Resume Mistakes That May Cause Your Job Search Canada to Fail

Your resume is the heartbeat of your job search. If done well, it will be able to sell you to employers, but if not, it can also be the reason for your failure. And no matter how advanced the technology at present is, resumes remain an integral aspect of the hiring process. Thus, you have to take your resume seriously to increase your chances of landing your desired job.

Take note that a less-than-amazing resume is likely to work against you. So, to prevent that from happening, keep in mind the following resume mistakes to make sure they won't get in the way of your job search success.

Grammatical Errors and Typos

When writing your resume, you can't be sloppy. In this day and age, making a number of grammatical errors and typos is just unacceptable. Beware of common errors, such as wrong use of words, misspelled words, and excessive use of punctuation. Take note that you shouldn't depend only on your computer's spell checker. You need to proofread your work so you can find the errors and edit them.

Incorrect Information

Naturally, putting incorrect information on your resume will get it tossed to the trash bin. Even if you reach the interview stage, it's still very likely that the wrong information on your resume will be revealed. For instance, an incorrect job title is easy to verify, or a wrong contact number can be called easily. Make sure you include only the right details in your resume.

Generic Resume

One of the most common mistakes made by job seekers is using a one-size-fits-all resume. You have to understand that no two jobs are the same, so your resumes shouldn't be the same either. Instead of using a generic resume for all your job applications, take time to tailor your resume to match the job description. You must have a clear understanding of what an employer is searching for before you create your resume.

Elaborate Style and Formatting

It's important that you format your resume to make it look professional, but you have to be careful not to do it excessively. Avoid using exaggerated fonts, graphs, and styles that will be a distraction for the reader. If you are to use bullets, see to it that they are the same shape and size in every section, and keep them aligned from page to page.

Too Many Words on a Page

When it comes to the right resume length, experts say it should be from 1 to 2 pages only. Avoid squeezing too much information on a single page so that it will be easier for the reader to read the content. In general, a good resume for a successful job search Canada should answer the requirements of the job and also include the most relevant employment history.

Proven Effective Ways for a Successful Job Search Canada

If you want to find your dream job in no time, you have to be creative and aggressive in your job search. You can't just sit there are wait for employers to find your profile or respond to your job application. You have to utilize new strategies in moving your career forward.


The following are the different methods you should try for a successful job search:

Networking

Career experts say that most job vacancies are not advertised, so if you want to discover these jobs, you have to find a way to get your feet on the door. One way to do this is by networking. Even if the person you know has no idea about any job opening, it's still possible that they know someone who does.

You can network both online and in person. There are various professional associations you can join, for example, and you can also go to events for graduates in your school. Online tools like LinkedIn are available also, which will help you connect with other professionals in your field who may refer you to possible job openings.

Referrals

Referrals will come from the people you know. This is a good job search method because through referrals, you may receive an invitation for an interview without you actually sending your application.

Career Websites and Job Boards

Job boards used to be actual boards where job vacancies are posted or announced. Today, there are numerous job boards online you can find easily. By visiting career websites and online job boards, you will come across numerous job offerings that you can apply to. The advantage of this method is the quick turnaround time. All you need is to prepare your CV and application letter so that you can immediately send your application.

Job Fairs

Typically, job fairs are targeted towards particular industries. The ads often come with a list of companies or organizations that will participate in the event. When you decide to go to a job fair, make sure you have with you a couple of resumes and be ready to be interviewed for a job on the spot.

Company Websites

If you have a specific company or organization that you want to work in, it's a good idea to regularly visit their website to check out their 'careers' section. It's very common for companies today to post their job openings on their own websites, so you have to make sure you know it when they do their posting.

Recruitment Agencies

There are plenty of recruitment agencies and headhunters that will be able to help with your job search Canada. All you need is to submit your resume and keep in touch with them so you can be updated of the possible employment opportunities for you.

Job Search Canada - How to Answer Questions about Your Salary Expectations

Job Search Canada

Being asked what your salary expectation are is one of the most challenging questions during a job interview. When you bid too high, you may be considered overly ambitious, and bidding too low may get you the job, but at a price that's not favorable to you. So now you wonder; what could be the best answer to this question?

Here are some suggestions on how you can answer this question about your expected salary:

Do not answer.

If you really don't want to give a specific number right away, there are several ways to go around the question. One method is saying that you want to know more about the position first before you decide what salary you will ask for it. The downside to this, however, is the fact that most employers want to know job applicants' salary expectations right away so they could consider whether to give them the job or not.

Let them know the range of your desired salary.

If you are to give them a range of your salary expectations, you need to learn more about the job title first. This way, you will have an idea about how much other professionals with this job actually receive from their respective employers.

When you start negotiating, don't forget to include worker benefits in your computation. Another thing to remember is to name a lower figure, which you will be comfortable with. That's because the hiring manager is very likely to offer you the lower amount.

If you have no other choice, then give one number.

If you really have to provide a specific amount of salary you wish to receive, go for the middle of your range, or perhaps a bit lower than that. Job search experts say that job candidates are better off offering something lower than the target rate of employers than over it.

Keep in mind that giving a rate does not necessarily mean that you are accepting a particular offer. In most organizations today, employees are still allowed to negotiate their salary upon receiving an offer.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding what your salary expectations are, it could be very tricky. It would actually be like hanging in the balance. You want to get the job, so you don't want to scare the employer away with a huge demand, but you still have to consider your personal needs when making this decision. Thus, it's important that you do your own research on what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to salary offers from employers. Also, if you want to be successful in your job search Canada right away, be ready to compromise as well.

Important Things You Must Convey in an Interview for Your Job Search Canada

There are many ways you can prepare for a job interview. In fact, there are a lot of tips you will find online that will teach you many tricks so you may have a successful job interview. But in the end, you are the only one who can answer the questions being thrown to you by the interviewees.

No matter what the questions are and whatever type of interview you get, what’s important is that you convey these important messages to the hiring manager or potential employer:

1. That you will have a positive impact even on your very first day.

It is important that you leave the hiring manager believing that you can make an impact in the workplace on your first day. To do this, focus on your relevant skills and experience, and make sure you connect them to the job you are applying for. This way, your interviewer won’t think that you need further training to be able to perform your job.

2. That you will easily get along and fit in with other workers.

It is important that you get along well with your coworkers, but more importantly, you need to fit in. Thus, it is important that you have a clear understanding of your role and what you should do in that role. During the interview, you’ve got to make sure the hiring manager sees that you perfectly understand the job and that you know what is expected of you.

3. That you are super enthusiastic about this job.

Passion and enthusiasm are two important traits that should never go lacking in any job candidate. It is important that you show your interviewers how passionate you are about the job or the company, and that you cannot wait to be part of their team.

Employers know that skills can be learned and acquired, but a positive attitude and enthusiasm at work will always be a rare trait that only the best employees have. Thus, this is what you want to show while you are being interviewed for the job.

4. That you are confident that you will be successful in the job.

Confidence is a very important trait that, unfortunately, not all of us have. When you know you have good things to contribute to a company, there is no reason for you not to be confident about getting a job and doing well in that job. You need to show everyone that you know yourself, especially in terms of what you can do to help the company succeed.

Let’s face it; everything here is easier said than done. And so, it is important that you be mentally prepared for your interview when you begin your job search Canada, so that you could leave the interviewer with a good and positive impression of you.

Resume Mistakes to Avoid When Doing a Job Search Canada

When applying for a job, you’ve got to do things almost perfectly to at least guarantee an opportunity for a job interview, and it all starts with a good resume. Your resume says everything about you – your background, your skills, your expertise, and even your personality. This is the primary basis of hiring managers when deciding who should and should not be called for an interview.

To make sure your resume does not make you look unprofessional, avoid these things:

1. Cute or random email accounts.

Signing up for an email account is free, so there is no reason why you should not have your own. And when creating your email account, avoid using cutesy, flirtatious, offensive or sexual email addresses. Ideally, your address should contain your complete name so that employers will have an easier time distinguishing your emails.

2. Misspellings and typos.

When you fail to proofread your resume, you are automatically setting yourself up for failure. Make sure you double check your resume for spellings, dates, and grammar. You should also not overlap time lines so that your story will not be confusing.

3. Sexy and very casual photos.

Resume experts actually recommend not attaching any image files or photos to a resume. Firstly, companies today are trying to stay away from prejudging applicants based on their looks, age or gender. Also, employers will always find a way in case they want to see how you look, so there is no need for you to attach any image of yourself in your resume.

4. Using the word ‘etc.’

According to resume experts, the use of the word ‘etc.’ on a resume signals laziness. For employers, this means that the job applicant is too lazy to simply list or write down whatever it is that should be on the list. Another thing to avoid is using the phrase ‘same as above’. Your resume is a reflection of who you are, so you should at least spend time and effort writing it.

5. Generic format.

If you are applying to different companies for similar positions, it can be tempting to use a generic resume so you can save time and effort. But you have to know that hiring managers are not inexperienced not to notice it. Generic resumes are often the first ones to go to trash, so if you want yours to go to the next level, make sure that you customize your resume to fit the position you are applying for.

Conclusion

Whether you are doing a job search Canada or just planning looking for a local job, your resume is an important tool that can either make or break your chances of getting the job you want. Therefore, you should take it seriously and be committed to writing a professional resume.

Key to a Successful Job Search Canada

Searching for a job is definitely not the easiest task you’ll ever have to overcome. In fact, it may take you years to finally get one that suits your qualifications and preferences. Whether it is a job in your own country you’re looking for, or perhaps a job search Canada that you would like to take on, it is vital that you treat the process like running your own business. This means that you need to have a plan and a set of strategies that will guide you throughout the process.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Identify what or who you’re trying to market.

Before you begin your job search, do a self-assessment to determine your skills, interest, values, experiences and goals. To be successful in looking for a job, you must recognize what makes you unique and attractive to potential employers.

2. Set the right target.

Your target here means the career you want to pursue. All your skills, values, experiences and interests should match whatever career choice you make. If, for instance, your goal is to work abroad, then all your efforts should be focused on getting employed overseas. Do your research on how foreign employers hire people.

3. Be proactive.

Opportunities come to people who are looking for them. Nothing will happen if you just keep on waiting for them. Making cold calls to prospective employers could be intimidating for many of us, but this is still one of the best job search strategies you can use.

4. Take advantage of your network.

Networking should never be missing in your job search strategy. You need to get the word out about your intention to find a good job. You should also ask them to inform you of any job opportunities they may come across in the future. You should also consider taking part in conventions or seminars conducted by professionals in your community. This will increase your chances of meeting people in the same industry you want to work in.

5. Keep track of your job search progress.

In order for you to be aware of your own progress, you should keep a record of everything that you’ve been doing in your job search. Take note of all the jobs you have applied for, the referrals you have received, and interviews you may have had. You can use this information to add to your network of contacts.

Job search takes a lot of hard work, and it could be frustrating as well. You should not get discouraged by the rejections you may receive along the way. With patience, proper planning and perseverance, you will eventually succeed in your job search Canada.