proven strategies that will start to produce some results.

It is alarming how many people falsify their resumes by changing dates. This is an extremely unwise tactic. These days, be assured, most reputable organizations do background checks – and they will uncover this unethical move. Even if you aren’t caught during the screening process, when you live a lie, you are forever looking over your shoulder. We live in a small world and you will eventually get found out. Always be honest in your resume, but think carefully about what you disclose and how you position it in the document.

Completely eliminating your dates of employment on the resume is not a good option. Recruiters know that missing dates can only mean one of two things – either you are trying to hide a poor career history or you are just plain careless. Always include employment dates to pass the detailed resume review. Think about extending the longevity of your resume by listing your year of employment only, instead of month and year. This will buy you some time – at least until the end of this year. Also, when you do include the dates, don’t call attention to them. In your formatting, don’t highlight them or make them stand out in any way. To minimize them, consider enclosing the dates in brackets and inserting them right next to your job title.

As you write your resume, it is best to talk about your talents, qualifications, and expertise before getting into the chronology. Organize your resume so your key selling points are in the top third of page one. Try creating a “power statement” outlining your value proposition as a lead-in to the resume. Write a paragraph that describes what you have to offer your potential employer. Rather than talking only about some of your soft skills such as strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills, why not focus on your unique offerings. Discuss your specific work and industry related competencies. For example, you may offer “expert word processing and proofing of corporate communications.” The more specific you get, the better you will stand out. This is especially important if you have been out of the workforce for a period of time. It will show the employer that you still know your stuff.

An additional lead-in to your resume may be to list in bullet point your tangible accomplishments. Write out in sentence format certain things that you have achieved in your previous employment, which will impress your next employer. Tell each story briefly, focusing on your actions and then touching on the benefit to the employer. Use dollars, percentages, and other numbers to add impact. If the recruiter reads your accomplishments before getting to the dates, he or she may be impressed enough to call you in for an interview.

The functional resume is designed so that your accomplishments are separated from your employment list and placed upfront. The idea is to group your accomplishments under separate skills headings, so that the employer can see your actual competencies. Be careful, if you use this technique. You can be sure a perceptive recruiter will go directly to your career history to try to find what you are hiding. Try using a combination of functional and reverse chronological formats to strategically minimize your obstacles and meet your prospective employer’s needs. Rather than just listing your positions on page two, try adding a few more accomplishments to each job. This will add value and make the dates less important.

If you have spent some time doing volunteer or freelance work during your sabbatical, consider adding that to your employment history. Write and format the section exactly as if it was your most recent job. Include the name of the organization, responsibilities, accomplishments, and dates. This will help to shrink gap in your experience.

Finally, if you have a lengthy break in employment, address it in your cover letter. After your sales pitch, include a short sentence or two explaining the reason. Be brief and close the statement by adding that you are looking forward to getting back to work.

Even if you have not been working for a while, a well-thought out approach, based on sound resume writing principles will generate interviews. If you re-write your document strategically, you will be well on your way to producing results. If you are unable to design an outstanding strategic resume, hire a good resume writer. It is money well spent. A professional resume writer is an objective third party with the expertise to overcome your obstacles and make you shine!

Sharon Graham is a certified professional resume writer, employment interview strategist, and author of Best Canadian Resumes. She assists job seekers though her consulting firm Graham Management Group, www.GrahamManagement.com and is executive director of Career Professionals of Canada. You can reach Sharon by e-mailing info@GrahamManagement.com

Cold Calling Techniques to Access the Hidden Job Market

2009-09-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

Cold Calling Techniques to Access the Hidden Job Market

It is said that 80% or more of positions are filled through the hidden job market. The hidden job market is where a position is never advertised but is filled by someone who is known by the hiring person or hiring company either through a direct or indirect referral.

There are several ways to tap into this market but this article will focus on cold-calling techniques as one approach to tap into this market.

The experts at TorontoJobs.ca have come up with their list of some tips to use when cold-calling companies:

BEFORE STARTING:

Plan Who You Will Call

There are literally thousands of people you could speak to, but be organized and know your limitations as to the number of calls you can make.

Make a list of companies that you’re interested in applying to. Be area, company and/or industry specific.

Set goals for yourself

Calling one person once a month for 6 months is more effective than calling 20 people only once.

Do It On Your Time

The golden rule here is: “Do it on your time, not on your boss’ dime.” Take time off work if you need to.

Also, plan on making your calls when and where you won’t get interrupted.

ON THE CALL:

Don’t be Shy!

The first call will be tough. Not too many people are really comfortable with making a cold call. Practice what you will say before calling with a script if necessary.

Ask Questions

On the call, ask questions to get the other person to talk. You learn more by asking questions than by hearing yourself talk.

Keep the Call Short

There’s nothing worse for a busy employer than to be kept on the phone longer than is required. Pick up on non-verbal clues that the person has to get off the phone (e.g. they’re distracted or they’re typing on their computer).

Ask for an Informational Interview

An informational interview is a time for you to get some information that will be helpful in your search. This can be either in person or over the phone. This is an opportunity for you to speak with the employer on a more casual basis to gather information about the company or the career you’re looking for.

Ask for Referrals

Always ask for referrals from anyone you speak with. Referrals turn cold calls into warm calls very quickly.

AFTER THE CALL:

Follow-up, Follow-up and Follow-up

Following-up is extremely important.

Assume before you even start this process that you’re going to get “Sorry, I can’t help you” or “We’re not hiring”. However, by the third, fourth, fifth tries, the person will start having an idea how you can help them and that you’re persistent.

Use some kind of method to follow-up with people, whether it’s a manual system or automated system.

Calling is more effective than email

Talking to a live person or leaving a voice mail is more effective than an email. If you leave a voice mail, speak clearly, spell your name if necessary and repeat your phone number.

Don’t call too often

Depending on how large the company is or how much turnover there is in that department should give you an idea of how often to call. Use discretion. There is a fine line between having credibility and being a nuisance. Don’t cross the line.

TorontoJobs.ca is Excited to Announce Positive Growth in Employment for August 2009

2009-09-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

TorontoJobs.ca is sharing the good news about the August 2009 Employment Numbers. According to Statistics Canada "Employment increased by 27,000 in August, led by part-time work and among private sector employees."

Read More: http://www.s...tatcan.gc.ca/subjects-sujets/labour-travail/lfs-epa/lfs-epa-eng.htm

TorontoJobs.ca Earns a Spot on the 10th Annual PROFIT HOT 50 Companies for 2009: How We Overcame the Turbulent Times

2009-09-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

TorontoJobs.ca Earns a Spot on the 10th Annual PROFIT HOT 50 Companies for 2009: How We Overcame the Turbulent Times

Toronto, Ont. - September 8th, 2009 - TorontoJobs.ca, the leading locally focused online job board in the Greater Toronto Area, is excited to announce that we have emerged as one of Canada's fastest growing companies according to the 10th annual PROFIT HOT 50 ranking.

TorontoJobs.ca has been the definitive source for connecting Employers with Job Seekers throughout the Greater Toronto Area since 2005. Our local focus, advanced features, outstanding customer service and our strategic lines of business including: Online Job Board, Employment Newspaper, Recruitment Division and Outplacement Services have attributed to our success over the past five years.

"It is an enormous honor to be recognized as one of the PROFIT HOT 50", says Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca. "TorontoJobs.ca continues to strategically build our business based on the needs of companies to find the best local staff in the Greater Toronto Area. We service that need for small, medium and large companies through our multiple divisions and our one-stop shop setup."

The PROFIT HOT 50 is the definitive ranking of Canada’s Emerging Growth Companies. Published in the October issue of PROFIT magazine and online at PROFITguide.com, the PROFIT HOT 50 ranks young firms by two-year revenue growth.

"The PROFIT HOT 50 have achieved phenomenal growth rates despite a battered economy. Their success is a testament to their innovative approaches to satisfying the demands of the marketplace and managing their own companies," says editor Ian Portsmouth.

We at TorontoJobs.ca have put together a list of the top five things that have attributed to our success and growth over the economic downturn which we feel are a vital success to any small business. The top 5 include:

1. Staying in tune with changing trends, technology and the economy. With the continuing changes on the internet, it has become vital to stay on top of changes in the industry, keep a close eye on economic factors that affect business and ensure to have an aggressive edge by researching the competition, new technology and trends of demographics. Taking risks and keeping up with industry demands is important with today’s fast paced, unpredictable economy.

2. Always overestimate expenses and underestimate revenues. No matter how much a company budgets and plans there are always going to be situations where a company has additional costs that were not planned for and revenue goals that were overestimated. Always plan on spending more than expected and be conservative when budgeting for revenues.

3. Take advantage of free advertising available. There are a wealth of ways that a new business can advertise without spending a penny. Starting a business related Facebook Group, creating a group on LinkedIn, uploading videos on YouTube, Twittering about upcoming events, creating partnerships with other industry-related small businesses and creating monthly newsletters to communicate with clients are all incredible ways to grow your business at no cost.

4. Participate in networking opportunities. Join industry-related associations, Board of Trade organizations, local small business networking groups, etc. Introduce your business to as many contacts as you possibly can. Ensure to have your company information and business cards ready at any networking event. Present to industry association events. Creating relationships can be extremely beneficial to the future success of your organization.

5. Provide outstanding customer service. These days excellent customer service is hard to come by. Developing and training staff is one of the most important strategies that should be implemented into a business plan. Having passionate employees that understand the business and how they can meet the needs of clients will be a large factor to increasing revenues.

About PROFIT Magazine:

PROFIT: Your Guide to Business Success, is Canada’s preeminent publication dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid-sized businesses. For more than 25 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it’s a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them increase their revenues, boost their profitability and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Published six times a year by Rogers Publishing Ltd., PROFIT is distributed almost exclusively to the chief executives of companies with 5 – 250 employees and annual revenue of $1 million to $25 million, reaching more than 300,000 readers across Canada. Visit PROFIT online at http://www.canadianbusiness.com/profit_magazine/index.jsp.

Visit our TorontoJobs.ca Booth - September 9th at the Hire Canada Career Fair

2009-09-03T08:42:00.000-07:00

Visit the TorontoJobs.ca Booth - Hire Canada Career Fair

Wednesday, September 09, 2009
LOCATION: YORKLAND HOTEL185 Yorkland BLVD., Toronto, ON
TIME: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Free parking and entry for Job Seekers!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT: www.hirecanada.ca

Want to learn more about how to maximize the use of job fairs?
Visit:http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/Maximizing_the_Use_of_Job_Fairs2.html

Looking for a job in the GTA? Visit: www.TorontoJobs.ca

"Ignite your Job Search" - Career Development Presentations

2009-07-29T09:20:00.000-07:00

"Ignite your Job Search" - Career Development Presentations

Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Time: 8:30am - 8:00pm
Location: Cara Commons Room, Ryerson University, Ted Rogers School of Management
Street: 575 Bay St. (Entrance at 55 Dundas St. West)

This exciting event was designed to educate those seeking Employment within the GTA with an emphasis on the current Economic Times. The presentation series will cover all aspects of job hunting including: Resume Writting, Cover Letter and Interview Techniques, How Recruiters Find you Online and Networking to Access the Hidden Job Market.

FULL DAY SESSION:

8:30am - 9:00am - Registrations
9:00am - 10:30am - "Rejuvenate your Resume, Reap the Rewards", Martin Buckland
10:45am - 11:30am - Developing your Personal Branding: Cover Letter and Interview Techniques
11:30am - 12:00pm - Question and Answer

12:00pm - 1:30pm - LUNCH BREAK - Networking with Exhibitors and Complimentary Resume Critiques

1:30pm - 3:00pm - How Recruiters Find you Online, Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca
3:15pm - 4:00pm - Using Social Networking & Traditional Networking to Land your Dream Job
4:00pm - 4:30pm - Networking

EVENING SESSION:

5:30-8:00 p.m. – Industry Panel with Recruiters and Experienced Professionals (will include light snacks and refreshments)

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE:

Full Day Session: $30.00 in Advance or $40.00 at the Door
Evening Session: $15.00 in Advance or $20.00 at the Door

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 905-566-5627 OR EMAIL presentations@TorontoJobs.ca

TORONTOJOBS.CA EVENT REMINDER: Ignite Your Job Search Career Day on Wednesday, July 22nd

2009-07-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

EVENT REMINDER: "Ignite Your Job Search" Full and Half Day Career Presentations
If you, or someone you know, is currently searching for a new position or would like to brush-up on some important job search skills, you may want to attend this special "Career Day" event. Various workshops will help you "Ignite Your Job Search" with tips and advice from experienced professionals.

WHERE: Mississauga - Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts, Drive, Staging Room - 2nd Floor (FREE PARKING)

WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

CONTENT:
Some of the topics that will be covered are: Resumes & Cover Letters, How Recruiters Find you Online, Interviewing Tips, and How to Network to Find a Job.

NEW!!!! There will be Certified Resume Writers available from 12:00pm - 1:30pm to do resume critiques for anyone that participates in the event!

REGISTRATION INFORMATION: (Pre-Registration is Required)
For further information or to register (Full Day of Half Day) for this event, please visit http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=18382 or email presentations@torontojobs.ca or call 905-566-5627 x2259

"IGNITE YOUR JOB SEARCH" - FULL AND HALF DAY CAREER PRESENTATIONS

2009-06-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

"IGNITE YOUR JOB SEARCH" - FULL AND HALF DAY CAREER PRESENTATIONS

WHEN: Wednesday July 22nd, 2009
WHERE: Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, 4141 Living Arts Drive, 2nd Floor, Staging Room
FULL AND HALF DAY SESSIONS AVAILABLE

EVENT SCHEDULE

MORNING SESSION
8:30am – 9:00am: Registrations
9:00am – 10:30am: “Rejuvenate your Resume, Reap the Rewards”, Martin Buckland
10:45am – 11:30am: Cover Letter and Interview Techniques
11:30am – 12:00pm: Question and Answer

AFTERNOON SESSION
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Registrations
1:30pm – 3:00pm: “How Recruiters Find you Online”, Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca
3:15pm – 4:00pm: Networking to Find a Job
4:00pm – 4:30pm: Question and Answer

Seating is Limited Pre-Registration is Required Free Underground Parking

BONUS!!!
- A Complimentary Job Search Workbook will be given to each attendee
- Draw for a 2 Hour Complimentary 2 Hour Session with a Career Counselor
- Other Great Prizes!

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE! REGISTRATION FEES (taxes included):

HALF DAY SESSION: (AM OR PM) - $15.00
FULL DAY SESSION: $25.00

Pre-Registration Starting Now! Register Today to Receive your Early Bird Discount!

TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL presentations@TorontoJobs.ca or call (905) 566-5627 ext. 2259.

Event Sponsors: CMA: Certified Management Accountants

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE EVENT!

An Inside Look At How Recruiters Find You Online

2009-06-19T12:41:00.001-07:00

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

An Inside Look At How Recruiters Find You Online

View more OpenOffice presentations from First Last.

Visit our TorontoJobs.ca Booth at the Hire Canada Career Fair - Wednesday June 17th, 2009

2009-06-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

VISIT OUR TORONTOJOBS.CA BOOTH (BOOTH #202) AT THE HIRE CANADA CAREER FAIR AND TRAINING EXPO

Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Time: 11am-4pm

LOCATION:
770 DonMills Rd.
Room: Carlton Cards Mezzanine
(at the corner of DonMills and Eglinton, in Toronto)

This event is FREE for everyone!!!

Visit: http://torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951 for more information!!

How to Get Back Into the Workforce After Being Off

2009-06-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

How to Get Back Into the Workforce After Being Off
An Article by TorontoJobs.ca

You’re ready to go back into the workforce after being off for a while, whether as a return from an extended maternity/paternity leave or sabbatical or other situation. Your skills might not be as sharp as before or the last time you went for an interview was several years ago.

Here are some tips to get you back into the workforce:

Update Your Resume
Make sure your resume reflects all your experience. Have a Resume Writer, friend and/or Coach review your resume to make sure it’s written in the appropriate format. Formats change over time so the resume you wrote 5 years ago may be in a format that is not common.

Step Back
Be prepared to take a step back in the type of position that you obtain. The longer you are off the more of a step back you may need to take. The world and technology changes very quickly.

Network, Network, Network!
One of the best ways of getting back into the market without taking too far a step back is by networking. For some tips on networking see: https://%20www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101040. Tap into your network as much as possible.

Don’t Fudge Dates!
Make sure your resume shows exact dates of when you last worked. Don’t underestimate what people can find out about you.

Use A Coach
A coach can be very helpful in helping you set goals and giving you some advice on your reducing your search time. For some Tips on Coaches, see: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101740&lang=en_CA.

Show No Regrets
Showing no regrets that you made the decision to be off will show recruiters that you are confident in your decision-making and will send a positive message to them.

Consider Contract/Part-Time Work
Looking at an opportunity that is either part-time or on a contractual basis will allow you to get back into the workforce at your pace and keeps your options open for other opportunities that might come up as time goes on.

Save Time in Your Search
Familiarize yourself with ways of making your search as efficient as possible. You can find some tips in a previous article I wrote at: http://www.casource.com/memberGlobal/initViewArticleAction.do?id=101360.

Be Honest
In covering letters, be honest as to why your resume doesn’t show recent work experience. Explain your situation and what you’ve been doing over the period that you’ve been off.

Volunteer Experience
Make sure your resume includes any volunteer experience you have.

Use Recruiters
Recruiters will help you get opportunities that you might not otherwise know about and will be able to update you on current experience requirements and compensation trends.

Current Compensation
Be aware of current salaries for people with your experience. You might need to factor a discount given your time-off and the fact that a new employer may have to train you to catch up on industry or software issues.

Practice Interviewing
Again, a coach can help you here. Be aware of what types of questions are common in interviews as interviewing techniques change over time.

Upgrade Education
There may be some courses that you could take to make sure you are ready for the current market requirements.

Prepare Mentally
You’ll need to get used to the hours and perhaps overtime required in your new position. Being mentally prepared for this change will help ease your transition.

Set Goals
Setting goals (e.g. when you want to be working, what kind of pay, industry, etc.) will help you focus in your job search.

Support Mechanism
Having family and/or friends help you with your transition will help make life easier for you. Have someone you can confide in to share any difficulties you are having.

Employment Networking Groups
There are many networking groups available that you may be able to join. This will help in your transition.
Conclusion

Although it is natural to have fears and/or certain expectations about returning to the workforce, the more you prepare for it the easier the transition will be. By following some of the steps above you should be able to get a great start at your new position.

Tips for Writing an Effective Resume

2009-06-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Tips for Writing an Effective Resume, By TorontoJobs.ca

Your resume is the first and far most important document towards getting the job that you want! Some recruiters receive hundreds of resume per day and getting your resume to stand out among them can be challenging. Your resume should be a well-organized profile of your qualifications for a career; it should also communicate enough information to an employer to keep them interested!

The experts at TorontoJobs.ca have come up with some suggestions to write an effective resume:

Writing with Style: Font size of the text throughout the resume should be 12 point and either Times New Roman or Arial style. Use 1 inch margins at the top and bottom and sides of your resume. Try to avoid using horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, or shading. If you’re mailing your resume, try to put it in an envelope that doesn’t require you to fold it. Try to avoid overusing italics, scripts and underlined words.
Use Effective Vocabulary: Define all experiences with as many actions words as possible, such as accomplished, delegated, achieved, conducted, coordinated, organized, etc.

Please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/html/career_resources/articles/writing_effective_resume.html to view the full article.

Searching for a Job? Visit www.TorontoJobs.ca for 100's of current openings throughout the GTA!

TorontoJobs.ca Current Recruitment Division Openings!

2009-05-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Real Estate Property Administrator

Part time basis
Real estate knowledge is a must
This is not a sales position
Administrative role

Ideal candidate has reviewed home inspection reports, has completed credit checks, and has an understanding of the real estate or construction industry

For more information please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17978

Wireless Field Technician Needed Immediately

This temporary position needs to be filled immediately
Position is for a minimum of 2 months
The office is located in Markham, Ontario
Position involves survey, scope and install of wireless network

For more information please visit: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17836

COMPANIES CONTINUE TO USE TORONTOJOBS.CA TO HIRE IN THE GTA!

2009-05-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Stand Out – Broadcast Yourself – Get Hired!

2009-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Exciting News!

TorontoJobs.ca now offers you a chance to do a free, no obligation, 30 second video to help you in your job search!

The Benefits to You:

There is no cost
Your profile will be seen by our clients as well as other visitors to our TorontoJobs.ca www.youtube.com account who may be interested in interviewing you for their job opening(s).
Our studies indicate that candidates with a short video of themselves are more likely to be hired because an employer will have seen you before an actual interview.

If you would like to see what the video would look like on screen please CLICK HERE.
CREATE YOUR VIDEO TODAY!

If you are interested in posting your video on our TorontoJobs.ca YOUTUBE channel please email us at resumes@torontojobs.ca and one of our Recruitment Managers would be happy to give you additional information.

Announced This Morning – Current Unemployment Rate 8% - How to Defeat the “Job Search Recession Blues”

2009-04-09T05:49:00.000-07:00

Those who are currently searching for work in the economic downturn are not alone. Announced this morning, 8% of Canadians are also feeling the stress of being unemployed within the current economic climate.

TorontoJobs.ca recently polled over 300 unemployed job seekers as to their current stress levels within their job search. 69% of respondents aged 25-45, revealed that they were “extremely stressed” with their current search, 18% indicated they were “very stressed”, 9% were “stressed” and 4% “not very stressed”.

The major concerns with those polled were:

- “There are so many people applying to the positions that are listed, how can I stand out amongst the competition”

- “I keep applying to positions and I am not getting any response”

Given the current economic situation and the large amount of concern from our job seekers, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things job seekers can do to ensure they are making the most of their job search in tough times.

The 10 Key Elements to Reducing Stress and Getting Ahead within Your Job Search Include:

1. Stay Connected: Send emails to family and friends letting them know you are currently looking for a new position and include a brief summary of your professional background. In most cases, at least one family member will know someone that can create a connection with a potential employer.

2. Get Organized: It’s important to make sure that your resume is up-to-date, you have printed copies of your resume on hand, you have prepared a cover letter outline and you have your certifications available. Being organized allows you to relieve pressure when you are called for a possible interview.

3. Take Your Search One Step Further: Rather than searching one job site on a daily basis spread your search as wide as possible. Join professional networking sites like Linked In, search as many job sites as possible, check the local papers, attend job fairs, attend networking events related to your industry and register with staffing firms.

4. Take a Realistic Approach: Most companies are on a hiring freeze throughout the Greater Toronto Area or are only hiring part-time/contract employees until the economy returns to a stable state. During this time being too particular within your job search could lead to being unemployed for a longer period of time. Taking a contract position or two part-time positions could lead to full-time employment once the economy shifts.

5. Keep a Positive Attitude: So you had an interview and you didn’t get the job. Did you ask for constructive feedback? Turn the rejection into a positive experience and improve for your next interview. Constructive criticism can only help in your job search development.

6. Surround Yourself with Positive Surroundings: Stay away from people/media that focus on the negative aspects of being unemployed. This is a great opportunity to take some time to evaluate your future career path. Joining a support network (online or as part of a face-to-face group) is a great idea. It will enable you to speak to people that are going through the same stresses and struggles.

7. Create a Job Search Daily Routine: Create a schedule of what times of day you are going to spend on job searching. Creating a schedule will allow you to decrease your stress levels and ensure you have time for personal hobbies and social activities.

8. Keep in Mind your Job Search is a Full-Time Job: Designate a time period each day to spend on job searching. This includes networking, updating your resume, applying for positions and conducting follow-up calls.

9. Keep your Resume Filled with Quantitative Information: In today’s competitive economy the most important thing that should be reflected on your resume is how you can build value and grow the company in which you are applying for. For example rather than stating “I have strong customer service skills”, employers want to see how those skills are going to bring value to the potential role. Instead, stating “Obtained 100% accuracy in Customer Complaint Resolution over a 3 year period” gives the employer concrete evidence that you have an excellent track record in Customer Service.

10. Celebrate Progress: Rather than focusing on the negative of being unemployed focus on setting goals for yourself each week. For example, make a goal to connect with at least 10 hiring managers in a one week period. Being able to cross the goal off your list is a small step towards employment and will definitely end the week with a positive step forward.

Meet Our Recruitment Managers at The National Job Fair - Booth #819

2009-03-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

This Tuesday March 31st, 2009 and Wednesday April 1st, 2009, TorontoJobs.ca will be participating in the National Job Fair and Training Expo from 10am - 7pm. Come meet our Recruitment Managers and learn about our current openings at BOOTH #819.

For more information please visit our website: http://torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951

Increase in Minimum Wage – March 31st, 2009 - $9.50 per hour

2009-03-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Increase in Minimum Wage – March 31st, 2009 - $9.50 per hour

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT INCREASING BENEFITS FOR LOWEST PAID WORKERS TORONTO

With the passage of the 2007 Ontario budget, the McGuinty government is helping our most vulnerable workers, increasing benefits to injured workers and speeding up resolution of employment standards claims, Labour Minister Steve Peters announced today.

Maximizing the Use of Job Fairs

2009-03-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Maximizing the Use of Job Fairs - for Job SeekersBy TorontoJobs.ca

Job fairs are a tremendous way for job seekers and employers to connect, if well planned and handled properly on both sides. Most of the benefits of these shows will result from proper planning, rather than the actual day itself.This article provides a number of tips for job seekers to maximize the benefits at job fairs.

Preparation before the Event

Be prepared for possible interviews — have answers ready to common questions — e.g. type of position looking for, salary expectations.

Prepare questions you want answered before you arrive.

Get familiar with the layout of the job fair by visiting the event website.

Find out what companies will be there and, if/when possible, what positions they are looking to fill.

Do research on those companies and positions ahead of time.

Plan to go when the event is not as busy so that you can spend more time with employers.

Busy/slow times will vary from show to show depending on many factors including the location, times of the show and the amount of advertising done by the organizers. Try to avoid going very late to shows as exhibitors may not be as well prepared during those times (they may be tired from a long day on their feet).

Prepare a one minute “sales pitch” of your background and what you’re looking for that you can recite when you meet with exhibitors.

Make a checklist of what exhibitors you want to meet at the show so you can make sure you don’t miss any.

Visit the websites of companies who are going to be there to review any appropriate positions listed in their “Careers” section. At the Job Fair

Dress professionally as if you are going for an interview.

Have a portfolio or professional case for your resumes.

Bring a sufficient supply of resumes and business cards to hand out to selected employers.

During the Show

Only approach companies that can help you — try not to waste exhibitors’ time, especially at busy shows.

Be polite and gracious to exhibitors and other attendees; don’t try to hoard time so that no one else gets an opportunity. Return to the booth later if necessary.

Don’t grab all the pens, hats, and bags that you can at booths — this will only reduce your appeal to potential employers.

Keep your conversations brief and succinct when meeting exhibitors.

Attend any relevant sessions that are available — you may be able to pick up some job search, resume writing or career tips.

Ask exhibitors for business cards when appropriate to allow for follow-up afterwards. However, keep in mind that some exhibitors may not want to give out their business cards, preferring you to apply online to their positions. Don’t react negatively if they prefer not to provide their card.

Look for non-verbal clues when you’re speaking with exhibitors to finish up your conversation (e.g. a lineup behind you is forming; the exhibitor seems to be trying to finish the conversation).

Wear comfortable shoes, especially for larger shows.

After the Event

Visit websites of companies that interest you and apply for positions online.

Follow-up on any business cards that you received — send them a soft copy of your resume with a cover letter if there was an appropriate position you were looking for that was discussed.

TorontoJobs.ca is the on-line recruitment website where you can post your resume, search and apply to 100’s of jobs in the Greater Toronto Area. You can also get career, interviewing and resume writing tips all at no cost to you. TorontoJobs.ca also provides recruitment services. Since 2002, TorontoJobs.ca has been a local leader in job postings in the GTA. Check out www.TorontoJobs.ca or email your resume to resumes@TorontoJobs.ca.

TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division Current Openings - March 25th, 2009

2009-03-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division is currently looking to fill the positions listed below. If you or someone you know meets the qualifications of the following roles please submit your resume to our Recruitment Division by emailing resumes@TorontoJobs.ca.

CONTROLLER - 2 WEEKS TO START
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17217

FINANCIAL ANALYST (2007-2009 CA GRAD)http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17058

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT/SPECIAL PROJECTS (2007-2009 CA GRAD) http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17056

CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM LEADER
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17006

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17287

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (PRINT INDUSTRY)http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17247

ACCOUNTING PROJECTS
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17321

100% OUTSIDE SALES
http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=17241

FOR 100'S OF ADDITIONAL JOB OPENINGS THROUGHOUT THE GTA PLEASE VISIT WWW.TORONTOJOBS.CA!!!

Announced Last Week: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, However Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession

2009-03-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Announced Last Week: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, However Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession.

With the unemployment rate steadily increasing since September 2008 and the unemployment rate jumping to 7.7% for the month of February, it’s time for job seekers to get creative within the task of job searching and think of new, innovative ways to proactively look for work. Joining social networking sites, associations and other networking groups are great ways for job seekers to meet hiring managers however; proactively seeking employment within industries that thrive during recessionary times will put those looking for work one step ahead of the competition.

Over the past few months, we at TorontoJobs.ca have spoken to hundreds of companies throughout the GTA conducting layoffs and hiring freezes. Despite the economic climate we have also noticed an upward trend in several industries and companies using our site to advertise their current openings.

Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca, states “Job Seekers really need to look towards future trends within the marketplace. Go where the jobs are going to be and plan ahead and know what industries are going to be hot.”

Choosing an industry that continues to grow despite the economic climate increases chances of finding employment. “Recession Thriving Industries” such as Security and Health Care are proving to be more resilient career choices.

TorontoJobs.ca List of the Top 5 Hiring Industries Include:

1. Legal Industry: As organizations continue to conduct layoffs, employment lawsuits will continue to rise. After discussions with several Employment Lawyers within the GTA, employment-related lawsuits have been on a steady increase since the beginning of the economic downturn. Positions within law firms that are seeing growth include: Paralegals, Law Clerks and Legal Assistants.

2. Health Care/Pharmaceuticals: Despite what is happening in the current state of the economy, everyone needs health care. Health Care not only includes Nurses and Doctors, it also includes Administrative, Customer Service, Pharmaceutical Sales and other roles within the industry. According to Statistics Canada, 31,000 jobs were added to the Health Care Sector in the month of February. Belaiche also says “Health Care will continue to be on the rise in terms of the amount of openings available within the industry. As the boomers continue to age there will be an increased need for Home Health Care Services and Nurses.”

3. Accounting: In the past 3 months there has been a 20% increase in the amount of Accounts Receivable positions listed on TorontoJobs.ca. This is due to slow collections and a need for companies to speed up their cash flow. Also, in a downturn, many businesses turn to their Accountants to find ways to increase profitability.

4.Engineering/Infrastructure: Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced more than $1 billion for 289 infrastructure projects in Ontario communities with populations of fewer than 100,000 people. These projects across the province will create jobs, help stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life of Ontarians.

5. Trades/Construction: With the introduction of the 15% home renovation tax credit, the government’s plan is to create jobs within this industry over the next year, including: Retail Home Improvement Stores, General Residential Contractors and Manufacturers of Home Renovation Supplies.

Belaiche recommends “Selecting companies within the above industries within the appropriate geographic range. Narrowing down searching will make researching more manageable and will make sense to contact the Human Resource Professionals within these organizations. As spring approaches there are also seasonal industries that will be looking to hire. Industries such as Landscaping, Pool Companies and Golf Courses will have hiring requirements.”

Belaiche also recommends keeping up with up-to-date trends on an ongoing basis. “Rather than focusing on what jobs were in demand within the last 1-2 years, focus on what industries are trending higher.”

TorontoJobs.ca is a full-service recruitment organization, including TorontoJobs.ca Website, Toronto Jobs Newspaper, full-service Recruitment Firm and Outplacement Services. The local focus and advanced features make TorontoJobs.ca a vital asset for both job seekers and employers within the Greater Toronto Area.

Announced This Morning: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, however Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession

2009-03-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

Announced This Morning: Unemployment Rate Reaches 7.7%, However Growth Industries Continue to Hire During Recession

Release Date: March 13th, 2009
Release By: TorontoJobs.ca

With the unemployment rate steadily increasing since September 2008 and the unemployment rate jumping to 7.7% for the month of February, it’s time for job seekers to get creative within the task of job searching and think of new, innovative ways to proactively look for work. Joining social networking sites, associations and other networking groups are great ways for job seekers to meet hiring managers however; proactively seeking employment within industries that thrive during recessionary times will put those looking for work one step ahead of the competition.

Over the past few months, we at TorontoJobs.ca have spoken to hundreds of companies throughout the GTA conducting layoffs and hiring freezes. Despite the economic climate we have also noticed an upward trend in several industries and companies using our site to advertise their current openings.

Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca, states “Job Seekers really need to look towards future trends within the marketplace. Go where the jobs are going to be and plan ahead and know what industries are going to be hot.”

Choosing an industry that continues to grow despite the economic climate increases chances of finding employment. “Recession Thriving Industries” such as Security and Health Care are proving to be more resilient career choices.

TorontoJobs.ca List of the Top 5 Hiring Industries Include:

1. Legal Industry: As organizations continue to conduct layoffs, employment lawsuits will continue to rise. After discussions with several Employment Lawyers within the GTA, employment-related lawsuits have been on a steady increase since the beginning of the economic downturn. Positions within law firms that are seeing growth include: Paralegals, Law Clerks and Legal Assistants.

2. Health Care/Pharmaceuticals: Despite what is happening in the current state of the economy, everyone needs health care. Health Care not only includes Nurses and Doctors, it also includes Administrative, Customer Service, Pharmaceutical Sales and other roles within the industry. According to Statistics Canada, 31,000 jobs were added to the Health Care Sector in the month of February. Belaiche also says “Health Care will continue to be on the rise in terms of the amount of openings available within the industry. As the boomers continue to age there will be an increased need for Home Health Care Services and Nurses.”

3. Accounting: In the past 3 months there has been a 20% increase in the amount of Accounts Receivable positions listed on TorontoJobs.ca. This is due to slow collections and a need for companies to speed up their cash flow. Also, in a downturn, many businesses turn to their Accountants to find ways to increase profitability.

4.Engineering/Infrastructure: Ontario's Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced more than $1 billion for 289 infrastructure projects in Ontario communities with populations of fewer than 100,000 people. These projects across the province will create jobs, help stimulate the economy and improve the quality of life of Ontarians.

5. Trades/Construction: With the introduction of the 15% home renovation tax credit, the government’s plan is to create jobs within this industry over the next year, including: Retail Home Improvement Stores, General Residential Contractors and Manufacturers of Home Renovation Supplies.

Belaiche recommends “Selecting companies within the above industries within the appropriate geographic range. Narrowing down searching will make researching more manageable and will make sense to contact the Human Resource Professionals within these organizations. As spring approaches there are also seasonal industries that will be looking to hire. Industries such as Landscaping, Pool Companies and Golf Courses will have hiring requirements.”

Belaiche also recommends keeping up with up-to-date trends on an ongoing basis. “Rather than focusing on what jobs were in demand within the last 1-2 years, focus on what industries are trending higher.”

How to Cope with the Current Unemployment Rate – 7.2% Announced this Morning

2009-02-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

How to Cope with the Current Unemployment Rate – 7.2% Announced this Morning

According to Statistics Canada, employment fell by 129,000 in January (-0.8%), almost all in full time, pushing the unemployment rate up 0.6 percentage points to 7.2%. This drop in employment exceeds any monthly decline during the previous economic downturns of the 1980s and 1990s.

The loss in January follows other declines in recent months. Since October, employment has fallen by 213,000 (-1.2%), the result of full-time losses.

We at TorontoJobs.ca have spoken to many employed and unemployed people over the course of the last few months and have received tremendous feedback of uncertainty from both angles.
Given the amount of people that were unsure of how to handle the negative employment situation we have compiled a checklist of things someone worried about their employment status can do to be prepared in case of layoffs, downsizing or prolonged unemployment. Planning ahead should be a part of everyone’s employment plan.

OUR TOP TIPS TO KEEP TORONTO EMPLOYED:

If Employed – Be Prepared

One never knows when their company may decide to layoff staff. During this time of uncertainty it’s good to be prepared and have a plan to begin your job search to stay one step ahead.

1. Create a job search action plan – create a list of websites to use, a strategy for searching each day and a system for scanning company websites that pertain to your area of expertise. Creating a plan will ensure you are maximizing your job search efforts when the time comes.

2. Update your resume – spend some time re-vamping and updating your resume. It’s important to have a flawless and compelling sales tool to differentiate yourself in the current job market. Ensure to provide quantitative information and cases of how your input helped the company succeed to the next level.

3. Save Enough Money for 6 months of Expenses – given the current economic situation if you are laid off it might take longer to find employment. Ensure you are financially stable at all times to cover the time while unemployed.

4. Gather References - ensure to have at least 3 professional references on hand. References should come from: In-Direct Managers, Colleagues, Past Managers, etc. Ensure to ask permission for your contacts to speak on your behalf.

5. NETWORK! – make a point to get to know as many people as possible in your line of work. By having a strong network, if you are to be let go, you have a great network of people to start connecting with to begin your job search.

If Unemployed – Think Positive – Employers are Still Hiring

As the unemployment rate starts to rise there becomes a larger candidate pool for companies that are hiring to choose from. As the unemployed market becomes increasingly competitive you must become increasingly proactive.

1. Be open to opportunities – consider smaller companies and new industries. Don’t necessarily take the first job that you see, but consider every opportunity. Having a decent job for the time being will assist you to get by and continue searching for something else. Don’t hesitate to take two part-time jobs or a contract position if necessary.

2. Make finding a job your new job – finding a new job might be the most difficult job there is. At least 4 hours each day should be spent on creating lists of companies where you’d like to work, contacting recruiters, applying for jobs online, using personal and professional networks, etc.

3. Social networking – when conducting a job search, you need to make it easy for employers to find you online. Many HR Managers are currently using LinkedIn and Facebook to search possible candidates for their open positions. Ensure that social profiles are kept professional if you are going to use this method for job searching.

4. Explore expanding sectors – Marc Belaiche, President of TorontoJobs.ca notes that “there are still sectors hiring. Companies within sectors such as Healthcare, Protective Services, Information Technology and Accounting may be worth exploring, even if they are outside of your current industry.”

5. Sell your results, not skills – employers today want to see how skills translated into results. Rather than seeing a laundry list of skills, they want to see how you used these skills in your last position to achieve a successful end result.

“Ignite your Job Search in Tough Times” - AN EMPLOYMENT EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!

2009-01-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

“Ignite your Job Search in Tough Times”
AN EMPLOYMENT EVENT NOT TO BE MISSED!

An exclusive event designed for job seekers to learn how to market yourself effectively in your job search through these tough economic times.

SPEAKERS:

Dundee Wealth Management “An Employer’s Perspective”
PRESENTING ON: Career Opportunities at Dundee Wealth, Why Work for Dundee Wealth, Best Practices for your Employment Search

Mary Vigrow, CHRP – Certified Life Skills Coach
PRESENTING ON: “Propelling your Career” – 10 tips to enable you to differentiate yourself within your job search.

Timothy Carter - Senior Analyst - TD Financial
PRESENTING ON: "How I Overcame Many Job Search Road Blocks"NETWORKING SESSION

** Free 20 Page Handout on Job Searching Tips**

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED BY CALLING (905) 566-5627 EXT. 2136 OR BY EMAILING presentation@torontojobs.ca

$8 - prior to the event
$10 - at the door of the event

December 2008 - Unemployment Numbers

2009-01-14T08:41:00.000-08:00

Announced this morning Ontario’s unemployment rate has risen to 6.6% from the record low of 5.8% in early 2008.

According to Statistics Canada, December's employment loss was the result of a large decline in full-time work (-71,000), partly offset by an increase in part-time employment (+36,000).

Happy New Year from TorontoJobs.ca!

2009-01-14T08:39:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year again – the beginning of a new chapter and time to write out your New Years Resolutions!

Some people set personal resolutions to loose weight, to volunteer, etc. Career oriented resolutions can be just as rewarding especially given the state of the job industry at the end of 2008.TorontoJobs.ca has put together career goals to incorporate in your planning for the New Year:

1. Get Organized- Clean out all your old files, cabinets and drawers
2. Set realistic goals for yourself for 2009- write down your one year plan
3. Take a “Microscope – Telescope” view of your Career Path
4. Increase your "working network"
5. Find 3 strong points about yourself that make you irrecplaceable
6. Take a job-related self improvement seminar
7. Update your resume
8. Manage your time more effectively - both at work and at home
9. Join a local networking group or association
10. Join social networking sites

WISHING YOU A PROSPEROUS 2009!

Happy Holidays from TorontoJobs.ca!

2008-12-22T06:10:00.000-08:00

The holidays are in full swing so we wanted to take a moment and wish our users, partners and clients, a wonderful and joyful holiday season.

May your Holiday Season and the New Year be filled with much joy, success and happiness!

We look forward to working with you in the coming year!

Announced Today: 70,600 Jobs Lost in November – Unemployment Rate has Risen to 6.3%

2008-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Advice for Finding Employment in Tough Times

For Immediate Release
December 5th, 2008

Announced this morning; Canada's unemployment rate has risen to 6.3% in November, up from 6.2% in October, as the economy lost 70,600 jobs.

We can all agree that times are tough. It seems that all we hear lately is “Company A has cut 1,000 jobs”; “Company B is cutting their 3rd production line resulting in 1,500 layoffs”. Despite these layoffs there are still jobs out there to be had. The key to finding employment in tough times is the same as good times: PERSISTENCE & ACTION.

TorontoJobs.ca has put together a list of the top 5 things you can do if you are currently looking for employment as a result of the current economic downturn:

Network at Holiday Parties –Holiday parties are not only a great way to spend time with friends and family, but they are also a great opportunity to start networking to access the hidden job market. A friend of a friend just may be the hiring manager at an organization you have been trying to get in contact with for months. So how do you approach this? Start by doing your homework: research who is going to be attending and be on time. Creating a business card is a great idea for ensuring your new contact can stay in touch with you.

Research Thriving Industries – Despite layoffs in many sectors there are still industries that are creating many employment opportunities. Sectors such as Law Enforcement, Accounting (Collections), Health Care, Information Technology and Green Projects are among those emerging industries that seem to be growing/hiring. Start researching future trends and upgrade your skills.

Social Networking – With the emergence of social networking there are hundreds of associations and groups on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook. By creating an account and joining these groups you could easily be connected to hundreds of people within seconds. Once you are signed up to these sites create your “social networking plan”. Create goals to connect with a certain amount of people each day that could be of assistance in your job search.

Make your Resume Standout – When applying for a position, update your resume by using quantitative information of how you can assist that organization through tough times. Use past examples of how you solved problems within your past positions and examples of how you can generate new revenues and ideas.

Try New Strategies – Your current job search strategies might not be cutting it. Try joining new “in-person” associations or networking groups or try new keyword searches in your online search. If you have always looked for large corporations’ opportunities, try looking at small businesses and try looking at new industries outside of your area of expertise.

The unemployment rate is projected to keep increasing over the next few months so the time to start is now! Companies aren’t waiting around to offer dream jobs to those that submit their resumes. Yes, it's not that enthusiastic in the employment sector, but you can increase your chances of gaining employment by thinking differently than others.

TorontoJobs.ca in The METRO...

2008-12-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

Economic Downturn or not, There are Jobs Out There
Article by Robyn Young, Metro News - Featuring TorontoJobs.ca

With over 50,000 jobs recently slashed at America’s biggest bank and the automotive industry spiralling ever deeper into debt, it’s hard not to worry about employment, or the lack thereof.

But career services experts in Canada say there are still jobs to be had for those with the right skills and the country’s employment situation isn’t as bad as the headlines might suggest.

Read More at:

http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/Work/article/149487

Tips to Wake Up in the Workplace

2008-11-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

“Tips to Wake Up in the Workplace”

It’s that time of year again … adjusting to the days getting shorter, the mornings getting colder and spending more time indoors.

According to Statistics Canada, “51% of Canadian Employees experience burnout within the work place, especially during “daylight savings time.”

With one week under our belts of “daylight savings time” and after speaking with over 50 HR Managers throughout the Greater Toronto Area, they offered some great advice that they give to their employees to stay alert within the workplace. Taking their advice as well as our own, we compiled a list of the “Top Ten Tips to Wake Up in the Workplace”… the top ten include:

“Deskercise”: According to Bob Doyle, Personal Trainer and Motivational Speaker, “Fit Employees are: less stressed; inspire confidence; have more energy and are less likely to get sick. Simple exercise such as arm raises, side stretches, leg lifts are all easy exercises that can be done while sitting at your desk each day.

Get ‘In Motion” During Work Hours: Take the stairs instead of the elevator, take a walking break instead of a coffee or smoke break and instead of emailing your co-worker get up and deliver the message in person. Not only will these short breaks re-energize you but will also give you some exercise in the process.

Listen to Music at Work to Energize: We all know that a great song will enhance our mood and make us more productive in the workplace. Most phone systems have the option of turning on the radio – might be worth while asking your boss about the policies within your workplace.

Include Caffeine in your Afternoon Routine: Be sure to include some caffeine in your afternoon routine. According to PositivelyCoffee.org “Caffeine in coffee increases alertness and reduces fatigue”. Caffeine improves performance on vigilant tasks which require sustained response.

Take a Power Nap: If you have the time during your lunch hour, sleeping for just 15-20 minutes can increase your alertness. According to Psychology Today, “Napping on the job is great for you and great for your boss. A power nap of about 20 minutes has been proven to increase alertness and overall productivity in workers. Siestas also boost mood.”

Eat Light Throughout the Day: Eating many small meals throughout the course of the day will definitely sustain your energy levels. Foods such as fruits or vegetables, trans-fat free foods, foods made from grain, etc. are a great choice for workplace eating.

Take Regular Breaks throughout the Day: A lunch break is the biggest source of stress relief throughout the work day. Try taking a break and getting out of the office– it will most definitely make a significant difference in your daily life.

Stay Organized: Do you have an office/desk filled with clutter? It may be time to start thinking about organizing your work space. Take some time out of your day to get organized. Keeping yourself organized may lead to a more efficient work day.

Adjust Sleep and Wake up Habits: Work and sleep have a two-way connection. Sometimes not getting enough sleep affects work performance, other times its work that is keeping people from getting enough sleep. Some advice: maintain regular wake-up and bed-times; sleep comfortably and avoid caffeine and exercise right before bed.

Climate Control: Ensure your workplace has a steady temperature and air flow. Extreme heat can cause drowsiness within your office environment.

Overall, employers that were surveyed were very keen on the above points to keeping an efficient, hard-working, dedicated team within their organizations. Many employers have implemented fitness facilities, healthy cafeteria menus as well as walking clubs and social groups to ensure their employees don’t experience burn-out within the workplace.

TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division Current Openings!

2008-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

With hard times happening within in the economy (layoffs, downsizing, etc.) it's extremely important to network! TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division has many current openings available in the Toronto Area and we are looking to network with strong candidates that match our requirements! Current Openings Include:

Bookkeeper - Contract: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=14907
Accounts Receivable: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=15243
Physiotherapists: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=14334
Senior Urban Designers: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=13759
Sr. Bookkeeper: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=13738
Customer Service Team Leader: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=13455
Bilingual Technical Support: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=13457
Account Manager: http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=15338

Please visit the above links to learn more about the positions and to apply!
www.TorontoJobs.ca

Toronto Job & Education Fair - October 23rd, 2008

2008-10-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Visit our Booth!!!

TORONTO JOB AND EDUCATION FAIR

Date/Time: Thursday, October 23, 2008, 12:00 – 6:00 pm
Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building – Hall G

To save time at the fair, REGISTER TO ATTEND ONLINE at www.nasinstitute.com

Visit the DIVERSITY PAVILION at 1:00 p.m. - CAREER FOCUS CONFERENCE
Exhibitors Include: Toronto Hydro, BCECS - Bell Canada, Canada Top Land, Centennial College, CGA of Ontario, CSIS, Halton Regional Police Service, ING Direct, Investors Group, Manpower, Parkland Industries LP, Primerica, Ryder Canada, Toronto Community Housing Corp., Toronto Fire Services, TorontoJobs.ca, Xerox Canada, Lexis Nexis and many more!

ONSITE INTERVIEWS will be conducted by Xerox!

For More Information about the Show please visit: www.nasinstitute.com

Recession Proofing a Job in Turbulent Times

2008-09-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

**For Immediate Release**

“Recession Proofing a Job in Turbulent Times”

September 24th, 2008
Toronto, Ontario

Though Ontario hasn’t technically reached “recession” status as yet, many people in Toronto and Ontario have lost their jobs, with the manufacturing sector being particularly hit hard. Stats Canada has reported “during the summer of 2008 (June, July, August) as a whole, full-time employment fell by 30,000 and part-time employment dropped by 15,000, for an overall employment decline of 45,000.”

After surveying 50 of some of the hardest hit employers in the manufacturing sector in the Greater Toronto Area as to what employees can do to safeguard their jobs, TorontoJobs.ca has come up with the top 7 tips that employees should do to recession proof their jobs.

The Top 7 Tips Include:

1. Look for Ways to Save Employer’s Money - saving company money can save your job. While employers are wondering how they can keep up with the expenses of the company as well as the payroll, prove to them that their employees are also concerned. Some great ideas: source local products and services; shorten supply chains; use recycled paper and eliminate waste.

2. Improve “on-the-job” attitude – most employers don’t have time for employees that are gossiping, acting in a negative manner or stirring things up within an organization, especially in tough times. At all times, employers are looking for commitment, drive and a positive attitude to drive the business. Employees who are loyal to their employers and stay positive in tough times will be rewarded even more so when the good times return, which they inevitably do.

3. Upgrade Skills – employees can become a bigger asset to their employer by taking classes to upgrade their skills and contribute to areas where the company may be lacking. Employees should ask to participate in extra activities and projects within the office to prove their new attributes.

4. Document Success - employees should keep their boss updated on the positive things they are doing for the organization – now is not a time to go unnoticed.

5. Become Irreplaceable - employees should show up early and stay late without necessarily expecting to be rewarded or compensated – volunteer for projects after hours and prove they are contributors.

6. Know What’s Going on in the Industry - employees can make themselves invaluable to their employers by being aware as to the changes that are going on in the industry – for example, what products or services are in demand or not in demand and help give their employers suggestions as to what products or services should be pushed or discontinued.

7. Be A Team Player – Tough times call for even better teamwork. Teams that work well together stay together and can make it through tough times. Employees should be team players and be willing to contribute.

Overall, employers surveyed generally felt that good employees who stayed loyal and worked harder during the tough times were the last to go in downsizing situations.

Calling Participants for CBC Election Special - Brought to you by TorontoJobs.ca

2008-09-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

It is time for Canada to choose a new leader and CBC wants to make your voice heard.
In lead up to the election party representatives have been invited to a series of debates in venues across the country. The debates will let the audience ask questions centered on a major Canadian issue.

To make this happen, we need you! On the evening of Monday, September 29th, CBC will be taping in Toronto, asking unemployed people whether they think Canada is falling behind in the global economy. We would like to invite you to come take part in this process.

If you are interested, please reply to the contact information below to confirm your availability. Please also provide the question you would like to ask the party representatives, as well as how you voted in our last election, and how you plan on voting this year. Also, if you know someone who is unemployed who you think would be interested in participating, please feel free to forward this message.

We look forward to hearing from you. Any questions are welcome.
Michelle MacMillan, CBC Television. Call: 416.205.7562 or Email Michelle MacMillan Now.

Up Coming Career Fairs

2008-09-08T07:15:00.000-07:00

Good Monday Morning!

Job & Career Fairs are a great way to hand out multiple resumes to hiring managers, have your resume critiqued free of charge and network with top employers in the Greater Toronto Area all in one place!

Visit our TorontoJobs.ca booth at the following fairs this September/October 2008! For detailed information on these events please visit: http://torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?job_id=4951

September 15th - NAS Mississauga Fair
September 16th - Scarborough Town Centre Fair
September 17th - NAPP Fair
September 30th & October 1st - The National Job Fair & Training Expo
October 15th - Hire Canada Fair
October 17th - Community Connections Fair
October 22nd - Adventa Fair
October 23rd - NAS Toronto Fair
November 6th - NAPP Hamilton Fair

Interview: Erin Davis, CHFI Radio Personality

2008-09-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Interview: Erin Davis, CHFI Radio Personality
By TorontoJobs.ca
August 21, 2008

Erin has been a fixture in Canadian Radio for over 25 years. Erin was born in Edmonton, Alberta and as a result of her father’s Air Force career, was raised everywhere, including, Ottawa, Trenton and England.

The Davis household was always filled with music and Erin’s introduction to show business came at an early age when she sang regularly in her Grandfather’s orchestra. Her love of performing led her to study at Loyalist College in Bellville, Ontario. By her second year, a typical day for Erin included attending classes in the morning, hosting a radio show on CIGL-FM in the afternoon and playing piano at a local restaurant in the evening. This routine helped her prepare for a lifetime of sleep deprivation.

Davis was happy to answer many questions we had for her, despite her busy schedule. Davis answered questions in regards to her career path, how she overcame obstacles throughout her career and advice she had for our readers being such an influential role model in the Greater Toronto Area.

TJ: How did your up bringing prepare you for a career in radio broadcasting?
Davis: “The constant moving we did as an Air Force family prepared me for the early part of my radio career which included several new opportunities and relocations. I learned to never get too attached to one address.”

TJ: When did you discover that radio was the career path you wanted to pursue? Were there any influencing factors that took place to entice this decision?
Davis: “I was in my final months of high school when I went to a Career Day. I lucked into hearing a professor from the local community college (Loyalist in Belleville) talk about the radio broadcasting course. It was like being hit by a bolt of lightning! Suddenly all the years of doing PA announcements, singing with an orchestra, reading aloud to class etc. and just basically wanting to perform, added up to a career where I could put those “loves to use”! I just hadn’t looked for the signs and been really tuned in to what career could suit my talents or passions.”

TJ: Where did you begin your career? What was your first position in the radio industry? How long did it take to work your way to the top?
Davis: “In November 1980, two months after starting school, I was offered a weekend position at an easy listening station in Belleville. When my first year of college ended, the job became full-time. I stayed at CIGL FM until 1982 when I graduated and moved to the #1 station in Ottawa, CFRA, then later to CKLW Windsor. After becoming the first female co-host in the Detroit market in 1984, I moved to Toronto. I joined CHFI in 1988 and that’s when the rise truly began.”

TJ: While at CHFI you were let go. What were the company’s plans for the future? Why did they feel as though you weren’t a good fit for that role?
Davis: “In 2003, CHFI’s kid sister station KISS FM was “unplugged”. That left its hosts without a station, and it was decided that CHFI would be a good new home for the younger, hipper duo. That meant someone had to make room for the new team, so I was let go. Sometimes companies make decisions that look really good on paper, but when it comes to reality, just don’t hold water. This was most certainly one of the latter. While hoping to bring a younger audience to CHFI, the move actually brought a much smaller one instead.”

TJ: How did you handle being terminated? How did this termination affect your family/personal life?
Davis: “Initially I took it extremely hard. CHFI had been my life for almost 15 years; those four letters had preceded my name for that long and I never imagined being let go. But almost as soon as the firing became public, I received a couple of amazing opportunities that never, ever would have surfaced had I stayed where I was. Talk about one door closing and another opening! “As for how it affected my family life, we were all shell-shocked. Our ten year old daughter was warned that we might be moving (I didn’t want to stay in Toronto if I couldn’t do radio here and it was unthinkable for me to be anywhere but “home”, CHFI). I felt I had no identity if I wasn’t “CHFI’s Erin Davis.” That was a big mistake on my part and one that I most certainly learned from.”

TJ: Had you ever thought about changing career paths before being terminated?
Davis: “Not really. I enjoyed doing television but apart from a few really rewarding seasons on Rogers Television, TV wasn’t particularly interested in me. Fair enough; radio was my first love. I knew I’d already been blessed and decided to put those ambitions away.”

TJ: Leaving CHFI opened many new doors for you. Were you at all hesitant when the “W Channel” contacted you to host your own television show?
Davis: “Are you kidding? It was a dream come true! A national, live TV talk show! I only wish now that there had been more trust in my own abilities and instincts, rather than having so much scripted and prepared for me. I thrive in ad lib situations and I was disappointed at not being allowed a chance to let me be me. I think that may be a very big difference between radio and television: in radio we live for intimate and real moments, whereas on W Live with Erin Davis, I was urged not to be “earnest”, whatever the hell that means. In the end, it was a wonderful learning experience and one for which I am extremely grateful!”

TJ: I know that you have had a very diverse career within the media (Radio, Television, Theatre). How did you manage the transition from each career path?
Davis: “In that they’re all just different areas in the realm of performing, I found the transitions to be very smooth. I guess what I’ve found is that no matter what the medium, people know “real” or “fake” when they encounter it. And even though it takes a lot to really put yourself out there (for better or worse), you can’t go wrong with the truth!”

TJ: When CHFI asked you to return to the station what were your immediate thoughts? Did you consider not returning?
Davis: “I couldn’t believe it; my husband and I had given up on our dream of me returning “home” one day to CHFI. But the first thing my former – and present – boss Julie Adam did was apologize. She was a class act then and continues to inspire me every day. The station did everything to make things right again and we knew in our hearts that returning home was the right thing to do. Best of all, my wanderings had hooked me up at another station with Mike Cooper. We took the ratings to #1 there and together have done so again with CHFI. He’s been the true silver lining in my life’s story, and we’re blessed to have found each other.”

TJ: What advice would you give our readers who have been recently terminated, or are struggling with finding employment?
Davis: “Everyone’s heard the saying that “when one door closes, another one opens”. But it’s hell in the hallways. Don’t do, write, or say anything that can come back to bite you. Hold your head up, take the high road whenever you possibly can and know – really KNOW – that everything happens for a reason. Although it hurts like hell, you have been given a gift. A gift to explore parts of yourself and life in general that perhaps you’d been shielded from - or blind to – before being fired.”

TJ: Being “Woman of the Year” in 2006 in the Greater Toronto Area, you are a very influential figure for women. What advice do you have specifically for women who are struggling to find their career path?
Davis: “If I could offer any advice it would be this: follow your passion. Make sure that you find something that makes you happy to get out of bed in the morning. Then the hours, the stress, the pay (or lack thereof) will not only be tolerable, but they’ll one day pay off. Perhaps find a life coach or someone whose judgment you trust to help you in your search for fulfillment and joy. Because you can find that in your job. Believe me, I know it, and my partner Mike Cooper knows it, too.”

TJ: Given that there were 50,000 jobs lost in Canada in July 2008, do you have any words of wisdom to those looking for work in the Toronto Area?
Davis: “My daughter’s boyfriend been looking; I get emails from listeners whose spouses are looking. My advice is to create the best cover letter and present yourself in a brief but memorable fashion. Check your SPELLING! And although it’s cliché, it’s true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure you stand out from everyone else, use the proper name and title when you’re addressing an application (do the research!) and believe – truly believe – that you are the perfect person for the job being offered. So much of success is in believing in yourself and intentioning the outcome of a situation like a job interview (or emerging triumphant after being fired)!”

FINAL THOUGHTS

One of the things that has made CHFI the winner that it is the approach we take to family – an attitude that can truly make for happy employees. When I became pregnant with our daughter Lauren, it was decided I should broadcast from home for three months, so I did! So many listeners remember that to this very day. And in this age of telecommuting, more and more people are now able to work from home just as I did – but without the live show from their home office that Lauren and I did in 1991!

And finally…my motto….

“Early to bed, Early to Rise, Work like hell and Advertise!”

TorontoJobs.ca Supports the Big Bike for Heart and Stroke

2008-07-03T05:40:00.000-07:00

On June 12th, 2008, TorontoJobs.ca took part in the Big Bike for Heart and Stroke raising over $2900 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

This important cause:

Funds world class research that continues to save the lives of Canadians

Is fighting to have trans-fats eliminated from processed foods in Canada

Was behind the research leading to in-utero heart treatments, saving babies' lives before they were even born

To learn more about the Heart and Stroke Foundation please visit: http://www.heartandstroke.ca/

Current Openings - TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division

2008-07-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment Division recruits for candidates at all levels and in all areas of expertise. Along with TorontoJobs.ca, a leader in the internet recruitment industry, the TorontoJobs.ca Recruitment division can help all jobseekers in the Greater Toronto Area find new opportunities. To view our current opportunities please visit:

http://www.torontojobs.ca/en/jobs/view.php?company_id=12753

Beat Burnout Within Your Workplace

2008-07-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

Top 10 Ways to Beat “Burnout” within your Workplace

According to Statistics Canada, “51% of Canadian Employees experience stress within the work place.” Are you part of this 51%?

Are you feeling like the workday is never ending? Is every conversation that takes place within your workplace negative? Do you no longer feel that you are getting the satisfaction you are looking for from your current job? Are you contemplating changing career paths? If you answered yes to any of the above questions it’s likely that you are experiencing “burnout” within your workplace.

We at TorontoJobs.ca have compiled some suggestions to eliminate stress on the job and our top ten include …

1. Avoid Negativity – try to avoid gossiping and negative thinking within the work place. Focus on the positive things that surround you within your working environment.

2. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – There are many situations that may arise in your work place that are beyond your control. Instead of dwelling on the mistake and taking it out on your self turn it into a positive, learning experience.

3. Set the Blackberry Down – If you are one of those people that have their blackberry glued to their hands, you must realize that when work hours are over, personal time is a MUST. Turn those phones off and focus on things that are enjoyable in your free time.

4. Try to Get Some Routine Exercise – Regular exercise gives your mind a chance to relax and increases your energy level. When you take care of yourself physically, your productivity and focus is more likely to increase.

5. Take Regular Breaks throughout the Day – Are you one of those people that don’t take lunch breaks? A lunch break is the biggest source of stress relief throughout the work day. Try taking a break and getting out of the office– it will most definitely make a significant difference in your daily life.

6. Eat a Healthy Lunch – According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, “eating a healthy lunch can help boost our immune system, increase our energy and improve our ability to function during hectic work days.”

7. Stay Organized – Do you have an office/desk filled with clutter? It may be time to start thinking about organizing your work space. Take some time out of your day to get organized. Keeping yourself organized may lead to a more efficient work day.

8 Join a Workplace Social Event – Are you so involved with your daily work load that you don’t know your co-workers? Join an up coming event within your workplace and get to know your surroundings.

9. Don’t Take on Work that you Can’t Complete – By taking on too much work you could impact your current job responsibilities. Have regular meetings with your direct manager to go over your job description and expectations within your role.

10. Listen to Music on the Drive Home – Turn your blackberry or cell phone off and sing along to your favourite artist. This will be sure to relieve any stress you may have experienced within your work day.