FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Question:  I heard about "Personal Branding" on the news. What is it

  Answer:

A new trend that is developing in job search is Personal Branding.  This concept involves applying an old technique to a new “product” – you!  It is a way of communicating Who You Are, What You Do and How You Add Value in order to differentiate yourself from other job candidates. In effect, much as perceptions were created for products, personal branding involves generating precise, meaningful perceptions of you (the product) to the right audience (potential employers).  To succeed, your key traits must be objective, authentic, specific, clear and concise to name a few.

There are many benefits to personal branding including the increase in confidence and self-esteem due to an awareness of skills, strengths, passions and values.

The basics of the personal brand statement (PBS) is that it should be no more than a single sentence, easily understood by a 12 year old and able to be recited without error or hesitation.  In addition, your PBS should be: 

• Inspiring

• Reader oriented

• Consistent

• Resonate

• Large as life

A personal brand statement is organized into 6 elements:

    1.    Field or industry – which are you looking to enter?

    2.    Target audience – who makes hiring decision at any one company?

    3.    Brand Personality – what are your top 3 attributes?

    4.    Brand Insight – where is the company’s need/gap?

    5.    Brand Position – how are you going to satisfy need?

    6.    Support – how are you going to back up your credibility?

See any of the staff at CERC for more information on Personal Branding

  Question:  What are some keys to getting hired?

  Answer:

Some employers use a list of skills and attributes called the Eight Keys to Employability to help them find the best applicants for a job. If you can show potential employers that you have what they are looking for, you’ll increase your chances of being short-listed. Here are some examples of what could be written in a resume or said in an interview to demonstrate your abilities:

Personal Values

• “I have a positive attitude and react well to challenges.”

• “I am willing to reach beyond personal limitations.”

Problem-Solving/Decision-Making

• “I can and will accept additional responsibilities.”

• “I can talk with others and resolve issues.”

Ability to Relate to Other People

• “I am friendly and communicate well.”

• “I work well with people in all levels of my team.”

Communication Skills

• “I am a good listener.”

• “I am not afraid to ask for help when necessary.”

Task-Related Skills

• “I can complete my work on time.”

• “I follow directions and stick with tasks until they are finished.”

Maturity

• “I am reliable, dependable, and responsible.”

• “I work well with little or no supervision.”

Health and Safety Habits

• “I know about common health and safety rules.”

• “I follow established workplace rules.”

Commitment to the Job

• “I am enthusiastic about my work and willing to learn.”

• “I am always on time, and give consistent work and effort to the team.”

Whenever possible, show a potential employer that you meet each of these Eight Keys. They can be reflected in your resume or in an interview, and can help  lead to job success reaching your goals!

Stay tuned for packages on some of these essential skills at your local CERC office

 Question:  Are Trades and Apprenticeships worth pursuing?

 Answer: YES!

Did You Know: 

• “There are over 200 occupations in the Apprentice able Trades that are regulated through a Canadian program. 

• Apprenticeship is a proven system that combines on-the-job experience with technical training. 

• Is a formal agreement where a trade is passed on from employer to apprentice. 

• It relies on commitment from apprentice, employer, fellow workers as well as the training institution.

• Allows a person to earn while they learn.

• "Apprentice can build a contact  list for networking purposes.”  

• “In the next 20 yrs, 40% of the new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies.

• More people are retiring in the trades then entering.  The hardest hit industries will be manufacturing, construction, petroleum production and transportation. 

• The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 42% vacancy rate for skilled trade by 2007. 

• Many skilled trades people now make six-figure incomes with excellent benefits. 

• According to Job Futures 2000, by 2007, more then one-third of jobs created in Canada will require a skilled trade or a college diploma.”

  Question:  Do You have any tips for making cold calls to potential employers?

  Answer:

Once you have found one or more organizations that interest you, it’s time to make those dreaded calls.  It may take many phone calls before you accomplish an interview.  This technique is called Cold Calling and is one of the most effective methods of obtaining an interview.”  Some pointers:  

1. Have a clear employment goal before hand.

2. Dazzle the listener with your professionalism, politeness, grammar and pronunciation.

3. Create a script before you call so that you are better prepared.

4. If a secretary answers the phone, make it sound like you’re a frequent caller.  E.g. rehearse with a friend so you portray an image of familiarity and confidence.

5. Make sure you record all the calls you made and the person’s name you spoke to for each organization.

6. Develop rapport by using a shared contact or joint interest.”  

Don’ts 

• “Sound hesitant with “ummm..” and lack of self-confidence.

• Be abrupt and rude to the person who answers the phone.

• Mispronounce or forget the name of the person you are calling.

• Memorize your script, it will sound fake or too much like a sales person.

Testimonials

..."I thought I would write a short note to you indicating how important the CERC office has been to me. If it wasn't for the availability of the CERC facilities, I'm sure I would still be floundering around trying to decide what to do. The staff was very helpful to me and I appreciate it. Keep up the good work."
- Bob

..."I have found that it is not easy returning to the workforce after being injured, but your staff, equipment, and resources are invaluable. May I further mention that this is very reassuring and comforting with the serious challenge I face, trying to get retrained. It is also nice to know that our community cares by providing this facility, and its associates. Thanks."
- Ernie

..."The continued support and encouragement from all staff members has made my journey a very pleasant experience. Needless to say, the physical resources (computer, fax, and phone) were extremely valuable and much appreciated. Thanks a million."
- Bill

..." I found the services and the staff that CERC offered to be very helpful. Having the computers, newspapers, and photocopying/fax services available when I needed to utilize them were instrumental in enabling me to respond to job advertisements in a timely manner."
- Cathy

..."I'm really thrilled! I've faced lots of challenges along the way in my job search, and I've learned a lot. The CERC staff and resources have been an incredible help in my job search and I would encourage any job seeker to utilize them to the fullest. For me, the clincher was learning how to effectively network and market myself. The position I found was not advertised. Good luck to others in their search for work."
- Janet

..."Thanks so much for all of your help! I don't think I have ever been as motivated for success as I have been since I found CERC. Keep up the good work!"
- Leslie

..."I would like to express my gratitude tp all those here at the Resource Centre for all the help and confidence you gave me in order to succeed at my greatest dream. Thanks."
- Jane

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