“ I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width

1. “I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I livedjust the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well”Diane Ackerman

2. “Women have equal opportunity to succeed if they can master the art of marketing their intellect, personality and intuitive power”Personal Observation Damindra Dias

3. “ Triple S” StrategySeven Steps to SuccessDamindra DiasCareer Specialist

4. The First Step “ Where am I?” Accept, adapt and adjustto the Canadian social and business cultureMake every effort to learn how, why, what, who, when and where of Canadian business,economic cycles, social fabric, cultural mosaic and role of immigrantsin the Canadian work force.

5. The Second Step - Who am I? Self assessment of technical skills, qualifications, soft skills, personality and family situation • What skills do I have? • What are my technical skills? • What are my transferable skills? • What do I want to do short and long term? • What is the best role/job profile for me? • Do I have what it takes? • Can I balance a family and a career? • What are my values?

6. The Third Step - Where am I heading? Objective analysis of the current job market, industry knowledge, evaluate job profile trends and skill requirements • How is the current job market? What were the past trends? • Which industry is ideal for me? • What are the job/skill demands? • Technology impact • Global job market trends • How can I make my experience, skills and personality relevant to a specific job, the organization and Canada?

7. The Fourth Step –I need help! • Match your skills and job market requirements to identify skill gaps and seek career advice to address critical gaps • Research and identify the right resources • Draw a realistic, actionable and measurable plan • Identify a mentor • Be aware! making financial commitments • Take a short term approach with a long term vision • Take a step backward to go forward.

8. The Fifth Step- How do I Market Myself?“Branding” • Prepare a resume and cover letter with the primary focus on making your experience, skills and achievements relevant to Canada, to the company and to the job. • Follow the 15 second rule keep it simple, focused and in Canadian English • Make it as engaging, interesting and uniquehighlight your achievements and core competenciesfunctional, chronological or combination resume • Factual and honest • Correct salutations, form and layout • Absolutely no spelling mistakes

9. The Sixth Step- How do I Clinch the Deal?Sell Sell and Sell Learn the art of conducting a Canadian style interview with confidence, positive attitude and engaging style Prior to the interview • Prepare a list of questions and answers • Practice, practice and practice

10. The Sixth Step- How do I Clinch the Deal? The interview • Dress in business attire • Firm and confident hand shake • Take a portfolio • Articulate answers with facts and examples • At the end, ask at least two intelligent questions • Finally take a moment to make your final sales pitch “as to why you are the ideal candidate for the job” • Follow-up with a thank you letter

11. The Seven Steps to SuccessRemember …Career success is a journey not a destinationGOOD LUCKIf you need any assistance e-mail me at dias@careerplan.net