2010 Career and Job Expo
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What are recruiters looking for? Conducting an informational interview Don’t get caught with your privacy filters down 2010 Career & Job Expo Exhibitors
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Jack Simpson Gym - Upper Track, University of Calgary ucalgary.ca/careers
Silver Sponsors
ucalgary.ca/careers
The ultimate road trip. Innovation is a path, not a destination. If you’re looking for an environment where pushing the boundaries of imagination is the standard, General Dynamics invites you to come along for the ride.
Positions Ottawa
Calgary
Halifax
Take a look at these and other positions that are available at
www.gdcanada.com
General Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce.
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• Systems Engineers • Software Developers • Hardware & Firmware Developers • Information Assurance Specialists • Systems Integration Specialist • Mechanical Design/Drafter Engineers
2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
Give recruiters what they’re looking for
What are recruiters looking for? We asked some of the Career and Job Expo sponsors to tell us what their recruiters look for in an ideal candidate. Here’s what they had to say about key skills, how you can gain experience, how to stand out, and some common mistakes to avoid.
2010 Career & Job Expo
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Skills employers value
ucalgary.ca/careers
Key skills Depending on the industry or type of job you choose, there could be very specific skills, abilities and knowledge needed to do the job. However, there are key skills that are essential for success in any job. They are the things recruitment professionals look for in every candidate, regardless of position. • Communication: This includes verbal and written communication, and listening. It’s about being clear, concise and focused; being able to tailor your message for the audience and listening to others.
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2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
Skills employers value
• Teamwork: Is about building positive working relationships with the people you work with. You’ll need to prove that you’re a team player but also have the ability to manage and delegate to others, and to take on responsibility.
• Leadership: You may not start in a manager position, but you do need to show potential to take initiative, and to motivate teams and colleagues. It’s about assigning and delegating tasks well, setting deadlines and leading by example.
• Organization: This is about showing that you can prioritize, work efficiently and productively, and manage your time. It’s also good to be able to show employers how you decide what is important to focus on and get done, and how you go about meeting deadlines.
Employers also told us that they also look for evidence of; • Professionalism • Dedication • Hard working • Flexibility • Enthusiasm • Confidence • Quick Learner
Come work for us. We’re looking for people like you…
…talented, motivated people for our sales and recruiter positions. Aerotek® is a high performance organization that provides contract staffing services and business solutions to clients worldwide. As a recruiter or salesperson, you will provide our clients with highly skilled technical and non-technical professionals, from high-level consultants to supporting contract employees. The world’s top Fortune 500 companies count on us to provide the people they need to continue their history of success. We offer an outstanding package of benefits designed to provide you with the support you need to build your professional skills and lead a healthy, balanced life. For more information contact:
Lara Mascitelli 800.850.1393
888.AEROTEK | www.aerotekcanada.ca
2010 Career & Job Expo
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Stand out from the crowd So how do you get the skills and experience recruiters want? Here are some tips the employers shared with us. • Co-op and Internship Programs: The best way to get relevant experience is by working. Most of the employers we spoke to suggested students enroll in either a co-op or internship program. Look into this option early in your degree to make sure you meet the requirements and deadlines. • Networking: Use family, friends and contacts to get work experience and to find out more about career areas that interest you. Take advantage of events on campus where employers will be present such as careers fairs, company information sessions, employer presentations organized by faculty or student clubs. Talk directly to recruiters to find out what they look for. Also look online for networking groups specific to your area of interest or join general professional groups such as Linkedin.
ucalgary.ca/careers
How to can stand out from the crowd • Great resume: This means matching the skills you have with the skills the employer needs and highlighting them on your resume, having no spelling or grammar errors, and presenting it in an easy to read format. • Know the company: Always do your homework and research the company before applying for jobs. It will help you identify the skills they are looking for and also to understand if you and the company are a good match. • Be yourself: Let your personality shine through in an interview. • Follow- up: Try to make sure your resume reaches the hiring person and if possible call that person to confirm. Remember to collect the business card(s) of the person (people) who interview you and send them a thank you note after the interview.
• Volunteering: Many volunteer experiences provide the same skill development opportunities as paid positions. The desirable skills employers mentioned are all transferable and can be gained from a variety of experiences including volunteering. • Association membership: Professional associations are great places to volunteer, gain experience, keep up to date with new information and most importantly network with industry professionals. • Extra-curricular activities: Make the most of opportunities outside of university to develop your general skills. This includes paid work, volunteering, club memberships and sports.
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2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
Things to avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid • Long cover letter: Lengthy cover letters that ramble on forever and repeat exactly what’s in the resume don’t tell recruiters why you are interested in the job , why you are right for the job, and why they should call you for an interview. • Form cover letter: Using the same letter for all companies rather than tailoring each to the specific employer and job is easily spotted by recruiters. This doesn’t mean just changing the company name, it means targeting each letter to explain how your skills match those needed for the position and why you are interested in the company. • Not tailoring the resume: This seems to be one of the most common pet peeves for recruiters who said they’re not interested in reading a laundry list of skills that aren’t relevant for the position. Tailor your resume so it demonstrates the skills recruiters need to see so they can quickly identify that you have the necessary skills and experience. • Not putting dates on resume: Employers look for dates in most sections of your resume specifically your education and work experiences.
FOR THE REAL WORLD
• Not researching the company and /or the position: If you don’t know what the company does or what the position is about, recruiters will think you’re not really very interested in either. • Inappropriate or “cutsie” email address: These are not professional. • Not having questions for the interviewer: This shows you did not prepare for the interview. • Racing through the questions in an interview: Recruiters advise you to breath, relax and give some thought to your answer before responding to questions. If you did not understand or did not clearly hear the question, ask for clarification otherwise you will be wasting their time talking about things they don’t need to hear. All employers mentioned the importance of networking - take advantage of every opportunity to talk to people, listen and learn. And one final thing, be open to opportunities and remember that entry level positions only lead up!
2010 Career & Job Expo
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Conducting informational interviews
ucalgary.ca/careers
Get the career info you need Lately we’ve been getting a lot l of questions about informationa interviews. Here are answers to the top five questions we’ve been getting.
Q. What is an informatio
nal interview they such a g and why are reat idea?
A
.• This is an o p information a portunity for you to get p rac bout a specifi c position, pro tical company fession or • You talk dire ctly to someo ne who works that interests in the field you • It’s a great way to researc h and to buil professional d your network
Q. How do I go about arranging this interview? g people you know, family, friends, A. • Start by askinloyer s, for people to contact
profs, current emp to • Go on websites of companies that you would like work for and check contacts/staff lists • If you can’t find a specific name call the general k contact number and ask who might be able to spea to you
GE GE is Imagination at Work From jet engines to power generation, financial services to water processing, and medical imaging to media content, GE people worldwide are dedicated to
Q.So I phone some place or person I don’
and ask for an inform
A
ational interview?
t know
. • Yes! • Identify yourse lf as a student looking for information and ask th em if they have the tim e to meet with you to talk about their industry an da career in their area • Most people are happ y to talk about their ca reer knowledge • Be clear that you are asking for a brief mee ting and let them tell you what date and time is m ost convenient for them
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turning imaginative ideas into leading products and services that help solve some of the world's toughest problems.
If you would like to join a team with creative spirit and a can-do attitude, please visit www.gecareers.com for a listing of currently available positions.
2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
Conducting informational interviews
Q. If they say yes to the interview, what’s next? A.• Set up a time and place for a 20 minute
conversation • Prepare your questions in advance • “What do you like most/least about your job?” • “What is the most exciting or challenging part of your day?” • “What advice do you have for someone starting out in this field?” • “Can you recommend someone else for me to talk to?”
Q. And I don’t ask for a A. • Right! These in job?
ter views c future but an lead to th a job in th make con e point is informat e ion gather nections in g and to • If asked to leave y our r – that way you can q esume offer to em uickly edit ail a copy reflect wh your docu at you’ve ment to learned fr om the in ter view
ADVENTURE! TRAVEL & TEACH OVERSEAS! Get TESOL Certified in 5 days! JOB GUARANTEED NO DEGREE OR EXPERIENCE REQ’D WWW.GLOBALTESOL.COM 1-888-270-2941 2010 Career & Job Expo
Informational interviews are the best way to get insider knowledge, make connections and to learn if a certain job is for you. For more information on this career tool, check out Career Ser vices website or talk to your career advisor. Page 9
ucalgary.ca/careers
Time...
to think about the career opportunity of a lifetime.
But don’t just take our word for it… Fast Company magazine named personal financial advisor as the #1 job CareerBuilder.com listed financial advisors as the 6 th fastest growing occupation Money magazine / Salary.com named the career as the 9 th best for young people and 4 th best for those over 50 Find out why Investors Group was rated the #1 Full Service Dealer*, and how we can help bring you personal and professional rewards far beyond those associated with a traditional job.
Forward your resumé to the attention of: SHAFIK HIRANI (CFP, CLU, B.Comm.) Division Director Investors Group Financial 100, 37 Richard Way SW CALGARY, AB T3E 7M8 Email: renee.philpott@investorsgroup.com Business Development
Investors Group Financial Services Inc.
*Investment Executive Dealer Report Card, June 2008.TM Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc.and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. This is a full-time opportunity to establish your own variable-income and self-employed business in association with Investors Group. MP1459 (10/2008 -P)
Kiewit is one of North America's largest and most respected construction and mining organizations. For over 125 years, we have delivered world-class solutions to projects of every size, in every market. We are looking for Engineers and Business Administration Professionals with a willingness to learn, the ability to lead, and the drive to exceed expectations. For more information about career opportunities and internships with our Energy Canada and Western Canada Districts, visit our Career Expo booth or our website.
an 350 million th re o m re a % There cbook and 50 a F n o rs e s u ay. active in any given d ? n o g lo m e th of em boss one of th Is your future
Kiewit.com
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2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
If you’ve made it through two or three interviews you’re likely being Googled by potential employers so that they can learn more about you. Are you sure you want them knowing everything there is to know about you? Facebook makes it easy to share your life with friends by letting you post where you’re going, what you’re doing, who’s party you were at last night, with photos and videos to prove it. The amazing thing about Facebook is that users willingly share all their personal information with the over 350 million Facebook users worldwide. Be more selective about the information you share. Whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter or your blog. You never know who sees it. Potential employers will find them if they Google you so choose what you share wisely. Cleaning up your profile might help you in your career aspirations.
Tips to clean up your Facebook profile 1. Keep your profile closed to everyone but friends. 2. If there’s any questionable language on your status updates, delete it. 3. Delete any photos you wouldn’t want a future employer to see (you know the one we mean, you at so and so’s party). 4. Don’t get tagged on someone else’s site. If they’ve posted a risky photo of you, untag it! 5. Look at the groups you belong to. If any of them come across as potentially negative to a potential employer, delete.
2010 Career & Job Expo
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ucalgary.ca/careers
Career Services On-line job postings on JobLink Resume reviews Workshops Job search links Career Fairs Co-operative Education and Internship Programs
JobLink Online, Centralized Job postings Year-round access to full-time, part-time, summer co-op and internship jobs. Resume Reviews One-on-one consultations for resume and cover letter reviews, and job search strategies. Workshops General and faculty specific workshops including resume, interview, job search and more! Register on JobLink today. Annual Career Fairs Science & Engineering, Education and Graduate Studies Expo, Health & Social Services, Career & Job Expo Co-operative Education & Internship Programs Gain practical work experience as a student. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca/careers
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2010 Career & Job Expo
2010 Career & Job Expo Exhibitors
ucalgary.ca/careers ORGANIZATION
WEBSITE
ORGANIZATION
WEBSITE
Abercrombie and Fitch
www.abercrombie.com
Hull Child and Family Services
www.hullservices.ca
Ace Vegetation Control Service Ltd.
www.acevegetation.com
Insurance Institute's Career Connections
www.career-connections.info
Aerotek - BRONZE
www.aerotekcanada.ca
International House Calgary
www.sol-group.net
Alberta Electric System Operator - BRONZE
www.aeso.ca
Investors Group - BRONZE
www.investorsgroup.com
Alberta Museums Association
www.museums.ab.ca
Jacobs
www.jacobs.com
Alberta Utilities Commission
www.auc.ab.ca
Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta
www.kidscancercare.ab.ca
AltaGas
www.altagas.ca
Kiewit - BRONZE
www.kiewit.com
ATB Financial
www.atbcareers.com
Klohn Crippen Berger
www.klohn.com
Baker Hughes
www.bakerhughes.com
Lafarge Canada Inc.
www.lafargenorthamerica.com
BioTalent Canada
www.biotalent.ca
Management Development Program
www.mdpoptions.com
Mark's Work Wearhouse
www.marks.com
Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, Alberta Chapter
www.mria-arim.ca
Mosaic Experiential Marketing
www.mosaicxm.com
National Energy Board
www.neb.gc.ca/
NorthwesTel
www.nwtel.ca
Our Lady Queen of Peace Ranch
www.ourladyqueenofpeaceranch.com
Pacekids Programs
www.pacekids.ca
Paladin Security Group Ltd
www.paladinsecurity.com
PCL Construction Management Inc
www.pcl.com
Blue Devil Golf Club Calaway Park
www.calawaypark.com
Calgary Police Service
www.calgarypolice.ca
Calgary Real Estate Board
www.creb.com
Caliber Systems Inc
www.calibersystems.com
Canada Revenue Agency
www.cra-arc.gc.ca
Canadian Forces
www.forces.ca
Canadian Forces Recruiting
www.forces.ca
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
www.csis.gc.ca
Cardel Place
www.cardelplace.com
Penn West Energy
www.pennwest.com
Career Fox Inc.
www.mycareerfox.com
PepsiCo Canada
www.pepsico.com
Cenovus Energy Inc. - SILVER
www.cenovus.com
Pepsi Bottling Group
www.pbgjobs.com
CGA Alberta - BRONZE
www.cga-alberta.org
Progressive Engineering Ltd.
www.progressiveengineering.ca
Chandos Construction Ltd. - BRONZE
www.chandos.com
RBC Royal Bank
www.rbc.com/careers
Chartered Accountants of Alberta
www.albertaCAs.ca
Recycling Council of Alberta
www.recycle.ab.ca
CIBC
www.cibc.com/careers
Rocky View County
www.rockyview.ca
CMA Alberta
www.cma-alberta.com
Rogers Retail
www.rogers.com
Crescent Point Energy Corp.
www.crescentpointenergy.com
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Deco Windshield Repair
www.decorepair.com
SAIT Polytechnic
www.sait.ca/health
Diversified Staffing Services Ltd.
www.diversifiedstaffing.com
Schlumberger
www.careers.slb.com
Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce
www.drumhellerchamber.com
Scouts Canada
chinook.scouts.ca
Edmonton Police Service
www.joineps.ca
SMART Technologies ULC - BRONZE
www.smarttech.com
Edwards Land Services Ltd
www.edwardsland.ca
Society for Treatment of Autism
www.sta-ab.com
Emco Corporation
www.emcocareers.com
Solium Capital
www.solium.com
Enterprise Holdings
www.enterprise.com/careers/canada
Staples
www.staplesville.ca
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
www.fairmont.com
Sun Life Financial
www.Sunlife.ca
Freedom 55 Financial
www.freedom55financial.com
Sunnyside Greenhouses Ltd.
www.sunnysidehomeandgarden.com
Friday Professional Group Inc.
www.friday.ab.ca
Supported Lifestyles Ltd.
www.supportedlifestyles.com
FT Services
www.ft-serv.com
TD Insurance
www.TDInsurance.com
General Dynamics Canada - SILVER
www.gdcanada.com
TEKsystems Canada
www.teksystemscareers.ca
General Electric Canada - BRONZE
www.ge.com/ca/en/
The City of Calgary
www.calgary.ca
GENIVAR
www.genivar.com
The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre and Recreation
www.nextsteps.org/yec
Glencoe Club (The) & Glencoe Golf & Country Club (The)
www.glencoe.org
Totem Building Supplies
www.totem.ca
Global TESOL College - BRONZE
www.globaltesol.com
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis
www.tourismcanmore.com
Go Bee Industries
www.gobeeinc.com
United Parcel Service
www.upsjobs.com
GoodLife Fitness
www.goodlifefitness.com
Vector Marketing
www.vectormarketing.com
Government of Alberta
www.jobs.alberta.ca
West Fraser Mills Ltd.
www.westfraser.com
HAZCO Environmental Services, a CCS Company
www.hazco.com
World Health
www.worldhealthclub.com
Xerox Canada Ltd.
www.findyourXfactor.com
YMCA Calgary
www.ymcacalgary.org
Heritage Park Historical Village
2010 Career & Job Expo
www.HeritagePark.ca
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ucalgary.ca/careers
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2010 Career & Job Expo
ucalgary.ca/careers
Health and Social 2010 Career & Job Expo Services Career Fair
Platinum Sponsor | Nexen
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Sponsors | 2010 Career & Job Expo
Silver Sponsors
Canada
Bronze Sponsors
2010 Career & Job Expo
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