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Archive for August, 2009

Take a page out of Marketing 101!

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

Technology has definitely opened the door to new ways to look for work. Social media in particular gives job seekers new and expanded networks that can sometimes lead to that perfect job.

According to an article in today’s Calgary Herald, Facebook, Linked-In and Twitter are exploding with millions of users everyday. It’s also a way for potential employers to check out potential hires, so be aware of what you are posting, tweeting or putting out there!

Looking for a job is really about undertaking a marketing campaign - just for you. And like any good marketer will tell you, it’s about using traditional and new avenues to get your name out there! Think of your job search as a campaign to get your name and resume in front of your key target audiences in as many effective ways as possible. Be innovative and creative, and you can make yourself stand out! Think about positioning and what makes you unique from other job seekers, or your competitors. Approach your job search like Marketing 101!

Posted in Career building tips, Employment opportunities | No Comments »

Say Thank You & Keep Employees Engaged

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

With so many pressures facing manager and business owners, saying “thank you” to your team may not seem like a top priority. There are sales targets to meet, budget to balance and expenses to manage. However, saying “thank you” can actually save you time and money in the long run. It can help keep employees motivated and engaged.

At a time when we are all watching our bottom line more closely, there are still creative and inexpensive ways to recognize your team. I believe that it has never been more important to thank my team for making sacrifices and doing more with less.  They need to know their efforts do not go unnoticed.

Now is a great time to get to know your staff better. There’s very little cost to a coffee and it’s absolutely free to have a conversation, but getting to know your staff and giving them a chance to ask you questions or share their concerns is a priceless gift. 

 Sharing a meal is another easy and informal way to have a team conversation about how people are feeling, what is going on in the company and to simple have some team building time together. You can bring in muffins and donuts, or a fast food hot breakfast to the office, take your staff to a picnic on the hill at Crescent Heights or a local park, or even invite them into your home for a simple and special evening. Regardless of what kind of activity you choose, it’s worth it to take the time and make the effort to say “thanks” for a job well done and for hanging in there through these choppy waters!

Posted in HR Management | No Comments »

Interview & Resume Hints & Tips

Monday, August 10th, 2009

Over the past few days, there have been several news stories about Alberta’s increasing unemployment numbers, the difficulties some people are having in accessing employment insurance, and the challenges many are facing in finding work and making ends meet. It’s not an easy time and even with some cautiously optimistic reports that the economy may be starting to slowly pick up, it will still take time before we see job opportunities increase.

In the interim, job seekers continue to look for work. Building on the previous job search tips we’ve posted, I asked our BOWEN recruiters for some suggestions, and here are a few more tips:

Resumes

  • Use a chronological resume to make the recruiter’s job as easy as possible. Be prepared to explain any gaps in employment.
  • Provide a brief description of the companies you’ve worked for so recruiters understand the nature of their business.
  • Focus on your accomplishments and think about what will make you stand out from other candidates. Talk about results!

Interviews

  • Arrive on time and make sure you turn off your cell phone.
  • Wear professional business attire. Greet your interviewer with a handshake and maintain eye contact throughout the interview - it shows confidence!
  • Know your resume and highlight your previous roles, related experience and accomplishments.
  • Have your references ready.
  • Research the company by visiting their website in advance.
  • Know the position you are applying for and talk about what interests you and what you have to offer. Don’t focus on compensation and benefits in the interview.
  • Act professionally. Speak positively of current and form employers, and don’t get too personal in the interview!

Posted in Career building tips, Economy, Employment opportunities | 1 Comment »