As this is the season to mix and mingle, we are featuring our popular interview from last year with local management consultant Lisa Dare about networking strategies during the holidays. Here is some of what she had to say:

Lisa, we have heard that contrary to popular belief, Christmas holidays are actually a promising time to secure a new position. Do you agree?

That’s a great question and yes, it is a myth that holidays or quieter times of business aren't a good time to be looking for work. Consider that most job seekers mistakenly assume that activity slows down in companies and therefore decrease their search efforts. By virtue of that thinking, this creates less competition and easier entry into speaking with potential employers. At the moment, the job market is pretty hot as I spoke with several HR recruiters from the oil & gas industry last week who have not seen any decrease in their workload. Also, while people may not secure a position right away at this time, it’s still a good idea to have informational interviews and gather market information on various industries as people generally tend to be in a much more receptive frame of mind around the holidays.

Is it quantity over quality during big parties? Should the goal be to connect with as many people as possible?

I would always choose quality over quantity. There is a tendency towards thinking that the higher the number the better the odds. However, from a strategic point of view, it is important to consider the best use of time and resources. Are you better off handing out your business card to 50 people whom you may not remember, or speaking with 5 or 6 people with whom you made a strong connection and then continuing to build those relationships? People will also find that by investing time in cultivating those relationships, the numbers will come—that’s the power of networking combined with strong relationship building skills.

What about party etiquette when someone is networking? For example, is it wise to stay clear of the rum and eggnog?

It’s important to remember that in these types of events you are always “on.” Be aware of what type of image and impression you are conveying to the public. It is not to say that you shouldn’t be yourself but depending on the context of your situation, it might be wise not to over imbibe as you want to be able to put your best self forward and not an altered version of yourself. There are many an office party story that has resulted in unfortunate outcomes for both staff and managers alike—you want to steer clear of becoming one of those characters.

Do you have any other networking advice over the holiday season?

While it is important to continue your efforts over the holidays, don’t forget to take time out for yourself. Ensure that you have sufficient time to attend to yourself and those around you as well as continuing with your job search. Look for different opportunities and events that are connected to what you are looking for. In addition, volunteer opportunities, community events, spousal parties and events within your network may also hold possibilities so be open to all opportunities. Most importantly—stay positive. This is the season to reflect on what we are grateful for and look forward to greater possibilities.

Lisa Dare is a management consultant, leadership & executive coach, and facilitator. She is also the incoming president of the Calgary Association of Professional Coaches and a volunteer with the Central Library’s Strategic Networking program that runs every Thursday evening at the Central Library. She can be reached at ld_assoc@telus.net

Debbie Mastel, from Devon Energy, literally lit up the Central Library during Strategic Networking during Stampede week. Her flashing red, rhinestone, cowgirl hat set the stage for some rousing discussions regarding recruiting trends. Debbie caused a stir when announced that the old rule of having 80% of the posted qualifications before applying for a job is no longer the standard. She stressed that applicants should have the qualifications from the first 1 - 2 bullets in the job posting before they consider applying. The employer wil usually rank qualifications in order of importance to the job. She suggested that one great way to highlight those skills is to use the T format cover letter, something she urged everyone to do. Here were a few more pointers:

1. Don’t e-mail your network just to say “hi.” She spoke about the volumes of resumes, e-mails and phone calls that recruiters get and she used herself as an example. On her day “off” last week, she spent 13 hours straight answering e-mails. Make sure you have a point or question to your e-mail before sending it.
2. Don’t ask to pick someone’s brain or ask for general advice. Recruiters aren’t career coaches. People need to do their homework before contacting recruiters. Asking a recruiter to review your resume and then tell you where you’d fit in to their organization is not a good strategy. Candidates need to take advantage of services offered by places like the library to figure out where they envision their next career move to be. It’s difficult for a recruiter who doesn’t know a candidates passion to make suggestions on where they would fit in an organization. Keep in mind that companies aren’t looking for people to fill jobs, companies are looking for candidates that are passionate about what they do as well as their interest in the company.
3. Don’t be rude. This seems like an obvious one but when someone is under a lot of pressure from a job search, it can really start to show. Make sure when you’re starting to get frustrated to take breaks. During a job search, nobody is there to pat you on the back when you do a great job (like getting an interview) so you have to be your own cheerleader. Make sure to reward yourself often to keep yourself motivated.

Strategic Networking continues all summer, a particularly great time to get out and meet new people. Our group of rotating volunteers lead discussions that offer new strategies for job search and for making meaningful connections in our community. VisitCalgary recently created this list of Calgary events that will keep you motivated in a city brimming with activity.

source: MBAonline (click on image for full infographic)

Accelerate Your Career 2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Central Library

Enhancing Your Job Search through Social Networking
10:15–12:15pm • Basement Room #2 • Register online or call 403-260-2620

Enhancing Your Job Search through Social Networking is a popular program offered at the library in partnership with Bow Valley College (BVC) Career Connection. We asked Jill, a BVC Career Coach who will be presenting the program during our all-day Accelerate Your Career 2012 event, a few questions about how social networking can be used to find work.

Jill Nikiforuk, BVC Career Connection1. Why is it important that job seekers embrace social media?

Social media can boost the job search process by adding exponential value to the all-important networking component of job searching. Networking is the number one way to find a new job opportunity! Job seekers can very easily reach out to and research potential networking contacts through social media before making face-to-face contact. Social media also gives the job seeker access to vital information from the industries and companies of interest. While social media is most useful as a networking and informational tool for job seekers, many employers also post jobs this way—with Twitter being the best place to find up-to-date job postings.

2. Can you tweet your way to a job in Calgary?

Yes! This micro-blogging type of social media can boost the job search process. Twitter allows job seekers to follow experts in their field and to follow companies they are interested in, which in turn, keeps them up-to-date in their target industries. Job seekers can also professionally contribute to twitter conversations that can draw positive attention from potential employers. It is very impressive in an interview if a candidate can show that she or he has been following the latest news a company has posted.

3. How are employers using LinkedIn to find candidates?

Employers are using keywords to search potential candidates on LinkedIn. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to pre-screen candidates and search potential employees worldwide. (Like resumes, LinkedIn profiles should be laden with keywords that describe career-specific skills and personal characteristics.) LinkedIn profiles also can be more detailed than a two-page resumé, therefore giving additional information to hiring personnel.

Jill Nikiforuk is a Career Coach at Career Connection, Bow Valley College who offers guidance for career planning, and teaches clients how to sharpen their job search marketing tools and skills. Career Connection is a free career service for all under-employed and unemployed Albertans.

Accelerate Your Career 2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Central Library

Career Conversations • 11am–3pm • Main Floor • Sign up during event
Resume Help • 11am–3pm • Main Floor • Preregister: call 403-260-2782
Career Serving Agencies • 10am–3pm • Main Floor • Drop-in
Interview Strategies and Techniques • 10:30am–12:30pm • Third Floor • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Company and Employer Research • 1–2pm • Third Floor Open Area • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Power Networking • 2:30–4pm • Third Floor Open Area • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Enhancing Your Job Search through Social Networking • 10:15–12:15pm • Bsmt Rm #2 • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Work Search on the Internet • 1–4pm • Third Floor Learning Lab • Register online or call 403-260-2620

Last week we blogged about the T-Cover Letter—a cover letter style that is enormously popular with hiring managers. Our Strategic Networking volunteer Debbie Mastel has forwarded us another example of how one of our customers used the T-Cover Letter format to successfully find work:

"The T Cover letter is the most effective cover letter I have come across in my entire professional career. It was introduced to me by Debbie in one of the strategic networking sessions I attended at the library. From the time I heard about it, it really did strike me and I know it was the correct formula I needed to grab employer attention. By that time I was around just 5 weeks in Canada and everything was new to me. I was quick enough to change my formats to T letter and also customize my resume to go with that.

Within a week I got an interview at a Big Oil & a Gas Company, and another one at a IT company. I almost got the Oil & Gas job, and the Hiring manager was complimentary of my cover letter. After about 2 weeks I got an interview at DeVry University and now I am working there.

I am glad to say I attended that networking session and met Debbie, where I learned all about the best secret in finding employment—the T cover letter. Thanks to it, I am now working in less than 12 weeks from moving to Canada. I think it’s a great tool and many people should start using it, it also helps you focus and identify your suitability to the job and helps you easily focus on applying for a specific job target rather than being too general."

Have you had success with the T-Cover Letter? We want to hear about it.
Click HERE to post your experiences in the comment box below.

See the previous blog post for more examples about the T-Cover Letter format: The T-Cover Letter.

For more information about our Strategic Networking program that runs on the Third Floor of the Central Library every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. or other examples of cover letters or resumes contact us:

Central Library
Third Floor
403-260-2782
busn@calgarypubliclibrary.com

Debbie MastelThe style and formatting of excellent resumes and cover letters can vary depending on geography and industry and change over time. The T-cover letter is a newer format that is tremendously popular with hiring manager and recruiters. Debbie Mastel, one of the library's Strategic Networking program volunteers, answered a few of our questions about the T-cover letter:

When should someone use a T cover letter?

DM: It doesn’t matter if you’re using transferable skills or an exact match to a posting, the T cover letter should always be used. If you don’t have a posting then you can do some research to figure out what you think the requirements for their organization would be. This can be done by getting old postings or postings from other companies. This style is also difficult when writing a cover letter in to an e-mail instead of an attachment so I recommend people have templates for the letter that can easily be used in either Word format or e-mails.

Do you prefer the format? Why?

DM: Yes, I do prefer the T cover letter format, as I believe it serves three main purposes:

1. It assists the recruiter, especially if they’re junior and working on technical roles. It allows applicants to clarify acronyms, or similar systems they may have worked on.
2. When a recruiter is using key words to score resumes. Because of volume, sometimes recruiters rely on systems to rate resumes. According to Right Management, 94% of the top 500 U.S. companies are now using computer programs to evaluate resumes. Canada is sure to follow suit.
3. When you’re using transferable skills to obtain a position. Countless times I’ve received resumes from people clearly using transferable skills but I can’t make the connection. I remember a colleague of mine once getting the resume for a fellow who groomed ski hills and had mentioned she didn’t see him fitting anywhere. Luckily it was brought to her attention that he might be a fit for a Heavy Equipment Operator position. We ended up hiring him as that but other people aren’t so lucky.

Recruiters don’t have time to figure out where you fit, that’s your job. The t-letter cover letter makes you articulate why you are qualified for the role. This is what you’re asking for, this is what I have.

Would you suggest that any job hunter should use this format for their cover letters? Are there any instances in which you wouldn't prefer the T cover letter?

DM: The only time I can think of that this format may not work is for Academics or people that need to submit a CV instead of a resume. I’m not that familiar with this area but that’s the only example I can think of. I would welcome comments from others if they have reasons this cover letter wouldn’t work for them.

Can you give one or two anecdotal examples of people you've hired or Strategic Networking customers who have found that the T cover letter opened doors that may not have otherwise been opened?

DM: I asked some job searchers to share their feelings about the usefulness of the T-cover letter. Here is one response:

“The reason I believe the two-column T cover letter worked well for me in the past was because it was significantly different than writing three or four paragraphs as in a standard cover letter.

The T cover letter was simple to use. First, I underscored the keywords or phrases in the job description’s requirements and qualifications sections that fit my background, experiences, and skill sets. Then, I filled out the position’s key requirements in the table’s left column and aligned them with my matching skill sets or experiences in the right column.

The concisely-worded bullet points in two column format immediately captured the hiring manager’s attention without him having to read longer paragraphs. My T cover letter intrigued and interested him. I was able to zero in on the value I could provide that related to the hiring manager's and position's needs, and, consequently, the hiring manager continued with reviewing my resume. In summary, the T cover letter helped me to (1) focus my reply, (2) save time, and (3) avoid responses to inappropriate job postings.”

March 19: Debbie sent another response from someone who had great success with the T-Cover Letter:

"The T Cover letter is the most effective cover letter I did come across in my entire professional career. It was introduced to me by Debbie in one of the networking meeting I attended. From the time I heard about it, it really did strike me and I know it was the correct formula I was looking for to grab employer attention. By that time I was around just 5 weeks in Canada and everything was new to me. I was quick enough to change my formats to T letter and also customize my resume to go with that.

Within a week I got an interview at a Big Oil & a Gas Company, and another one at a IT company. I almost got the Oil & Gas job, and the Hiring manager was complimentary of my cover letter. After about 2 weeks I got an interview at DeVry University and now I am working there,.

I am glad to say I attended that networking meeting and met Debbie, where I learned all about the best secret in finding employment—the T cover letter. Thanks to it, I am now working in less than 12 weeks from moving to Canada. I think it’s a great tool and many people should start using it, it also helps you focus and identify your suitability to the job and helps you easily focus on target than be general in applying. Thanks Debbie.”

For more information about the T-cover letter:

A template of the T-cover letter: Workopolis Sample of the T-style cover letter.

Thoughts from another recruiter on the T-cover letter: The "T" Cover Letter—The Only Type Worth Sending.

Debbie Mastel volunteers with the enormously popular Strategic Networking program that runs on the Third Floor of the Central Library every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Debbie is a Critical Talent Specialist with Devon Energy Corporation in Calgary.

In one of her recent articles in the Globe and Mail, career management consultant Dr. Barbara Moses pondered this question and talked with colleagues:

The Networking Gender Gap, and How to Bridge It

Moses argues that women are better at networking and build community while they work the room, while men are more likely to get right to the point. Others argue that women are less willing to actively promote their skills and often don't commit enough time to the process. While opinions vary widely on the topic, networking is still the most effective way to discover job leads, make meaningful connections and share contacts with others.

The Calgary Public Library has books, dvds, E-books and online courses to help develop these skills and collect new ideas and strategies for your next opportunity to meet and connect. And don't forget about the Central Library's Thursday night Strategic Networking sessions, where you can drop in and hone your schmoozing skills.

The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling

Networking for People Who Hate Networking by Devora Jack

This Saturday, October 22^nd, please join us at the Central Library for our Accelerate Your Career All-Day Career Event.

Joy Cohen, a Calgary career consultant, will be presenting the LinkedIn for Career Success program from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

We asked Joy a few questions about the why and how to use LinkedIn as a networking tool.

With over 120 million registered users worldwide, LinkedIn is clearly popular with job searchers. What do you think is its greatest strength?

I think its greatest strength is the ease of use for individuals with basic computer skills. If you have a well developed profile containing key words and phrases from your industry, it’s easy to be found and to access wonderful career opportunities. As a career coach, I have found this site to be absolutely invaluable for marketing my job search clients to employers quickly and with great ease. Some of my clients do not have computer skills and I am able to intervene and connect very quickly with hiring managers and decision makers as well as others who can introduce me to those who are responsible for posting opportunities. I LOVE this site!

What are your LinkedIn pet peeves?

1. A profile with just your name and nothing else or having a profile that says “unemployed and desperate for work—please, anyone, help me!”
2. A profile full of spelling and grammatical errors. Have someone with a fresh set of eyes check your profile for you. If English is not your first language, have someone review your profile who is completely fluent in English.
3. Inappropriate or family photos. Your photo should reflect a professional image, period.
4. Inappropriate status updates giving information about your family or personal activities. These personal details are more appropriate for Facebook.

Do you think job searchers should include their LinkedIn URL on their business cards?

Sure! You can also select a personalized “Vanity URL” for your public profile, giving you a custom web address for linking to and promoting your profile. Once you’ve chosen your URL, you can use it to feature your LinkedIn profile on business cards, email signatures, your blog and so on. (source: Personalizing your LinkedIn URL)

Should job searchers ever ask their current boss for a recommendation?

As long as everyone is comfortable, I think it’s a very good idea. Be aware that some companies are not permitted to provide what may be perceived as “written references,” Many employers search LinkedIn and seek out candidates who have a minimum of 10 recommendations, so building up your profile is important. Always ensure that the recommendations are of quality and speak of your talent, strengths, skills and knowledge.

Joy Cohen, from Everyday Joy: Career and Human Services Consulting, is a Calgary-based Human Services and Career Services Professional. Joy will be presenting LinkedIn for Career Success during the Accelerate Your Career All-Day Career Event this Saturday, October 22^nd at the Central Library. Register online or by calling 403-260-2620.

This month’s Library book review is from local career consultant Joy Cohen. Joy recently presented a LinkedIn seminar at the Central Library, where she talked about one of her favourite book series: Knock ‘em Dead.

Knock ‘em Dead Secrets & Strategies for Success in an Uncertain World is a satisfying read that offers practical advice that I have found to be personally instrumental on my own career path, as well as a helpful tool with my clients. Interestingly, I’d been a huge fan of his Knock ‘em Dead series, so I networked with the author through LinkedIn and he sent me an autographed copy!

Martin Yate emphasizes a straight forward, no nonsense, step by step approach to job search and career management advice suitable for new graduates and seasoned workers. I really enjoy his writing and have found that his enthusiasm is contagious and he possesses a flair for constructing creative, well written resumes and cover letters that get positive attention. He does, however, bluntly claim that this book will provide everything you need to take control of your life, which I found to be rather broad and subjective.

Three of the most important key concepts in Yate’s book emphasizes include:

1. Self-Responsibility

Successful career management and job search takes time, daily work and planning. If you’re stuck, then get practical help from a Career Coach to help keep you on track and motivated.

2. Producing Effective Resumes

Target and focus your resume and cover letter to each job posting. Yate discusses this in detail and his solution is TJD: Target Job Deconstruction for reconstructing a resume that employers will want to read. Generic resumes and “to whom it may concern” cover letters are extremely ineffective and usually do not result in many job interviews. Effective, relevant, worthwhile resumes contain key words and phrases that entice the reader to call the candidate.

3. Network, Network, Network!

It’s all about relationships. “The success of your job search depends on getting into conversation with people in a position to hire you, as quickly and as often as possible,” stresses Yate. This book contains little gems on how to bypass gatekeepers and make contact with decision makers. Quite simply, if you are not networking and following up with employers, i.e., finding names and contact information of people who can help you get resume requests and job interviews, then learn how to do so. Etiquette is also critical and will distinguish you in either a positive or negative way from other candidates. For instance, if you think that a thank you letter, card or email after an interview is a waste of time, think again. Lastly, if you have been attending job interviews and have not received job offers, then ask for feedback about your interview performance and make necessary changes.

Joy Cohen BPA-HS, RSW Career Consultant/Résumé Writer

Web: http://everydayjoycohen.ca/Tel: (403) 244-8771 Toll Free Canada and US: 1-888-534-5405

New! The Calgary Public Library is excited to share reviews of its print and electronic career resources. These reviews are written by local career practitioners and will give you the inside scoop on some of the Library's best resources for job search and career planning. The following book is available through the Library's website as an eBook: see below for instructions.

Social Networking For Career Success 2011: A Choice Works Book Review

If you are looking for a user-friendly, systematic narrative on how to leverage online tools to grow your professional network, generate job search momentum, manage your online identity or craft your personal brand, then this book is well worth your time. Miriam Salpeter provides refreshingly clear and focused guidance for job seekers. With Social Networking for Career Success 2011, you can begin to explore the value of incorporating social media into both active and passive stages of work search. This is an excellent resource designed to educate and inform. It avoids tacky self-promotion and succeeds in meeting the dynamic needs of recent graduates, experienced professionals, career explorers, small business owners, consultants and those considering encore careers.

Packed full of relevant sources for readers to explore in depth, this book also offers time saving tips gained from the practical experiences of the author. Expect to find how-to segments to begin using Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, Blogging and Social Bookmarking, strategies for crafting your Personal Brand, methods to manage your online identity and introductions to many other online tools. Challenging the belief that social media is merely the latest way to damage your professional credibility and get yourself fired, Salpeter causes readers to rethink career possibilities and evaluate their own attitudes toward social media’s transformation of our society. I consider this book a must-have, big-picture gem for those interested in capturing the best of what the online world has to offer.

By: Samantha Schellenberg, Alberta Employment & Immigration Career Development Workshop Facilitator, Designer and Presenter. Director, ChoiceWorks Rehabilitation Solutions Ltd.

Note: This book is one of many career books available as electronic books (eBooks) from one of the Library's subscription databases called Learning Express. You can download these books for free onto your home computer. Click here to learn how to access these publications.

Are you looking for work? These informal groups sessions will show you how to create new work opportunities, exchange ideas and job leads, and meet other job hunters.

• Where: Third Floor,Central Library: 616 Macleod Trail SE
• When: Thursday evenings: 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

For more information, please call 403-260-2782