INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION with
Landis Jackson, Human Resources Manager
Eaton Electrical

Date: June 22, 2005
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Landis Jackson is a Certified Human Resources Professional with over 8 years of professional HR experience. Her work includes the development and implementation of strategic hiring practices.

The following are notes from the presentation and tips for job seekers.

Before approaching potential employers for a job, consider the following:

1. What will your next position look like?

- The level of technical aptitude required?
- Culture of the workplace? Do you work a regular 9-5 job? Do you work days, evenings or weekends?
- The kind of work you�ll be doing � technical, behind a desk, in the field, research, hands-on, consulting, etc.

*Assess WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!!

2. What strengths do you bring?

- Assess your abilities
- Consider your work experience
- How are your communication skills?
- In the cover letter and resume, don�t use words that aren�t YOU
- Be upfront about your English skills
- Mention any team work skills or experience
- Will the company be able to cross-train you?

3. Sourcing opportunities

- job banks, company websites, recruiting companies, networking, newspapers, on-line, career fairs and volunteering

4. Information Interviews

- Identify 10-12 companies you would want to work with
- Find people that work there and approach them for a 15-20 minute interview
- Be organized and concise � prepare questions
- Try to get the names of 2-3 other people that you may speak with
- Send follow-up �Thank-you� card/letter
- Identify the sectors and companies that would employ your skills
- Information interviews may be powerful, don�t abuse them!

DON�T FORGET! The process of finding a job will take time and diligence: �Finding a job is a full-time job.�

5. Commit a certain portion of each work day to the process of job searching

6. Be open to alternative work schedules

- consider part-time positions, shift work, job shares, temporary positions, contracts, terms, and tele-commuting

Quick Cover Letter and Resume Tips
*make sure you have the correct company and job title
*use the correct salutation (Mr., Mrs, Ms.) � the wrong one may offend the recipient and/or also show a lack of communication skills on your part
*review for typos and grammar mistakes, employers WILL NOTICE and it shows both lack of care and communication skills
*in the cover letter, highlight a few things you like about the company, or highlight some of your own skills
*the resume should be no longer then 2 pages, and highlight work experience and then education
*your work experience should include the job title, duration and 5-6 bullets describing your responsibilities
*don�t go back more then 10 years on your work experience
*include your degrees and any special education received
*demonstrate that you get things done
*when possible, tie your achievements to the financial prosperity of the organization you worked for
*do not include the line �References Available Upon Request� at the end of your resume � redundant, references will have to be available when the employer required them.


�Overqualified?�
Have you ever been told that you are �overqualified� for a job?
It is UP TO YOU to convince the employer why they should hire someone with years of professional experience for an entry-level position. They can easily hire a new graduate or someone with less experience then you.

However, you NEED the entry-level Canadian work experience.

In your cover letter:

1. EXPLAIN why you want the entry level position despite your professional work experience
2. DEMONSTRATE your desire to stay with the company and not be looking for another job
3. OWNICE on you to convince the employer why they should hire you
4. SHOW technical AND soft skills, Canadian employers value both skill sets in the workplace

References
*Use professional references only
*Should be current, and references should be aware that you have listed them
*Include the reference�s name, relationship, 3-5 sentences on the type of work you completed with/for them, and their contact information (phone and email)

Example:

Jane Stradis � reported to for 3 years
Supervisor
Completed special projects together for various marketing accounts with budgets up to $250,000. Reported to Jane on new client acquisitions, design developments, and project outcomes.
Phone: (403) 254.9809
Email: janestradis@arrowmarketing.com 

Interviews
*Be PREPARED! Review sample questions and bring questions to ask the interviewers (always!!) � shows you�ve researched the company and that you�re interested
*could be one on one or group interview � make eye contact with everyone
*if nervous, role play and practice in front of a mirror
*be ready for situational questions (tell me about a time when...)
*be ready for behavioural questions (how would you react if...)
*prepare references on a sheet of paper

For further information contact Landis Jackson:
Telephone: (403) 717-2026
Fax: (403) 717-2056
Email: landisjackson@eaton
Website: www.eaton.com