Saturday, April 9, 2011
Job Search Tool Kit - Resumes and Cover Letters
Ten Tips for Excellent Cover Letters That Will Get You Noticed
Writing a cover letter is not that difficult but getting one started can make you feel like a novelist experiencing writers block. You may find yourself asking, “what is my opening line or where do I start?” A cover letter is not just an introduction of yourself to a prospective employer; it also brings some serious consideration to your resume because it highlights your abilities and demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role. An effective, powerful cover letter will create interest in your resume and allow the reader to discover your skills and demonstrate your potential ability in the role.
Cover letters create an interest between the reader and your resume. Hiring managers and recruiters review resumes and cover letters in under a minute. A well-written cover letter will give your application a closer look and a better chance at receiving a call for an interview. A well-written cover letter could make the difference between yourself and your competitor for the role because of your demonstrated good writing skills. These skills show the reader your attention to detail, good communication ability, and professionalism.
Cover Letter Tips
Always use good quality paper that matches your resume if you are submitting your cover letter in person or by mail. Avoid bright colors and opt for neutral shades that will look professional.
If you are submitting your cover letter by email, copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email and attach it with your resume as well. This format allows the receiver of your cover letter to print it as a letter along with the resume. This allows the hiring manager to submit your information in a complete package that looks professional.
Where possible, always address your letter to the appropriate hiring manager along with the complete company address. If you cannot find this information, perform a Google search or utilize LinkedIn to obtain it. If all else fails, call the company and speak to reception. Ask for the name of your intended recipient. Make sure you verify the spelling of the name as well.
Proof read your cover letter carefully. If possible, have someone proof read it for you as well.
Use an easily readable font when creating your cover letter. Avoid colourful inks and fancy fonts. This is a business letter that is representing you and your career.
Cover Letter Content Tips
The first paragraph of your cover letter should introduce yourself to the reader and let them know how you found the position. If this is a “cold call” cover letter and you are prospecting for an opportunity, let the reader know how you found their organization. Tell the reader why you are interested in a position with them.
Your second paragraph reveals your skills to the reader. If you are responding to a job posting, choose words and skills of your own that match what your reader will be looking for and have used in their job posting. Using words and skills that match the company will resonate with your reader and create more interest in your resume.
Cover letters allow you to explain your skills and what you can offer an organization but there is a fine line between discussing your skills, achievements, or abilities and sounding too bold. Avoid “I” statements or statements that may be considered too bold such as how you are the perfect candidate for the role.
Your final paragraph should ask for an interview. A simple statement such as “My resume is enclosed for your review, I look forward to meeting you to discuss my qualifications in further detail” is a great way to end your letter and let the reader see your enthusiasm for the opportunity one more time.
If you are making an interview request due to a scheduled day off or if you require a specific day to interview, it is fine to mention that. “I will be available to speak with you on Thursday May 5, 2011. I may be reached between 1 pm and 4 pm at this number 555-1234”.
Resume Styles
A resume is the summary of your work experience and career. Combined with a cover letter, this is your marketing tool that introduces you to the job market and prospective employers. In order to be competitive with other resumes that employers receive you must make your document stand out and display your skills. There are several styles of resumes in uses today but we will discuss the three most commonly used.
Chronological
This resume style lists career experience in order of date worked and summarizes skills under each employer. Education, certifications, and memberships follow the employment history summary. This is the most common style used today. This style makes it easy for employers to understand what you have been doing and what skills you possess very quickly.
Functional
The functional resume is a very good choice for people who have a diverse skill set. It is also a good choice for workers considering a career change and wish to demonstrate their skills to an employer before they show work history. The top of the resume lists skills in brief statements or point form. Career history is presented after this usually with company names and dates. After this section, education, memberships, and associations are noted.
Combination Functional/Chronological
This resume combines both features to create a unique document that displays transferable skills, unique skills and work history in one document. It allows employers to see what you are able to do quickly and then summarizes work history with duties underneath. Education, associations or memberships follows this.
Tips for Effective Resumes
Remember to begin your resume with your objective. This statement tells the reader your employment intentions. Your resume is the tool that helps you get the interview. Once you are at the interview, you can speak to your skills and get the job.
Use bulleted sentences that contain action words.
Avoid using pronouns like “I” or “Me.” The document is about you so this would make your statements redundant.
Match your skills and wording to the employer job ad as best as possible. These known key words.
Use effective job titles when constructing your resume. Make sure you are highlighting your job titles to match today’s job market. Secretary been replaced by Administrative Assistant in today’s terminology.
Make sure you use professional, easy to read font. Avoid colourful graphics or unusual fonts or brightly coloured paper. Our creative idea we may like or think is professional can appear less so for a potential employer.
Use achievements to display your skills. Let the reader know that you have been productive in your career and progressing.
Keep your resume confined to one or two pages. Anything longer than this may cause the reader to lose interest.
Remove any older work experiences. 10 years of work history is standard on a resume and it prevents “ageism” when applying for jobs.
You will need to spend some time to customize your resume for each employer. Key words will need to match for each unique job application.
Have someone proofread your resume once you have finished it.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Life Long Learning - A Wise Investment In You
Life Long Learning – A Wise Investment in You
Lifelong learning is an absolute necessity for everyone, especially when we consider how much our lives can change in the span of a year due to technology alone! How many of us have iphones, Blackberries and HD TV in our homes? This simple statement demonstrates how we need to develop our skills throughout our lives, not only for personal use but for employability factors as well. Our careers are constantly evolving as well. How we receive communication, how we are managed and how we perform our jobs, changes constantly with technology. Some of us work from home now, who could have imagined that a mere decade ago?
As workers, we are exposed to the rapid pace of change all of the time. Jobs have been eliminated because of these changes and this trend does not seem to be slowing down. When new technology is introduced, processes somewhere are streamlined which means someone could be out of a job. How are you keeping pace?
Challenges of Life Long Learning
Wearing my many hats as career coach, employment counselor and recruiter, I have met with many clients that have found themselves searching for new jobs but face a skills gap in their experience. Many workers have been long tenured in their roles. These workers did not upgrade their skills or how they performed their jobs during their career journey. Upgrading or new training may not have even occurred to them because there was a perception of long-term employment or security within their organization. These workers appeared onto the job market with excellent work histories but lacked the up to date skills that employers of today’s streamlined workforce demand. An example of this may be a bookkeeper who always worked on in-house or proprietary systems. Administrative clerks in a company that never upgraded to the recent versions of Microsoft. Even equipment operators with in-house certifications found out these papers were not transferrable to new employers. Many IT professionals also experience the gap because their companies may not have continuously upgraded programs or equipment. These workers cannot compete with new graduates of business colleges who have the shiny new versions of programs or skills.
What Can You Do
The solution is simple, become a continuously learner throughout your life. That answer is not so simple however. It is not always possible to find funds that will allow you to take a courses. Perhaps there are other commitments in life that leaves little room or time to learn. Fortunately, continuous learning and training can be tackled from a variety of different approaches.
Self Funding
By investing in yourself and paying your own way, you are in control of your learning. The expense can in many cases be written off on taxes but the obstacle to self-funded learning can be finding the money to do this. There are small courses available for office skills through community programs, night schools and other resources within your local area. Examples of this may be basic bookkeeping courses, Microsoft Office courses or very basic computer courses that can teach you to email. Many of these types of courses are inexpensive and very part time. Many courses are accessible over a period of an evening or two over a few weeks. Larger education commitments may require more resourcefulness.
Community Employment Resource Centers
There are a number of employment resource facilities available within your local area. These centers typically service unemployed workers but will be able to direct you to nearest training facilities for computer skills, IT training, equipment operation or forklift courses as well as short-term certificates. If you are unemployed, these centers can assist you in accessing benefits through unemployment that could help with the funding for training as well. Speak to a local case manager and see where this possibility can take you. You can find these services by contacting your local employment office or performing an internet search for services in your local area.
Employer Funded Programs
Depending upon where you work, many companies do have employer funded training. These programs will typically sponsor training as long as it is job related. Some programs will reimburse you immediately; others will pay once you have completed the course. You must present the employer with a transcript at the end. Others will pay the bill up front. Speaking with your manager or Human Resources representative can provide you with the information and direction you will need to get started.
Other Options
If you are unable to access training through employer funding and you just do not have the means to pay, not all is lost. What can you do to support your continued growth? You may consider reading up on your trade or vocation through journals, credible websites and other publications. Stay current with market place trends and read about technology changes or corporate changes within your field. Joining associations to network with people in your career path is great because you can find out what is going on out in the world of your profession. Which company is upgrading to new equipment or technology? Who is hiring? Who is laying off? Through professional networking groups, you can meet your peers and or their managers. This can be the open door to your next offer as well! You can get started today on LinkedIn depending upon your field of work.
In your workplace, you can ask about learning new roles or positions. This is not about moving upwards within the company but perhaps laterally for a while. By cross training in a variety of roles, you can gain some valuable experience. This can assist in making you more employable and agile in the job market. The more opportunity we can have to learn how to do something new or different, makes us more desirable for hire with future employers.
I had the pleasure early in my career to work with a wonderful woman who was new to the field of recruitment and staffing. I asked her what she wanted from me as a manager and her request has stayed with me for many years. Her response was “I want every possible experience I can have here for my resume and for my future”. That response could be interpreted many different ways including “this person is not going to stay in this job” but it really was an entry-level role. I did my best to provide her with her request. The employee stayed with me for several years and as a manager I learned a valuable lesson that day. Let employees learn, encourage them to learn as much as they can, give them the chance to see new things, always provide the opportunity for growth because our futures need continuous learning.
The journey to life long learning can begin with something as simple as a foreign language CD purchased from a bookstore. It can be all of the things discussed in this blog. The important message to take away from here is to make sure that you are giving your career room for growth, stretching and ongoing challenge. This learning will take on new forms as you evolve in your role(s) but you will be the ultimate winner and hopefully the most sought after candidate at a job interview.
Lifelong learning is an absolute necessity for everyone, especially when we consider how much our lives can change in the span of a year due to technology alone! How many of us have iphones, Blackberries and HD TV in our homes? This simple statement demonstrates how we need to develop our skills throughout our lives, not only for personal use but for employability factors as well. Our careers are constantly evolving as well. How we receive communication, how we are managed and how we perform our jobs, changes constantly with technology. Some of us work from home now, who could have imagined that a mere decade ago?
As workers, we are exposed to the rapid pace of change all of the time. Jobs have been eliminated because of these changes and this trend does not seem to be slowing down. When new technology is introduced, processes somewhere are streamlined which means someone could be out of a job. How are you keeping pace?
Challenges of Life Long Learning
Wearing my many hats as career coach, employment counselor and recruiter, I have met with many clients that have found themselves searching for new jobs but face a skills gap in their experience. Many workers have been long tenured in their roles. These workers did not upgrade their skills or how they performed their jobs during their career journey. Upgrading or new training may not have even occurred to them because there was a perception of long-term employment or security within their organization. These workers appeared onto the job market with excellent work histories but lacked the up to date skills that employers of today’s streamlined workforce demand. An example of this may be a bookkeeper who always worked on in-house or proprietary systems. Administrative clerks in a company that never upgraded to the recent versions of Microsoft. Even equipment operators with in-house certifications found out these papers were not transferrable to new employers. Many IT professionals also experience the gap because their companies may not have continuously upgraded programs or equipment. These workers cannot compete with new graduates of business colleges who have the shiny new versions of programs or skills.
What Can You Do
The solution is simple, become a continuously learner throughout your life. That answer is not so simple however. It is not always possible to find funds that will allow you to take a courses. Perhaps there are other commitments in life that leaves little room or time to learn. Fortunately, continuous learning and training can be tackled from a variety of different approaches.
Self Funding
By investing in yourself and paying your own way, you are in control of your learning. The expense can in many cases be written off on taxes but the obstacle to self-funded learning can be finding the money to do this. There are small courses available for office skills through community programs, night schools and other resources within your local area. Examples of this may be basic bookkeeping courses, Microsoft Office courses or very basic computer courses that can teach you to email. Many of these types of courses are inexpensive and very part time. Many courses are accessible over a period of an evening or two over a few weeks. Larger education commitments may require more resourcefulness.
Community Employment Resource Centers
There are a number of employment resource facilities available within your local area. These centers typically service unemployed workers but will be able to direct you to nearest training facilities for computer skills, IT training, equipment operation or forklift courses as well as short-term certificates. If you are unemployed, these centers can assist you in accessing benefits through unemployment that could help with the funding for training as well. Speak to a local case manager and see where this possibility can take you. You can find these services by contacting your local employment office or performing an internet search for services in your local area.
Employer Funded Programs
Depending upon where you work, many companies do have employer funded training. These programs will typically sponsor training as long as it is job related. Some programs will reimburse you immediately; others will pay once you have completed the course. You must present the employer with a transcript at the end. Others will pay the bill up front. Speaking with your manager or Human Resources representative can provide you with the information and direction you will need to get started.
Other Options
If you are unable to access training through employer funding and you just do not have the means to pay, not all is lost. What can you do to support your continued growth? You may consider reading up on your trade or vocation through journals, credible websites and other publications. Stay current with market place trends and read about technology changes or corporate changes within your field. Joining associations to network with people in your career path is great because you can find out what is going on out in the world of your profession. Which company is upgrading to new equipment or technology? Who is hiring? Who is laying off? Through professional networking groups, you can meet your peers and or their managers. This can be the open door to your next offer as well! You can get started today on LinkedIn depending upon your field of work.
In your workplace, you can ask about learning new roles or positions. This is not about moving upwards within the company but perhaps laterally for a while. By cross training in a variety of roles, you can gain some valuable experience. This can assist in making you more employable and agile in the job market. The more opportunity we can have to learn how to do something new or different, makes us more desirable for hire with future employers.
I had the pleasure early in my career to work with a wonderful woman who was new to the field of recruitment and staffing. I asked her what she wanted from me as a manager and her request has stayed with me for many years. Her response was “I want every possible experience I can have here for my resume and for my future”. That response could be interpreted many different ways including “this person is not going to stay in this job” but it really was an entry-level role. I did my best to provide her with her request. The employee stayed with me for several years and as a manager I learned a valuable lesson that day. Let employees learn, encourage them to learn as much as they can, give them the chance to see new things, always provide the opportunity for growth because our futures need continuous learning.
The journey to life long learning can begin with something as simple as a foreign language CD purchased from a bookstore. It can be all of the things discussed in this blog. The important message to take away from here is to make sure that you are giving your career room for growth, stretching and ongoing challenge. This learning will take on new forms as you evolve in your role(s) but you will be the ultimate winner and hopefully the most sought after candidate at a job interview.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Best Tips For Posting Your Resume On Line - Be Noticed!
10 Effective Tips To Post Your Resume On Line
Posting your resume on line with job boards can provide you with access to a number of hidden opportunities. Many companies, recruiters, and HR departments pay for the privilege to search or “mine” these databases before they ever post their open opportunity. Posting your resume on line following these tips can increase your chances to find your next job!
Many job boards offer the opportunity for job seekers to create an account with them and post your resume free. Here are 10 great tips to keep in mind when posting your resume on line.
1. Keep your contact information hidden. Only divulge this information once a recruiter or company has made contact with you. At this time, you can decide if you would like to proceed with contact and a potential interview.
2. Confirm that you retain ownership of your content once posted. Ensure that you can go back and edit your information as many times as you need.
3. Choose reputable websites only.
4. Create a specific job searching email or professional email address such as maryadmin2@yahoo.ca. The added benefit is a customized email for your job search that does not interfere with your daily email or your personal email address which may not be job seeking friendly.
5. Keep your confidential information to a minimum. You do want to be found after all. Current employer information is acceptable to remain hidden. However, too much hidden information will lower your response rate from HR departments seeking to hire your skills.
6. Hiding your current employer is a very good idea. Many HR advisors use alerts to discover employees searching for work. Keep your current employer information hidden.
7. Use sites that are popular and easy to access
8. Maximize you use of key words and catchy phrases. You need your resume to stand out in the pile so the more key words used, the faster your resume rises to the top.
9. Use plain text when posting on line, make sure you also make use of the spell check features where offered.
10. Once you post your resume, do not let it sit there. Databases sort resumes by date of submission with the newest resumes first. Make sure that you check in and renew your on-line resumes every two weeks to keep it current. If you do not have any response after 30 days, remove it and try another site.
Make your resume stand out with powerful keywords
Sites like Monster provide large amounts of characters to post your on-line resume. Monster for example allows the objective portion, up to 2000 characters! So, your objective can state, “to find work as an accountant using my skills in ....” List all of your skills here. Posters are often given the final word such as “Describe your dream job”. Monster allows posters 500 characters for this purpose. Typically, this can be a repeat of your objective again maximizing your key words.
Posting your resume on line with job boards can provide you with access to a number of hidden opportunities. Many companies, recruiters, and HR departments pay for the privilege to search or “mine” these databases before they ever post their open opportunity. Posting your resume on line following these tips can increase your chances to find your next job!
Many job boards offer the opportunity for job seekers to create an account with them and post your resume free. Here are 10 great tips to keep in mind when posting your resume on line.
1. Keep your contact information hidden. Only divulge this information once a recruiter or company has made contact with you. At this time, you can decide if you would like to proceed with contact and a potential interview.
2. Confirm that you retain ownership of your content once posted. Ensure that you can go back and edit your information as many times as you need.
3. Choose reputable websites only.
4. Create a specific job searching email or professional email address such as maryadmin2@yahoo.ca. The added benefit is a customized email for your job search that does not interfere with your daily email or your personal email address which may not be job seeking friendly.
5. Keep your confidential information to a minimum. You do want to be found after all. Current employer information is acceptable to remain hidden. However, too much hidden information will lower your response rate from HR departments seeking to hire your skills.
6. Hiding your current employer is a very good idea. Many HR advisors use alerts to discover employees searching for work. Keep your current employer information hidden.
7. Use sites that are popular and easy to access
8. Maximize you use of key words and catchy phrases. You need your resume to stand out in the pile so the more key words used, the faster your resume rises to the top.
9. Use plain text when posting on line, make sure you also make use of the spell check features where offered.
10. Once you post your resume, do not let it sit there. Databases sort resumes by date of submission with the newest resumes first. Make sure that you check in and renew your on-line resumes every two weeks to keep it current. If you do not have any response after 30 days, remove it and try another site.
Make your resume stand out with powerful keywords
Sites like Monster provide large amounts of characters to post your on-line resume. Monster for example allows the objective portion, up to 2000 characters! So, your objective can state, “to find work as an accountant using my skills in ....” List all of your skills here. Posters are often given the final word such as “Describe your dream job”. Monster allows posters 500 characters for this purpose. Typically, this can be a repeat of your objective again maximizing your key words.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Using LinkedIn for Your Job Search
TIPS FOR USING LINKEDIN
Did you know that 8.5 million experienced professionals use LinkedIn around the world representing more than 130 industries? Members use this site to sell their product or service, find a job, form a partnership or make connections with other people. People with more than 20 connections are 34 more times likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people less than five connections! LinkedIn is also a great source of groups where members of common fields can post questions or receive updates regarding their industries.
LinkedIn is a very common tool used by recruiters for sourcing talent and head hunting so this alone is great motivation to be utilizing this site if you are seeking change and new challenges in your career. Did you know that you can use the techniques of sourcing on LinkedIn to find your next job? LinkedIn can be a great starting point to find people you may want to meet for an informational interview as a step towards your new career.
Getting Started On LinkedIn
1. Create your profile but make sure you complete it 100 percent. This includes a picture of yourself, hopefully a current one! Your profile will consist of your education, past work history, current work history and a brief bio about yourself. Some profiles include blogs, books that have been recently read and groups.
2. Join Groups. There are dozens of industry specific groups that may be of interest to you. Groups allow you to network with new people from your industry or industries.
3. Make connections with members. Find your co-workers from the past and present or business contacts like former clients. The more connections you make, the better the network you build. Connections should know you personally or have done business with you in the past.
4. Get recommended. LinkedIn allows you to recommend your connections as well as allow your connections to recommend you. These informal references are a great testimonial to the work you can accomplish.
Job Hunting Using LinkedIn
1. Use your status line to announce your job searching intentions with statements like “Open to Opportunities” Keep your status lines professional at all times. Unlike Facebook, we probably should not know about your weekend. Be aware if you link an account from Twitter to LinkedIn, that status update will populate to LinkedIn. I once told my business contacts about the great chicken soup I made on the weekend!
2. Use your recommendations as informal references when job searching. Future employers will perform a Google search of your name and your LinkedIn profile will appear. Future recruiters or human resource professionals will look for your profile and review your information.
3. Use LinkedIn to research companies that you may want your next role in. Search for company employees by performing a company name search. Review their profile to learn about their background, education etc.
4. Using the advance search feature on LinkedIn, you can search for jobs by clicking on the Jobs tab at the top of your profile.
5. Use LinkedIn to research companies like a head hunter! Using the search function type in key words for a position like “Sales Manager” and the city you live in. A list of LinkedIn members will appear. Research the appropriate profiles for former employment and current employment. It is from this information you now have company names where you may be interested in cold calling your resume. Do not cold call your resume to the person’s profile you were just examining. You will need to call the company and determine the name of the best person to submit your information to for that potential interview.
Special Notes on Social Networking
Please be aware that every profile you create on the internet can be viewed publicly unless you ensure proper security measures are in place. Perform a Google search of your name to see what you find. While profiles like Facebook or Twitter are your own personal expression, companies may not feel that your form of personal expression is for them and may not hire you. Our world is an open network, which allows for little privacy. Taking the extra measures to ensure that you keep your personal social profiles confidential may make the difference between being hired or not.
Did you know that 8.5 million experienced professionals use LinkedIn around the world representing more than 130 industries? Members use this site to sell their product or service, find a job, form a partnership or make connections with other people. People with more than 20 connections are 34 more times likely to be approached with a job opportunity than people less than five connections! LinkedIn is also a great source of groups where members of common fields can post questions or receive updates regarding their industries.
LinkedIn is a very common tool used by recruiters for sourcing talent and head hunting so this alone is great motivation to be utilizing this site if you are seeking change and new challenges in your career. Did you know that you can use the techniques of sourcing on LinkedIn to find your next job? LinkedIn can be a great starting point to find people you may want to meet for an informational interview as a step towards your new career.
Getting Started On LinkedIn
1. Create your profile but make sure you complete it 100 percent. This includes a picture of yourself, hopefully a current one! Your profile will consist of your education, past work history, current work history and a brief bio about yourself. Some profiles include blogs, books that have been recently read and groups.
2. Join Groups. There are dozens of industry specific groups that may be of interest to you. Groups allow you to network with new people from your industry or industries.
3. Make connections with members. Find your co-workers from the past and present or business contacts like former clients. The more connections you make, the better the network you build. Connections should know you personally or have done business with you in the past.
4. Get recommended. LinkedIn allows you to recommend your connections as well as allow your connections to recommend you. These informal references are a great testimonial to the work you can accomplish.
Job Hunting Using LinkedIn
1. Use your status line to announce your job searching intentions with statements like “Open to Opportunities” Keep your status lines professional at all times. Unlike Facebook, we probably should not know about your weekend. Be aware if you link an account from Twitter to LinkedIn, that status update will populate to LinkedIn. I once told my business contacts about the great chicken soup I made on the weekend!
2. Use your recommendations as informal references when job searching. Future employers will perform a Google search of your name and your LinkedIn profile will appear. Future recruiters or human resource professionals will look for your profile and review your information.
3. Use LinkedIn to research companies that you may want your next role in. Search for company employees by performing a company name search. Review their profile to learn about their background, education etc.
4. Using the advance search feature on LinkedIn, you can search for jobs by clicking on the Jobs tab at the top of your profile.
5. Use LinkedIn to research companies like a head hunter! Using the search function type in key words for a position like “Sales Manager” and the city you live in. A list of LinkedIn members will appear. Research the appropriate profiles for former employment and current employment. It is from this information you now have company names where you may be interested in cold calling your resume. Do not cold call your resume to the person’s profile you were just examining. You will need to call the company and determine the name of the best person to submit your information to for that potential interview.
Special Notes on Social Networking
Please be aware that every profile you create on the internet can be viewed publicly unless you ensure proper security measures are in place. Perform a Google search of your name to see what you find. While profiles like Facebook or Twitter are your own personal expression, companies may not feel that your form of personal expression is for them and may not hire you. Our world is an open network, which allows for little privacy. Taking the extra measures to ensure that you keep your personal social profiles confidential may make the difference between being hired or not.
Informational Interviews - Great Networking For Future Jobs
Effective Tips for Informational Interviewing
Effective job searching requires a combination of strategies that will lead to a new role. Search strategies include the use of job postings found through on line resources or newspapers and referral opportunities provided by friends and acquaintances. An often-overlooked strategy for job seeking is an informational interview. This type of networking can provide insider knowledge about company and employment requirements to work there. Through this activity, information can be found about the business in general, corporate culture within the organization, types of roles that are hired and the skills or qualifications needed to work there. Informational interviews are an excellent source of information that allows you the opportunity to discover if they are the right fit for the business or industry. It also allows you to try the company on before you commit to employment within the occupation or business.
Getting Started – How to Prepare For an Informational Interview
1. Prepare a target list of occupations and companies that are of interest to you and create a list of opportunity for your job search.
2. Research the organizations that are your intended target list of opportunity. Find the key people in place that hire for roles from the list or currently occupy those positions. Using a website like LinkedIn may be very useful for discovering managers and organizations on your target list.
3. Prepare a letter or email requesting an informational interview from contacts on the list.
4. Create a list of questions that you will use as the guide for the interview.
5. Dress professionally for this interview as this is a networking opportunity that could lead to a successful hire. Leave a good first impression.
6. Do not ask for a job during the interview, this interview is for research purposes only.
7. Always thank the person for their time. It is appropriate to follow up with a card or email
Informational Interview Questions
In order to gather the information from the interview it is acceptable to bring a notepad, pen and a list of questions to the meeting. A list of prepared questions allows both parties to stay on topic with the process and adhere to time constraints. Some sample questions to consider may be:
1. What does a typical workweek look like for you?
2. How did you enter into this field?
3. What type of training or formal education did you require?
4. Tell me about the pace of the job, is it typically fast, slow or moderate for this role?
5. Do you work alone or in a team most often?
6. Can you tell me a little about your work life balance?
7. Does this job require much over time or travel?
8. What do you like most about your job?
9. What do you find challenging?
10. What do you feel are the most important skills and traits needed for success in this role?
11. What are the typical working conditions like?
12. What types of changes are coming in this field either with technology or within organizations like this?
13. How long have you held this role or been with this company? What does retention look like in this field?
14. What are the biggest issues or new trends in this field?
15. Are there associations or publications I should be reading or connecting with to enter into this field?
16. What types of career backgrounds find the best success in this organization?
17. What are career advancement opportunities like in this field?
18. Are there entry-level roles for this industry and where can they be found?
19. Can you tell me about the corporate culture or environment of this company or industry?
20. Is there any other advice or information that you can share with me that we have not discussed?
During the interview process, pay close attention to the workplace surroundings you are visiting. What does the office look like? Are employees in cubicles or separate spaces? Is the workspace modern and updated or old and worn looking? Observing other employees if possible, do they seem engaged in work appearing happy or do they look stressed. The opportunity to experience an informational interview also allows job seekers a brief glimpse of corporate culture within an organization.
Next Steps – Following Up
After completing an informational interview with a company or group of companies, it is important to follow up with a thank you in the form of a card or an email to the person you met with. This person may become part of a network for future searches or referrals.
The second part of follow up for the interview is to review all of the information you gathered during your meeting. A thorough review of notes may highlight organizations that would be beneficial to join. Other pieces of information may be to find technical publications or reading lists for the role to keep you up to date with industry standards or changes. Follow up with any contacts or further suggestions are also important as this may lead to more connections within the industry or a future job offer. Where possible, maintain a connection to the person you met with for further information or possible employment opportunities.
Job searching requires careful planning and strategies that utilize many different approaches. Informational interviews are a very good way to source information about roles, organizations and corporate culture. These interviews provide details about employer’s needs or possible future vacancies. Through this process, exploration of different organizations, industry trends, corporate culture as well as job roles may be discovered.
Effective job searching requires a combination of strategies that will lead to a new role. Search strategies include the use of job postings found through on line resources or newspapers and referral opportunities provided by friends and acquaintances. An often-overlooked strategy for job seeking is an informational interview. This type of networking can provide insider knowledge about company and employment requirements to work there. Through this activity, information can be found about the business in general, corporate culture within the organization, types of roles that are hired and the skills or qualifications needed to work there. Informational interviews are an excellent source of information that allows you the opportunity to discover if they are the right fit for the business or industry. It also allows you to try the company on before you commit to employment within the occupation or business.
Getting Started – How to Prepare For an Informational Interview
1. Prepare a target list of occupations and companies that are of interest to you and create a list of opportunity for your job search.
2. Research the organizations that are your intended target list of opportunity. Find the key people in place that hire for roles from the list or currently occupy those positions. Using a website like LinkedIn may be very useful for discovering managers and organizations on your target list.
3. Prepare a letter or email requesting an informational interview from contacts on the list.
4. Create a list of questions that you will use as the guide for the interview.
5. Dress professionally for this interview as this is a networking opportunity that could lead to a successful hire. Leave a good first impression.
6. Do not ask for a job during the interview, this interview is for research purposes only.
7. Always thank the person for their time. It is appropriate to follow up with a card or email
Informational Interview Questions
In order to gather the information from the interview it is acceptable to bring a notepad, pen and a list of questions to the meeting. A list of prepared questions allows both parties to stay on topic with the process and adhere to time constraints. Some sample questions to consider may be:
1. What does a typical workweek look like for you?
2. How did you enter into this field?
3. What type of training or formal education did you require?
4. Tell me about the pace of the job, is it typically fast, slow or moderate for this role?
5. Do you work alone or in a team most often?
6. Can you tell me a little about your work life balance?
7. Does this job require much over time or travel?
8. What do you like most about your job?
9. What do you find challenging?
10. What do you feel are the most important skills and traits needed for success in this role?
11. What are the typical working conditions like?
12. What types of changes are coming in this field either with technology or within organizations like this?
13. How long have you held this role or been with this company? What does retention look like in this field?
14. What are the biggest issues or new trends in this field?
15. Are there associations or publications I should be reading or connecting with to enter into this field?
16. What types of career backgrounds find the best success in this organization?
17. What are career advancement opportunities like in this field?
18. Are there entry-level roles for this industry and where can they be found?
19. Can you tell me about the corporate culture or environment of this company or industry?
20. Is there any other advice or information that you can share with me that we have not discussed?
During the interview process, pay close attention to the workplace surroundings you are visiting. What does the office look like? Are employees in cubicles or separate spaces? Is the workspace modern and updated or old and worn looking? Observing other employees if possible, do they seem engaged in work appearing happy or do they look stressed. The opportunity to experience an informational interview also allows job seekers a brief glimpse of corporate culture within an organization.
Next Steps – Following Up
After completing an informational interview with a company or group of companies, it is important to follow up with a thank you in the form of a card or an email to the person you met with. This person may become part of a network for future searches or referrals.
The second part of follow up for the interview is to review all of the information you gathered during your meeting. A thorough review of notes may highlight organizations that would be beneficial to join. Other pieces of information may be to find technical publications or reading lists for the role to keep you up to date with industry standards or changes. Follow up with any contacts or further suggestions are also important as this may lead to more connections within the industry or a future job offer. Where possible, maintain a connection to the person you met with for further information or possible employment opportunities.
Job searching requires careful planning and strategies that utilize many different approaches. Informational interviews are a very good way to source information about roles, organizations and corporate culture. These interviews provide details about employer’s needs or possible future vacancies. Through this process, exploration of different organizations, industry trends, corporate culture as well as job roles may be discovered.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Summer Dress Code Dilema
Summer Time At The Office
This topic was inspired by a wonderful friend and HR professional who is the proud owner of the funniest, driest senses of humour I have had the pleasure of working with. We have known each other many years now and our conversations have often left anyone within earshot roaring with laughter because we share a common practical sense about work that well, obviously to us, is not so common. When she approached me to blog about appropriate summer dress in the office, you have to know it took me several drafts to finally achieve a blog that I could be assured would not send readers running for the hills.
Oh the joys of summer! Especially when in Canadian urban centers where it can be minus 40 Celsius one day and then a wonderful balmy plus 25 Celsius the next. Please be assured I am not specifically singling out Calgary weather systems here but I know it must seem like I am. During these warm weather seasons our thoughts turn to ditching the beloved winter parka to allow our skin to breath, feel the warm breeze across our limbs and faces, bask in the warm glow of our office fluorescent lighting daydreaming about our lunch time walks or after work activities. I love and look forward to the new summer fragrances of sunscreen and mosquito repellents that float through the office. Many Canadian cities only experience this summer time warmth for two months at best so I think we go kind of crazy as soon as we are able to take the winter boots and socks off for a while. As a manager for many years I have struggled with this topic of appropriate dress code in the office but summer was my most difficult dress code season. At least in winter, most of us liked to keep our delicate bits and limbs covered to prevent frost bite. I never worried about flip flops, beach sandals too often in spite of the fact I live on the West Coast. Workers in winter typically do not want frost bite on their toes so boots and much more appropriate foot wear was chosen.
Dress Codes at Work
I can honestly say that every company I have ever worked for or dealt with as a supplier has had a dress code. One of those picky details that I really singled out when I was in the staffing industry was obtaining the dress code of the assignment so that when I sent in a great contingent worker, they knew how to dress and fit in. I consider this to be very important because it is hard enough to go to work as “the temp” but to single yourself out wearing your favourite band t-shirt or suit would make your day even more interesting. So with that said, what is up? Back in the .com days, I was considered to be too conservative because well, most of those types of downtown companies did not really follow a dress code. Call Centres for a while allowed some very relaxed dress in their work environments as well. What they discovered was that a relaxed dress code led to some very relaxed customer service agents who did not fare well with their feedback metrics. Once this was changed and workers were required to follow a dress code, customer service improved a great deal. Funny how that happens!
Business Casual for summer in most companies means appropriate pants and skirts, some companies allow Bermuda shorts for women, shirts, sweater sets, blouses and proper footwear including dressier sandals for women, professional looking shoes for men. Lovely summer dresses are always welcome and of course there can be the new wonderful summer hairstyle. Some companies allow men to wear polo shirts as well as cotton “docker” style dress pants and there are some really terrific shoes available for men that are absolutely office appropriate. I know, I just bought a pair for my man and of course he hates them. I believe by October, he will learn to love them as much as I do.
The Summer Absolute No-No’s For Work
Please remember that this may vary from employer to employer but I am betting that it won’t. There are some absolute dress code no-no’s at work so here goes! Unless you work specifically for a yoga store, yoga pants, tops and the like are not corporate or professional. Leave these items home. Beach footwear, flip flops, ratty sandals should be banned! Also these types of shoes can also be against your companies WCB safety policy as well as your toes are not protected from injury. For men, I am begging you to leave your socks/sandals combos at home. Tube tops, plunging necklines, halter tops, billowing see through summer skirts and dresses again, not appropriate. I am not too sure your co-workers really want to see what you have got going on. Also there can be a hazard with white pants or skirts and you’re delicate under fashions. Please make sure the colors match as this can be very distracting for your co-workers!
Shorts are a subject that sends chills down my spine. Like skirts, these little numbers have varying lengths even for men. For my step dad being a good Northern European man, he often confuses his shorts for his speedo! Oh bless him, they can be that short. (With legal consent, I will post some photos of this). Booty shorts, denim cut off shorts, short shorts, skort shorts, bike shorts (yes I have seen bike shorts in the office) , you name it – please keep them home. Same goes for the summer short short skirt. Which could double as a belt in winter.
I completely understand your need to have some fresh air, get a bit of a tan (remember your sunscreen), and just enjoy the joys of summer in the city or wherever you live. Be professional with your clothes at your job. There are two wardrobes at play here and seldom are the pieces interchangeable for the sake of your professional image and how you want your co-workers to view you. Professional at all times affects more than the “I am one styling worker here” image. It also can have an effect on future career advancement within your company. Dress and deportment go hand in hand with your credentials and great products of your work. I cannot remember the last time I saw Susie Polka Dot Sundress leading a board meeting or Surfer Dude board shorts do the same.
If you are interviewing on a job this summer, all of the above applies to you... Good luck this summer and remember your mosquito repellent and sunscreen depending upon which region of Canada you live in!
This topic was inspired by a wonderful friend and HR professional who is the proud owner of the funniest, driest senses of humour I have had the pleasure of working with. We have known each other many years now and our conversations have often left anyone within earshot roaring with laughter because we share a common practical sense about work that well, obviously to us, is not so common. When she approached me to blog about appropriate summer dress in the office, you have to know it took me several drafts to finally achieve a blog that I could be assured would not send readers running for the hills.
Oh the joys of summer! Especially when in Canadian urban centers where it can be minus 40 Celsius one day and then a wonderful balmy plus 25 Celsius the next. Please be assured I am not specifically singling out Calgary weather systems here but I know it must seem like I am. During these warm weather seasons our thoughts turn to ditching the beloved winter parka to allow our skin to breath, feel the warm breeze across our limbs and faces, bask in the warm glow of our office fluorescent lighting daydreaming about our lunch time walks or after work activities. I love and look forward to the new summer fragrances of sunscreen and mosquito repellents that float through the office. Many Canadian cities only experience this summer time warmth for two months at best so I think we go kind of crazy as soon as we are able to take the winter boots and socks off for a while. As a manager for many years I have struggled with this topic of appropriate dress code in the office but summer was my most difficult dress code season. At least in winter, most of us liked to keep our delicate bits and limbs covered to prevent frost bite. I never worried about flip flops, beach sandals too often in spite of the fact I live on the West Coast. Workers in winter typically do not want frost bite on their toes so boots and much more appropriate foot wear was chosen.
Dress Codes at Work
I can honestly say that every company I have ever worked for or dealt with as a supplier has had a dress code. One of those picky details that I really singled out when I was in the staffing industry was obtaining the dress code of the assignment so that when I sent in a great contingent worker, they knew how to dress and fit in. I consider this to be very important because it is hard enough to go to work as “the temp” but to single yourself out wearing your favourite band t-shirt or suit would make your day even more interesting. So with that said, what is up? Back in the .com days, I was considered to be too conservative because well, most of those types of downtown companies did not really follow a dress code. Call Centres for a while allowed some very relaxed dress in their work environments as well. What they discovered was that a relaxed dress code led to some very relaxed customer service agents who did not fare well with their feedback metrics. Once this was changed and workers were required to follow a dress code, customer service improved a great deal. Funny how that happens!
Business Casual for summer in most companies means appropriate pants and skirts, some companies allow Bermuda shorts for women, shirts, sweater sets, blouses and proper footwear including dressier sandals for women, professional looking shoes for men. Lovely summer dresses are always welcome and of course there can be the new wonderful summer hairstyle. Some companies allow men to wear polo shirts as well as cotton “docker” style dress pants and there are some really terrific shoes available for men that are absolutely office appropriate. I know, I just bought a pair for my man and of course he hates them. I believe by October, he will learn to love them as much as I do.
The Summer Absolute No-No’s For Work
Please remember that this may vary from employer to employer but I am betting that it won’t. There are some absolute dress code no-no’s at work so here goes! Unless you work specifically for a yoga store, yoga pants, tops and the like are not corporate or professional. Leave these items home. Beach footwear, flip flops, ratty sandals should be banned! Also these types of shoes can also be against your companies WCB safety policy as well as your toes are not protected from injury. For men, I am begging you to leave your socks/sandals combos at home. Tube tops, plunging necklines, halter tops, billowing see through summer skirts and dresses again, not appropriate. I am not too sure your co-workers really want to see what you have got going on. Also there can be a hazard with white pants or skirts and you’re delicate under fashions. Please make sure the colors match as this can be very distracting for your co-workers!
Shorts are a subject that sends chills down my spine. Like skirts, these little numbers have varying lengths even for men. For my step dad being a good Northern European man, he often confuses his shorts for his speedo! Oh bless him, they can be that short. (With legal consent, I will post some photos of this). Booty shorts, denim cut off shorts, short shorts, skort shorts, bike shorts (yes I have seen bike shorts in the office) , you name it – please keep them home. Same goes for the summer short short skirt. Which could double as a belt in winter.
I completely understand your need to have some fresh air, get a bit of a tan (remember your sunscreen), and just enjoy the joys of summer in the city or wherever you live. Be professional with your clothes at your job. There are two wardrobes at play here and seldom are the pieces interchangeable for the sake of your professional image and how you want your co-workers to view you. Professional at all times affects more than the “I am one styling worker here” image. It also can have an effect on future career advancement within your company. Dress and deportment go hand in hand with your credentials and great products of your work. I cannot remember the last time I saw Susie Polka Dot Sundress leading a board meeting or Surfer Dude board shorts do the same.
If you are interviewing on a job this summer, all of the above applies to you... Good luck this summer and remember your mosquito repellent and sunscreen depending upon which region of Canada you live in!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Returning to Work After Chronic Illness
Returning to the workplace after a prolonged absence can be a very challenging and frightening situation. We know how disoriented we feel after being away from our jobs for a few days or even after a vacation. Monday morning shows up dark and early, our brains are not yet back in work mode. You return to find the paperwork piled on the desk, the overflowing email inbox which can take days to sort through and by lunch you are looking at your Outlook calendar trying to find your next vacation dates to request from the boss.
Returning to the workplace after missing any length of time spent recovering from an illness can be a very overwhelming experience. You have not been off sunning on a beach or skiing, you have been fighting a battle with your body, dealing with the pain and frustration of your recovery. Some workers feel they are ready to immediately go back to their jobs, work for them is a very healing process or it can be a denial of their whole illness experience. Sometimes workers rush back due to the fear their job may be taken away while they are off and have a substantially slower healing or recover process due to this decision. Others need a gradual return to work plan while some people may never feel they can return. In this blog I will provide you with a brief check list to review with either yourself or a loved one to ensure all considerations have been made in order to return back to your job.
Readiness to Re-Enter the Work Environment
In order to achieve a successful return to work process after being away dealing with a chronic illness presents some very unique challenges. In this situation it is important to be aware of some strategies in order for you to be better prepared for your first day back to work.
Tips to Prepare For First Days Back to Work
• Create a daily routine or schedule in your life again if you have not already done so. It can be very difficult to fall back into a routine of waking early and preparing to leave the home if this has not happened in some time. I encourage you to get back into this habit as soon as possible to prepare for the first days back to work.
• How does your family feel about your desire to return to work? Are they supportive of this decision?
• What financial stresses are in your life currently and is this the driving force of your return to work decision?
• Stress – How are you managing the stress in your life after a critical or chronic illness? There are so many things that create stress during and after illness. Pain can shorten patience and tempers while medication can take time to be of any affect in your body.
• Is there a pain management or medication protocol in place? Will any of this medication create a cognitive impairment while in the work environment? Medications with side effects that leave you feeling sleepy and not as responsive as you were in the past may be confused by your employer that you are just not that into your job anymore.
• I strongly encourage goal setting daily and encourage you to reward yourself for achieving your goals. It was not so long ago that there was a time when you were not well enough to complete daily goals. Reflect on how far you have come since the onset of your illness.
• Have you discussed your fears you may have about returning to work? There may be a variety of feelings about your absence including anger from being ill to embarrassment. People who have recovered from illness that has required life- altering surgeries may be very self-conscious of their new appearance or new requirements for daily living.
• Sadly some illnesses in our society have serious social stigma or complete misunderstanding attached to them. This can be very distressing for you to face and may cause you to be reluctant as well as fearful to disclose or discuss with peers or managers. How are you prepared to face this situation when presented with it?
Spiritual Support
How has the spiritual side of you been coping with your illness and recovery? What practices have you adopted or now follow that give you great strength and confidence in your moving forward?
Many people find that through meditation and prayer they are able to find strength and comfort from their "Higher Power" or God as well as the spiritual community they belong to. I personally believe that prayer is an amazing and healing medicine for us at times and can provide some wonderful comfort as well as courage.
Medical and Emotional Supports
• What does your support system around you look like? Are you able to discuss your feelings and concerns about your illness with family members or friends?
• Do you belong to or are you able to find support groups or counsellors to assist you in dealing with the life changes this illness has brought to you?
• Have you received a back to work plan from your physician with any work limitations that may affect the performance of your role?
• Are medical interventions and treatments still ongoing? How often? Will this affect your work schedule?
What Your Employer Needs to Know
Employer support is a very necessary element in a successful return to work process. Many employers may fear that the returning employee will not be able to perform their duties the way they have in the past or perhaps they will lack enthusiasm for their jobs. Some employers also face the concern that the employee could leave the workplace again due to illness and then they are left filling in the gap within their workforce again.
Co-workers can also present barriers for individuals returning to the workplace after a medical absence. There may be resentment because they were left to fill in the workplace gap while their co-worker was off dealing with their illness. Training or modifications may have been implemented during the absence of an ill worker leaving co-workers feeling that their peer is no longer able to keep up. Important pre-return to work discussions with your employer are necessary to alleviate some of these concerns they may have as well as put a successful reintegration plan into place prior to first days back.
Employer Checklist
• Do you have medical clearance or certificate in order to return to the workplace?
• Has your employer been informed of your ability to return to the workplace?
• Will your employer be required to alter or create modifications for your role in order for you to resume your position?
• What modifications to duties or work hours may be necessary in order to accommodate you?
• Is this a graduated return to work process? Over what period of time?
• Will training or retraining be necessary in order to reintegrate you back to your work team?
• What meetings must you attend prior to first days back to work and what support can you be given from your HR department during this process?
• Is the employer willing to work with you during this time to assist with a successful reintegration if needed?
As you can see there are many considerations from a variety of different directions that you will need to make in order to return to work. What is key here is to be aware of all sides and make sure that your recovery and maintenance is your first priority. There are laws in place to protect your role while you are off dealing with your medical situation and many companies do have a compassionate wellness program in place to assist you.
For more information regarding your successful return to work process, follow up with your HR department, seek advice from your local Employment Standards branch if you feel this is necessary, join a support group(s), obtain as much medical information regarding your condition as you can, seek out an employment resource centre in your local area for employment counsellor support and build a strong network of support for yourself.
Returning to the workplace after missing any length of time spent recovering from an illness can be a very overwhelming experience. You have not been off sunning on a beach or skiing, you have been fighting a battle with your body, dealing with the pain and frustration of your recovery. Some workers feel they are ready to immediately go back to their jobs, work for them is a very healing process or it can be a denial of their whole illness experience. Sometimes workers rush back due to the fear their job may be taken away while they are off and have a substantially slower healing or recover process due to this decision. Others need a gradual return to work plan while some people may never feel they can return. In this blog I will provide you with a brief check list to review with either yourself or a loved one to ensure all considerations have been made in order to return back to your job.
Readiness to Re-Enter the Work Environment
In order to achieve a successful return to work process after being away dealing with a chronic illness presents some very unique challenges. In this situation it is important to be aware of some strategies in order for you to be better prepared for your first day back to work.
Tips to Prepare For First Days Back to Work
• Create a daily routine or schedule in your life again if you have not already done so. It can be very difficult to fall back into a routine of waking early and preparing to leave the home if this has not happened in some time. I encourage you to get back into this habit as soon as possible to prepare for the first days back to work.
• How does your family feel about your desire to return to work? Are they supportive of this decision?
• What financial stresses are in your life currently and is this the driving force of your return to work decision?
• Stress – How are you managing the stress in your life after a critical or chronic illness? There are so many things that create stress during and after illness. Pain can shorten patience and tempers while medication can take time to be of any affect in your body.
• Is there a pain management or medication protocol in place? Will any of this medication create a cognitive impairment while in the work environment? Medications with side effects that leave you feeling sleepy and not as responsive as you were in the past may be confused by your employer that you are just not that into your job anymore.
• I strongly encourage goal setting daily and encourage you to reward yourself for achieving your goals. It was not so long ago that there was a time when you were not well enough to complete daily goals. Reflect on how far you have come since the onset of your illness.
• Have you discussed your fears you may have about returning to work? There may be a variety of feelings about your absence including anger from being ill to embarrassment. People who have recovered from illness that has required life- altering surgeries may be very self-conscious of their new appearance or new requirements for daily living.
• Sadly some illnesses in our society have serious social stigma or complete misunderstanding attached to them. This can be very distressing for you to face and may cause you to be reluctant as well as fearful to disclose or discuss with peers or managers. How are you prepared to face this situation when presented with it?
Spiritual Support
How has the spiritual side of you been coping with your illness and recovery? What practices have you adopted or now follow that give you great strength and confidence in your moving forward?
Many people find that through meditation and prayer they are able to find strength and comfort from their "Higher Power" or God as well as the spiritual community they belong to. I personally believe that prayer is an amazing and healing medicine for us at times and can provide some wonderful comfort as well as courage.
Medical and Emotional Supports
• What does your support system around you look like? Are you able to discuss your feelings and concerns about your illness with family members or friends?
• Do you belong to or are you able to find support groups or counsellors to assist you in dealing with the life changes this illness has brought to you?
• Have you received a back to work plan from your physician with any work limitations that may affect the performance of your role?
• Are medical interventions and treatments still ongoing? How often? Will this affect your work schedule?
What Your Employer Needs to Know
Employer support is a very necessary element in a successful return to work process. Many employers may fear that the returning employee will not be able to perform their duties the way they have in the past or perhaps they will lack enthusiasm for their jobs. Some employers also face the concern that the employee could leave the workplace again due to illness and then they are left filling in the gap within their workforce again.
Co-workers can also present barriers for individuals returning to the workplace after a medical absence. There may be resentment because they were left to fill in the workplace gap while their co-worker was off dealing with their illness. Training or modifications may have been implemented during the absence of an ill worker leaving co-workers feeling that their peer is no longer able to keep up. Important pre-return to work discussions with your employer are necessary to alleviate some of these concerns they may have as well as put a successful reintegration plan into place prior to first days back.
Employer Checklist
• Do you have medical clearance or certificate in order to return to the workplace?
• Has your employer been informed of your ability to return to the workplace?
• Will your employer be required to alter or create modifications for your role in order for you to resume your position?
• What modifications to duties or work hours may be necessary in order to accommodate you?
• Is this a graduated return to work process? Over what period of time?
• Will training or retraining be necessary in order to reintegrate you back to your work team?
• What meetings must you attend prior to first days back to work and what support can you be given from your HR department during this process?
• Is the employer willing to work with you during this time to assist with a successful reintegration if needed?
As you can see there are many considerations from a variety of different directions that you will need to make in order to return to work. What is key here is to be aware of all sides and make sure that your recovery and maintenance is your first priority. There are laws in place to protect your role while you are off dealing with your medical situation and many companies do have a compassionate wellness program in place to assist you.
For more information regarding your successful return to work process, follow up with your HR department, seek advice from your local Employment Standards branch if you feel this is necessary, join a support group(s), obtain as much medical information regarding your condition as you can, seek out an employment resource centre in your local area for employment counsellor support and build a strong network of support for yourself.
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