Thursday, December 26, 2013

The Benefits of Career Pathways

We live in a big world full of endless possibilities where there is always something for everyone.  Just like a career pathway, it brings together a world of career possibilities into one place. It has helped everyone decide on what they really want to do and learn the most convenient and effective way to do it.

Career Pathways are a group of career specialties that share the same skills and knowledge therefore giving individuals wider career options. It is a series of study and training programs that prepares a person for a job in an “in demand” industry. It focuses on the transition of a student from college to a secure job after graduation.

Nowadays, most students choose career pathway programs because it is easier, faster and more convenient for everyone. Here is a list of the great benefits you can take advantage of from a career pathway education:

1. Preparation for your future- every education we receive prepares us for our future however the only difference with career pathway is that after graduation, you know where you are headed and you are fully-equipped with the right knowledge and skills for the career you have chosen. You don’t need to decide what to do after you graduate; you have a secure job in the workforce industry.

2. Time efficient – knowing exactly what to do, your teachers and school counselors will be able to direct you the classes you need to take that they think could help you have a successful future.

3. You can keep up with the world – as a student you are provided with the necessary learning skills to keep up with the technology and the demands of time. You grow together with the world.

4. Linked to the demands of employers –the courses being offered in the pathway are determined and based on the current and ongoing workforce industry. The employers then demand an analysis of the labor market to research on the skill requirements for different jobs within a particular in demand industry, making it easier for them to spot the right candidate and for the applicants to apply for the right job.

5. Job security – in a regular college or university, students take different classes which could still give an unclear idea on which courses are needed for a particular job or skill. In a career pathway program, you have a clear understanding of what you are expected to do after you finish the course and you are only given the units that are necessary for that particular skill or occupation.

It is not a wonder anymore why more and more students choose to take up career pathway programs and that is because they want to be successful and secure about their future. Time is precious and therefore everyone should start planning their careers as early as now .

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Common Challenges In Reentering The Workforce


When you have taken a break from employment for a substantial length of time, it may not be always easy to get back to work. For some reason or another, you will encounter difficulties. These difficulties become more profound the longer you have been away from your job. Whether you reenter the workforce as a part of the previous job set you have worked for, or are entering a different trade or industry, there will be challenges along the way. Among these challenges are the following:


Skill Set
The world is in an ever changing loop and changes are constant, most especially in the field of technology. Unnoticeably, systems are upgraded almost everyday and by the time you've missed an orientation or two, you are significantly behind the latest version. So it follows that if you have been out of the loop in a year or two, your skill set is most probably outdated. Although there's still the option of undergoing retraining and upgrading courses, you need to take into consideration whether the company is willing to wait until your knowledge and skills are current or if they are willing to shoulder the expenses for such training. To hope for this concession, you will have to possess enough qualifications that will deem you indispensible or, at the very least, valuable to the company.

Justification of Time Lapsed
Depending on the length of time you have stopped working, the chances of your employability could either be good or bad. Obviously if you have gone for only a couple of months or a year at the most, you might still find it easy to get back on your feet in terms of being employed. However, being away for years, like women who took a maternity leave and decided to be a stay at home mom and raise the brood, it might take a little more than your CV to get employers to have a second look at your application. Tell the truth about why you went off the radar and highlight what you have accomplished in that period. Most of the time, your honesty will pay off.

Age
Advancement in age is definitely a challenge because of several factors. Not to discriminate against older applicants, but realistically speaking, unless they have the experience and qualifications to back them up, they might find it hard to get back to work. Some view older employees highly for their expertise, while some as liabilities for their gradually failing health. 

Preparedness
Having been away for a long time, you might find yourself in a very comfortable routine that you are used to. Breaking the habit will be a challenge when you decide to get back to work. Not only do you need to prepare your CV and cover letter, but you also need to condition your mind when you start to work again. You need to determine whether you are able to work full time or part time. Adjustments will be necessary as you may have taken up more responsibilities of the years that you did not used to have in your earlier employment. Your domestic duties for a start will need to be addressed as it directly affects your productivity at work. You need to come into terms with who will prepare the kids for school, who makes their lunches, who picks them up, or you might end up leaving work to frantically see to these things. Prepare yourself for your job, not just mentally but also physically.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

The Challenges of Changing Jobs

A lot of people are lucky enough to have regular jobs. Such is the saturation of the labor market that everyone with almost the same qualifications is in a tight competition.Having an edge over the rest of the working class is definitely an advantage that will work on your favor when the time comes for you to decide to change careers.

It does not necessarily mean that you would have to go to school again. There are several ways wherein you can vamp up your résumé without having to go back to school. This includes attending seminars that are meant to enhance your skills. Training sessions are also valuable activities that could get you the abilities you need to move from field work to administrative work and vice versa.

Changing jobs is a decision that you have to thoroughly think through. It is not something you can decide overnight and do the next day. It takes a lot of planning and most of the time, you need to apply for it.
There are some hurdles you might have to overcome before you can successfully change jobs. These include the location, the pay, and the adjustment period, among many others.

Location
When you decide to shift careers, there are times that the new one will take you to a different place. You now have to decide whether the move is good for you and your family or if it will be more of a hassle than the positive adventure you are expecting it to be. Remember that you should include your family's situation and welfare in all your life decision. Your children's education and your partner's job are only a few of the most important things you have to consider.

Pay
If you find a new job, unless it is a position higher than your previous one, you might be looking at a paycheck that is not as attractive as your past ones. This usually happens to people whose new job is with a different industry or trade whereby they have to start from the bottom and work their way up. If you are willing to take the risk and have the patience to wait until you finally achieve your goals, then go for it. People who usually disregard the figures of their paycheck are the ones who find passion in the new kind if work they have decided to take up.

Adjustment period
There will always be a time when people who have shifted will wonder why they have ever dared to do the change. Worry not, for this is only temporary. People tend to give up easily when things get difficult. It is merely the change of environment that you need to get used to.

As long as you feel comfortable and contented with your current job, then there is no need to see why the grass is greener on the other side. However, if you do feel burned out, unhappy, and dissatisfied with your current job, then perhaps it's about time you went on a job search.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

How To Get A Promotion In Your Work In Canada

As an immigrant worker, you know very well how difficult it is to make the necessary adjustments in a new country. First of all, you need to deal with the fact that you are far from your loved ones. The support system that you were so used to back home is no longer available whenever you want them. Aside from that, you had to familiarize yourself with the culture that is being practiced, both in and out of the office. Give or take, it took you at least a year to go through the necessary process that will help you feel well- adjusted in a foreign land. Once you have made yourself comfortable, you will no longer have to worry as much when it comes to how you perform in the office. However, as time moves on, you will realize that you tend to get hungrier when it comes to your job. Because you are now comfortable with your work in Canada, it won't come as a surprise if you would want to get promoted to a better position that can give you a challenge.

It could be that you feel that you have stagnated in your current position, which is why you want something else that can give you a challenge. Either way, it can be difficult to obtain a promotion, especially when you have other competition to think about. Thankfully, it is not at all an impossible task to accomplish. If you want career advancement, you can make this happen. Just see to it that you keep a few things in mind.

One of the best things you can do in the office is to always do your best. Don't just settle with giving everything your 100%. More often than not, your boss would be keeping his eye out for candidates who always give more than a 100%. Aside from that, you might also want to sign yourself up for tasks that are not usually asked of you. Other than the fact that you are willing to show some initiative, you are also making it possible for you to learn new things and gain experience that you can use in the future.

It won't also hurt your chances if you try to find out what things interests your boss. Whenever he brings something up that piques at his interests, you will be able to join the conversation with him. This will also be memorable for him, which is why he is more likely to take note of you each time an opportunity for a promotion comes up.

Sometimes, it can be very difficult to get ahead of the pack in your current office. When this occurs, you might want to consider a different job that can give you more chances to shine. A bit of research and patience is all you will need to find what suits you the most.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Work In Canada Comes With Several Benefits Aside From Monetary Gain

Things were a lot simpler in the past. Most men and women were contented with working in their own areas. However, this is no longer the case in the 21st century. Times have changed drastically, and so have the needs of a lot of people. Nowadays, it is no longer enough for most men and women to work within their country, because of the economic situation. The jobs that used to be enough to pay the bills and still have enough left for some of their expenses is no longer sufficient, because of the increasing cost of most goods and services. With that said, it comes to no surprise why most people are entertaining the thought of finding work in Canada, or in other countries for that matter. Those especially who live in third world countries often have no choice, but to make sacrifices for their family, in order for them to live comfortably. They decide to leave them and work as an immigrant, because they are more likely to find better opportunities overseas.

Thankfully, working in a foreign land does not need to be a permanent thing. Once you have spent a considerable amount of time being employed abroad, you will be able to come back home and get a better job in your own home land. Most men and women think that the only opportunity that they will be able to gain from being employed abroad is a high salary and other benefits. Whether you are aware of it or not, this is not the case. Getting employment in a foreign land is a privilege, and you are also able to gain other benefits, such as:

  • Learning to live on your own and gaining independence
  • Provide a better education for your children
  • Learn new skills and hone the ones you already possess
  • Immerse yourself in a different culture
  • Build a better network
  • Learning how to be resourceful
  • Study and become better at a different language
  • Have enough finances to take back home and start your own business
  • Gain experiences you would not normally obtain in your home land

Aside from the abovementioned, there are countless opportunities and benefits that come with gaining employment as an immigrant. Although foreign employers prefer to hire the younger generation, they still leave their doors open for more experienced individuals. If you are no longer categorized as the younger generation, you still have an edge over them, in terms of work experience and knowledge, which is why you should not lose hope even if you might be older. However, before you pursue this endeavour, see to it that you meet the requirements and secure the needed documents ahead of time, so that the whole process will be easy for you.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

The New Canadian Who Is Seeking For A Job Should Take These Into Consideration

After spending a lot of your time and energy securing and meeting the requirements set by the Canadian embassy, you finally get your visa, and are able to legally live and work there as a new Canadian. However, getting there is only half of the job. Most of the work comes when you are out and about looking for a career. Keep in mind that it won't be the same when compared to looking for work in your own home town. There will be things you need to take into consideration. First of all, you should expect it to be more difficult, because you are the foreigner. Aside from the fact that you will have competition in the form of other immigrants, you also have the local citizens to worry about. One of the most effective ways for you to get a head start is by spending enough time when you are working on your resume. Keep in mind that you need to tailor your application in accordance to the job's specifications. You cannot expect to get hired, if you submit the same copy. Once you have kept this in mind, and have put it into practice, you are bound to get that call for the initial interview in no time.

Most men and women think that the initial interview will be a piece of cake. However, this won't be the case, because this is where employers will be able to decide if they want to give you a chance or not. With that said, you need to see to it that you prepare yourself for what could probably transpire in this all important meeting with your potential employer.

Remember, you will not be the only candidate who will be invited for the interview. When you reach the meeting place, you are bound to find others who are as anxious as you are. Before you let the competition and nervousness get to you, you might want to keep a few things in mind.

One of the important things you need to do is to prepare and make a plan. You need to be prepared to answer the questions that will be asked of you during the interview. You can accomplish this by asking a close friend or relative to act as the interview, and throw you some questions. Doing so will at least give you an idea with regard to what could happen. The preparation you will do is very important because it will help you get rid of the pre- interview jitters. You should also ensure that you arrive before the designated time. Arriving early will allow you to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, and have enough time to fix yourself and prepare for the meeting.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Job Change For The Nervous Employee

In this day and age, it no longer comes as a surprise when you hear your friends or relatives who complain about their jobs. There are a lot of men and women who are not satisfied with their jobs, and this has been considered a norm recently. Because of the increase in number of men and women who become dissatisfied with their careers, it comes to no surprise to find most of them are seriously considering a job change. In case you find yourself in their shoes, you need to keep in mind that this is not an easy and fast process, and that there are a lot of considerations that need to be made.

Whether you are aware of it or not, a lot of people are really scared about the whole process of switching careers. One if the things they are afraid of is the fact that they might not be able to meet the needs of their next choice of employment, or that they won't be enough to fill in the shoes that have been left available for you to fill in. You will usually feel this, especially if you have spent a great deal of your time working for one company. You were able to build a name for yourself throughout the duration of this time, and you will be wondering if you are ready to do it, or if you will be enough to accomplish this in your next choice of employment. However, you have no choice but to brave the music and go on with the process.

Although it will push you to move out of your comfort zone, you need to keep your eyes on the prize, and remember that it will only turn you into a better professional. You should take into account that no two snowflakes are alike, and this can be applied to the industry. No two companies are alike, and you are bound to come across some culture shock when you enter a different office. Instead of letting this get to you, you should take some time to observe how things are done, and how people go about their jobs. Doing so will enable you to blend in in the least amount of time.

On top of that, you might want to come up with a list of risks that you are going to make. Doing so will allow you to have a clearer picture of what was, and what will be. This will give you the opportunity to assess if you will make the right choice or not. With that said, you ought to remember these the next time you are considering a different choice in career.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Work In Canada And Don’t Lose Motivation

We are all well- aware of the important role that motivation plays in the workplace. This is one of the key players that can highly influence a company’s productivity. When you choose to work in Canada, it can be very fun and exciting, especially in the first couple of months. However, when you start feeling homesick, depression often kicks in. It becomes difficult to deal with, because your close friends and loved ones are not near you. With that said, lack of motivation in the office is quite expected. When you don't feel motivated, you don't want to get out of bed. If ever you are able to get yourself out of bed, you still dread going to the office. Unmotivated employees usually do not have the energy to be as productive as they used to be. It is difficult for them to come up with ideas that can be contributed into the company. On top of that, their relationships with their co- workers can also feel the strain.

With that said, lack of motivation in the workplace can lead to a lot of negative effects. Aside from the fact that the company will suffer from it, so will their workers. However, it is always up to the person involved on how he or she will handle the situation. If you really want to succeed as an immigrant worker, you know better than to succumb to depression at work. With that in mind, you need to see to it that you keep yourself motivated in the office.

Whether it's the simplest act of going out for dinner or coffee with your close friends and relatives, or the most extravagant act of splurging on yourself after you have accomplished something significant in the office; these motivators will push you to do better every day. When you work on a daily basis, it can be very easy to get fed up, especially when you need to do the same tasks all over again. This is only a normal part of being a professional. You can always round up your friends, and invite them for dinner or on a night out about town. You can use the time to vent out your frustrations, and relax right after. By the time you go back to work, you will have a renewed sense of motivation.

You can also use the job promotion that just opened up as a motivator. Let this push you to do better in everything you do. The reward that you will eventually gain will be much sweeter, because you know that you worked hard for it. So, the next time you feel down, you should keep these in mind. Before you know it, you will be in top shape again.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Work In Canada And Obtain A Promotion Quickly

As we all know, a lot of men and women are migrating and looking for work in Canada. We all know that there are a lot of opportunities there; sometimes, we can find a job there that is beyond our expectations when it comes to the salary and benefits. However, we also need to see to it that we have the skills, talents, and experience that will give us an edge from the rest of the applicants. Keep in mind that there are a lot of other men and women who will be applying for the same position, which is why you should see to it that you do your best to stand out from the group. One of the best ways for you to increase your chances is by making the best resume. Keep in mind that this is your ticket into securing the coveted initial interview, which is why you need to research on the company you are applying for, and the format they prefer when it comes to resumes. Doing so will definitely increase your chances.

Once you have secured the job, you would definitely want to see to it that you are able to keep it. Other than that, you should ensure that advancement is on your list. Aside from the fact that you want to keep your job, you would also want to get a promotion, particularly if you have been good at what you have been doing for a considerable amount of time. With that said, you should try volunteering your services for projects that are not even a part of your job's description. Aside from the fact that you will be able to help your company to move forward, you are also making it possible for yourself to learn new and valuable skills that will come in useful in the future. Your boss or employer will be able to take note of your skills, and will think of you the next time an opening for a higher position comes up. With that said, see to it that you take more initiative, because this will eventually reward you.

In addition to that, you should ensure that you take time to help your boss accomplish the goals he has set for the company. Doing so will help your employer obtain the recognition he deserves. Do what you can, in order to help him or her. Don't think that you come off as a suck-up when you are assisting your employer, because if you take a look at the bigger picture, you are actually helping the company gain recognition, therefore acquiring more clients at the same time. When you are able to turn all of these into practice, that promotion will be within your sights before you know it.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

How New Canadians Can Give Themselves An Edge In The Employment Scene

Although there are a lot of new Canadian immigrants who want to find work in Canada, it can be quite challenging. With the increasing amount of immigrants each year, the chances of landing a job get slimmer because of the increase in competition. However, it is not an impossible feat, especially when you do your research ahead of time, and take some things into consideration. A lot of men and women were unsuccessful with regard to landing a job there, because they failed to do their research in advance.

Keep in mind that it is not that easy to find work there, despite the fact that there are a lot of men and women who choose to migrate and work there legally. You need to give yourself a lot of time, in order to prepare for the upcoming journey that you will take. It can take an emotional, physical, and mental toll on anyone, which is why you need to be prepared for it. Before you decide to explore the various opportunities there, you need to find out their culture and practices. Doing so is a wise idea, because it will help you find out what behaviours are deemed polite and not. Doing so will also help you develop a job hunting strategy that will help you become employed in a matter of time.

Because we are living in modern times, a lot of men and women have taken to their computers and internet. Aside from using technology to find work, they also utilize them to increase their chances of getting hired. This is now possible with the use of personal websites. They use their websites in order to market themselves, their skills, talents, capabilities, and so on. You can include your site whenever you submit an online application form. Doing so will allow a potential employer to take a look at it, and find out more about you, your strengths, and weaknesses.

Whether you are aware of it or not, providing your services for free can help you go a long way. Nowadays, more people are volunteering their services for free. This is so, because they are able to build up their network during these events. It is a wise idea to volunteer your services for causes and charity work. There will be a lot of commendable companies and employers during these events. Before you know it, you would have met your employer. Doing so also increases your chances, because people are able to see what you are capable of doing, even if you do not get paid for it. Keeping these in mind, along with doing your research will help you immensely, because you will be able to give yourself an edge over the rest, and get employed in the process.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Immigrants To Canada – How Researching Can Help Make Things Easier For You

Nowadays, there are a lot of men and women who choose to become immigrants to Canada. This has become rampant over the recent years, because our world has become more global. Wherever we look, companies have employees who came from different countries, and who also observe various cultural practices. Because of the increase in foreigners in the workplace, it has already been considered the norm. With that said, it has become easier to find employment overseas, if you choose to do so. However, you need to keep in mind to do your research first, so that you will know what documents and requirements that needs to be secured and met. If you are able to do your research, you can make the whole application process easier for you. Although there are a lot of employment opportunities abroad, you need to keep in mind that there are other people who are also aiming for the same opportunities as you are. With that said, it is imperative that you do your research and find out as much as you can, because doing so will only be for your benefit.

It also pays to do your research, because it will help you familiarize yourself with regard to Canada's culture and various practices. On top of that, you can determine Canada's economic situation, and assess if the industry you are going to get yourself into will be ideal or not.

Keep in mind that moving to a foreign land can be a lot of stress to any individual, which is why you need to prepare yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally for it. You are going to leave your close friends and loved ones behind, which is why it can be quite difficult to leave. On top of that, it won't be that easy for your body to adjust to a different time zone, which is why you need to be well- rested for your trip. Since you are going to be the foreigner in town, it can be challenging for the first few days to make the necessary adjustments. You need to find out as much as you can with regard to the office's culture there, so that you can help make the whole adjustment process easier for you. Doing so will also help relieve you of a lot of stress.

If you were to ask those with experience, they will recommend you to also find out as much as you can with regard to the job you have gotten yourself into, and learn the language being used there. Doing so will help make things easier for you. Before you know it, you have become an expert and it will feel as if you have been in Canada for a long time already.

Monday, September 23, 2013

What You Should Learn And Develop When You Intend To Work In Canada

In these modern times, it is already considered the norm when people want to move and work in Canada. Although it can be a difficult process to migrate there, it does not necessarily mean that it is impossible. Most men and women choose to move to this great nation because they are able to benefit from the government's great medical and educational system. In addition to that, they are able to find better opportunities there. However, if you want to increase your chances of getting hired, you need to have a set of skills. These will be necessary, because these are some of the skills Canadian employers look for in their potential employees. Keep in mind that most of us are born with certain skills and talents. However, you should not be contented with what you were given with, because you can always try to learn other talents.

When you are done with school, you would have learned a lot of things. Aside from the lessons and courses imparted to you by your instructors, you would have also benefited from the training, seminars, internships, and the like. You will be able to utilize the experiences you have garnered from them, therefore allowing you to secure a job easily. Your earlier experiences will also enable you to work on your interpersonal skills, therefore allowing you to prepare yourself better for your professional career.

It is important that you learn as much as you can while you are still going to school, because you will be able to benefit from whatever you have learned, and use them when you are already a professional. These are some things you are not born with, which is why you need to take advantage of the opportunities presented to you. Being able to adapt, confidence, and learning how to trust others are traits you can develop in the early stages of your life. Don't give up easily, because it will take some time before you gain enough confidence, and the like.

As an immigrant, you need to see to it that you are good at communicating your thoughts and ideas, be it written or oral. This will be necessary, especially when you are applying for work that will put you in the situation wherein you would need to personally deal with clients on a daily basis. However, if communication is not your strongest suit, you can still opt for work that will just put you behind the scenes. Lastly, you need to show initiative, even if you are in a foreign land. Doing so will help you easily earn the respect of your boss and colleagues.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Work In Canada – The Basics You Need To Hone


If you have plans to work in Canada, it is safe to say that you have probably done your research, or are in the process of researching. You are bound to come across information that you will find useful. One of the things you would probably want to ensure is job safety when you get there. Although there are expat opportunities, not everyone can have access to them. However, they still try their luck and migrate to this great nation with the hopes of landing a job.

One of the things you will need when looking for the perfect opportunity as an immigrant are skills. Although we have learned some skills when we were going to school, we will need to hone them and learn some more. There are the soft and hard skills. The former would be basically comprised of your abilities to communicate and organise, how you interact with people, and your behaviour in certain situations. These will come in handy in any organization and in any job you find yourself in. You will also need the following:
  • Ability to adapt
  • Confidence
  • Trustworthiness
Keep in mind that although these cannot be easily learned in school, you can still use your experiences in order to develop them. Your hard skills, on the other hand, are the experiences and credentials you have gained throughout the course of your education and career. You may have learned them during your training and seminars provided by your employment or school. You cannot simply rely on these alone to help increase your chances of getting hired in a new country. Employers are always after the basics, which is why you need to develop the following:
  • Business etiquette - Canadians follow a different culture, which is why you need to do your research ahead of time and familiarize yourself with their practices. Doing so will help you avoid from coming off as impolite. When you have familiarized yourself with the culture, you will know how to behave in the Canadian work setting, therefore giving you an edge despite your racial differences.
  • Communication - Learning how to speak and write in good English is highly recommended since this is the language being used in Canada. You can take advantage of online classes during your spare time, if you are unable to enrol yourself in a course in your local school. You would need to develop this skill all the more, especially if you are aiming for professions that would put you in the position to deal with clients on a daily basis.
There are also other things you need to work on, such as your presentation and leadership skills. When you see to it that you work on the basics, you will find it easier to obtain a job as a Canadian immigrant.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Preparations A New Canadian Should Make For An Important Job Interview

You would definitely want to increase your chances of nailing that job interview, especially if you are a new Canadian. Keep in mind that there is no specific formula that will ensure your success for the interview, because you can never tell what your prospective employers are looking for. However, when you know what they basics are, you are more likely to do well in your interviews.

No two employers are alike. But if you see to it that you do your research ahead of time with regard to the company you intend on applying to, you will increase your success rate of getting a job. One of the things you should do is to prepare yourself for the real thing. You can ask a friend or relative to act as the interviewer, and throw some questions that are likely to come out in the interviews. Doing so will more or less give you an idea how to answer the interviewer's questions.

In addition to that, you also need to bring some things along with you. Although you won't be asked to bring these along with you, it will help you a great deal to think ahead of time, and be responsible enough to take them with you. First of all, you should never forget your resume. Your meeting with a potential employer will be futile if you fail to take this with you, even if you already sent one in ahead of time. Having one with you is important, because the hiring manager may have forgotten to bring along the copy you sent to him or her. You can always provide your copy when this happens.

It is only normal to feel like a bundle of nerves when you are waiting for your turn. Although you might be offered a drink prior to the meeting, having a bottle of water with you at all times will come in handy. Drinking water can help you calm yourself before meeting with the hiring manager. You can also use this to help clear your throat during the meeting. Moreover, you should see to it that you bring along with you a copy of the job description. You can use this as a guide throughout the appointment. In the event that you forget some important details, you can easily take a look at it and put yourself in the right track.


Lastly, see to it that you bring along with you a small notebook or notepad wherein you have written all your questions the night before the meeting. After the appointment, you will be asked if you have any questions, especially if you are a new Canadian. You can refer to your notepad, and ask away. Having this will help you remember what important things to ask. Keeping these in mind will help you be prepared for that important job interview.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Why It’s Sometimes Advisable To Take A Step Back When Considering Your Career Pathways

In the past, it was very easy to get a promotion. Employees were able to have longevity in their chosen fields. However, this is no longer the case in the 21st century. Everything happens so fast these days. In addition to that, things are ready for us immediately. We are so used to a fast pace that when we are not able to obtain the job position that we want, we become impatient and find a different profession. When this is your view on things, you won't be able to stay in any job for a long time. How are you able to attain success if you are impatient? Keep in mind that climbing the corporate ladder takes some time, skill, and patience. If you want to reach your goals, you need to have those qualities. Sometimes, taking a step back as opposed to hopping from one job to the next is more advisable. It does not necessarily mean that you are lazy. It could mean that you are taking your time and examining your different options.

When you find yourself in a career that seems to have stopped moving forward, you should take it as a sign to resign from that job. There's no point in staying in an office that cannot provide you with opportunities for professional growth. However, before you send in your resignation form, you should at least try to talk to your boss and ask for a promotion. If they still refuse you, it's time to turn your back. As human beings, it is only normal for us to want to have better opportunities, which is why you can’t be blamed if you resign from a job that can’t supply you with different prospects.

We are all used to moving forward that we don't realize that it is sometimes better to stop for a moment. Doing so will allow us to relax and take a breather. This is when we are more able to assess our situation, and determine the next course of action to take.

Aside from the fact that you are looking for better opportunities with regard to compensation and salaries, you need to see to it that you find a career that can help you learn new skills that will be useful in life. There is nothing wrong with opting for a job that pays lower than your previous work. What’s important is that you will be able to gain new experiences and learn different skills. These are things that money cannot buy, which is why you need to see to it that you find a profession that can provide you with these. Remember, taking a step back can’t always be harmful to your career pathways because these can be a good thing.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Tips on How to Reenter the Workforce After Pregnancy

Most women have to take some time off work after getting pregnant and giving birth in order to look after their baby. The gap in employment years can make it difficult to reenter the workforce once more.

http://workcanadanow.blogspot.com/2013/08/tips-on-how-to-reenter-workforce-after.html

Monday, August 12, 2013

Making a Successful Career Transition

If you start feeling constantly frustrated, dissatisfied, and unhappy about your job, you can always make the decision of changing careers. Although it seems risky and challenging, it definitely isn’t impossible. Here are a few tips that can help you make a successful career transition.

a. Clarify your feelings about the transition.
Assess your current situation and clarify how you feel about the possible transition. You can do this by identifying the reasons why you want to let go of your current job. If you want to apply to other fields simply because you had a fight with a colleague, you may want to think again. The problem could still be fixed and there may be more reasons for you to stay. If you, however, find yourself ready to pursue a field that truly matches your passions, then the job change can truly be more justifiable.

b. Prepare for challenges and uncertainties.
Letting go of your current position means letting go of your income stability and power in your old company. It is going out of your comfort zone and jumping into the unknown. Prepare yourself for challenges and uncertainties, especially because you are entering a new field. For example, see to it that you have enough savings to sustain your basic needs while doing job-hunts.

c. Expect going back to zero.
Entering a new field means being a novice once more. Being an expert in your past career doesn’t mean that you also have what it takes to prosper in the new one. For instance, if you were a bank manager in your former company, it does not mean that you can also hold a managerial position in a television production set if you want to enter the field of communication media. Prepare to go back to entry-level positions and low income brackets once more.

d. Increase your competence.
Determine the qualifications for the new job that you want. Find out whether necessary coursework, training, and experience are entailed. Before going on a job-hunt, you might want to increase your competence by enrolling in classes, attending seminars, signing up for internships, or doing volunteer work.

e. Get in touch with the right people.
Join groups, online forums, and workshops that allow you to meet people in your new field. Networking allows you to learn from other’s experiences and observe the way they do their professional functions. It also allows you to get employment referrals and connections later on.

Changing careerscan provide you with fresh experiences and allow you to have more satisfying professions. It gives you the opportunity to find the jobs that are truly in line with your skills, values, dreams, and passions.

Sunday, August 11, 2013

How to Make Resumes After Graduating from College

Your college graduation marks the end of your life as a student and the beginning of your life in the world of employment. The transition can get challenging, which is why you have to be prepared. One important thing that you need to prepare is a good resume.

I. Fonts
Choose fonts that are easy to read. As much as possible, only use one font for the entire document. The font sizes should be uniform, except for a few changes in size in the heading.

II. Formatting
Experts suggest the use of bullets since these are easier to read. Long paragraphs can drown important qualifications and work experiences. Proper margins are also required.

III. Length
As much as possible, keep resumes one page long. Most employers have busy schedules and they do not have time to over lengthy application forms. What matters is that you catch their attention by making your application substantial.

IV. Headings
The items that you need to include in the heading are your name, contact details, address, and email. Start by typing your name in larger fonts, followed by your address and contact numbers in smaller fonts. This is the part the employers check whenever they need to contact you.

V. Education
Since you are a fresh college graduate, you may add the institution where you have graduated high school as well. You do not need to include the schools that you have entered before graduation. These are irrelevant and they take up a lot of space. If you have any graduation honors, also include these alongside the school. Indicate your date of entry the institution and the date when you have graduated.

V. Experience
Traditionally, this has to include all jobs that you have entered – the ones that might be relevant to your desired position. However, since you are a fresh graduate, you can use your past organizations, organizational tasks, and volunteer projects as substitute.

VI. Skills and Talents
Make a list of the skills that you have. See to it that you only include those that are relevant. Telling future employers that you are good in playing the guitar would not matter if you are applying for a website designer position.

VII. Interests
This part is not that important. However, if you feel that your interests would be useful for the job, then you may add them. For example, if you want to apply as a videographer, you can add that you have always been interested in photography and videography.


If you find it difficult despite the tips listed above, you can always seek the aid of career coaches in completing your resumes. They can also provide you with professional guidance when it comes to choosing from avariety of career pathways.

What’s Good About Offering Internship Programs?

If you try to analyze what benefits internships bring to businesses, you will realize that there is no reason you should hesitate to start one in your organization. Essentially, your business needs two things – effective management of workflow for the achievement of company goals, and the recruitment of team members who will have significant contribution to your company’s growth.

http://www.streetarticles.com/business/whats-good-about-offering-internship-programs

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Challenges of Finding Employment Abroad

Going overseas to work is definitely a big decision to make. It is bold and exciting, but can be scary as well. Nevertheless, experts say that feeling nervous about moving to a totally new place is just natural. There are so many things you can do to overcome your fears, and more importantly, you should look forward to the new life and experiences awaiting you.

http://www.artipot.com/articles/1610151/challenges-of-finding-employment-abroad.htm

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

When Is It Reasonable to Turn Down a Job Offer?

The one thing every job seeker aims for is a job offer. This is particularly true if you have been looking for a job for a long time. And when an employer finally gives you the chance to be part of their workforce, you have every reason to feel relieved and excited. Does this mean, however, that you ought to accept the job offer right away?

http://work-canada-now.webnode.com/news/when-is-it-reasonable-to-turn-down-a-job-offer-/

Monday, August 5, 2013

Tips on How to Reenter the Workforce After Pregnancy

Most women have to take some time off work after getting pregnant and giving birth in order to look after their baby. The gap in employment years can make it difficult to reenter the workforce once more. This article discusses a few tips that can help you out.

I. Analyze your readiness to get back to work.
a. Assess your current situation and decide whether or not you are ready to be employed once again.

b. If your child is only a few months old, see to it that you have family members, friends, or baby sitters to look after him or her while you are away.

c. If you could not afford to leave home, you can try seeking online jobs so that you can still be there for your baby.

II. Know why you need to seek reemployment.
a. If your husband has sufficient income, you really do not need to get back in the workforce.

b. However, occupational psychologists explain that women seek reemployment not just to earn more money – they also do so to regain self-esteem. Having a separate income source boosts the person’s morale and can contribute to healthier family relationships.

III. Know what you want to do.
a. Decide whether you want to go back to your old job or seek a career change.

b. Make a list of the kind of industries that you want to enter.

c. Determine the position that you want to achieve.

d. List down convenient working shifts and office locations.

e. Assess whether you want a full-time or part-time schedule.

IV. Regain confidence.
a. According to a recent survey conducted with stay-at-home moms, the top reason why mothers find it difficult to reapply to different jobs is because they lack confidence.

b. The gap in their employment period and lack of practice makes them doubt their skills and working abilities.

c. You can boost your confidence levels by updating your experiences through volunteering in your desired field, taking classes, attending seminars or conferences, conducting researches, and doing self-directed learning to gain more knowledge.

V. Prepare possible requirements.
a. Prepare your resume, bio data, or curriculum vitae. See to it that all the details that you provide are accurate and concise.

b. List down persons who can make letters of recommendation to validate your skills and credentials.

c. Also prepare supporting documents such as copies of your birth certificates, social security numbers, and so on.

VI. Start the application process.
            a. Apply to different jobs that suit your passions and credentials.

b. Seek the assistance of career coaches if you find it hard to look for prospective employers. They can help present you with the available career pathways and opportunities in your area.

Managing a Career Setback

Suffering from a career setback is just part of life. In fact, no successful person would claim not having experienced being rejected or being a failure. What really matters is how you are going to bounce back from your failure. There is no point in using up your time grieving your job loss or inability to get a promotion.

http://articles.org/managing-a-career-setback/

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Why Bother Make Your Workers Happy?

Keeping clients and customers happy is definitely the primary goal of every business you can see around you. Companies and employers are actually willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they have happy customers. Unfortunately, though, not all employers are as concerned about how their workers feel about their jobs. What these business owners don’t truly understand is that making their employees happy is one of the biggest steps they should take to ensure they offer the best products and services to their customers.

http://articles.org/why-bother-make-your-workers-happy/

Thursday, August 1, 2013

What Could Cause You to Get Stuck in Your Career

Considering how tight the competition in the job market is, it could be hard for you to obtain immediate success and complete satisfaction in your job. Thus, you should not stop looking for ways you could create opportunities to advance your own career. It is important that you invest in developing your skills so that you will possess all the qualifications and traits that employers are looking for in a job candidate.

http://work-canada-now.webnode.com/news/what-could-cause-you-to-get-stuck-in-your-career/

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What Makes Your Fear Job Change and How to Overcome Them

We can hear so many people complain about how terrible their jobs are, but you’ve got to wonder why these people aren’t even considering switching jobs. Well, if you are in the same situation, it is important that you try to know first why you are actually scared to change jobs and what you should do to overcome those fears. If you just let your fear rule your decisions, you may end up ruining your chances of having a more rewarding career or job.

http://www.articlerich.com/Article/What-Makes-Your-Fear-Job-Change-and-How-to-Overcome-Them/2721410

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

How to Make Your Employees Stay

It is every employer’s goal to retain their top employees. If you feel that one of your best people is planning to quit his or her job with you to join another company, what are you supposed to do to stop him/her from doing that? Although your instinct is to find a way to encourage them from leaving your company, it is important that you also look at the possible reasons they are thinking of leaving you.

http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/5835997?articleid=5835997

Monday, July 29, 2013

What Could Cause You to Get Stuck in Your Career Read more: http://work-canada-now.webnode.com/news/what-could-cause-you-to-get-stuck-in-your-career/

Considering how tight the competition in the job market is, it could be hard for you to obtain immediate success and complete satisfaction in your job. Thus, you should not stop looking for ways you could create opportunities to advance your own career. It is important that you invest in developing your skills so that you will possess all the qualifications and traits that employers are looking for in a job candidate.

http://work-canada-now.webnode.com/news/what-could-cause-you-to-get-stuck-in-your-career/

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Overcoming Some Common Career Obstacles

To be demoted, laid off, fired, and even declined a promotion are just part of every employee’s life. If you have experienced any one of these, don’t feel you are alone because there are millions out there experiencing the same. In fact, even the most successful career individuals and businessmen have had failures in their careers.

http://work-canada-now.wallinside.com/

Friday, July 26, 2013

Good Reasons to Consider Internal Job Transfers

Transferring to another job internally means moving from one position to another that is in a totally different career area. Of course you can benefit a lot from an internal job transfer, but as you make this kind of request to your employer, you must be careful enough to make sure you will not offend your coworkers and managers in any way.

http://workcanadanow.livejournal.com/2735.html

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Working Overseas: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Seeking an opportunity to establish a career abroad is fast becoming a trend for workers these days. In fact, it is also common for newly graduates to look for ways to get employed in a different country. If you are one of those planning to apply for a job in Canada, the US, or any other countries, you should be aware of the challenges you are about to face as you work overseas.

http://workcanadanow.blogspot.com/2013/07/working-overseas-common-challenges-and.html

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

How to Rediscover Your Lost Passion for Work

Even those people who claim to be completely satisfied with their jobs have surely gone through times when they feel so much hate for their jobs. Being unhappy with something you do repeatedly seems to be just normal. What’s important, however, is that you figure out ways to get out of the slump and regain the interest you once had in your job.

http://workcanadanow.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/how-to-rediscover-your-lost-passion-for-work/

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Language Skills Can Lead to a Successful Job Search

We all know the importance of having good language skills in searching for a job, but not all of us really understand why it is necessary. If you haven’t considered studying another language, you may find inspiration from the fact that in 2011 alone, almost 30 percent of clerical and administrative jobs were unfilled because of lack of language skills in the workforce.

http://workcanadanow.livejournal.com/2138.html

Monday, July 22, 2013

Working Overseas: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Seeking an opportunity to establish a career abroad is fast becoming a trend for workers these days. In fact, it is also common for newly graduates to look for ways to get employed in a different country. If you are one of those planning to apply for a job in Canada, the US, or any other countries, you should be aware of the challenges you are about to face as you work overseas. The purpose of this article is to let you know what difficulties you might face and how you may overcome them.

VISA: Getting a visa is a common issue for those who want to work abroad. Well, how easy or difficult your visa application is going to be actually depends on the amount of experience you have in your field, and how lenient the foreign country is to accepting foreign workers. Thus, it is important that as you plan to work abroad, you do a research on how the company from the other country will help you secure a visa. 

LANGUAGE: Obviously, this is one of the biggest issues commonly faced by those working overseas. If you are not good enough in speaking or understanding the language in the country you are visiting, you will have a hard time even to find a hotel on your first day. Plus, you may be judged by your potential employer based on your ability to communicate well in their language. Again, this can be addressed by proper planning and getting some training if necessary.

CUSTOMS AND CULTURE: It is recommended that you try to get as much information as you can about the culture in the country you want to work in. This will help you avoid being in very awkward situations with the locals. Understanding the workplace culture in a country is equally important, too, especially for foreign workers like you. Thus, you should spend some of your precious time learning about the local custom and how people do business in that country.

FOOD: You cannot live without food, of course. The problem, however, is that the kind of food you are accustomed to may not be what’s common in the country you are visiting. What you can do is check first if the food products in your own country are also available in the country you are going to work in.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Not all countries are open to employing foreign workers. If you are to work in Canada, for example, you should benefit from the fact that this country supports diversity in the workplace. But this isn’t always the case in other countries. Thus, you should do enough research to get an assurance that you will have a good chance of getting a decent job in the country you wish to work and live in.