Archive for the ‘Career building tips’ Category

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Job Hunting Goes Social

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Special thanks to Doug Lacombe of communicatto, for giving us permission to modify and republish his blog post.

Job-hunting has gone from door knocking and networking to apply now buttons to multimedia presentations of one’s self and portfolio. Not that door knocking and networking went away, social media has added a layer of presentation to the whole exercise. In her article “4 Digital Alternatives to the Traditional Resume” on Mashable.com, Sharlyn Lauby suggests video resumes, a visualCV, a social resume, or your LinkedIn.com profile as possible alternatives or companions to the old chronological resume.

Another Mashable article “How to Spruce Up a Boring Resume” features an infographic by Colorado Technical University that provides great tips on digital techniques to modernize your resume. From screen-friendly fonts to video, social media and hyperlinks, it’s a great at-a-glance guide to upgrading your resume for the digital age.

On the human resources side, recruiters need to convert from passive advertisers to publishers and syndicators of jobs, with strong search engine and social media skills, particularly on LinkedIn. The reliance on paid media will no longer cut it, especially in the age of owned media. HR folks accustomed to “renting eyeballs” now have to publish job posts in a way that attracts eyeballs - a brand new game.

With the labor shortage we have looming in Canada both sides need to adapt and get better at this. Our standard of living and way of life depend on it.

Doug Lacombe is president of Calgary social media agency communicatto. His resume is now a Google search of his name; just ignore the guy from Louisiana.

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Winning the War on Talent

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

With the tightening job market, organizations are requiring new or different outsourced HR services. The war on talent is definitely heating up and internal HR teams are challenged with shifting priorities and strategic workforce planning issues.

Over the past several months, BOWEN has been researching workforce trends. Through our findings, we’ve recognized that many organizations need help with retaining and attracting employees, and we’ve responded! Our Outsourced HR division is providing transactional HR services to organizations, allowing their internal HR professionals to move into a more strategic role and focus on larger company priorities. Our experienced team will conduct reference checks, exit and stay interviews, and can help fill in gaps where required.

Companies need to maximize their internal resources, manage costs and deliver results. Most importantly, organizations need to ensure that their fingers are on the pulse of their workforce so they can retain existing employees, while being competitive in attracting new top talent. BOWEN’s Outsourced HR professionals can help internal HR teams ensure they have the flexibility and skills to respond to the changing labour market and conditions, and achieve optimal results.

Please contact Marilynn Balfour (mbalfour@bowenworks.ca), Director of Outsourced HR, for more information.

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The Truth About Temp

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Over 150,000 Canadians were employed through temporary services in 2010 (Stats Canada). That’s an incredible number! While temp work is on the rise, there is still a misconception that temporary workers can only fill clerical or administrative positions. It is true that support in these areas is common, but at BOWEN, we have found our temporary candidates being considered for mid- and even senior-level positions.

The increase of temporary workers in higher positions is a result of the diverse candidate skillset currently available, as well as a somewhat cautious economic recovery. Whether it’s an administration, accounting and finance, IT, industrial, or a project management position, temporary workers can satisfy a wide range of staffing needs. And sometimes, temporary work fills an immediate need that can lead to permanent employment.

Whether you are looking for job flexibility, an opportunity to gain experience, a temporary means of income while you look for a permanent role, or simply like the variety of working for different companies in different industries, temporary work is a great job solution.

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The Benefits of Temporary Work

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Temporary work is a great fit for individuals who want - or need - flexible work hours, while still earning a competitive wage. The definition of a temporary employee is someone who works for a company on a non-fixed term basis. From the employer perspective, hiring temps is also a cost saving method that serves business purposes for the company:

• meeting seasonal customer demand
• coping with surges in work flow
• covering employees absences due to vacation, sick time or maternity leave
• ramping up staffing resources slowly as the economy continues to recover

For the candidate, temporary work is a great way to gain experience and also learn about many different industries. It allows an individual to manage other commitments and strike the right work/life balance they need. Work only during the summer, take the summer off, or take a break altogether. Either way, if you are a temp, it’s your choice!

Check back for part 2 in this blog next week!

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Summer Job Search Starts Now

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

With our frigid weather, it may be difficult to imagine that spring - and even summer - are not that far off. For post-secondary students, this means that it’s not too early to start you summer job search. Thankfully, the job market is stronger than the previous two years, and trends indicate more opportunities will be available.

Before you start looking, make sure that you have a look at your resume with a fresh set of eyes. Are there new accomplishments or experiences that you need to include? What about volunteer activities? Invite a couple people to review your resume and offer feedback. Have you included important key words that will resonate with the job type and industry you are interested in? Remember, it is your calling card and the first step in opening the door to that next great job.

Next, let your contacts know that you have started to look for the summer. Also, make sure that you are utilizing all the social media channels available, especially Linked In and Facebook, which are great ways to connect professionally. Start checking out job boards and companies that may offer summer intern programs. Register with a staffing company like BOWEN. Think about potential interview questions and how you would respond. Get your references confirmed so that when that next job comes up, you are prepared.

Be open to the possibilities and good luck with your search.

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Career Advice from Oprah

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

The September edition of O - The Oprah Magazine has some great job search tips for women (although the ideas certainly can apply to men too). Focusing on four different scenarios, the article “Hire Power” offers suggestions on how to go after that dream job. A few of the highlights include:

  • Regrouping after a layoff - focus on metrics and accomplishments in your resume and include a summary of qualifications.
  • Foot in the door - include positive quotes from references within your resume.
  • Exiting the mommy track - highlight the impact of your volunteer work and include quotes from parent council colleagues.
  • Switching gears - consider removing dates from a lengthy resume to avoid giving the impression that you will be very “expensive” based on length of career and experience.

Check out oprah.com/omagazine or pick up your copy today for more insights on career strategies and fashion advice for wherever you are in your job search.

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PREPARING FOR FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN

Monday, July 26th, 2010

 summersun

We just had a sunny weekend and according to the Weather Network we will continue to have sunny days right into the upcoming long weekend. This is welcome news after the cool start to the summer we have had.

I am really looking forward to some downtime with my family as we go on vacation. However, if you are like me, the time leading up to vacation and the time immediately following can be really hectic. I’m hoping this time around will be different and have sourced a few tips to help with the work/vacation /work transition.

Prepare early, You mark on your calendar and start dreaming of your vacation in advance so in turn, start preparing for your work departure just as early. Notify co-workers, arrange for coverage in your absence and start compiling a list of items that need your attention before leaving. The added time to prepare relieves stress and ensures items are not missed.

Do not forget the basics. Some tasks will need to be done before every vacation such as recording your out of office voicemail and setting your out office email message. Your work may have a standard list of pre-vacation policies. If so, make sure you are aware and adhere to them.

Make a vacation preparation list. Lists in general are a great way to stay on track and with each item you check off you are that much closer to fun in the sun.

Schedule a buffer day. It is not always possibly but if you are able, you should schedule in a home day between when you get back from vacation and when you start work. On this buffer day you can adjust your sleep schedule, re-stock on groceries and other tasks. This will make sure that on your first day back at work your mind is focused and you are ready to work.

Leave yourself notes on projects that you will be continuing with when you return. This way you will be back up to speed more quickly and can hit the ground running. Also, if you have them written down at work you can put them out of your mind when on vacation.

Do you have any vacation tips? I’d love to hear them!

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Stampede Parties Can Help Your Career - Really!

Friday, July 9th, 2010

It’s that time of year in Calgary when business takes on a whole new look and feel. Business attire is replaced by western garb like jeans, belt buckles (the bigger, the better), plaid shirts, boots and of course, cowboy hats in a ranges of styles and colours. Instead of chasing deadlines and hosting meetings around the boardroom table, there are countless opportunities to connect with customers, partners, suppliers and even competitors over pancakes, barbeque beef and of course, beer!

Much has been made of how Calgary business “shuts down” over Stampede. Whether it’s true or not, Stampede is the perfect time to build your network and make new professional contacts. It can be a time of year that can help build your business or grow your career opportunities if you follow some simple advice:

- Watch your alcohol! With the fun atmosphere and back-to-back parties, it can be easy to overdue it. Remember, if you are with people you know professionally, you will have to face them again in a business environment so keep your drinking in check.

- Don’t forget your business cards! Simple as it may seem, don’t forget to slide a few cards into your jeans. You never know who you will meet in your “Stampeding” travels.

- Ask for cards. Even in a party setting, you may encounter someone who is a potential customer or contact. Ask for their card and don’t forget to follow up when Stampede rolls out of town for another year.

A lot of the advice that applies to what to do at corporate Christmas parties, also applies to Stampede. Have fun and be safe!

Yahoo!

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Get Linked In and Watch Your Network Grow!

Wednesday, April 14th, 2010

There is no doubt that social networks can play a big role in a job search. While there are many great networking sites we have talked to the social media gurus and they tell us Linkedin is currently the best choice. That’s why our recruitment team at BOWEN is now on Linked In. We know that it’s a great place to find candidates and reach out to a talented pool of people, both locally and anywhere in the world. From a recruitment standpoint, you really can find the best person for the job!

Linked In is a good place to showcase your talents, achievements and past work history. Your profile becomes a friendlier version of your resume. One of the best things you can do is build your recommendations. Invite colleagues, clients and associates to recommend you. When a potential recruiter or employer sees these words of praise, it only builds credibility as to why you are a standout candidate.

Don’t forget to approach your Linked In network the way you would your personal network. Think of people you have encountered professionally, personally and through volunteer activities. Send out invitations, but remember to keep the tone and your network at a professional level. This is a place where potential employers will come so you need to make sure you “evaluate and screen” what you post, both for personal information and even your photo.

Take some time to research online how to truly leverage Linked In for your job search. It’s time well spent. Here are a few links to help get you started:

How to use LinkedIn in your Job Search

Use LinkedIn to Enhance Your Employment Options

Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

Once you are on Linked In take moment to stop by BOWEN’s corporate page where you may find some familiar faces to connect with.

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It’s never to early to start your summer job search

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

As the market has become tighter the need for applicants to have relevant experience is even more important.  This also means the demand for summer student positions is even higher, so the earlier you start your search the better.

When considering your summer employment options and goals the wage you earn is important but building your resume towards your new career should rank higher. For college and university students many companies have openings specifically for you to gain experience. These jobs may seem basic but if they are within a company that operates in an industry that you are pursuing you will be exposed to many important aspects of daily work and may be giving opportunities beyond the job title. 

This is your chance to get your foot in the door and if the job goes well you may be able to come back for future summer employment in progressing roles.  The pay in some cases may not be as much as other opportunities but the experience is invaluable. That landscaping job may have a higher hourly wage that helps pay down your school debt quicker but unless you are planning a career in landscaping the experience and great tan you get over the summer will not help your career search.  

Speak to your school, professors and other students to find out which companies may have a summer student program.  Many students looking for jobs are also maximizing the power of social media by posting on their Facebook/Twitter pages that they’re looking for a job and could anyone help them out? This is a great tool as you can get in touch with people you may not have in your own network by being recommended by someone else. 

While it may not look like it right now, summer is just around the corner and it is the right time to start your summer job search.

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