Job Search Tips

In addition to these helpful tips your personal consultant will be your coach to assist you with your search and interview preparation. You will receive further information and preparation prior to your interview. Contact us to learn more about our consultations for resume writing, career coaching, mock interviewing and letter writing.

Resume & Cover Letters

• The formatting, look and feel of your resume at first glance can either impress or hold attention, or can let the reader lose interest and quickly skim.
• Create a professional looking resume with a header of contact information.
• Candidates who have taken the time to ensure accuracy are given immediate attention.
• Organize your history - It’s your story so give it careful thought before finalizing.
  
  
• In your letter do an introduction to state how you heard of the job and why you are interested;
• A brief summary of your skills that match the requirements, these could be bullet points;
• Close by stating your strong interest and expectation of a reply.
• When sending emails to recruiters you may write a letter in the body of the email.
• Don’t forget to write a thank you once you have had an interview whether by phone or face to face.

Interview Questions to Answer

• Tell me about yourself and what would you like to be doing in 3-5 years (career related)?
  
• What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
  
• What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
  
• Are you more energized by working with data by collaborating with other individuals or in working in a service related position?
  
• Are you a goal-oriented person? Give an example.
  
• Given the investment the client company will make in hiring and training you, can you give us a reason they should hire you?
  
• How would your past and (or) present employer(s) describe you?
  
• Would you say that you can easily deal with high-pressure situations?
  
• Before you can make a productive contribution to the company, what degree of training do you feel you will require for this position?
  
• Why do you want to change jobs?
• What kind of supervisor do you work best for? Provide examples.
• How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give examples.
• Tell of the most difficult customer service experience that you have ever had to handle -- perhaps an angry or irate customer. Be specific and tell what you did and what was the outcome. (Remember customer service is also internal)
  
• Describe a situation where you found yourself dealing with someone who didn't like you. How did you handle it?
  
• What is the most significant contribution you made to the company during a past job?
  
• Describe the system you use for keeping track of multiple projects. How do you track your progress so that you can meet deadlines? How do you stay focused?
  
• Tell me about a time when you came up with an innovative solution to a challenge your company/organization was facing. What was the challenge? What role did others play?
  
• Tell me about a time when you failed to meet a deadline. What things did you fail to do? What were the repercussions? What did you learn?
  
• Is there anything you do not like about an administrative/reception role?
  
• What telephone system have you used and with how many extensions and lines?
  
• What is your knowledge of __________________________________?

Questions You May Not Answer

The Ontario Human Rights Commission strictly prohibits discrimination based upon:
sex; ancestry; place of origin; citizenship; creed; disability; age; marital status; family status; sexual orientation; race or colour; ethnic origin. You may choose not to answer these questions. The interviewer is allowed to ask if you have ever been convicted of a criminal offence that has not been pardoned and may ask if you are 18 or older and under 65 but not ask for a specific age. You may be asked if you are legally entitled to work in Canada. Visit the OHRC website at www.ohrc.on.ca for further information.

Questions to Ask the Interviewer

• If hired, would I be filling a newly created job, or replacing someone?
  
• When was my predecessor promoted?
  
• Would you describe a typical work day and the things I'd be doing?
  
• What are the critical success factors for this role?
  
• How would I be trained or introduced to the job?
  
• What are the department's goals for the year?
  
• Who are the other people I'd be working with and what do they do?
  
• Can someone in this job be promoted? If so, to what position?
  
• How will I get feedback on my job performance?
  
• If hired, would I report directly to you, or to someone else?
  
• Has the company had a layoff in the last three years? How long was the layoff? Was everyone recalled?
  
• Is this company owned by another corporation?
  
• What major market does this company compete in?
  
• Are sales up or down over last year?
  
• How would you describe your most successful employee?
  
• Do you think I'll find this job to be challenging and stimulating?
  
• Could you give me a tour? I'd enjoy seeing where your people work.
  
• What could I say or do to convince you to offer me the job?
  
• Prepare and Dress for Success
  

For other tips about how to prepare and present yourself, and how to negotiate the best offer, contact us at careercoach@waltersandrobertson.com

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