Job Interview Questions >> The Correct Way to Answer

by  job- search- adviser. net

Question 1 : Like me – Like me NOT

Image of a man using a computerOne of the most common interview questions is, “What did you like most, and what did you dislike most about your last job?”

When you give your job interview answer for this question you want to make sure that you do not speak too negatively about your prior company. If you do so, this may lead the person that you are interviewing with to assume that you will do the same with their company. Job interview answers are not always the easiest to spin into something positive. You may need to write, rewrite and rewrite again to get this answer correct.

Try an answer something like this: “I enjoyed the company because they rewarded the employees when all goals were completed. It showed us that they really cared about our hard work and us. I would have enjoyed the it more if they would have had more advancement opportunities.”  

Question 2 : weakness VS. STRENGTHS

Employers tend to ask about your strengths and weaknesses. They may form the questions like this, “What is your greatest weakness?” and “What is your greatest strengths?”

Most individuals can come up with a job interview answer for strengths in a heartbeat, but can’t come up with a weakness that they are willing to share with others. So they stumble over the answer and end up sounding a little weak in the interview. Make sure you do not refer to your weakness as such, spin it to a positive.

So look at the better way to have a job interview answer for this question: “I enjoy taking pride in my work so I tend to take a little too much time checking it. Luckily I have learned some new features of Microsoft office 2007 that have helped me to better and more efficiently check my work.

Question 3 : The boss is wrong!

There are times when interview questions that will ask you about your judgment. They may ask you, “What would you do if your boss told you to do something and you knew that was the wrong way to do it?

This question may make you start to squirm a little in your seat. How in the world are you going to answer this without getting them upset? Try a job interview answer along these lines: “To be honest with you, I’m not sure what I would do. If it was something minor I may just do as I was told, and go with the flow, but if it was something that I knew was really wrong I would have to talk to him about it.”

You may also want to mention the fact that some people take confrontation differently than others. There are supervisors that you can approach and would have no problem with you letting them know they are wrong. There are also supervisors that do not care to have their authority challenged, even in private conversations.

Question 4 : Have you done your homework?

Sometimes the interviewer will ask you this question, “How did you get ready for this interview?” or “What do you know about our company?”
 

OK, your first responses is Oh no, not a pop quiz! I can’t do that! There has to be a way to avoid this job interview answer! Alas, this is not so!
 

Make sure that when you do send in your resume that you look up the company on the Internet and see if they have a website. See what they are about, what their mission statement is, and if this would be a company you would want to work for. Then a great job interview answer would look like this: “When I found the ad in the Anytown Daily Press I did a Google search on your company and went to your website.

I was impressed by your mission statement and the amount of community service that you do every year, that is something that is important to me as well. I looked over your annual report and noticed that the company had a slight increase in the equity this year. I think that with me in the accounting office that I will be able to assist the Accounting Manager in at least doubling that target. As you can see on my resume…”

As you can tell, the interviewee did their homework, and was able to show the employer that he or she had as well. It’s important to keep the employer on your side. The best thing to do is to have knowledge, for knowledge is power.

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Cover Letter Tips: Making Yourself Irresistible Part II

By interviewmastermind .com

Here are cover letter tips to keep your resume from ending up in the trash can:

>> Don’t just parrot your resume.

Your cover letter, though short and simple, is an asset that will pave the way for your future income, and a lot of prospective employees make the mistake of writing exactly what is on the resume.  Don’t do this—it shows a lack of creativity.  Your cover letter should expand and serve as a bridge to your resume.  Since it’s the first thing they see, make it count.  This goes back to the previous point- it’s one of the crucial cover letter tips.  Brag and talk about how great you are but don’t just summarize your resume.

>> Don’t come across as a Harvard prude, even if you are one.

Professionalism is nice, but no one wants to work with a pompous ass.  If that’s not how you talk on a daily basis, tone it down.  If that is how you talk, you’ve got bigger problems than I can solve.  Write like a kindergartner.  Okay, I don’t mean write sentences like “Jane likes jobs.  Jane wants money.”  I mean be clear and simple, and sound out your words while you write to make sure they aren’t too sophisticated.  And definitely don’t talk about how this is one of the awesome cover letter tips you found here.  You don’t have to spill the beans like a kindergartener would either, just be clear, concise and readable.

>> Email letters should be short and sweet, like a one-night stand.

Long emails waste time that could be better spent on Facebook.  Once they open your resume they’ve decided to invest some time in you, so they are psychologically prepared for more information.  Einstein once said, “Everything should be as simple as it is, but not simpler.”  Anything more will make you seem like a possible future headache.

>> Attack them from all angles.

If you don’t have submission guidelines, send the resume as an attachment and an email.  Then point it out.  “I’m such a great fella I sent this as an email AND an attachment.”  The message is you are the type of person who will make their life easier.

>> The most crucial of the cover letter tips- Don’t be weak.

“My professional resume is included if you would like to look at it.”   Subconsciously, you just told them you aren’t even sure if your resume is worth their time.  Grow a pair.  Say something direct and casual like, “As you can see in my resume, I’ve worked in the midget porn industry for forty-three years.”  EXPECT them to read it, and they are much more likely to do so.  Ok, so that actual line is not one of the cover letter tips you should utilize, but you get what I mean.

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Cover Letter Tips: Making Yourself Irresistible Part I

By interviewmastermind .com

Most employers could go their whole lives without reading another resume  if it was up to them, so that’s when truly helpful cover letter tips come in handy.  If they are not in a hurry to hire, the last thing they want to do with their time is pick through anonymous resumes.  A cover letter gives you a quick chance to tell them why they should take a closer look at you.

Here are cover letter tips to keep your resume from ending up in the trash can:

>> If you’ve got connections, use them.cover letter tips

Name-dropping works.  For one, an employer feels a subconscious obligation to give you a solid chance if you have a mutual contact.  In fact, they will probably have to find a good reason not to hire you if it might affect their social life or business.  Also, human beings are ethnocentric creatures — which means they’re hesitant to let anyone into their world that they don’t know.  This is one of the oldest cover letter tips ever used, but it still works.   Establish a connection and they’re more likely to take a chance.

>> Never address “To Whom it May Concern.”

This is one of the cover letter tips you need to keep at the forefront of your mind.  Even if they know you don’t know them, saying their name gets their attention, as if the letter is truly to them.  It makes it more personal.  Besides, if you don’t have the brains to research a name, they don’t want you.  It shows you care about the position and are willing to do some homework.  Otherwise you’re like that shameless spammer on Facebook who is always promoting his band that no one likes—“Be my friend!  Be my friend!”  No one likes that guy, so don’t act like him.
 

>> Keep it Conversational.

Keeping the cover letter conversational is one of the best cover letter tips out there.  Show some personality and the reader is less likely to crumple it up and shoot a basket.  This type of language makes people feel like you have rapport even if you’ve never met.

>> Brag about yourself.

While your dedication to telling the world how awesome you are hasn’t scored you many friends in the past, here is your chance to put it out there without everyone leaving the room talking about what a douche bag your are.  Finally.  Tell them why you’re the man or woman for the job.  Having the confidence to state it straight up sends the signal that you really are qualified.

The more specific, tangible, and measurable the better because it tells them you’re not just winging it.

>> Always talk about your achievements.

They don’t just want another employee—they want the best, and achievements mark you as a high-value individual.  Use bullet points to cover more space, creating the illusion there is more information than there actually is.  Most cover letter tips will tell you not to list your accomplishments, but this is where you want to brag away.

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Company Research - What You Need To Know

Job Vacancy Indonesia, Employee, Vacancy

It's critical when you're looking for a job that you research the company you're applying for. It's a good idea in many ways and certainly worth the time investment.

Before You Send In Your Resume:

You've seen a position advertised by XYZ Company and the job sounds great. One of the first things you should do is research the employer. By having some knowledge about the company you are applying to, you'll have some idea if this is a company you are interested in. You'll also know if they are financially stable, how their business works, and what their business is. Then, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you should apply for the position and whether or not you would seriously consider a job offer from this company.

At The Interview:

Want a better shot at answering those tough interview questions? Know the company you're interviewing for. Common interview questions like "Why should we hire you?" and "What do you think of our corporate culture?" are kind of hard to answer when you don't know anything about the company. If you want to come off more polished and prepared and give your interviewer answers with substance, take some time to research the company. Why should they hire you? Maybe because you've got extensive and direct experience dealing with the same type of products, vendors, and clients (if you do, of course!) How do you know what their major products are and who they deal with? You've researched it!

Finding out their corporate structure and how a company operates will help you decide how to answer questions by allowing you to place emphasis on those things the company views as important.

By having some knowledge of the company, your answers can be substantiated by not only explaining your past skills and experience, but by relating them to the company and its activities.

When you know a company's processes and hiring style, you'll also have a better idea of advancement opportunties and the potential for growth.

How To Research:

You can find information about about companies virtually anywhere. Look for the company's Web site, put their name through a search engine, or talk to colleagues and relatives. If the company is public, you can find out financial information and reports on their Web site or by visiting a financial Web site.

Being prepared is the first step in feeling confident in both applying for a job and in your success at the job interview. By researching a company, you'll be in a better position to answer tough interview questions and you'll be better able to relate your past experience to what the company is looking for.

Always Wanted to be a Police Officer?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

By Sara Parent

job, jobs, career

You've decided this is the path you want to take. You've watched enough NYPD Blue and COPS to know this is the life for you. What do you do now?

Dig In:

Call your local police force or your local RCMP detachment. Ask to go on a ride-along. This will give you a better understanding of the job. What you don't see on NYPD Blue you might get to experience on your ride-along.

Talk To Those on the Job:

Get to know your local police officers. Make some contacts at the station by telling them you're interested in the job and in pursuing a career in it. Ask them what they like about, what they dislike, what skills they needed, how they got into it, what skills they think you should have, and anything else you can come up with.

Decide on Which Force to Join:

If you are interested in local police in your town or municipality, check their websites or give them a call to see what qualifications you need to work as a police officer for your town or city. Ask them how many officers they have hired lately and how they see their needs in the future. Education requirements differ from city to city. Some will require you to have a policing course completed. Some hire you first and send you to a police college. As well, many colleges and universities offer preparatory courses to help you get into policing. Ask the force what they are looking for as this could save you a lot of time and money.

If you are interested in joining the RCMP, they have a detailed requirement of what they need. First, you must attend a training session. They are held throughout the country. Contact your local detachment for information on the next available training session. Then you must write the RCMP Police Aptitude Test, do the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (called PARE, which is used by most police agencies in Canada), then a series of tests, investigations, and evaluations are performed. If you are successful, you will be selected to enroll in the cadet training program at RCMP Depot in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Get Ready:

The process to join a police force can be intense. You've got to be prepared to deal with physical fitness testing, personality and aptitude testing, background checks, and lots of paperwork.

Policing can be a satifying and rewarding career. A little research now will help you prepare yourself and get you closer to fulfilling your goal.

Working At Home? Five Things You Can't Be Without

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

You've decided to make your home your new home base. Whether you've decided to launch a new business or your job allows you to telecommute from home, there are some basic things you should keep in mind when working from home.

A Designated Space:

You need space to work from home. A desk in the living room is not going to do it. You need to be able to shut the door and be in a separate area that will allow you to be free from distractions. This also helps for the times when you are not working. Since you will be at home most of your life, you need to be able to shut the door and get away when you are not working. Have a separate space allows you to do that.

Investment:

It doesn't need to be a huge amount, but working from home will cost you. You will need your office to be set up with internet access, a separate phone line, and basic office necessities like a filing area, a workstation, a computer, and a quality chair. If you aren't comfortable, and you don't have the tools you need to work, you will likely be frustrated and have trouble concentrating on your work.

Discipline:

Working from home takes strong discipline and concentration. There are many distractions tempting and luring you away from your office. There's television, the fridge, kids, housework, pets and many more. You must make a work schedule, just as you would with any other job. Take breaks, but stick to your schedule. You must remember that when you work unsupervised, only you are responsible for the work you do. If you are the type of person that needs constant supervision and reminders to focus and work, this arrangement may not be for you.

Support:

When you are working in your office, your family and friends need to respect and understand that you are as unavailable as you would be if you were working from an office downtown. Of course, you have added flexibility and you can certainly allow for more family time than if you were working at another location, but they must understand that when you are in your office, you are working. Make sure family members know not to barge in unannouced, not to make loud noises in other parts of the house, and not cause other distractions that will prevent you from working. Keep pets in another part of the house if you know they will be a distraction.

Commitment:

With all the effort it takes to set up a home office, you need to be sure it's exactly what you want. If you can, try it out a few times a month with your employer before committing to full-time telecommuting. It's easy to forget about social interaction, and for some people, it's a critical part of the workday. You might feel alienated from your work environment and have difficulty in keeping a team outlook. If you are going to be working for yourself, you will not have any office-type support when problems arise or you need questions answered. Make sure you have a good support system and consider joining an association of self-employed work-at-home people.

Working from home can be a satifying way of redefining your worklife. With some careful planning and investment, it may be the best move you'll make.

Want to Run Away and Join the Circus?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Are you artistic, creative, and driven to entertain others? Never thought you could make a living as a performer? Think again.

You really can make a career out of whatever your heart is set on. Take the example of Cirque Du Soleil. With shows touring around the world, Cirque Du Soleil hires artists of every type imaginable. A quick tour of their website reveals they are looking for singers, actors, musicians, circus artists like contortionists and strongmen, and various athletes skilled in gymnastic sports like trampoline, tumbling, and synchronize swimming.

Not so limber? Cirque also hires "offstage" staff to support their artists. Everything from physiotherapists to talent scouts to immigration specialists and technical personnel. So even if you aren't an entertainer, you can still join the circus!

Ever considered working at an amusement park? Theme parks such as Paramount Canada's Wonderland hire performers, technicians, and artists to entertain their visitors every summer. Because most of these jobs are seasonal, they're perfect for students or those wanting to try out a career in entertainment.

If you love travelling or living abroad and you're artistic, why not consider working at a resort like Club Med? They hire artists like choreographers, set designers, dance instructors, and DJs to entertain their visitors. Many of their jobs are posted here on Canadajobs.com.

If you have the dedication, drive, and enthusiasm, you can find a career doing something you love. You can fulfill the artist in you by finding a job that's different and exciting. It just takes creativity, self-confidence, and the ability to look beyond traditional work environments.

Do You Have What It Takes to Work in Farming or Agriculture?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you been considering a career in farming? Whether you are looking at traditional types of farming such as dairy, cattle, or chicken, or whether you are considering organic vegetables or a vineyard, farming takes a special kind of person.

Up With The Chickens:

Let's face it, agriculture is a lot of hard work. And that work starts early. If you prefer to roll out of bed later than earlier, this might not be the job for you. There is no sleeping in on the weekends either. Depending on the type of farm you operate, you could be working 14-16 hour days.

Able to Handle Stress?:

Working in agriculture can be stressful because there are a lot of things that are beyond your control.

Animals get sick, the weather can damage crops, and prices for your product can fluctuate. You must be able to handle stresses and have the determination to forge ahead. If frost comes early and you have to remove your product from the ground as soon as possible, you must be able to work under pressure and have the ability to remain calm.

Determination:

When the price for your crop or product is on the decline, you have to be able to rationally determine if your business can take it. You have to be the type of person who can see ahead and decide if the risks are worth it. In agriculture, you are at the mercy of the elements, product price fluctuations, and public opinion. You must have a strong belief in your ability to produce a safe and valuable product. Farming is about creating and continuing the food supply in some form or another and with everything that can get in your path, you will need determination.

Energy:

Working at a farm takes energy. Along with the early mornings, there are rarely any vacations. Cows must be milked usually twice a day and you can't skip any milkings. Animals must be taken care of if they become sick, whether it's Friday night or not. The life of a farmer is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. And if you are doing it because you love it, you don't mind.

Knowledge:

You have to know your stuff. Whether it's animals you are raising or fruits and vegetables you're growing, you need to be on top of your game. Specialized universities and colleges offer programs in agriculture and they should be seriously investigated. Running a farm is a business. You will need business knowledge to go along with your farm knowledge and experience. On the farm, you will have to be able to do a little bit of everything, so it pays to make sure you know what's involved.

A career in agriculture and farming can be very rewarding. Knowing you are playing a role in getting food and products to people makes it all worthwhile. If you have what it takes and the strong desire to do what needs to be done, farming is a career worth investigating.

Do You Have What it Takes To Work in a Call Centre?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Working in a call centre might seem like an easy job at first glance. It's just about answering phones, right? Wrong. There are many different jobs in call centres. There are Customer Service Reps (CSRs), Technical Service Reps (TSRs), Supervisors, Managers, and Human Resources staff, and many others who work to ensure a call centre, the customer's first line of contact with a company, works as a well-oiled machine.

So what does it take to work in a call centre? Though for this article we'll focus on CSRs, many of these skills are critical in other call centre jobs too.

Ability To Work in a Fast-Paced Environment:

In a call centre, it's all about speed. If you are working in an inbound call centre (meaning call come in to your call centre, as opposed to CSRs making calls) the main focus is how fast can a rep answer a phone. How quickly can they solve a customer's issue? Call times and wait times are how a centre calculates its efficiency, and therefore, it's costs and profits. But call times and wait times aren't just important for the company, they are also important to the customer. That's why it's critical to be able to work under pressure.

Accuracy and Attention to Detail:

The customer is calling you because they have a problem. You must be able to answer their inquiry quickly and correctly so their faith and trust in your company is upheld. It's important to the company you work for that their customers aren't frustrated. These customers are the backbone of your company, and they need to have faith that their call is being handled professionally and correctly and that they will get the same correct answer if they call next time. Accurate consistency is critical. And for that, you need to be the type of person who can learn and retain information.

Ability to Learn New Skills:

Products and services change constantly. And though the basics will remain the same, you need to be on top of new things. The last thing a customer wants to do is be calling you for answers and you don't know what they're talking about. You also have to be willing to learn computer programs or software unique to your call centre. Call centres have a lot of processes and you must be able to learn how those work so you can work more efficiently, and better serve customers.

Learning new skills such as another language can also help your job prospects in a call centre. Many list the ability to speak a second language as an asset.

Ability to Deal with Difficult People:

More often than not, customers will call because they have a problem and they want you to fix it right away. If you cannot show empathy, and support them in their frustrations, they will get increasingly upset. You must be able to deal with difficult people and know how to handle and diffuse them. Consider taking a course on the subject. You'll learn how to improve your listening skills, and learn little tricks as simple as repeating back what you hear from your customer. This helps them feel listened to, understood, and in the end, it helps them feel better. The more ability you have in dealing with difficult people, the better you will feel also.

Flexibility:

Though a call centre can be a great 9-5 job, most of them require you to work some shift work. And this or may not fit your schedule. When you decide to apply for a job at a call centre, make sure you know what you are able to do in terms of shift work. If you have dependents, you will need to make alternate care arrangements. Remember too that changing shifts can affect your sleep patterns and your activities outside work hours.

The nature of call centres can also mean that you can be called in at the last minute. You might also be sent home if there is not enough work. If this is a concern for you, ask how often this happens when you are considering a job in a call centre.

Working in a call centre as a CSR can be a satifying job. Often, opportunities to move up to a team leader or scheduler can be had with the work experience you gain starting at the bottom. If you have the right skills and the desire to improve them, a career as a CSR might well be worth investigating.

Interested in Becoming a Chef?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Have you got a flair for the artistic and enjoy cooking for others?

If the thought of becoming a chef is appealing to you, you should consider these tips and find out what it takes to be a chef.

Try it Out:

Before you invest in training, spend a day with a chef. Contact a local culinary school and express your interest in this as a future career. Tell them you'd like to observe someone for a day. They will likely be able to contact someone who would be open to showing you their job. Keep in mind that most restaurants are busy, stressful, fast-paced environments, so it's probably better to go the route of the culinary school, as opposed to contacting restaurants directly. Of course, you can certainly try contacting restaurants directly, especially if you know the owner or staff.

Prepare to Learn:

Working your way up is a combination of training, apprenticeships, and certification. And whether you are interested in becoming an executive chef, a chef de partie, or a sous-chef, it will take years of on-the- job training and the ability to take in and retain a lot of information. Executive chefs, as well as other types of chefs will also need the ability to be managers and supervisors as they direct the kitchen staff and are responsible for assigning tasks in the kitchen.

Critical Skills:

Being a chef is not just about preparing sumptuous foods. You should have above average communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, be detail-oriented, and creative. Working in a kitchen environment can be fast-paced, stressful, and requires the ability to work quickly and accurately. As you learn the skills, if you want to move up the chef ladder, you will also need managerial skills, computer skills, and food cost control and financial skills.

Wait! There's More:

You'll also need to be physically able to work on your feet for long periods of time. Chef work is physical work, from carrying heavy pots to chopping, kneading, mixing, and more.

You need to be aware of food safety and be conscientious in your work environment. You need to know how to properly handle your tools safely like knives, mixers, and chopping tools.

You'll also need to be willing to learn about various types of cuisines, and depending on your specialty, different types of foods. You also need to be able to adapt your skills to the various work environments that exist. If you want to work in a five-star restaurant, you need to be willing to go out and get five-star restaurant experience.

Flexibility:

There are opportunities for chefs to work in exotic locations. From out-of-the-way resorts and spas to cruise ships, being a chef can be exciting and challenging. If you want to work in different environments, you must be flexible. Often, these locations will provide housing for their chefs and you must be able to live in the accomodations supplied. It takes an open mind and the ability to adapt in order to get the best experience possible.

Becoming a chef can be extremely rewarding and satisfying. There are career opportunities in restaurants and in institutions like hospitals, schools, and seniors' homes. You can also be an entrepreneur and become a personal chef, a television personality, or a restaurant owner. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help you decide if this career is for you.

Interested in Animation as a Career Choice?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you're creative and thinking of going to school to study animation, here is some information for you.

What You'll Need:

Most college programs require high school graduation, although mature students without a high school education may be considered. Schools also suggest having math skills, basic computer skills, and sometimes a high school arts credits. Schools vary in terms of requirements, so if you don't have all the necessary courses for a certain college, it might be worth considering another one.

As well, some colleges require a portfolio of drawings to demonstrate your creativity and ability to design both the human form and everyday objects.

What You'll Learn:

At some schools, you'll learn traditional and digital animation. You can choose to focus on either as your education continues. You'll start with the basics of drawing, and move into storyboarding, character animation, scriptwriting for animation, basics of filmmaking, 3D modeling and more. Every program is different, so make sure the one you choose contains all those elements you'd like to learn.

Prepare Yourself:

Start putting together a portfolio. Learn a few of the programs that are taught at the school. If you aren't sure, call the school and inquire what programs they use. Some popular animation programs include Maya, ToonBoom, Eovia's Carrara, and 3DS Max. Though some of these might be very costly to purchase, often you can get trial versions of these programs from the manufacturer's website that let you practice learning the various tools within the program. It's a good idea to start early as some of these programs have a steep learning curve. Some programs, such as Blender and Anim8or, are actually free and let you create stunning designs without having to purchase an expensive program.

After Graduation:

The market for 3D animators is wide and varied. It encompasses a wide range of industries, from working at a production studio, to small animation companies, to ad agencies, to video game manufacturers.

Often, some design companies rely on logos and corporate animations as their "bread and butter." You'd be amazed at how many television commercials and logos are 3D creations.

You could also work at medical design companies, on an animated television series, or a film doing background scenes.

Animation allows you to work on a wide range of projects in various industries. You must be creative, detail-oriented, patient, and have the ability to see the product you are creating before it even gets put to paper or the computer screen. If you enjoy being creative, can work independently, and enjoy bringing characters to life, animation may be a career choice worth considering.

Jobs For Those Who Enjoy Working the Night Shift

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Do you like being up late at night? Are you looking for a job that will be more suited to you?

If you are looking for work that is predominately overnights or late evenings, we've got some suggestions for you. The good news is not a lot of people like working late nights and early mornings and companies sometimes offer premiums to work nights. Consider both these entry-level and professional career choices.

Entry Level:

Restaurants and Bars

If you like the nightlife and have great people skills, a good entry-level job might be one related to entertainment. Bars, clubs, and restaurants employ a lot of staff to keep them going late into the night. From bouncers, to cooks, to DJs, and bartenders, a lot of workers help ensure the success of these operations.

Shipping/Receiving

A lot of companies operate at night but we'd never know it. Many warehouses receive stock at night as do places like grocery stores and major department stores. These jobs are great for those who like working late nights.

Consider too working for a courier company. Many jobs at their hubs are overnights.

Call Centres

Many call centres operate 24/7 and need staff overnight. Call centres need phone reps or CSRs, technical support reps, supervisors, and managers. If you enjoy this type of job, look for a call centre that offers a premium for working night shift and that can offer you consistent night shift work.

Professional:

Emergency Workers

If you are looking for a challenging career that operates nights as well, look no further than emergency workers. From electrical and power plant maintenance to police officers, emergency workers are available to work 24/7 and can be in exciting situations whatever the hour. Jobs like these range from EMTs and ambulance personnel, to doctors, nurses, orderlies, and police civilian workers like dispatchers.

Security

Guarding buildings, offices, or money is another job that operates at night as well as daytime. Security officers are often required nights to watch security systems, secure construction and building sites, and provide safety in hospitals, prisons, and bars.

Trucking

Most trucking is done in the evenings and overnight. If you enjoy driving and can work on a deadline, this overnight job might be worth considering.

Media Jobs

From newspaper print staff to hosting the early show on television or radio, a lot of media jobs start very early in the morning. Consider this type of job if you like working with the public, can pay attention to details, and are friendly and motivated.

Entrepreneurship

If none of these jobs interest you, you might want to consider entrepreneurship. Being in business for yourself provides you with some freedom as to what hours you would like to work. Keep in mind that depending on the industry you work in and how many clients or people you interact with, you might have to work around their schedules as well, which might limit your choice of hours. Choosing a business that allows you to be flexible can reduce your need to work on others' schedules.

Many industries rely on night workers for their smooth daytime operations. Whatever you choose, there are a lot of options when it comes to working night shift.

Working in Radio

By Luc Theriault

job, jobs, career

Radio is one of the most widely used media outlets. Its accessibility in cars, alarm clocks, workplaces makes radio easy to listen to. It is also locally oriented, meaning that while television networks are concentrated in larger communities, employment possibilities exist in radio even in the smallest towns.

Though at first glance, people often see the obvious employment possibility in radio broadcasting -- being an on-air personality, employment possibilities range in many areas.

There are a lot of regular office jobs in radio. These include such things as receptionists, accounting personnel, and administrative assistants.

If you are more of a creative person, why not consider putting your talent to work? The creative department writes the ads we hear on the radio while the production department puts them together. The production department also produces station promos and "splitters", the ad messages you hear promoting a radio station's programs or advantages (You're listening to [city's] Best Music!"

If you like coming up with great ideas and are enthusiastic and energetic, there might also be a place for you in a radio station in promotions. The promotions department is very active in a radio station and in the community. In many cases, they'll write the promos and splitters mentioned above. They'll also plan the radio station's contests and they're the ones you'll see in the community in vehicles with the radio station's name on them often handing out some sort of goodies.

There are lots of interesting jobs at a station. If you like sales, radio sales staff are always selling the commercial spots you hear on the radio. If you like news and current events, you can report for a station. Since radio stations are local, this gives you a great opportunity to interact with your local community and really get to know the area well.

Many colleges offer radio broadcasting courses. Check your local community college to see what kind of courses they offer. Entry requirements vary, so be sure to check out a couple of options. Talk to someone currently working in radio and find out what sort of skills they are looking for, and what schools seem to provide new radio grads with the best training.

The field can be very competitive. Since the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the government department responsible for regulating broadcasting systems in Canada, relaxed ownership rules, more stations are merging together now. Because of this, many jobs have become reduntant due to owners having more than one radio station. It is a tough market to get into, but not impossible.

It is said that you can move up more quickly in smaller markets. Once you've acquired that experience you need, you can then go to the larger market. Those who are truly passionate about radio and those who are willing to work hard, can do well in the industry.

In most cases, especially in the entry-level jobs, salaries are not that high, and when you are starting out, many opportunities are part-time. Higher paying positions are in management, on-air morning show hosts, and sales staff.

If you have the energy, the determination, and the drive to make it in radio, it provides a great opporunity to use your communication skills and your personality.

Writing for a Living

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

If you are considering a career in writing, you've got a lot of choices open to you. You can write for yourself or for others in a variety of different industries. Education in the field of writing is very important. There are rules and conventions on how to write for various industries. If you think this career is for you, getting the proper education is vital. Since you will be judged mainly on your writing skills, they need to be perfect.

Copy and Ad Writer:

If your great at coming up with ideas and you have a creative way of looking at things, a career in ad copy might be for you. Writers in this field work with marketing and ad agencies to write up product descriptions that sell. You can have your work featured on web sites, and ad campaigns that appear in television, print, and on the radio. As well, you could work in the creative department of a radio station, putting together ads for commercials.

Journalism:

If you've got a nose for news, this might be for you. Writing for the news and journalistic reporting requires specific education and training. Many colleges and universities offer journalism programs. You'll learn how to write objectively and with the proper formatting for television, radio, and print reporting. If you are considering this type of career, you need to be detailed oriented, accurate, and be able to work on a deadline. If you've got an interest in people, events, and trends, this can be a very rewarding career. There are opportunities to work in all sorts of media, from small community newspapers and television stations, to overseas assignments for national news organizations and wire services. If you are thinking of a career in journalism, consider learning another language or two. You'll be an attractive asset to an employer.

Writing for Magazines:

As a staff writer, you'll be writing articles on various subjects for a specific magazine. Writing for magazines takes excellent research skills and the ability to write in a style that helps readers relate to the information you provide. If you are interested in this as a career choice, pick up a few magazines and look at the writing style. You'll likely notice that most articles in the magazine are written in the same style, though the subjects of the articles will vary. Magazines are targetted to very specific audiences and you need to adapt your writing style to the audience that a magazine is made for.

The great thing about writing for a magazine (either online or offline) is that you can write what you know. If you are interested in gardening, cooking, animals, there is a magazine out there on nearly every subject. Magazines also hire freelancers.

If you learn basic photography skills, this can also go a long way to helping your writing career as some fields like magazine and journalism often require accompanying photos.

Technical Writing:

If you've got a knack for making the complicated seem easy, technical writing might be for you. Usually, technical writers work for companies such as software or high tech companies and write manuals, handbooks, and guides on how to operate software and programs. If you've got a background in high tech or you can learn computer programs easily, you'll be valuable to a potential employer.

The great thing about writing for a living is that opportunities exist in virtually every area of the country and around the world. From working at a small newspaper in the country, to working in a busy city office writing for a national magazine, writers have a wide spectrum of choices and venues in which to write. Sometimes, it doesn't matter where you are because a lot of writing work can be done by telecommuting. To be a successful writer, you need skills, training, creativity, and the desire to work hard.

Pursuing an M.D. Degree – How to Become a Doctor in Canada

By Sara Parent

job, jobs, career

Doctors are one of the most highly sought after professionals today. Plenty of opportunities exist in Canada and around the world for qualified doctors. As the population ages, the fact that we are living longer, virtually ensures this trend is likely to continue.

If you've thought about a career in medicine, here is some information on the profession, medical schools in Canada, and what it takes to make it.

Being a physician requires skill, patience, a desire to learn, and a lifelong commitment to improving patient health. You need to have the drive and desire to constantly be expanding your expertise and communicating with your patients. Doctors play a critical role in the health care system and many people rely on their experience and skill. It can be a very stressful job but a satisfying one as well.

If you think practicing medicine is for you, you will need to go to university, earn an undergraduate degree, and apply to medical school.

Requirements:

Many universities require an undergraduate degree that encompasses some science, chemistry, or biology courses. Some however, simply require an undergraduate degree but recommend that the courses taken aid you in your future career.

There are seventeen faculties of medicine in Canada, from coast to coast. Many of them have residency requirements, meaning that they will accept a majority of their applications from residents of their province. Some do however have some out-of-province admission allocations, but these are usually limited and the entrance requirements may be higher. It's a good idea to plan ahead and decide which faculty you'd like to attend and what requirements they might have.

The six faculties of medicine that are located in Ontario use a commom application system called OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service.) There is a charge to apply to medical school and if you are in Ontario and using this system, the fee depends on how many schools you are applying to.

But Wait, That's Not All:

Many Canadian universities also use MCATs (Medical College Admission Test) as a way to test their applicants. MCAT testing takes place at various times of the year. The way the test scores are applied varying from school to school, so be sure to verify the admission requirements for the faculty you are interested in. Not all schools require the MCAT, so to save yourself some potential stress and expense, check the admission policy first.

Most faculties of medicine also require interviews as part of the application process. Interviews usually take place in the early part of the year in which you are applying to start your program.

How Much?:

Depending on where you live fees can vary widely. the fees range from about $6000 to $16000 per year for Canadian residents. The exception to these higher costs is Quebec. For the year 2004-2005, Quebec residents pay around $3000 for a year's tuition at Universite Laval, Universite de Sherbrooke, Universite de Montreal, and McGill University. However, if you do not live in the province, your rates are about twice or triple that. As with all Canadian university programs, foreign students and visa holders can expect to pay much more.

What You'll Learn:

Courses range from learning about the human body to doctor-patient communication. Most often, the first two years are spent learning the fundamental aspects of medicine. The final two years are spent on the job through a clerkship program learning to diagnose, evaluate, and practice real life training. Evaluations are held during this clerkship period to determine the skills and aptitudes of the senior medical students.

Then What?:

In order to be licensed in Canada, students in their final year of studies must participate in examinations set by the Medical Council of Canada.

Postgraduate studies in medicine, leading to further examinations can be taken in a variety of fields of medicine, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general surgery.

Opportunities for working as a doctor are varied. Because of the high demand for these qualified professionals, doctors can work virtually anywhere. Often, provinces and foreign countries offer incentives for doctors to relocate. As well as working in hospitals, clinics, community health, and private practice, doctors can work in research, private companies, and in a volunteer capacity.

Becoming a doctor takes years of study and dedication to lifelong learning. If this is a field that interests you, it deserves a second look. By visiting the websites of the various faculties of medicine offered at universities across Canada, you can gain a better understanding of what's involved in applying to, and qualifying for admission in their faculty.

How to Encourage Your Child's Career Plans

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Whether you have a teenager or a toddler, odds are you've heard "I want to be a [fill in your child's career of choice here] when I grow up."

Whether it's garbage collector, truck driver, ballerina, pilot, doctor, or veterinarian, it's easy to discount it. After all, kids have hundreds of wacky ideas every day. But what if we were to support it instead? Nurturing your child's dreams and ambitions is a healthy way to build their self-esteem and teach them the interesting things they want to know.

Listen to Your Child:

If your child is constantly talking about becoming an animal doctor (it's hard to say veterinarian when you're small!) why not do something to help them? Call a friendly vet in your region and explain how your child is simply enthralled with becoming a vet. Would they have a bit of time when you could bring in your child? Perhaps the vet can show them around and explain a little bit about their job. Many places of work alos particpate in "open house" type programs where they open their doors to the public. Make some calls and find out. Your child will appreciate how you listen to what really makes them happy.

Find Out Your Child's Interests:

Many children and teens are quite vocal about their interests and some are more shy. With a little encouragement, most will be able to tell you what they like. Don't be too pushy. "Have you thought about your future?" and "What do you want to do with your life?" may put your kids off by adding unnecessary pressure. Instead, try to notice the activities they do, and ask them questions about it. If your child likes sports, ask them if they've ever thought of becoming a coach someday. It's interaction that will get them thinking.

Don't Limit Them:

Everyone has a place in the world and everyone deserves a shot at doing something that makes them happy. Don't limit their choices by encouraging a certain job on them. "Oh, little Billy's going to be a great doctor or lawyer" makes little Billy feel inferior his whole life if he doesn't accomplish your goal, unless of course it's his goal too. Leave the door open in case it really isn't his goal. Remember to support your children by accepting the concept of non-gender specific jobs. Little Billy can be a nurse or a teacher just as much as Heather can be a brain surgeon or an engineer.

Encourage:

Do what you can to support your child without pushing them. Support their choices. Sure, you might not think your child will really be able to be a doctor if they can't stand the sight of blood, but they will appreciate your support. Some day, they may get over their fear of blood or decide it really isn't for them. Either way, the fact that you supported them and didn't mock them, will mean the world.

Encouraging your child in their career choice is a great way to tell them you believe in them. It helps them achieve a postive attitude and self-esteem. If they believe they can do anything, they just might.

Five Tips for Decluttering your Office

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Has this ever happened to you? Your boss calls you and needs a certain report from you, right away. And even though you know you printed it up a few days ago in anticipation of this very moment, you can't find it. What you need is a good decluttering.

A cluttered office usually causes stress, never mind the time wasted looking for things, avoiding piles, and being distracted by the clutter around you.

Here are a few tips to help you get sorted out.

Papers Papers Papers:

The dream of a paperless society is still light years away. In the meantime, we need to devise a way to reduce the paper on your desk and organize it. When you receive mail, deal with it right away. Decide what it is that needs to be done with it. If you receive a lot of time sensitive mail, like bills, create a file by date which will allow you to know exactly when everything is due, at a glance. If the paper you receive is simply for your records, file it in an appropriately named file, ie. taxes, old invoices, etc. If you don't need to keep it, throw it away. The same goes for reports you receive. File them appropriately by project or date so that you can find them again.

When filing or creating a filing system, remember that you are doing this for yourself, to make your life easier. Make sure your system makes sense and that anyone coming into your office would be able to find what they need quickly.

Get the Tools You Need:

You can't do a good job without certain tools. Well, organization is the same. If you need file folders, stop putting it off and get them. The longer you wait, the more you will have to file. If you need a garbage can or a recycling container, get one. If you are dealing with disposing sensitive information, get yourself a cross-cut shredder.

File Your Email:

Just as you need to file paper, you need to file your email too. Learn how your email program works. Create file folders or boxes that clearly define what the information contained in it is. Remember, you are trying to make things easier for yourself when you need to find something. If you find you are receiving too much junk email, ask your IT department about installing a filter on your email or learn how to do it yourself through your email program. Cute stories and chain letters should not be kept in your inbox and should be filed right away or deleted. Try to keep only current messages in your inbox, messages that you are replying to or waiting for an answer on. Use flags on ultra-important messages so you can find them right away. Everything else should be filed appropriately.

Remove Things That Are Preventing You From Working:

As much as certain things provide inspiration in your workplace, they can also be a source of stress. Too many pictures of your kids, vacations you've taken, and your significant other can be distracting. It's okay to personalize your office, but not to the point where it takes up valuable desk space, it causes you to daydream, or stops you from focussing on your work. Getting rid of knick knacks that are constantly falling over. Get rid of that desk clutter that is collecting dust. You'll be amazed at what it difference it makes.

Paint in a Soothing Color:

If you work from home, you can do this. Light colours make an office look larger and thus less cluttered and full. Paint your office environment in cream, light tans, or off-white. Keep the colour for accessories - a red cushion on a chair, or a nice vivid print. As well as making rooms feel smaller, bright colours can be jarring and stressful. Lightening your office really serves three purposes. It makes your office look and feel more professional and elegant to visitors, it provides you with a more stress-free and productive work area, and it makes your office feel more spacious.

By applying these ideas, clutter can be reduced in your work area. Freeing yourself from clutter, you just might work faster, more efficiently, and with less stress.

Is Your Spouse Out-of-Work?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Having your spouse out of work when both of you are used to working is difficult. It takes its toll on your family's finances and stress-level. It can also affect your significant other's self esteem.

What can you do to make this stressful time easier? Here are some suggestions.

Be There Emotionally:

Being out of work can be trying on your spouse. Because they are no longer able to contribute financially, they may feel deflated and frustrated. Be there to support them. It takes patience and time to find a job. You don't want to rush your spouse into finding another unsuccessful job only to have them dissatisfied with their new work. Encouragement, rather than nagging and pushing, will go a long way to helping your spouse find a job he or she will really love and will thrive at.

Take on Some Tasks:

You're busy too but there are little things you can do that go a long way towards helping your spouse. Offer to help with his or her resume. You know the skills your partner can offer to a company. Is he or she great at organizing events or a great closer? You can offer a perspective that others can't. You can pinpoint those great skills that your spouse might not know they have. You can also do little things like offer to proofread or copy your spouse's resume or highlight potential job offers in the paper. You can browse websites and send your spouse job postings. Remember, the less they feel alone in their efforts, the more relaxed they will be.

Help your Spouse Network:

If you help your spouse network, you can likely reach twice the amount of people he or she would be able to reach on their own. Makes sense, right? Let your co-workers know your spouse is looking for work. Ask them to talk to their spouses too. Ask people if they know of anyone who might be hiring or if they know of anyone who works at a company that your spouse might be trying to get into. Talk to neighbours, friends, and people at the gym. You never know who can help.

Being proactive by helping your spouse network is a great way to support them. Helping them with small tasks also goes a long way to showing that you care, that you are invested in their happiness, and you want them to succeed.

A Better You - Upgrading your Skills and Self-Improvement

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

You don't have to be currently looking for a job to upgrade your skills or do a little self-improvement. All you need is the desire to learn something new.

Here are a few suggestions for things that you can do that will make you a better person, a better worker, and a better job prospect.

Upgrade Your Computer Skills:

Always wanted to learn how to do something on the computer? Want to learn spreadsheets or how to get the most out of your software? Well, wait no further. There are specialty schools that offer lots of computer training choices and classes you can take in the evening. But you don't have to go to a lot of expense. Pick up a book from the library and devote some time. You can also check out community organizations that offer inexpensive (sometimes free) computer training. It will pay off in your workplace and later should you start looking for another job. Computers will always be a fact of work. Why not know all you can to make your job easier?

Take a Writing Course:

Writing skills are critical in the workplace and in everyday life. You don't need to be Shakespeare to work in an office, but having the ability to write clearly can help you in so many ways. If you have to create presentations, write reports, or email clients, you want to be able to put all your thoughts and information accurately down on paper. If you write professionally, you will be perceived as a professional. Many community organizations and groups offer classes like this. Look in your local newspaper or online for classes.

Improve your Communication Skills:

Do you have a hard time saying what you feel? Do you get the feeling no one pays attention to your contributions at work? You can likely benefit from taking a communication course. Courses like these not only help you communicate more effectively, but they also encourage you to develop better relationships with people. Because communication is a two-way street, you need to be able to ask for what you want. Learning good communication skills helps you do that.

Work on Yourself:

Are there aspects of your life you'd like to improve? Why not work on them? Do you have a lot of stress in your life? Is it affecting your work? Is it affecting your home life? The more you learn about stress and what triggers it, the better able you are to be productive and emotionally healthy. Working on yourself is a great way to make changes in your life. Do you have to deal with difficult people in your job? Is your boss a bully? You can't change others around you, but you can certainly learn how to better deal with them. If you invest some time in improving your ability to handle difficult people, chances are you will benefit in more ways than you think. Ask your local health professionals about classes being offered in your area.

Learn a New Language:

Whether it's for yourself or whether it's for work, learning a new language can open a world of opportunities for you. The great thing about learning a new language is that you can learn just enough to get by or you can dive in head first and submerge yourself in a new culture. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of effort, but it is certainly possible. It's easier to learn and to keep up a new language if you speak it frequently, so try to make some new friends who speak it. Many jobs in Canada now cite French as an asset so consider that as an idea if you want to improve your job prospects.

There are many other things you can do to upgrade your skills and to improve yourself. When you learn a new skill, you not only improve your abilities but you also help your self-esteem and your confidence. And whether this benefits you at work or in your personal life, taking a little time to do something you really want is its own reward.

Is Morale at Work Low?

By Canadajobs.com Staff

job, jobs, career

Making your job more fun and interesting can be a challenge sometimes. Depending on your work environment, some changes might be easy to make and some might take longer to implement. Here are a few things you can do to boost morale.

Be Positive:

Obviously, something attracted you to this job in the first place. Try to remember the enthusiasm you felt for your work the first week you started. Often, we get caught in a trap of hating our job when really, all that has changed is our outlook. Try listing the things you like about your job. Focus on those things by making them the primary reason you go to work. For example, if you love the interaction you have with clients, make your job about that. When you are dealing with clients, concentrate on them and focus on doing the best job you can for them. If you can turn your focus on the positives of your job, you'll minimize the impact the negatives have on you.

Go Team:

The people you work with have a great impact on how you perceive your job. Granted, there might not be much you can do with the people who make work less than enjoyable, but there's a lot you can do to feel better about it. Participate in work-related events, either on the job or after work hours. You'll feel like part of the team and you'll be able to see your office mates in a more relaxed environment. Seeing another side of someone can lead to empathy and a better understanding of why they are the way they are. You might not become best friends with everyone at work, but having interaction with others outside of work will help them understand you better too. Your office doesn't have any outside activities? Start some yourself. It can be as simple as having a barbeque.

Add Some Fun:

Depending on your work environment, how much fun you can have may vary but the basics are the same. Make people happy. For a small investment, you can bring in a treat on a random day. Whether it's dougnuts, candy, or some squares you bake at home, your office mates will appreciate the thought. Adding fun to your office can be as easy as getting together for lunch when someone at work celebrates a birthday, work anniversary, or a promotion. Plan a gift exchange during the holidays, or events to celebrate the end of a successful project. It takes initiative but there's always someone in an office who's keen on organizing fun events. If there isn't, consider yourself in charge.

Your happiness at work depends largely on your outlook. With a few simple changes like being more positive, enthusiastic, and fun-loving, you can make work more exciting and more enjoyable.