As an agency, EPC is fortunate to have good working relationships with so many local employers. When asked to sit on an Employer Panel for Career Week, we were able to have representatives from the social service, hospitality, technical support, security, and skilled trades sectors attend. Their candid comments on what to include in a resume, what skill sets and employee characteristics to highlight, and their hiring practices will undoubtedly help with your future job search efforts.

How to Rock Your Resume

Let’s start by taking some of the guess work out of resume preparation. Your resume is a marketing tool, rather than a historical document. It has the ability to move you into the A, B, or C selection pile. Highlighting your skills and training with clarity and intent can make all the difference. Using these tips can help you look like a better ‘fit’ for the job:

• Address any gaps in employment
•  Provide relevant, specific information including education, licenses and certifications
• Use keywords that are known in you industry
• Keep your resume concise (some employers prefer a one page resume)
• Gear your resume to a specific position
• Ensure your resume is always up to date
• Have others proofread your resume to eliminate any spelling and grammatical errors
• Add high school and college placement experiences
• Make resumes public on job boards

In this job market, it is likely that you will be competing against other candidates. Being aware of employer expectations and having an understanding of the hiring process can help you to be more prepared. Treat your job search as a job. Realize that every staff you come into contact with can be a possible reference point and that it may not be realistic to meet with the manager. Be prepared, be professional and take every opportunity to demonstrate your ‘people skills’.

Making the ‘A List’:

• Contact the company by phone and ask when it is a good time to apply
• Find out what the preferred method is for application
• Add a cover letter
• Get the hiring manager’s business card and follow up, by phone or email, within a week
• Look for appropriate licensing / certificate courses to take
• Be prepared to provide a criminal record check, vulnerable sector check, valid driver’s licence, or driving abstract if required by your industry

Hiring Practices may include any or all of the following:

• Phone screening
• Face-to-face interviews
• Rapid hiring for mass candidates
• Reference checks
• Job shadowing with other employees
• Onsite training
• Online training
• International training
• Aptitude testing
• Reviewing candidate’s social media account(s)

We wish to thank our Career Week 2017 Employer Panel for sharing their hiring practices and recommendations. The panel consisted of AVNK Security, Bruce Maly Plumbing, Comfort Inn, Concentrix, East Side Mario’s, Holiday Inn, Stewart Homes, and Two Guys and a Truck.
For more assistance with your job search, book an appointment with a Career Counsellor at EPC or check our Workshops & Events section for upcoming dates.