Recruitment Agencies Tell All: How to Get Through the Job Interview

Job interviews can be stressful experiences. Candidates often become flustered or nervous while answering fairly basic questions involving job history or personal values. While this is a normal reaction (employrs expect a small amount of nervousness) it can make or break your chances of being hired. Employers want to see three things from a prospective employee: confidence, intelligence, and initiative. Recruitment agencies report that the best way to embody all of these traits as a job candidate is to come prepared.

Tip 1: Re-read the job description. Even though you skimmed the description when you were “tweaking” your resume, that doesn’t mean you have actually retained any information about the position. There is always a chance that you may have missed some fine print. Familiarize yourself with all of the qualifications that the company is looking for or expecting and then mentally match it to past job experiences on your resume.

Tip 2: Research the company that you are applying to. Basic knowledge just won’t do in this situation. Surf the organization’s website and become familiar with its values, mission, objectives, products (or services). This is the perfect time to make a list of questions about the position and the company if you are unclear about anything you research. Employers are often very impressed when candidates ask questions about the company as it shows that you have taken an interest on your own time and have educated yourself about the position you’re applying for.

Tip 3: Practice your interview…with yourself. As hokey as it seems, talking into a mirror and evaluating your possible answers and body language are a valuable preparation tool. Think about how you will answer difficult questions (why you are leaving / have left your current or previous job, etc. ) This is different from memorizing; don’t try and prepare to the point of retaining exact answers to specific questions as this can cause even more confusion and stiffness during the interview itself.

Tip 4: Clean Yourself Up! It’s really not uncommon for people to come to interviews unshaven, unkempt and just plain unsightly. Pick out a professional looking outfit the night before. Shower, shave, and wash before you meet with the interviewer – first impressions are the only ones you are privy to at this point.

Tip 5: Organize your paperwork. Getting ready for the interview means having photocopied reference letters, phone numbers and work samples to present if asked.

Tip 6: Arrive early. Showing up 15 minutes early is ideal. It will not only show your prospective employer that you are punctual, but will also give you a chance to sit, relax and mentally prepare.

Tip 7: Relax and be yourself. Don’t put on airs during the interview and certainly don’t lie or embellish. Speak directly and confidently to the person asking you questions and try not to ramble. Humour never hurts but jokes are not appropriate for interviews. Also, make eye contact and don’t interrupt!

Regardless of the outcome, try and follow up with the interviewer. Even if you don’t get hired, he or she may have valuable information that will help you in future interviews.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching the job market and recruitment agency tips.

Summer Safety: Tips to Keep Your Little One Safe and Happy!

When the sun comes out, kids (and parents) sigh with relief. It’s time for fun in the sun and the kids are ready to celebrate the awesomeness of fun, summer activities. Unfortunately almost half of children’s injury deaths happen between May and August. So before your kids toddle off into the sunset, be sure to be well-versed in these Summer Safety Tips.

Protect their melons! When your child heads outside, be sure to pop a cap on his or her head to combat the effects of direct sun. Direct sun contact on a child’s head for a prolonged period can result in sunburn and heat or sunstroke; two ailments that at the very least are simply no fun. And don’t forget the shades – kids need eye protection, just like adults. Sunglasses are available for babies as small as 3 months old, so there’s no excuse not to have some. Besides, nothing’s cuter than a baby in sunglasses…

Slather on the sunscreen… Again and again! To protect your kid’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays, choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Choose a waterproof children’s sunscreen and apply it all over the face and body, being careful not to get any in the eyes. (Clothing moves around when children move around!) Remember that sunscreen only starts working about 30 minutes after it is applied – and needs to be reapplied after a jaunt in the pool (even if it is waterproof.)

Repel the bugs. Insect repellant is a must in the warm summer months. Some insects can cause disease (mosquitos, ticks) while some are just plain annoying! Try to find a natural repellant that utilizes citronella, lemon or eucalyptus to repel these tiny intruders instead of those that contain chemical DEET. If you do have to use a repellant with DEET, spray it sparingly as high levels can cause sickness in children. Apply bug spray as soon as you step outside – spray under and over clothing and hats, being sure to avoid your child’s eyes.

Stay Hydrated. Most parent’s don’t realize that kids need to rehydrate about every 20 minutes or so , especially if they are expending energy in the sun. Avoid sugary drinks and choose good old H2O. Carrying around a reusable, BPA free bottle is the best way to go, so it can be refilled wherever there is a faucet nearby.

Find comfy shoes. It’s so much easier to let them go barefoot, but the fact is, it’s also dirty and a little dangerous. Besides the obvious roundworm (caused by cat waste) infestation, stings and bites that can happen if children put their tootsies in the wrong spot, parks, sandpits and sidewalks can be an obstacle course for their feet when not covered. Small pieces of glass, rusty metal and sharp rocks can all be lurking in the tall grass or cool sand of their favourite parks. Try to find comfortable, breathable, closed-toed shoes with gripping, flexible soles.

Stay in the Shade. We all like to see a little tan on a kid – it makes them look healthy. But letting children run around in extreme heat can be bad for their health. Heatstroke can cause severe illness in children (and adults) and sometimes death. Hats and long sleeves won’t help them if they’re simply out too long. On hotter days, have kids play in the shade or in an air conditioned or cool part of the house.

Have a safety lesson. The best way to protect children from harm is to teach them to be safe and follow some basic safety rules:

• Teach them about pool / water safety. Never leave children unsupervised around water and outfit smaller kids with lifejackets.
• Don’t let young kids cross the street on by themselves.
• Teach the importance of bike helmets and cycling safety rules. Kids under the age of 10 should not be allowed to ride in the street.
• Have a repeat “stranger danger” chat. Summer means outdoor activities and lots of trips to well-populated areas. Try to reinforce the standard rules.

Have fun and stay safe this summer with some preparation and good safety tips for kids.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is a wife, mother of two and self-proclaimed expert on Canadian Baby Stores.

Recruitment Agencies Tell All: How to Get Through the Job Interview

Job interviews can be stressful experiences. Candidates often become flustered or nervous while answering fairly basic questions involving job history or personal values. While this is a normal reaction (employrs expect a small amount of nervousness) it can make or break your chances of being hired. Employers want to see three things from a prospective employee: confidence, intelligence, and initiative. Recruitment agencies report that the best way to embody all of these traits as a job candidate is to come prepared.

Tip 1: Re-read the job description. Even though you skimmed the description when you were “tweaking” your resume, that doesn’t mean you have actually retained any information about the position. There is always a chance that you may have missed some fine print. Familiarize yourself with all of the qualifications that the company is looking for or expecting and then mentally match it to past job experiences on your resume.

Tip 2: Research the company that you are applying to. Basic knowledge just won’t do in this situation. Surf the oragnization’s website and become familiar with it’s values, mission, objectives, products (or services). This is the perfect time to make a list of questions about the position and the company if you are unclear about anything you research. Employers are often very impressed when candidates  ask questions about the company as it shows that you have taken an interest on your own time and have educated yourself about the position you’re applying for.

Tip 3: Practice your interview…with yourself. As hokey as it seems, talking into a mirror and evaluating your possible answers and body language are a valuable preparation tool. Think about how you will answer difficult questions (why you are leaving / have left your current or previous job, etc. ) This is different from memorizing; don’t try and prepare to the point of retaining exact answers to specific questions as this can cause even more confusion and stiffness during the interview itself.

Tip 4: Clean Yourself Up! It’s really not uncommon for people to come to interviews unshaven, unkempt and just plain unsightly. Pick out a professional looking outfit the night before. Shower, shave, and wash before you meet with the interviewer – first impressions are the only ones you are privy to at this point.

Tip 5: Organize your paperwork. Getting ready for the interview means having photocopied reference letters, phone numbers and work samples to present if asked.

Tip 6: Arrive early. Showing up 15 minutes early is ideal. It will not only show your prospective employer that you are punctual, but will also give you a chance to sit, relax and mentally prepare.

Tip 7: Relax and be yourself. Don’t put on airs during the interview and certainly don’t lie or embellish. Speak directly and confidently to the person asking you questions and try not to ramble. Humour never hurts but jokes are not appropriate for interviews. Also, make eye contact and don’t interrupt!

Regardless of the outcome, try and follow up with the interviewer. Even if you don’t get hired, he or she may have valuable information that will help you in future interviews.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching the job market and recruitment agency tips.

Call the Job Recruitment Agency! Canada’s 5 Hottest Careers

Are you scratching your head wondering what to do with your life? Are you looking for a career that not only challenges you but also helps you get the salary you have been dreaming of? A lot of people enter college or university without researching the salaries, number of jobs available or training required for their desired career. You definitely have to have an interest in the field you’re studying in, but if the jobs aren’t available and the money just isn’t there, you may be flat broke and beginning a career search that seems like it will never end! What about taking a look at the careers that offer decent salaries, interesting opportunities and a ton of job openings? Take a look at the hottest jobs flooding the local recruitment agency and then choose your new career.

Hottest Jobs in Canada:

Pharmacist / Pharmacy Tech

Because of the aging baby boomer population and the growing need for enhanced healthcare and medical treatments, the pharmacy field is booming. Pharmacists measure and dispense medication, so attention to detail is key, as well as an interest and passion for chemistry and science. Pharmacists need an average of 6-9 years of schooling at a University and have to obtain a degree. Pharmacy Techs, on the other hand have slightly less schooling (about 2-4 years depending on your location) and lower tuition fees as a result. Pharmacy jobs are available at community drugstores, hospitals, government; many pharmacists are self-employed, choosing to own their own dispensaries. Pharmacists usually earn around $80,000 per year while Pharmacy Techs take home about $30K.  

Computers, Telecommunications and Internet

Computers, computers, computers! It’s all about computers. There are literally dozens and dozens of different fields within these industries that are filling up job boards across the nation. Three are so many types of positions to choose from, anyone could satisfy their tech itch. From I.T., Digital Communications, Web Developers, Analysts, Programmers… the list never ends. Computers, telecommunications and internet are so prevalent in our lives that the demand for people to fill job openings in these fields is huge. The college time is minimal – on average 2 years in a diploma program – as is the tuition. The average salaries for these jobs can range anywhere from $35,000 - $65,000 per year depending on your employer and job duties.

Finance

If you love money, this industry is for you! Job openings in this field include: Financial Managers, Accountants, Bank Managers, etc. Whether you like to count money, manage money or save money, after 2-4 years of education, you very well may be rolling in it. Salaries in this are range anywhere from $24K (bank teller – no post-secondary required) to well upwards of $100,000 per year for Financial and Bank Managers. If you want to climb, this is also a great industry for writing your own pay-cheque as long as you are prepared to continually upgrade your training and education.

Dentistry

Dentists and Dental Hygienists are in high demand due in part to an aging population and also to the heightened interest in cosmetic dentistry. If you’re a keener, 8 years and over a hundred thousand dollars in tuition will give you the title of “Dentist”. If you’re looking for a faster route, Hygienist diploma programs generally take two years of your life, and then you’re free and clear to start earning your $50K - $80K per year. (As opposed to the $80K - $120K that your superiors will be pulling in.) Dentists and Hygienists need a passion for teeth and people. 

Skilled Trades

If you’re not that into sitting lab coats or teeth, this may be the career choice for you! Pulling in anywhere from $30,000 - $100,000 per year the Skilled Trades industry is in search of some dedicated people to help meet the high demand for Construction, Service, Automotive and Industrial Trades people. After attending a skilled trades school or college (usually for 2 years) the job possibilities are endless. Broaden your view of the trades world and think Chef, Early Childhood Development, Lab Tech, etc.

Before you pick out your career take a good look at the list above – the more job openings there are in a field, the better you chance you have of determining your own career path and your pay cheque. Take the recruitment agency by storm and take control of the hot job in your future!

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching the job market in Canada and job recruitment agencies.

How Can Power Consultants Help Your Business?

Business owners are under constant stress managing operational costs, employees and their products or services. Many businesses are operating at a loss simply because of overhead : rent and utility costs have skyrocketed in the past decade and everyone is feeling the crunch.  Companies are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to cut corners without handing out more pink slips. Enter Power Consultants. Power consultants have one thing on their minds: utility management. It is their job to figure out how companies can save money every year and put that cash back into the pockets of the people who have earned it.

Energy Consulting is a growing field that has really taken off in the new millennium. With the energy deregulation leaving many people confused and paying almost twice what they once were, companies have been forced to cut corners in other departments, including employee retention.

Utility Management is extremely useful for large and midsize consumers for three main reasons: it allows businesses to actually keep track of their billing; it saves the consumer money; and it reduces a business’ impact on the environment.

  

Tracking Utility Bills: Part of what an Energy Consultant can do for you is to organize and track your bills. With specialized utility management software they can give Business Administration an easy way to sort utility bills while at the same time making them accessible to more than one location at once. This is extremely useful for Companies with more than one location that have trouble keeping track of expenses from other divisions, locations, etc. 

Put the Cash back in “Cash Flow”: Business owners often get into the habit of simply paying the bills every month without actually reviewing the statements. They often end up paying much more than they should simply because they don’t have the time to catch mistakes, or spot money saving opportunities. A company’s Power Consultant can audit previous statements and spot these anomalies for them, thus putting the cash back into the company. The can also negotiate contract with utility providers, getting the best rate for a company’s specific needs.

Reducing Environmental Strain: Utility Management Companies often have many innovative strategies to reduce large to mid-sized companies’ impact on the environment. With tools like submetering (tracking smaller units’ energy consumption and paying per unit), regulations and emissions monitoring, a consultant can set a company goal and make it accountable and achievable.

Energy consultants are almost a necessity for larger companies that may be losing control of their overhead and trying to figure out the best ways to save cash, the environment and their valued employees.

Lilly Gordon is a freelance writer and web publisher. She is currently researching the environment and Power Consultants in Canada.