Take Control of Your Career METSpouse Workshop 2016

1. Take Control of Your CareerMETSpouse Workshop 2016 Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

2. Take Control of Your Career Agenda Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

3. Take Control of Your Career Job Search Process Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

4. Take Control of Your Career Explore OpportunitiesKatie Ochin Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

5. Take Control of Your Career Explore Opportunities What is your ultimate career?

6. Take Control of Your Career • Explore Opportunities • Discover your ultimate career • What skills/experiences do you have that you want to utilize? • What type of work – life balance do you want to achieve? • What workplace characteristics do you value (Indoors, outdoors, on the move, in the office) ? • What are you interests and passions? • What career trends exist that I may want to take advantage of? Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

7. Take Control of Your Career Explore Opportunities Labour Market Trend Effect for Military Spouses Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

8. Take Control of Your Career • Explore Opportunities • 2. Get the details • Can I work at this career in Canada? Which provinces? • What is the occupational outlook? • Labour Market Research (Labour Market Worksheet) • Information Interviews • What compensation can I expect? • What education/training is required? • Are the credentials for this specific career transferable? • Agreement on Internal Trade (www.ait-aci.ca/labour-mobility/) Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

9. Take Control of Your Career • Explore Opportunities • Get the details • Agreement on Internal Trade • Labour Mobility – Eliminates majorlicensing, certification and registrationrequirements. • Non-material requirements still exists(fees, additional insurance, providingqualification evidence, language) • More than non-material requirementsrequires the province to apply for anofficial exception. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

10. Take Control of Your Career • Explore Opportunities • Make your plan • Break it down – Take your research and map out steps • Set target dates and deadlines • Track progress • Set goals for your current posting! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

11. Take Control of Your Career • Explore Opportunities • Tip for Exploring and Planning • Keep your serving spouse in the loop • Talk to other military spouses about your career goals • Work backwards when it comes to education/training • Consider: • Alternative careers as a stepping stone to your ultimate career. • Part-time work to limit employment gap on your resume • Two-step bridging into a specific career • Volunteering for skills development & networking Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

12. Take Control of Your Career Dig up Your Transferable SkillsHolly Rye Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

13. Take Control of Your Career • What is a Transferable Skill? • Simply put, Transferable skills are skills you have acquired during any activity in your life • A Skill is a learned ability or knowledge that allows you to perform a task completely • You can take a skill learned from one job or a life’s experience and use it in other work or areas of your life • It becomes a Transferable Skill Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

14. Take Control of Your Career • What is a Transferable Skill? • Think about it… • The average person has / will acquired hundreds of skills throughout their lifetime • Skills come from many different areas of your life and experiences • As a Military Spouse , each time you are posted you employ many transferable skills before you even get to your new destination. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

15. Take Control of Your Career • Transferable Skills and the Military Spouse • Think back to your last posting - can you identify 5 skills that you used during this experience? • Communication • Interpersonal / Human Relations • Organization & Leadership • Work Survival Skills • Computer Literacy Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

16. Take Control of Your Career • Top 5 Transferable Skills that Employers want • Communication Skills • Interpersonal / Human Relation Skills • Organization / Leadership Skills • Work Survival Skills • Computer Literacy Skills Time for a self-assessment Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

17. Take Control of Your Career • How do I write, describe or explain a transferable skill ? • Using transferable skills effectively • Employer can begin to make the connection between your skills and the employment opportunity • Proof Statements Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

18. Take Control of Your Career • Brainstorming Exercise – Writing Proof Statements Qualifier + Skill + Detail + Proof(Handout) (What you did) (Result) Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

19. Take Control of Your Career Using the Proof Statement formula Q + S + D + P Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

20. Take Control of Your Career • Using the Proof Statement formula Q + S + D + P • Factors to Consider: • Skills in the Summary or Highlights section = Facts presented in the resume • Put yourself in the employer shoes. If the skills summary did not prove to you that the candidate had the skill base to do the job, it is unlikely that you would go searching through the resume to find what you are looking for. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

21. Take Control of Your Career • Final thoughts on using Transferable skills.. • Prioritize your skills as they relate to the Employer’s needs found in the Job Ad • Think of examples to provide evidence of each skill that you have identified in your resume • Remember to use the formula: Qualifier + Skill + Detail = Proof • Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn – no one else is going to, just be prepared to back it up. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

22. Take Control of Your Career Tell Your Story with Your ResumeKatie Ochin Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

23. Take Control of Your Career • Purpose • Types of Resumes • Resume Content • Resume Formatting • Resume and the Military Spouse • Cover Letter Overview Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

24. Take Control of Your Career • Purpose of the Resume • Get an interview • Resume = one of many work search tools • The other 10 second rule • Content must be clear and compelling • Resume = a livable document • It will take a lot of work Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

25. Take Control of Your Career • Types of Resumes Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

26. Take Control of Your Career • Choosing a Resume Type • Do I have employment gaps? • In what area am I strongest? (Work experience, education, skill set) • Is my experience relevant to the position I am applying for? • What resume will tell my story most effectively? Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

27. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Content Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

28. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Content • Objective Statement / Value Proposition • Links back to position you are applying for • Summarizes what you have to offer and why the employer should hire you • Example • Highly accomplished accounting professional with more than 20 years of experience in accounting and strategic financial management. Proven track record of managing finances of $10.5 million, leading and motivating teams, and driving bottom-line performance and profit improvements. • Strong project manger who excels at problem solving, planning and organizing events and developing meaningful professional relationships. Recent college graduate in residential architecture pursuing an entry-level residential real estate agent position. Looking to leverage analytical and communication skills as well as motivation and passion. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

29. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Content • Skill Proof Statements • Summary of Qualifications, Professional Experience, Volunteer Experience Qualifier + Skill + Detail + Proof(Handout) (What you did) (Result) Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

30. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Content • Skill Statements • Weak: Responsible for supervising employees.Strong: Organized the training and supervision of 10 employees, in addition to conducting annual reviews of employees to guarantee quality service. • Weak: Customer RelationsStrong: Interacted with a diverse group of customers, tailoring services to fit their needs. • Weak: Waited on tables.Strong: Managed 8 tables per shifts, using interpersonal skills to ensure customer satisfaction through prompt, cordial service. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

31. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Content • Key Tips for Military Spouse • Use Skills statements to showcase your transferable skills • Match your transferable skills to the job add • Change Professional Experience to Relevant Experience – include volunteer positions and explain using business language and emphasize impact. • Make employment gaps look smaller by using the year only for work experience (do not leave out a date!) • Consider your resume a work in progress – adjust and update • Customize, customize, customize Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

32. Take Control of Your Career • Resume Format • 1” Margins • Normal font (Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) size 10 to 12 • No more than 2 different fonts • Name in larger font at top • All bullets must be aligned • Section titles left aligned • PDF format when sending to employers • Professional e-mail address • Differentiate section titles: caps, bold, underline • Preferred length – 2 pages • Consistent spacing • Sufficient White Space • Easy to scan headings • White paper • Saved as PDF Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

33. Take Control of Your Career • Cover Letters • Great opportunity to make a first impression • Customized to job description even more than with resume • Addresses as many requirements of job description as possible • No longer than 1 page • You want to catch the attention of the employer and tell your story • Types • Application Cover Letter – in response to a specific job posting • Referral Cover Letter – applying to a company where you • Letter of Interest – inquiring about possible jobs with a company Example Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

34. Take Control of Your Career Find the Right Employer & JobKatie Ochin Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

35. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • Employer Prejudice • Prejudices towards military spouses exist – but not with all employers. • Some employers will want you, others won’t. • A perceived employer bias, could actually be a legitimate gap in your skills. Consider feedback. • Take heart – the right employer is out there! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

36. Take Control of Your Career More than just our mobile communication has changed in the last two decades! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

37. Take Control of Your Career Job Searching has evolved to be more involved and creative. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

38. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 1. Plan, schedule and stay organized • Use goals (short, medium & long term) to set out a Job Search Plan • Track your progress on paper • Dedicate set time during your week to your Job Search • If you don`t have a job, finding a job is your job • Keep electronic copies of all applications & job descriptions • Resume.Katie.Ochin.ACON.pdf • CoverLetter.Katie.Ochin.ACON.pdf Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

39. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 2. Establish your brand • Start with your value proposition on your resume – what value do you have to offer employers? • Highly accomplished accounting professional with more than 20 years of experience in accounting and strategic financial management. Proven track record of managing finances of $10.5 million, leading and motivating teams, and driving bottom-line performance and profit improvements. • Ensure brand is consistent across all employer communications including online • Market yourself strategically • Business Cards • Portfolio • Signature block / Letterhead Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

40. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 3. Network and then network some more • Use your current network • Join groups and associations; attend events • Build up online network using LinkedIn • Perform Informational Interviews • Choose key employees with prospect employers and send an e-mail • Make it clear you’re not looking for a job – but insight into industry • Offer option to meet over phone or meet for coffee, on you! • Hello, My name is Katie Ochin. I recently moved to Halifax after working as a project manager in the Non for profit sector for 3 years in Ottawa. I’m interested in learning more about the non for profit sector in Halifax and where you think the industry is going. I am also very interested to learn more about Company ABC is doing. Do you have time for an informational interview. We can do it over the phone or in-person and coffee would be on me! Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

41. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 3. Network and then network some more • Networking Etiquette • Keep contacts informed about your skills, abilities and education • Give a copy of your resume, business card etc. • Focus on building a relationship • Don’t expect them to hand you a job – learn from their experiences • Offer them assistance where you can • Nurture your networking relationships • Christmas/thank you cards, e-mails, quick coffee Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

42. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 4. Stalk your ideal companies • Make a list of companies of interest • Check their career page often. • Try to make a connection within each organization. • Volunteer if possible. • Follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter etc. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

43. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • 5. Make use of online Job Boards • Pro – Employers still using to post jobs • Con – Extremely competitive positions • Keep a list of your key job search sites (see resource sheet) and check back every few days • Track when and where you applied for a position in a spreadsheet • Consider applying with a placement agency. • Con – temporary position with lower pay • Pro – great opportunity to network and gain skills and experience Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

44. Take Control of Your Career • Find the Right Employer and Job • Tips for the Military Spouse • Learn from other spouses • Think outside of the box! • www.familyforce.ca Employment  Portable Employment • Be targeted with your search – keep with your goals. • Take advantage of resources (i.e. MFRC, METSpouse). • Spread your net wide – use multiple tools and methods to find work. • Before leaving your job, ask your employer if they have any contacts where you are moving to. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

45. Take Control of Your Career Master the InterviewHolly Rye Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

46. Take Control of Your Career • How to Interview Successfully Every Time • Prepare in advance • Never go to the interview empty handed. • Interview preparation is vital for a successful interview. • Employers will ask you questions about their company, and if you show up unprepared, you are guaranteed to leave a negative impression Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

47. Take Control of Your Career • How to Interview Successfully Every Time • 2. Present Yourself Well • Interviews are all about presentation. • Interview questions and answers play a role. • Equally important is your own personality. How you communicate with the interviewers will affect their decision almost as much (if not more so) than the answers themselves. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

48. Take Control of Your Career • How to Interview Successfully Every Time • 3. Dress Appropriately • You only have the opportunity to make a first impression once. • No matter how casual the workplace, show up dressed appropriately professional for the interview. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

49. Take Control of Your Career • How to Interview Successfully Every Time • 4. Be Actively Engaging • Every time someone walks in the room to talk to you, be the one to make the introduction. • Introduce yourself, ask for their name, shake their hand and say, “Nice to meet you.” • You do not need to wait for an introduction. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections

50. Take Control of Your Career • How to Interview Successfully Every Time • 5. Make Eye Contact • Make eye contact while you are speaking and while someone is speaking to you. • Keep that eye contact throughout the interview, and hold the eye contact at those you directing your conversation to. • If more than one person is in the room, and you are speaking with all of them, try to make eye contact with all of them. • This takes practice to make it natural. Empowering Military Spouses - Creating Employer Connections