Recap

After Several fantastic evenings, I thought a re-cap might serve us well.

Where to start? 

A poignant question indeed.

Our first evening's speaker, Michelle Schafer (www.mschafercoaching.ca) encouraged us to ask this very question.

It's important, before jumping into a job search, to ask yourself

•why am I looking for a job?

•why am I looking to change careers??

•why am I not happy/satisfied with my current status?

Don't be afraid to ask yourself these questions, or the many others that may arise.

Before starting to search for a new job or career, you first have to decide what inspires you, where and what type of company you want to work for, and what skills you have or need.

Once you've narrowed down the search from every job posting, everywhere you can concentrate your efforts on a select few that truly interest you.

 It's time to start applying,

In our 4th Reboot evening , Donna Scorpio form YMCA-YWCAEmployment Centre stressed the importance of tailoring your resume and cover letter.  Every job posting has a list of skills and achievements requited to qualify for that particular job opening. If possible, research the company, review the company's mission statement and core values. The more information about the company and the specific job, the more tailored the cover latter and resume can be.

Donna explained the 3 different resume formats; chronological, functional and combination. Each has its own merit and particular use. Regardless of the format you choose, it's important not to overload it with irrelevant information.  She pointed out that a resume should start with a tailored objective and that everything that follows should reinforce exactly why you are able to achieve that objective. " A resume is like a puzzle and it should fit from the top down and the bottom up." Your cover letter is just as important and whenever possible, should be included with any application. As Donna mentioned, there are three important thing to remember when writing resumes and cover letters and they are:
Taylor, Taylor and Taylor.  (Let's not forget STAR Bullets!)

It sound like a lot of work, and it certainly can be, especially if you already have a full time job.

Michelle Schaffer discussed the necessity of setting goals as well as boundaries. While hunting for the perfect career opportunity might be top of your list of things to do, maintaining a healthy lifestyle should be just as important. While it's important to setting aside time every day (or week) for your job search, it is equally important not to neglect eating, sleeping, family, friends and relaxing. Tending to life's everyday duties and tasks while searching for a more fulfilling career can be stressful and detrimental to your health, if left unchecked.  Furthermore you don't want to be stressed and worn down, if you do get the call for an interview for that dream job.

 Finding that dream job to apply for is a quest all on its own. Where do you look?  What are the skills required? What can you expect for salary? What recourses are available to help find these jobs?  Jill Hawken uncovered for us, a virtual treasure trove of recourses offered by the Ottawa Public Library. Best of all, it's all free and much of it is on line; current job listings, salary expectations, lists of companies searchable and sortable by industry.  Not only is the library a great source for wonderful programs and events to help you with your career goals, but it also offers computer time and has a whole section on their website dedicated to jobs and careers. biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/interest/jobs

The Career Reboot Group would be nowhere without Jill Hawken and the OPL!

Since our first evening, we've grown from a few attendees to a full room. We've made great connections and met new friends. We've continued to connect outside of the Monday group; meeting for coffee, Linking In on line and staying in touch through email. We're fostering our growing network with every meeting.

Michelle had a wonderful turnout for her talk "Tapping the Hidden Job Market: Taking the Fear out of Networking". She spoke about how we network every day, perhaps without even recognizing we're doing it; at the gym, at school, picking up the groceries on the way home.  She explained that many jobs can only be found through networking, that in some cases, hiring managers find the perfect fit thought their trusted network before they ever get a chance to post the vacancy. It goes to prove that sometimes, it's who you know that can make all the difference.

Michelle has been a huge part of Career Reboot. Her help, guidance and support are greatly appreciated.

All of our speakers have been  and continue to be  a big asset of the group. They give up their Monday night to offer their knowledge and guidance. We thank you for all that you do.

But this group is nothing without our attendees. This group is for you and is all about you, your experiences, your successes, your goals and your plans to achieve them. We may all be striving to attain different dreams and goals, but we come together to support, encourage and learn from each other.

There's strength in numbers. Let's stay strong together!

Hope to see you Nov. 23rd!

Cheers!