Job hunting is a ‘winner takes all’ competition in which you’re compared and judged against other applicants. Putting in an application for a job is no different from entering a baking or short story contest. However, there’s one difference: there’s no second place—silver medal—nor does “everyone wins for doing their best,” hence why giving participation trophies does a… Read More »
2024… that’s a wrap! It was fun watching social media continue to evolve rapidly, especially in shaping how businesses and consumers interact online. This past Black Friday, shoppers ditched the mall in favour of shopping online. U.S. retail stores reported a modest 0.7 percent rise in sales this year versus a 14.6 percent rise for e-commerce. 2024 showed… Read More »
In the late 90s, I was interviewing for a call centre management position with a well-known insurance company. Karl, my interviewer, and I clicked. Small talk revealed we shared a love of golf and agreed that Rhum Corner makes the best mojitos in Toronto. Karl seemed impressed by my STAR stories and experience creating incentive programs that drove… Read More »
Most job search advice is cookie-cutter. The advice you’re following is almost certainly the same advice other job seekers follow, making you just another candidate following the same script. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, standing out is critical, a challenge most job seekers struggle with. Instead of relying on generic questions recommended by self-proclaimed career coaches, which often… Read More »
The Internet’s most powerful ability is its propensity to spread. This holiday season, amidst the hustle of shopping, party planning, and reflections, let’s use this power to spread joy and generosity. This December, I invite you to transform your social media feeds into a canvas of goodwill, reminding your followers and communities that even small acts of kindness… Read More »
Outside of sports and a “Cold front coming down from Canada,” American news media only report on Canadian events that they believe are, or will be, influential to the US. Therefore, when Justin Trudeau’s announcement, having finally read the room, that Canada will be reducing the number of permanent residents admitted by more than 20 percent and temporary… Read More »
It’s common knowledge that companies don’t hire the most qualified candidates. Employers hire the person they believe will deliver the best value in exchange for their payroll cost. Since most job seekers know the above, I’m surprised that so few mention their Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Most job seekers list their education, skills, and experience without substantiating them… Read More »
Most people over-complicate the process of achieving success. Achieving success is often perceived as a complex puzzle, or according to those who play the ‘I’m a victim!’ card, only available to those who are supposedly privileged. The fact is there’s a simple equation for achieving success, which Zig Ziglar famously encapsulated, “You can have everything in life you… Read More »
Although no one likes a know-it-all, they dominate the Internet. The Internet began as a vast repository of information. It quickly became a breeding ground for self-proclaimed experts seeking what most people desire: recognition and money. Today, anyone with an Internet connection and some typing skills can position themselves, regardless of their education or experience, as a subject… Read More »
Employers are increasingly stating: “We want someone who can hit the ground running.” Essentially, the message is, “Don’t expect us to explain the basics. We expect you to know your sh*t.” Employers understand you’ll need time to learn their business, applications, software, infrastructure, etc. However, they expect that you’re proficient in Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint),… Read More »