Liaison College : 2007 CAPS Student Manual

1. Slides Forms Liaison College : 2007 CAPS Student Manual

2. (C.A.P.S) Career Action Plan Services Welcome

3. C.A.P.S COVERS MANY CRITICAL TOPICS The Career Action Plan Services unit is designed to fine-tune and polish your job search skills. Whether you are searching for your first job or making a career change, C.A.P.S gives you the skills you need to sell yourself in an interview. C.A.P.S covers many topics, including: • Resumes • Cover letters • Telephone skills • Interview skills, and more

4. Upon successful completion of this unit you will be awarded the: CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION. Your instructor will tell you more about the criteria required to receive your certificate. Enjoy the program, and good luck in your job search.

5. For the next section, you will need your • Student Employment Record • and • Graduate Follow-Up Information Sheet

6. Your Student Employment Record Use this form to write out your work experience and skills. Click picture to open the Word document

7. Fill in this form as follows: STUDENT EMPLOYMENT RECORD PLEASE PRINT Name: ________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Postal Code: ___________________ Phone Number: __________________ Course Completed: _____________________________________________ Previous Education/Courses/Seminars: ______________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Martha Stuart 1234 Main St., Hamilton ON N1N 2B2 905-123-4567 Basic Cook I High school leaving

8. French, German Jan 2007 – current Red Rooster Cooks HelperMay 2006 – Sep 2006 Red Rooster Dishwasher Sept 23 2007 Martha Stuart Languages Spoken/Written: ______________________________________ Employment Experience: Dates From/To Company Position/Duties _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1. I hereby authorize Liaison College to discuss the above information with any employer. 2. I understand that Liaison College assumes no responsibility for, or guarantees employment at any time in any field whatsoever. Date: ___________________ Signature: __________________________

9. Track your success using the Graduate Follow-up Information Sheet Click picture to open the Word document

10. Job Choices

11. COOKS PERFORM MANY DIFFERENT DUTIES. . . . . . THEY FILL ALL KINDS OF JOBS . . . According to the National Occupation Code (NOC) there are dozens of entry level and experienced positions available in this exciting field. Journeyman/Woman Cook Apprentice Cook Cook Dietary Cook First Cook Grill Cook Hospital Cook Institutional Cook Licensed Cook Second Cook Executive Chef Executive Sous-Chef Garde Manager, Chef Head Chef Master Chef Pastry Chef Saucier Sous-Chef Specialist Chef Short Order Cook Food Service Helper Bartender Helper Bus Boy/Girl Dishwasher Cook’s Helper Kitchen Helper Chef Chef de Cuisine Chef de Partie Corporate Chef The NOC is job category system developed by the Government of Canada.

12. THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS: • A DEDICATED work ethic • Fast, skillful, efficient & FRIENDLY customer service • Good COMMUNICATION skills • The WILLINGNESS to learn and above all . . . • A POSITIVE attitude. With these key ingredients you will be SUCCESSFUL!

13. Creative Job Searching

14. SEARCHING FOR EMPLOYMENT TAKES: • PERSEVERENCEand • CREATIVITY Many jobs are NOT advertised. This means that you, the job hunter, must find other ways to learn about these positions. Let’s look at some ideas to help you in your search…

15. 1. NEWSPAPERS • a) General News: Read the news to locate new or newly renovated restaurants opening up in your area. • b) Want-Ads: Learn to locate jobs that fit your skills and interests. Avoid disreputable or less-than-secure job positions. • TIP: Act on want-ads quickly: you will have lots of competition.

16. 2. CANADA EMPLOYMENT CENTRES (HRDC) • Register at your local branch. Check the job board regularly. HRDC also posts online. • TIP: HRDC sponsors many programs for which you may qualify that make you more attractive to employers. • 3. NETWORKING • Develop contacts and join • professional associations. • Ask friends, relatives & direct contacts. • Remember: lots of available positions are never advertised.

17. 4. Yellow Pages • Check the ads and develop a list of prospective employers. Call them and ask if they are hiring in your position. • TIP: Check your network first to find out if anyone you know, • knows someone at the restaurant. • 5. Walk-in • Bring a résumé and ask to fill out an application.

18. 6. Internet • The information highway is fast and efficient. Many companies post online. • Check the Liaison College website for recent job opportunities. You have lifetime privileges. • 7. Private Employment Agencies • Many companies use agencies to fill job positions. • TIP: Read any contract carefully before signing. Some agencies are less than reputable. Don’t sign if you aren’t sure.

19. 8. Volunteer • Offer your services as a volunteer. This can provide you with the experience you need to get a paying position. • 9. Trade Shows • Trade shows give you an opportunity to meet and network with people in the industry. Ask questions. Be friendly. • For example: try the Wine and Cheese Show or Hostex.

20. 10. Be Creative • Create a reason to meet with the manager. For example, design a product or service that you think a restaurant could use and sell it to them. • 11. Libraries • Check trade, professional and business magazines for background on companies and who is in charge of hiring. • Business directories are another terrific source

21. Information Interviewing Information Interviewing

22. The best way to research a position is … CONDUCT AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW 1. Contact someone working in your field of interest. 2. Ask them for a few minutes of their time. TIP: Make sure it is only a few minutes and go prepared with specific questions to ask. 3. Take notes. Treat the interview as a potential contact for a job. TIP: Stress that you are a student and are only researching the position. Do not indicate that you are looking for work at this time.

23. HERE ARE SOME RELEVANT QUESTIONS: 1. What is your job title? 2. How did you get into this work? 3. What do you like best and least about doing this? 4. Describe a typical day.5. What is the necessary training or education for your position?6. What other jobs have you had in this field? 7. In what position can you learn the most?8. How can you advance in this field?9. What kind of starting salary is normal for an entry level position? 10. What SKILLS are necessary?11. My strongest skills are: _______________________. Do you think they would be useful in this field?12. Who else would you recommend that I speak to, for advice in this field? May I use your name when I call this person?

24. BE SURE TO THANK THEM AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW! It’s also smart to send them a thank you letter with your address and phone number on it. Indicate in the letter that you would be interested in working in an entry level position if one becomes available or as a volunteer. This is one way of NETWORKING! It’s a valuable job search technique.

25. Application Forms Application Forms

26. MANY EMPLOYERS ASK YOU TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM. When filling in application forms, make sure to do the following: 1. Read the entire form before you fill it out. 2. Use a blue or black pen to fill it out in neat printing or writing. Never use red or green ink, or a pencil. 3. Bring reference information including names, addresses, and phone numbers of all previous employers. 4. Carry a dictionary to correct spelling and check the meaning of words. 5. Bring your résumé to help you with dates of past employment, skills and educational history. 6. Be prepared to answer questions: How did you hear about the job? What are your specific qualifications? Do you know someone who works here? What kind of position are you looking for? 7. Sign and date the form.

27. Practice filling out applications using a blank form.

28. Resumes Resumes

29. YOUR RESUME IS A REFLECTION OF YOU. Be honest and concise. • Stress achievement. Be positive with overstating. • Make sure your résumé is error free. Check the spelling and punctuation. Have it proofread by a professional for advice. • 2 pages is standard. Type references on a separate page. • Add a summary of your qualifications or state your career objective. • Use lots of white space. Choose a font that is readable and avoid italics and fancy or small fonts. • Avoid abbreviations. • Use white paper if you fax your resume. Coloured paper does not fax well. Use good bond paper when hand-delivering or mailing.

30. BE HAPPY WITH YOUR RESUME. • There are many opinions available on how to prepare a résumé. • The keys to success are : • Have it neatly typed and • Make it easy to read.

31. THERE ARE SEVERAL STYLES OF RESUME. • The two standard types are: • FUNCTIONAL and CHRONOLOGICAL. Click here to open a Functional Resume Click here to open a Chronological Resume

32. A FUNCTIONAL RESUME highlights your skills and objectives Click here to open a Functional Resume

33. A CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME outlines your previous experience using a timeline. Click here to open a Chronological Resume

34. Worksheet for Resumes Worksheet for Resumes

35. Lucy Saunders 123 Main St. 905-123-4321 1999-2002 Junior League High 2003-2005 Junior League Senior High High School Leaving 2006 Liaison College Cook Basic I 1999 – 2003 John’s Garage NAME: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE: EDUCATION: Dates Names and Address of School Diploma/Grade Completed From: ________________________________________________________________________ To: _________________________________________________________________________ From: ________________________________________________________________________ To: __________________________________________________________________________ From: ________________________________________________________________________ To: __________________________________________________________________________ Other Training (Courses, Upgrading, Seminars, Programs) _____________________________________________________________________________ WORK EXPERIENCE (MOST CURRENT FIRST) Dates Name & Address Job Description _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________

36. VOLUNTEER WORK Date Description of Duties _________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ SKILLS: Technical: ________________________________________________________________________ Personal: ________________________________________________________________________ Interest/Hobbies: _________________________________________________________________ References: Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________ Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________

37. Covering Letters Covering Letters

38. ALWAYS USE A COVERING LETTER when mailing or delivering a résumé.Address it directly to the person in charge of hiring. Employers need to know that you want to work for them, not just anybody. A personalized cover letter provides this proof and is essential for an effective job search. To find out the name of the hiring authority, call the company. Be sure to get the correct spelling and position of the person. Tip: If you can’t discover the person’s name, address the letter to “PERSONNEL” or “HUMAN RESOURCES.” Complete the salutation as “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”. Never use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.”

39. If you answer an advertisement and they provide you with a Fax number only, begin your letter as follows: GRACE R. TALLINSKI1456 Donfield Rd.Orangeville, ON L7N 4B8(519) 786-5490 SENT BY FACSIMILE TO NO. (905) 897-5679(as requested) June 16, 2007 ATTENTION: HUMAN RESOURCE DEPT. Dear Ladies and Gentlemen: (then complete the body of your letter)

40. THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE OF A GOOD COVERING LETTER • It gives the contact name, date and the name of the hiring authority. • The first paragraph explains the purpose of the letter and where the job ad was seen. • It then summarizes the applicant’s qualifications. • Finally it finishes with a promise to call in the week to follow-up.

41. JERRY SMITH125 Port StreetMississauga, ON(905) 275-7986 March 15, 2007 Mr. James LevineABC Hotel128 Maples StreetToronto, ON, J6N 4G6 Dear Mr. Levine: This letter is in response to your advertisement for an Apprentice Cook in the Toronto Sun, March 13, 1997. As my enclosed resume shows, I have over five years of restaurant experience with servicing and waiting on customers. I recently upgraded my skills to include the preparation of all types of foods, especially Italian Cuisine, which I am aware is your specialty. I would describe myself as a self-starter. For example, I implemented a new system of food service at the restaurant that I worked as a waiter which proved to be so efficient that the owner has now used my system in two of his other locations. I have had many customers speak to me about your establishment and particularly your fine Italian cooking and I would be most interested in working for you because of your reputation for quality. I will call next week to be sure that you have received my resumes and to answer any additional questions you may have for me. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jerry SmithEnclosure

42. Using the Phone Effectively Using the Telephone Effectively

43. WHEN MAKING A CALL TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER, take these points into consideration: • Phone from a quiet, private location (no background noise) • Plan in advance what you are going to say. Prepare a script outlining your qualifications, highlighting those that are especially suited for this position.

44. Introduce yourself briefly and state the reason for your call. TIP: When you make a cold call, indicate that you are seeking information on the company. Use information interviewing techniques, instead of coming out directly and asking if there are any jobs available. You may not get past the receptionist if you do this. Speak politely to everyone you talk to and attempt to find out and use the name of the person in charge of interviews. TIP: If you are unsuccessful the first time, record the time you called and follow-up with a call at lunch or before 9:00, when some employers pick up the phone themselves. Try to leave your phone number, including the area code. Have your answering machine ready to pick up the call if you are not home. TIPS: Have a short professional message on your phone. Get rid of noise and background music. Tell your family to let the machine answer calls, otherwise you may not get the message, or the employer may have a hard time leaving a message if the person answering does not speak English well.

45. MANY EMPLOYERS COMPLETE A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW before they ask you in for a personal interview. Be aware that every time you answer the phone it may be the perfect job you have been looking for on the other end. You will be successful IF you are prepared and professional.

46. Interview Skills Interview Skills

47. DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW First impressions have a strong influence on the employer and how they perceive you. You have less than 2 minutes to capture their confidence. • Dress for the position or the one above it (To discover the company dress code, visit their premises before the interview.) • Dress conservatively, in quiet colours. • Jewellery should be simple. (No dangling earrings) • Clean fingernails and hair are a must. • Clothes should be fresh, pressed and clean. Shoes should be polished (no scuffs, no dirty runners.) • Avoid strong odours such as liquor, smoke, garlic, etc. on your breath. Bathe/use deodorant before interview. Avoid heavy perfume or after shave. Sloppy dress implies careless work habits. A NEAT APPEARANCE IS CRUCIAL

48. FIRST IMPRESSIONS SMILE: A friendly face is more approachable. SHAKE HANDS: Be firm - no limp fish no bone-crushers. EYE CONTACT: Respect the interviewer, show confidence in yourself. BE ENTHUSIASTIC: Think of interview as a challenge and an opportunity to meet new people. LEAVE YOUR TROUBLES AT HOME: Do not say anything negative about past employers, financial troubles or personal problems.

49. LISTEN: Consider all answers carefully. BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE: Don’t cross your arms and avoid withdrawing from interviewer. BE CALM: Avoid nervous habits. Don’t fidget. Sit up straight. DON’T SMOKE. NEVER CHEW GUM

50. BE PREPARED • Find out as much as possible about the company and the job. • Prepare questions to ask. • Bring a resume/reference letters (name/addresses/phone number). • Have a pen and paper ready for taking notes. • Be aware that receptionists make decisions (be polite/professional).