It’s easy to contribute to the HAPPEN Blog.
Post an Article
You can also have your own contribution posted. In order to ensure that posts are of interest to HAPPEN members and aren’t posted by outside commercial interests, all contributions are reviewed by HAPPEN staff before being published online.
Leave a Comment
You can leave a comment after any post. The comment line is located at the bottom of every post. If you are the first to comment, the line will say “no comments“. Just tap on the word comment and a comment box will appear.
While all posts and comments are welcome, here are some things to consider:
- Posts and comments can be of any length but shorter is better
- Check spelling before contributing
- Blogs are public: Libelous and defamatory comments will not be published
- If you have artwork (a photo) you may include it in jpeg format (100 to 300 kilobytes in size)
- Include contact information in your comments so readers can respond to you directly if they wish
I may not edit, but if you want me to review your posting ahead of time, send me a draft for review – I will endeavour to get it back to you within 2-3 business days.
Send your contribution (or questions if any) to:
Nishit Shah
nshah4u@gmail.com
ENJOY!!
Here’s a Job Fair coming up in April. Please check http://canadajobexpo.com/canada_job_expo_event_description.htm for details.
Here’s a Job Fair coming up in April. Please check http://canadajobexpo.com/canada_job_expo_event_description.htmfor details.
Materials management networking group- inaugural meeting
Hi everyone just a reminder that the inaugural meeting for the material management group is this Wednesday at Kelseys at 636 Dixon Rd Etobicoke at 7pm. I look forward to seeing everyone there.
Jeff
Hi everyone,
Here’s a list of upcoming job fairs and networking events.
Andrea
_____
1-Oct-09 FIRST THURSDAY High-Tech/IT networking evening by High-tech/IT Professionals GTA Linkedin Group
Spacco, 2415 Yonge Street, 6-9pm
http://events.linkedin.com/FIRST-THURSDAY-High-Tech-networking/pub/126997
(You must be logged in to LinkedIn to view this link)
1-Oct-09 NAPP Canada Job Fair
International Centre, Mississauga, 10am-3pm
http://www.nappcanada.com/for_job_seekers.htm
1-Oct-09 Pink Slip Networking Event
The Madison Avenue Pub, Toronto, 5:30-8:30pm
http://www.thepinkslipparty.com/Home_Page.html
Oct 7 & 8, 2009 4000 Bilingual Job Fair 2009
The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, 10am-7pm
http://www.bilinguallink.com/Page/2352/0-1/About+the+event+.aspx
14-Oct-09 National Career Event
Hilton Toronto, 9:30am-4:30pm
http://www.ecarrieres.com/en/salons/toronto/
19-Oct-09 Pink Slip Party
The Madison Avenue Pub, Toronto, 5-7pm
http://www.itsmf.ca/events/details/484/
22-Oct-09 York Career Expo & Job Fair
Glenway Country Club, Newmarket, 10am-3pm
http://www.pop.yorkregion.com/view-event/14903/178880/York-Career-Expo-and-Job-Fair
22-Oct-09 NAPP Canada Job Fair
Centennial College Residence & Conference Centre, 10am-3pm
http://www.nappcanada.com/for_job_seekers.htm
26-Oct-09 Toronto Job & Education Fair, NAS Institute
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 12-6pm
http://www.nastrategyinstitute.com/english/jobfairs.htm
27-Oct-09 Ontario College Information Fair 2009
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto, 10am-7pm
http://www.collegefair.ca
4-Nov-09 Pink Slip Networking Event
The Madison Avenue Pub, Toronto, 5:30-8:30pm
http://www.thepinkslipparty.com/Home_Page.html
5-Nov-09 Expo Experts Career Fair
Mississauga Convention Centre, 11am-4pm
http://www.expoexpertsllc.com/2009-event-aerospace.html
18-Nov-09 Hire Canada Event
Living Arts Centre, Mississauga, 11am-3:30pm
http://www.hirecanada.ca/
3-Dec-09 Pink Slip Networking Event
The Madison Avenue Pub, Toronto, 5:30-8:30pm
http://www.thepinkslipparty.com/Home_Page.html
Your appearance should ensure you are not deleted from the sucessful candidates before you even present your credentials, bear in mind this quote from Claudio Del Vecchio of Brooks Brothers.
“You represent the company you work for and at this time, in the recession, as jobs become a bit more fragile, it’s a good opportunity to make sure you look better than the other guy might.”
Practice Interviewing
I find that I’m never satisfied with myself after the interview process. I have yet to say after an interview “Wow, I did the right amount of research, mock interviews, and preparation.” Sometimes I feel like I did too much research and sometimes not enough. Same with preparing for interview questions. I can recite things over and over again but it becomes a challenge of making sure I sound articulate without sounding like it’s too rehearsed. I think with interviews the best thing to do is just practice as much as you can. Even if you over prepare, you can still use that experience for future interviews. Personally, during interviews I get nervous and humble about my accomplishments. As well, it’s difficult for me to spin negative interview questions into positive answers. They’re negative questions for goodness sakes! These questions include:
* What was your greatest failure?
* What are your weaknesses?
* When did you not get along with a co-worker or boss and why?
* What was a difficult situation you had to make?
It’s important to be honest and position yourself in the most positive light. The STAR method is the best way to structure your answers:
* S – Situation you were in
* T – Task that you had to accomplish
* A – Actions you took specifically
* R – Results that you got
It’s a matter of practicing. I suggest getting a list of questions you think they would ask. Job Interviews That Get You Hired is a great resource and one of the better books I have come across about job interviews. Another interesting read is What Does Someone Have to Do to Get a Job Around Here?
If you have a computer that can speak back to you then you can just have the computer ask you questions. This is what I did most recently with my Mac. Also, find a friend or someone you respect to do a mock interview with. It’s much better to practice your answers to people and you can get feedback.
There will be questions you prepped for (30 second elevator pitch, strengths, weaknesses, greatest accomplishment, failure etc.) but there will be some you didn’t prep for. The best thing you can do is prepare for as many questions as possible. You’d rather be the one that over prepares than under prepares. Here’s a good hint: read the job description VERY carefully. Most of the questions will be focused around what qualifications they’re looking for.
If you would like to read more about my tips and job search adventures, please go to betweenopportunities.wordpress.com. My target audiences are students and recent grads but my posts can relate to anyone also between opportunities.
Jenmy Huynh
HAPPEN Member
When you’re career is in transition –Take control of the balance in your life.
As a Career Counseling professional with 23 years of recruiting experience, I’ve interviewed a lot of people. I can share with you, that when you go into an interview, you bring with you your resume, your best foot forward and unfortunately your feelings of frustration, exhaustion and any other emotion that is weighing heavily on your mind. Some people are good at masking this but most aren’t. It comes through subtly in your body language, and a number of other ways that you are not conscious of. Even an inexperienced interviewer can pick up on a vibe that they may not understand, but since it makes them uncomfortable, they acknowledge the feeling and often this leads to a job offer not being made, or a second interview not taking place.
Being in career transition or job hunting mode isn’t the most comfortable feeling, as none of us has a crystal ball in which we can look into, and find out the exact date that we’ll have a job offer and subsequently start working again. This is of course very stressful for most of us, and this stress takes a huge toll on our health, our relationships, on our effectiveness while job hunting and most especially in an interview. Poor habits developed while undergoing change, such as poor diet, and lack of sleep or too much sleep, can have the effect of lowering our self esteem which magnifies our problems and can blow them out of proportion. However, although you may feel out of control while transitioning, there are many areas in your life in which you can take control. This will make you feel better, and you’ll present more effectively when on a job interview.
Some of the following suggestions should help:
Get organized, Face conflicts, Have a financial plan – Deal with stressors
Before you jump into job search mode, get your life as organized as you can. Deal with outstanding issues that could irritate and pull your focus away from the search process. For example, put together a financial game plan in increments, i.e.: how will you deal financially without an income for six months or a year. Bring your family or significant partner into the plan. Be honest with everyone involved and discuss changes that need to be made during this period, i.e.: the kids need to get a part time job to pay for their own car insurance and gasoline. If everyone is on the same page, there is less chance of misunderstandings happening. I’m sure that you can think of other areas – these are just some ideas.
Make an effort to have a healthy lifestyle and take the time to do something enjoyable
Being in job search mode doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your day. Make daily/weekly job search goals and stick to them. Feel good about what you have accomplished daily as every call or resume sent is a step towards you is ultimate success. Once you’re finished, and have reached your goal for the day, give yourself permission to do things you enjoy. Go for that jog, walk your dog, go to the gym or just meet a friend for a coffee. Whatever you find enjoyable. Whatever you do, make a point of doing so without feeling guilty. Realize that if you’re pushing yourself too hard, you will get exhausted and this is self defeating.
Many of the people that I’ve met over the years were in a state of, what I call, organized chaos or panic. They’re so exhausted or stressed that they aren’t doing well in interviews and don’t know why. The goal should be to find the right balance between your job hunt and living a healthy lifestyle. This balance will not only show in your health but in how you take control of your job search and how effective you are in an interview.
Sharon Hope
Careershift Strategic Development
289-337-2304
Re posted with permission from http://AnswerStartsWithYou.wordpress.com
I personally know a lot of people in transition and what I’ve heard from too many of them is that they are feeling the pressure from their spouses and family to “Get a job, any job!” and I cringe each time I hear that. When employed, we spend so much of our waking moments in our jobs, and if we’ve got the wrong job, it grates on us each and every day. I’d venture to say that the stress of the wrong role shortens our lives!
Do you remember the person who
* curses the daily long commute every day and starts the day in a miserable mood?
* hates his/her boss?
* despises the daily grind of the work they do?
* snaps at colleagues, customers, or worse?
I can see you nodding. You’ve been there or know people who have done that, and you already have a taste for what it feels like to be miserable Monday to Friday. If you happen to be the spouse or loved one of someone in transition, this is likely an extremely fragile time for their ego and confidence. They already feel the pressure from themselves and the last thing needed is the pressure from you to ‘take anything’.
Everyone has their own tipping point from a financial and emotional standpoint, however, I’d suggest that clear communications, support and understanding from the loved ones is what is of vital importance during this time.
For all the spouses and partners who are putting the pressure on – let it go just a little please. What they really need is your support, and not your pressure. For those who are looking, there is tons of support out there from others who are also looking. It’s a matter of finding the right group(s) for you. A little group therapy where you rail at the gods and say “$@#%!%?” doesn’t hurt when you’re with like-minded professionals who support each others efforts.
Good luck, and don’t be so hard on yourself or others.
Daisy Peppler
P.S.: Instead of saying to someone, “Have you found a job yet?”, ask them:
“What have you been up to lately?”