Job Seeker Resources

• BE PREPARED: With so much access to information online, it is imperative that you prepare. Research not only the company but also the people you are meeting with. Know your stuff!
• BE THOUGHTFUL: Be prepared with well-thought-out questions. Good questions are centered on corporate culture or a company’s goals. Stay away from questions that focus on yourself and what the company can do for you.
• BE PROFESSIONAL: Dress for success and that includes a smile. Professional attire is a must: suit (or equivalent) is a necessity. In our experience, a black or grey suit with a dress shirt is not only appropriate, but it won’t provoke commentary from interviewers. No one complains about the candidate that is overdressed. No excuses, dress professionally!
• BE DETAILED: Bring at least two clean copies of your résumé and be prepared to walk the interviewer through it in detail. If you have references available bring along a separate printed copy for the interviewer – they are a great way to build instant credibility.
• BE AWARE: Put your phone on silent and clear your calendar so you can take your time in the interview to answer questions. If you do have time constraints, mention them when booking the meeting, not once you are there.
• BE CONSIDERATE: Do not chew gum while in the interview. Should fresh breathe be of concern, try a small mint.
• BE NEAT AND TIDY: Ensure your appearance is professional. Personal hygiene is important! Tidy your hair, iron and tuck in your shirt.
• BE YOURSELF: Engage and be engaging. Companies want to hire people they like. Show the interviewer your personality but make sure you don’t cross the line and become too casual.
• BE SMART: Interview for the job for which you applied. Know the job description inside and out, and provide relevant examples that highlight your experience. Show your interest in the role and industry. Be enthusiastic when talking about the opportunity.
• BE COURTEOUS: Thank the interviewer for their time – send a thank you note. It is a nice touch within the first 24 hours of the meeting. Proofread: there is nothing worse than acing the interview only to be cut from the shortlist due to a poorly written thank you note. Feel free to call a TDS consultant for tips!

Every second people are connecting through social media – it is the handshake of the 21st century. Make sure your online handshake is firm and professional. You are managing your brand and that could play a role in helping you secure your dream job or in putting you on the right path.

The #1 rule is to ensure your personal email address is professional. No one wants to write to, “punkdude” or “coolgirl137” in order to invite them to a job interview.

Use LinkedIn. Don’t be afraid to add as much content as possible. Companies can only find you through relevant keyword searches so make sure your profile is robust and accurate. Professional profile pictures are best but if that isn’t possible, use something with a clean background.

Partner with us! We endeavour to build long-standing relationships with our candidates. It is not uncommon for us to have people come to us as candidates and later use our services as clients.

Ask for us to critique your résumé and offer up powerful tips for successful interviews.

Keep us current with the companies and roles you are applying for. If we have an existing relationship with that company there could be an opportunity for us to market you to them through our contacts.

Networking is incredibly important when it comes to job searching. Only a small percentage of all open positions are posted online. The remaining roles are filled through networking, referrals and word of mouth. If you have the advantage of knowing about a position that has not been advertised to the public, the higher your chances for getting an interview!

How do you network?

• Talk to friends, family and peers – join networking groups and use social media!
• Join professional associations
• Reacquaint yourself with former peers in other companies
• Know your market: stay informed of changes and events; the flow of money and movement of people; signals of things to come (markets, companies, industries and the players)

Networking Resources:

• Network Your Way to a New Job
• 3 Reasons Networking Is a Job Search Priority
• Personal Etiquette: Making a Good First Impression