1. Most job vacancies are visible and advertised openly.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Networking is one of the best ways to access the hidden job market and where most jobs are found. By networking and keeping in touch with your professors, managers, colleagues, clients, friends and family you are more likely to hear when internal positions are available.
2. Taking liberal arts courses like English, Anthropology, and History will do nothing to help you in a career in business.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
No matter what you studied, you learned a lot more than just what you read in your textbooks. Your education is not just about the content but also the process that you went through. The skills that you acquired during your studies can easily be transferred to other domains. Research, writing, critical thinking and communication skills are some of the transferable skills employers look for.
3. Internet job hunting is the way of the future and should comprise the majority of your job hunting time.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Although the internet gives us quick and easy access to a variety of job search engines, relying solely on this method is not recommended. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket! In reality, if you are applying to positions on-line, remember, often there is little or no way to follow-up with an employer. Building your network, following-up and keeping in touch is key to your success. As postings on the net are competitive, why not market yourself face-to-face and stand out from the crowd?!
4. Being the most qualified candidate for the position just about guarantees you will get the job.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
While qualifications and skills play a big part in candidate selection, it is also about the in-person impression you make. Conveying your flexibility, your work ethic, your ability to multitask and your excitement for the position will make a good impression on a potential employer. Don't forget to watch your body language, such as posture, eye contact, smiling and nervous ticks. Following-up after your interview or informational interview with a thank-you card can really set you apart from the rest of the applicants while giving the interviewers an indication of your professionalism, thoroughness and personality.
5. One way to gain entry into the labour market is to offer your services through volunteering.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Volunteering is a great way to get a feel for the companies or organizations that you are interested in working with. It is also an excellent way to build your network, to get potential references and to gain valuable work experience. If you aren't sure where to volunteer, you can seek out volunteer boards in your city that can help match your specific interest with organizations that are looking for volunteers. Talking to your contacts is another great way to find meaningful volunteer opportunities.
6. As a job-seeker, you should interview potential employers as much as you are interviewed by them.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Asking detailed and specific questions in the interview process will help you to uncover important information and help you to determine if the position and organization is a good fit for you. Asking questions regarding the position's primary responsibilities, the work environment, peak periods, management style and the team you will be working with are areas that should be covered in the interview process.
7. The best way to secure a position is to convince an employer that you will take less salary than any other candidate.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Be sure that you are accepting a fair salary in line with the market place. Know your worth and have a range of salary in mind for the position you are interested in. Check salary scales on Emploi Quebec, or Federal Government websites to help with this.
8. A career counsellor can tell you what you should do.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Nobody knows you better than you! A career counsellor's role is to provide you with the resources to help clarify your options, and give you guidance on how to build your career path. There are specialized tests such as Myers Briggs and the Strong Interest Inventory which can help uncover areas to explore as well as offering you information on the job market and job search techniques, so why not draw upon their knowledge to help you with your goals.
9. If the salary offered is really not what you want, there is no point in wasting time trying to secure the position. Turn them down immediately.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Before turning any offer down, try to see if there is any room to negotiate the salary. Most salaries have a range, and that range may fall into your salary expectations. Consider the benefits and perks the company is offering. Better to give a slow “yes” than a fast “no” and regret it.
1. Once you've established a new contact, it's not necessary to communicate with him or her, unless things change.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Keeping in touch with your contacts and building relationships even if you are not looking for work is a good idea. By staying in touch you can learn of new opportunities and continue to build your network. Remember, networking is a two-way street! Attending functions or volunteering your time on a short-term project is a sure fire way to earn an excellent reputation.
2. The best way to develop a large network is to keep in touch with your peers in the field, past and present.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
The more contacts you accumulate within your field of interest the better because they are familiar with the intricacies of breaking into that specific job market and may know of upcoming opportunities.
3. “I have 500 friends on social network sites. I don't need to network...”
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Networking is all about building relationships and in order to do it successfully, there has to be value for both parties. The way to build strong and meaningful relationships is to keep in touch regularly and not only when you need something from your contacts.
4. With networking it is more important to make contact with the decision makers of a company.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
You've heard that networking is a powerful tool for job searching. The best way to grow your network is to create professional relationships with people at all levels of the organization, not just your peers. Non-decision makers are still very important to a company and may be able to provide you with inside knowledge about the company culture.
5. You’ve heard someone speaking about the “hidden job market”. This refers to jobs with the mafia.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
The hidden job market refers to any job that isn't advertised. It is estimated that 80% of all available jobs fall into this category. This is why networking is so vital to any job search. Your contacts have information that job search websites don't.
1. You should always follow up with a phone call to the employer after having sent in your résumé.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Job searching is a competitive process and making a quick follow-up phone call is a great way to separate yourself from other applicants. When you follow-up, be sure to convey your interest for the position and gather as much information as possible (e.g. when they are planning to conduct the first round of interviews)
2. The beginning of the interview is the most important part of an interview.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Studies have shown that most employers form their first impression within the first 5 minutes of an interview. Showing up 10 minutes early, being dressed appropriately and being well prepared really do make a difference.
3. You should only use examples from your actual work experience to answer a question during the job interview.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b - False
Volunteer experience as well as your educational background can certainly help your potential employer understand you better. Be ready to answer questions that are behavioural based (e.g. Tell us about a time when…) and allow them to see how your unique set of skills can fit in with the company.
4. No matter what, you should always ask a question when the interviewer asks if you have any questions.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Always prepare at least 3 questions in advance to demonstrate your active participation in the interview process. Open ended and subjective questions are a great way to learn more about the company and the position itself. This is your chance to get the details about the position and the company that don't make it into the job description.
5. 85% of all people underestimate their abilities.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
Believe it or not, this number is true! For this reason it is essential that you know your strengths as a candidate and your professional and academic accomplishments, so that you understand how you will contribute to the company's success. The next step is communicating this information to your potential employer. No one can read minds, so it's up to you to make what you know known to the employer.
6. It is extremely important to prepare for interviews. Always prepare questions to ask the interviewer as well as practice and rehearse answers to questions you may be asked.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a - True
The more you prepare for an interview the less nervous you will be and the less likely you will be thrown off by a tricky question. Be sure to practice how you will answer interview questions before the actual interview. Remember to explain succinctly why you think you are well suited for the job. This is also an opportunity to practice answering easy and tricky questions and to figure out what questions to ask the interviewer.
2. Making Your Way Handbook
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