MetroVanIndependent.com
May 2015
11
Feature
5 top tips for getting hired
in a tough job market
By Don De Gracia
Today's job applicants and graduates
are entering a much tougher job environment and more competitive workforce than
graduates did 10 years ago. Yet there is
hope for those seeking jobs.
Here are my top five tips for getting
hired in a tough job market, (an adaptation
from excerpts of Grant Cardone, New York
Times best-selling author and international
sales expert).
1. Leave pessimism at the door
The economy is not fully recovered, and
competition is high. The news is riddled
with, "it's not the best of times" reports. If
your job-search spirits start to diminish,
remember this important tip. "Disregard
all of the bad news that no one is hiring.
You aren't looking for 17 million jobs; you
are looking for one."
Reminding yourself of this will help you
feel more optimistic and allow you to keep
more doors open for opportunity.
2. Accountability for your own
success is paramount
"Know that you and only you can get
the job you want," Cardone says. "The
economy has nothing to do with your job
prospects -- you do. Make no excuses."
Off hand, this can sound a little harsh,
but think about it. Successful people
tend to create their own paths and take
accountability for that success. If you sit
around waiting for success to knock at
your door, it's going to be a very long job
hunt. Instead, market yourself for positions
you want, go out and network, start a blog,
perfect your application materials -- always
find ways to stay proactive in your search.
Let people know you're looking for a job, as
well as who you are and what you have to
offer. Know what you're good at, and leverage those strengths in your conversations
with potential employers.
3. Focus your search
When making your list of the kind of positions to apply for, Cardone suggests targeting individual businesses, not entire
industries or sectors, and then targeting
three to five people you want to work with
at these companies. You cannot make a
connection with a company, but you can
certainly make great connections with individuals. Figure out what kind of company
you want to work for, and seek out leaders
in those companies. Try to locate contact
information, and reach out to them via
Facebook, LinkedIn or email.
You'd be surprised how willing people
can be to talk to you when you show initiative and interest. Maybe they don't have a
position available right now, but they might
in the near future. They might also be able
to point you to a connection at a similar
company that does have an immediate
opening.
4. Be more than a résumé
"Know that your résumé will not be the reason someone hires you [although it gets
your foot in the door]," Cardone cautions.
"No one hires résumés, they hire people.
Most disappointments [in interviews] are
regarding the delivery of a personality, talent, desire and willingness."
Your résumé should be an entry point
and a conversation starter, but you need to
close the deal. Once it gets you in the door,
make sure to show personality and bring
that résumé to life. Be prepared to share
success stories about projects you've
worked on in the past, difficult situations
you were able to successfully navigate and
what you learned from internships or leadership positions within organizations.
5. Make a lasting impression.
Show enthusiasm
In the interview, show the employer who
you are. Be professional but candid and
energetic. Do your homework, and plan
responses to common interview questions.
Random Facts: Did You Know?
IMMIGRATION HUB
By Lalaine Austero
• Dependent family members are your
spouse or common-law partner and
dependent children. They do not
include parents, grandparents or
siblings, even if they reside with you
and/or financially dependent on you.
• You can sponsor a Conjugal Partner
under the family class. This is a
person of the same or opposite sex
that has a binding and dependent
relationship with the sponsor for
at least one year but cannot live
together for reasons beyond their
control. However, strong and
extensive supporting documentation
is required to prove this type of
relationship.
• If a dependent family member is
not accompanying you to Canada
at the time of your application
submission and was not declared in
your application, you can no longer
sponsor them in the future.
• A Client Identification Number, also
called Universal Client Identification
(UCI), is an 8 digit number that
identifies an applicant only if they
have dealt with Citizenship and
Immigration Canada such as making
an application for any immigration
program. This number is often asked
in permanent and temporary resident
application forms.
• Departure Orders are issued to
people who have violated immigration
terms and conditions and are
required to leave Canada within
30 days and verify their departure
at the airport. They may return to
Canada under normal immigration
procedure and process. If the person
did not leave Canada within 30 days,
the Departure Order automatically
becomes a Deportation Order and
this would require that person to
apply for an Authorization to Return
to Canada.
• Misrepresentation, submit ting
falsified or altered documentation
and information will ban you from
Exude confidence, and let the employer
know why you are the right fit for the company and the position. "Control the interview," Cardone says. "Sell yourself. Role
play the interview. Know what you want to
say, and know the impression you want to
make. If they don't hire you, be sure they
never forget you." Show Enthusiasm! "Act
hungry," Cardone says. "Tell them [the
employer], 'I want to work with you!'"
Employers want to hire people with energy
and enthusiasm. They want someone who
will roll up their sleeves and hit the ground
running, bringing immediate value to the
company. Don't be afraid to show you're
eager for the opportunity. Be passionate
and open about what you're looking for and
what you have to offer in exchange.
applying and entering Canada for 5
years
Documents such as Work Permits,
Study Permits and Visitor Records
allow you to perform the activities in
Canada according to the terms and
conditions