WHERE CAN I GO WITH A DEGREE IN ? NURSING CAREER DEVELOPMENT & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING uwindsor.ca/cdel DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC SKILLS Key Words: Adapting, Assessing, Empathizing, Managing Crises, Observing, Researching, Visually Monitoring; Best Practices, Biological/Social/Cultural/Psychological Factors, Emotional Intelligence • Appreciating critical biological, social, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to health • Exercising emotional intelligence to make useful observations, generate insights, and modify behaviour • Understanding and applying contemporary best practices in acute medical care • Conducting appropriate medical research using modern, approved methodology; critically appraising and evaluating research finding TRANSFERABLE SKILLS CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING Key Words: Analyzing, Interpreting, Reasoning • • • • TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION Key Words: Decision Making, Delegating, Leading, Motivating, Overseeing, Supporting, Teaching; Diversity, Public • Critically analyzing healthcare systems from an informed perspective; advocating for and implementing change when appropriate • • • Assessing, evaluating, and understanding individual, family and group behaviours in order to implement best diagnostic and intervention practices • • • Managing crisis situations calmly and professionally • • Practicing empathy, compassion, and sympathy FURTHER RESOURCES • • • • • • • • • • • American Nurses Association Canadian Association for Nursing Research Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing Canadian Institute for Health Information Canadian Nurses Association Canadian Nursing Students’ Association College of Nurses of Ontario Community Health Nurses of Canada Health Canada Careers Ontario Nursing Jobs Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario Applying prior knowledge/methodology to novel situations Seeing issues from a variety of perspectives, accounting for the important role of context Learning, understanding, and interpreting information to apply knowledge to new situations Critically analyzing problems, thinking creatively, and making appropriately reasoned decisions Working effectively in a high-pressure environment Leading and interacting with colleagues who reflect different backgrounds, learning styles, and approaches Working effectively in groups; engaging in decision making Identifying one’s ideal role and contributing to the collective through leading, teaching, and motivating others Overseeing contributions to a project; determining outcomes, planning details, delegating, and completing tasks PROFESSIONALISM AND WORK ETHIC Key Words: Adapting, Compiling, Prioritizing, Managing Resources • • • • Adapting and modifying projects to deal with new information and/or unexpected circumstances Compiling and organizing facts and information Prioritizing and concentrating on relevant resources when presented with a wealth of source of information Managing time, data, and resources to meet deadlines COMMUNICATION Key Words: Assessing Information, Addressing, Communicating, Engaging, Observing, Listening, Persuading, Researching • • • • Conducting research into best practices and expectations Listening attentively and effectively Addressing members of the public persuasively Identifying and accessing relevant information/resources POTENTIAL DESTINATIONS AND JOB TITLES Here is a list of different career paths that a nursing degree may lead to; you are not limited to these occupations, but they can be a great start as you explore your career options. Some of these careers may require further education and training. Refer to jobbank.gc.ca for more information about these occupations. NURSING & HEALTH • Clinics and medical centres • Colleges and universities • Community health centres • Correctional facilities • Home care agencies • Hospitals • Internat’l health agencies • Long-term care facilities • Physician practices • Private homes • Rehabilitation centres • Schools • Sports organizations • Student Health Services • Summer camps • Youth organizations Clinical Nursing Specialist Community Health Nurse Dean, School of Nursing Dental Hygienist/Therapist Director of Nursing Drug/Alcohol Abuse Consultant Grief Counsellor Health Educator Home Care Services Director Hospital Administrator Healthcare Receptionist Health Promotion Officer Healthcare Administrator Mental Health Worker Midwife Nurse Aide Nursing Consultant Nursing Researcher Nursing Supervisor Nutritionist Occupational Health Nurse Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Practitioner Registered Practical Nurse Respite Worker Telehealth Registered Nurse Toxicologist Weight Loss Consultant EDUCATION • Colleges and universities • Corporations • Cultural centres/museums • Educational companies • Private practice • Schools and school boards Child Caregiver Educational Assistant Educational Counsellor ESL Teacher Fitness Instructor Health Educator Private Tutor Recreation Program Leader Special Education Assistant Speech/Language Therapist Student Residence Manager Teacher -College/Vocational School -ESL -Elementary School -Secondary School COMMUNITY & YOUTH SERVICES • Community development organizations • Correctional facilities • Non-profit organizations Aboriginal Support Worker Abuse/Crisis Counsellor Addictions Counsellor Camp Coordinator Child and Youth Counsellor Child Welfare Administrator Community Centre Director Community Service Worker Crisis Intervention Worker Correctional Youth Worker Disability Services Worker Family Service Worker Foster Parent Group Home Worker Housing Support Worker Mediator Non-Profit Administrator Recreation Director Recreation Facility Manager Rehabilitation Counsellor Social Services Worker Social Worker CORRECTIONS/LAW • • • • • Government agencies Legal agencies Mediation firms Police forces Prisons and halfway houses Aboriginal Liaison Officer Bylaw Enforcement Officer Correctional Officer Court Administrator/Clerk Court Liaison Worker Court Reporter Crime Prevention Specialist Criminal Lawyer Family Court Support Worker Forensics Worker Legal Advisor Legal Arbitrator Social Program Officer GOVERNMENT • Governmental organizations • Municipalities • Political campaigns/parties • Social service agencies • Polling organizations Government Administrator Human Rights Officer Immigration Officer Political Aide Politician Public Health Inspector Social Policy Researcher Resettlement Worker Workers’ Compensation Officer ACADEMIA & RESEARCH • Libraries and archives • Private research groups • Universities Circulation Assistant Gerontologist Librarian (Medical) Library Technician Records Management Clerk Research Analyst/Assistant Research Director BUSINESS, ETC. • Banks/financial institutions • HR departments • Private firms Claims Examiner Employee Benefits Manager Employment Equity Officer Executive Assistant Financial Advisor/Planner Hotel/Resort Manager Human Resources Assistant Insurance Agent/Broker Mediator Pharmaceutical Sales Rep Program Facilitator Retail Salesperson Talent Acquisition Specialist Tourism Development Officer Union Representative CONNECT TO SEE WHERE REAL UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR NURSING ALUMNI ARE LIVING AND WORKING . careerservices@uwindsor.ca ● (519) 253-3000 ext. 3895 ● Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre - Suite 100 Nursing Resume Tip Sheet Did you know that employers spend an average of only 20-30 seconds reading a résumé for the first time or that 85% of employers will stop reading a résumé with spelling or grammatical errors? This means that taking the time to create and carefully proofread a résumé that really highlights your most relevant skills and experiences is definitely worth the time and effort! FORMAT GUIDELINES ▪ Font: Name @ 14 to 20, Headings @ 11 to 14, Contact Info and General Text @ 10 to 12, be consistent with the font style ▪ One or two pages (no more!) on 8 ½ x 11 paper. When e-mailing, unless otherwise specified, send as PDF. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ NAME & CONTACT INFORMATION List your full mailing address, a telephone number with voicemail and an appropriate e-mail address The following is a list of sections you may choose to include on your resume. Include all of the ones that make sense for you. PROFILE OF SKILLS OR SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS (OR SIMILAR HEADING) ▪ Emphasize your top selling points relevant to your field and try to pique the reader’s interest ▪ Points should be specific (i.e. not ‘good leader’ or ‘any position’) and appropriate for desired position ▪ Should be at maximum about 5 or 6 points ▪ Be sure to tailor this section to each position and organization you apply for ▪ Consider adding in relevant computer skills in this section EDUCATION ▪ If you are currently a full-time student or recent graduate, this section should come at or near the top ▪ List the full name of degrees, diplomas, or professional certifications earned or in progress as well as the institution(s) where you studied, its location, dates (either “20XX – present” or year completed) ▪ Scholarships or awards (include dates) – select only the most appropriate awards PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS ▪ List affiliations and memberships in clubs, societies, and career related associations ▪ This could include RNAO Student Member, CNSA Representative etc. CLINICAL EXPERIENCE ▪ Include floor/unit, dates/time frame and hours completed ▪ Indicate level of independence (precepted placements) ▪ Format similar to Employment Experience (see below) EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE OR RELATED EXPERIENCE (WHEN COMBINING PAID AND UNPAID EXPERIENCES) ▪ Proceed in reverse chronological order (start with the most recent) ▪ List job titles, company name, city, province and dates (months or years, not specific dates) of employment ▪ Describe duties highlighting accomplishments and use action verbs to stress skills used on the job ▪ Description should be in a bulleted format; be consistent with punctuation and formatting VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ▪ An important section, especially for students who lack career-related work experience ▪ Experiences should be formatted in the same style as work experiences ▪ Employers look at this section to discern your “Star Quality” (i.e. leadership, initiative, energy) ▪ Indicate duties performed, level of responsibility, accomplishments, and skills gained ▪ Assess the length and relevance of your volunteer experience to determine if it should be included ADDITIONAL TRAINING/WORKSHOPS/CERTIFICATIONS ▪ Add in relevant training, workshops or certifications ▪ This could include IHI Open School courses, First Aid & CPR, Police Clearances, and other related training REFERENCES OR REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST ▪ Unless specifically requested in a job posting, reserve references until the interview process ▪ NOTE: Be prepared to provide 3-5 employment or academic references Resume Action Words Use the following words to relate your accomplishments and experiences on both resumes and cover letters. Feel free to use words from any section, but be sure to use them correctly. Double check definitions to avoid ensure you are using them accurately and use a variety of different action words to avoid sounding repetitive. Remember to use past tense to refer to previous experiences, and present tense to describe your accomplishments at jobs you still hold. Use these words to create value-added statements by using the “what” + “to what” + “so what?” model: • Managed | six important client accounts | and maintained excellent customer relations. • Developed | a benefits policy manual | which allowed for few benefit administration errors. • Designed | a new promotional flyer | which increased store traffic by 15 percent. You wrote, spoke, or otherwise communicated effectively: Addressed Contacted Edited Advertised Conveyed Elicited Annotated Convinced Enlisted Arranged Corresponded Exhibited Articulated Debated Explained Authored Defined Expressed Briefed Delivered Formulated Campaigned Developed Furnished Composed Directed Incorporated Condensed Discussed Influenced Conferred Dispatched Interacted Consulted Drafted Interpreted Interviewed Involved Joined Judged Justified Lectured Listened Lobbied Marketed Moderated Negotiated Observed Outlined Participated Persuaded Presented Promoted Proposed Publicized Recruited Referred Reinforced Reported Resolved Responded Rewrote Solicited Specified Spoke Suggested Summarized Synthesized Translated Wrote You researched effectively: Analyzed Detected Anticipated Diagrammed Clarified Diagnosed Collected Dissected Compared Documented Conducted Evaluated Critiqued Examined Defined Experimented Explored Extracted Forecasted Formulated Framed Gathered Grouped Identified Inspected Investigated Itemized Linked Located Measured Organized Perceived Pinpointed Plotted Predicted Quantified Questioned Researched Reviewed Searched Scrutinized Summarized Surveyed Systematized Tracked You taught, educated, or instructed: Advised Conducted Awarded Coordinated Clarified Critiqued Coached Developed Communicated Educated Enabled Encouraged Evaluated Explained Facilitated Focused Guided Informed Inspired Instilled Instructed Mentored Moulded Motivated Persuaded Stimulated Tested Trained Transmitted Tutored You helped or served customers or staff: Advocated Attended Aided Clarified Answered Collaborated Arranged Contributed Assisted Cooperated Counseled Demonstrated Diagnosed Ensured Facilitated Familiarized Guided Provided Reached Referred Represented Served Serviced Simplified Supplied Supported Volunteered You applied your technical skills: Activated Coded Adapted Computed Advanced Conserved Applied Constructed Assembled Converted Built Debugged Calculated Derived Designed Determined Dissected Engineered Extrapolated Fabricated Formed Fortified Immunized Installed Maintained Mapped Operated Overhauled Printed Programmed Regulated Remodeled Repaired Replaced Restored Simulated Specialized Standardized Studied Upgraded Utilized Provided Ranked Recorded Redesigned Refined Refocused Registered Reserved Restructured Revamped Reviewed Routed Scheduled Screened Streamlined Structured Submitted Standardized Systematized Unified United Updated Validated You added value to your employer in terms of partners, funds, or resources: Achieved Bought Earned Mastered Acquired Budgeted Estimated Maximized Adjusted Calculated Exceeded Measured Allocated Capitalized Expanded Netted Amplified Completed Financed Outpaced Appraised Conserved Furthered Outperformed Audited Determined Gained Prepared Balanced Drove Marketed Programmed Projected Qualified Raised Reduced Researched Retained Retrieved Secured Sold Strengthened Surpassed Sustained Won Yielded You led or managed a team of people and/or made valuable connections: Administered Channeled Enhanced Improved Aligned Coached Established Incorporated Appointed Consolidated Executed Increased Approved Contracted Forged Initiated Assigned Controlled Fostered Instituted Attained Decided Generated Managed Authorized Delegated Graded Merged Bridged Developed Handled Mobilized Broadened Directed Headed Motivated Canvassed Emphasized Hired Navigated Chaired Enforced Hosted Oriented Overhauled Oversaw Partnered Planned Presided Prioritized Produced Recommended Reorganized Replaced Restored Reviewed Scheduled Selected Staffed Supervised Targeted You worked creatively to develop a project: Accelerated Conceived Acted Condensed Authored Created Began Cultivated Co-authored Customized Combined Designed Composed Developed Introduced Invented Launched Modelled Originated Performed Pioneered Planned Planted Revised Revitalized Shaped Tailored You organized or arranged information efficiently: Arranged Distributed Monitored Catalogued Elected Obtained Categorized Filed Operated Centralized Formalized Ordered Charted Incorporated Organized Classified Inspected Outsourced Compiled Logged Prepared Corresponded Maintained Processed Devised Directed Discovered Displayed Drew Established Fashioned Formulated Founded Hypothesized Illustrated Initiated Instituted Integrated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Senior) LAUREN SMITH 345 Riverside Drive • Windsor, ON N9A 1A3 519-999-9999 • aperience@uwindsor.ca LinkedIn: ca.linkedin.com/in/fakeaccount1 PROFILE • • • • • Client-focused nursing style applying theory and research to provide holistic care to patients within hospital, community, and private home settings Communicate effectively with doctors and interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality care Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving during clinical placements, preceptorship and coursework Intermediate computer skills using MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Use of Pyxis and Cerner during hospital clinical placements Available to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, and weekends EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON • Expected completion April 20XX 20XX - Present CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING • • • • Scheduled to write NCLEX June 20XX Safe Management Group Crisis Intervention Training (20XX) Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School Patient Safety: Introduction to Patient Safety (20XX) CPR for HCP with AED Certification (20XX) CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Cardiac Care Unit (192 hours) Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus), Windsor, ON • Precepted Year 4 Hospital placement • Implemented individualized interventions through patient plan of care • Developed strong clinical skills including mechanical ventilation and intra-aortic balloon pump Jan - Apr 2XXX Hospice Residential Home (192 hours) Oct - Dec 2XXX Bayshore Community Health, Windsor, ON • Precepted Year 4 Community placement • Provided enhanced pain management, palliative health teaching, and referrals for hospice resources in an empathetic, kind and sensitive manner • Communicated effectively with patients, their family members, and the multidisciplinary care team to provide the best holistic support possible Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions (72 hours) Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham, ON • Participated in rounds and therapy groups developing strong nurse client relationships • Conducted thorough quality assessments and developed individualized care plans May 2XXX Lauren Smith Page 2 of 2 Oncology (88 hours) Jan - Apr 2XXX Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital, Windsor, ON • Observed and assisted with chest tube removals, bone marrow biopsy, central line insertions and chemotherapy monitoring • Provided individual emotional support to clients and family members encouraging expression of needs, fears, and struggles to collaborate on appropriate and achievable goals Pediatrics (88 hours) Sept - Dec 2XXX Windsor Regional Hospital (Met Campus), Windsor, ON • Cared for pediatric patients of all ages with a wide variety of diagnoses including respiratory and digestive conditions and those recovering from surgery • Provided health teaching to patients and their parents/caregivers Telemetry/Medical (160 hours) May - June 20XX Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus), Windsor, ON • Read and interpreted electrocardiography results and laboratory values • Became knowledgeable about cardiac surgical procedures including valve replacements, angioplasties, and coronary artery bypass grafts through observation Respiratory (88 hours) Hotel Dieu Grace Health Care, Windsor, ON • Gained experience in caring for patients with ventilators and tracheostomies Sept - Dec 20XX Renal (88 hours) Windsor Regional Hospital (Ouellette Campus), Windsor, ON • Developed an understanding of dialysis and kidney-specific treatments Jan - Apr 20XX ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Health Care Aide July 2XXX - Present Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Windsor, ON • Provide in-home health care services for patients diagnosed with cancer, paraplegia, and MS to help maintain independence • Assist patients with palliative care, personal and attendant care, rehabilitative services, medication and sterile dressing changes Volunteer, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON • Assist staff, patients, and families with a variety of tasks including providing resources to families • Coordinated with Ward Clerk and Nurses to feed and cuddle infants 2XXX - Present Health Promotion Assistant June - Aug 2XXX Ontario Breast Screening Program, Windsor, ON • Assisted with organization, promotion and teaching of breast screening seminars and participated in Health Fairs Assistant Manager 2XXX - 2XXX McDonald's Restaurant, Windsor, ON • Ensured excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment and responded to customer concerns Bachelor Science in Nursing (Collaborative Program) Michael White 123 Any Street, Hamilton, ON M5M 3V3 | (416) 322-4599 | mwhite@uwindsor.ca Highlights of Qualifications • • • • • Successfully completed diverse clinical placements in hospitals and community settings with a special interest in surgical nursing units Consistently deliver excellent patient care as recognized by other health care professionals, professors, and family members Collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary team to provide complete patient care Trained in healthcare applications software including Pyxis and Cerner Available for all shifts and willing to work a flexible shedule Education Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) St. Clair College-University of Windsor Collaborative Nursing Program April 20XX Memberships and Licenses_ • • • CPR Certification – HCP with AED Scheduled to write NCLEX June 5, 20XX Member of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO), Men in Nursing Interest Group Clinical Experience Medical/Surgical Unit January 20XX – April 20XX (192 hours) Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON • Individual, year 4 clinical placement with preceptor in the hospital • Implemented individualized post-operative interventions through patient plan of care • Developed strong clinical skills including sterile dressing changes and caring for patients with ostomy appliances, Jackson-Pratt drains and NG tubes • Further enhanced communication and therapeutic relationships with family members Diabetes Wellness September 20XX – December 20XX (192 hours) Windsor Community Health Centre, Windsor, ON • Individual, year 4 clinical placement with preceptor in the community • Met with patients on an individual basis to help manage Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes • Facilitated monthly support groups in Windsor and Leamington • Educated patients and their caregivers on topics related to medication administration and insulin pumps, proper diet and nutrition, and managing stress Maternal Newborn Unit April – May 20XX (72 hours) Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON • Effectively provided care for postpartum mothers and newborn infants • Completed observational shifts in the Neonatal ICU, Labour & Delivery, and Breastfeeding Clinic Michael White Page 2 of 2 Cardiac Intensive Care Unit May 20XX – June 20XX (72 hours) Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON • Refined critical thinking, problem solving, organization and acute care skills to work effectively with critically ill patients • Developed knowledge of cardiac monitoring and interpretation of lab results Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program September 20XX – December 20XX (72 hours) Hotel-Dieu Grace HealthCare, Windsor, ON • Gained experience in caring for patients with ventilators and tracheostomies • Assisted in the facilitation of outpatient educational sessions General Surgery Unit January 20XX – April 20XX (72 hours) Erie Shores HealthCare, Leamington, ON • Observed surgeries including appendix and gall bladder removal, diagnostic and screening endoscopic procedures, hernia repairs, carpal tunnel release and orthopedic surgeries • Collaborated with various health care professionals such as physical and occupational therapists to provide excellent post-operative patient care Volunteer Experience Volunteer Outreach Facilitator September 20XX – Present Bulimia-Anorexia Nervosa Association, Windsor, ON • Assisted program staff with classroom presentations to high school students in Windsor and Essex County on topics including body image and self-esteem Activities Coordinator Brighton Long-term Care, Kingsville, ON Summers 20XX – 20XX • Assisted elderly residents to participate in activities such as bingo and movie nights • Developed pet therapy program and coordinated weekly sessions Additional Experience Assistant Window Installer, Fairfield Windows & Doors, April 20XX - Present Construction Helper, DeWald Framing, Summer 20XX Greenhouse Worker, Hibury Farms, Summer 20XX References Available Upon Request Cover Letter Checklist While there is no standardized template for cover letters, the following guidelines will help you to write one that follows the standard business format, demonstrates your written communication skills, and your fit for the job. A. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Appearance: Uses Block Business Letter format (see sample cover letter) Include a header that matches your resume (name, address, city, province, postal code, cell # and professional email) Includes the date of application at top left under your header Includes the employer’s accurate contact information (street address, province, postal code) under date Copy is single spaced; paragraphs are separated with a double space Uses the same typeface as resume, between 10 and 12 point Does not exceed one page with standard margins (2.54cm or 1”) Appears professional and “clean” B. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Language: Uses language appropriate for your discipline including appropriate industry specific terminology Maintain a professional tone throughout—do not use “cute” or “quirky” language; does not try to be humourous Varies wording as well as sentence structure and length (i.e. avoids repetitive vocabulary and sentence construction) Skills, experiences, education, and abilities are articulated using relevant examples Adheres to employer’s requirements (as outlined in the job description) Includes a clear beginning, middle, and end, arranged into distinct paragraphs Articulates attributes in a well-written, easy to understand, succinct, and consistent manner Letter is completely free from technical errors (spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation is accurate) 1. ❑ ❑ Salutation: Letter is addressed to the appropriate individual(s); if in doubt, exclude Salutation Line Salutation begins with the appropriate title (e.g. Mr., Ms., or Dr.); use the full name if you are unsure 2. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Introduction (Opening Paragraph): Begins with an original opening line intended to capture the employer’s attention Identifies, in bold, the job title and/or application number Identifies how you became aware of the job posting Incorporates company specific information (obtained through research) and explains how the position fits with your career goals 3. ❑ ❑ Body (1 to 2 Paragraphs): Does not include common clichés (e.g. “hardworking” or “results-driven”), Highlights your 3-5 qualifications requested by the employer (skills, experiences, education, attributes) and includes concrete examples that demonstrate the qualifications 4. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Conclusion (Closing Paragraph): Thanks the employer for reviewing your application Indicates that you are assertively seeking an interview Includes your contact information (cell # and professional email address) Ends with “Sincerely,” followed by your full name Cover Letter Sample (Nursing – Senior) 1923 Campbell Avenue Windsor, ON N9C 3P1 March 4, 20XX Halton Healthcare Services 327 Reynolds Street Oakville, ON L6J 3L7 Re: Posting #2020-755858 Dear Hiring Manager, My recent precepted placement in the Emergency Room at Windsor Regional Hospital combined with my effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with health care providers makes me confident I could successfully fill the role of Registered Nurse-Emergency Room (New Graduate) at your Oakville location. I would love to work for an organization that has created a patient declaration of values and welcome the opportunity to support your commitment to exemplary patient care. The skills and knowledge I gained through my Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the University of Windsor included 192 hours working directly in the Emergency Room at Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus and a combined total of over 600 hours in an acute care setting. I consistently received positive feedback from my preceptor, supervisors, patients and colleagues for my ability to build trust and a strong rapport with my patients, while consistently completing tasks in a timely, yet thorough manner. Outside of my classroom and clinical experiences, I have also completed courses with IHI Open School including Patient Safety Courses 100, 101, 102, 103, and 104 as well as the Person- and FamilyCentred Care course 101. Finally, I worked closely with clients as a Personal Support Worker for over a year during my undergraduate studies. This position allowed me to continuously provide strong customer service and care to older adults in a nursing home setting. Not only did I have the opportunity to get to know the patients well, but I also interacted with their family members and the staff of the facility. I am confident that I have what it takes for provide outstanding support to your patients and I hope to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you. Please note that I am scheduled to write the NCLEX on June 7, 20XX. Feel free to contact me by phone at (555) 555-5555 or by email at email12345@uwindsor.ca if you have any questions. Sincerely, Tailor Heath Career Development & Experiential Learning Presented by Nicole Vignone-Kiborn Career Advisor WHAT IS CAREER PLANNING AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? • Career planning is the lifelong process of: • • • • Career planning involves an ongoing process where you: • • • • • Evaluating your interests, skills, values and preferences, Exploring life, work and learning options available to you, and Ensuring that your work fits with your personal values and qualities Explore your interests and abilities; Strategically plan your career goals; Design learning and action plans to help you achieve your goals; and Re-evaluate your plans and interests throughout the process This will help you to make more informed, thought-out career decisions and avoid unnecessary stress brought on by lack of research and planning 1. ASSESS YOURSELF 2. EXPLORE CAREERS 5. FIND A JOB 3. EXPAND SKILLS • Analyze your interests, skills, values, personality and strengths • Begin to relate them to your educational and career plans • Examine what type of lifestyle you want and how that relates to your work • Learn about and develop job search techniques • Refine your resume and cover letter • Practice and perfect your interview skills • Become familiar with the various avenues available for finding a job • Identify and research careers that interest you • Explore trends by conducting labour market research • Meet with people working in jobs or companies that interest you • Investigate jobs and employment sectors firsthand by getting involved in the community 4. MARKET YOURSELF • Network with professionals working in your desired field • Develop an effective resume and cover letter • Develop your personal brand • Build your skills, knowledge and reputation • Gain valuable experience by engaging in clubs, organizations, internships, summer jobs, training and educational opportunities Adapted from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (2016). Your Career Planning Guide [Photograph]. Retrieved from ttps://www.iseek.org/iseek/_ui/images/exoffe nders/career_planning_guide_circle.png ASSESS YOURSELF ? ASSESS YOURSELF You must be aware of your strengths, skills and accomplishments developed through experience and training, as well as personal attributes that contribute to who you are as a person, in order to create realistic career goals. Recognizing your weaknesses and limitations is important as well. • Formal schooling • College, university • Additional education/training • Clinical • Paid work • Co-curricular activities • Volunteer work • Travel • Sports/hobbies • Discipline-specific skills • Transferable/soft skills • Ex. Professional development courses, seminars, workshops, selfdirected learning • Characteristics • Personality Traits • Behaviours • Work habits SKILLS PROFILE DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC SKILLS Key Words: Adapting, Assessing, Empathizing, Managing Crises, Observing, Researching, Visually Monitoring; Best Practices, Biological/Social/Cultural/Psychological Factors, Emotional Intelligence • Appreciating critical biological, social, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to health • Exercising emotional intelligence to make useful observations, generate insights, and modify behaviour • Understanding and applying contemporary best practices in acute medical care • Conducting appropriate medical research using modern, approved methodology; critically appraising and evaluating research findings • Critically analyzing healthcare systems from an informed perspective; advocating for and implementing change when appropriate • Assessing, evaluating, and understanding individual, family and group behaviours in order to implement best diagnostic and intervention practices • Managing crisis situations calmly and professionally • Practicing empathy, compassion, and sympathy TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ASSESS YOURSELF 1. What am I interested in? 2. What is my personal style of work? 3. What type of work environment do I enjoy? 4. What kind of lifestyle do I want? Family Geography Finances Values YOU Work-Life Balance Mental / Physical Influences ONCE YOU HAVE start EXPLORE PATHWAYS THIS INVOLVES: • Exploring industries, occupations, labour market trends and potential academic programs • Assessing which options best align with your interests, skills and values • Experimenting with potential career options and beginning to gain relevant and practical experience Nursing Roles Research specific jobs and evaluate them based on your interests, skills, qualifications and training, as well as the values and working conditions you have identified as being important for you (Travel Nurse, Occupational Health Nurse) Sectors You may be more interested in working for a sector rather than a particular occupation because of your interest in a particular product or service (Community, Non-Profit, Public Healthcare) Employers Discover employers that match your interests and values (Windsor Regional Hospital, Canadian Mental Health Association, Henry Ford) ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS: • • • • • • What are the duties and responsibilities? What are the educational and training requirements? What kind of skills and experiences are needed? What are the characteristics and values of people working in the field? What is the typical salary and benefit package like? What are the working conditions (hours of work, environment, etc.?) • • • • • • What are the career prospects in this industry? What are the characteristics of people working in this industry? What are the key issues and future trends in this industry? Which organizations are part of this industry? What are the different occupations that make up this industry? What are the professional associations related to this industry? • • • • • • Who do I want to work for and why? Where are they located? What are they doing? How do I fit in (knowledge, skills, experience)? Who makes the hiring decisions? How do I contact them? JobBank.gc.ca An excellent source for Labour Market Information: Employment Outlook According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System, “this occupational group is expected to face labour shortage conditions over the period of 2019-2028 at the national level.” There are several reasons for this, including retirements of current RNs. In Ontario, the job outlook is listed as Fair, perhaps due to the number of part-time roles. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/outlook-occupation/993/ON http://occupations.esdc.gc.ca/sppc-cops/.4cc.5p.1t.3onsummaryd.2tail@-eng.jsp?tid=103 Additional Sources for LMI • • • • • • • • Job Postings Social Media News Reports O*Net Online (U.S. source) – www.onetonline.org Ontario’s Labour Market – https://www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market Where Can I Go With A Degree in Nursing? Your Personal and Professional Network Informational Interviews INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS • • • • An informational interview is a brief meeting that allows you to enjoy a dialogue with a professional who is already established in a field or role that you are interested in pursuing They can take place in person, over the phone, via Skype or even via email This meeting is not meant to get you a job During an informational interview, your focus should be on: • • Relationship building Gathering information • These meetings can help: • Prepare you for a real job interview • Determine appropriate ways to position yourself for a job in an industry you admire • Create a networking opportunity that will potentially point you toward more people who can help you somewhere down the line Advertisements & Job Boards Recruitment Agencies HOW DO YOU LOOK FOR WORK? Professional Organizations Networking / Word of Mouth Contacts from Existing Staff Internal Promotion / Lateral Move / Temps / Consultants WHAT IS NETWORKING? • Networking is the act of making connections, building mutually beneficial relationships and maintaining them • Professional networking is one of the best ways to gain insight into workplace trends, career information and employment possibilities • Networking opportunities can present themselves anywhere, so always be open to forging new connections NETWORKING TIPS • Start by finding out what you have in common and how your goals and interests align • Maintain a “two way street” – generously share information • People will be more open if they feel that you are also prepared to be a resource for them • Try to remember what information you have that others may need • Be a great listener • Ask clear and non-invasive questions • Never outright ask for a job if the possibility has not been presented • Remember names • Take business cards • Follow-up and send a thank you letter and resume when appropriate • Put yourself out there before graduation and take advantage of the networking opportunities available on- and off-campus FAMILY CLASSMATES FRIENDS MEMBERS OF AFFILIATED CLUBS / COMMUNITY AGENCIES WHO IS PART OF YOUR NETWORK? YOU PROFESSORS & CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS PAST / PRESENT EMPLOYERS POSSIBLY ANYONE PAST / PRESENT COWORKERS HOW DO I EXPAND MY NETWORK? Conduct Informational Interviews Connect Through LinkedIn & Social Media Join Professional Associations Engage in Leisure Activities Join Clubs or Committees Talk With Your Professors Attend Events Where Networking Takes Place Engage in Volunteer, Part-time and Contract Work (ex. Job Fairs, Industry Specific Speaking Engagements, Alumni Events, Charity Galas/Fundraisers) FINAL JOB SEARCH PREP CHECKLIST Get your professional clothing in order for potential interviews and networking opportunities Google yourself and ensure that your social media is clean and professional Ensure that your voicemail and email address are professional Contact your references and prepare a reference list HOW DO I APPLY FOR JOBS? 1. 2. 3. 4. Warm Calls / Network Contacts Advertised Jobs Placement Agencies Cold Calling HOW DO I FOLLOW-UP? Following up can help you determine: 1. 2. If you have been granted an interview in response to an advertised position If there is potential for an opening following a cold call or networking contact Unadvertised Job - follow-up 7-10 days after you have submitted an application Advertised Job – follow-up 7-10 days after the application deadline • • • This is only a guideline Take cues from the employer if you have been in contact with them to determine appropriate timelines The larger the company, the more difficult it will be to follow up JOB SEARCH LOG Date applied Company name Job title Application method Contact name Contact title Contact info Aug 4, 2020 Windsor Youth Centre Outreach Worker Email Rob Smith Client Service Lead Aug 5, 2020 Heart & Stroke Assoc. Health Educator Online Cora application Daley HR Date of follow-up Follow-up method Outcome 519-259-8778 Aug 12, or 2020 rsmith@wyc.ca Call Interview Sept 17 226-422-9854 Aug 12, or 2020 daleyc@hswe.ca Email Position filled Nursing Graduate Guarantee Initiative • Designed to support Canadian New Graduate Nurses (Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses) by providing them with a full-time job opportunity. • Participation in the Nursing Graduate Guarantee is open to all Canadian New Graduate Nurses. • Register and apply for positions with organizations through the NGG Online Portal. • For more information: • • • Website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/hhrsd/nursing/early_career.aspx#Nurses E-mail: nggmohltc@ontario.ca Phone: 416-327-8500 Northern Health-Tuition Support Program Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care offers a tuition support program for newly graduated nurses. “The Tuition Support Program for Nurses (TSPN) offers tuition reimbursement to recent nursing graduates from rural and remote communities who are new College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) registrants and who choose to do a return-of-service (ROS) in an eligible underserviced community. The program is open to nurse practitioner, registered nurse and registered practical nurse graduates who apply within one year of having graduated from a Canadian University or College.” Website: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/northernhealth/nursestuition.aspx Career Development & Experiential Learning Presented by Nicole Vignone-Kiborn Career Advisor WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A RESUME? Your resume outlines your relevant skills, experiences and accomplishments related to the job/employer/industry WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT AN EMPLOYER SPENDS LOOKING AT YOUR RESUME? This means that in 30 seconds or less, the reader of the resume needs to be able to decide if your resume will be moved to the “call for interview” pile. WHAT DOES THE EMPLOYER WANT TO KNOW? How can you help me? What do you have to offer? Why you? Font • Easy to read and professional (Arial, Calibri, Garamond, Tahoma, Times New Roman) • Body: Minimum 10pt – maximum 12pt • Name/Headings: Can be larger (12pt-18pt) Margins • Maximum 1 inch – Minimum ½ inch Leah Lancer 1234 Sunset St. Windsor, ON N8K 1K2 519-966-5634 llancer@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/leahlancer Length • 1-2 pages on 8½ x 11 white paper • Focus on quality over quantity Formatting • Maintain consistent format and tense throughout • Do not use pronouns Includes: • Name • Address • Phone number • Professional email address • Linkedin page (optional) • E-Portfolio link (optional) Does not include: • Personal information • Picture PROFILE OF SKILLS • Pro-active nursing style blending professionalism, capability and compassion to truly integrate patients' medical and emotional care within hospital, facility, or private duty environment • Communicate well with doctors, colleagues and patient families, ensuring continuity of patient care • Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving during clinical placements, preceptorship and coursework • Experience utilizing MS Word, PowerPoint and Publisher to create health information presentations and brochures EDUCATION Bachelor of Science in Nursing University of Windsor, Windsor, ON Expected completion: April 2021 2017 - Present • Located directly under the contact information Includes: • ~4-6 of the best skills that you have that apply to the job • Technical and transferable skills and top achievements • Located under Profile in reverse chronological order Includes: • Degree or program title • Name of school • Location and date • GPA (only if relevant) • Related courses (optional) CLINICAL EXPERIENCE Hospice Residential Home (192 hours) Oct - Dec 2018 ZXY Community Health Group, Windsor, ON • Individual, precepted Year 4 community placement • Provided enhanced pain management, palliative health teaching and referrals for hospice resources in an empathetic, kind and sensitive manner ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE Assistant Manager June 2016 - Aug 2018 McDonald's Restaurant, Windsor, ON • Ensured excellent customer service in a fast paced environment, resolving customer concerns professionally and promptly VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE Orientation Leader Mar 2015 - Aug 2016 University of Windsor, Windsor, ON • Coordinated campus tours for incoming students and perspective students to promote campus life and student engagement • Connected with students, communicating knowledge of all supportive campus services FOR ALL: • Location dependent on degree of importance in relation to other sections • Use reverse chronological order Includes: • Job/project title (bold) • Company name • Date • Location • Skill statements and achievements • Objective (not recommended) • Accreditations and Licenses • Academic Projects • Additional Training • Research Projects • Professional Development • Honours and Awards • References available upon request • Community/Campus Involvement FINAL STEPS • Triple check your work – one single error could result in a missed opportunity • Look for grammar and spelling errors beyond just spellcheck • Read it out loud to ensure that your statements flow • Ask yourself, “Have I proven that I have the skills that are requested in the job posting?” • Have it reviewed by someone else – visit CDEL for a resume critique What’s next? Length • 1 page on 8½ x 11 white paper • Focus on quality over quantity 1234 Sunset St. Windsor, ON N8K 1K2 July 21, 2020 Anna Smith, Human Resource Coordinator ABC Integrated Health Services 888 University Ave. Windsor, ON N9L 5K3 Re: Registered Nurse (Job #22568) Dear Ms. Smith, Sincerely, Leah Lancer Font • Same font type as resume • No greater than 12pt Format/Content • Don’t indent or justify • Don’t copy from resume Includes: • Your address or personal letterhead • Date • Contact name & title • Company/organization name • Company address • Re: Job title & job number (if applicable) • Dear Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. …, (If no contact name, use Hiring Manager or Hiring Committee) • Signature line (sign if submitting paper copy) Includes: • Why you are writing and what makes you a good fit for the position (make it interesting!) • Position or field for which you are applying • Company to which you are applying • How you heard about the position • Name of the person who referred you (if applicable) Includes: • Your most relevant education, skills, experience and achievements and how they connect to the employer’s needs • 1-2 paragraphs Includes: • A final summary statement of your skills and fit for the position • Answers to any logistical matters (ex. relocation, work permit, salary) • Your interest in meeting for an interview • How you can be reached and will follow-up COVER LETTER TIPS • Don’t start too many sentences with the word “I” • Don’t use contractions (ex. “I’d”, “didn’t”, “it’s”) • Ensure that there are absolutely NO punctuation or spelling errors • Keep it short • Use consistent font and font sizes throughout • Tailor each cover letter by researching the company • Make sure you use the proper salutation (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN INTERVIEW? PREPARE • Know yourself, your skills, abilities, work habits, education and experience and identify how you match to the job and are a good fit in the company • Know why you want to be a nurse and why nursing at this organization • Know where the interview is taking place and how it will be conducted • Know who/how many interviewers will be present RESEARCH Learn About the Job and the Company • Research the organization/department • Research the position You have to be prepared to tell the employer why you want the job, why you want to work there and how you match to what they need. WHAT TO BRING EXTRA COPIES OF YOUR RESUME LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION OR A REFERENCE LIST A PIECE OF PAPER WITH YOUR KEY AGENDA POINTS YOUR CAREER PORTFOLIO OR EXAMPLE OF PAST PROJECTS / WORK A BUSINESS FOLDER WITH PAD AND PEN A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER WHAT TO WEAR Professional or business casual attire • • • • • Dress shirt with collar Dress pants or professional khakis Professional shoes Groomed facial hair Black, navy or brown dress socks • • • • • • Business suit and jacket Skirt or tailored pants Ensure the skirt is not too tight or short Ensure hosiery is in good repair - no runs No running shoes or sandals Avoid showing cleavage and cover shoulders DRESS FOR SUCCESS WHEN IN DOUBT, ERR ON THE FORMAL SIDE HAVE WELL GROOMED HAIR AND NAILS MAKE SURE CLOTHES ARE CLEAN, WRINKLE FREE AND FIT PROPERLY DO NOT USE TOO MUCH COLOGNE OR PERFUME (if any at all) YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION! MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION NEVER BE LATE (always be early) CALM YOUR NERVES EXUDE CONFIDENCE AND ENTHUSIASM WITH GOOD POSTURE MAINTAIN GOOD EYE CONTACT SMILE! TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE PAY ATTENTION TO NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION! EMPLOYERS’ MOST MEMORABLE INTERVIEW BLUNDERS • • • • • • • • • • Appearing disinterested – 55% Dressing inappropriately – 53% Appearing arrogant – 53% Talking negatively about current or previous employers – 50% Answering a cell phone or texting during the interview – 49% Appearing uninformed about the company or role – 39% Not providing specific examples – 33% Not asking good questions – 32% Providing too much personal information – 20% Asking the hiring manager personal questions – 17% Retrieved from Career Builder: http://www.careerbuilder.ca/share/aboutus/press releasesdetail.aspx?sd=1%2F16%2F2014&id=pr798&ed=12%2F31%2F2014 KNOW THE INTERVIEW TYPE ONE-ON-ONE PERFORMANCE BASED PANEL TYPE OF INTERVIEW SCREENING GROUP VIRTUAL / TELEPHONE Interview Questions As a nurse, you will likely take part in a full or partial behavioral interview. Be prepared to answer questions from four categories: 1. Training and Qualifications: Your understanding of governance, clinical effectiveness, medical terminology. 2. Previous Experience: The interviewer will want you to answer questions based on your experience as shown on your resume. 3. Core Competencies: Key skills required such as good time management, effective communication, patient care skills, ability to work in or manage a team, and the application of technical medical knowledge. 4. Personality, Motivation and Coping Skills: Your reasons for applying or choosing area of specialization and how well you deal with difficult situations (ex. death of a patient, co-worker conflicts). TYPES OF INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Classic / Traditional Behavioural Situational Skill Testing Unconventional Time-tested, standard interview questions. Ask you to provide a specific example. Ask you to solve a hypothetical situation. Allow you to prove your technical skills. Assess your character and creative thinking. Tell me about yourself. Tell me about a time when… What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses? Describe a situation in which… How would you handle a patient that constantly complains? Where did you gain your clinical experience? What units? Which superhero would you be and why? What would you do if your replacement didn’t arrive? How would you insert a nasogastric tube, and care for a patient with one? You are deserted on an island and can only keep three possessions. What would they be? How are you qualified to do this job? Recall an instance when… Give an example of… TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF. GIVE A BRIEF SUMMARY OF: 1. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE 2. MOST IMPORTANT & RELEVANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 3. DRIVE, ENERGY & MOTIVATION DO NOT PROVIDE PERSONAL INFO USE THE “PAWS” METHOD: P ersonal– why you are personally interested in the position A cademic– educational background W ork– related work and volunteering S kills– related technical skills EXAMPLE RESPONSE: “I am in my final year at the University of Windsor where I am completing a bachelor degree in Nursing. This program has given me a unique opportunity to help people when they need it the most. I’ve also relished the chance to hone my critical thinking abilities both inside and outside the classroom. This past year, I completed a clinical placement where I worked with patients directly in admissions, which meant I was often the first face they’d see when they came. I learned that making sure they felt their concerns were being heard was just as important to them as receiving quality care. As a result, I helped to establish a patient advocacy program to help teach other nurses those same skills.” BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS IDENTIFY THE PROMPTS: Tell me about a time when… Recall an instance when… • The premise is that past behaviour is an effective indicator of future performance Provide an example of… • The more recent the past behaviour, the greater its predictive power Describe a situation in which… • Certain competencies can be transferred from field to field • Draw from work, academic, volunteer and extracurricular positions • To prep, develop a list of 5-7 “moments” when you have: • • • • Solved a problem Achieved success Overcome difficult circumstances Had a valuable learning experience COMMON THEMES: • Time management • Ethical decisions • Communication • Creativity • Leadership • Independence • Group work • Flexibility • Problem solving • Stress • Disagreements • Initiative BEHAVIOURAL QUESTIONS STAR METHOD: S ITUATION T ASK A CTION R ESULT ☼ Briefly describe the situation. ☼ Identify your role and goal. ☼ Outline the steps you took and why. ☼ Acknowledge the result and make it measurable if possible. BE SPECIFIC! Discuss a time when you contributed to the success of a team. SITUATION & TASK In my last year of school, we had a major group assignment due that was worth 50% of our final mark. After trying to put together a meeting multiple times, it was evident that my group was fairly disorganized and had only two weeks left to complete the work. The other group members did not seem concerned about the pending deadline or they simply could not afford the time to look at it given the demands on their schedules. ACTION I emailed each team member and volunteered to take the lead. This meant organizing what we needed to do, creating an action plan and making sure to include the necessary timeframes associated with each task. I then scheduled a meeting where we determined who was responsible for each task. At this time, I set up a second meeting in a weeks time to assess what stage the project was at and bring the different sections together. RESULT With an action plan in place and responsibilities assigned, we all managed to complete our individual tasks resulting in a great team assignment that was not only submitted on time, but was extremely well received by the other students and our professor. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? DO NOT USE AN EXAMPLE THAT WOULD HAVE THE EMPLOYER QUESTION YOUR ABILITY TO DO THE JOB SO, YOU ARE HERE FOR THE SALES ROLE. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? WELL, I REALLY AM NOT VERY CONFIDENT WHEN I HAVE TO PURSUADE OTHERS OR UP-SELL. I REALLY DON’T LIKE THE PRESSURE. ALWAYS HAVE AN ANSWER DO NOT PROVIDE AN OVERT STRENGTH WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? UGH. I’M SUCH A PERFECTIONIST. I TAKE ON EXTRA WORK ALL THE TIME AND ALWAYS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND. MY BOSSES ALWAYS LOVE ME, BUT IT’S REALLY TOUGH ALWAYS HAVING TO USE MY GREAT ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS TO KEEP UP. WEIRD? THAT’S WHAT THE LAST GUY SAID EXAMPLE RESPONSE: WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS? 2 STEPS: THE CONFESSION ☼ Briefly confess your weakness. THE RECOVERY ☼ Explain what you have done or plan to do to minimize the problem. DON’T GO “TOO BIG!” THE CONFESSION: “In the past, I have struggled when presenting to large groups. I become very nervous and sometimes freeze up and forget what I am going to say.” THE RECOVERY: “During my schooling, I had to give a lot of class presentations and decided that I needed to greatly improve in this area. As a result, I decide to join Toastmasters where we learned and practiced our public speaking skills. This has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and I have become much more comfortable speaking to both large and small groups since.” APPROACH NEGATIVE QUESTIONS IN A SIMILAR WAY: EXAMPLE: TELL ME ABOUT A TIME YOU FAILED. CONFESSION RECOVERY – Show what you learned from it and how you improved. “DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ME?” ALWAYS ASK 2-3 QUESTIONS IF POSSIBLE AND PREPARE THEM AHEAD NEVER ASK ABOUT SALARY, BENEFITS OR VACATION THE KEY: ASK QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE COMPANY TO SHOW MOTIVATION BASIC RESPONSES: “What are you looking for in the ideal candidate?” “How would you describe a typical work day?” “What kind of assignments might I expect in the first six months of the job?” “What are the top priorities of the job for the successful candidate?” “What is the next step in the interview process?” If they ask: WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTIONS? 1. Do some research! a) b) Look to similar job postings Use Job Bank – Explore Careers 2. Give a range if possible ENTRY-LEVEL JOBS WILL BE AT THE LOWER END OF THE WAGE RANGE THANK YOU LETTER • Send a thank you email within 24 - 48 hours of the interview • Make sure it is clear that you have listened to what the interviewer(s) said and are enthusiastic about the job CAREER DEVELOPMENT & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Connect with us by visiting… mySuccess at Or find us at… uwindsor.ca/cdel Joycethe Entrepreneurship 100 of Once you are logged in, navigate to "Organizations" from menu at Centre the top success.uwindsor.ca the screen. Type Career into the Organization Searchcareerservices@uwindsor.ca box. • • • Schedule a phone or video appointment View the Career Events Calendar Apply to jobs on our online job board Once you are logged in, navigate to "Organizations" from the menu at the top of the screen. Type Career into the Organization Search box.
