What Employers Want
Presented by Patti Stirling
President
StirlingWorks
Past President
PCW Chamber of Commerce
Today’s Agenda
Introductions
Understanding Job Ads and Postings
Sample ad
Sample Response
The Resume
The Job Posting
What are they asking for?
The Sample Job Ad
Multi-Service Health Centre is Expanding!
We will be interviewing for these entry level
positions:
Administrative assistant
Casual labour
Dietary aide
Early childhood education aide
Food service worker
Health care aide
Janitorial /housekeeping staff
Personal support worker aide
Recreation assistant
Receptionist
How to Apply
Apply in writing only to the email address below.
( no phone calls please)
Patti Sterling
HR Recruiter
MultiService Health Centre
PO Box 2914
Hamilton,ON
pattisterling@yahoo.com
Responding
Draft a sample response letter based on the ad
All cover letters should:
Explain why you are sending a resume.
 Don't send a resume without a cover letter.
 Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for;
be specific: Do you want a summer internship
opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation;
are you inquiring about future employment
possibilities?
Tell specifically how you learned about the
position or the organization :
 a flyer posted in a store
 a web site
 a family friend who works at the organization.
 It is appropriate to mention the name of
someone who suggested that you write.
Convince the reader to look at your resume!
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and
targeted to that employer
Call attention to elements of your background
— education, leadership, experience — that are
relevant to a position you are seeking.
Be as specific as possible, using examples.
Display your attitude, personality, motivation,
enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Provide or refer to any information
specifically requested in a job advertisement
that might not be covered in your resume,
such as:
Availability date
Wage expectations
Specific Course or Diploma
Indicate what you will do to follow-up
Sample Responses
Hello there, my name is Mary. I would
love the opportunity to have an
interview regarding your job posting
for any available openings.
My resume is below for you to review.
Thanks, and hope to hear from you!
Mary Smith
Hello, my name is Mary Smith and I am looking for a job.
I am hoping to get a job for the long term. I am honest, hard
working, can get along well with others and I am punctual.
I would like a job that pays a reasonable amount of money.
I would like a job where I can work mon-fri, any hours on those
days are fine.
I am applying for the Receptionist position and have some
experience doing admin work.
The only part of Receptionist work I dont have experience in is
answering phones and dealing with people, I have been told I will
get that experience as time goes by where I currently work.
November 11 2012
Dear Ms. Sterling:
I am responding to your recently advertised job vacancy for an “entry level food
service worker” at your expanding MultiService Health Centre.
I am very interested in this position and believe that my education and employment
background are appropriate for the position.
Attached is a copy of my resume, which outlines my qualifications for the position.
I look forward to talking with you about this exciting position.
Within the next week I will contact you to confirm that you received my e-mail and
resume and to answer any questions you may have.
Thank you very kindly for your consideration.
Patricia Smith
101 Main Street West
Welland, On
L3B 3X4
289 849 1979
patricia.smith@workmail.com
Hi there,
I am applying for the job you are offering as an
Administrative Assistant. I have attached my resume. I
am unsure exactly how to write a cover letter. I look
forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
Mary Smith
Patricia Smith
101 Main Street West
Welland, On
L3B 3X4
289 849 1979
patricia.smith@workmail.com
EDUCATION
Food Service Certificate, Niagara College, January 2010
Administrative Assistant Certificate Course, Niagara College, January 2007
WORK EXPERIENCE
The Lethbridge Food Store: Assistant Sales Manager
2007 – 2010
Utilized computer system to manage food inventory and payroll
Planned and designed daily menus
Assisted Sales Manager as required
Assisted other employees with customer service issues and troubleshooting
Boston Pizza: Cashier
1999 - 2005
Responsible for customer service including order-taking and cash register operations.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
•Member of the Economic Food Association
•Peer tutor for Literacy Association
•Member of Association of Food Managers
References Available Upon Request
Wage Rates in Canada
Minimum wage is the lowest wage rate
an employer can pay an employee.
Most employees are eligible for
minimum wage, whether they are fulltime, part-time, casual employees, or
are paid an hourly rate, commission,
piece rate, flat rate or salary.
Minimum Wage Rates
Minimum Wage Rate
March 31, 2010
Current wage rate
General Minimum Wage
$10.25
per hour
Student Minimum Wage
$9.60
per hour
Liquor Servers Minimum
Wage
$8.90
per hour
Hunting and Fishing Guides
Minimum Wage
$51.25
Rate for working less than five consecutive hours in a
day
$102.50
Rate for working five or more hours in a day whether
or not the hours are consecutive
Homeworkers Wage
(110 per cent of the general
minimum wage)
$11.28
per hour
Definitions
 General minimum wage - This rate applies to most
employees.
 Student wage - This rate applies to students under the age
of 18 who work 28 hours a week or less when school is in
session or work during a school break or summer holidays.
 Liquor servers wage - This hourly rate applies to
employees who serve liquor directly to customers or guests
in licensed premises as a regular part of their work.
"Licensed premises" are businesses for which a license or
permit has been issued under the Liquor Licence Act.
Definitions….
.
 Hunting
and fishing guides wage - The minimum
wage for hunting and fishing guides is based on blocks
of time instead of by the hour..
 Homeworkers wage - Homeworkers are employees
who do paid work in their own homes. For example,
they may sew clothes for a clothing manufacturer,
answer telephone calls for a call centre, or write
software for a high-tech company. Note that students
of any age (including students under the age of 18
years) who are employed as homeworkers must be
paid the homeworker's minimum wage
Let’s start with the City of
Hamilton
www.hamilton.ca
Resources to Review
www.lostmyjob.ca/help
Career Worx - Hamilton YMCA
Employment services for clients includes: Employment Resource Centre, Job
Search Workshops, Career Counselling, Job Placement and Financial Assistance
for skills development.
23 Main Street East
Hamilton, ON L8N 1E7
Tel: 905-540-9679
•Website
•View on map
City of Hamilton - Career Development Centre
Services include:• Free access to telephone, faxes, photocopiers and stamps• Job
listings, Service Canada job bank, job bulletin board, and newspapers• Computer
stations to update your resume and cover letter, and to look for jobs on-line, job
related email• Materials on career planning and labour market information•
Information on training, education, support services and community agencies•
Employment reference library
181 Main Street West, 3rd floor
Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y4
Tel: Phone 905-546-2424 ext. 5208
•Website
•View on map
City of Hamilton - Resource Centre
1550 Upper James Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Tel: 905-546-2424 ext. 1547
•Website
•View on map
City of Hamilton - Resource Centre
Services include:• Free access to telephone, faxes, photocopiers and stamps• Job
listings, Service Canada job bank, job bulletin board, and newspapers• Computer
stations to update your resume and cover letter, and to look for jobs on-line, job
related email• Materials on career planning and labour market information•
Information on training, education, support services and community agencies•
Employment reference library
2255 Barton Street East
Hamilton, ON L9B 1K3
Tel: 905-546-2424 ext. 6369
•Website
•View on map
Employment Hamilton
Employment services for clients include: employment resource centre, job search
workshops, career ounselling, job placement and financial assistance for skills
development.
67 Victoria Ave S
Hamilton, ON L8N 2S8
Tel: 905-521-9125
•Website
•View on map
Goodwill Career Centre
Employment services for job seekers include: use of our employment resource
centre, job search workshops, career counselling, job placement, placement
incentives and work supports services. Goodwill Career Centre is an Employment
Ontario Service Provider.
1050 Upper Gage Avenue
Hamilton, ON L8V 5B7
Tel: 905-526-8488 ext. 307
•Website
•View on map
Vocational Pathways Inc (VPI)
For people who are unemployed/not in school full time. Identifies client
needs/barriers. Refers clients to appropriate services, assists in developing Return
To Work Action Plans (RTWAP)and screens Second Career applicants.
1051 Upper James St., Unit 102
Hamilton, ON L9C 3A6
Tel: 905-387-2220
•Website
•View on map
YWCA Hamilton
Our Employment Support Services help low-income, marginalized groups and
individuals to overcome barriers to employment. Specialized training, assistance
and services are available for women, youth and newcomers. Services
include:Access to Internet and computer; access to Fax, phone, photocopier; job
search information and resource; job leads and business directories; resume
writing and interview coaching; job search workshops; Women drop-in only
times. The YWCA Resource Centre offers a variety of training sessions and skill
upgrading opportunities. For information and registration, call 905-522-9922 ext.
399. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
75 MacNab St. S.
Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1
Tel: 905-522-9922 ext. 399
•Email
•Website
•View on map
YWCA of Hamilton - BizSmartz
Helps people to start their own businesses. Includes business development
program from market research to launch, mentoring and ongoing business
counselling.
75 MacNab St. S.
Hamilton, ON L8P 3C1
Tel: 905-522-9922 ext. 141
•Website
•View on map
Job Banks Online
Online Job sites…..
 http://indeed.ca
 http://www.jobpostcanada.com/
 http://jobzilla.ca/
 http://www.eluta.ca/
 http://www.wowjobs.ca/
 http://www.jobbus.com/
 http://www.jobsvolution.ca/
 http://www.jobsolutions.ca/
 http://www.canadianjobs.com/
Online Job sites…..
 www.canadaone.com
 www.canadiancareers.com
 www.hrdc.gc.ca
 www.theworkplace.ca
 www.careerowl.ca
 www.jobcanada.org
 www.jobpostings.ca
 www.canadajobs.com
 www.workinfonet.ca
Filling Out Employment Application
Forms
Why Do Companies Use application
Forms?
Guidelines for Application Forms
 Ask for two copies of the application form so you can




redo it if necessary.
A neatly completed form creates a good impression; a
messy one does not.
Bring your resumé when you have to fill out an
application
You will use it to complete the application, and to
make sure everything matches
be sure to attach a copy of your resumé to the
application ( if allowed)
• Take as much time as you need to fill out
the form completely and accurately.
• Never answer questions by referring the
reader to your resumé.
• If possible, take the application home with
you and submit it another day.
Applications…..
Follow the instructions on the form
carefully
If questions do not apply to you, write
"not applicable" or "N/A."
Answer truthfully
It is almost impossible to repair the
damage if you are caught in a lie
Be specific about the type of work
you are applying for.
"Anything" does not let the
employer know what you can do or
the type of work you should be
considered for.
Application Forms …..
 List your most recent work experience first, then the
work you did before that, and so on
 List your education and training.
 Include the dates you attended education programs,
names of the schools, and the certificates or diplomas
you earned.
 Don't forget to note short training courses, special
awards etc, especially if they relate to the type of work
you are applying for.
Applications ….
 Do not attach copies of:
 your marks,
 performance appraisals
 letters of recommendation
unless you are asked to do so
 But do attach a resumé if allowed
Applications ….
 Double-check the form before you submit it.
 Make sure your spelling is correct and your responses
are neat and complete.
 The overall appearance of the form should make the
best possible impression of you as a job applicant.
The interview!
The 4 P's of a Successful Interview
1.
2.
3.
4.
Prepare
Practice
Participate
Be positive
Prepare
 Research the company / organization and
the job
 Study the organization’s website.
 You'll get a feeling for how it operates and
how it views its employees
Website for St. Joe’s Villa
Practice!
 The interviewer wants to know how your skills,
knowledge and experience match the needs of the
position—and also how well you communicate.
 Practicing what you're going to say and how you’re
going to say it will help you communicate clearly and
confidently.
Practice ……..
 It's also important for you to be prepared to ask
questions during the interview.
 Make a list of things you want to know about the
position or the organization and practice asking
questions about them.
 Make sure you couldn't be expected to know the
answers to these questions from your research.
 It’s a good idea not to ask questions about salary,
vacation or other benefits until after you receive a job
offer.
Participate!
How you present yourself in the interview—your
appearance, your attitude, your body language—is
vitally important.
You don’t get a second chance to create a first
impression!
Start the Interview Properly
These suggestions will help you show your
enthusiasm and motivation in the interview:
 Smile and extend your hand to shake hands with the
interviewer when you meet.
 Sit straight with your feet flat on the floor, leaning
slightly forward to show interest.
 Make eye contact—interviewers will expect you to
look them in the eye with confidence.
 Watch the interviewer's body language and
expressions for feedback on how you're doing.
Participate
…….
 Listen closely to the questions so you can answer them
accurately.
 Be direct. Don't ramble or go off topic.
 Take time to think before you respond.
 Give all your attention to the interview and the
interviewer—this tells the employer you are focused
on your commitments
Be positive !
Be positive….
 Most people feel anxious about a job interview.
 You can choose to be positive and confident, even if
you’re nervous.
Be Positive …..
 Remember, in any job interview:
 The employer wants to find out if you can do the job and
if you will fit into the organization.
 You want to find out if you should work for this
organization, if you can learn and grow in this position,
and if you will be respected and compensated properly
for your work.
After the interview …..
 Be sure to follow-up with a thank you note or call that
emphasizes two or three reasons why you’re the ideal
candidate for the position.
Next session..
Social media tools for job
Search
Know what’s being said about you online ......
before you go to the interview!
Think of All the Sites You Go to Online
Let’s start with how your Online Identity
is created :
Your online identity is created by not
only by what you post, but also by
what others post about you
Your profile increases when you:
 get mentioned in a blog post
 tagged in a photo
 update your status on FaceBook
 are mentioned in newspaper story
 comment on a YOUTUBE video
 write a review of a book or music or movie
This image was tagged by a friend as
a joke …
Your Online Profile…….
 The Internet makes it easy for anyone to express an
opinion and even easier to spread a rumour or create
false stories
 Its almost impossible to reverse the damage of a false
rumour once it gets online
Once it’s out there, it’s out there
How do you find what
employers will find about you?
Always start with Google
Other Search Tools
 Employers start with Google but if they are serious
about hiring you they might also put your name in
other search engines to see what shows up:
 yahoo.ca
wink.com
dogpile.com
123people.com
Let’s Start by Creating a Google Account
https://accounts.google.com
You can now
Create a Google Profile!
Here’s the start of your Profile
Now with a Professional Job Seeker Photo
Which profiles will employers consider?
Who gets the interview?
Applicant #1
Applicant #2
Now you can add your own content that you
WANT an employer to see!
Now that your name is online
how do keep track of it?
Set Up a Google “Alert”
Know immediately
if your name
is being used
online
96
http://www.google.com/alerts
What if your Google Alert
brings you to content and
photos you don’t want anyone
to see?
Remove unwanted content!
Here are some recommendations for
controlling your reputation online :
 Think twice before putting personal information
online
 Use privacy settings to share with family and friends
ONLY
 Ask your friends NOT to tag you in photos, especially
when you are job searching!
Here are some recommendations for controlling your
reputation online : ( con’t)
 If you'd be uncomfortable with a photo or piece of
content being seen by strangers, think carefully about
putting it on public sites.
 If something compromising has already been
published, try to remove it from the site where it's
appearing.
Remember!
You might not remember what you posted
2 years ago but…..
The Internet never forgets!
Questions????
Patricia Smith
101 Main Street West
Welland, On
L3B 3X4
289 849 1979
patricia.smith@workmail.com
EDUCATION
Business Basics Certificate, Niagara College, January 2010
Administrative Assistant Certificate Course, Niagara College, January 2007
WORK EXPERIENCE
The Lethbridge Gift Store: Assistant Sales Manager
2007 – 2010
Utilized computer system to manage inventory and payroll
Planned and designed special trade shows for the gift industry
Assisted Sales Manager as required
Assisted other employees with customer service issues and troubleshooting
Boston Pizza: Assistant Manager
2005 – 2007
Responsible for team development, communications, sales, profit and cost control
management.
Managed store operations and administration including scheduling, reports, inventory, and
customer service.
Boston Pizza: Cashier
1999 - 2005
Responsible for customer service including order-taking and cash register operations.
COMPUTER SKILLS
QuickBooks, Quicken, Payroll Plus, Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, Internet
Explorer
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Peer tutor for Literacy Association
Member of Association of Virtual Managers
References Available Upon Request
Education
Community Care Worker Program
Hamilton, ON
Sept.2012 – present
A health-care program comprised of clinical work placement and
workshop series including:
• First Aide/CPR
• Red Cross Certification
• Communication Skills
• Understanding Personality Types
• The Therapeutic Relationship
• Diverse Populations in the Workplace
Work Experience
St. Olga’s Senior Centre
Hamilton ON
Recreation Assistant
Duties Include:
*
*
*
*
Jan. 2013 – Present