How To Interview With Your Current Boss

Some time in your life you might be invited to interview with someone you already know - like your boss. This seems like a strange concept but often supervisors like to conduct interviews with their current employees before offering them a promotion or a different position. This helps your boss determine your readiness and fit for the promotion and also gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, learning experiences, and willingness to move up in the company/organization.

If you ever have an interview with your boss, follow these tips:

• Treat it as if it is a normal interview. Practice your interview skills and take time to reflect on your experiences in your current job so that you feel ready to speak confidently about your position and the skills you have gained from it.
• Dress smart. The same dress etiquette applies even though you may interact with this person everyday at work - make sure you look the part!
• Be professional. Even though it might be tempting to act casual and joke around with your boss as per your normal relationship (if that applies to you), resist! Being well-spoken and confident will make you shine and show your boss that you are able to adapt professionally to this unique situation.
• Be prepared! Your boss may even ask you to provide references. This goes without saying that you should prepare a copy of your resume, cover letter (if applicable) and references for them should they ask. Also remember little things like offering a firm handshake at the end of your interview - make a lasting impression!

All in all interviewing with your current boss can be a tricky situation as you already have a working relationship with them. However it is an opportunity to practice interviewing and communicating your skills and experiences effectively - so take advantage!


...And you never know - it might land you a promotion!
Best of luck,
Lia

Connect Your Network - Find Your Way Into the Hidden Job Market

You’ve heard the word networking over and over but do you know what it really means? Do you understand how your network can help you connect to people to get results? Do you know how to use your network in your job search? Most importantly, how do you connect with your network to be successful?

Brock University (Co-op Programs), the St. Catharines Junior Chamber (Jaycees) and The Sean Moffett Group are excited to invite you to this FREE event on how to network to get results in your job search. Whether you are looking for a full time job, a part time job, a summer job or a co-op job, Sean Moffett will show you the way to connect with people and build a network that will be effective and engaging.

This event held on Wednesday March 28, 2012 from 5-8pm, will help connect community members, students, business owners and leaders to open your eyes to what is commonly referred to as the "hidden job market".

 

Registration is available on CareerZone and the event is open to all students, community members and employers.

Please note that business attire is required for this event View the "Dressing for Success" resources guides:

• Appropriate Attire Resource Guide: http://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/8431
• Do’s and Don’ts Resource Guide (with pictures): http://www.brocku.ca/webfm_send/15272

Hope to see you there!

-Hillary

Mentorship Wrap-Up

Last night Mentorship Plus celebrated the end of another successful year! We celebrated the growth that is learned by both the mentee's and mentors, the relationships blossomed and the amount of voluntary time given to enhance both individuals goals and achievements.

 

 

We also took the time to acknowledge those who have gone above and beyond over the past year helping to make Mentorship Plus the sucess that it is today. With the large number of mentoring relationships that we have worked with over the last few years, this year a new position was made to enhance our participant communication efforts. 7 lead mentors were each given several mentoring pairs to communicatie with and assist in their relationship. Thank you to Anne Lau, Amy Wilson, Renee Girard, Corrin Cudlip, Amber Botelho, Marissa Rowlinson, Ketelyn Scott.

The Engagement Award went to Stephen Amoah  who has been an active participant at every level of the program, and has always promoted Mentorship at every turn. Not only does he work here at Career Services, but he goes above and beyond the call of duty with much gratitude. Congratuations Stephen!

Cam Hathaway has participated in Mentorship Plus for the past five years as a career mentor and worked at inspiring teachers and educators. Cam is the Niagara District School Board Superintendent and a great contributor to Mentorship Plus. Cam recieved the 5 year Award!

  

 

Throughout the evening we also heard from Murry Wickett- an Associate Professor and History Department Chair, as he shared his experience of mentoring, and the relationships that have flourished from the History mentoring. Yvonne Liang, a graduating student mentee gave a warm and special thank you to her mentor for giving her opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. 

 

 

Lastly a special thank you was made to our 4 Mentorship Plus assistant staff, Jennifer Langdon, Stephen Amoah, Lauren Bauer and Andrea Bobb. They work extremely hard, ensuring each partnership is strong and thriving and made this year such a success!

We are hoping to exceed 400 first and senor relationships next year, so stay tuned for how you can be invovled. It was such an amazing night celebrating a fantastic year! Thank you to all participating and supporting in Mentorship Plus and Mentoring at Brock U.

- Hillary

BUSU Summer Job Fair

Not sure what you will be doing this summer?

Want to gain valuable experience and build your resume?

BUSU will be holing its annual Job Fair in the Skybar Lounge from 9 am- 5pm

Tuesday March 20th and Wednesday March 21st.

All students are welcome!

Come out and see what full-time and part-time positions BUSU has to offer!

You are able to read job descriptions, chat with mangers and executives and talk with people who hold a student position you're interested in!

For more information please visit: http://www.busu.net/get-involved/jobs

 and for cover letter and resume writing/reviews please stop by the Career Resource Centre

Have Fun!

-Hillary

Stay On Track

This is Career Services sending out a reminder to as you finish up your academic term:

-> Time to visit your Academic Adviser!

As an undergraduate student it is crucial that you check in with your Academic Adviser at least once a year to make sure you're on track with your degree.Verify with your Adviser that you have all the correct mandatory courses for your program and that you're choosing electives that complement your minor or simply your interests!


It's important to have such conversations with your Academic Adviser to ensure that you are succeeding academically and are on the right path to graduation and even further studies. Your Adviser can help you to narrow down your career choices and even recommend programs that students from your department typically choose to pursue. They often have great ideas as they've had tons of experience with students who are in your shoes - so be sure to take advantage of all their knowledge!


Booking an appointment is as easy as 1-2-3. Visit the Book an Appointment page on the Brock website to set up a meeting with your Adviser, or to view their walk-in hours for quick consultations.


Good luck & stay on track!
- Lia

Why take spring/summer Courses?

This past weekend the sun was shining and we broke records for the highest reached temperature for March 11. People were wearing shorts and t-shirts (crazy), snow shovels were put away, outdoor patio furniture taken out of sheds and spring cleaning was underway.

For some students, this was also the realization that spring is just around the corner and summer shortly follows. It may mean moving out of residence, house hunting, packing to move home, or some even graduation. It also means the time is coming to register for spring and summer courses.

Here are some reasons as to why take spring and/or summer courses:

• Earn credits ahead of schedule, which may lead to an early graduation
• Work towards an associate degree, or minor
• Accelerated, concentrated class time- allowing for intense focus on the topic
• Allows for you to take courses that interests you, and that may otherwise not fit in your schedule
• Smaller classes allowing for greater interaction between students and instructors
• Gives you a chance to upgrade a mark, or retake a class to maintain your overall average and to keep on track
• Opportunity to get demanding courses out of the way with fewer distractions
• Allows you to have a job throughout the summer, as many courses are in the evening
• Reduces the difficult transition students feel after taking a summer off
• Opportunity to take specific-topic or interesting classes that are only offered during spring/summer terms

So as you prepare for spring and summer, will you be taking courses?
-Hillary

We're Hiring!

It's that time of year again, students are in the midst of their summer job search and starting to think about employment for next fall. Now is definitely the time to begin your search! If you're looking for a great on-campus job for the summer and/or next fall that will work around your academic schedule and provide you with some awesome work experience...

...Well you're in luck - Career Services is hiring!

We're looking for students to fill various positions within our department, inlcuding:

• 5-6 Career Assistants to staff the Career Resource Centre in the Learning Commons
• A Social Media Assistant to effectively represent Career Services on social media networks and to work on various marketing campaigns
• 3 Plus Program Assistants to work with our Mentorship Plus, Experience Plus, and Experience Works programs

For more information about these positions and to find out how to apply, visit Career Zone to view the full job postings.

Don't forget to get your resume and cover letter reviewed at the Career Resource Centre before submitting your applications - put your best foot forward!

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming new staff to our team!
Best of luck!!
Lia

Spring into Summer: Job Fair

Get a jump-start on your summer job plans and meet with employers looking to hire for:

• full-time employment
• part-time summer jobs
• full-time summer jobs
• internships

Eight different employers will be recruiting each day. Come prepared with questions and be ready to fill out application forms. It's always a good idea to go to job fairs with the idea that you will be meeting your potiential employer.

Spring into Summer Job Fair is taking place in the Marketplace,

Monday March 5- Friday March 9, 2012

from 11:00am - 3:00pm each day.

For more information on what employers will be present check out: http://www.brocku.ca/calendar-events/18902

Looking on how to prepare for a Job Fair, please stop by the Career Resource Centre and our Career Assistants would be happy to help you out.

We look forward to seeing you!

-Hillary

Your Reputation With Your Exes

Some time or another you're going to have to make a choice to leave a job - maybe things aren't working out with your boss or colleagues, or it's just time to move on to something else that you feel will take you further in your career path.

Either way it is important to resign with class to make sure you still have a decent reputation with your ex-employer. Especially if you want a reference from them in the future, it is absolutely crucial that you take these steps before you pack your bags:

• Give plenty of notice. 2-4 weeks is usually the standard, but double check with your company policies in case they expect differently.
• Offer to help with the hiring/training of your replacement. This will show your employer that you valued your position and have the expertise to help them find someone suitable to take on your role.
• Continue working hard and completing tasks on time. Just because you're leaving doesn't mean you get to slack off!
• Maintain your network. Before you leave make sure you have all the contact information of your colleagues and supervisors that you want to keep in contact with, they could come in handy!
• Finally, thank everyone for their support before you're out the door - it's only common courtesy.

- Taken from Resigning with Class: How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job
by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

In the world of work, it certainly helps to have a good reputation with your exes. Take the time to resign and leave respectfully and with dignity.


Best of luck,
Lia