Posts Tagged ‘networking’

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

BOWEN Launches On-Line Just in Time for Twestival!

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

There are times when the stars seem to align and the perfect opportunity comes along at just the right time. Such is the case with BOWEN’s sponsorship of Calgary’s Twestival on March 24, 2011.

In my blog, I’ve written several times about how important an online presence is to your job search. As a workforce solutions company, BOWEN recognizes the huge potential for online recruitment opportunities as well. Over the past several months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to prepare to introduce our new logo at the same time that we launch corporate Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and YouTube accounts and today is the day! While our new website isn’t quite ready for a reveal, it’s also coming soon.

When the opportunity to get involved as a sponsor of Twestival came up, it was easy to get involved and part of our social media rollout. If you don’t know about Twestival, please check it out at http://calgary.twestival.com/

Twestival was created by a woman from Calgary, and was born to bring Twitter users together in support of local and international initiatives. Since then, over 200 cities have participated in Twestival, raising close to $1.2 million for important global and local causes like clean water and education. This year, Twestival will be held on March 24th and the Calgary event will support Making Changes, a great organization that “empowers women by providing knowledge and a selection of work attire for their transition into the workplace”.

Giving back to the community by supporting organizations that help families in need is a priority at BOWEN and sponsoring an event that helps women enter or re-enter the workforce aligns closely with our community investment philosophy.

I’m excited about the event, about ramping up our online activities and about connecting with many of you through our social networks. Please take a minute and get connected with the “new” BOWEN!

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Posted in Community giving, General, Seasonal | No Comments »

Holiday Season Wishes to All

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
I love this time of year. There is something magical about the holiday season. Although our “to do” calendars seem more full than ever (if that’s possible) with social events, school concerts, kids’ activities and of course, all of our regular work responsibilities, it is a great time of year to connect with colleagues, friends and family. It’s also the perfect time to reflect on the past year.

2010 was an incredible year at BOWEN. While the organization has undergone many changes, we’ve also been blessed with many new and exciting opportunities. I am immensely proud of our team and thankful for their talent, experience and dedication. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with so many great clients representing many of Canada’s top companies. We are also privileged to help talented people find jobs that are the right fit for their lives. I have been at BOWEN for 26 years and I still find it incredibly rewarding to do what I do every day! I am also deeply thankful for the chance to give back to our community in a meaningful way that can help make the lives of needy families just a little easier.

Calgary is an amazing place to live and work! 

I wish all of you an enjoyable holiday season and hope that 2011 will be an incredible year for us all.

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Posted in Seasonal, Thank You | No Comments »

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

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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Posted in Career building tips, Seasonal | No Comments »

Tweet, Tweet, Jumping onto Twitter

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

I’m on a learning curve but am excited to be venturing into the world of social media. From all I’ve been seeing and reading, it is becoming an essential part of an organization’s entire marketing approach. I know there is still much to learn but one of the things that really appeals to me about social media is the opportunity for virtual networking and dialogue in such an informal, easy way. My tweets are somewhat infrequent, but I am starting to post more regularly. If you’d like to follow me on Twitter, you can find me at http://twitter.com/sbowensmed. I’d love to hear from you and look forward to more chats in the future.

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Posted in General, HR Management | 3 Comments »

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

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

Making the transition back to the workforce

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

I am often asked by stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce how to begin looking for a job, especially if they’ve been at home for a number of years with small children. First of all, I must say that for anyone who thinks that staying at home with young kids is “not working” is dead wrong! As a mother of two active young girls, I know how much energy, resourcefulness and wisdom is required to be at home with children. Stay-at-home parents are amazing (as are working parents who are also doing a juggling act)!

 

Here are a few tips that can help get you started:

 

  • Try to reconnect with former colleagues. They can become your new network.
  • Join a professional association related to your career so that you make new contacts and get on top of industry trends and issues.
  • Update your resume! Don’t forget to look at the volunteer work you may have been doing and how these skills can transfer to valuable experience.
  • Register with an agency like BOWEN and talk to a recruiter about any additional training you may require to be current in your field.
  • Frequently search online. There are a wealth of job postings on-line. Target companies that you are interested in, check out professional associations and job boards too.
  • Tell people you are looking for a job because you just don’t know who might know someone who is looking to hire.

 

Most of all, believe in yourself and what you have to offer.  Don’t apologize for taking time off to raise a family. Be proud of this accomplishment and be honest about why you are going back to work.

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Posted in Career building tips, Employment opportunities, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »

Get out there! Job Seekers Tips!

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
As we start to experience slow growth in our economy, more jobs will become available. Employers are going to be cautious and potential employees should be aware of this mind-set going into interviews and negotiations. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the new job market:

  • Be reasonable in your expectations. Know what current salaries are for your profession. Salaries have gone through an adjustment in the past year. Don’t expect a big signing bonus - it’s not the climate for employers to be offering these as an incentive right now.
  • Do your research. Know the company! The job market is very competitive with lots of skilled and experienced people looking for work. Research will help you shine and also shows your initiative and interest. And take some time to prepare some meaningful questions about the company to ask at the end of the interview.
  •  Make yourself stand out in the crowd. Shine the spotlight on how you have delivered results in previous roles. Take the time to match your previous skills to the specific needs in the job you are applying for. Make it clear what you have to offer.
  • Be prepared to sell yourself. Now is not the time to be humble. You need to make it clear why you are the best candidate for the job.

Think of it as a sales opportunity! You are the product and your need to market yourself to open up new opportunities.

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