Accelerate Your Career 2012

Career Serving Agencies

10–3pm • Main Floor • Drop-In

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Central Library

As well as programs, resume help and career conversations, representatives from some local career serving agencies available to answer questions about their career and employment services. Come chat with friendly staff from the following agencies:

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 • Basement Room #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

Accelerate Your Career 2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Central Library

Company and Employer Research
1–2pm • Third Floor Open Area • Register online or call 403-260-2620

On Saturday, May 12th, the Central Library is hosting its annual all-day Accelerate Your Career Event. Join us on Saturday, May 12, 2012, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on the Third Floor of the Central Library our Company and Employer Research program. Janice Parker, Information Specialist at the Calgary Public Library, answers a few questions about the importance of research during any job search:

Janice Parker, Calgary Public Library

1. Why is research important for job seekers?

Doing your homework when you are looking for work or going to an interview can save you time, trouble and increase your chances of getting the right job. Most Calgary employers fully expect that potential candidates will have done their homework and can confidently show a hiring manager, in their cover letter, resumé, and during any interviews, that they have a clear understanding of the employer and the job and why they are the right person for a position.

2. What types of research can help someone looking for a new job?

Once you really know what type of work you would like to be doing, you need to narrow down the types of employers or workplaces that would suit you best. Do you want to work for the government? Small, medium or large company? Non-profit organization? Which industry and work culture or environment? Figuring out the answers to these (very individual) questions will help you better target your job search and write cover letters and resumés that are more likely to catch the eyes of hiring managers.

If you get called for an interview, you had better do your research. Not only do you want to find out as much as possible about the employer, including being aware of any recent new items related to the employer or the industry, you also want to research any people working there already—particularly the person or people conducting the interview.

3. This sounds like a lot of work. Is it difficult?

Career experts always tell us that finding a job is more difficult and time-consuming than keeping a job. While the Internet has made it much easier to do this research, most people aren't trained researchers and may not know what information they should look for and how to find it. However, there are many tools online and elsewhere that make this type of research easy once you know where to look. Fortunately, you don't need to be an expert to learn how best to research the right job, the right employer, and how to impress during an interview. This is a huge part of the service we offer at the Calgary Public Library: assisting job seekers with their research.

If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? Albert Einstein

Janice Parker has been helping job seekers with their research needs for over fifteen years at the Calgary Public Library.

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

As part of our Accelerate Your Career event on Saturday, May 12th, the Central Library welcomes Troy Deck, Manager of MNP as he presents an afternoon session on Power Networking from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. You'll learn to enhance your networking skills before, during and after events to build your confidence and success. As a teaser, we asked Troy to answer some popular questions:

1. Troy Deck, MNPTroy, what do you think is the single most important thing to do before heading into a networking event?

Great question. Make sure to answer a few key questions, including:

• Why am I going to this event?
• What do I hope to get out of it?
• Who do I want to meet and why?
• How can I help them?
• How can they help me?
• What are the next steps?

I believe that it is really important to be strategic when networking and to define goals, targets, and outcomes. Avoid "selling" and instead engage people, be interested in who they are, and see if there are possible synergies.

2. Are business cards still being used? (note: we have heard from 20 year olds that they aren’t) and is there still a role for them?

Although technology has come a long way with the Internet, social media, Facebook, Twitter and the like, business cards can still play a strong role in networking and business today. We do not always have access to the Internet, our phones, or other devices. In addition, not all target audiences are tech savvy and many of the online mediums are ever evolving and changing in popularity. As a result, business cards are a way to drive traffic to you, via phone, web page, Twitter or Facebook, allowing the person to choose how they want to contact or get to know you.

3. Do you suggest that networkers immediately connect with new contacts on LinkedIn?

In my opinion LinkedIn is a great tool to build your network, get to know people and discover information in user groups and generally "plug-in" to people and businesses. That being said, like any other tool users need to decide how they are going to use it and for what purpose. For example, without creating a relationship with a new contact, it is difficult to ask for a reference or do business because there is no pre-existing relationship or trust. So, random connections to random people whom I don't know have little value unless I am willing to put time and effort into "connecting."

Troy Deck is a Manager with MNP’s Consulting team. Troy is currently involved with multiple MNP training initiatives, including the Self-Employment Program, and his current areas of focus are: Facilitation, Market Research and Analysis, Business and Strategic Planning.

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

"Your résumé has just seconds to make its mark." Globe and Mail

Only 6.25 seconds, apparently. So how can you make sure your resume gets in the "yes" pile instead of the recycling bin? Come book a half-hour session with one of the volunteer library Career Coaches to get some knowledgable advice on how to make your resume the best it can be.

"Your resumé and cover email or letter highlight your skills, accomplishments, experience, education and training. Their purpose is to make a strong first impression on an employer so that you get asked to an interview." Alberta Learning Information Services

Resume Help

Saturday, May 12, 2012

11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Central Library

Preregister by calling 403-260-2782 for a half-hour session to go over your resume with an experienced Career Coach.

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 • Basement Room #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

On Saturday, May 12th, the Central Library is hosting its annual Accelerate Your Career event. Local career consultant Brian Lambier will be presenting the Brian Lambier, Career VitalityInterview Strategies and Techniques program from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where you will learn how to WOW prospective employers with your knowledge, preparation and "fit." We asked Brian a few questions about current interviewing trends:

1. Is it true that the decision on whether or not to hire a candidate is often decided in first 40 seconds of the interview?

A skilled, experienced interviewer who understands the position and the type of person they are looking for will sometimes have a “gut feeling” about interview candidates fairly quickly but their experience tells them to keep an open mind for the remainder of the interview.

2. How important is it to bring your own questions to the interview?

Extremely important! Interview candidates should consider the interview as an opportunity to learn more about the position and organization and to determine if the position is the right fit for them.

3. Are phone and Skype interviews becoming more common?

Employers certainly will conduct interviews using telephones or messaging systems like Skype. This method of interviewing may be used for the first interview in a multi-interview process or if the candidate is unable to meet in person due to time or geographical constraints. Meeting in person is always an employer’s first choice whenever possible.

Brian Lambier is the owner of Career Vitality Services Inc. in Calgary, Alberta and specializes in career and retirement transition coaching and corporate training. He can be reached at (403) 978-9134 or brian@careervitality.ca. He will be presenting his interview program during our all-day Accelerate Your Career Event held on Saturday, May 12, at the Central Library. Register online or by calling 403-260-2620.

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

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

Couvrez les éléments essentiels de la rédaction d’un CV et des techniques de recherche d’emploi avec un conseiller en emploi bilingue de Connexion Carrière: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Saddletowne Library.

Nous avons posé quelques questions à Connexion Carrière avant leur premier atelier de recherche d'emploi en français à la Bibliothèque publique de Calgary.

1.Parallèlement à tous les services en français que vous offrez à Connexion Carrière, nous avons noté que vous avez un babillard d'offres d'emploi. Avez-vous noté une augmentation des offres d'emplois bilingues dernièrement ?

Oui, nous avons constaté un léger accroissement du volume des postes bilingues à Calgary au cours des derniers mois, probablement en ligne avec l'activité générale du marché du travail local. Cependant, il est important de noter que même si parler français est un atout, en particulier dans le secteur du service à la clientèle, avoir un bon niveau d'anglais est primordial pour pouvoir trouver du travail !

2. Comment aidez-vous ceux qui veulent améliorer leurs compétences en anglais?

À Connexion Carrière, nous offrons quotidiennement à nos clients des classes d'anglais axées sur la communication liée à l'emploi. Cela les aide à acquérir les compétences et la confiance nécessaires pour trouver et conserver un emploi. Sinon, nous les référons à des programmes tels que ceux offerts dans le réseau des bibliothèques publiques de Calgary, et nous les encourageons à chercher activement des occasions de pratiquer (Groupes de conversation, activités sociales, volontariat...).

3. Quelle est votre implication avec le nouveau Centre Genesis dans le Nord-est?

Grâce à l'initiative 1000 Voices, les fournisseurs de services francophones ont maintenant l'opportunité de se rapprocher des communautés du Nord-est. Chaque mercredi, un conseiller en emploi de Connexion Carrière est disponible au Centre Genesis pour offrir des services d'aide à la recherche d'emploi, en français. C'est une opportunité fantastique pour les résidents francophones locaux de trouver du soutien dans la langue qu'ils préfèrent.
Additionnellement, nous offrons des ateliers de recherche de emploi. Le prochain sera à la bibliothèque publique au Centre Genesis, et les participants auront l'occasion de couvrir les éléments essentiels de la rédaction de CV et les stratégies de recherche d'emploi avec un conseiller en emploi bilingue.

To register for this program, Register online or call 403-260-2620.

(English version)

We asked Connexion Carrière a few questions prior to their first French language career workshop at the Calgary Public Library: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Saddletowne Library.

1. Along with the comprehensive career services offered in French at Connexion Carriere, we noticed that you have a job board. Are bilingual positions on the increase in Calgary?

Yes, we have seen a slight increase of bilingual positions in Calgary during the last few months, probably in line with the general activity of the local labour market. However, it is important to notice that even though speaking French is an asset, especially in the customer service industry, having a good level of English skills is really a must for anyone's employability!

2. How do you help those wanting to improve their English skills?

We offer at Connexion Carriere daily English Communication Classes to our clients. This helps them acquire the skills and the confidence necessary to secure and maintain employment. Alternatively, we refer them to programs such as the ones offered in the network of Calgary Public Libraries, and we encourage them to actively look for opportunities to practice (conversation groups, socially, volunteering...).

3. What is your involvement with the new Genesis Centre in the Northeast?

Through the 1000 voices initiative, the Francophone service providers now have a chance to get closer to the Nord-East communities. Every Wednesday, a career coach is available to offer basic employment services, in French, at the Genesis center. This is a fantastic opportunity for local francophone residents to find support in the language they prefer. Additionally, we will be offering employment related workshops. the next one will be at the public library in the Genesis Center, and participants will have a chance to review and exchange on the essentials of CV writing and job search strategies with a bilingual career coach.

To register for this program, Register online or call 403-260-2620. Calgary Public Library also have several free English as a Second Language programs, including the popular Coffee and Conversation and ESL Conversation Clubs. See our online registration guide for more information.

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

Come join us on Friday, February 17 from 11:45 to 1:00 on the Third Floor of the Central Library as Dr. Sarah Elaine Eaton discusses Essential Skills in the Workplace.

Sarah Elaine Eaton, Ph.D.How is workplace literacy being defined by HRSDC?

Today’s definition of literacy goes beyond traditional notions of being able to read and write. Literacy and Essential Skills is the umbrella term used by Human Resources and Skills Development Canda (HRSDC) to define the skills needed by all adults in Canada today, regardless of whether they are working, stay-at-home parents or retired. There are Nine Literacy and Essential Skills:

1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Document Use
4. Numeracy
5. Computer Use
6. Thinking
7. Oral Communication
8. Working with others
9. Continuous Learning

Employees need to have skills in all nine areas to be effective in today’s workplace.

What is the number one issue concerning employers regarding workplace literacy in Canada today?

The number one issue for employers is finding and keeping employees with the right skills to do their jobs safely and effectively. The Fall 2011 Labour Market Bulletin published by HRSDC reports that Calgary has failed to recover the same employment rates that it had before the 2008–2009 recession. While the province overall is recovering, the Calgary labour market lags behind other areas of the province. The Calgary job market requires high-skilled white collar workers with higher than average skills in reading, writing, numeracy and digital skills.

What are some of the costs to employers for not having employees trained in literacy and the essentials skills?

These can be difficult to quantify since people have lower levels of literacy and essential skills will often try to hide their lack of skills. This behaviour is not uncommon, as there can be feelings of shame and failure associated with low literacy skills. For that reason problems in the workplace can be difficult to trace back precisely to lower level skills.

Some studies have shown that employers who focus on building employee skills can see up to a 15% increase in overall workplace productivity and larger organizations may have even higher increases in productivity. One study revealed that over 80% of employers who engaged in workplace literacy programs felt that the benefits of the training outweighed the costs in terms of increased productivity leading to higher revenues for the buseinss, less wastage and less down time.

What are 3 resources for workplace literacy that employers and employees have access to?

Three of my favorite resources are:

• HRSDC Literacy and Essential Skills website: This is the main site with links to many other resource areas of the website. It is an excellent starting point.
• HRSDC Tools and Resources website: There are tools here for employers, career counsellors and job seekers.
• National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) library: This is a free, online resource library is a goldmine. If you search for “workplace literacy,” there are over 1000 results—all focused specifically on Canada.

Sarah Elaine Eaton is an educator, consultant and research specializing in adult learning, literacy and twenty-first century trends in training and education.

Why coaching? If you're not sure how a coach could help you, read more about the program below and take a look at our previous blog posts in which we interviewed local coaches on the topics of Leadership and Team Development Coaching, Personal Development Coaching and Job and Career Coaching.