Attend one or more of the Discover Your Future in Healthcare sessions or check out one of the recorded sessions and discover the many healthcare options available for you!  Career Services will be highlighting a few healthcare occupations this year including:

• Healthcare Social Worker on Monday February 14^th from 10 – 11:30 am.
• Allied Health Professionals – Ultrasound Tech, X-Ray Tech, Medical Lab Tech, Radiation Therapist and Paramedic on Tuesday February 15^th from 1-2:30pm
• Physician on Wednesday February 16^th from 10 – 11:30 am

Each session in the series offers the chance to learn first-hand about the occupation and will feature a professional (or two) from the field who will speak about their experiences in the role. Admissions and academic program information will also be highlighted.

All sessions will be virtual.  Register in advance on careerCONNECT to reserve your spot today! 

Career Services supports all University of Manitoba graduates with their career planning and job search needs.  If you need some help in making a career decision, you can book an appointment with a Career Consultant.  Visit the Career Services webpage for more information on how to access the resources and services available for you.

Whether you are a new grad looking for your first job after graduation or a current student looking for part-time or summer work, it’s important to look for the opportunities and possibilities. 

Before you start your search, please ensure your safety by following federal and provincial public health directives.

Here are a few ideas of ways to work toward your employment goals:

1. Explore Opportunities: Some employers desperately need to hire to keep up with the new demand that the pandemic has created. “Essential services” such as pharmacies, grocery stores and food delivery have boosted recruitment.  Online learning providers, digital entertainment and streaming service companies, tech companies and companies that provide products or that support remote work capabilities and are uniquely set up to succeed in today’s environment.  These employers are using job boards, social media and have help wanted signs posted on their doors to attract applicants so keep your eyes and ears open.  
2. Adjust your expectations: Consider a different role or industry than you had initially planned for. Explore how different jobs will help you build transferrable skills that are highly sought after by employers across all industries. 
3. Network: Update your LinkedIn profile, and consider using social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with employers or learn more about opportunities. Attend a job search or LinkedIn workshop to learn how. Note of caution: Be mindful that everyone has different demands and priorities, so be sure to respect people’s time and boundaries.
4. Polish your resumé, cover letter writing and interview skills: Become a pro at writing tailored resumés and cover letters and know the skills required to be successful when you land that interview. Attend a Career Services online workshop or take advantage of our virtual resume learning centre. 
5. Continue to apply and interview for jobs: If you don’t apply for the job, you have zero chance of getting it! Be sure you think critically about opportunities you find online.  If you have concerns about the validity of a posting, please refer to our job search workbook resource for some common signs of employment scams or contact Career Services for help. Don’t forget to look on careerCONNECT, we are approving about 20 new job postings per day. 
6. Stay organized and record your progress: Keep a record of all the work you do, continue to update your resume with new skills and experiences, and save all the job postings you find. This will help you to be prepared when you finally land that interview and see what you have accomplished along the way.

Job search is hard work, there’s no denying it, especially right now.  Career Services can help.  Check out our website to learn more about the resources we offer to support you.  Career Services is working remotely to serve students by email, phone, tele-conference as well as through virtual workshops. Contact our office at 204-474-9456 or cs.receptionist@umanitoba.ca to make an appointment. 

There are 2 types of recruiters – retained and contingency. Understanding which is which will help you understand what you can expect from them. Retained recruiters work with employers to fill highly specified or high level jobs; contingency recruiters are more likely to fill part-time or less specialized jobs for employers. You don’t have to pay either type of recruiter for their service because they are paid by their client, the employer.

Now that you know about the types of recruiters, let’s introduce you to how to build a positive relationship with a recruiter. Here are 10 tips to guide you on your way.

1. Ensure your resumé and cover letter are up to date and relevant to the type of job you want. You will find a lot of the information regarding this at the University of Manitoba Career Services. Find out the style of resumé and cover letter the recruiter prefers and how they would like it submitted.
2. Have a clear idea of the job(s) you want – recruiters work best with people who are clear on their goals.
3. Recruiters represent you to the employer, so dress and talk for success whenever you are in contact with them (you would not wear your jeans and t-shirt to an interview, so don’t when you visit a recruiter either).
4. Write them a “thank you” letter or email once you meet them. This makes you more memorable.
5. Go ahead and interview the recruiter to decide if you want to work with them. Find out their methods of helping their clients and what type of companies they normally deal with.
6. Identify recruiters who specialize in your field or job function as well as your geographic preference. They will be the most helpful in finding you what you want. Simply googling the type of work you want and the word “recruiter” will provide you with some ideas of where to start.
7. Know your expected salary, what type of work you are looking for and what type of work environment you perform better in – this helps them find you the most suitable position.
8. Do not sign an “exclusivity” agreement, which forces you to work with only one recruiter or does not allow you to apply directly to an employer who is advertising both openly and through that particular recruiter.
9. Whatever your job search situation is, make sure you put a positive spin on it for recruiters. Introduce yourself as a person who is transitioning, seeking and eager but not desperate. Recruiters will represent their best candidates to an employer; you want to be one of them.
10. Be seen and heard – if a recruiter can find you online as an active person in your field, they will be more likely to represent you to employers. So, update that LinkedIn profile and actively post on it, start a blog, Tweet or write an article for a newspaper relevant to your field. In addition, be an active part of your professional association, volunteer, put on presentations, etc., so you are seen as a candidate who is continuously learning and giving. The University of Manitoba Career Services provides an excellent LinkedIn workshop to help you set up your profile and learn how to use this valuable tool in your job search. Please check out Career Connect for our upcoming LinkedIn workshop.

Working with recruiters can turn your job search experience into a positive one, if you clearly understand how recruiters work and how you can help them help you. Remember that at Career Services, our consultants can guide you in your job search and help you understand how to have a positive working relationship with recruiters. Feel free to make an appointment with a career consultant to discuss whether working with a recruiter is right for you.

Resources:

https://theundercoverrecruiter.com/contingency-vs-retained-recruiters-what-difference/

https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/5-tips-for-effectively-working-with-a-recruiter

https://www.livecareer.com/resources/jobs/search/15-recruiter-tips

Most people start to discover the hidden job market by researching a company online. This can be fairly simple these days, as most organizations have a website.  The website may speak about the culture of their workplace; but until you tap into a person or two who works there you will never fully be able to appreciate what it’s like and determine if it’s a good fit for you. You need to connect with people, have conversations, and learn new information about different positions and jobs within an industry or profession. 

When employers seek new employees, they are not just looking for someone who can and will do the job – they are also looking for someone who is a good fit with the current team.  Being able to DO the job is only part of the equation.  Speaking with an employee or spending time in the work space is very informative and a means by which to validate that you are a good match. Here are six ways to uncover the Hidden Job Market and increase your future opportunities:

1. Identify who is in your current network:
   • Include friends, family, fellow students, colleagues, fellow volunteers and neighbours;
   • Learn about their careers and connections.
   • Get referred to professionals for further conversations?
2. Connect with professionals who currently or have worked at a company of interest:
   • You get a look inside the company;
   • They get to know your strengths and competencies;
   • It helps you determine if you’re a good fit for that company.
3. Look into Sector Councils and join Professional Associations:
   • Attend an association event to meet professionals and possible mentors;
   • Obtain industry specific information;
   • Ask for an informational interview and engage in opportunities for networking.
4. Review the news the company has made:
   • Search “X-company in the news” on the web;
   • Read what the company wants you to know through corporate news releases;
   • Read how the company has made headlines through news stories.
5. Use social media smartly (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc);
   • View platforms that provide a look inside the company and industry;
   • Connect with professionals in the field;
   • Let employers see you interest by connecting to specific companies, industries and professionals.
6. Review current openings on job boards (such as careerCONNECT, wowjobs.ca) to see who is hiring:
   • Contact the person listed to enquire about opportunities similar to your interests;
   • Develop a picture of employee turnover and/or company growth;
   • Make connections for future possibilities.

Complement your studies with these strategies. Start early, in your first year and continue throughout your career.  The sooner you can develop the skills to uncover the hidden job market, the better position you will be in when it becomes critical for the job hunt.

Be open to learning about others career journey, industry information, labour market demands, and what you have to offer. You truly can never underestimate the power of a good conversation!

1. The 168 Hour Week exercise – Have you ever wondered where the hours in the week went? It is easy to lose track of time, particularly when there are so many other demands for your attention. This handy exercise offered along with a host of other study resources by the Academic Learning Centre provides an effective way to plan where those hours will go. The name draws from the fact that there are 168 hours in a week and that determining how many hours of work are feasible comes down to simple subtraction. Determining how much to spend on work and leisure starts with subtracting sleep, lectures, labs, meals, and all the other daily weekly activities and seeing what is left.

2. Cut out undesired distractions – It is easy to fall into a trance surveying the internet, email inboxes and the endless oceans of content offered by YouTube. And while it’s important to carve out some relaxation time, problems arise when these activities distract from what you need to get done. To manage such distractions, limit technology use and focus on what matters most in life.

3. Search for alternative funding – With all the demands of school and life, it is easy to forget that there are many awards, bursaries and scholarships offered by both the University of Manitoba and external institutions. The University of Manitoba’s Financial Aid and Awards office has extensive information on funding opportunities. Members of St John’s College or St Paul’s College also gain access to exclusive awards and bursaries. Finally, programs such as the Undergraduate Research Award offer both financial and employment incentives for those interested.

4. Align work to your academics and values – A job that runs contrary to your values or strengths can be draining, even if the hours are short. Determining values comes from reflecting on experiences, both academic and personal. Understanding our values can also help to connect work experiences to your studies and solidify your learning, making it easier to remember content come exam time. To aid in this exploration, you can contact Career Services to meet with a career consultant for assistance in identifying and prioritizing values and interests and seeing how they align with the world of work.

5. Take advantage of UM employment opportunities – As a University of Manitoba student, you can benefit from a wide variety of employment opportunities to help gain relevant and valued experience. You can enroll in programs like Co-operative Education and Work-study, attend career fairs and access job postings on Career Services’ online job posting board, careerCONNECT. There are more opportunities than you know! You can get help with your job search through contacting Career Services to meet with a career consultant, attend workshops and access our online workbooks.

6. Mental health supports – Balancing school, work and everything else in your life can be stressful. For students facing anxiety, depression and other forms of stress, many on and off-campus supports exist. Information and resources are available at the Student Counselling Centre.

Remember you only have 168 hours in the week, so try to make the most of it, by making a plan and accessing supports around you.

If you would like to learn more about the world of work, Career Services is available to meet with all students, whether you are starting out your undergraduate degree or finishing your PhD!

Career Month can help you to connect with people who can help you plan your career journey. From the Arts Career Round Table on Nov. 4 to the Career Café on Nov. 28, Career Month is your opportunity to explore career pathways, and make connections to help you gain experience that will build your marketable skills.

Take advantage of more than one event to start designing your career journey!

• Join us for the Career Month Kick Off, Nov. 4 in UMSU University Centre. Grab a snack and a coffee and learn about the full suite of activities happening on and off campus.
• Attend the Arts Career Round Table on Nov. 5 to hear about the career journeys of Arts alumni, and gain valuable insight and guidance.
• Go to one or more of the career workshops offered: Luck Isn’t Everything: Creating Your Own Career Opportunities, Triple Your Networking Impact and Entrepreneurship to mention a few.
• Meet with industry experts on Nov. 28 at the Career Café to chat one-on-one. Get their professional opinion on resumé, cover letter, CV, online presence, what they’re looking for in an interview, and get advice about the types of experiences they value.
• Check-out the Volunteer Fair supported by Volunteer Manitoba on Nov. 27 to find opportunities to develop skills and explore interests.

Tips for making the most of Career Month:

• Step back and reflect on what you have heard to gain new perspectives and understandings, clarify your assumptions and beliefs, develop a rationale for your actions and approaches, and take informed action.
• Consider who you are, how your personality and interests fits with your education and future work possibilities and explore opportunities to help you continue to build your career.
• Remember your career starts before your graduation. Learn how to actively plan, keep your eyes open for opportunities and create opportunity for yourself during your degree.

Career Services is here to assist YOU on your career journey.  When you have a direction and enlist the support of others, you will feel more hopeful and will have increased success meeting your goals. Visit Career Services at 474 UMSU University Centre or use our online resources. With a little planning and some hard work, you can boost your career and pave the way to multiple opportunities.

To learn more about Career Month activities and what Career Services offers, visit our website.

Over 100 employers and educational institutions, are here to meet with students to share summer and permanent full-time employment opportunities and discuss what they look for in potential candidates. This is your chance to speak directly with a variety of  companies, including our platinum sponsor Intelife Security and Automation and gold sponsors McCain Foods, IG Welath Management and Deliver-Eats.

The world of work is not organized by degree or major. The Career Fair is an excellent opportunity to learn how the knowledge, skills and attributes you are developing in your classwork can co-curricular activites can link to a multitude of occupations.

Career Fair is January 15 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm and January 16 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, on the 2^nd Floor of UMSU University Centre. Different employers and educational institutions will be attending on each day of the fair; the lineup can be found in the Career Fair section of the Career Services website. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to learn more about educational options, explore career ideas and meet with employers looking to hire you.

To make the most out of the Career Fair, plan ahead. Make a positive first impression by fine-tuning your resumé and educating yourself on who will be at the event. Take a couple of hours to explore the employers attending the fair. By searching their websites you can discover key projects and priorities of each organization and identify potential career pathways you may want to discuss.

There are also plenty of online resources to support your preparation. Access the job search and resumé workbooks to prepare for the event. You should also watch the Ten Tips for Career Fair Success video to get advice from employers on how to make a great first impression!

Career Services also offers career fair prep sessions so you can learn how to effectively connect and network with employers. Register on careerCONNECT.

Start to build the career you want by learning more about yourself and the world of work. Career Services is here to assist you in mapping a plan to create the life you want to live and do what inspires you.  Whether you need support planning for the Career Fair or planning for your wider career, you can visit us at 474 University Centre or use our online resources. You will also find us at the Career Services booth at the Career Fair.

Also, don’t miss your chance to get a free LinkedIn headshot taken by a professional photographer. This opportunity is offered by Alumni Relations to both students and U of M graduates. All students currently enrolled at the U of M are also encouraged to stop by the Alumni Relations booth at the Career Fair to enter the $1,000 BMO Bank of Montreal tuition draw.

See you on January 15 and 16!