Many organizations now include a People & Culture interview as part of their hiring process. This stage not only helps the organization assess your cultural fit but also gives you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how well you might integrate with the team and the company culture. Here are some questions READ MORE--> ..read more

When selling a vehicle online, you have multiple options to consider. Various paid and free sites with a local, regional, or national focus. Recent discussions with two SUV sellers pinpointed the different mindset of buyers searching on paid sites versus free sites. Free sites, on average, have buyers who focus on price. Buyers often READ MORE--> ..read more

Staying calm and thinking strategically can improve your confidence if you are seeking a new job during uncertain economic conditions. As you launch or continue your job search, consider these ‘tips’: Seek assistance from a professional employment agency or recruitment firm that works within your specialty Keep an open mind to opportunities you may never have considered before. Research industries less likely to be affected by downsizing. Think “outside the box”. Therefore, prepare different resumes to highlight different skill sets so you can apply (and be qualified for) a wider option of j ..read more

The following are misguided “words of advice” (or myths) given to those entering the workforce from well-meaning individuals.  These misconceptions can impact the career choice(s) an individual makes. Myth #1 – Choosing a Career is Simple Within Canada, there are 30,000 positions listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).  It is not simple to determine what you should do for this period of your life.  It is important to learn about yourself (current skills, values, and personality) and weigh that against your current interests.  The latest “hot” job may not f ..read more

Whether you have a unique career path or have a common job title, some positions have formed unintentional and spontaneous stereotypes. For example, if you are in Marketing you MUST be tech-savvy and, ultimately, be able to fix any IT problem. (NOT) Do some of these stereotypes sound familiar? “HR is too strict and sensitive” If a company has more than 100 employees, they likely have someone with HR training. Unfortunately, those in HR have the unpopular job of enforcing corporate policy and, as a result, they get the bad rap because of it.  Most of us can relate to the HR rep that is to ..read more

Writing a resignation letter isn’t fun, especially if you have truly weighed the pros and cons about leaving. Regardless of the reasons behind the letter, there’s not that much to it. In its simplest form, you just date your letter of resignation, say when and from what position you are resigning, sign it, hand it over, and that’s it. Five minutes, and you’re done. Unless you plan to use your soon-to-be ex-employer as a reference (now or in the future), you don’t need to explain why you are resigning. For one thing, it’s really nobody’s business but your own. Avoid including: That you’ve foun ..read more

Excerpts from Rebecca Knight, Harvard Business Review Congratulations! You got a job offer. Now for the hard part: deciding whether to accept it or not. How should you assess the salary as well as the other perks? Which publicly available information should you rely on? How should you try to get a better deal? And what’s the best way to decline an offer if it’s not the right job for you? What the Experts Say When an employer extends a job offer to you, he has, in essence, “fallen in love with you,” says John Lees, the UK-based career strategist and author of The Success Code. “He has psycholo ..read more

For many, changing employers after an extended tenure can instil fear and/or dread.  Throughout 2020, many agricultural professionals were forced to re-evaluate their career options – some due to a “forced” job search.  Thus, writing skills were put to a challenge revising (or composing) a resume. If you have had the same employer for years, you may find it challenging to document your experience. How can you do it in a manner that would get you noticed?  For some, you feel your resume would fit on a Post-It note (The Office, Season 9 Episode 16). Here are tips to consider when ..read more

Experts state to create a story within a job ad. Online job boards and social media have made it simpler to apply with one click for every position advertised, but should you? Statistics indicate that men will apply if they fit 60% of the qualifications while women are more discerning at 90%. As such, some organizations fill their funnel with applicants that apply quickly to what they see online. This causes organizations to rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to weed applicants out. They are forced to automate the process by excluding those without specific keywords or post-secondary educat ..read more

Are you an older job-seeker who is currently looking for work? If so, you have likely faced your share of roadblocks and unfortunate stereotypes based upon your age alone. Yet, despite the discouraging experiences you may have encountered, a post-midlife job search can bring undeniable rewards: renewed energy and vigour, a sense of purpose and a fresh start. That is … if you take the time to review your needs and wants, consider your options and follow your inner guidance to a fulfilling new job. The years past midlife deepens us in many regards. We seek to enrich our lives, spend our time wi ..read more