DISCOVER YOUR CAREER WEEKLY Q&A WEEK 3

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Missed this weeks?  Watch it here.

Here are the questions I addressed this week:
OFFER PROCESS

1. I’m looking for a new job and I just found out that my sister is getting married in the winter, a destination wedding and I’m in it.  How do I broach the subject?
   • Don’t bring it up unless asked during the interview process.
   • At offer, tell them and ask for it to be preapproved.  Offer to take it as an unpaid vacation days.
2. It seems that each company wants different things before an offer – references, background?  What does it all mean?  And what is the difference between references and employment verification?
   • References – longer phone calls to question previous employers about your work experience, habits and ethic.
   • Employment Verification – just verifying you worked there, why you left and your role.
   • Backgrounds – criminal and credit.
3. I interviewed with a company last week and they sent over the offer yesterday.  I don’t want to take it, what do I do?
   • Decline the offer in a polite and professional manner
   • DO NOT GHOST

 
JOB SEARCH

1. I’ve good things about getting my career started with a temp agency, what do I need to know? What are the pros and cons?
   • Pros – I’ve met people who have made a career out of temping!  They love it b/c pay is decent, they have complete control over their work, it has allowed them to travel and move around and meet a lot of new people.
   • Cons – the cons are more industry dependent, temp roles are great for admin and general labour, and great to get into the admin heavy depts. like finance, HR but not great for other roles (ie sales, IT, etc).
   • Agencies: Manpower, Adecco, Randstad, Hays, Torstaff, AltisHR, Robert Half etc
   • Process: sign up, interview and assessments, put on a staffing list.  Get calls, go out for jobs, performance reviews, more jobs, potential job opportunity.  Sign up with more than one!

 
RESUME

1. Should I put hobbies and interests on my resume?
   • Depends on a number for factors: how much experience you have, what type of role you are looking for, what industry you are working in.

INTERVIEWS
6.I have an interview with a tech start up next week but I have no idea what to wear, help!

• Not a suit!  Dress for the environment.
• Nice darkwashed jeans, nice shirt, maybe a blazer.

7.Two weeks ago I had an interview, I prepared so much – had my questions to ask, all of my answers to questions prepared – but once I got in there I crumbled.  My nerves took over and I felt like I couldn’t even string a sentence together.  How to avoid this happening again!

• http://www.saracurto.ca/careercoachblog/9-tips-to-get-rid-of-your-interview-nerves
• http://www.saracurto.ca/careercoachblog/never-ever-do-this-in-an-interview
• Practice, but not too much.
• Prepare for the nerves, how will you handle them.
• Sleep, Move, Power Up, Fake it.

 
FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS              

1. Last week someone asked about quitting their job and it hit home, I’ve been really wanting to quit my job b/c I absolutely hate it.  Any tips?
   • http://www.saracurto.ca/careercoachblog/how-to-love-the-job-you-hate
   • You are not alone, more than 50% are unhappy.
   • 5 Things: Take Back Control, Change it Up, Be Friendly, Be Thankful, Smile