INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION with
Mr. Nitin Manerikar of Diversity Calgary and Mr. Jim McPhail

Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2005
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Mr. Manerikar of Diversity Calgary and Mr. McPhail are both human resources professionals with a major energy company in Calgary. They presented some of their personal views on �The Realities of Hiring in the Energy Industry.�

Learning about the hiring process and how employers recruit is very important for the job seeker to ensure that they do the most that they can to land the job they want.

�Finding a job is a job.�

The Process: How the company goes about hiring
(Keep in mind, there is a lot of variation between companies� recruiting practices)

1. A need arises for new recruitment. This could be due to company growth, expansion, help required on a specific project. The decision is made to hire someone.

2. A job description is developed. This would include the role, responsibilities, qualifications, experience and education requirements of the position. The attributes listed in job descriptions are often the company�s ideal candidate. This means that they will consider applicants who do not have ALL the requirements that they have asked for.

3. The company will post or advertise the job. The usual order:
*internal job posting (through staff, colleagues)
*email (informing contacts and network about the job)
*company website
*industry groups
*newspapers, internet job search sites
*agencies (headhunter, staffing company)

(This means that MANY jobs are found internally. They are NOT in the newspapers or on the internet. For external job seekers, the two best alternatives are to network and meet industry contacts and to view company websites, which will have their jobs posted)

4. The company will review and screen the applications. DO NOT feel offended if the company does not call you about your application, they receive tens or hundreds and cannot call every person who has applied to inform them that they will not be interviewed.

5. Interviews and the selection process will begin.

The Hiring Process can be very long. Six months is not unheard of and two months may be considered fast in the Energy industry. There are lots of steps and people involved, be patient. Permanent positions take longer to hire for than contract or temporary ones.

Realities of Hiring
1. Some needs are immediate for the company. They may require a specific set of skills for a new project or if someone has left the company unexpectedly. In those cases, employers are more likely to use internal job postings and networking to find suitable candidates in a short period of time

2. Delays for the company can be costly when they cannot find a suitable employee.

3. Training and re-location are time-consuming and expensive for employers. Companies want to hire someone who is ready to work right away. However, some with financial resources will take the time to hire someone that they can train if they have the soft skills and fit that match the company�s corporate culture.

4. Soft skills are very important. They are the non-technical attributes that companies look for such as communication, organization, time management and the ability to work in teams.

5. Language mastery/fluency is very important. It�s not about having an accent, but grammar, spelling, punctuation and the ability to communicate effectively in interviews. A grammar or spelling error on the cover letter or resume reflects poor language skill and lack of attention to detail. Furthermore, in the interview, the more you can understand and be understood, the better the relationship between yourself and the interviewer.

Myths
1. There are shortages of skilled workers in all fields.

The reality is that competition is very tough for many positions, especially professional ones. In Calgary, not enough people are retiring for the number of younger ones entering the workforce or moving in from other parts of the country or world. Calgary has one of the youngest and most educated populations in Canada.

2. Most jobs require generalized skills rather than specialized content.

The reality is that many jobs are highly specialized, and specialization takes time. This is especially true if you are new to the country and may need to learn about standards and policies in Alberta or Canada.

3. It�s not what you know, but who you know.

The reality is that you need both. Who you know will help you hear about opportunities, but what you know will ultimately determine your job performance and ability to prove your skills for the position.

4. Agencies will get me a job.

The reality is that this myth is truer for people seeking junior positions. Agencies should be only one part of your job search tools � use other tools as well.

5. There�s no discrimination.

The reality is that a range of discrimination occurs in the hiring process. Some are more obvious than others. But the best thing to do is to give the interviewer the benefit of the doubt and assume good intentions. It will help you retain a positive attitude during your job search, and not let barriers distract you. Know your rights and discuss blatant discrimination with someone at the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission.

TIPS
1. If you have 60 to 75% of the attributes and requirements listed in the job posting, apply for it. The job description is their ideal candidate, but not necessarily the one they�ll actually hire

2. Use keywords in your cover letter and resume. Adapt your language and customize to the company�s job posting demands.

3. �Fit� is a lot of what companies are looking for. That is, how you will �fit-in� to their company�s staff and values (corporate culture). Emphasize any experience you have working with organizations that are managed similar to North American firms.

4. Networking, presentation, interpersonal and language skills are very important. It is critical to invest some time and/or money into building these skills.

5. RESEARCH! Learn about your skills, the industry and jobs that employ them in Calgary, companies that you would like to work for, and who is hiring! Then focus your search.