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BCjobs Blog

Job Search Advice

August 10th, 2012

Dealing with Dismissal

Dealing with Dismissal

When I was terminated my self-confidence plummeted. Even though the reason for dismissal was unrelated to performance, nonetheless, as is typical, I felt shame and then anger, was hesitant to launch a job search, and didn’t know where to turn for assistance.

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May 23rd, 2012

Top 7 Skills to Pay the Bills

Top 7 Skills to Pay the Bills

Skill # 1: Writing

Why you should know how: In this global economy, an enormous amount of business is conducted in writing. No matter how well spoken you are, you are expected to communicate your ideas clearly and professionally through writing. Poor writing skills reflect negatively on your intelligence and professionalism, but good writing skills provide you with an edge, no matter your industry.

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April 25th, 2012

How to Market Yourself to Potential Employers

How to Market Yourself to Potential Employers

In the past, opening your resume with something to the effect of, “Seeking a position as an engineer” may have gotten you a job in your field. But today, focusing your resume solely around you probably won’t yield such great results.

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February 8th, 2012

Is Your “Perfect” Resume Actually Hurting You?

Is Your "Perfect" Resume Actually Hurting You?

Did you know that most job applicants don’t understand the purpose of a resume? The purpose of your resume is not to get you a job, it is to get you an interview. You can sabotage your very first impression by including too much in your resume. So what should you cut out? The answer may surprise you.

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January 26th, 2012

Seven Questions That Could Land You the Job

Seven Questions That Could Land You the Job

You’re sitting in the interview room. You’re dressed well, even on a budget. You researched the company and practised answering interview questions honestly and with confidence. Now the interviewer asks you if you have any question, and your mind goes blank. The only one you can think of is the salary question, and you’re worried it will make your interest in the job shallow and one-dimensional. Here are the questions you should be asking, and why.

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January 18th, 2012

7 Habits of Highly Ineffective People on the Job

7 Habits of Highly Ineffective People on the Job

No matter how hard you work, how early you arrive and how late you stay at the office each day, no one gets more than twenty-four hours in their day. Everyone wants to be more organized, more efficient, more effective, and better at using their time. There are many ways of learning and honing those skills and everyone has their own challenges and priorities. Instead of telling you what to do to be “highly effective” professionally, whatever that means to you, here is a list of 7 habits that are guaranteed to keep dragging you down.

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January 11th, 2012

Your Interview Wardrobe on a Budget

Your Interview Wardrobe on a Budget

The big interview is almost here and you’ve done your research on the employer, assembled a list of glowing references and rehearsed your winning answers. Now you just need to look the part. You may have have heard the axiom “dress for the job you want, not the one you have”–hard enough if you’re looking to climb the ladder, but that old rule can be daunting when you’ve been wading through the shallow waters of unemployment for months. You already know perfectly well you can’t turn up in worn, stained or ragged clothes, but then how do you put together an interview outfit that makes you look capable and confident?

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January 5th, 2012

How to Negotiate a Raise

How to Negotiate a Raise

If your list of goals and resolutions this year include securing a higher salary, you’re not alone. In a tough economy the cost of living is constantly on the rise and the compensation you originally negotiated may be out of step with the value you represent to your employers. Odds are, though, that your employers have an even closer eye on their bottom line, so if you want a raise, you have to be strategic. For your best chance at a boost to your paycheque, follow these 5 steps.

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January 5th, 2012

Salary history

Salary history

Salary history – sharing it can affect your negotiation power in the job application and interview process. But, before you start talking salary history, make sure you understand what the employer wants to know. When employers ask for your salary history, they want to know how much you earned in each past position and they’re usually especially interested in your last position.

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December 14th, 2011

How To Handle The Five Killer Telephone Interview Questions

How To Handle The Five Killer Telephone Interview Questions

A telephone interview is usually short, just enough time to rule you in or out, so the focus is on questions that help evaluate you quickly. Your goal is to turn it into a face-to-face meeting, so your answers need to be concise. As a rule of thumb, keep your answers to less than two minutes, if an interviewer wants to know more s/he will ask.

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