You're using an older version of Internet Explorer that is no longer supported. Please update your browser.
You're using an older version of Internet Explorer and some functionality may not work as expected. Please update your browser for the best experience.

BCjobs Blog

Job Search Advice

February 16th, 2011

Resume profile/summary/objective: what to include?

Resume profile/summary/objective: what to include?

Resume writing has finally reached the point where almost all professional resume writers, and many job-seekers, realize the futility of old-fashioned objective statements like the following:
OBJECTIVE: To secure a full-time position with opportunities for advancement in a nonprofit organization that prides itself on excellent public service.
Telling the reader what you want instead of what you have to offer was a failed formula from the start. Now common practice is to use a headline at the top of your resume followed by a profile paragraph.

Read More

January 26th, 2011

Networking Etiquette How to Mingle Like a Pro

Networking Etiquette How to Mingle Like a Pro

Now that the holiday season is over, it’s back to work! If the thought of meeting new people at a business event sends a chill up your spine, you’re not alone. For many of us networking is something we dread. Unfortunately, these days, it’s not what you know. It’s who you know or who knows you, that really counts for business success. And even though tradeshows and business mixers can be intimidating for anyone, they are also the perfect opportunity to network and build business relationships. To feel more at ease at your next event, prepare ahead of time, with full stomach, the right attitude and the right business tools.

Read More

January 12th, 2011

New Year, New Career — In a minute or less?

New Year, New Career -- In a minute or less?

It is that time of year, the time when people vow to lose weight, eat healthy, quit a bad habit, or improve their career. For some, this might mean finding a new job, whereas for others, they may be looking for a salary increase, greater responsibility or promotion to that coveted corner office. The problem with resolutions, however, is that they are often created and not followed through upon. The secret is making easy to accomplish, measurable goals and sticking to them throughout January and hopefully the rest of the year.

Read More

January 5th, 2011

Don’t forget the big picture

Don't forget the big picture

Past employment experience is usually the most significant section of a resume, and therefore it’s important not to leave the reader guessing. Most job-seekers like to “zoom in” by describing duties and responsibilities, highlighting achievements, and listing awards and formal recognition. There is nothing wrong with that (achievements are particularly essential on a resume). However, it’s equally important to “zoom out” and look at the big picture of each position.

Read More

December 21st, 2010

5 Tiny Turn-offs that Sabotage Your Professional Image

5 Tiny Turn-offs that Sabotage Your Professional Image

Happy about it or not, you will always be judged by others within the first few seconds of meeting them. And because you are presenting a whole package, everything has an impact – and anything distracting or out of place can sabotage your professional image. So it isn’t only what you wear that matters; alone or together, those little details make a big statement as well.

Read More

November 30th, 2010

Know your key selling features

Know your key selling features

If you are applying for an advertised job, what important qualifications are they looking for? If you meet those requirements, those will be your key selling features. However, if you are targeting employers that haven’t advertised any positions, then you have to decide what you think will be most important to them.

Read More

November 25th, 2010

How to Buy a Quality Business Suit

How to Buy a Quality Business Suit

The purchase of a quality business suit in late summer or early fall is a necessity. In the cooler months many employers raise their expectations for professional dress. For many of us this means exchanging cotton Polo’s and silk t-shirts for a new suit. When buying a suit, the label and the price tag aren’t always the best way to judge value. By evaluating the construction details of the business suit before you buy, you will make a wise investment that will add to your professional image.

Read More

November 16th, 2010

How Long is Too Long?

How Long is Too Long?

As the economy works to pull itself out of recession, there are still many Canadians who are struggling to find work. These individuals hail from the blue collar factories to the white collar boardrooms and comprise everyone in between. It has been a challenging period for many, although with long-term joblessness on the rise, the effects can be devastating. The Globe & Mail has created a comprehensive report looking at this very issue.

Read More

November 8th, 2010

B.C.’s Top 100 Companies

B.C.'s Top 100 Companies

Every year the Vancouver Sun compiles and releases its lists of B.C.’s Top 100 Companies. In essence, these are two lists of publicly traded companies — one highlighting the 100 strongest companies, and the other the 100 fastest growing companies. For job seekers, this is a wealth of information when looking for new career opportunities.

Read More

November 3rd, 2010

Cover letters – are they necessary?

Cover letters - are they necessary?

I’ve been following a recent discussion on an email list about the need for cover letters, and it’s caused me to think about the evolution of cover letters and resumes. Here is what I see. Most resumes are at least 2 pages long (although I believe 95% of them should be shorter than they are), and so we are accustomed to seeing a summary section in the top half of the first page. This profile usually highlights the candidate’s key qualifications for the job they are targeting.

Read More