Workshop Guide

Intensive one stop shop

Everything you need to get your job search started For Graduate Students

Presented by Lorna MacEachern & Susan Molnar

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR CAREER GOALS

Do you think like a generalist or a specialist? For example, am I better suited for the focused work of a research scientist or for applying the broad aspects of my scientific knowledge to multiple tasks and subjects, as one does in, say, science policy or science and technical writing? Am I excited about the quantitative or qualitative aspects of scientific research? Do I want to be close to the data? Am I numbers and statistics oriented? Or, do I want to be more involved in a big picture view of my discipline? Am I a concepts oriented person or do I get more enjoyment out of executing the details of a project? How do I get satisfaction on the job; am I self-motivated, or do I need external recognition? Do I need frequent feedback from my peers and other colleagues, such as one gets from making presentations and interacting with clients about ongoing projects? Or, do I derive satisfaction from projects with a longer time horizon for completion that entail less interplay with outside sources? Is most of the satisfaction from my own assessment of a job well done or from the sense of being useful to others? Do I need to see the immediate relevance of what I am doing? Am I more motivated by the practical application of a project or by the intrinsic beauty of creating knowledge and understanding of biological and physical phenomena? What aspects of pay, benefits, hours, need to travel, and work environment are important to me? Do I enjoy communicate my scientific findings? Do I like to write and speak about science to a general audience? Do I like a dynamic job environment that will continually provide new challenges, perhaps even risk, where Ill have to always be learning new skills, or one that provides more stability and security? For example, does the often risky, ever changing world of biotech entrepreneurship appeal to me or the more predictable, orderly world of quality assurance and regulatory affairs? Do I enjoy managing many projects at the same time or do I need a position that allows me to focus on a few projects more in depth? Would I like the responsibility and control of managing projects and staff, or do I want a lower-stress position that may require less accountability for other peoples actions? Is it important for me to interact with a diverse set of people on a day-to-day basis, or am I more comfortable with independent, solitary pursuits? (Guide to Nontraditional Careers in Science)

One Stop Shop Guide

CAREER PLANNING IN A NUTSHELL

1. Research Self 2. Research Options 3. Develop your toolkit
CV Cover letter Interview skills

4. Network your way into a job!!!

DEVELOPING A JOB SEARCH STRATEGY

Here is a more detailed look at the the job search process. It is important to at least review the steps to ensure that you are targeting positions that are a good fit for you, and that the scope of your search is broad.

1. Self Assessment
Who am I? What am I passionate about? START BY ASKING YOURSELF SOME BASIC QUESTIONS: Why did you do your degree? Why graduate studies? What skills did you intend to gain through your program? What motivates you? What makes you happy? Where do you get your greatest satisfaction? What is important to you? What are your ambitions/goals for the future? Did you ever have a dream job FOUR AREAS TO CONSIDER Interests Skills Values Personality

Industries Occupations Organizations / Work Environment Overview

NEED HELP? Make an individual appointment at CAPS or Counselling Take the career tests Come to our workshop: Self Assessment? Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.16) Participate in Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.)

One Stop Shop Guide

SKILLS

Arts & other Creative Skills International Expertise (Area Studies, Languages, Intl. Exp.)

Technical/Scienti People Skills fic Skills (incl. Computer Programming)

Problem solving Administration & Writing/Commu Teaching Management nication (Presenting, Inspiring) Research & Analysis

CAREER FIELDS Management positions reached from line positions in specific companies Editing, Journalism, publishing, writing, editing, corporate publishing, communications, advertising & PR management Sales, advertising, radio/TV, journalism Corporate Sales, training & communications, development communications analysis, advertising & PR

Business & Finance (Including High Tech)

Advertising, Cultural Info, systems, R Consulting, Consulting, computer, music, consulting, intl. & D. CAD, human marketing, technical business, country actuarial, resources, sales, management illustration risk analysis in consulting on management, financial scientific/tech. training & institutions matters, development software co.s Specialty publishing, foreign desk of various media Specialty publishing, professional journals Sales/marketing Investigative in publishing, reporting, PR, interviewing management, specialty consulting

R & D (e.g. bio & high tech), risk analysis (financial inst.), market research, consulting Journalism, market research

Media

Specialty publishing, criticism, dramaturgy, art, illustration, writing, photography Computers in education (e.g. TERC, EDC), curriculum development Student services Academic (e.g., counseling), administration academic (e.g. principal, administration, headmaster, educational college dean), consulting educational consulting Management, nonprofit consulting, think tanks Academic administration (e.g., principal headmaster college dean)

Education

Arts education in International various settings education, curriculum development, educational tours, conferences R & D, info, Development, systems, management, consulting for advocacy hospitals & other nonprofits, environmental groups

Publishing Teaching (adult (specialized, ed., secondary, educational), community reporting, writing colleges), freelance lecturing

Research centers, educational research & evaluation, archival work

Nonprofit Community arts Nonprofit orgs. (Public Service, orgs., specialty (country or Arts) museums, region specific), art/drama/dance consulting on /music therapy intl. health & welfare

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Public Policy

Administration of International National labs, Politics (as arts orgs., federal EPA, NSF, NIH, candidate or agencies/organiz agencies, Census, OTA, intl. staff), ations (e.g. NEA, congressional scientific fundraising, stars arts staff, policy think agencies lobbying councils) tanks, peace corps.

Administration, PR, newsletter Public education, Organizations management, editing for development, with research development nonprofit or community efforts, think (events professional organizing tanks, research planning), publications centers, foundation foundations program management Most higher-level Administration of Speech and Politics, Congressional govt. positions, various public report writing for executive branch Research Service, political/policy agencies, government position, analytic division research/political program agencies or fundraising, of state or local consulting management interest groups interest groups agency

2. Research Options
Where can I use my skills and education? Who would I like to work for? What company shares my values? EXPLORE OCCUPATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS, CAUSES, INDUSTRIES Career resource library Websites - See Researching Occupations and Researching Employers sections of this guide and www.mcgill.ca/caps Career Fairs -Prepare in advance! Company presentations Panel discussions Information Interviews & Networking ENGAGE IN NEW EXPERIENCES Develop new skills Volunteering/ Part-time / Summer jobs o Online postings & Networking Internships o Arts: www.mcgill.ca/arts-internships o Science: www.mcgill.ca/science o Library resources (come to the CAPS library: Room 2200 Brown) o Search engine: http://www.mcgill.ca/caps/students/jobsearch/experience/internships/links/ Post-Docs o Job postings, Networking, Academic Journals Additional Training o Information avail at www.careercruising.com & www.myplan.com RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS What to look for? Basic Location(s) Head Office, Plants, Subsidiaries What does the company do?-What products or services does it provide? Recruiting Practices Security Is the company private or public? How long has it been in operation? What is the growth potential & who are the major competitors? Financial statements, stock reports, annual reports What are the Industry trends any talk of mergers? Features Mission statement/philosophy does it match your values? What types of positions are available? Salary ranges? Employee satisfaction, training, work-life balance Typical career paths. Who is at the top, what degrees do the managers have (gives insight on company values)

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RESEARCHING OCCUPATIONS
www.careercruising.com This Canadian website provides a great deal of information about hundreds of careers. You can search by career, discipline, or use their online matchmaking tool. You need to login to this site: Login: mcgill, Pswd: careers www.myplan.com This is a free US site, that is very similar to Career Cruising. It also has online assessment tools, most of which have a nominal charge associated with them ($10-$20). The values questionnaire is free, and a very useful tool. It also has a matching feature. You can create a free account that will allow you to save you searches and the results of your assessments. Exploring Occupations http://www.umanitoba.ca/counselling/careers.ht ml Excellent site which contains descriptions of dozens of different occupations, from U Manitoba Occupational Information https://www.careersonline.ubc.ca/student/explor e.cfm A good resource with a variety of occupations from UBC. Occupational Outlook Handbook http://www.bls.gov/oco/ A great US based source of occupational information www.jobfutures.ca A comprehensive Canadian Gov site with information on over 200 occupational groups. www.sciencecareers.org Offers an array of information for graduates from science programs www.canlearn.ca Includes an occupational database, a university/college guide, virtual career counsellor and financial aid/scholarship information. www.canadiancareers.com Primarily a list of links to other web resources www.JobHuntersBible.com The online supplement to What Color is Your Parachute? Jobs, Workers, Training and Careers http://www.jobsetc.ca/ JWTC is a government site that helps Canadians find work, decide on career directions, create a personal learning plan or deal with workplace issues. Get access to information, services, interactive tools and quizzes that make a difference Labour Market Information http://www.labourmarketinformation.ca/ Occupational Profiles http://www.alis.gov.ab.ca/occinfo/ Detailed descriptions of over 1,000 occupations. Gov of Alberta. Updated regularly. America's Career InfoNet http://www.acinet.org/acinet/ If you are planning on moving to the US to work, you'll want to look at American career info. www.nextSteps.org Employment and career related information developed in Calgary Ministry of Education and Training: Occupational Descriptions http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/career/descrip. html Dozens of occupational descriptions from the Ontario Government.

One Stop Shop Guide

RESEARCHING EMPLOYERS
Canada's top 100 employers http://www.canadastop100.com/national/ Canadian Almanac & Directory http://circ.greyhouse.ca/search/quicksearch Access thousands of records on Canadian organizations, government, business, schools and financial and cultural institutions. This remarkable group of carefully maintained databases known for their breadth and accuracy of information on Canada includes 7 databases: Associations Canada, Canadian Almanac & Directory, Canadian Environmental Directory, Canadian Parliamentary Guide, Directory of Libraries in Canada, Financial Services Canada, and Governments Canada Government Electronic Directory Services http://direct.srv.gc.ca The Government Electronic Directory Services (GEDS) provides a directory of federal public servants for all regions across Canada. Management databases and online sources http://www.mcgill.ca/howardross/collections/links/databases/ NAICS, the North American Industry Classification System http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/naics.html Strategis: Canada's Business and Consumer Site http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/company-entreprises.nsf/eng/home Although this site is not very user friendly, it contains a great deal of information. The link above will take you directly to the Company Directories by Industry Sector where you can search for companies in Canada by industry or by keyword. Vault http://www.vault.com/cb/careerlib/careerlib_main.jsp?parrefer=7165 Vault publishes over 70 guides in three areas: Industry Career Guides -on industries from accounting to media to technology. Get the scoop on the hiring process, career paths, and more; Industry Employer Guides - get the scoop on potential employers, includes guides on employers in banking, biotech/pharma, manufacturing, telecom and more; and Career Topic Guides - From resumes and cover letters to schmoozing to starting your own business. CaPS pays a fee for these guides, therefore you must be connected to the McGill network/VPN to access these guides.

One Stop Shop Guide

3. Develop your toolkit

How can I best present myself? Writing a Non-Academic Cover Letter: Know yourself and your target audience Layout o 1 page o 3-4 paragraphs First Paragraph WHO AM I? WHAT DO I WANT? Introduce yourself, provide a catchy picture of who you are. Link yourself directly to the needs and interests of the employer in 1-2 phrases. Second and third Paragraphs: WHY ME? Give EXAMPLES of your skills/Tell a compelling story that points to the specific skills and experience you possess, summarize key aspects of your CV. USES EXAMPLES!!! (do not write a shopping list of skills with no evidence) Fourth Paragraph WHY YOU? Talk about your reasons for wanting to work for this organization. Make a link between your interests and their goals/services/products OR a link between your values and their mission (hint: look beyond their webpage) Writing a Non-Academic CV or Resume: Know yourself and your target audience Layout o 1 or 2 Pages o Use same font type throughout o Use same format throughout : What, Where, When, Description Addresses the skills that the employer is seeking o SOFT and HARD skills o Most relevant experiences appear at the beginning of the CV Has a summary of qualifications at the top Describe your activities and jobs o Use action verbs o Include achievements Includes relevant volunteer and community service Doesnt necessarily include publications Consider adding an Activities and Interests Section References not included NEED HELP? Make an individual appointment at CAPS Come to Grad Drop in Advising Use the Career Resource Library (esp. section 3.2) Use our online resources: o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/coverletter-writing_guide.pdf o http://www.mcgill.ca/files/caps/cv-writing_guide.pdf One Stop Shop Guide

Sally Green
123 Lala Street CITY Quebec H9X 2E6 firstname.lastname@mail.mcgill.ca 514-123-4567

October 26, 2007

Ms. Kate Jordan Personnel Manager Human Resources Department CREE BOARD OF HEALTH 203 Main Street Mistissini, Quebec G0W 1C0

Dear Ms. Jordan, Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your review for the position of Clinical Dietitian, as advertised on the McGill Job Posting website. I believe that the combination of my clinical experience in hospital settings and my passion for working with children will make me an ideal candidate for this position. As of December 2006, I will have obtained my Masters of Science degree in Dietetics. My degree covers many facets including biochemical and human behavioral sciences, clinical nutrition, community nutrition and research development. For my Thesis I examined nutrient deficiencies resulting from discontinued use of traditional food resources in northern aboriginal populations. I recently completed several internships. Three were in Hospital settings, where I gained valuable experience in providing clinical services to individuals suffering from various medical ailments. In addition to my clinical duties I assessed food safety. My other internships were in long term care and rehabilitation. In these settings I developed my patience and compassion for working with patients with ongoing special needs. I would welcome the opportunity to apply my skills and experience at the Cree Board of Health. I am especially interested in working with an aboriginal population, and have pursued a number of electives in First Nations and Inuit Studies at McGill. I thank you in advance for your review and consideration of my application. Should you require any additional information, I may be reached at (514) 123-1234. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience. Sincerely,

Sally Green

One Stop Shop Guide

Sarah Smith
123 Lala Street CITY Quebec H9X 2E6 sarah.smith@mail.mcgill.ca 514-123-4567 QUALIFICATIONS English and Mandarin (fluent), French (intermediate) MS Office suite, SPSS, Adobe Illustrator, ProteinLynx, MassLynx Worked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings 3 years of project management and report writing experience Understanding and respect for diversity Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Extracellular recording from brain slices, including use of ion-selective microelectrodes Wholecell patch clamp recording in isolated neurons and brain tissue slices, Confocal fluorescence imaging in neuronal cells Primary neuronal and glial cell culture In vivo models of cerebral schemia in both rats and gerbils Cerebral microdialysis and HPLC amino-acid analysis EDUCATION Doctor of Philosophy: Neurological Sciences Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc Master of Science: Neurological Sciences Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc Bachelor of Science: Biology Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Doctorate Research 2001-2006 Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc Examined effects of pH on hypoxic neuronal injury and spreading depression in rodent hippocampal slices Monitored field potentials and extracellular shifts in selected ions during hypotaxia Studied changes in evoked responses in post-ischemic gerbil hippocampal slices Supervised 2 undergraduate honours theses projects Trained graduate students in use of laboratory equipment, such as _________ Collaborated with 2 teams of researchers in separate laboratories to produce a published manuscript Research Biologist 1998-2001 Fancypants Laboratory, Wuhan, P. R. China Studied structure-function relationships of human tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Used sitedirected mutagenesis to generate cDNA variants. Expressed recombinant tPAs in cultured mammalian cells Performed in vitro and in vivo assays to detect modified enzyme activity or half-life Presented findings in oral and written reports to project leaders and directors monthly 2006 2001 1998

BAD
(not specific enough)

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OTHER EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Qc 2002-2007

Cellular Biology (NEUR310)

Free Radical Biomedicine (NEUR550)

Created new marking scheme, evaluated students' competence, reports and exams

Fall 2002, Winter 2003, Fall 2004 Fall 2006, Winter 2007

Developed course content and teaching material, implemented novel assignment options

Editor 2005 Present New Science Advances Magazine, Montreal, Qc Select, proofread, and edit articles for the promoting scientific advances to the general community Delegate monthly duties to staff of 10 volunteers Successfully obtained financing from 30+advertisors Student Representative McGill Graduate Neuroscience Association, Montreal, Qc Initiated Graduate committee to ensure graduate student representation the department Stimulate fundraising as well as events for students and faculty SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS (additional references available) Smith, S., Weigand, N. (2002) Corticosterone accelerates hypoxia- and cyanide-induced ATP loss in cultured hippocampal astrocytes. Brain Research, 482:153-158. Smith, S., Hong, S., Anderson, R, and Weigand, N. (2004) Corticosterone exacerbates hypoxic and hypoglycemic hippocampal injury in vitro: biochemical correlates and a role for astrocytes. Journal of Neurochemistry, 48:139-148. 3 conference presentations: Society for Neuroscience International Brain Research Organization World Conference of Neuroscience AWARDS & AFFILIATIONS National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship (valued at $20,000/annually) Society for Neuroscience, member International Brain Research Organization member ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, making homemade wine and mead. Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing. Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures and languages, exploring places off the beaten trail. REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST 2004-2006 2001-present 2005-2006 2003 and 2005 2005 2006 Present

One Stop Shop Guide

Jessica Davies
123 Lala Street CITY Quebec H9X 2E6 jessica.davies@mail.mcgill.ca 514-523-4567 SUMMARY: A highly motivated and mature computer-literate person, experienced in working with the public, youth and community, in administration, management and youth development, seeking a challenging internship at a youth and family service centre. HIGHLIGHTS Languages: Fluent in English, French, and Spanish Proven communication skills as a youth worker, help-line counsellor and manager. Worked successfully with 3 multidisciplinary teams in diverse work settings 3 years of project management and report writing experience Strong computer skills including: PowerPoint, Word and Excel Ability to remain calm and decisive in stressful situations Quick to learn new systems and in-house programs Understanding and respect for diversity EDUCATION Masters of Arts: Counselling Psychology McGill University, Montreal CGPA 3.8/4.0 Bachelor of Arts: Management & Human Resources (Honours) McGill University, Montreal CGPA 3.67/4.0 Diploma of Collegial Studies: Liberal Arts (Honours) Dawson College, Montreal CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE Youth Program Assistant 2003-2005 Head and Hands, N.D.G., Montreal Assisted in coordinating several youth sex education workshops at 15 Montreal high schools Successfully organised a public launch of the Head and Hands sex education video at the centre; attended by media (CBC Radio, The Montreal Gazette, The West Island Suburban) and major funding organization representatives Designed and prepared brochures and workshop materials for youth, covering topics like sexual awareness, youth parenting and health Created a safe, welcoming and relaxed environment for the young drop-in clients Interacted with community leaders, members of the press, in-house counsellors and high school administration Counsellor (Volunteer) 2001-2003 McGill Sexual Assault Centre, McGill University, Montreal Trained to counsel students experiencing grief and emotional stress Provided bi-weekly counselling support and information services (helpline) to McGill students Planned day-by-day running of the centre with 15 other volunteers One Stop Shop Guide 2005-2007 (expected) BAD
(not specific enough)

1998-2001

1996-1998

Senior Counsellor Cote St. Luc Parks & Playground Program, City of Cote St.Luc Supervised a group of 10 (3-5 yr old) children at a day camp Planned, organized and facilitated group recreational activities on a daily basis Assisted on various group field trips and theme days ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

1998-2001

Supply Merchandiser 2001-2002 Le Chateau, Montreal Assisted Le Chateau supply management at head office in improving merchandising at store level Incorporated latest product & merchandising trends into purchasing decisions, worked closely with store managers in maintaining inventory levels for best-selling items and consulted customer feedback to upgrade merchandise quality, thereby increasing annual sales by 25 percent Prepared and wrote annual reports and developed supply forecasting reports every quarter Achieved recognition for developing a better supply forecasting system for Le Chateau Store Manager 1997-2001 Le Chateau, Montreal Promoted from Sales Assistant to Merchandising Manager and then to Store Manager within a 3-year period Successfully exceeded annual store sales targets by 20 percent, 3 years in a row Handled and replenished inventory, and performed weekly inventory checks Dealt with customers and assisted headquarters with annual inventory control Hired and trained 14 part-time employees in customer service delivery Organized staff schedules and arranged weekly sales quotas AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS 1. FASEB Summer Research Conferences Poster Award (100.00$) 2. John and Mary Smith Graduate Studentship (12 500.00$) 3. John Smith Travel Award (900.00$) ADDITIONAL TRAINING Spanish Language course (intermediate) Continuing Education, Concordia University, Montreal Controlling stress and emotions & Successful communication workshops McGill University Sexual Assault Centre ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Arts: Writing short stories and novels, reading literary fiction, being creative in the kitchen, making homemade wine and mead. Physical: Hiking and camping, kayaking, snowshoeing, alpine skiing. Travel: Ireland, visiting places of historical or natural significance, experiencing different cultures and languages, exploring places off the beaten trail. REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST 2004 2001 July 2006 2005-2006 2004

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ACTION VERBS
Words that imply communication Advertised Called Circulated Coached Communicated Conferred Corresponded Discussed Displayed Distributed Edited Emphasized Familiarized Informed Instructed Interested Lectured Oriented Presented Promoted Publicized Recommended Redirected Represented Referred Related Showed Translated Transmitted Tutored Wrote Words that imply leadership Administered Allocated Appointed Approved Assigned authorized Awarded Conducted Controlled Delegated Designated Directed Disapproved Discharged Encouraged Enforced Evaluated Executed Governed Hired Led Managed Oversaw Presided Recommended Regulated Required Selected Settled Signed Specified Sponsored Stipulated Supervised Words that imply organization Arranged Analyzed Assembled Budgeted Calculated Coordinated Organized Planned Prepared Purchased Recorded Reorganized Reported Scheduled Words that imply initiative Attended Automated Collected Compiled Considered Contemplated Contracted Delivered Discharged Engaged Engineered Established Examined Expedited Founded Handled Implemented Increased Induced Inspected Instituted Insured Interviewed Inventoried Maintained Monitored Moved Operated Packaged Participated Performed Processed Provided Received Recruited Reviewed Shipped Solicited Sorted Staffed Submitted Systematized Trained Utilized Verified Words that imply results Accomplished Accounted Achieved Advanced Altered Answered Attained Attracted Awarded Benefited Built Changed Combined Completed Constructed Dismantled Earned Eliminated Enlarged Expanded Finished Generated Identified Improved Manufactured Marketed Obtained Predicted Prevented Produced Profited Reduced Repaired Replaced Solved Tested Turned around Upgraded Words that imply interpersonal skills Accommodated Adjusted Advised Agreed Arrange Assisted Consulted Contributed Cooperated Counseled Facilitated Guided Harmonized Influenced Mediated Moderates Modified Motivated Negotiated Personalized Persuaded Provided Reconcile Related Requested Respected Served Sold Taught Words that imply creativity Adapted Authored Composed Conceived Created Designed Developed Established Estimated Forecasted Formulated Initiated Invented Investigated Originated Proposed Researched Revised Studied Set up Sample action verbs at a glance Acted Addressed Anticipated Applied Appraised Arbitrated Assessed Appraised Audited Balanced Catalogued Chaired Charted Checked Clarified Collaborated Compared Computed Conducted Conserved Consolidated Constructed

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Convinced Critiqued Decided Decreased Defined Detected Determined Devised Diagnosed Discovered Dispatched Dispensed Disproved Dissected Drafted Dramatized Drew Emphasized Energized Enlisted Expanded Experimental Explained Extracted Filed Financed Fixed Gathered Headed Helped Hypothesized Identified Illustrated Improvised Initiated Innovated Inspired Integrated Interpreted Introduced Invented Investigated Involved Issued Judged Justified Launched Led Learned Listened Litigated Lobbied Made Manipulated Mentored Modeled Navigated Observed Offered Ordered Painted

Perceived Piloted Played Politicked Prescribed Problem-solved Programmed Projected Proposed Protected Questioned Raised Realized Reasoned Rehabilitated Remembered Reorganized Reported Researched Resolved Responded Researched Resolved Responded Restored Retrieved Revised Risked Screened Sensed Separated Served Shaped Shared Sketched Spearheaded Specified Spoke Studied Summarized Surveyed Symbolized Tabulated Talked Team-built Tended Traced Trained Transcribed Transformed Traveled Trouble-shot Updated Validated Won Adjectives Accurate Active Adaptable

Advantageous Analytical Artistic Beneficial Better Bigger Calm Capable Careful Competent Complete Confident Conscientious Considerable Creative Critical Decisive Dependable Desirable Determined Diligent Diplomatic Distinctive Distinguished Durable Dynamic Effective Efficient Empathic Energetic Esteemed Excellent Exceptional Extraordinary Flexible First-class First-rate Flourishing forceful Fruitful Functional Good greater helpful Humorous Illustrious Imaginative Important Imposing Improved Independent Industrious Influential Innovative Insightful Larger Logical Lucrative Major Methodical Money-making More Notable Noteworthy

Ongoing Orderly Organized Original Outstanding Patient Perceptive Perfect Phenomenal Powerful Practical Prestigious Productive Professional Profitable Progressive Prominent Prosperous Punctual Reliable Remarkable Renowned Reputable Respected Responsible Resourceful Rewarding Satisfied Sensitive Significant Singular Sizeable Skilful Solid Solvent Sound Stable Strong Substantial Successful Superb Superior Supportive Thorough Thriving Top Upbeat Uncommon Unique Unparalleled Unsurpassed Uppermost Useful Valuable Versatile Winning Workable Worthwhile

One Stop Shop Guide

INTERVIEW PLANNING
Before You Go on a Job Interview Do an inventory of your skills, knowledge and specific qualifications. Figure out what makes you different from the other applicants for the job. Research the company thoroughly and prepare questions to ask them when given the opportunity. Plan your clothes ahead of time along with the route you will take to the interview. Plan to bring a copy of your cover letter, resume, references, and any other materials to prove your capabilities. During the Job Interview Always remember you are coming to the interview as a potential new employee for this company, not as a job beggar. Keep in mind the main purpose of a first interview is to be invited back for a second interview. Plan on talking 50 percent of the time and not monopolizing the interview nor being too vague. Speak clearly and with good voice intonation. You should be, and sound, enthusiastic about the job. Never badmouth a previous employer or a previous place where you worked. Your answers should generally be no longer then two minutes each. Depending on the question, it can be as short as twenty seconds, but do not run on and on. Take into the interview room with you any evidence you have of past accomplishments (ie. an artist has a portfolio; a computer programmer has a printout of programs created). You will know whether to use this evidence or not. Do not bring up the subject of salary during your first interview unless of course they do. Always try to let the employer name a figure first. No matter how many questions an interviewer could ask you, they basically are centered around the following: 1. Why are you here? Why are you interested in our organization? 2. What can you do for us? What do you have to contribute to what we do? 3. What distinguishes you from the other applicants for this job? 4. Will you fit in? Will you get along with the other employees? 5. Can we afford you? If you do not have the interviewer(s) contact information, try to get their business card while you are there. After the Job Interview Always write a thank you note to the employer within the following 24 hours. Always review your answers to see where you can improve and where you think you excelled. This can help you to prepare possible questions for your second interview.

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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Questions to find out if you can do the job (in addition to questions specific to your functional area) Tell me about yourself. Tell me about your responsibilities on your last job. How did your responsibilities evolve or progress during your last job? Describe the process you go through to plan and implement a project? How long would it take you to start making a contribution to our organization / department? What can you do for us that someone else cannot do? Give me an example of a time when youve taken the initiative on something. In past performance reviews, which areas of your work have been singled out as needing improvement? What are your major strengths and weaknesses? Question to find out if youll fit in Tell me about a time when you had to work under much more pressure than usual. Do you think youve done the best work you are capable of? What do you consider your biggest accomplishment? Describe your energy level. What will your references say about you when I speak with them? Tell me about a difficult decision youve had to make. Do you prefer working alone or in groups? When working with a team, which role do you usually take? In which kind of atmosphere do you work best? What salary expectations do you have? Questions typically asked of students and recent grads: How did you choose your undergraduate / graduate degree? Why did you choose your major in ________? Tell me about your research/ honours project / thesis / dissertation/ other major project? How has your university experience prepared you for a career? Describe your most rewarding extracurricular experience while in school. If you had to do it over again, how would you plan your education differently? Are your grades representative of your abilities? What was your worst grade and how did it happen? Which teaching styles do you learn best from? How would your classmates describe you?

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WINNING QUESTIONS TO ASK THE INTERVIEWER

At some point during an interview, the interviewer with turn to you and ask if you have any questions. Generally speaking, the best questions to ask are those that: Help you determine if this is the job you want Make a positive impact on the interviewer(s) Provide insight into your background and qualifications It is important to plan beforehand some of the questions you will ask. Here are some sample questions that might be appropriate to ask. Review them before each interview and decide which ones apply to your situation the best (prepare a maximum of 3 questions), 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Is this a newly created position? What would be my primary duties initially? How will these change over time? Why did the previous person in this position leave? What are the expectations of the supervisor? How would you describe the management style of the company as a whole? Can you tell me how my performance will be evaluated? What do you see as my greatest strengths and weakness in terms of this position? When will you be making your decision to fill this job? What do you see for this company in the future particularly as it might impact on career opportunities? What opportunities for advancement are typically available to people in this position? How does this position fit into the organizational structure? What are this departments most important current projects? How much autonomy would I have in this job? Does the company have an orientation program for new employees? How do I become familiar with company policies, practice, and etiquette? Does the company offer career development programs? What would be the expected starting date of this job? Is there any travel involved in this position? What is the size of the department? What would the next step of the hiring process entail?

Resources: The Perfect Interview John D. Drake, Conquer Interview Objections Wilson and Rambusch, Sweaty Palms H. Anthony Medley

One Stop Shop Guide

INTERVIEW DOS AND DONTS

* Do research the company * Do prepare questions to ask * Do practice your answers * Do bring paper and pen * Do bring an extra resume * Do be on time * Do dress appropriately * Do maintain eye contact * Do wait to be seated * Do be positive * Do be honest * Do show youre a team player * Do ask about the next step * Do ask for a business card * Do send a follow-up letter * Do follow up by telephone

* Dont neglect appearance * Dont give limp handshakes * Dont lack energy * Dont make excuses * Dont be rude * Dont be too familiar * Dont emphasize money * Dont be indecisive * Dont be unprepared * Dont criticize anyone * Dont name drop * Dont be too aggressive * Dont talk too much * Dont take a friend with you

One Stop Shop Guide

4. Network your way into a job

~85% of jobs are never advertized Networking is an important part of any job search. It is the process of establishing contacts for the purpose of gathering information, communicating your career goals, seeking advice, and obtaining leads on jobs. Unsurprisingly, the larger your network is, the more likely you are to be successful. Below is a general overview of how to build your network. For comprehensive, step by step help with networking, consult our handouts below, attend our Networking workshops, and meet with a career advisor to help you customize your approach. Expand Your Network 1. Create a list of primary contacts. Your primary contacts are family members and friends with whom you already have a relationship. Let these individuals know about your career goals and ask them whether they know of anyone who works in your target area and who might be helpful in your job search. The names they provide you are known as your secondary contacts. 2. Create new contacts. Start by getting in touch with the secondary contacts referred to you by your family and friends. Be prepared to talk about your career goals, skills and experiences. You may want to ask your secondary contacts whether they would be willing to have an informational interview with you. Another way of making new contacts is by joining a professional association, attending conferences in your target field and doing volunteer work. 3. Make cold calls. Calling companies and organizations of interest and attempting to meet with the person who has the decision-making power to hire you, or with someone who is knowledgeable about the field, is a great way to expand your network. If you are extremely uncomfortable making cold calls, you can also write to the organization or company. However, networking by email is much less effective than networking in person or over the phone. 4. Conduct informational interviews. An informational interview involves meeting with an individual in a field or occupation of interest for the purpose of gaining current, regional and/or specialized information. They are a great way of making new contacts and finding out more about the position, organization and industry you are interested in. They can also help you explore possibilities if you are in the process of choosing a major, narrowing down career options or beginning a job hunt. The goal of an informational interview is to probe your contact for information, not necessarily to ask about job openings. If you are interested in conducting information interviews, review the handouts section for tips and advice on how to get started, and ideas on appropriate questions to ask.

One Stop Shop Guide

NETWORKING CHECKLIST
As you embark on your job search, you will soon notice how many networking opportunities are out there. If unprepared, it is easy to let these opportunities slip by. So in order to take full advantage, and be more successful in your job search, get prepared with the necessary networking tools. Networking tools include: Professional CV (various versions) Business / contact cards Your personal infomercial (adaptable to different situations) Pen and paper to make notes What you need to ask yourself when networking 1. Before making a phone call. What am I asking of this person? Is it something he or she can do, or do I need to speak with someone else? Have I written a list of the things I would like to ask? Have I practiced out loud what I want to say? Am I ready to speak right now if this person can give me a few minutes? If he or she wants to schedule an appointment, is my agenda open and do I know my availability? What is the ultimate goal of this phone call (general information, to schedule an information interview, obtain a job lead or a referral, or something else)? What outcome would I be happy with? 2. Before attending an event. Am I sure this event is appropriate for me? Do I have my CV and/or business cards with me? Have I prepared an infomercial appropriate for this situation? Am I able to confidently introduce myself to various people? Have I researched those in attendance to know whom I would like to approach? What is the ultimate goal in attending this event? What outcome would I be happy with? 3. Before an arranged meeting. Why did I ask for this meeting? Will this person remember me or do I have to reintroduce myself? Do I have pen and paper to make notes? Have I prepared a list of questions to ask the person? Is my cell phone turned off? What is the ultimate goal of this meeting? What outcome would I be happy with?

One Stop Shop Guide

NETWORKING WORKSHEET
1. List Members of your immediate family and as many relatives as possible ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 2. List at least 5 of your closest friends (10 to 15 if possible) ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 3. List the names of 3 neighbours ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 4. List the names of past employers, professors and teaching assistants ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 5. List at least 5 roommates, drinking buddies, or friends ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 6. List 5 people you havent been in touch with for over 4 years ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 7. List 10 people you know from your church, temple, synagogue, mosque, social club, associations, organizations, fraternities, sororities ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 8. List 5 colleagues at past/present jobs with whom you worked closely or know well enough to chat ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 9. I belong to the following associations or professional organizations ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 10. List 5 people you know from a professional association ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 11. List every organization for which you have done volunteer work ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 12. The 3 ways in which I most frequently meet new acquaintances are ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ 13. Five ways in which I could meet new acquaintances are ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

One Stop Shop Guide

CREATING A PLAN OF ACTION

Write down your goals for each of the steps in the table below
Research Self

Research options

Engage in new experiences

Develop tools (CV, cover letter)

Networking

In this table:
Write down the steps you need to take to achieve your goals Prioritize them Think about problems that might come up and be prepared with your plan B Identify you potential barriers and how you will overcome them
Priority Goal Steps Problems/ Barriers Ways to overcome/ Plan B

One Stop Shop Guide

our services
JOB POSTINGS: Every day throughout the year, employers in search of qualified students contact CAPS with job opportunities. These openings can either be internship, part-time, summer, or full-time permanent positions. All our jobs are posted online on our website. C.V. DROP-IN: You can come by CAPS to have your C.V. reviewed during a daily designated hour. INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS & MOCK INTERVIEWS: If you need someone to help you prepare for an interview, assist in your career choices or you simply want to hear some reassuring words, an advisor is available to help make your job search and career planning less stressful. CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS: These workshops are offered throughout the academic year on over 15 topics. CAREER RESOURCE CENTRE: Whether you are looking for information on careers, scholarships, networking, contact information for different industries, specifics on a program of study, or job listings, the Resource Centre offers a wide array of resources. CAREER FAIRS: Career fairs are organized throughout the year in conjunction with student groups and provide excellent opportunities for you to meet company representatives from a variety of industries. PROFESSIONALS ON CAMPUS: Professionals from all over come to campus to participate in panel discussions and deliver company info sessions. These networking events are a great resource for exploring your career options and increasing your contacts in the working world. PEER EDUCATORS: CAPS Peer Educators general objective is to publicize CAPS throughout McGill and increase students readiness for the job search process. PACE: An interactive program to help you explore career preferences, personal goals, current market trends, and job search strategies. This program is a joint initiative of McGill Counselling Service & CAPS. MENTOR PROGRAM: The McGill Mentor Program provides ties with alumni professionals who can offer valuable advice about career alternatives, job requirements, and career-life balance.

Downtown Campus Macdonald Campus Brown Student Services Building One Stop Centennial Centre Shop Guide 3600 McTavish, Suite 2200 21,111 Lakeshore Road Montreal, QC H3A 1Y2 Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9 Tel: 514-398-3304 Tel: 514-398-7582 Fax: 514-398-1831 Fax: 514-398-7610