CAPS Job Search Handbook

CAPS
Job
Search
Handbook
Career & Placement Service
CAPS
Job
Search
Handbook
The Job Search Handbook is published by the McGill University Career & Placement
Service. The Career and Placement Service cannot accept responsibility, legal,
equitable, or otherwise for any errors, omissions, or misrepresentations in whole or in
part. All rights reserved.
First Edition, January 2004.
Career & Placement Service Service de placement et carrires de McGill

William and Mary Brown Student Services Building 3600 McTavish Street Room 2200
Tel: (514) 398 3304 Fax: (514) 398 1831 E-mail: careers.caps@mcgill.ca
w w w. c a p s . m c gi ll. ca
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction: About CAPS
About CAPS
Career Services and Resources
Career Education
Career Resource Library
CAPS Website
Specialized Programs
Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.)
Peer Educator Program
Job Finding Club
Mentor Program
Work Study Program
Job and Internship Opportunities
Job Postings
Internships
Campus Recruitment
Career Fairs
How to Reach CAPS
vii
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Chapter 1: Self Assessment
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Chapter 2: Researching Employers
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Self-Assessment
Interest Inventory
Skills Inventory
Achievements Inventory
Values Inventory
People Environment
Working Conditions
Ideal Job Profile
Resources on Self-Assessment
Books available at CAPS
Websites
Getting to Know Occupations, Industries and Employers

Occupations
Industries
Employers
Where to Find Information
Written Information
Information Interviews
Job Shadowing
Exercises
Occupation Search Form
Industry Search Form
Employer Search Form
Career-Objective
Resources for Career-Exploration
Websites
CAPS Job Search Handbook
iii
T aAbPl Se Joof bC So en at er cn ht sH a n d b o o k
C
Chapter 3: Preparing Your Career Tools
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Chapter 4: Finding Job Opportunities
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Chapter 5: Interviews and Job Offers
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Writing an Effective C.V.

Components of a C.V.
C.V.s for Specific Needs
Printing your C.V.
E-mailing your C.V.
Making your Scannable C.V.
Writing a Cover Letter
Making a Business Card
Resources on Preparing Your Career Tools
Websites
Finding Job Opportunities Through Networking

Expanding your Network
Steps to Expand your Network
Finding Job Opportunities Through Information Interviews
Identifying your Target
Setting up an Information Interview
Asking the Right Questions
Following Up
Finding Job Opportunities Through CAPS
CAPS Job and Internship Postings
Career Fairs
Campus Recruitment
Finding Jobs Through the Internet
Finding Job Opportunities Through Other Sources
Federal and Provincial Government
Public Career Fairs, Trade Expositions, Seminars and Conferences
Employment Agencies
Newspapers
Periodicals and Specialized Magazines
Using the Telephone Effectively
Telephone Etiquette
Dealing with Secretaries
Handling the Request for an Information Interview
Resources on Finding Job Opportunities
Websites
Interviews
Before You Go
During the Interview
Answering Interview Questions
Types of Questions
Closing the Interview
After the Interview
The Job Offer
Evaluating Job Offers
Resources on Interviews and Job Offers
Websites
iv
Table of Contents
Appendix A: Key Words for C.V.s and Cover Letters
89
Appendix B: Templates
93
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Appendix C: Samples
Cover Letters and C.V.s

Cover letter exploring employment opportunities
Targeted C.V.
Cover letter in response to an ad in the newspaper
Targeted C.V. Including internship experience
Lettre en rponse une annonce
C.V. cibl
Untargeted C.V. Including a summary of skills section
Cover Letter in response to an ad
One page C.V.
Cover letter further to a conversation at a career fair
One page C.V. for a business position
Cover letter for a graduate student applying for a non-academic position
C.V. for a graduate student seeking a non-academic career
Cover letter for an international teaching position
International C.V. for a teaching position
Business Cards
Thank You Letters
109
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115
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Appendix D: Succeeding In Your First Job
135
Cover Letter Templates

Curriculum Vitae Templates
Targeted C.V. Template
Untargeted C.V. Template
Directives pour le C.V. cibl
Directives pour le C.V. non cibl
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students Seeking an Academic Career
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students Seeking a Non-Academic Career
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students Seeking a Research Career Outside of Academia
Preface
Preface
The CAPS Job Search Handbook has been created by the McGill Career and Placement Service,
or CAPS, to help students in their job search.
The handbook can be used in conjunction with CAPS workshops, the Job Finding Club, or
on its own. It covers everything students need to know to begin their career search and find
employment, including important information about job search strategies, exercises, handy
tips, as well as samples of C.V.s and cover letters.
Whats in the Handbook

In addition to an introduction to CAPS and its wide array of services, the handbook contains
the following chapters:
Appendices at the end of the handbook include a list of keywords for writing cover letters and
C.V.s, as well as templates and samples of C.V.s and samples of cover letters, in French and
English.
How to Use the Handbook

The handbook is easy to use! It is designed to take you on a journey to your career path, from
getting to know yourself to tips for your first day on the job. There are numerous exercises and
questionnaires along the way to help you on your journey.
Acknowledgements
As Director of the McGill Career and Placement Service (CAPS), I would like to thank all the people whose
knowledge, experience and skills were utilized to produce this book. CAPS Career Advisors Manon St-Michel
and Cindy Mancuso were the primary authors. For over a year, they wrote, edited and revised the material that you
are about to read. The main editor was Johanne Cadorette assisted by the CAPS Career Resource Administrator
Salimah Janmohamed. The layout and design was done by Mohammed Sobhan who is the CAPS graphic designer
and web master.
Special thanks are also due to all the CAPS colleagues for their valuable comments and suggestions at all stages of
the production. These people include David Ainsworth, Linda Cicuta, Jean Hepworth, Eleanore McNaughton,
Jeff Osweiller, Micheline Paquin, Catherine Stace and Janice Tester.
Gregg Blachford
Director, CAPS
vii
Introduction
About CAPS
This chapter contains a description of the various services available for students at CAPS. Being
familiar with what CAPS has to offer will be beneficial to your job search and help you to
succeed in your future career.
About CAPS
The McGill Career and Placement Service, or CAPS, is McGills central career service. The
objective of CAPS is to educate and enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills that
will not only help them find their first post-university job, but will also lay the foundation for
developing a successful long-term career. CAPS is also committed to offering full-time, parttime and summer employment career-related opportunities for students by providing visibility
to companies on campus and promoting McGill students to employers.
CAPS is here to assist students as of their first year at McGill. Students are encouraged to take
advantage of our many services, including individual advising sessions, career development
workshops, job listings, graduate recruiting, career resource library, career fairs, work-study
and internship programs, and so much more. Take advantage of CAPS and start planning your
future today!
Career Services and Resources
Introduction
About CAPS
Career Services and
Resources
Career Education
Career Resource
Library
CAPS Website
Program for the
Advancement of
Career Exploration
(P.A.C.E.)
Peer Educator
Program
Job Finding Club
Mentor Program
Work Study Program
Job and Internship
Opportunities
Job Postings
Internships
Campus Recruitment
Career Fairs
How to Reach CAPS
The services and resources available through CAPS are grouped in three categories: career
education, specialized programs and job and internship opportunities. Although you may be
inclined to focus primarily on CAPS job and internship postings, we recommend that you look
into all of our services and resources. The knowledge you acquire will be useful throughout
your career.
Career Education
All students can benefit from the CAPS Career Education Program. Our goal is to help students
from all faculties to succeed in every step of their job search and beyond, either by getting help
on an individual basis or in a group setting. The following services are offered.
Individual Advising
If you need to rehearse for an interview with someone, information on careers and job search
methods or simply to hear some reassuring words, you can make an appointment to meet one
of our career advisors. They are here to make your job search and career planning less stressful
and more effective.
Before you make an appointment with an advisor, however, we recommend that you attend
some of CAPS workshops. If you are not sure about your occupational interests, you can make
appointment with a vocational counsellor from the McGill Counselling Service (398-3601).
You can also participate in the Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration.
C.V. Drop-in Sessions

If you would like someone to look over your C.V., you can meet with an advisor or peer
educator. C.V. drop-in sessions typically last about 15 minutes. We recommend attending our
C.V. workshop before coming.
Career Development Workshops
CAPS offers workshops throughout the year on a variety of topics related to career development
and job search skills. Workshops last about an hour and a half.
The list of workshops changes slightly from year to year and additional workshops are regularly
added. CAPS also organizes workshops targeted to the needs of students in specific programs,
departments and faculties.
You can view the current listing and schedule on our website at www.caps.mcgill.ca. To sign up
for a workshop, drop by the CAPS office.
BASIC WORKSHOPS SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS WORKSHOPS FOR
Basic workshops

Rdaction dun C.V. efficace
Networking Your Way to the
Job You Want
Get Ready for On-Campus
Recruitment
Successful Interview
Techniques
How to Handle Second
Interviews
Group Mock Interview
Workshops for
specific groups
Specialist workshops
Asserting Yourself in the Job

Search
Business Etiquette
Internships and CareerRelated Opportunities
Using Recruitment Firms in
Your Job Search
Where Will the Jobs of
Tomorrow Be
Looking for Summer Jobs
(Non-Career-Related)
Tree-Planting Jobs
Work and Study Abroad:
Guidelines for Success
First JobMake It or Break It
Nuts and Bolts of Freelance
Writing
Action Plan
Getting a Job with Your B.A.

Degree
Getting a Job with Your B.Sc.
Degree
Getting a Non-Academic Job
With Your Graduate Degree
Building a Successful
Research Career
International Students
Adapting to the Canadian Job
Market
Working In a Heterosexual
WorldHow Being Gay/
Lesbian/Bisexual Can Affect
How You Look for Work
and How You Decide On a
Career
hops:SPECIFIC GROUPS
Career Resource Library

The career resource library at CAPS contains current information about the job market, career
planning, and higher education. Whether you are looking for information about a career,
scholarships, resume writing, a program of study or contact information in the industries, the
library offers over 3000 items including books, magazines, directories, pamphlets, videos, CDROMS, and university catalogues.
Take a few minutes to thumb through our many publications that have up-to-date job listings,
including Canada Employment Weekly, Jobs All Across Canada and World Wide, Artsboard: Canadas
Monthly Employment Bulletin for the Arts and to Transitions Abroad, and The Guide to Learning, Living,
andWorking Overseas.
2
Interested in free stuff? The grey filing cabinet near the entrance of the CAPS office contains
pamphlets, magazines, as well as information on career planning, job search, associations,
teaching opportunities abroad, school board information and much more. Help yourself!Youll
be surprised at what youll find.
The McGill Engineering Career Centre (MECC) and the Macdonald Campus CAPS also have
libraries containing information targeted to the programs they offer.
CAPS Website
The CAPS website (www.caps.mcgill.ca) is a great place to access a broad range of career
information. Youll find our job and internship listings, as well as the list and schedule of
workshops, career fairs and company presentations. The website also includes a list of all the
books available in our career resource library and a comprehensive list of career and job search
websites.
Over the years, specialized programs have been added to the Career Education Program to
provide students with additional support. These programs are offered by CAPS in conjunction
with other McGill departments, industry professionals, alumni and other students wishing to
help their peers. For more information about any of these programs, drop by the CAPS office
during business hours.
Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.)

The Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration (P.A.C.E.) is a collaborative effort
between McGills Counselling Service and CAPS. At a point during your time in university, it
will become necessary for you to address your career development. However, the sooner you
P.A.C.E. yourself and explore your career preferences, the sooner you can begin to make the
most of your education.
P.A.C.E. is a workshop series designed to help students make decisions related to their field
of study and eventually career path. Each workshop is two hours long. The four workshops are
spaced one week apart to allow time for vocational testing and occupational research.
Peer Educator Program

The goal of the Peer Educator Program, an essential element of CAPS, is to make students
aware of CAPS services. The peer educatorsstudent volunteerspromote CAPS services
by giving information sessions at different clubs and departments and staffing information
tables throughout campus. They also produce the CAPSScoop Newsletter.
Peer educators are available to help other students with their general career-related needs, and
for helping students during C.V. drop-in sessions.
Job Finding Club

The CAPS Job Finding Club is a two-week program designed to teach job seekers the most
effective means of finding work in their field of interest. It consists of a group of 10 to 15
graduating students and recent graduates who are seeking employment. The students have each
other for support as well as the assistance of a facilitator and career advisors.
Mentor Program
The Mentor Program provides the framework for students to establish ties with professionals
who can provide valuable, hands-on advice about careers. The Mentor Program can be a great
way to establish a professional network. You can apply to the Mentor Program on the CAPS
website (www.caps.mcgill.ca).
Work Study Program

The Work Study Program provides full-time degree students with financial assistance through
part-time employment on campus. It is operated by the McGill Student Aid Office. The
deadlines to apply for work are usually early September, late October, and early January.
Most on-campus jobs are obtained through Work Study. To apply, students need to fill out
an application form available at the Student Aid Office or at www.is.mcgill.ca/studentaid/
workstudy/student.htm.
Job and Internship Opportunities

Whereas the career education and the specialized programs help students identify their career
goals and better prepare for their job search, the job and internship opportunities posted at
CAPS give you direct access to potential employers and job and internship opportunities.
Job Postings
Throughout the year, thousands of current full-time, temporary, part-time or summer positions
as well as internships are posted on the CAPS website (www.caps.mcgill.ca).
To make these posting available to McGill students only, a username and a password is required
to access the CAPS job listing service. To get a username and the password, you must bring
your student card to the CAPS, MAC, or MECC office and register as a new user.
Internships
Internships are an ideal way to gain experience before applying for a full-time position.
Internships provide mentors, opportunities to network, and present an environment for
learning and growth.
CAPS has many resources to help you locate internships in Canada, the United States and
abroad, including internship postings on our website and books. You can also find links on the
CAPS website.
Campus Recruitment
Every year, companies from across Canada, the United States, and abroad visit McGill for
campus recruitment (CR).These organizations recruit final-year students for full-time positions
beginning after graduation, and U2 students for summer career-oriented positions. Most firms
come during the fall semester but, school boards and firms seeking students for summer jobs
tend to recruit in the winter term. Some of these organizations make presentations to students.
Check the online Events Calendar on the CAPS website on a regular basis for up-to-date
information.
Career Fairs
McGill career fairs are events organized by CAPS, often together with faculty associations and
student groups. Career fairs provide excellent opportunities for students to meet with company
representatives from a variety of industries. Career fairs allow you to gather information
on companies, find out about entry-level positions and career paths, and perhaps, most
importantly, develop personal contacts that can be critical in your job search. We encourage
students of every year to attend these fairs to get familiar with the process of meeting potential
employers and of learning about companies that they might want to target in their last year.
How to Reach CAPS

CAPS has offices at the downtown and Macdonald campuses:
Main Office, Downtown Campus
McGill Career and Placement Service
William & Mary Brown Student Service Building
3600 McTavish St., Rm 2200
Montreal, QC H3A 1Y2
Telephone: (514) 398-3304
Fax: (514) 398-1831
Email: careers.caps@mcgill.ca
Website: www.caps.mcgill.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Macdonald Campus
McGill Career and Placement Service
Centennial Centre - Student Service Centre
21,111 Lakeshore Road
Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9
Telephone: (514) 398-7582
Fax: (514) 398-7610
Email: caps@macdonald.mcgill.ca
Website: www.caps.mcgill.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
McGill Engineering Career Centre (MECC)

Frank Dawson Adams Building
3450 University Street, Room 20
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3A 2A7
Tel: (514) 398-8100
Fax: (514) 398-2169
E-mail: info.mecc@mcgill.ca
Website: www.mecc.mcgill.ca
Students may also take advantage of the services offered by the following centres:
The McGill Management Career Centre (MMCC)
1001 Sherbrooke Street West, Room 104 (Bronfman)
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G5
Tel: (514) 398-2996
Fax: (514) 398-2721
Website: www-mmcc.management.mcgill.ca
The Faculty of Law Career and Placement Office
Faculty of Law, McGill University
3644 Peel Street
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1W9
Tel: (514) 398-6618
Fax: (514) 398-4659
E-mail: placement@lsa.lan.mcgill.ca
Website: www.law.mcgill.ca/students/cpo-en.htm
The Faculty of Medicine Career Planning Office
Faculty of Medicine, McGill University
3655 William Osler Drive
Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6
Tel: (514) 398-3519
Fax: (514) 398-3595
Website: www.medicine.mcgill.ca/careerplan/
6
CHAPTER
Self Assessment
Planning a career is not easy; but just like preparing for a trip, the better you plan it, the easier
it will be to get to your destination. Choosing a career path is one of the many important
decisions you will make in your life. If you have difficulties, dont worry: you are not alone.
Most students are unsure about their career choice and this is why CAPS and the Counselling
Services are here to help you.
Keep in mind that:
Making a career decision does not happen in a vacuum; you must know who you are
and what you want to incorporate that into your vision of how you want your life to
be.
Career planning is not a one-time deal but rather a series of steps that lead you
in a direction. It helps to look at career planning as a journey rather than a fixed
destination.
The career decisions that you are making are not irreversible; you can still change
your mind along the way. If you make a decision that is not right for you, look at it as
a learning experience, one more bit of information that will bring you closer to the
job that better corresponds to who you are.
While some of you may choose to stay in one occupation all of your life, others may
want to explore different ones.While people used to stay in the same job or the same
company for a lifetime, they now tend to change jobs more often and even change
occupations several times.
Dont be afraid to dream and follow your passion. Dont get caught up in what seems
to be the logical career choice. Go beyond that and listen to your heart and spirit.
Self Assessment
Self-Assessment
Interest Inventory
Skills Inventory
Achievements
Inventory
Values Inventory
People Environment
Working Conditions
My Career Objective
Resources on SelfAssessment
Books available at
CAPS
Websites
In this chapter, we will help you to plan your career through self-assessment and career
exploration activities that will enable you to identify occupations, industries and employers
that correspond to your career aspirations. Finally, we will give you suggestions for career steps
that you can follow as of your first year and beyond. Good luck!
Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is the first and the most important step in choosing an occupation, planning
your career, and starting a job search. Knowing your personality and being able to articulate
your interests, skills, achievements and values is important to effectively communicate them in
writing (in your C.V.) or verbally (during an interview) to a potential employer.
The better you know yourself, the better you will be able to make a match between what you
are looking for in a job, and what an employer is looking for in you.
The exercises in this section will help you identify your interests, skills, achievements and
values. If you still feel you need some help after completing these exercises, you can make an
appointment with the McGill Counseling Service for vocational counseling and testing.
Interest Inventory
This exercise is designed to help you better understand your interests, which is clearly
necessary to have a satisfying career. On the following pages, list all activities you participate
in and have participated in during the last five years. To simplify your task, activities have been
divided into school, work, and leisure/family. Once this is done, write down everything you
liked and disliked about each activity in the appropriate column. Finally, in the last column,
write down what you have learned from participating in each activity.
Dont be surprised if you find many similar items in the like column and in the dislike column.
Filling in the like column is the first step in identifying your skills. Usually, our talents and
skills are linked to the things that we like to do. Analyzing the like and dislike columns will also
provide you with a better understanding of your personality.
The first two rows of the school activities tables contain examples to help get you started.
School Activities (includes educational, extra-curricular, field studies)
Activity
Team project
Organizing career fair
Like
Group synergy
Learning from each other
Researching potential
employers
Persuading employers to
participate
Publicizing events
Encouraging students to
attend
Dislike
Learned
Some people were slower at

doing their part of the work
Teamwork
Problem solving
Interpersonal communication
Organization
Setting up the room (physical

aspect)
Organization
Interpersonal
Communication
Teamwork
Creativity
Work Activities (includes paid work experience, volunteer work, professional memberships)
Activity
Like
Dealing with people
Creating displays
Sales clerk
Volunteer at a distress line
Helping people through

Active listening
Crisis intervention
Dislike
Learned
Performing inventory
Interpersonal
Creativity
Night shift
Communication
Problem-solving
Interpersonal skills
Leisure/Family Activities (includes sports, social clubs, hobbies)

Activity
Like
Dislike
Learned
Coaching senior hockey team
Building team
Leading group
Giving constuctive feedback
Violence on ice
Leadership
Communication
Teamwork
YMCA Hiking Club
Discovering new places

Exercising
Meeting new people
Schedule (having to wake up at

5 a.m. on the weekend)
Organization
Interpersonal
Communication
Review your like and dislike columns and list your five most predominant entries in the spaces below.
LIKES
DISLIKES
Skills Inventory
Tip
Keep in mind, that
knowing what your
skills are will help you
to know yourself better,
enable you to identify the
occupations you would
be good at, and will be
useful when writing your
C.V. and preparing for
interviews.
There are two types of skills: hard skills, and soft or transferable skills. Hard skills are easily
measured and are factual knowledge that is usually learned during formal training or at school.
Hard skills include technical expertise, laboratory techniques, computer skills and languages.
Soft skills are somewhat less tangible and can be acquired in various areas of ones life, such
as school, work, or extra-curricular activities. These skills can be transferred to various work
situations. Soft skills that all employers, regardless of industry or discipline, look for in potential
employees include:
Communication skills
Creativity
Initiative
Leadership skills
Organizational skills
Problem-solving skills
In the following exercise you will rate and rank your skills.
Rate Your Skills
Rate your current competency in each skill listed below on a scale from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest
skill level). Also, identify those skills you would need to develop to reach your career goal.
Initiative
Self-rating (1 to 5)
Want to develop (yes, no, maybe)
Initiating new ideas/projects

Making the first move in
relationships
Finding new solutions
10
Technical Skills
Computer skills
Conducting experiments
Managing budgets, money
Maintaining/operating
equipment
Controlling inventory
Problem-Solving Skills
Evaluating alternatives
Clarifying problems
Generating solution
Testing ideas
Determining outcomes,
consequences
Tracing problems to sources
Organizational Skills
Organizing people, events, things

Classifying information
Coordinating resources
Streamlining procedures
Researching, gathering
information
Separating important from
unimportant
Determining sequences of tasks
Setting priorities
11
Leadership Skills
Promoting change
Taking risks
Engendering trust
Leading groups
Building a team
Delegating authority
Overseeing work projects
Getting things done through
other people
Communication Skills
Verbal
Conversing with individuals
Exchanging ideas with groups
Making presentations
Listening
Debating
Written
Writing correspondence
Writing business materials
Writing research papers
Teaching
Demonstrating ideas through
examples
Instructing/tutoring individuals
Creating effective learning
environments
12
Interpersonal Skills
Managing/resolving conflicts
Negotiating
Collaborating
Persuading, recruiting, selling
Treating, healing others
Giving constructive feedback
Coaching, mentoring
Giving practical advice
Developing rapport
Demonstrating empathy
Understanding peoples
motivations
Creative Skills
Creating new ideas, images

Inventing new products
Designing projects/systems
Designing learning materials
Improvising with existing
resources
Finding new solutions
Composing music
Playing musical instruments
Writing novels, short stories,
plays, poems
Drawing, painting, sculpting
Acting, dancing
Finishing, restoring
13
Demonstrate Your Skills

Now that you have identified your skills and ranked them, you can list concrete situations
where you demonstrated these skills. In the table below, write your skills and examples of how
you demonstrated these skills.
Skills demonstrated
Examples
Initiative, organization,
communication
Proposed and coordinated bake-a-thon for Missing Childrens

Network. Publicized event through newspapers and radio.
Leadership, initiative, problemsolving, communication
As a new senior camp counselor, proposed and led weekly

meetings with the crew to discuss particular issues faced by
children.
Rank Your Skills

Look back over all the skills you have identified and in the space below, rank your five most
predominant skills.
1
2
3
4
5
Achievements Inventory
Achievements are occasions where you recognized a problem or a situation that could have
been improved and you acted on it. Achievements illustrate your abilities and skills, and are
indicative of your potential for taking initiative and solving problems. They prove that you were
successful in what you undertook.
Past performance is the best predictor of future performance; therefore, the more achievements
you can identify, the easier it will be to impress a potential employer. During interviews, you
will often be asked about your achievements.
To write your achievements in a concise manner, use the P.A.R. formula:
P: The initial problem you faced, task that needed doing, or situation that needed improving
A: The action you took to resolve the problem or task, or to improve the situation
R: The results you obtained (quantify if possible, %, $, #)
You can then use the P.A.R. formula to determine the achievement.
14
Here are two examples:

Example 1
P (problem): The window display at the bakery where I worked last summer was not very
creative and was not changed very often.
A (action): After getting permission from the manager, I took it upon myself to change the
display every week, featuring the special of the week. I made a backdrop with a red checkered
tablecloth, put some baskets in the display filled with bread and buns, and put the cakes on a
slant so that the customer would have a better view of them.
R (result): Many customers commented on the attractive display and sales of the weekly
special increased by 20%.
Achievement: Created a new store display, which prominently featured the weekly special,
resulting in positive comments from customers and a 20% increase in sales of the weekly
special.
Example 2
P (problem): Each September, my boss had to hire new staff members to work at the front
desk. Since it was the busiest time of the year, they received very little training, which wasted
time and caused a lot of stress for everyone. Clients also had to wait a long time to get an
answer and there was always a line up.
A (action): During the quiet summer months, I took the initiative of developing a training
manual describing the steps to follow for each task performed by the front desk staff. I also
created and included in this manual a list of frequently asked questions from clients as well as
the appropriate answers.
R (result): Received positive feedback from my supervisor as well as from my colleagues
who felt more productive and less stressed. The clients were also more satisfied and there was
rarely a line up.
Achievement: Developed a training manual for front-line staff, which increased staff
productivity and decreased level of stress, resulting in better customer service.
To help you identify your achievements, think of things you have done that you are proud of.
Then ask yourself the following questions:
Did you receive a trophy, a title or other form of recognition?
Did you identify a situation that could have become a serious problem if you had not
detected it in time?
Did you make a suggestion that was adopted by your classmates/team-members/coworkers and/or superiors?
Did you accomplish a task using less than the usual resources?
Did you satisfy a particularly difficult client?
Did you initiate or help put together a project or complex plan?
Did you participate in a project where your influence and ideas were largely responsible
for its success?
Have you trained or taught people?
Did you volunteer to take on new responsibilities?
Did you help increase sales?
15
In the following exercise, identify four achievements using the P.A.R. formula. Then, rewrite each of them in one
sentence in the Achievement space as demonstrated in the previous examples.
P (problem)
A (action)
R (result)
Achievement 1
P (problem)
A (action)
R (result)
Achievement 2
P (problem)
A (action)
R (result)
Achievement 3
P (problem)
A (action)
R (result)
Achievement 4
16
Values Inventory
Values are beliefs we develop early in life shaped by our family, culture, education, religion, and
different socialization processes, and that we continue to maintain throughout our lives. They
make up our fundamental beliefs about what is right and wrong, good and bad.
Sometimes, we take our values so much for granted that we are not even aware of them,
and mistakenly assume that others hold the same values that we do. Behaving in ways that
are inconsistent with our values may lead to frustrations and/or depression. For example, if
Mohamed places higher value on time spent with family and friends than on the pursuit of
material wealth, but gets caught up in working impossible hours and making a lot of money,
frustration and disillusionment are the likely results. Ling, who values the pursuit of material
wealth more than time spent with family and friends, finds the same situation invigorating and
positive. If Mohamed works for Ling, it is easy to see the potential for conflict. Because our
values are so constant and enduring, and represent our fundamental beliefs, value conflicts are
among the most difficult to resolve. Therefore, it is important to become aware of ones values
and seek environments that are compatible with them.
Identification of Values
In the following exercise you will identify, prioritize and examine your values. First, from the
following list of 34 life and work values, identify by checking off the appropriate column which
of these are:
Values you must respect or must follow at work
Values you would like to respect but are not musts
Values that are the least important to you (they serve little purpose in your life or work at
this time)
Make sure that these values are your values, and not values imposed on you by family members,
another individual, group or institution.
Life values
Must have
Would like
Least
important
Being as healthy as possible

Helping others
Having a happy family
Feeling part of a group
Having adventure and travel
Being outdoors
Being respected by peers
Having leisure and recreation
Being at peace with myself
Growing as a person
Living by my religious beliefs
Having status and prestige
Having material possessions
17
Work values
Must have
Would like
Least
important
Having challenging work

Having power or influence
Helping others
Working as part of a team
Being a leader
Being outdoor
Working independently
Having creative experiences
Having respect of peers
Earning a very high income
Having major responsibilities
Having fringe benefits, perks
Enjoying what I do at work
Doing something important
Being intellectually stimulated
Opportunities for promotion
Earning a comfortable income
Being in charge
Developing and using expertise
Having job security
Having good working conditions
Prioritizing Your Strongest Motivators

Look at your list of values and pick your top four must have life values and your top four musthave work values. Based on how important they are to you, rank them using the personal values
summary on the following page.
Importance of Your Top Four Values
Both the nature and the quality of the work you choose will be greatly affected by your value
priorities. It is important, therefore, that you understand why you hold values that you have
chosen. Reflect on each of your top four life and top four work values, and write down the
reasons why they are so important to you in the space provided.During your job search and
interviews, this information will be especially useful to help you distinguish between jobs that
reflect and do not reflect your life and work values.
18
Personal Values Summary *

Life value 1
This is important to me because:
Life value 2
Life value 3
Life value 4
Work value 1
Work value 2
Work value 3
Work value 4
People Environment
J.L. Holland (1997) classifies people according to six different personality types. He also believes that different
occupations attract different personality types and that it is therefore possible to classify occupations according to
these six types. The assumption is that people will naturally gravitate to occupations that call upon their strengths,
interests, and talents.
* ACCIS, The Looking forWork Series Volume 1(1991).

19
Hollands Personality Types

Type R
Type I
People with athletic or mechanical ability who

People who like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze,
prefer to work with objects, machines, tools, plants, evaluate, or solve problems.
or animals, or to be outdoors.
Type C
People who like to work with data, have clerical

or numerical ability, and who enjoy carrying
things out in detail or following through on
othersinstructions.
Type E
People who like to work with peopleinfluencing,

persuading, performing, or leading or managing for
organizational goals or for economic gain.
Type A
People who have artistic, innovating or intuitional

abilities, and like to work in unstructured situations,
using their imagination or creativity
Type S
People who like to work with people to inform,

enlighten, help, train, develop, or cure them, or are
skilled with words.
Hollands Typology of Personality and Occupations

R Realistic
Live in the present

Thing-oriented (as opposed to people or data)
Materialistic
Conforming
Stable
Persistent
Practical
Shy
Genuine
Sample occupations: mechanical engineer,
agricultural manager, surveyer, animal caretaker,
chef, electrician.
C Conventional
Conforming
Obedient
Efficient
Calm
Conscientious
Orderly
Set in ways
Sample occupations: accountant, bookkeeper,
computer operator, proofreader, financial analyst
E Enterprising
Aggressive
Self confident
Domineering
Energetic
Adventurous
Ambitious
Sociable
Persuasive
Sample occupations: purchasing agent, real estate
salesperson, market analyst, attorney, manager
20
I Investigative
Analytical
Abstract
Rational
Critical
Curious
Intellectual
Introverted
Independent
Cautious
Sample occupations : laboratory technician,
marketing researcher, food scientist, anthropologist,
actuary.
A Artistic
Expressive
Emotional
Rely on feelings
Imaginative
Impulsive
Non-conforming
Idealistic
Disorderly
Sample occupations: journalist, drama teacher,
advertising manager, architect, musician
S Social
Sensitive to needs of others
Cooperative
Generous
Helpful
Sociable
Understanding
Friendly
Outgoing
Persuasive
Tactful
Sample occupations: interviewer, teacher, counsellor,
social worker, speach therapist
The following exercise* will help you determine what kind of people you enjoy being around.
Imagine that you are in a room in which a party is taking place. People with the same or
similar interests have gathered in one corner of the room.
1. Looking at Hollands typology of personality and occupation, identify which corner of
the room you would naturally be drawn to.Which group of people would you most enjoy
being with for the longest time? Do not think about your shyness and/or whether you
would have to talk to them. Write the letter for that group on the line.
1st choice
2. After 15 minutes you must leave the group and move to the next group of people that
you would be drawn to the most.
2nd choice
3. Once again, after 15 minutes you are asked to move to a different group. Which group
would be your third most favorite group of people?
3rd choice
Referring to Hollands typology of personality and occupations, list the three types of people
you would most enjoy working with (for example, R for realistic, E for enterprising and S for
social).
Working Conditions
Since we spend more than one third of our life at work, it is important to have working
conditions which motivate and satisfy us. Although we have to show some flexibility, there
are certain working conditions that are absolutely essential for each of us to be happy and
productive.
The following list will help identify and rank various working conditions.
Rate the following criteria on a scale of 3 to +3
3
This is an essential component of any job

I accept.
-3
This must not be a component of any job

I accept.
I would like this to be a component of

any job I accept, but it is not absolutely
essential.
-2
I would not like this to be a component of

any job I accept.
This is preferable but I can live without

it.
-1
Not very important but I could live with

it.
* Adapted from R.N. Bolles,What Color is Your Parachute? (California: Ten Speed Press, 2002), 355-56.
21
Size and type of organization

Local
Provincial
National
International
Canadian subsidiary of American parent
Profit-oriented
Non-profit
Product-oriented
Service-oriented
Less than 500 employees
Between 500 and 5000 employees
More than 5000 employees
Unionized environment
Type of industry
Position characteristics
Opportunity for advancement
Challenge (skills tested in a variety of situations)
Opportunity to learn new things
Opportunity to take initiative
Work alone
Work with others
Being part of a small team
Being part of a large team
Prestige (job title, office situation, special privileges)
Having authority
Responsible for own work
Responsible for the work of others
Exposure (to clients, customers, outside agencies, media)
See a project through from start to finish
Contribute to a larger project completed by others
Variety of tasks
Project-oriented work
Following established procedures
Solve problems creatively
High level of change
Functional areas :
22
Geographic location
Working in the following city
Working within Quebec
Working within Canada
Working internationally
Spending less than half hour commuting from home
Spending less than one hour commuting from home
Spending less than two hours commuting from home
Type of supervision
Work closely monitored
Work autonomously with weekly or monthly program checks
Authoritative boss
Democratic boss
Casual boss
Formal boss
Set own schedule
Hours worked
Regular working hours
Flexible working hours
Shift work
Paid overtime
Unpaid overtime
Company scheduled vacation
Employee scheduled vacation
Opportunity to work from home
Salary and benefits
Financial security
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Salary insurance
Pension plan
Child care
Financial support for continuing education
Company car
Wellness program
Employee assistance program
23
Travel
Overnight travel
Extended travel
Once or twice a month
Once or twice a year
Work environment
Indoor
Outdoors
Fast pace environment (high pressure)
Slow pace environment (little pressure)
Modern facilities and equipment
Work safety
First aid resource
Formal dress code
Informal dress code
Uniform
Own office versus sharing or having a cubicle
Office with a window versus an office without
Now that you have been through the whole list, indicate below your four most and your four least desirable working
conditions:
Most desirable working conditions
24
Least desirable working conditions
Ideal Job Profile

Using the answers you provided in the previous exercises, fill in the tables below to determine your ideal job
profile.
Interests: List the 5 most predominant like and dislikes as identified in exercise I
Likes
Dislikes
Skills: List your top five skills

1
2
3
4
5
Values: List your 4 most important life and work values
Life values
Work values
People Environment: Complete the sentence.

I would like to work with people who are:
Working Conditions: List your top 4 working conditions

1
2
3
4
25
My Career Objective
Now that you have completed the self-assessment exercises, you are in a better position to write
down your career objective. Pay special attention to your ideal job profile, which summarizes
those elements of a job that are the most important to you. Since you are still at the exploration
phase, your career objective can be as general or as specific as you want to make it. When you
are ready to write your C.V., you will have to decide if you should write your career objective
on your C.V. or not.
If you know exactly what you want to do, and you are not willing to compromise, a specific
career objective is preferable. However, it may take you longer to find a job that fits your
criteria.
Here is an example of a specific career objective:
A management trainee position in the international banking industry
An assistant editor position in the childrens book publishing industry
A biotechnology research position in a university laboratory
If you are open to different possibilities, it may be better to have a general career objective.
Here are a few examples of general career objective:
A junior level position in the financial services industry
An editing position in the publishing industry
A research position in a laboratory
Now, review the self-assessment exercises that you completed, and write down your own
career objective below.
My career objective
Now that you have completed your self-assessment, you should have a better idea of what sort of
work you would like to do and in what areas. Do you want to work as an assistant editor in book
publishing in Toronto? As a management trainee position in the international banking industry or
a researcher in biochemistry in a university?
Dont worry if you are unable to come up with a career objective at this point. The other
sections of the handbook will help you to become clearer about what you want.
26
Resources on Self-Assessment
(Section 3.16)
Bolles, R.N. What Color isYour Parachute. California: Ten Speed Press, 2002.
Cyr, M., et Y. Maurais. Sorienter partir de soi. Sainte-Foy, QC: Septembre Media, 1999.
Sher, Barbara. I could do anything if I only knew what it was. New York: Dell Publishing, 1994.
Kroeger, Otto, and J. Thuesen. Type Talk. New York: Dell Publishing, 1989.
Websites
www.careerkey.org
A great tool for analyzing and identifying professional and personal interests.
www.worksearch.gc.ca
This is a great site from Human Resources Development Canada. It offers the user
numerous exercises and information on self-assessment, job search, and career description.
(Also available in French.)
For more career related websites, consult the CAPS website at www.caps.mcgill.ca.
27
CHAPTER
Researching Employers
Getting to Know Occupations, Industries and Employers

Researching your desired field is as important as knowing yourself and what you have to
offer. Before you start your job search, you need to know what occupations, employers and
industries are out there and which ones you are interested in. The more targeted you are, the
more efficient and easy your search will be.
If you are in a career-oriented program like management, nursing, engineering or teaching,
your choice of careers will be more straightforward. The most important factor to consider
will be where you want to pursue your career.
However, if you are in a more general program like history, English or anthropology, your
choice of occupations is vast and therefore youll need to focus at least equally on what you
would like to do and where you would like to do it.
The following section contains resources and techniques to help you search for the right
occupation, employer and industry. You can also meet with a career advisor or a mentor at
CAPS to discuss your career options. Moreover, you can participate in CAPS workshops
tailored for specific groups and or to the P.A.C.E. program.
Occupations
When you target an occupation, it is important to evaluate whether it matches your interests,
skills, education and training, as well as the values and the working conditions that you have
identified as being important to you. By answering the following questions, you will be better
able to see whether an occupation corresponds to your ideal job profile, as described in your
self-assessment.You can write your answers in the form available at the end of this section.
Researching
Employers
Getting to Know
Occupations, Industries
and Employers
Occupations
Industries
Employers
Where to Find
Information
Written Information
Information
Interviews
Job Shadowing
Exercises
Occupation Search
Form
Employer Search
Form
Career-Objective
Resources for CareerExploration
Books available at
CAPS
Websites
What are the duties and responsibilities?

What are the educational and training requirements?
Which skills are required?
What kind of experience is needed?
What seem to be the main characteristics and values of people working in this field?
Who would be my clients if I were to choose this occupation (business people, patients, children,
students, researchers, artists, etc.)?
What are the salary range and the benefits?
What are the working conditions (hours of work, environment, etc.)?
What types of advancement opportunities and career mobility are available?
Is there a professional association that I can or have to join if I choose this occupation?
What are the present and the future prospects for this occupation?
Are there related occupations that I should consider exploring?
29
Industries
You might be more interested in working for an industry than in a particular occupation
because of your particular interest in its products or services (for example, communications,
entertainment, aviation). Knowing about industries will help you identify potential employers.
When an industry is growing or doing particularly well or it is facing the challenge of aging and
retiring employees, chances are that there will be job openings. Here are questions to consider
while researching an industry. You can write your answers in the industry search form at the
end of this section.
What are the career prospects in this industry?
What are the future trends for this industry?
What are the characteristics of the people working in this industry?
What are the key issues of this industry?
Which organizations are part of this industry?
What are the professional or trade associations related to this industry?
What are the different occupations that make up this industry?
Employers
It is important to find employers that match your interests and values. Before you begin your
job search, we highly recommend researching the employers in your field of interest. It is also
good practice to research potential employers before going to an interview. The following
questions will help you know more about an employer and figure out if you would fit in and
be happy working there. You can write your answers on the employer search form at the end
of this chapter.
What are the organizations products and or services?
What positions are available?
What are the skills and qualifications that the organization values the most?
What are the characteristics of the people working there?
What type of organization is it (private, public, non-profit, NGO, ect.)?
What are the latest products or developments?
How large is the organization? How many people does it employ?
Who are the organizations targeted clients ?
To which industry does this organization belong? What are the trends of this industry?
Where is the organization located (including its subsidiaries and branches)? Is it
international?
What are the salary ranges offered and the benefits (benefits, training, work-life balance?
Is it unionized? What are the opportunities for advancement and mobility?)
How is the organization structured: Who are the key personnel?
What is the history of the organization?
What is the organizations mission statement and philosophy?
What is the organizations reputation? For what is it the best known?
What is the organizations financial situation and its potential growth?
Who are its main competitors?
What are the recruiting practices?
30
Where to Find Information

Beginning to look for information about occupations, industries and employers can be a bit
overwhelming. However, once you know where to look and how to proceed, youll find all the
information you need to make informed choices.
Although the answers to most questions about occupations, employers and industries can be
found in books and or on websites, talking to people about your field of interest will give you
a good, and sometimes better, insight. Therefore, use as many as the following methods while
doing your career exploration as possible.
Written Information
You can find a wealth of information in books and directories. The CAPS library is a great place
to start to find these resources. If you would like information on a specific occupation or
related occupations held by people with your degree, qualifications and interests, the books
in Section 4 of CAPS library will be particularly useful. CAPS also has directories related to
specific industries, (environmental, management consulting, writers market, school boards,
etc), as well as publications (Whos Hiring, The Canada Student Employment Guide see section 5.3
of the CAPS library).
Professional and trade associations, schools and unions can also provide you with information
on occupations, fields of study, salaries and working conditions.To identify specific associations,
consult the Canadian Alamanac & Directory available on reserve at CAPS. Find out if the associations
you are interested in have a website or printed information that they can mail you.
Elsewhere on campus, the McGill Engineering Career Centre (MECC), CAPS at Macdonald
Campus, the McGill Management Career Centre (MMCC) and the Howard Ross Library
also have books and directories targeting the field of interests of their students. Local public
libraries are also a good place to look.
Company websites usually contain lots of information that can be useful to your research. To
find a company or organizations website, use a search engine like Google.
Chambers of commerce can help you find an enormous amount of business
information. To identify a local chamber of commerce in Canada or the U.S., go to
www.chamberofcommerce.com.
Information Interviews
An information interview is an excellent way to find out more about your field of interest, a
particular occupation, industry or company. The goal of an information interview is to obtain
information and advice related to your career interests and job search strategies. The person
you interview does not have to be a person who hires. It can be anyone who knows about the
work you would like to do. Ideally, this person should be working in your field of interest
and in an organization or industry where you would like to work. Although reading about
an occupation, an organization or an industry can be very useful, getting information from
someone with experience is much more useful and concrete. This type of information will help
31
you to fine tune your career objective and very often turns up other areas of interest of which
you were previously unaware. Interviewing is also an excellent way to develop contacts in your
field of interest that can be used later to help you find a job.
At this stage of your career exploration, information interviews should focus primarily on
gathering information rather than on getting hired. You can meet with anyone who has the
information you are interested in. This can include people who work for the company, industry
or hold the occupation you are most interested in. An information interview should last 15
to 30 minutes. Later in your search, the focus of information interviews will be getting you
hired, and therefore you will target people in the organization who have the power to hire
you. For details on how to prepare for an information interview, see Chapter 4: Finding Job
Opportunities.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing involves spending time (from half a day to two days) observing someone who
works in your field of interest. This experience will give you the opportunity to see what
the job really entails on a day-to-day basis. If relevant, you can ask someone you met for an
information interview if you can be a shadow.
Summer Jobs, Part-Time Jobs and Internships
Working part-time, doing an internship or having a summer job are valuable ways of exploring
careers, organizations and industries. It is a good idea to diversify your work experience rather
than having the same job during your whole academic journey. Take initiatives and take on new
responsibilities to explore your interest in various tasks. Identify people in the organization that
are doing jobs you are interested in and try to get information from them. Always ask yourself,
What do I like and dislike about this job, organization or industry? This evaluation will help
you learn more about where youre going.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work gives you the opportunity to try a field that interests you, develop new skills
and make new contacts. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer on and around campus
such as the CAPS Peer Educator Program, Health Peer Educator Program and the McGill
Students For Literacy, etc.
If you prefer to volunteer outside of McGill, the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal works with
more than 600 non-profit organizations searching for volunteers in various areas such as
active listening, teaching, administration, computer work, arts and the environment. Make
an appointment with one of their counsellors at (514) 842-3351. You can also find volunteer
opportunities in Montreal at benevolat.cam.org/volunteer.htm.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Getting involved in activities on and off campus will also help you know more about yourself
and your interests, develop new skills and meet people. The Student Society of McGill
University (SSMU) supports over 120 clubs, including the Writers Circle, Corporate McGill,
UNICEF McGill and the Students for the Protection of Animals. Attend Activities Night at the
beginning of each semester to meet representatives of all the clubs or visit SSMU website and
find clubs that matches your interests and values: www.ssmu.mcgill.ca.
32
Networking, Career Fairs and Company Presentations

Networking, attending career fairs and company presentations are also excellent ways to gather relevant information
about particular occupations, industries and organizations. See Chapter 4 for details.
Exercises
The forms needed for this exercise are found in the next few pages.
1. Using the occupation search form, research three occupations that interest you.
The three occupations I will research are:
2. Name two industries that you are particularly interested in and find out more about them by answering the
questions listed on the industry search form.
The two industries I will research are:
3. Target five employers that hire people with your skills and interests and visit their website. After completing
the employer search form, identify two reasons why you would like to work there.
The five employers I will research are:
33
Occupation Search Form

You can download the forms contained in this section from the CAPS website.
Occupation title:
Duties and responsibilities:
Educational and training requirements:
Skills required:
Experience needed:
Characteristics and values of people working in this field:
Clients (business people, patients, children, students, athletes, researchers, artists, etc.):
Salary range and benefits:
34
Working conditions (hours of work, environment, etc):
Advancement opportunities and career mobility:
Professional association (optional or compulsory):
Present and future prospects for this occupation:
Related occupations:
35

Industry:
Career prospects:
Present and future trends:
Characteristic of the people working for the industry:
Key issues:
List 5 organizations in this industry:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Professional or trade association(s) :
36
Employer Search Form

Employers name:
Contact name:
Web page address:
E-mail address:
Phone number:
Address:
Positions available:
Skills and qualifications valued:
Characteristics of the people working there:
Type of organization (private, public, non-profit, NGO, other):
Products or services/latest development/most popular products:
Number of employees:
Clients (business people, patients, children, students, athletes, researchers, artists, other):
Industry and trends of this industry:
37
Location including subsidiaries and branches, national or international:
Salary range and working conditions (benefits, training, work-life balance, union, ect.) for the positions I am
interested in:
Opportunities for advancement and career mobility:
Structure and key personnel:
History of the organization:
Mission statement and philosophy:
Reputation:
Financial situation and potential growth:
Main competitors:
Recruiting practices:
38
Career-Objective
Now that you have researched occupations, industries and employers, you should have a more
specific and informed career objective. Write your career objective below.
Keep your career objective in mind when, in chapter 3, you prepare your career tools such as
your C.V. and your cover letters.
My career objective
39
Resources for Career-Exploration

Occupations (Section 4)
Cartier, Franois, ed. Les carrires davenir au Qubec. Montreal: Les ditions Jobboom,
2003.
Editors of VGM Career Books. VGMsCareer Encyclopedia. Toronto: VGM Career Books,
2001.
Human Resources Development Canada. National Occupational Classification. Ottawa:
Publishing and Depository Services Communication Canada, 2001. Bilingual. Also
available on CD-ROM and online at www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca.
Pelletier, Denis. Dictionnaire Septembre des mtiers et des professions. Sainte-Foy, QC: Les
ditions Septembre,1997.
U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook 2002-2003. Indianapolis: Jist
Works, 2002.
Industry (Section 5.3 on Reserve)
Franco, Guida, ed. Canadian Almanac and Directory 2003. Toronto: Micromedia ProQuest,
2002.
Gardiner, Cindy, ed. Scotts Directories Greater Toronto Business Directory 2001. Don Mills, ON:
Southam Information Products Group, 2001.
Tiffin, Lorie, ed. Scotts Directories Greater Montreal and Laval Business Directory 2002. Don
Mills, ON: Southam Information Products Group, 2001.
Employers (Section 5.3 on Reserve)
Duke, Douglas, ed. The Canadian Job Directory:The Ultimate Guide to Canadas Hidden Job
Market. Toronto: SEN Publishing, 2000.
Information and Referral Centre of Greater Montreal. Directory of Community Services of
Greater Montreal Welfare-Health-Recreation 2002. Montreal: Information and Referral
Centre of Greater Montreal, 2002.
Makra, Kevin E. The Canada Student Employment Guide. Toronto: SEN Publishing, 2002.
Mediacorp Canada.Whos Hiring 2003. Toronto: Mediacorp Canada Inc., 2003.
Pelletier, Denis. Le guide de lemploi. Sainte-Foy, QC: Septembre diteur, 2003.
Yerema, R.W. ed. The Career Directory 2004. Toronto: Mediacorp Canada Inc., 2003.
Yerema, R.W. Canada Top 100 Employers 2003. Toronto: Mediacorp Canada Inc., 2003.
Most of these books and directories are re-edited on a regular basis. For the complete
collection, visit the CAPS Career Resource Centre.
40
Websites
www.monster.ca
Information on employers, online postings, job search information, career articles and
even salary information by occupations (geographically adjusted).
www.monemploi.com
Description of occupations and trades, recruiters and labour market information.
www.strategis.ic.gc.ca
Strategis Guide to Canadian and International Companies and Industries. Information on
industries as well as the companies and associations that are part of them.
www.wetfeet.com
Information on occupations, employers and industries in Canada and the U.S. as well as
job search information and salaries (geographically adjusted).
For more career related websites, please visit the CAPS website.
41
CHAPTER
Preparing Your Career Tools
This chapter covers the concrete aspects of your job search. Well start with the all-important
C.V., and take you through the steps of creating your own.You will learn about the components,
the look, and particular cases of the C.V. (Guidelines for writing different formats of C.V.s can
be found in Appendix B.) Next youll learn about writing the perfect cover letter to accompany
your C.V., and how to design your business card. Sample C.V.s, cover letters and business cards
are provided.
Lastly, this chapter takes a look at those dreaded interviews. You will learn how to prepare,
what to do during the interview, and what you should do after the interview. Sample interview
questions will help you understand what to expect.

Although the terms C.V., curriculum vitae and resume are used interchangeably in Quebec,
they are usually distinct. More specifically, the C.V. or curriculum vitae is generally used for
academic positions and is much longer, as it includes publications, conferences, etc. For the
purpose of this handbook, we will use the term C.V.
Keep in mind that your C.V. is your own personal advertisement. Think of it as your own
promotional brochure. Its main purpose is to illustrate skills relevant to the type of work you
are seeking. The C.V. highlights those things about you that are the most interesting, impressive
and unique, without giving away all the details. It should help employers determine whether
your skills match their needs. It should also sufficiently impress a potential employer so that he
or she invites you to an interview to learn even more.
While there are different types of C.V.s, this chapter focuses on the combined C.V., which is
most appropriate for students. A combined C.V. highlights relevant skills and accomplishments
while, at the same time, providing background info on a chronological framework. If you
would like to learn about the various types of C.V.s, look through our wide array of books in
the resource library.
Preparing Your
Career Tools
C.V.s for Specific
Needs
Printing your C.V.
E-mailing your C.V.
Making your
Scannable C.V.
Resources on Preparing
Your Career Tools
Books available at
CAPS
Websites
Tip
Remember, you
can find out
more information
about C.V.s,
cover letters,
and interview
techniques in CAPS
resource library.
43
Dos and Donts of Writing a C.V.

Do
Use good quality paper

Print your C.V. using a laser printer for
more professional results
Use a standard font like Times New
Roman in 12 point
Make the layout visually attractive
Include your name on every page
Use point form rather than long
sentences and paragraphs
Be brief; your C.V. should be no more
than two pages in Canada, and one
page in the U.S.
Use action verbs (see Appendix A for a
list)
Put relevant information first and give
it the most space
Make specific statements
Include your career objective
List a summary of your qualifications
List your achievements
Use specific examples to demonstrate
your skills and achievements
Dont
Make the text too crowded

Leave too much white space
Use different fonts
Include information like your date
of birth, gender, citizenship, marital
status (unless it is relevant; different
countries, may however, have different
standards)
Write Curriculum Vitae or Resume
across the top of the page (it should be
obvious to the reader what this is)
Above all, make sure that your C.V. matches the employers needs.
The following are the basic components of a C.V. for students. Note that personal data, career
objective, and summary of qualifications (optional), always come first, and that the other
components can be presented in whatever order you feel is most relevant.
Personal Data
Personal data always includes your:
Full name
Current and permanent address (if you live in Montreal during the school year but are
at home in the summer, you might want to include both your temporary and permanent
addresses)
Phone number and optional fax number
E-mail address
This information always comes first and can be incorporated into a header to save space and
make the C.V. look more attractive. Use a professional e-mail address; avoid funny or strange
nicknames (for example bubblegum@hotmail.com).
44
Career Objective
While not mandatory, it is a good idea to include your career objective on your C.V. It should
follow your personal data on your C.V. Your career objective should outline your short-term
objective (and state the job area and field). The rest of your C.V. should focus on how your
experience relates to this objective.
Including an objective demonstrates that you have a fairly clear idea of what you want to
do. Keep in mind, that it could limit you if you are too precise or not clear enough. As an
alternative, you can mention your career objective in your cover letter.
Summary of Qualifications
Including a summary of qualifications on your C.V. is optional, unless your C.V. is electronically
scanned, in which case, it is a good idea. Use the summary to highlight your strongest selling
points and the most relevant qualifications and experience (specify duration, responsibilities
and accomplishments). These should reflect your career objective.
When writing your summary of qualifications, use keywords (nouns and adjectives, not verbs).
The summary should be three to five lines.
Languages
When listing the languages you speak, start by listing the languages that are the most relevant
to the workplace, even if they are not your mother tongue.
If you are fluently bilingual, specify Fluent English and French (written and spoken). If you are
not fluent in French but can get by, indicate English, French.
If you speak languages other than English and French, list them and indicate your level of
proficiency (fluent, conversational, working knowledge or basic). If you are unilingual it is
preferable to leave this section out.
Computer Skills
In this section, list the hardware, software, and operating systems, programming languages
with which you are familiar. Group them by subtitles if your list is extensive.
Technical Skills
This section is optional, depending on the job you are applying for. In it, you can list any
technique, equipment or scientific instrument you are familiar with as well as any qualifications
or certifications you may have that are relevant to the job. Use subtitles if this list is extensive.
Education
In this section, list your degrees and years of graduation. If you have not yet received your
degree, put the expected date and write expected next to it. Include the name and location
(city, province) of the institutions where you studied, as well as scholarships and educational
awards (if you have many of these, you may want to create a separate section called Awards and
Scholarships).
You may add a brief sentence about your thesis, special projects, fieldwork, courses and or
workshops if they are relevant to your career objective. If your G.P.A. is high, you may want to
consider mentioning it.
45
If you are working on a post-secondary degree, it is not necessary to list your high school unless
the school is prestigious, you studied in another language relevant to the job, or you want the
employer to know what city or country you grew up in.
Career-Related Experience
If you have career-related experience (through paid work, non-paid work, or extracurricular
activities) use a targeted C.V. (see Appendix B for details on targeted and untargeted C.V.s).
Your targeted C.V. will have two work experience sections: one that is career-related and one
for other work experience.
In this section:
List your experience in chronological order starting with the most recent.
Include the period of employment (season or month and year).
Specify the position titles (make one up if need be; for example, office worker if you had
a general position in an office environment).
Include the name and location of organization (city, province; country if not in Canada).
Describe your responsibilities and write specific examples to demonstrate soft and
transferable skills such as communication, leadership, organization.
Emphasize the elements of your previous jobs that relate to your career objective.
Write using action verbs in single lines.
Work Experience
If you do not have relevant work experience, use an untargeted C.V. (see Appendix B for details
on targeted and untargeted C.V.s).
In this section:
List your experience in chronological order starting with the most recent.
Specify the position, name of the company and period of employment (season or month
and year).
State your responsibilities and write specific examples to demonstrate soft and transferable
skills such as communication, leadership, organization.
Emphasize the elements of your previous jobs that relate to your career objective.
Write using action verbs in single lines.
Extra-Curricular Activities, Interests, and Volunteer Experience
While these sections are not mandatory, it can be important for students. Employers may look
at it carefully, especially if your work experience is limited. Employers may use this information
to know more about your personal characteristics; and as an icebreaker during an interview.
If you worked for student clubs or did community work, describe these in the same way you
would for paid work (remember to use action verbs and achievements) and place them in a
separate section under the title Extra-Curricular Activities and/or Volunteer Experience.
Be selective about what activities you are going to include on your C.V. Avoid activities that
can be viewed as controversial or that reflect personal beliefs and values (for example, being
involved in protests or with political parties).
Briefly mention leisure activities like sports and hobbies under the title Activities and Interests.
If relevant, be specific, (Elected Team Captain of community hockey team as opposed to just
stating hockey).
46
Professional Associations
If you belong or have belonged to one or more professional associations that are relevant to
your career goal, list them.You may also include specific information about your role.
References
Unless you are applying for an academic position, do not include references on your C.V.
Instead you may write References available upon request at the end of your C.V., or you can
leave it out all together. Be prepared to provide three references to a potential employer. The
best references are supervisors or professors, or people you know from volunteer or extracurricular activities.
List your references on a separate sheet, using the same type of paper you have used for your
C.V.You should include the following information:
Name
Title
Connection to you
Name of organization
Address
Phone number
E-mail.
This list is to be handed to a potential employer only when it is requested, (usually at the
interview). Remember to verify that the information you provide is accurate. Always let your
references know that they might be contacted. Take advantage of this time to talk to your
references about the position so that they can emphasize the things that are most relevant.
C.V.s for Specific Needs

There are certain cases when a special format is required for a C.V.
One-Page C.V.
The one-page C.V. is recommended when:
You are applying to consulting firms and investment banks.
You are applying for a job in the U.S.
Brevity is the rule. Employers will use your C.V. to test your ability to be concise: every word
should count.
In Appendix C you will find a sample one page C.V.
47
C.V. for Graduate Students

Graduate students wanting to work as academics, physicians or, professionals who have
published lectures, can have C.V.s that are three to ten pages long. Those seeking a research
career outside of academia or a non-academic career in research should limit their C.V.s to
two pages. In either case, your C.V. should include the following information:
Dissertation title
Research undertaken and interests
Teaching experience
Publications
Presentations
Other academic experience (organizing conferences, administrative and editing work,
etc.)
Professional affiliations
Grants and awards
In Appendix B you will find guidelines for a C.V. for an academic career, a non-academic
career and a research career outside of academia. In Appendix C you will find sample C.V.s.
International C.V.
Few of the domestic rules apply to overseas employment for an international-style C.V.
An international C.V. should be used when applying to agencies, schools and organizations
outside of North America. Most organizations also require a detailed application to
accompany the C.V.
The components of an International C.V. include:
A career objective.You should address the geographic setting, field of work and level of
entry.
Personality traits. Tell the employer what type of person you are, your qualities and
your strengths.
Professional skills. Include the skills that you have that are needed for the job you are
applying for. Give concrete examples.
Education. This section is the same as for the Canadian C.V.
Work experience. This section is the same as the Canadian C.V.
International experience. If you have international experience including education,
paid-work, volunteer work, and travel, group it together under this heading.You should
have two work experience sections: one for international and one for other.
Personal information. In Canada, it is illegal for employers to request this type of
information. Canada has no legal control over what international organizations may require
from a potential job candidate. International employers may want to know your:
Age
Marital status and number of dependents
Spouses occupation
Availability
Languages
Nationality and National Origin
For more information about the International C.V., consult the Canadian Guide toWorking and
Living Overseas, available at CAPS.
In Appendix C you will find a sample international C.V.
48
Printing your C.V.

Paper: Use good quality paper. White is the most adaptable color and it photocopies and faxes
well. If you insist on colour, print your documents on eggshell, pale gray, or cream.
Font: The best font to use is Times New Roman 12 pt. You can use bold but its best not to
use italics because it doesnt copy or fax well and scanners wont pick up small differences. For
example, in Italics an r followed by an n might become an m.
Page setup: The left side margin should be set from 34 to 1 12 and the right side margin from
12 to 1 14. If you adjust on one side, adjust the other accordingly.
Presentation: The content of the C.V. should fit on one or two pages. Dont photocopy your
C.V. on two-sided paper. If the C.V. is two pages, staple it together. The cover letter is never
stapled to the C.V. Do not fold your cover letter or C.V., always use an 812 x 11 envelope.
E-mailing your C.V.

Many employers are now asking applicants to send their C.V.s by e-mail. There are two ways
to e-mail C.V.s.
The preferred method is sending your C.V. as an attachment to an e-mail. However, in some
occasions, you may be asked to convert your save C.V. to ASCII format. To do so, change the
font used in your C.V. to a nonproportional 12-point, such as Courier 12. This will give you
65 characters per line, which most e-mail programs can easily read. Then save it as a text only
file with line breaks. Copy your C.V. and paste it into your e-mail message and try to format
it there as best as you can. Replace any bullets by something that can be produced by your
keyboard.
Making your Scannable C.V.

Due to the large number of C.V.s that some companies received, they scan them to search for
keywords. You have to do everything possible to make sure that your resume will be easily
read by the scanner. To make your C.V. scannable, dont use bold or italics or anything that
could make your C.V. harder to read. Instead, use CAPITAL letters. Also, include as many
keywords as you can. These are different than action verbs in that they are nouns, phrases, and
terminology that demonstrate some of your skills or achievements and that are known to be
valued in the position and industry (buzzwords). They are usually hard skills. For example,
some companies might screen applicants by making sure that the words bachelors degree,
leadership skills, Microsoft Word or buzzwords from the industry such as transportation
or marketing appear on their C.V.s. You could also include a heading on your C.V. entitled
Keyword Summary. There you would list as many keywords as you feel are relevant to the
position in question. Books available at CAPS library such as 1500+ KeyWords will help you find
keywords for your C.V.
49

The cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and demonstrate the match between
the job requirements, and your qualifications and skills. It is intended to customize your
application to the particular position and organization.
The cover letter is very important and should always accompany a C.V. There will, however, be
occasions where a cover letter is not needed. For example, you might attend a career fair or a
company presentation where you are asked for a C.V. on the spot.
Tips
Use specific examples to illustrate how your skills and background match the
requirements of the job.
Never exceed one page.
Write a separate cover letter for every job you apply to. Avoid form letters.
Use the same font and font size as your C.V.
Use a laser printer.
Follow business letter styles.
If you have made a contact with a potential employer and are hand-delivering your C.V.
to the person in question, include a letter even if only to specify that you are giving
them your C.V. following the conversation you had.
If you have initiated contact with the employer through a telephone call, make
reference to the conversation in your opening paragraph and use the information you
gathered during the telephone call to maximize the match.
Always address the letter to a person, not to whom it may concern. Get the name,
title, and proper spelling of the person who has the power to hire you and address the
letter to this person. When impossible, use Dear Sir/Madam.
Dont staple the cover letter to your C.V.
Send your cover letter and your C.V. in an 8 12 x 11 envelope.
In Appendix B you will find cover letter guidelines and samples in Appendix C.

A business card lists the accomplishments and strengths the job seeker can offer an employer
in just a few words. Create a card that people will remember and that gives a clear picture of
the skills you have to offer. Keep your cards on you all the time: you never know when youll
need them.
Your business card should contain the following:
Your name (in bold)
Your address
Your phone number (ensure that you have an answering machine with a professional
message)
Your e-mail address (preferably not a hotmail or Yahoo! account)
Your fax and web page address (if you have one)
Your degree (indicate your major/minor)
Your skills (hard skills and soft skills; computers, language, laboratory skills, etc.)
50
Dos and Donts of Writing a Business Card

Do
Do avoid abbreviations
Do add value to your card by printing
on the back.You can also do a French
version.
If you chose to place a logo/graphic
make sure that it is appropriate for the
audience
Dont
Dont overcrowd your card
In Appendix C you will find sample business cards.
51
Resources on Preparing Your Career Tools

C.V. and Cover Letters (Section 3)
Adams, Robert, ed. Adams Resume Almanac. Holbrook, MA: Adams Media Corporation,
1994.
Boudria, Stphane. Le C.V. par comptences. Montreal: Editions Transcontinental Inc, 2000.
Enelow, Wendy S. 1500+ KeyWords. Manassa Park, VA: Impact Publications, 1998.
Fleury, Pierre-Eric. Les 170 lettres daccompagnement qui marchent. Paris: Editions Generales
First, 1997.
Hansen, Katharine and Matthew Hansen. Dynamic Cover letters for New Graduates. Toronto:
Ten Speed Press, 1998.
Naficy, Mariam. The Fast Track:The Insider Guide toWinning Jobs in Management Consulting,
Investment Banking and Security Trading. New York: Broadway Books, 1997. (Section 4.6
on Reserve)
Thompson, Mary Anne. The Global Resume and C.V. Guide-Master the rules of the Global
Job Market Country by Country. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2000. (Section 5.6 on
Reserve)
VGM Professional Resumes Series. Resumes for (with sample cover letters):
Communications Careers; Health and Medical Careers; Scientific and Technical
Careers; Social Services Careers; Re-entering the Job Market and more. 1998-2002.
Websites
www.canadiancareers.com
This Canadian site is one of the best career-related websites around. It contains
everything you want to know about job and career issues in Canada.
www.workingoverseas.com/sample.htm
Read Chapter 26 Interviewing for an International Job of The Canadian Guide to Working
and Living Overseas (3rd edition) by Jean-Marc Hachey online. This book is also available at
CAPS.
52
CHAPTER
Finding Job Opportunities
There are many different ways to find job opportunities. Now that you have gone through all
the steps, you know yourself and your job target, you have your C.V. ready and can succeed
at interviews, you are ready to get proactive at applying for jobs. There are different methods
of going about this. Some of them require more work (hidden job market) but have a higher
success rate, while others that require less time and energy (visible job market) but have a lower
success rate. In this section, you will learn how to find job opportunities through:
Networking
Information interviews
CAPS
Internet
Other sources
Looking for a job proactively is not easy. It requires a major time commitment and lots of
discipline. But those who persevere eventually reap the benefits, by of not only finding a job,
but one that is satisfying and matches their individual needs.
Finding Job Opportunities Through Networking

Did you know that 80 to 85% of all jobs are never advertised? These are jobs in the hidden job
market. It is not necessarily the most qualified people who get the best jobs, but rather, those
who know how to find them.
Most managers initially attempt to fill job needs informally, by asking their colleagues and
friends if any of them know of a qualified individual. These jobs are in the hidden market. This
method is inexpensive, quick and effective. If the manager is unsuccessful, he or she may decide
to use a more formal method such as contacting Human Resources, placing an ad in the paper, a
magazine, the web, at career centers or by contacting a recruitment firm.The job then becomes
part of the visible job market.
Some jobs in the hidden market may not yet even be recognized as vacancies or job openings
but exist in a more elusive form, like business needs. For example, if an industry is expanding, a
new organization is opens, if a new product is being developed, or a new executive is named to
a new division, it is likely that new staff will be needed in the near future.You need to be alert,
stay informed about this type of development.
Finding Job
Opportunities
Through Networking
Expanding your
Network
Steps to Expand your
Network
Through Information
Interviews
Identifying your
Target
Setting up an
Information Interview
Asking the Right
Question
Following Up
Through CAPS
CAPS Job and
Internship Postings
Career Fairs
Campus recruitment
Through the Internet
Through Other Sources
Using the Telephone
Effectively
Telephone Etiquette
Dealing with
Secretaries
Handling the Request
for an Information
Interview
Resources on Finding
Job Opportunities
Books available at
CAPS
Websites
The best way to access these opportunities is through networking.
Expanding your Network

Networking refers to contacting as many people as possible, in an organized manner. This
is done to gather information about the job market and to communicate your career goals,
primarily through word-of-mouth and complemented by written communication. As a
general rule, the larger your network is, the more effective your job search will be. Successful
networking involves expanding your network by creating and maintaining new relationships.
53
Your strategy is to be at the right places at the right times. If this sounds like a case of pure luck
to you, think again. By maximizing the number of contacts you have, you increase the odds
of being in the right place at the right time, ideally, before the manager decides to use a more
formal method of recruiting.
Develop as many contacts with potential employers as possible and maintain, develop and
nurture those relationships. Following up regularly is important, and yet so many job seekers
neglect this step. Keep in touch regularly with people who have been helpful to you by keeping
them informed of your progress. Maintaining your visibility will increase the chances that when
an opportunity arises, one of your contacts will think of you and pass on the information.
Steps to Expand your Network

It may seem intimidating to build a network from scratch. Dont despair! Following these steps
will make it easy.
1. Build up a list of your primary or warm contacts. Using the primary contact list form
found later in this chapter, write a list of all the people you know even if you doubt
that they might be knowledgeable about your field of interest. Ask everyone on this
list of primary (or warm) contacts whether they know the name of anyone who works
in your target area or anyone who could be helpful to you in your job search. The
names they give you will be your secondary contacts. Try to maximize the number
of contacts. The more people who know you and what you are looking for, the more
chance you will have of getting a job.
2. Create new contacts. You can create your own contacts by joining a professional
association in your field, attending conferences, doing voluntary work and even
attending various social events. The more people you meet and talk too, the higher will
be your chances of meeting potential employers. Always be ready to talk about your
career objective and your skills. Keep in mind that first impressions count, so be aware
of your appearance and behaviour. Although every contact counts, you should give top
priority to those in your targeted area.
3. Make cold calls. Calling companies of interest to you directly and attempting to meet
with the person who has the decision-making power to hire you, or with someone
who is knowledgeable about the field, is an excellent way to increase your network
of contacts. Dont forget to get more referrals from these people. When you make
a cold call, you may be invited in for an interview, so be prepared to answer and to
ask questions. Cold calling is something that most job searchers are reluctant to do,
especially because of the fear to be rejected. Remember you have nothing to lose. See
it as an adventure and as a way to potentially get a great job. Keep in mind that you are
not begging for a job but that you are offering skills that employers can benefit from.
4. Write to the organization on your target area. Networking exclusively by mail or
e-mail is less effective than networking in person or by telephone, since it is harder
to create relationships with people. You also dont get an immediate response.
If despite every effort you are not comfortable and articulate on the phone, consider
writing. Make sure that your letter is clearly composed with proper grammar and
syntax. Otherwise, your effort will be wasted.Writing is also a cost effective method if
you are looking for a position out of town.You can either write to ask for information
interviews or send your C.V. and a cover letter.
54
5. Turn up on their doorstep and ask to see them. Employers respond differently to these
approaches and what works with one may not work with another. If you are afraid of
rejection, this might be the riskiest strategy, since you dont know how the person will
react; although, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Finding Job Opportunities Through Information Interviews

In the Career Exploration section we suggested information interviews to get more information
about the positions, organizations and industries you are interested in. At this earlier stage of
your job search, the goal of the information interview was to gather information. Now that
you are beyond this stage and have done your research, your focus should shift towards getting
hired. Now you will target and meet senior people in organizations, for example, your future
boss or the person who has the decision-making power. You will state your desire to work for
this company and the reasons why.You will also offer your C.V. and ask for referrals within the
company (instead of in the industry). Remember to send a thank-you note.
Identifying your Target

It is now time to search for the names of people you will want to interview. Some company
websites have a staff directory.You can also use directories for professional associations or phone
a specific company and ask for the name of the person in charge of recruiting in your field.
Setting up an Information Interview

Your aim is to call or to write to all your contacts and try to set up 20 minute information
interviews. You are more likely to get interviews with people whose names you obtained
through your warm contacts.
Calling is the best way of approaching contacts.You will often have to go through a receptionist
or secretary to get to your target person. Focus your request on obtaining the information you
want rather than on whether or not there are any job openings. And remember, the secretary
is potential your ally, not an enemy to be defeated! You will find later in this chapter a list of
guidelines for using the phone effectively, a sample conversation whose aim is to obtain an
information interview, as well as blank telephone record and telephone script sheets for you to
write your own text.
During the information interview, keep in mind the following points:
Probe for information about the organization, its structure, mission, the industry in
general, and about the target persons career development and ambitions.
Discover who the key contacts are and ask for the names of at least two other people
who might be able to help you.
Make sure you also talk about your own skills, interests and values. Give them a
picture of the way in which you work and think.
Engage in a professional conversation that will leave the impression that you would
be a valuable person to work with who has skills that match the companys needs.
Establish rapport and ask open-ended questions to keep them talking.
55
Asking the Right Questions

The following questions are meant to help you get started on the information interview.
Others will flow from your conversation. Depending on the tone and circumstances of the
interview, these questions may be phrased less informally. Be precise and use language that
comes naturally to you. At the end of the interview, ask to be referred to two or more people
for additional information and ask permission to say that the person you have just interviewed
referred you.
How did you get into this field? (Here, you are asking for your contacts educational
background, and career path.)
What part of your education/experience has been particularly useful in obtaining this
job?
What do think is the best educational/training program for this occupation?
What is your typical day (or week) like?
What do you like the most about your work? What do you like the least or find the most
difficult?
What skills do you find essential in succeeding in this occupation?
What type of person do you think is most suitable for this kind of position?
What are the possible career paths for someone in this occupation? Are there opportunities
for advancement?
Are you a member of professional associations? Which ones are important to belong to?
What trends do you see developing over the next five years?
Is there something else I should know about this occupation?
Do you know someone else working in this field that I can talk to? May I use your
name?
Do you know someone who works on my list of potential employers?
Can I stay in touch with you?
Would you be my mentor (if relevant)?
May I observe you for a day or two (if relevant)?
Following Up
After the interview, write down everything that was said. Write a thank-you note that reflects
the content of the meeting. If you feel the meeting went particularly well, nurture your
relationship with that contact by phoning back in 4 to 6 weeks and asking whether they know
of any new developments you should know about. Keep them informed of the progress in your
job search.
As you do more research and information interviews, you will get a clearer picture of what is
available as well as what you like and where you would like to do it.
Now you can undertake what is called a later stage information interview, which is an
information interview with a person who has the decision-making power to hire you. During
the interview, state your desire to work for this organization and your reasons why, your
reasons should be based on your research on the company, which will have helped you identify
how your skills and interests best fit the needs of that organization.
56
If you make a good case for how your skills can fulfill their needs, you might be considered for
new openings. At the very least, the interviewer will think of you when asked whether he or
she knows of anyone suitable for a particular opening. Networking will have worked for you.
This information is only a summary of the steps needed to get your foot in the door. For more
information, attend one of CAPSnetworking workshops.
Finding Job Opportunities Through CAPS

CAPS tries to make your job search easier by posting jobs and internships as well as organizing
career fairs and coordinating campus recruiment.
CAPS Job and Internship Postings

There are many job posting sites available to you, however, what is interesting about CAPS
online job and internship posting service is that employers using it are targeting McGill
students. Thousands of jobs and internships are posted every year. You can do a general search
or an advanced search that allows you to find a job related to your degree, your field of interest
and desired location. So make it a habit and visit our job postings regularly!
Career Fairs
CAPS organizes up to 10 career fairs per year in conjunction with student groups. Attending
career fairs is another way to network, meet potential employers and find job opportunities.
Career fairs are great opportunities for students to meet employers and vice versa. They are
useful for giving employers information about yourself so that they may remember you when
they are recruiting. Occasionally, employers will take your C.V. at a career fair. Careers fairs are
held at various times during the year. Check the CAPS events calendar on the CAPS website
to keep up-to-date.
Although employers coming to career fairs are targeting the student groups that help organize
the fair, it is still worth visiting career fairs outside your area because the companies on campus
may be considering students with other backgrounds as well. For example, an expanding
engineering firm coming to the engineering career fair may also need employees for their
Human Resources or Marketing Department. If a company that interests you is visiting campus,
whatever fair they are coming to, show up and try to talk with them about opportunities in
your field of interest. There are some things you can do to prepare for the fair and make it work
for you:
Get the list of employers coming to the career fair and decide which ones you would like
to target.
Research the companies and prepare relevant questions (for example, what are the
skills and qualities they value? What tasks are new employees are given? What training
opportunities exist?)
Prepare a 30-second summary (think of it as an infomercial) of who you are: your skills,
accomplishments, experience, qualities and goals.
Attend the workshop, prepare your C.V. and have it revised at CAPS.
Consider preparing a business card to hand out.
Attend CAPS networking workshop.
57
When you are at the fair:

Be curious and ask relevant questions based on your research.
Collect company information and business cards from people that interest you.
Make at least three meaningful contacts.
Never be afraid to approach employers; they are there to answer your questions.
Give short, clear answers to questions; sound focused.
Learn what the organization values in its new hires.
Be yourself.
Do not rush your visit, but do not monopolize employers.
Bring copies of your C.V. and your business cards, but keep in mind that not all
organizations collect C.V.s during fairs.
Dress neatly, smile, make eye contact and shake hands.
Following up after the career fair
To make the most of your time at the fair, it is important to follow up. Here are a few
things you can do:
Develop a plan of action and follow up with companies that impressed you.
Make sure to remind them where you met them and make a reference to your
conversation. Be clear as to why you are contacting them: An information interview?
Tips on how to get into the organization? Referral to a hiring manager? New leads?
Always remember to thank them for their time, insight and assistancethey could be
your link to your new job.
Campus Recruitment
CR participation is for competitive students who are willing to dedicate their time and effort
to the process. If you participate, youll spend September through November preparing your
applications and attending company presentations, career development workshops and career
fairs, and hopefully going to interviews.
The competition is fierce during CR. For example, during the 2001-2002 Campus Recruitment
Campaign, over 6500 students applied for the 683 jobs advertised. Most of these jobs were in
the fields of management or engineering. 1140 students were interviewed and less then a fifth
were hired.
If you believe that your candidacy is strong enough to propel you to an interview and that you
can dedicate the time required to compete, we certainly encourage you to participate. We
received positive feedback from students working for these prestigious firms. Some of them
come back on campus to talk about their experience. You can also read some of their success
stories in the Career Success Series section of our website.
If you are called for an interview, ask if the employer will be holding a company briefing and
try to find out any details about what the style of interview will be (case interviews, behavioral,
technical or general). Participate in our interview workshops (first and second) and schedule
a practice interview with a career advisor. Consult our collection of booksThe Wet Feet
Press series is particularly useful when applying to large organizations, consulting firms and
investment banks.
58
Finding Jobs Through the Internet

There are thousands of job postings available on the Internet. However, make sure you do not
spend too much time looking online; you could be using this time to make useful contacts with
real people. Use the Internet as an additional tool and not the ultimate tool to help you get a
job. There are different types of websites you can turn to in order to find work:
Corporate: Most organizations, especially large ones, advertise openings in their own web
sites, which is a fast and easy way of knowing if they are hiring in your field of interest.
Students: There are even some websites that are targeted at students only:
WorkopolisCampus: www.workopoliscampus.com
MonsterTrack: monstertrack.ca
Professional associations: Offer this service to their members searching for a job or for
employees in the field.
Although the following websites are more general and tend to ask for work experience, they
are worth looking into:
Jobboom: www.jobboom.com
Workinfonet: www.workinfonet.ca
Riley Guide: www.rileyguide.com
For more sites, check out CAPS website at www.caps.mcgill.ca.
Finding Job Opportunities Through Other Sources

Although students seekeing a job or an internship have a tendancy to mainly use CAPS services
and the Internet, we encourage you to also use these other resources.
Federal and Provincial Government

With the large number of baby boomers retiring from the government, there are lots of
openings. Federal and provincial governments are looking for new blood. While they do come
on campus to recruit, they also advertise a high number of jobs on their websites:
Public Service Commission of Canada:jobs.gc.ca
Gouvernment du Qubec: www.tresor.gouv.qc.ca/ressources/emplois.htm
Placement tudiants du Qubec: www.PEQ.mic.gouv.qc.ca
Public Career Fairs, Trade Expositions, Seminars and Conferences

Industries hiring lots of people organize career fairs and participate in various recruiting
activities. Where some career fairs are more general (for example Le Salon de lemploi, held in
Montreal a few times a year), others are geared towards specific fields like technology or health
care. Attending trade shows, expositions, and professional seminars is a good opportunity for
job seekers to expand their network,meet new contacts and potential employers.
59
Employment Agencies
Employment agencies obtain mandates from their customers (employers) to find qualified
candidates; therefore, they are always actively searching and recruiting. When an employment
agency interviews and tests you, they may or may not have a specific job in mind. However,
they will normally keep your application in a C.V. bank and refer you to employers searching
for candidates with your background.
Although these agencies can be an additional tool for your search, you would be limiting
yourself if you relied exclusively on them to place you. Moreover, as they usually do not give
out the names of their clients, your C.V. may be distributed to employers you may not want to
work for.
If you are hired through an agency, the company will either pay the agency to hire you
themselves or the agency will become your employer and pay you at a lower rate than what
they receive from the company.
Before signing a contract with an executive search or an agency, read it carefuly. Look at what
your responsibilities would be, your rate, eligibility for benefits, payment schedule, contract
dates, extension conditions, disclosure clauses, possibilities and conditions under which you
may or may not take other contract work or a permanent position with the employer you are
placed with.
Newspapers
Newspapers are the most common place for people to look for jobs. Employers will receive
hundreds if not thousands of applicants, making the competition tough. General jobs are usually
listed in the classified ads section of the paper, while professional positions are advertised in the
careers section.
Although newspapers can be a good source of information, you should not make them your
only resource. Use newspapers to identify potential employers, new companies and old ones
that may be expanding. This will help you to tap into the hidden job market.
Periodicals and Specialized Magazines

Employers advertising in periodicals and specialized magazines are seeking for candidates in a
specific field, which can be an asset. However, since they too are paying lots of money for the
ads, they are usually looking to hire candidates with a high level of experience.
You can find the following periodicals and specialized magazines at CAPS:
Artsboard: Canadas Monthly Employment Bulletin for the Arts
Canada Employment Weekly
The International Educator TIE
International Employment Gazette
Jobs Jobs Jobs: All Across Canada and World Wide
NewsLinks (International Schools Services)
Transitions Abroad: The Guide to Learning, Living, and Working Overseas
University Affairs / Affaires Universitaires
60
Using the Telephone Effectively

The telephone is one of the most important tools at your disposal during a job search. Using
the telephone effectively will improve communication, save time, and ultimately increase your
chances of finding a job.
Telephone Etiquette
When using the telephone, the listener cannot rely on visual cues and non-verbal communication
like body language and facial expressions. Therefore, tone of voice, a positive attitude and voice
projection become more important.
When using the telephone:
Smileit will have a positive effect on your tone of voice
Get to the point quickly
Listen attentively
Show enthusiasm and ask questions
Show a positive attitude
Treat everyone with respect and always remain polite, regardless of circumstances
Keep your objective in mind: to obtain a face-to-face meeting
Be ready to sell yourself
Before making a telephone call:
Verify the name and title of the person to whom you wish to speak.
Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand (C.V., correspondence sent or
received, etc.).
Write a script and rehearse what you are going to say.
During the telephone call:
Suggest a 15 to 20-minute meeting early in the morning (8:00 or 8:15, before daily business
activities begin) or at the end of the day (4:15 or 4:30).
Dealing with Secretaries

The secretarys job is to screen calls to prevent unnecessary work interruption. Do not treat
the secretary as your enemy. He or she can be an important facilitator in helping you reach the
person you are calling. Knowing the name of the secretary can be helpful in personalizing your
call.
Your strategy is to always stay in control of the situation. Dont let the secretary come up with
an acceptable reason for you not to get through.This is much easier to do if the focus of your call
is on obtaining certain information, and not on whether or not there are any job openings.
61
Be prepared to answer the following questions in response to your query:

What is your call in reference to?
The best strategy to use is to be honest and positive. State what type of information you are
looking for. If someone has referred you, make sure to mention his or her name.
The person is unavailable.
Say that you are hard to reach and ask for the best time to call back.You do not want to be put
into a position of waiting for a call that may never come.Youre in control. Ask at what time the
person arrives in the morning. Early morning is usually the best time to call.
Human Resources will be able to help you, Ill transfer you.
or Were not hiring right now.
The secretary thinks that you are looking for a job opening. Emphasize that you are calling to
obtain information.
The key to getting through is persistence. If you are able to reply intelligently, logically and
confidently to the secretarys screening statements, you will most likely eventually get through.
Studies show that it takes an average of 7 or 8 calls before reaching the intended person.
Remember to thank the secretary after every call, regardless of whether or not you get through.
Once you do get through, have your script ready. Remember that your objective is to obtain a
face-to-face meeting.
Handling the Request for an Information Interview

Once youve gotten through to the person you wish to reach, you must ask for an interview. A
telephone conversation aiming to an information interview might go like this:
Salutation:
Greet the person by name.
Identification:
Identify yourself. If you were referred, name the person who

referred you.
Objective:
State why you are calling, otherwise, your listener will get
defensive and wonder what this stranger wants.
Qualify and
sell yourself:
62
Identify where you are in your career and say something that
will catch your listeners attention, that will impress your
listener and arouse his or her interest. (This will be a 30 second
summary.)
Question:
You will most likely succeed in your objective to obtain a

meeting if you develop a rapport with the person. To do this,
you must succeed in getting the other person to talk. Ask a
question about the industry, the company, the department, the
functionany job-related question you want answered.
Dialogue:
This is your chance to create a rapport. Listen attentively to

what the other person says and ask other questions.

Suggest meeting:
Dont talk for too long. Remember the person you are talking
to is probably quite busy. If you have succeeded in establishing
a rapport, it should be fairly easy to get a meeting. Suggest a
specific time, preferably before the business day begins and state
that the meeting will only take 10 to 20 minutes.
If the person cannot meet you for whatever reason, dont give
up. Request permission to call again. Offer to send your C.V.
and follow up afterwards if you are interested in working for
that particular company.Ask for leads (names of people to
contact) and request permission to use the persons name when
you contact these people.
Thank the person for his or her time regardless of the outcome.
Example 1:*
Operator:
CJTR Radio
Student:
Hello. Could you please tell me the name of your program

director?
Operator:
Her name is Lee Davis.
Student:
Thank you. Would you please connect my call to her office?
Operator:
Good morning. Ms. Davisoffice.
Student:
Yes, may I speak to with Ms. Davis please?
Receptionist:
May I ask what is regarding please?
Student:
Yes. I am a student at McGill University, and Im conducting

some research in the field of broadcasting. I understand Ms.
Davis might have some of the information Im looking for.
Receptionist:
Fine, Ill put you through.
Ms. Davis:
Lee Davis speaking.
Student:
Good morning, Ms. Davis. My name is __________. I am a

third year Political Science student at McGill University and
Im interested in pursuing a career in radio broadcasting. At
this point Im trying to find out as much about the field as I can
before making any definite career decisions. Would it be possible
to arrange an appointment with you to talk about your career in
radio?
Ms. Davis:
We dont have any opening right now, but perhaps if you send in
a C.V., I can keep you in mind for future openings.
Student:
Actually, Im not looking for a position right now. At this point
* Adapted from ACCIS, The Looking forWork Series Volume 3 (1991).

63
I would like to find out more about the field of broadcasting in

general. Would you have about 20 minutes to speak with me
some time next week?
Ms. Davis:
Sure. Id be happy to. Is Thursday at 2:00 p.m. all right?
Student:
Yes. That time would be fine. Thank you very much.
Example 2
Salutation:
Hello Ms. Smith
Identification:
My name is Norman Brown.
Objective:
I would like to pursue a career in Marketing and am presently

researching potential employers.
Infomercial:
Ill be graduating from McGill at the end of this year and have
recently completed a consumer survey on the use of ________.
Question:
I really enjoyed this experience and was wondering if conducting

market surveys is a major component of the activities in your
marketing department?
Dialogue
Suggest meeting:
I would very much like to meet with you for a few minutes in
order to make your acquaintance and also to hand deliver my
C.V. Would you be available tomorrow at 9:00 for a meeting of
about 15 minutes? Or if you prefer, I could drop by towards the
end of the day, say 4:30?
If yes:
Thank you very much Ms. Smith. I am
looking forward to meeting you.
64
If no:
May I send my C.V. in the mail and call you
again once you have received it? Would you
know of any other people I might contact
in the industry who might have more
information on possible career in marketing?
Thank you very much for your time.
Good-bye Ms. Smith.
Primary Contact List
(Use extra space if necessary. Remember, the longer your list, the higher your chances of success.)
People I Know From School
(University, college, high school)
Professors
McGill advisors and counsellors
Classmates
Extra-curricular activities
Career fairs
Other
Company presentation
Alumnies
Mentors
Field studies, co-op programs
Internships
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
20
People I Know From Work
(Summer, part-time, volunteer)
Co-workers
Supervisors
Clients
Suppliers
Competitors
Professional associations
Other
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
20
65
People I Know From Leisure/Family Activities

Family (extended)
Sports
Friends
Clubs
Neighbours
Other
Hobbies
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
20
Other People
Doctors
Bankers
Dentists
Insurance agents
Lawyers
Chamber of commerce
66
Accountants
Community business people
Religious leaders
Other
Store owners
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
20
Telephone Script
Salutation:
Identification:
Objective:
Infomercial:
(30-second
summary)
Question:
(optional)
Dialogue
Suggest
meeting:
If yes:
If no:
67
Telephone Record
Company Name:
Date:
Contact Person:
Address:
Title:
Tel:
E-mail Address:
Website:
Referred by:
Notes:
Next Action:
68
Resources on Finding Job Opportunities

Damico, Joan. How to be a Permanent Temp.Winning Strategies for Thriving in TodaysWorkplace.
Franklin Lakes, NJ: The Career Press, 2002. (Section 3.1)
Lerner, Marcy and al. Vault Guide to Schmoozing. New York: Vault Inc., 2001. (Section 3.14)
Marler, Patty and Jan Bailey Mattia. Networking Made Easy. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career
Horizons, 1998. (Section 3.14)
Mediacorp Canada. Canadian Directory of Search Firms. Toronto: Mediacorp Canada, 2002.
(Section 5.31 on Reserve)
Schwartz, Steven. How to Make HOT Cold Calls. Toronto: Stoddart Publishing Co., 1997.
(Section 3.14)
Youth Employment Services. Head-hunters-Directory of Greater Montreal. Montreal:Youth
Employment Services, 2001. (Section 5.32 on Reserve)
Youth Employment Services. Placement Agency Directory of Greater Montreal. Montreal:
Youth Employment Services, 2001. (Section 5.32 on Reserve)
For more books on finding job opportunities, consult the CAPS career resource library.
Websites
WetFeet.com > ManagingYour Career > Networking www.wetfeet.com/advice/networking.asp
Read a collection of articles on networking and informational interviews.
For more links, consult the CAPS website.
69
CHAPTER
Interviews and Job Offers
Interviews
An interview is an exchange of information between a job seeker and an employer. For the
employer, it is an opportunity to evaluate the suitability of the job seeker for the job. For you,
the job seeker, it is an opportunity to evaluate the suitability of the employer and the position
with respect to your career objective.
Change is inevitable in todays work world. Most people will choose to change jobs and/
or careers many times in their life. This means we go through more and more interviews
throughout our career path.
It is important that you take the time to properly prepare for this part of your job search.
Remember, the interview is your opportunity to shine, so dont miss it!
Employers Objectives
Collect relevant data about your

background, knowledge, skills,
abilities, and career aspirations
Determine whether your
qualifications are consistent with the
requirements of the position
Evaluate your personality, your
motivation for the job, and your
communication skills
Job Seekers Objectives
Convince the employer that you

have the qualifications, background,
skills, and abilities required for the
position
Evaluate whether this company and
position represent a good fit with
your career aspirations.
Interviews
and Job Offers
Interviews
Preparing for an
Interview
Before You Go
Answering Interview
Questions
Types of Questions
After the Interview
One Last Word
Is This Position Right
For You?
Negotiating The Offer
Resources on Interviews
and Job Offers
Books available at
CAPS
Websites
Assess your potential for future

advancement.
This section focuses on the first interview, which generally lasts approximately 30 to 45
minutes.
Other interviews, like the second interview can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. A second
interview could take the form of a panel interviews, be part of a series of interviews, include
diagnostic, skills, or technical tests, cases, in-basket exercises, company or department tours,
social situations (luncheons, etc.), and group interviews. This section covers these types of
interviews briefly, and refer you to various resources for additional information.
71
Preparing for an Interview*
In order to make the best match possible between your background, qualifications, interests
and career aspirations, and a given position with a given employer, it is important that you
be able to articulate knowledge about yourself as well as about the job and the employer you
are targeting. There are three simple things you should keep in mind when preparing for an
interview:
1. Know yourself
To sell yourself by talking about your skills, abilities, and interests, it is essential to take the
time to do a self-evaluation as well as a complete assessment of your background (education,
employment, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, etc.). If you have not already done so,
do the self-assessment exercises in chapter 1.
2. Know the position and the employer
The knowledge gained from researching the position or the organization before the interview
will help you ask and respond to questions in an informed and thoughtful manner.
Often the best source of information about a position or an employer is someone who works
for or has worked for that employer, or someone that has the similar position in another
company. If you know someone (anyone at all) who works at the company you are interested
in, make it a point to contact them for information about the organization. Ask the person for
names of other people in the company that could be helpful to you.
3. Make the match
When you have a good understanding of yourself, the job, and the employer, match the
elements of your background to the requirements of the position. As mentioned earlier, the
best way to answer interview questions is to use the P.A.R. formula. For example, if a job
requires good communication skills, you could use the following experiences indicating that
you meet the qualifications:
Delivered both prepared and impromptu speeches to groups of 15 to 60 people
(debating club)
Wrote and presented creative marketing research paper receiving A grade
(McGill University)
Effectively persuaded five corporate clients to adopt multidimensional advertising
approach (summer job at Ambience Advertising)

72
Use the following form to write down specific experiences that demonstrate that you have the
requirements for a job.
Job requirements
My validating experience
Example: Communication skills
Example: Organizational skills
Delivered both prepared and impromptu

speeches to groups of 15 to 60 people
Wrote and presented creative marketing
research paper receiving A grade
Effectively persuaded five corporate clients to
adopt multidimensional advertising approach
Worked 20 hours per week while pursuing
full-time university studies and maintaining a
GPA of 3.7/4
73
Before You Go
Preparing for an interview is somewhat like preparing for an exam, so remember to get a good
nights sleep.You should review your C.V. so that you know it off by heart and you are prepared
to elaborate on it. Be ready to support everything you have written by using concrete examples.
Also, remember to brush up on your knowledge of the company.
What to Bring
Gather all the materials you intend to take with you to the interview and put them in a
briefcase.You should bring:
2 or 3 copies of your C.V. in the event that it has been misplaced
Your references (at least three names)
Your list of questions for the interviewer(s)
Pen and paper
Your portfolio or samples of relevant work (if applicable)
Name and phone number of the interviewer should you be delayed for any
reason
Your Appearance
Your choice of attire should be suitable for both the occasion and the work environment.
Generally speaking, it is advisable to dress a little more formally than you would if you were
actually performing the job. If in doubt about what is suitable, dress on the conservative side.
Remember: Keep it simple and sharp!
Travel light and avoid using a backpack: stick to something a little more professional, like a
briefcase or tote.
Regardless of the job you are applying for, good grooming is essential. The following are worth
mentioning:
Avoid excessive use of aftershave or perfume.
Avoid smoking and eating foods that may give you bad breath.
Make sure your hands and fingernails are clean.
Make sure your clothes are clean and freshly pressed.
Make sure your hair is clean and brushed, and you have showered and applied
deodorant.
For men, make sure you are cleanly shaven or that your beard or moustache is
neatly trimmed. Wear dark dress socks.
For women, avoid wearing too much make-up, flashy nail polish, and large dangling
earings. Conservative colors are preferable (dark blue, cream, grey, etc.).
Avoid wearing revealing attire.
Have a Positive Attitude
Assume a positive mental attitude. Believe in yourself and in your abilities. Think about how
much fun this job would be.
If your attitude is, Ill probably never get this job, Theyll definitely pick someone with
more experience or I dont know why Im even going to this interview, etc. you may create
a self-fulfilling prophecy. Your negative thinking will work its way into the interview and will
definitely not impress the interviewer.
74
Tips For a Phone Interview

To save time and or traveling expenses, some employers do a first screening on the phone.
Always be ready for this possibility.
Keep your C.V. and a writing pad by the telephone.
If the employer catches you in a situation that would affect your performance,
ask if you can call back and schedule a time that would be conveniant for both
of you.
Inform everyone you live with that you may receive calls from employers.
During the interview, follow the same rules that we described previously (only
you wont have to dress up!).
CAPS can provide a telephone and room for you to conduct your phone interview.

Its normal to be nervous during an interview. However, the following advice will help you
keep your cool and come across as competent and self-confident.
First Impressions Last
You never have a second chance to make a first impression. Some studies have shown that
interviewers decide whether they should seriously consider a candidate within the first three
or four minutes of the interview.
First impressions can be based on many subtle things: your handshake, your smile, your ability
to engage in small talk, your body posture, your clothes, your tone of voice, your enthusiasm,
your sincerity, etc. Keep all of these in mind and if you have the chance, practice.
Body Language
Communication happens on many different levels. You can communicate your confidence
through something as simple as a firm handshake, eye contact, or a smile.
To be prepared for the introductory handshake, hold things (like your briefcase) in your left
hand. Wait until the interviewer extends his or her hand to shake. If you are worried about
sweaty palms, wash your hands and sprinkle them with talcum powder. You can also keep a
tissue or handkerchief handy. After the handshake, wait to be invited to sit before you do so.
Remember to smile and make eye contact throughout the interview. Eye contact is most
important. Look into the persons eyes while he or she is addressing you, and look periodically
in his or her eyes while you are answering questions. (Staring, however will make the
interviewer feel uncomfortable.) If you are in a panel interview, look at the person who is
asking the question, then look at all the people around the table while you are answering.
75
Verbal Communication
In an interview you will not only be evaluated on the answers that you provide, but on how you
deliver your answers. It is absolutely important to be enthusiastic and expressive throughout
the interview.
Your voice is an important tool in an interview. Make sure that your voice projects. This will
be easier if you are sitting up straight. Do not slouch, rock back and forth, or balance on the
back legs of your chair. Sit forwardlook alert and enthusiastic.You may cross your ankles but
avoid crossing your legs. Also, be aware of nervous ticks that you might have you dont want
to distract the interviewer.
Equally important is the use of proper grammar, especially if you are being interviewed in your
native language. If you are being interviewed in a second language, grammatical errors are
more acceptable. Keep in mind that when an interviewer changes language, you are expected
to follow his or her cue.
If you are having an interview in French, always use vous even if the interviewer addresses you
as tu or is younger than you.
While answering the questions avoid using fillers, such as you know, basically, things like
that, um, ok, etc. If you are hesitant or need time to think, dont worry about stopping for
a moment before answering. This will help you avoid these awkward fillers.
Always address the interviewer formally (Mr., Ms., Dr. etc.) unless expressly invited by the
interviewer to use his or her first name.
Never speak badly about previous employers or volunteer negative information about yourself.
Always speak in positive terms and learn to turn negatives into positives.
Last but not least, do not interrupt! This is a very common complaint from interviewers.
Answering Interview Questions

The following tips will help you answer questions effectively:
Use the P.A.R. formula.
Answers should be brief. If the interviewer is quiet when you have completed, you
can ask if he/she would like you to elaborate or expand.
Occasionally you can repeat part of the question as you formulate your answer.
If you go on a tangent, acknowledge it. You can say something like, Im off topic
right now, you were asking me about then continue to answer the question.
Or you can say, Perhaps Im being a little vague. Let me clarify. This shows selfawareness.
Know when to stop. Avoid rambling or youll lose the interviewers interest.
If the employer poses an unclear question, ask for clarification.
If you are asked a question and you really dont know the answer, you could say,
Im sorry I dont have any experience in that area. However, try to come up with
a solution on how you would go about finding the information. Sometimes the
employer simply wants to know if you can take initiative and think on your feet.
76
Be honest and answer questions to the best of your knowledge. Make sure all the
information on your resume is honest. If youre caught in a lie, your whole resume
will be questioned.
Be specific. Use examples: One of the most common mistakes people make in
interviews is speaking in generalities and abstractions.There is no surer way to lose
the interviewers interest. Using examples, anecdotes, and relevant details serve
much the same purpose in an interview as photographs do in a news story. They
provide illustrations of what you are saying and keep the interview interesting.
Not only do examples make you more interesting, they also provide proof that you
have experienced or handled a given situation in the past; they reinforce that you
would be able to handle a similar situation again.
Be positive: In interviews, avoid using the word no or describing yourself in
terms of what you are not. For example, if an employer asks if you have experience
using a particular software program, instead of simply saying no, add that you
can learn it and if it is the case, highlight the fact that you are quick at learning
new computer software or that you had to learn a new one very quickly in your
previous job.
Types of Questions
Questions are not always predictable, but if you have prepared, you shouldnt have difficulty.
The following are categories of questions you may get:
Chit-chat questions or ice breakers often start an interview: I see you play intramural
hockey. How about them Habs, eh! or Whats McGill like these days? I graduated from
there 20 years ago.
Behavioural questions are based on past experiences which try to get a picture of how you
will act in the future: What was one obstacle you had to overcome in a job and how did
you do it? or When you had to do a job that was particularly uninteresting, how did you
deal with it?
Technical questions are questions related to the practical or theoretical knowledge you
need to do the job: What impact do you think the EU has had on Canadian trade policy?
Why is the density of concrete important? How would you implement whole language
learning in your classroom?
Certain questions assess the level of your self-knowledge with respect to skills, interests
future targets, and past accomplishments. These could be general, like:
What do you look for in a job?; What are your short and long term career goals?;
What are your greatest strengths or weaknesses?; What skills did you develop in
your last two jobs?
They could also be related specifically to their organization:
In what ways do you believe you can make a contribution to our organization?;
Why should we hire you?; How much do you know about the job for which you
are applying?
77
Below is a list of typically asked interview questions. Take the time to answer them in writing.
Writing down the answers forces you to structure your response and reinforces your thinking
process.
Sample Interview Questions
Questions can serve different purposes.
1. Some questions serve to find out if you can do the job (in addition to questions specific
to your functional area):
Tell me about yourself.
Tell me about your responsibilities on your last job.
How did your responsibilities evolve or progress during your last job?
Describe the process you go through to plan and implement a project?
How long would it take you to start making a contribution to our organization /
department?
What can you do for us that someone else cannot do?
Give me an example of a time when youve taken the initiative on something.
In past performance reviews, which areas of your work have been singled out as
needing improvement?
What are your major strengths and weaknesses?
2. Some questions are meant to find out if youll fit in:
Tell me about a time when you had to work under much more pressure than
usual.
Do you think youve done the best work you are capable of?
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Describe your energy level.
What will your references say about you when I speak with them?
Tell me about a difficult decision youve had to make.
Do you prefer working alone or in groups?
When working with a team, which role do you usually take?
In which kind of atmosphere do you work best?
What salary expectations do you have?
Undergraduate, graduate students and recent grads are typically asked questions like
these:
How did you choose your undergraduate / graduate degree?
Why did you choose your major in ________?
Tell me about your senior project / thesis / other major project?
How has your university experience prepared you for a career?
Describe your most rewarding extracurricular experience while in school.
If you had to do it over again, how would you plan your education differently?
Are your grades representative of your abilities?
What was your worst grade and how did it happen?
Which teaching styles do you learn best from?
How would your classmates or your friends describe you?
78
Difficult Questions
There are a few typically difficult questions that come up in interviews. It is a good idea to
be prepared to answer them.
Tell me about yourself?
If you are asked this question, it will be early in the interview, right after the small talk. If
you have not prepared for this question ahead of time, you will most likely start searching
for words, panic, and perhaps say things that are not very relevantnot a good start! This
is where you will make your first impression and set the tone for the interview.
There are different ways of answering this question. One way if to prepare a statement
about yourself that describes your personality, or the essence of who you are, and then
support this statement with specific examples. Make a match between your skills and the
skills required for the position.
Example: I am a student in Industrial relations and I will complete my degree in April
2004. Through my courses I have learned a lot about human resources, labour law and
organizational behavior. My summer position as a Coordinator at the Montreal General
Hospital has given me the opportunity to work in a unionized environment, which I believe
will be important for this position. I also had to reveal a high level of professionalism
when dealing with doctors and other health professionals. In this position as well as in my
involvement in the Arts Student Association, I have demonstrated my organizational and
my leadership skills. I am looking for a position in human resources where I will continue
to develop my knowledge and acquire experience through challenging assignments.
Another way of answering this question is to talk about your interests in terms of why
you chose your particular major, how your career has evolved up until now and end your
answer by stating your career objective.You can also incorporate an achievement or two in
your response.
What are your weaknesses?
The worst thing you can say is that you dont have any. We all have weaknesses, but in an
interview situation, you must pick them carefully and present them realistically.
Think of weaknesses as strengths carried to the extreme. Any strength, if carried to its
extreme, becomes a weakness. For example, having a result-oriented management style
carried to the extreme becomes and autocratic management style. Being attentive to
detail to the extreme, becomes compulsiveness. Being flexible to the extreme becomes
indecisiveness.
Choose something honest, then propose that you are working on a solution. Its the best
way of turning a weakness into strength. The most common answer is, Im a perfectionist
but this is now considered to be a clich. Try to think of something more original and
something that truly reflects your personality.
To discuss and practice responses to difficult interview questions, attend an interview
workshop and/or make an appointment for a mock interview with one of our career
advisors.
79
Difficult Questions (continued)

What salary expectations do you have?
When asked about salary, avoid giving a specific number. You dont want to quote a salary
that is too high and price yourself out of a job. You also dont want to give a salary that is
too low and undervalue yourself.
If you are applying for a position that is really difficult to get into, and are going into it for
the experience, you could say that the challenge and the experience you will gain at the job
far outweighs the importance of salary; but only say that if you really mean it, as employers
will be able to pick out insincerity.
Otherwise, you can say you expect to be compensated at the competitive salary rate or
give a wide range like upper 30s to lower 40s. Make sure you do some research before
going into the interview.You could then say, According to my research, someone with that
position and my qualifications should be making around
At a first interview, do not bring up the subject of salary or benefits, unless the employer
asks you. If you bring up the subject of salary in a first interview, you may be perceived as
being more interested in salary than in opportunity. If the employer has not brought up the
subject of salary by the end of the second interview, it is acceptable for you to do so.
Illegal Questions
There are some questions which, by law, a potential employer may not as you. For example,
Are you married? or Do you have any children? Employers usually ask these kinds of
questions to find out if you will be able to travel. If you get insulted and respond rudely, forget
the job. You could say something like, Ive reviewed the job and its specifications carefully
and I feel that I can fulfill the mandate. Read between the lines of the question. For instance,
educational boards may ask religion-related questions.
Dealing With Questions You Dont Want to Answer
We all have areas in our pasts that we are ashamed of and would rather not talk about. These
may include poor grades, being fired from a job, personality conflicts, etc. Most people, when
asked a sensitive question, have a natural tendency to apologize and confess, and before they
know it, they dig themselves into a hole that is very hard to get out of. By anticipating and
preparing for such questions, you will be able to emphasize the positivelike what you learned
from the experience, and minimize the negative. You will leave a positive impression with the
interviewer. The key is to be prepared.
80
Prepare yourself by completing the exercises below.

Review your C.V. and prepare three questions that you would rather not be asked in an
interview.
1.
2.
3.
How could you answer each of these questions in an honest but positive way? Write your
answers in the space below.
1.
2.
3.

If you have the opportunity, you should summarize your qualifications for the position and
demonstrate how you could benefit the organization. Use past achievements as examples. The
closing is important as it provides an opportunity for you to wrap up and summarize your most
important points.
Questions for the Interviewer
Usually, towards the end of the interview, the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions.
If the interviewer has answered all your questions during the course of the interview, let him or
her know that this is the case. Saying that you have no questions may be interpreted as a lack of
interest.You should always have 1 to 2 questions prepared for this moment. It is important that
you ask well thought out questions, but they should not be too long or complicated. Remember
this is not the time to ask about salary or benefits.
After having researched the organization and acknowledged what is important to you in terms
of your own needs, you should come up with a set of questions that are of genuine interest
to you. Enthusiasm has a way of showing through when it is real.The more you know about a
company, the more informed and relevant your questions will be. Asking questions will also
provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your knowledge of the company in addition to
providing you with valuable information that will help you in making a career choice. Dont
ask questions simply for the sake of asking questions in order to look good or in order to
impress the interviewer. That is a shortsighted strategy and one the interviewer can usually see
through.
81
Tip
CAPS offers
workshops on both
first and second
interviews.
Following is a sample of questions* students typically ask in an interview situation. Use them as
a guide, but formulate your own questions.
What are the potential career paths for someone starting in this position?
How much responsibility will I be given in this job?
In what special projects might I be involved should I be hired for this position?
Can you tell me more about your training program?
How does this position fit into the organizations structure?
Your annual report indicates that your marketing department is twice the size it was
five years ago. Is this trend likely to continue in the next five years?
Could you tell me why this position became available?
What would you describe as the most notable strengths of your company?
What do you anticipate will be the major challenges faced by your organization?
I have read that your company has sponsored various fund-raising initiatives for
charitable organizations. Can you tell me more about this aspect of your community
involvement?
After the Interview

Consider your performance. What did you do well? What questions were you asked that you
didnt expect? What do you have to improve? The interview self-evaluation form in this chapter
will help you.
Sending a Thank-You Letter or E-mail
If, after the interview, your interest in the position remains strong, it is a good idea to send
the interviewer a thank-you note either by post or e-mail. If a second interview is scheduled
immediately after the first one, wait until the second one to send your thank-you note.
The contents of your note may include the following:*
An expression of appreciation for the interviewers time
A reference to the interview date and position for which you are a candidate
A statement of how your interest in the job has been enhanced as a result of
information supplied by the interviewer
A reiteration of your qualifications, including any relevant details about your
background you neglected to mention during the interview
An indication that you are looking forward to hearing from the interviewer
Your thank-you note should be sent as soon as possible after the interview, preferably within
24 hours. It should be brief, error-free, and typed on the same quality and color paper as your
C.V.
Since few job seekers take this step, your letter will reinforce in the interviewers mind your
credentials and interest in the position. In a close competition, it could even be a factor in your
being chosen.
You will find samples of thank you letters in English and French in Appendix C.

82
Interview Self-Evaluation Form

Strongly
agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly
disagree
1. I emphasized my strengths.
2. I gave specific, descriptive answers to
questions.
3. I gave examples to support my statement
about myself.
4. I allowed myself to control the course of
the interview when necessary.
5. I felt relaxed.
6. I appeared relaxed (without looking laidback).
7. I projected confidence that I was the right
person for the job.
8. My body language (eye contact, facial
expressions, hand movements, etc.)
contributed to what I was saying.
9. I used my voice effectively to contribute
to what I was saying.
10. I projected a professional image.
11. I conveyed enthusiasm about the job.
12. I asked substantive questions.
13. The interviewer seemed to think I asked
good questions.
14. I demonstrated knowledge of the
position.
15. I demonstrated knowledge of the
company.
16. I described the contribution I could
make to the company.
17. I was attuned to what the interviewer
needed to know.
18. I made the interviewer want to hire me.
Things that I would like to improve for my next interview:
83
Following Up*
If you have not heard from the employer by the date indicated, do not assume that you have
been turned down. Take the initiative and call. Politely inquire as to your status regarding the
selection process. If the employer is still considering the decision, the interest you demonstrate
through your call may improve your chances of being offered the job. However, dont overdo it:
in some cases, one phone call will be sufficient. If you feel that you are annoying the employer,
dont call back. If you are not sure, ask the employer whether or not you may call back.
One Last Word
Preparing for, participating in, and evaluating your job interviews may seem like a lot of work
and it is. As overwhelming as if may feel at first, remember that the process can also be a very
exciting and rewarding one and that assistance is available if you need it. Consider also, the
number of hours that you will be spending on the job. The time and effort invested in this part
of your job search will help to ensure that they are happy ones.
Handling a Rejection*
Should you be advised that another candidate has been hired, accept the information in a
gracious, business-like manner. Try to use the experience to your advantage by respectfully
asking the interviewer for constructive feedback on your performance. As a courtesy, send a
thank-you note to express your appreciation for this critique.
The Job Offer

A job offer may be communicated verbally or in writing. If, based on your post-interview
evaluation, there is no doubt in your mind that the job is right for you, inform the employer that
you are happy to accept the offer and that you are looking forward to joining the company.
In the event that you elect to turn down a job offer, express your sincere appreciation for the
interest shown in you and provide a tactful explanation for your decision.
If you have not completed all of your interviews, are waiting for the results of other competitions,
or have any reservations about the position, you may wish to ask for some time to think about
your decision. Most employers understand, as they want you to feel confident that you are
making the right choice. Reassure the employer that you are interested in the job, briefly state
your reasons for requesting the time and specify a date by which you will respond.

You need to evaluate the job to see if it corresponds to your aspirations. If it doesnt, think of
what you might be able to negotiate to help you get closer to your expectations.
Job negotiations can be very challenging. Remember, negotiation does not start and end with
salary; there are many other things that can be negotiated. It is also important to keep in mind
that it is easier to negotiate before you accept a job offer.

84
What do you need to think about and how will you make your decisions? Youll find answers
to these questions in this section, as well as tips and tools to help you assess the position and
negotiate effectively.
Is This Position Right for You?
Before you answer this question, look at the self-assessment exercise you did at the beginning of
the handbook. In that section you determined your interests, skills and values, your preferred
working conditions, and the kind of people you would like to work with. All of these are
summarized in your ideal job profile.
At the end of this chapter, youll find a position profile table, which will help you determine
your likes and dislikes, the skills, the working conditions and the people environment that are
a part of this position. Once you have filled this out for the position(s) you are considering,
compare the results with your ideal job profile. How many of these areas match up? What
are the areas you are willing to compromise on? What are the areas you are not willing to
compromise on?
Negotiating the Offer
It is important to remember that you are generally not in a position to negotiate money or
anything else until you have been offered the position. Negotiating is not an easy task and most
people feel that this is an uncomfortable subject.
Having been a student and/or out of the job market for a long time, the idea of having a job can
be so attractive that we often are not willing to jeopardize our chances of getting hired because
of a salary issue. Therefore, we are ready to accept any salary just to get a job or into a company.
Keep in mind that employers know this and may take advantage of the situation. Others will
simply use good negotiation strategies to minimize their costs.
You should head into a negotiation prepared with information. Research and information
are the keys to being confident in your ability to negotiate. Gather information about your
prospective employer and learn what they do, the companys financial position, status in the
business community, successes and failures, and salary scales for the position. You also may
want to look at the potential for career growth in the company. Do they have internal staffing
policies? Are employees trained and promoted to higher positions? Perks may include company
cars, club memberships, parking, and expense accounts. This type of information can be found
on the web, at CAPS, and through professional associations.
When you are asked about your salary expectations, rely on the information you have obtained
from your research. It is always preferable to first ask what salary they have in mind. If the
employer insists that you give a number, give a salary range and then mention where you see
yourself fitting within that range without setting on a specific amount. This gives you room to
move and will keep you from underselling yourself, which indicates a lack of confidence. Being
confident and informed will earn you respect and may even increase your chances of being
hired.
85
Before you negotiate your salary, remember the value of benefits and perks. Some benefits
you will be able to negotiate while others are fixed. Benefits such as stock options, bonuses,
employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, vacation time, and sick leave are negotiable.
Others such as insurance plans, pension plans, sick/personal days, stock options may be
fixed. All of these benefits and perks should be weighed out along with the salary thats being
offered.
Other Things to Negotiate and/or to Consider When Negotiating:

Insurance plan:
Medical
Dental
Eye care
Life
Accidental death
Travel
Disability insurance
Vacation
Holidays
Sick/personal days
401k plan (deferred retirement plan)
Pension plan
Profit sharing
Stock options
Tuition reimbursement
Health club membership
Dependent care
Employee assistant program
Parking reimbursement
Commuting cost reimbursement
Expense reimbursement
Child care
Overtime/travel premiums/comp
time
Keep in mind that your first job after graduation is often a stepping-stone; you dont want to
be caught in a dead-end situation!
86
Position Profile
Interests: List your five most predominant like and dislikes about this position.
Likes
Dislikes
Skills: List the top five skills required for this position.
1
2
3
4
5
Values: List the four life and work values that this position will fulfill.
Life values
Work values
People Environment: Complete the sentence.

I will be working with people who are:
Working Conditions: List the top four working conditions.

1
2
3
4
87
Resources on Interviews and Job Offers

Books available at CAPS (Section 3)
Interviews and Cases
Allen, Jeffrey G. The Complete Q & A Interview Book. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1997.
Fry, Ron. 101 excellentes rponses aux questions dentrevue. Montreal: Les Editions Reynald
Goulet Inc., 2000.
Bhatawedekhar, D. Vault Guide to Finance Interviews. New York: Vault, 2001.
WetFeet Press. WetFeet Insider Guide Beat the Street: Investment Banking Interviews. San
Fransisco: WetFeet Press, 2002.
_____. Ace your Case! Consulting Interviews. San Fransisco: WetFeet Press, 2002.
_____. Ace your Case II: Fifteen Questions. San Fransisco: WetFeet Press, 2002.
_____. Ace your Case III: Practice Makes Perfect. San Fransisco: WetFeet Press, 2002.
Porot, Daniel and Frances Bolles Haynes. 101 Salary Secrets: How to Negotiate like a Pro.
Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 2000.
Chapman, Jack. NegotiatingYour Salary: How to Make $1,000 a Minute. Berkeley: Ten Speed
Press, 1996.
Krannich, Ron and Caryl Krannich. Dynamite Salary Negotiations: KnowWhatYoureWorth and
Get It! Manassas Park, VA: Impact Publications, 2001.
For more books about interviews and evaluating job offers, consult the CAPS career resource
library.
Websites
www.canadiancareers.com
This Canadian site is one of the best career-related websites around. It contains
everything you want to know about job and career issues in Canada.
www.workingoverseas.com/sample.htm
Read Chapter 26 Interviewing for an International Job of The Canadian Guide to Working
and Living Overseas (3rd edition) by Jean-Marc Hachey online. This book is also available at
CAPS.
88
APPENDIX
Key Words for C.V.s and Cover Letters
Use the following words and action verbs when writing your C.V. and cover letter.
Communication
Advertised
Called
Circulated
Coached
Communicated
Conferred
Corresponded
Discussed
Displayed
Distributed
Edited
Emphasized
Familiarized
Informed
Instructed
Interested
Lectured
Oriented
Presented
Promoted
Publicized
Recommended
Redirected
Represented
Referred
Related
Showed
Translated
Transmitted
Tutored
Wrote
Leadership
Administered
Allocated
Appointed
Approved
Assigned
Authorized
Awarded
Conducted
Controlled
Delegated
Designated
Directed
Disapproved
Discharged
Encouraged
Enforced
Evaluated
Executed
Governed
Hired
Led
Managed
Oversaw
Presided
Recommended
Regulated
Required
Selected
Settled
Signed
Specified
Sponsored
Stipulated
Supervised
Organization
Arranged
Analyzed
Assembled
Budgeted
Calculated
Coordinated
Organized
Planned
Prepared
Purchased
Recorded
Reorganized
Reported
Scheduled
Initiative
Attended
Automated
Collected
Compiled
Considered
Contemplated
Contracted
Delivered
Discharged
Engaged
Engineered
Established
Examined
Expedited
Founded
Handled
Implemented
Increased
Induced
Inspected
Instituted
Insured
Interviewed
Inventoried
Maintained
Monitored
Moved
Operated
Packaged
Participated
Performed
Processed
Provided
Received
Recruited
Reviewed
Shipped
Solicited
Sorted
Staffed
Submitted
Systematized
Trained
Utilized
Verified
_
Results
Accomplished
Accounted
Achieved
Advanced
Altered
Answered
Attained
Attracted
Awarded
Benefited
Built
Changed
Combined
Completed
Constructed
Dismantled
Earned
Eliminated
Enlarged
Expanded
Finshed
Generated
Identified
Improved
Manufactured
Marketed
Obtained
Predicted
Prevented
Produced
Profited
Reduced
Repaired
Replaced
Solved
Tested
Turned around
Upgraded
89
Accommodated
Adjusted
Advised
Agreed
Arrange
Assisted
Consulted
Contributed
Cooperated
Counselled
Facilitated
Guided
Harmonized
Influenced
Mediated
Moderates
Modified
Motivated
Negotiated
Personalized
Persuaded
Provided
Reconciled
Related
Requested
Respected
Served
Sold
Taught
Creativity
Adapted
Authored
Composed
Conceived
Created
Designed
Developed
Established
Estimated
Forecasted
Formulated
Initiated
Invented
Investigated
Originated
Proposed
Researched
Revised
Studied
Set up
Action verbs
Acted
Addressed
Anticipated
Applied
Appraised
Arbitrated
Assessed/appraised
Audited
Balanced
Catalogued
Chaired
Charted
Checked
Clarified
Collaborated
Compared
Computed
Conducted
Conserved
Consolidated
Constructed
Convinced
Critiqued
Decided
Decreased
Defined
Detected
Determined
Devised
Diagnosed
Discovered
Dispatched
Dispensed
Disproved
90
Dissected
Drafted
Dramatized
Drew
Empathized
Energized
Enlisted
Expanded
Experimental
Explained
Extracted
Filed
Financed
Fixed
Gathered
Headed
Helped
Hypothesized
Identified
Illustrated
Improvised
Initiated
Innovated
Inspired
Integrated
Interpreted
Introduced
Invented
Investigated
Involved
Issued
Judged
Justified
Launched
Led
Learned
Listened
Litigated
Lobbied
Made
Manipulated
Mentored
Modeled
Navigated
Observed
Offered
Ordered
Painted
Perceived
Piloted
Played
Politicked
Prescribed
Problem-solved
Programmed
Projected
Proposed
Protected
Questioned
Raised
Realized
Reasoned
Rehabilitated
Remembered
Reorganized
Reported
Researched
Resolved
Responded
Restored
Retrieved
Revised
Risked
Screened
Sensed
Separated
Served
Shaped
Shared
Sketched
Spearheaded
Specified
Spoke
Studied
Summarized
Surveyed
Symbolized
Tabulated
Talked
Team-built
Tended
Traced
Trained
Transcribed
Transformed
Traveled
Trouble-shot
Updated
Validated
Won
Adjectives
Accurate
Active
Adaptable
Advantageous
Analytical
Artistic
Beneficial
Better
Bigger
Calm
Capable
Careful
Competent
Complete
Confident
Conscientious
Considerable
Creative
Critical
Decisive
Dependable
Desirable
Determined
Diligent
Diplomatic
Distinctive
Distinguished
Durable
Dynamic
Effective
Efficient
Empathetic
Energetic
Esteemed
Excellent
Exceptional
Extraordinary
Flexible
First-class
First-rate
Flourishing
Forceful
Fruitful
Functional
Good
Greater
Helpful
Humorous
Illustrious
Imaginative
Important
Imposing
Improved
independent
Industrious
Influential
Innovative
Insightful
Larger
Logical
Lucrative
Major
Methodical
Money-making
More
Notable
Noteworthy
Ongoing
Orderly
Organized
Original
Outstanding
Patient
Perceptive
Perfect
Phenomenal
Powerful
Practical
Prestigious
Productive
Professional
Profitable
Progressive
Prominent
Prosperous
Punctual
Reliable
Remarkable
Renowned
Reputable
Respected
Responsible
Resourceful
Rewarding
Satisfied
Sensitive
Significant
Singular
Sizeable
Skillful
Solid
Solvent
Sound
Stable
Strong
Substantial
Successful
Superb
Superior
Supportive
Thorough
Thriving
Top
Upbeat
Uncommon
Unique
Unparalleled
Unsurpassed
Uppermost
Useful
Valuable
Versatile
Winning
Workable
Worthwhile
_
91
En franais
Utilisez les mots suivants pour rdiger votre C.V. ou votre lettre.
Verbes daction
Accomplir
Adapter
Administer
Agrandir
Aider
Amliorer
Amnager
Analyser
Assembler
Augmenter
Btir
Budgter
Calculer
Chercher
Compiler
Composer
Concevoir
Concilier
Conduire
Conseiller
Consigner
Construire
Coordonner
Crer
Dclarer
Dlguer
Diriger
Distribuer
laborer
Engendrer
Enquter
Enseigner
Estimer
tablir
tudier
valuer
Examiner
Excuter
Expdier
Exploiter
Exposer
Faciliter
Favoriser
Fonder
Former
Formuler
Fournir
Grer
Guider
Identifier
Influencer
Initier
Instituer
Inventer
Livrer
Maintenir
Mettre en oeuvre
Montrer
Motiver
Ngocier
Observer
Obtenir
Ordonner
Persuader
Planifier
Prparer
Prsenter
Prvoir
Prouire
Promouvoir
Recommander
Recueillir
Rdiger
Rduire
Rorganiser
Rparer
Reprsenter
Rsoudre
Rviser
Revoir
Servir
Superviser
Surveiller
Traduire
Traiter
Utiliser
Vendre
Vrifier
Mots daction
Accroissement
Administration
Agencement
Agrandissement
Amlioration
Analyse
Animation
Approbation
Arrangement
Atteinte
Budgtisation
Classification
Collaboration
Conception
Conduite
Consultation
Coordination
Correction
Cration
Dmonstration
Dessin
Dtermination
Dveloppement
Direction
Distribution
dition
limination
quilibre
tablissement
Excution
Expansion
Exprimentation
Fermeture
Formation
Gestion
Implantation
Indexation
Informatisation
Initiatiative
Innovation
Instauration
Investigation
Lancement
Maintien
Manipulation
Mise en march
Mise en oeuvre
Mise en place
Motivation
Ngociation
Obtention
Organisation
Participation
Planification
Prsentation
Prise en charge
Production
Promotion
Proposition
Rationalisation
Recherche
Recommandation
Reconstruction
Recrutement
Rectification
Rdaction
Redressement
Rduction
Regroupement
Rencontre
Renforcement
Rparation
Repositionnement
Reprsentation
Rsolution
Restructuration
Rvision
Revue
Slection
Sommation
Supervision
Systmatisation
Vente
Vrification
Adjectifs
Actif
Adaptable
Adroit
Analytique
Artistique
Calme
Capable
Comptent
Consciencieux
Cratif
Dbrouillard
Dtermin
92
Diligent
Diplomate
Dynamique
Efficace
nergique
Exigeant
Faible
Flexible
Indpendant
Industrieux
Ingnieux
Innovateur
Intuitif
Logique
Mthodique
Minutieux
Organis
Original
Patient
Persvrant
Perspicace
Ponctuel
Pratique
Prcis
Productif
Professionnel
Progressiste
Prudent
Responsable
Sensible
Serviable
Souple
Spirituel
Sympathique
APPENDIX
Templates
Cover Letter Templates
Your Name
Address
Phone #
E-mail address
Date
Persons full name
Title
Address
Dear last name:
Introduction: In your opening paragraph, state your intention as well as how you became
interested in this company. How did you find out about them? Who referred you? Where
did you see the ad? Demonstrate that you have done some research and that you are truly
interested in working for this employer.
Paragraph 2
What is special about you? How can you fill their needs? Why should they hire you?
Make the best possible match between your background, your education, your experience,
the job requirements and the company profile. Mention some specific relevant experiences,
achievements and skills that you can offer.
The order of paragraph 2 and 3 can vary
Paragraph 3
What is special about this potential employer? Why do you want to work there? For
example, this is the third largest company in Canada or it has a strong reputation for something
that is important to you (other than the salary and the benefits).
Conclusion
In the last paragraph, state your intention to follow up and/or your hope to have an interview.
Thank the employer for their consideration.
Sincerely,
(Remember to sign your letter)
Your name
93
Votre nom
Adresse
Numro de tlphone
Courriel
Date
Nom du destinataire
Titre
Adresse
Madame ou Monsieur,
Introduction: Mentionnez le but de votre lettre et ce qui vous incite postuler pour un poste
au sein de cette entreprise. Comment avez-vous connu cette organisation ? Qui vous a rfr ?
Si le poste tait affich, indiquez o vous avez vu lannonce. Dmontrez que vous avez fait des
recherches et que vous tes vraiment intress travailler pour cet employeur.
Paragraphe 2
Quavez-vous de particulier ? Comment pouvez-vous combler les besoins de lemployeur ?
Pourquoi devrait-on vous embaucher ? Faites le meilleur lien possible entre vos comptences,
votre formation et les qualifications requises pour le poste et celles recherches par lemployeur.
Mentionnez les habilets, les expriences et les accomplissements les plus pertinentes.
Lordre des paragraphes 2 et 3 peut varier
Paragraphe 3
Que trouvez-vous de particulier chez cet employeur ? Quelles sont les raisons pour lesquelles
vous voulez y travailler ? Par exemple, vous pouvez mentionner que vous aimeriez travailler pour
la troisime plus grande entreprise au Canada ou que cette entreprise a une excellente rputation
pour quelque chose qui est important pour vous (autre que le salaire et les avantages sociaux).
Conclusion
Indiquez que vous esprez avoir une entrevue et/ou que vous ferez un suivi. Terminez avec une
formule de courtoisie telle Veuillez agrer lexpression de mes sentiments les meilleurs .
Noubliez pas votre signature
Votre nom dactylographi
94
Curriculum Vitae Templates

Use this sample when you know what area you want to work in and / or have some career-related experience you
can highlight. Dates can be either on the right or left hand side.
Your name in bold and/or large

Address
Phone number/e-mail
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Outline your short-term career objective using some of the following criteria: position title(s), department, specialization,
and industry. Your C.V. should focus on how your education, experience and activities relate to this objective. This section
could be anywhere from two to three sentences.
LANGUAGES
English and French (fluent)
Describe varied levels of fluency according to the following: fluent, intermediate, basic. If you are unilingual, leave this
section out.
SKILLS
Depending on your skills and the type of position you are applying for, this section could also be entitled Computer Skills,
Technical Skills, Laboratory Skills, or Research Skills. Include all software and hardware knowledge, lab techniques,
equipment and specific methodologies you are familiar with.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of ____: Major area of study, Minor area of study
Name of university, city, province
Year-Year
Diploma of Collegial Studies, Discipline

Name of college, city, province
Year-Year
High School Graduation Diploma

Name of high school, city, province
Year-Year
List academic awards and any subjects taken relevant to your career objective.
List research undertaken with results, if possible.
Its usually not necessary to include high school unless, you have studied in another language or abroad or if you went to
school in the same town you would like to work (it shows that youre a local).
CAREER-RELATED EXPERIENCE
List all experience relevant to your career objective including your paid employment, extra-curricular activities and
volunteer work.
Position Title (in bold)

Name of company or organization, city, province
Year-Year
Use one-liners to describe your activities and action verbs (see Appendix A).
Include at least one line describing an initiative you took or an achievement you had with results.
Consider using the P.A.R. formula.
Emphasize your transferable skills: leadership, organization, communication, creativity, etc.
Specify if the position was a contract, part-time or summer job.
95

Note: Depending on your combined education, experiences and activities, your C.V. can either be one or two
pages in length. Be sure your second page is at least three quarters full.
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
OTHER EXPERIENCE
List other jobs, extra-curricular activities and volunteer experience that are not directly relevant to your career objective in
this section or under separate headings if there are many to include.

Year-Year
Describe what you did in this position.

Emphasize your transferable skills.
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

List your awards, scholarships and distinctions here if they are numerous. If you have only a few awards or if they are
prestigious, you may include them under the relevant degree program, under education.
ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

This section includes any additional information about activities you are involved in or interests you have that are not
included above. Avoid mentioning activities such as reading, sports, films which are too general. Be creative and specific.
This is often the section where employers look to start an icebreaker conversation. You could include activities such as:
Sports activities (mention levels of competition and any prizes awarded in a particular sport).
Overseas travel (mention places traveled, length of stay and any independent trips).
Personal improvement (mention organizations and what you learned).
REFERENCES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Do not list references. Prepare a separate list with all contact information. Be certain to contact your references in advance
and inform them of the position for which you are applying.
96

Use this sample when you do not have a clear idea of what job you are seeking or do not want to limit your
application. Dates can either be on the right or left hand side.

Address
Phone number/e-mail
LANGUAGES
English and French (fluent)
Describe varied levels of fluency according to the following: fluent, intermediate, basic. If you are unilingual, leave this
section out.
SKILLS
Depending on your skills, this section could also be entitled Computer Skills, Technical Skills, Laboratory Skills, or Research
Skills. Include all software and hardware knowledge, lab techniques, equipment and specific methodologies you are familiar
with.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of ____: Major area of study, Minor area of study
Name of university, city, province
Year-Year
Diploma of Collegial Studies, Discipline

Name of college, city, province
Year-Year
High School Graduation Diploma

Name of high school, city, province
Year-Year
List research undertaken with results, if possible.
Its usually not necessary to include high school unless, you have studied in another language or abroad or if you went to
school in the same town you would like to work (it shows that youre a local).
WORK EXPERIENCE
List all the paid work experience you have had.

Year-Year
Use one-liners to describe your activities and action verbs (See Appendix A).
Include at least one line describing an initiative you took or an achievement you had with results.
Emphasize your transferable skills: leadership, organization, communication, creativity, etc.
Specify if the position was a contract, part-time or summer job.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

List the positions you have held in student and other voluntary organizations. Describe them as you would regular jobs.

Name of club, council, etc.
Year-Year

Emphasize your transferable skills and any achievements.
97

Note: Depending on your combined education, experiences and activities, your C.V. can either be one or two
pages in length. Be sure your second page is at least three quarters full.
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number

List your awards, scholarships and distinctions if they are numerous. If you have only a few awards or if they are prestigious,
you may include them under the relevant degree program, under education.

included above. Avoid mentioning activities such as reading, sports, films which is too general. Be creative and specific. This
is often the section where employers look to start an icebreaker conversation. You could include activities such as:

98

Utilisez ce format lorsque vous savez dans quel domaine vous dsirez travailler et que vous possdez dj une
exprience pertinente. Les dates peuvent tre alignes la marge de droite ou la marge de gauche.
Le C.V. ne doit pas dpasser deux pages.
Votre nom en caractre gras et/ou en majuscule

Adresse
Tlphone/courriel
OBJECTIF DE CARRIERE
Indiquez votre objectif court terme en mentionnant des critres tels le titre du poste, le dpartement, la spcialisation et
lindustrie qui vous intressent. Votre C.V. devrait mettre lemphase sur votre ducation, vos expriences de travail et les
activits qui sont relies cet objectif. Cette section ne devrait pas dpasser 3 lignes.
LANGUES
Franais et anglais (crits et parls)
Indiquez votre niveau de connaissance. Si vous tes unilingue, omettez cette section.
CONNAISSANCES TECHNIQUES
Vous pouvez diviser cette section en blocs indpendants et utiliser des sous-titres tels que Connaissances informatiques ,
Techniques de laboratoire ou Qualifications en recherche .
FORMATION
Baccalaurat en ____: Majeure, Mineure
Nom de luniversit, ville (province)
anne-anne
Diplme dtudes collgiales en ___ (nom du programme)

Nom du collge, ville (province)
anne-anne
Diplme dtudes secondaires

Nom de lcole, ville (province)
anne-anne
Ajoutez vos mentions dhonneur (bourse dexcellence, prix, ect.)

Ajoutez les recherches et les cours pertinents
Ajoutez les mentions dhonneur (bourse dexcellence, prix, etc.)

Il nest habituellement pas ncessaire dinclure le secondaire moins de vouloir dmontrer que :
Vous avez tudi dans une autre langue
Vous avez tudi ltranger
Vous avez tudi dans une cole situe dans la mme ville que lemployeur cibl
EXPRIENCES PERTINENTES
Donnez la liste de toutes les expriences pertinentes votre objectif de carrire en incluant vos emplois rmunrs, vos
activits parascolaires et votre bnvolat.
Titre du poste (en caractre gras)

Nom de lentreprise, ville (province)
anne-anne
Dcrivez dans une phrases chacune de vos fonctions, responsabilits et accomplissements

Dbutez ces phrase par un verbe daction (voir annexe A)
Au moins une de ces phrases devrait dcrire une de vos initiatives ou un de vos accomplissements
Mettez lemphase sur vos habilets transfrables : organisation, communication, crativit, etc.
Songez utilisez la formule P.A.R.
99
Votre non au complet
Votre numro de tlphone
AUTRES EXPRIENCES
numrez les autres expriences que vous avez et qui ne sont pas relies votre objectif de carrire, que ce soit des emplois
rmunrs, des activits parascolaires ou bnvoles.

Nom de lorganisation, ville (province)
anne-anne
Dcrivez ce que vous avez fait dans ce poste

Mettez lemphase sur vos habilets transfrables et vos accomplissements
MENTIONS DHONNEUR ET BOURSES DTUDES
Si vous avez reus plusieurs mentions dhonneur, bourses et prix dexcellence, vous pouvez ajouter cette section. Si vous en
avez quelques uns seulement ou si ils sont trs prestigieux, laissez les dans la section ducation, en dessous du diplme au
cours duquel vous les avez reus.
ACTIVITS ET INTRETS
Cette section devrait inclure toutes les informations supplmentaires relies aux activits dans lesquelles vous tiez impliqu
ou les intrts non inclus ci-dessus. vitez de simplement faire une liste telle : Lecture, sports, films car ce nest pas assez
prcis.
.
Sports mentionnez le niveau des comptitions et les prix que vous avez reus
Exprience ltranger prcisez lendroit, la dure et si vous avez voyag de faon indpendante
Dveloppement personnel prcisez le nom de lorganisme et ce que vous avez appris
RFRENCES DISPONIBLES SUR DEMANDE

Ncrivez pas vos rfrences sur votre C.V. Prparez plutt une liste de rfrences que vous apporterez lentrevue. Assurezvous de parler ces personnes avant de soumettre leur nom aux employeurs et informez-les des postes pour lesquels vous
soumettez votre candidature.
100

Utilisez ce format lorsque vous navez pas dobjectif de carrire prcis et/ou lorsque vous navez pas dexprience
relie lemploi postul. Les dates peuvent tre alignes la marge de droite ou la marge de gauche.
Le C.V. ne doit pas dpasser deux pages.
Votre nom en caractre gras et/ou en majuscule

Adresse
Tlphone/courriel
LANGUES
Franais et anglais (crits et parls)
Indiquez votre niveau de connaissance. Si vous tes unilingue, omettez cette section.
CONNAISSANCES TECHNIQUES
Vous pouvez diviser cette section en blocs indpendants et utiliser des sous-titres tels Connaissances informatiques,
Techniques de laboratoire ou Qualifications en recherche .
FORMATION
Baccalaurat en ____: Majeure, Mineure
Nom de luniversit, ville (province)
anne-anne
Diplme dtudes collgiales en ___ (nom du programme)

Nom du collge, ville (province)
anne-anne
Diplme dtudes secondaires

Nom de lcole, ville (province)
anne-anne
Ajoutez vos mentions dhonneur (bourse dexcellence, prix, ect.)

Ajoutez les mentions dhonneur (bourse dexcellence, prix, etc.)

Il nest habituellement pas ncessaire dinclure le secondaire moins de vouloir dmontrer que :
Vous avez tudi dans une autre langue et/ou vous avez tudi ltranger
Vous avez tudi dans une cole dans la mme ville que lemployeur cibl (vous connaissez donc la rgion)
EXPRIENCE DE TRAVAIL
Nom de lentreprise, ville (province)
anne-anne
Dcrivez dans une phrase chacune de vos fonctions, responsabilits et accomplissements

Dbuter ces phrases par un verbe daction (voir annexe A)
Au moins une de ces phrases devrait dcrire une de vos initiatives ou un de vos accomplissements
Songez utiliser la forme P.A.R.
Mettez lemphase sur vos habilets transfrables : organisation, communication, crativit, etc.
ACTIVITS PARASCOLAIRES ET BNVOLAT

numrez les fonctions que vous avez occupes dans les associations tudiantes ou en tant que bnvole et dcrivez les de la
mme faon que vous lavez fait pour vos emplois rguliers.

Nom de lassociation, du comit, du groupe ou de lorganisme
anne-anne
Dcrivez ce que vous avez fait dans ce poste

Mettez lemphase sur vos habilets transfrables et vos accomplissements
101
Votre non au complet
Votre numro de tlphone
MENTIONS DHONNEUR ET/OU BOURSES DTUDES

Si vous avez reu plusieurs mentions dhonneur, bourses et prix dexcellence, vous pouvez ajouter cette section. Si vous en
avez que quelques uns ou si ils sont trs prestigieux, laissez les dans la section ducation, en dessous du diplme au cours
duquel vous les avez reus.
AUTRES ACTIVITS ET INTRETS

Cette section devrait inclure toutes les informations supplmentaires relies aux activits dans lesquelles vous avez t
impliqu ou les intrts non inclus ailleurs. vitez de simplement faire une liste telle : Lecture, sports, films car ce nest
pas assez prcis.
Sports mentionnez le niveau des comptitions et les prix que vous avez reus
Exprience ltranger prcisez lendroit, la dure et si vous avez voyag de faon indpendante
Dveloppement personnel prcisez le nom de lorganisme et ce que vous avez appris
RFRENCES DISPONIBLES SUR DEMANDE

Ncrivez pas vos rfrences sur votre C.V. Prparez plutt une liste de rfrences que vous apporterez lentrevue. Assurez
vous de parler ces personnes avant de soumettre leur nom aux employeurs et informez les des postes pour lesquels vous
soumettez votre candidature.
102
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students Seeking an Academic Career

This is an example of how you could organize your C.V. to apply for academic jobs. The order of presentation will
vary according to the kind of position for which you are applying, as well as according to your skills. The length
of the C.V. varies it could run to many pages, including your list of publications. You should always have your
supervisor review your C.V. and job application documents prior to submission.

Address
Phone number/e-mail
LANGUAGES
If you are perfectly bilingual, add fluent written and spoken. Describe varied levels of fluency as either: basic,
intermediate, or fluent. If you are unilingual, leave this section out.
EDUCATION
Doctor of ____, Discipline, university, city, province
Year-Year
Master of ____, university, city, province
Year-Year
Bachelor of ____, university, city, province
Year-Year
Include thesis title (if it relates to your career) and supervisor (if he/she is known in the industry).
List academic awards, or CGPA if it is particularly high.
AWARDS, DISTINCTIONS AND FELLOWSHIPS

List awards and fellowships here. If you have only one award per degree, then you may list each award/fellowship as
a bullet under the respective degree.
RESEARCH TECHNIQUES/RESEARCH INTERESTS

Present your existing research interests and indicate future directions for your research. Use the terminology of
your discipline, including key buzzwords. This section may also include other specialized techniques that will vary
according to your discipline. For example:
Researchers in the life sciences may include research techniques and skills with specialized equipment.
Software engineers should present the languages with which they are familiar, as well as their code base.
Language students should list their level of language knowledge.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

List your publications and presentations here, citing the date of publication or presentation, the publisher or the title and
location of the event at which you presented. If you have a large number of items, then divide publications, presentations,
book reviews, etc. into different subsections. List only those publications that have been accepted by publishers.
If your publication list is extensive (i.e., more than a page), then you should present the publications at the end of your C.V.,
just before references.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
List your relevant research experience, whether it was part of your graduate studies, postdoctoral work or temporary
positions. Work experience with industry will be useful only if it contained a research component,or is relevant to the
discipline in which you are applying. If your work experience is less relevant, then you should present this in a separate
section entitled Other Experience at the end of the document.
Position Title, department, lab, company, city, province
Year-Year
At least one of these should describe an initiative you took or an achievement you had with results.
103
Targeted C.V. for Graduate Students Seeking an Academic Career
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
List the courses you have taught. Include the name of the course, the year it was taught, the course number, and, optionally,
a one-line statement about the content of the course. If the position for which you are applying is a teaching position, place
this experience before Professional Experience, and be certain to prepare a teaching statement.
Course name and number, department, university, city, province

Semester Year
Provide a one-line statement about the course content.
Course name and number, department, university, city, province

Semester Year
Provide a one-line statement about the course content.
COURSES TAKEN/TEACHING EXPERTISE

This section provides a basis for evaluating the breadth of your knowledge. Hence you could either list the graduate courses
you took, or provide a list of the areas you could teach. If the position for which you are applying is primarily a teaching
one, then you could present this item, and teaching experience sooner in the document.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
List the committees on which you have served and the student organizations for which you have been a member.
Name of Position, department, lab, university, city, province
Year-Year
Use one-liners to describe your activities and action verbs to give these more impact.
REFERENCES
You will need to include at least three references, including all contact information. Contact these people ahead of time and
inform them of your application. Your supervisor must be the first reference. You can include referees from your Masters
Degree. Other non-academic employers may also be included, but you should not include more than one.
104

Use this sample for career-related positions in industry, government or the non-profit sector. If you are seeking a
position as a researcher, refer to the template for Research Careers. For academic positions, refer to the template
for Academic Positions.

Address
Phone number/e-mail
SUMMARY/CAREER OBJECTIVE
Outline your short-term career objective using some of the following criteria: position title(s), department,
specialization, and industry. Use more or fewer of these depending on how specific or global an objective you wish
to present.
LANGUAGES
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Change the title of this section according to your career field. For example, for pharmaceutical careers this section
could be called either Lab Techniques or Research Skills. The following are skills that may be presented in this
section:
Lab techniques
Specialized equipment you are able to operate
Hardware or software with which you are familiar
Project management or quality control methodologies
Psychological assessment tools
Statistical tools or software packages
EDUCATION
Year-Year
Year-Year
Year-Year

List any subject taken relevant to your career objective.
CAREER RELATED EXPERIENCE

List your relevant experience including your graduate studies, volunteer or paid work.
Year-Year
Use one-liners to describe your activities and action verb (see Appendix A).
105
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
This is where you list other jobs or activities that are not directly relevant to your career objective.
Position Title, name of company or organization, city, province
Year-Year


Only list those publications that have been accepted by publishers. If your publication list is extensive (i.e., more than
a page), then you should place the publications on a separate appendix. You may also choose to present only the most
prestigious publications or presentations. Unless you are applying for a research career, or your publications relate to your
career objective, you should not put a strong emphasis on this section.

List you awards and fellowships here if they are numerous. If you have only a few awards, or if they are prestigious, then you
may include them under the relevant degree program, under education.


106
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students

Seeking a Research Career Outside of Academia
This is an example of how you could organize your C.V. for research jobs in industry, government or the nonprofit sector. For academic positions, refer to the template for Academic Positions.

Address
Phone number/e-mail
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Outline your short-term objective using some of the following criteria: position title(s), department, specialization, industry.
Use more or fewer of these depending on how specific or global an objective you wish to present.
LANGUAGES
TECHNICAL SKILLS
The following are skills that may be presented in this section:
Lab techniques
Specialized equipment you are able to operate
Hardware or software with which you are familiar
Project management or quality control methodologies
Psychological assessment tools
Statistical tools or software packages
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Present both your existing research interests and point to future directions for your research. Try to be as concise as
possible without sacrificing key details of your expertise.
EDUCATION
Year-Year
Year-Year
Year-Year

List any subject taken relevant to your career objective.

List your publications and presentations here citing the date of publication/presentation, the publisher or the title and
location of the event at which you presented. Only list those publications that have been accepted by publishers. If your
publication list is extensive (i.e., more than a page), then you should present the publications at the end of your C.V. If your
research experience is stronger than your publications, then you may move this section to after research experience.
107
Targeted C.V. Template for Graduate Students

Seeking a Research Career Outside of Academia
Your Full Name
Your Phone Number
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
List your relevant research experience including your graduate studies, volunteer or paid work.
Year-Year
Emphasize the novelty of your research, the techniques you used and how the findings were used (publications,
patents, industrial techniques, policies, etc.) .
OTHER EXPERIENCE
This is where you list other jobs you have had or other activities in which you have been involved that are not directly
relevant to your career objective.
Position Title, name of company or organization, city, province
Year-Year


List awards and fellowships here if you have not listed them under education. If you are applying for a research position and
you have some prestigious awards, you may place this section on the first page, after education.


108
APPENDIX
Appendix C: Samples
Samples
Cover Letters and C.V.s

Martin Stevenson
martinstevenson2@ po-box.mcgill.ca
_________________________________________________________________________________
June 15, 2003
Mr. Bruce Wigget

Vice President, Human Resources
ABC Company
4444 Young Street
Toronto, Ontario
M5M 5M5
Dear Mr. Wigget:
Having learned that your organization is expanding, I am writing to explore employment opportunities in the
Human Resources department in your firm. As a dynamic individual who thrives on new challenges, I believe
that I would be an asset to your department and am therefore enclosing my C.V. for your perusal.
My interest in this field has been stimulated through courses I have taken in human resources, my employment
with the Career and Placement Service at McGill University, as well as my position as Vice President of
External Affairs.
My Bachelors degree and work experience have allowed me to develop superior project management and
interpersonal skills while refining my ability to multitask and balance the needs of both employers and
students.
I will be in Toronto during the month of July, and would welcome the chance to further discuss employment
opportunities in your department for someone with my qualifications and experience. I will contact you next
week to set up a possible meeting time.
Thank your for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Martin Stevenson
109
Appendix C: Samples
Targeted C.V.
Martin Stevenson
martinstevenson2@po-box.mcgill.ca
SCHOOL ADDRESS
PERMANENT ADDRESS
3244 Clark, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1W6

Tel: 514-842-0000
220 Lambert, Gatineau, Quebec, J8X1B1

Tel: 819-243-3888
LANGUAGES
English and French (fluent written and spoken)

Spanish (basic)
COMPUTER SKILLS
Windows, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Publisher,

Excel, Adobe Pagemaker
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Education (5-year program)

McGill University, Montral, Qubec
CGPA 3.72/4.0
Elective courses include Human Resources,
Organizational Behaviour, Employment and Training
1998-2003
Vice-President External Affairs
McGill Education Undergraduate Society (EdUS), Montral, Qubec
Coordinated the organization of the 2003 Education Career Fair,
which resulted in a record number of employers and students
Recruited and managed a team of 25 volunteers
Communicated with over 45 employers from around the world
who attended the fair
Developed the first EdUS career fair procedure manual
Sat on the McGill CAPS Advisory Board
Member of EducationCareer Fair Committee
Helped organize the 2000, 2001, 2002 Education Career Fairs
Program Coordinator of the CAPS Peer Educators
McGill Career and Placement Service (CAPS), Montral, Qubec
Developed the CAPS Peer Educator Program which resulted
in higher visibility for CAPS
Edited, published, and distributed 4 editions of the newsletter
Raised over $5000 by asking companies to place ads in the CAPS newsletters
resulting in high-quality publications
Recruited and managed over 40 volunteers
Trained the volunteers on various aspects of the job search, including
CV writing and interview skills, and created a training manual
Organized the CV drop-in sessions, information sessions, and other
promotional and educational activities
Managed the day-to-day operations of the program
110
2002 2003
1999 2002
2000-2002
Appendix C: Samples
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Substitute Teacher
Commission Scolaire Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Montral, Qubec
Taught grades K-6 in various schools
2002 2003
Private French Tutor

Sarah Bruizer, Montral, Qubec
Taught French as a second language to a medical school student
Prepared her to interview patients in French
2002 2003
Student Teacher (4th year placement)

Solomon Schechter Academy, Montral, Qubec
Assumed 100% of the teaching workload
Taught language arts and math to a grade 3 and a grade 4 class
Developed stimulating math lessons using the Challenging Mathematics
program for grades 3 and 4
Substitute Teacher
cole Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, Montral, Qubec
Taught English as a second language to grades 3, 4, 5, and 6
Assessed nearly 100 students for their final marks in English (E.S.L.)
Invigilated the grade 5 provincial ESL written and oral exams
Student Teacher (3rd year placement)
Parkdale Elementary, St-Laurent, Qubec
Taught in a very multi-cultural class (over eight nationalities)
Created a positive-reinforcement system to facilitate classroom management
Taught the Success For All reading program and the Challenging Mathematics
program to 20 grade 1 students
Conceptualized and implemented a hands-on unit on the solar system
Deliveries Coordinator
La Maison Verte, Hearst, Ontario
Coordinated the delivery of 2 million trees
Hired, trained, and supervised a group of eight high school students preparing tree
deliveries to forest management companies
Fall 2002
Summer 2002
Winter 2002
Summer 1999
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Travel
Foreign languages
Physical fitness
Cooking
Backpacked independently throughout Europe for a month (2001)

Presently learning Spanish
Jogging, aerobics, kick-boxing, attend the gym regularly
Enjoy trying new recipes
References will be supplied upon request.
111
Appendix C: Samples
Cover letter in response to an ad in the newspaper

AMYNAH SLALJI
555 de Maisonneuve West, Apt. 22
Montreal, Quebec, H3H 3H3
Tel: (514) 555-0000
E-mail: amynahs@po-box.mcgill.ca
November 5th, 2002

Ms. Nirmala Jordan
Personnel Manager
Human Resources Department
Royal Victoria Hospital
687 Pine Avenue West
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 1A1
Dear Ms. Jordan:
Please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your review for the position of Clinical Dietitian
as advertised in The Gazette on November 2nd, 2002.
As of December 2002, I will have obtained my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in
Dietetics. My degree covers many facets including clinical nutrition, community nutrition,
biochemical and human behavioral sciences as well as research and development.
I recently completed several internships at the Royal Victoria Hospital where I performed
various tasks including nutritional assessments of diabetic patients as well as planning,
implementing and evaluating nutrition instructions of patients and families. This internship,
combined with those I have done at the Montreal General Hospital, has given me valuable
experience and has solidified my interest in the field. Moreover, my work as cook, research
assistant and food supervisor have given me the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership,
communication and organizational skills.
Hoping to be once again part of your team, I thank you for your time and consideration of my
application. Should you require any additional information, I can be reached at (514) 555-0000
or at amynahs@po-box.mcgill.ca. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience.
Sincerely,
Amynah Slalji
Encl.
112
Appendix C: Samples
Targeted C.V. Including internship experience

AMYNAH SLALJI
555 de Maisonneuve West, Apt. 22
Montreal, Quebec, H3H 3H3
Tel: (514) 555-0000
E-mail: amynahs@po-box.mcgill.ca
EDUCATION
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - Nutritional Sciences

McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
1999-2002
STAGES - Dietetic Internships

Levels 3 and 4: Royal Victoria Hospital
Performed nutritional status assessments of diabetic patients
Planned, implemented, and evaluated nutrition instructions
of patients and families
Recorded patient status in medical records
Prepared chart audits for quality assurance reports
Levels 1 and 2: Montreal Childrens Hospital
Observed support staff in food preparation area and nutrition
services.
Implemented quality assurance and risk management
procedures as per policy and procedure manual
Diplme dtudes Collgiales - Pure and Applied Sciences
Marianopolis C.E.G.E.P., Montreal, Quebec
1997-1999
COOK (volunteer)
Montreal Diet Dispensary, Montreal, Quebec
Plan menus and prepare food for Meals on Wheels recipients

Train and supervise team of 8 cook helpers
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (part-time)

Kraft Foods Ltd., Montreal, Quebec
2000 - Present
2000-2001
Prepared and delivered nutrition seminars to daycare

educators in the Montreal area
Participated in research project for processed food
advertising campaign
113
Appendix C: Samples
Amynah Slalji
-2-
Tel: (514) 555-0000
FOOD SUPERVISOR (summer and part-time)

Marcos and Pepes Restaurant, Montreal, Quebec
1998 2001
Assisted in meal preparation for a 50-seat restaurant (approximately 500 patrons

per day)
Kept track of inventory, reordered stock and supplies as necessary
Recommended a new supplier for taco chips resulting in a 5% cost reduction with
no decrease in quality
Suggested a new non-alcoholic beverage, which was used as a key component of a
promotional campaign for restaurant expansion
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Student Member, Ordre professionel des dittistes du Qubec (O.P.D.Q.)

Student Member, Dietitians of Canada (D.C.)
LANGUAGES
Fluent in English and French.

Volunteer
McGill Blood Drive (2001)

McGill Welcome Week (2000)
Tour de lIle, Montreal, Quebec (1999)
Sports
Tennis, helicopter skiing, cycling, swimming
Recreation
Cake decorating, gourmet cooking

Face painting, childrens entertainment activities
REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
114
Appendix C: Samples
Lettre en rponse une annonce
FATIMA KAMHAWI
1191, rue Crescent, suite 402
Montral (Qubec)
H2X 2B1
(514) 847-0998
Courriel :
Fatimakam@po-box.mcgill.ca
______________________________________________________________________________
Le 15 mars 2003
Madame Josette Stank

Directrice en ressources humaines
Hpital Douglas
6875, boul. Lasalle
Verdun (Qubec) H4H 1R3
Objet: Candidature au poste de travailleuse sociale
Madame,
Je dsire poser ma candidature au poste de travailleuse sociale que vous avez affich sur le site
internet du Service de placement et carrires de lUniversit McGill. La bonne rputation de votre
hpital en matire de soins aux patients et dinnovation en sant mentale fait en sorte que jaimerais
faire partie de votre quipe.
Comme vous pourrez le constater la lecture de mon curriculum vitae ci-joint, je termine
prsentement ma matrise en travail social lUniversit McGill. De plus, jai effectu diverses
fonctions dans le domaine de la sant mentale au sein dhpitaux et dorganismes communautaires.
En outre, je suis exprimente en relation daide individuelle, conjugale et familiale, en thrapie de
groupe, en radaptation et rintgration du client dans la communaut. De plus, jai une facilit
travailler au sein dquipes multidisciplinaires et avec les organismes communautaires.
Jaimerais obtenir une entrevue avec vous afin de vous parler davantage de mes comptences et de
mon intrt me joindre votre quipe. Je vous prie daccepter, Madame, lexpression de mes
sentiments distingus.
Fatima Kamhawi
Montral (Qubec)
H2X 2B1
p. j. Curriculum vitae
115
Appendix C: Samples
C.V. cibl
FATIMA KAMHAWI
(514) 847-0998
LANGUES

Montral (Qubec)
H2X 2B1
courriel : fatimakam@po-box.mcgill.ca
Anglais, franais et arabe

Connaissance de base de lespagnol
DUCATION
2002-2003
Matrise en travail social

Universit McGill
Montral, Qubec
(date prvue dobtention : avril 2003)
1995-1998
Baccalaurat en travail social

Universit McGill
Montral, Qubec
EXPRIENCE PROFESSIONNELLE ET STAGES EN TRAVAIL SOCIAL

1999 - 2002
Travailleuse sociale
Hpital Allan Memorial
Agir titre de gestionnaire de cas dans une quipe multidisciplinaire
Actualiser le traitement thrapeutique par la ralisation dentrevues
individuelles, conjugales et familiales
Effectuer lvaluation clinique de linaptitude de la clientle pour
lapplication dun rgime de protection
Dpister la dpression(G.D.S. de Brink et Yesavage) et valuer ltat cognitif
(Examen 3MS)
Apporter une expertise en travail social dans les discussions de cas avec les
membres de lquipe multidisciplinaire forme de mdecins et dinfirmires
Collaborer avec les CLSC, CHSLD, et les organismes communautaires
valuer les clients pour complter le formulaire CTMSP
Superviser une stagiaire de troisime niveau en travail social
1998-1999
116
Hpital Ste-Mary, Dpartement de psychiatrie

valuer les impacts de la maladie mentale sur la personne et ses proches
ainsi que les facteurs psychosociaux renforant ou diminuant leur capacit
dadaptation
Planifier la rintgration du client dans la communaut
laborer un plan dintervention multidisciplinaire pour chacun des clients
Dvelopper des contacts avec les diffrentes ressources communautaires
Appendix C: Samples
FATIMA KAMHAWI
-2-
(514) 847-0998
1996-1997
Stagiaire en travail social

Ami Qubec-Alliance pour les malades mentaux
Organiser et coordiner des confrences et des sessions dinformation
Agir titre dagente de liaison pour lorganisme
Compiler et organiser la liste des ressources communautaires
1996 et 1997 (t)
Travailleuse communautaire
Centre dcoute et dintervention Face Face
Analyser les interactions du client avec les divers systmes impliqus
Superviser les bnvoles oeuvrant dans le centre de jour
Co-animer des groupes de soutien francophones et anglophones
Slectionner et inscrire les participants lmission de radio Face Face
Effectuer la mise jour des ressources communautaires
1995-1996
Stagiaire en travail social

Offrir de la relation daide et des rfrences tlphoniques
Intervenir auprs des clients en situation de crise
ORDRE PROFESSIONNEL
1998 -
Membre de lOrdre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux du

Qubec
BNVOLAT
1998 -
Reprsentante des bnvoles (1998-1999) et Membre du Conseil

Mettre sur pied et animer des rencontres de bnvoles; rviser le
fonctionnement du programme bnvole ; participer au processus formel de
dcisions affectant le fonctionnement gnral de lorganisme incluant
lembauche de nouveau employs
ACTIVITS
Sports
Escalade en fort, yoga, natation
Loisirs
Lecture de biographies, peinture sur soie, thtre et cinma
Rfrences disponibles sur demande
117
Appendix C: Samples
SOPHIA MARTIN
200 Manor Avenue Rockliffe, Ontario KIM 0H4 (613) 745-0522
sophia.martin@mail.mcgill.ca
August 18, 2003
Mr. Micheal Brown

Human Resources Officer
MDS Pharma Services
St-Laurent, Quebec
H4R 2N6
Dear Mr. Brown,
The 2003 Edition of the Career Directory indicates that you recruit recent graduates with a biochemistry background
and I would like to be one of them. I am thrilled by the idea of pursuing my career as a research assistant in one of the
largest contract research organizations in the world, serving the pharmaceutical, generic and biotechnology industries.
As you will see in the attached C.V., I recently received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from McGill. I am
familiar with various laboratory techniques including DNA sequencing and analysis. Several of my professors have
highlighted my superior laboratory abilities as well as my excellent analytical skills. I was highly involved in extracurricular activities at McGill and was elected vice-president of a student association two years in a row. In this
position, I have demonstrated my leadership abilities as well as my capacity to meet deadlines.
During my summer job as a research assistant at the Montreal General Hospital, I showed my strong interpersonal,
organizational and communication skills. In the short period that I have worked there, I have established excellent
relationships with physicians and other members of the research team and I quickly earned their trust.
I am confident that I can make a positive contribution to your organization. I will be contacting you shortly to explore
the possibility of meeting with you to discuss my qualifications and possible career opportunities in greater detail.
Sincerely,
Sophia Martin
118
Appendix C: Samples
Untargeted C.V. Including a summary of skills section
SOPHIA MARTIN
200 Manor Avenue Rockliffe, Ontario KIM 0H4 (613) 745-0522
sophia.martin@mail.mcgill.ca
EDUCATION
McGill University
Montral, Qubec
Bachelor of Science
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Management
GPA: 3.7/4
1999-2003
Cairine Wilson School
High School Diploma French Immersion Program
1994- 1999
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
Recipient of Ontario Scholar Honor Roll (1998)

Highest level of academic standing within my grade (1997)
Lab skills:
Molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA cloning, DNA extraction and sequence analysis
Proficient in tissue culture techniques including DNA transfection and infection studies
Excellent knowledge of microscope, aseptic techniques and other microbial characterization tests
Languages:
English and Italian: fluent written and spoken
French: fluent spoken, good written
Computer skills:
MS Windows, Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet
WORK EXPERIENCE
Summer Research Assistant

Research Project on the genetic factors involved in autism
Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec
Worked with physicians and collaborators to identify participants

Contacted patients and relatives and conducted phone interviews
Collected clinical information and managed data using Microsoft Access
Prepared and presented regular updates to the research team
Filled out and maintained documentation for ethics committee
Customer Service Representative and Cashier

Pharmaprix, Montreal, Quebec
Summer 2003
2000-2003
Provided courteous service in a fast-paced environment

Maintained inventory on a monthly basis
Opened and closed the store, balanced the cashes at the end of each shift
Received and arranged merchandise
119
Appendix C: Samples
Sophia Martin
Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor

City of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
Hired and managed a staff of four
Scheduled and taught swimming lessons
Maintained equipment and purchased supplies
(613) 745-0522
Summer 2000
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES_____________________________________________________________
Vice President Internal (Elected)
McGill Italian Student Association
Successfully planned and organized numerous events including an Italian play and Friday night Italian movies
Implemented a language exchange program between Italian speaking students and others wanting to learn this
language
Raised funds for the Italian Student Association
McGill Student Representative

Mission du Grand Berger
2000-2002
Visited patients on a weekly basis

Developed emotional strength and empathy
Events Coordinator
New Hope Senior Citizens Centre, Montreal, Quebec
2002
Initiated and coordinated McGills first food and clothing drive

Collected over 20 boxes of food and over 10 of clothes
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Friendly Visitor
Palliative Care Unit
Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec
2000-2002
1999-2000
Contacted and booked entertainers, purchased supplies, helped to decorate and host events
INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES
Backpacked through five European Countries during the summer of 2002

Avid swimmer
Writing poetry: published in local newspaper
References available upon request
120
Appendix C: Samples
Cover Letter in response to an ad
Sean Lee
4567 Prince Arthur, Suite 24
Montreal, QC, H2X 2R9
sean.lee@videotron.ca
(514) 720-9900
June 15, 2003
Ms. Elizabeth Blunden

Alcatel Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
K1M 1H3
RE: Project Management Support
Dear Ms. Blunden:
I am writing in response to the software developer position advertised on the McGill Engineering
Career Centre website. Having recently completed my Bachelors degree in computer science at
McGill University, I believe that my education, both technical and theoretical, my work
experience, and my willingness to learn, make me an excellent candidate for this position.
I have a solid background in Java, HTML and Calculus. I also took a special project course in
which I worked as part of a four-member team to design a website that allows users to build a
personal webpage. I am proud to say that McGill University is now using the software designed
by my team.
My summer work experience has given me the opportunity to develop skills that compliment my
academic background. Working in customer service, I improved my communication, analytical,
and problem solving skills.
I am self-motivated, independent, and enjoy working as part of a team. I am keen to learn new
software applications and am available to travel or relocate. I look forward to the possibility of
meeting with you for an interview at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sean Lee
121
Appendix C: Samples
One page C.V.
Sean Lee
4567 Prince Arthur, Suite 24
Montreal, QC, H2X 2R9
sean.lee@videotron.ca
(514) 720-9900
OBJECTIVE A Career in Management Information Systems
SUMMARY OF SKILLS
LANGUAGES
Fluent in both French and English
Basic conversational Spanish
COMPUTER
Programming: Java, C++, HTML, Fortran
Software: AutoCAD, MATLAB
Database: Microsoft Access, Oracle, SQL Plus
PROFESSIONAL
Ability to work in a group
Strong interpersonal skills
Goal-oriented
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Major in Computer Science
1999-2003
Minor in Management Information Systems
Computer Science Web Style Project course
As part of a four member team, designed a web site integrating Flash,
JavaScript, DHTML, with a chat room, and HTML code that allows other
users to build a personal web page (www.jayjayseanlee.com)
DEC in Pure Science

1997-1999
Dawson College, Montreal, Quebec
Awarded Harvant-Grant Scholarship for outstanding leadership qualities
WORK EXPERIENCE
Information Technology Resource Developer
Summer 2002
Avantican Information Technology Inc., Montreal, Quebec
Led a team that installed an NT network environment for a whole department
Made financial propositions that saved resources and increased profit for the
company
Salesperson
Subway Restaurant, McGill Metro, Montreal, Quebec
Summer 2001
Served sandwiches and drinks to customers
Responsible for the customers satisfaction
Took inventory and made weekly reports on profits and/or losses
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Football champion in the McGill Science Football competition
Volunteered on week-ends to help feed the homeless
122
2001-2002
2001-2002
Appendix C: Samples
Cover letter further to a conversation at a career fair
AZIZ BELOUT
1020 Sherbrooke Street, Apt. 400, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1X8 (514) 982-1112 abelout@po-box.mcgill.ca
October 5th, 2003

Ms. Andrea Baum
Vice President
Goldman, Sachs & Co.
85 Broad Street
New York, NY 1004
Dear Ms. Baum,
Further to our conversation on September 26 at the McGill Management Career Fair, please find enclosed
my C.V. for the analyst position with your firm. I am particularly interested to work at Goldman, Sachs
& Co because of its reputation of being the most prestigious firms on Wall Street.
I will graduate in June 2004 with a B.A. in economics. In addition to my coursework, my summer work
experience and extra-curricular activities have given me the necessary set of skills to join your team. Last
summer I worked as a financial analyst at Fraser & Co in New York, where my responsibilities included
analyzing and researching domestic equities and markets as well as providing client coverage and stock
recommendations. I very much enjoyed my experience and would like to continue working in equities,
although I am also interested in investment banking, or asset management. Moreover, I am highly
involved in extra-curricular activities and I have been the president of the McGill Economic Association.
I believe that my superior analytical, communication and interpersonal skills would be an asset at
Goldman, Sachs and Co.
I hope to have an interview with you where I can tell you more about my qualifications in greater details.
Sincerely,
Aziz Belout
123
Appendix C: Samples
One page C.V. for a business position
AZIZ BELOUT
1020 Sherbrooke Street, Apt. 400, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1X8 (514) 982-1112 abelout@po-box.mcgill.ca
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, McGill University
Major: Economics, minor: Management
Relevant courses: Investments and Portfolio Management, Money and Banking
Enrolled in the Canadian Securities Course (to be taken in September 2005)
International Baccalaureate Diploma, British International School
Ambassador for Model United Nations delegation
Captain of the track team for two years and holder of three athletic school records
Awarded for outstanding academic achievement
SKILLS
June 2004
Montreal, Quebec
June 2000
Cairo, Egypt
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Java Programming
Fluent in English and Arabic
Summer Financial Analyst, Equities Division: Sales & Trading
Fraser and Co
Analysed and researched domestic equities and markets
Provided client coverage and stock recommendations
Participated in conference calls, sales calls, and roadshows
Developed a pitch book of stock ideas for a mid-cap mutual fund
Finance Team Intern, Business Consulting Division
ABC International Management Consulting
Participated in the implementation of a software system that provides an integrated PC
based IT solution for a major technology hardware developer
Optimised specific financial process flows
Prototyped the resulting processes in the software system
Developed user reference and training manuals
Summer 2003
New York, US
Summer 2002
Montreal, QC
Generalist Intern, Business Consulting Division

Summer 2001
ABC International Management Consulting
Cairo, Egypt
Participated in the development and documentation of an environmental management
system (EMS) for an electrical appliances company
Submitted a proposal that focused on the establishment of an EMS based on ISO 1400 standards
Evaluated the companys total quality management system
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE
Operation Manager (15-20 hours per week)
McGill Computer Store
Manage daily operations, update the accounts and prepare financial statements
Responsible for all financial and staff related issue, including payroll, suppliers and taxes
2001-present
Montreal, QC
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Counselor, McGill International Students Network
President (elected), McGill Economics StudentsAssociation
Intramural Athletics Basketball, first place
Extensive travel experience across Europe and North America. Studied and worked in
Canada, United States and Middle East
REFERENCES ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
124
2001-present
2002-2003
2002
Appendix C: Samples
Cover letter for a graduate student applying for a non-academic position
DAVID M. KAPLAN
5468 St-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1L8

Home: (514)555-0001 Office: (514)398-5674
David.kaplan@elf.mcgill.ca
August 15, 2003
Mr. Gregg Blachford

Director
Career and Placement Service
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 1Y2
Dear Mr. Blachford:
The Administrator at the Admissions Office, Mr. Georges Bruneau, suggested I contact you
regarding the position of Career Advisor-Graduate students available in your department. The
enclosed C.V. outlines my educational background as well as my relevant experience.
As a recent graduate from McGill with a doctoral degree, I am familiar with the various career
issues faced by graduate students. I have acquired relevant experience in my academic advisor
position for the Faculty of Arts at McGill University where I advised students, animated
group sessions and conducted individual advising on program selection and career direction.
Also, while pursuing my graduate studies, I worked as a coordinator for the McGill Graduate
Association of Students in Political Sciences and as course instructor and course lecturer.
These positions have given me the opportunity to demonstrate my superior communication
and public speaking skills.
I believe that I will be able to serve the career needs of graduate students as well as be an
asset to your team. I would appreciate an interview to learn about this opportunity and to
provide you with additional details of my qualifications. I will contact you next week to
explore this opportunity. If you want to contact me before then, I can be reached at
555-0001 or David.kaplan@elf.mcgill.ca. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David M. Kaplan
125
Appendix C: Samples
C.V. for a graduate student seeking a non-academic career
DAVID M. KAPLAN
5468 St-Laurent Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H2W 1L8

Home: (514)555-0001 Office: (514)398-5674
David.kaplan@elf.mcgill.ca
Career Summary:
Experience advising students on career issues. Excellent communication and public speaking skills
acquired through teaching, animating workshops and presenting papers at conferences. Writing and
editing skills developed through graduate education.
LANGUAGES
English and French (fluent written and spoken)

German and Spanish (intermediate)
COMPUTER SKILLS
Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Stata
EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, Political Science, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
2000-2003
Dissertation : Strengthening civil society: Intra-organizational cooperation

Amongst NGOs in Oaxaca and Jalisco.
B.A. History and Political Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
1990-1994
Awards
National Democratic Institute dissertation fellowship
2002-2003
Social Sciences and Humanities Doctoral Research Fellowship
2000-2003
Organization of American States field research grant
2000-2002
Coordinator, McGill Graduate Association of Students of Political Science,
Coordinated the activities of the graduate student association

Organised elections
Liaised with faculty members
Managed staffing of committees
Academic Advisor, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
126
2001-2003
1997-1999
Advised freshman students on course selection

Update and improve the orientation program
Animated group session and conducted individual advising on program
selection and career direction
Appendix C: Samples
David M. Kaplan
(514)555-0001
OTHER EXPERIENCE
Course Instructor, International Development Studies Seminar: Democracy and
Development, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
Winter 2003
Course Lecturer, The Politics of Latin America, Department of Political

Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
Field Research, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and Guadalajara, Mexico
Fall 2002
2001-2002
Conducted archival research.

Carried out semi-structured interviews with NGO activists.
Conduct participant-observer research.
PUBLICATIONS
Autonomy and Assertiveness: NGO Experiences with Regional Networking and Mexico,
Journal of Latin American Studies, (Vol. 23, No. 3), September 2003, pp. 318-319.
The Strategic Language Theory of David Laitin,Working Paper, Groupe de Recherche
sur les Socits Plurinationaux, (GRSP), McGill University, Winter 2002.
PAPER PRESENTED
Challenge and Reaction: Regulation of the Mexican Voluntary Sector, The Voluntary
Sector in Canada and Mexico : Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks, Roundtable organised
By the North-South Institute, February 28, 2002, Ottawa, Ontario.
Context of Collaboration : NGO experiences with Regional Networking in Mexico,
Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, Boston Marriott Copley
Place and Sheraton Boston Hotel and Towers, September 3-6, 2001.
Travelled independently in North America, South America and Europe

Member of Toastmaster International where I developed exceptional public speaking skills
Enjoy international movies and attend the annual Montreal International Film Festival
127
Appendix C: Samples
Cover letter for an international teaching position
SABRINA PATEL
1400 Pine Avenue West, Apt. 1020, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1B1 Canada
Tel.: (514) 287-9883 Email: sabrinap@mail.mcgill.ca
September 10, 2003
Mr. Gopal Janda

Human Resources Manager
Aga Khan Foundation Canada
350 Albert Street, Suite 1820
Ottawa, ON K1R 1A4
Dear Mr. Janda,
It was a pleasure to speak with your colleague, Andrea Jamali earlier today. She advised me to contact you regarding teaching positions in
Asia through AKF. To that end, enclosed please find my CV, reference letter and evaluations in application for upcoming positions. With my
contractual employment at McGill terminating at the end of December 2003, I would like to express my interest in committing to one or twoyear teaching positions in South or Central Asia.
Honored with the dubious distinction of being the Walking Transferable Skill by my colleagues at McGill University, and the educators I have
worked with, I have the ability to bring my diverse skill set to all endeavours I have the privilege of participating in. The diversity of experience
I would bring to the AKF, combined with my ability to adapt to new situations and learn quickly, will be my greatest assets in my endeavor to
teach and live abroad.
The art of teaching involves the ability to convey often complex ideas to diverse people in a logical, creative and succinct manner, a skill I
have been able to develop through my educational training in English Literature. However, it has been my teaching-related experiences and
co-curricular activities that have given me the greatest opportunity to work with people from a diversity of life experiences and allowed me the
opportunity to get involved in positions of leadership. They also inspired my thirst for knowledge and increased my interest in international
development. Participation in the AKF and CIDA Youth Summit on International Development early in my academic career sparked my
interest in micro-lending organizations in South Asia, which I explored in a graduate level seminar course at McGill entitled Women,
Education and Development.
While browsing through your extensive website, I was particularly impressed with the diversity of development activity that AKF has initiated
throughout South and Central Asia. The idea that every lesson learned from AKF projects contributes to the sum of human knowledge is, I
believe, especially telling of the incredibly positive environment that the Foundation seeks to foster in its endeavours worldwide.
I hope to meet with you soon to explore opportunities with the Aga Khan Foundation.
Sincerely,
Sabrina Patel
128
Appendix C: Samples
International C.V. for a teaching position
SABRINA PATEL
1400 Pine Avenue West, Apt. 1020, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1B1 Canada
Tel: (514) 287-9883 Email: sabrinap@mail.mcgill.ca
Profile
Teaching experience
Extensive travel in India and Europe
Creative problem solving approaches
Volunteer ESL Teacher for new Canadians from Central Asia

Participant, AKF and CIDA Youth Summit on International Development
Diverse project management experience
Education
1999 2003
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature

1997-1999
Computer skills
Recipient of NABISCO prize for extra-curricular activities at McGill
Diplme dtudes collgiales (D.E.C.), Social Sciences

Dawson College, Montreal, Quebec
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Internet
Career-related experience
Since 2000
TESL Instructor, Aga Khan Education Board, Montreal, Quebec
Taught English to new Canadians from Central Asia

Created and implemented innovative learning material such as flash cards and game cards
Developed exercises and tests to measure students improvement
Winter 2002
Teaching Assistant in English, Shalom Academy, Montreal, Quebec
Tutored small groups and individual children in grade 1 to 4 English
Helped individual children in story-writing
Listened and encouraged individuals in their reading
Collaborated with the teacher to ensure the successful functioning of the classroom
1999 2001
Private Tutor, Montreal, Quebec
Instructed elementary and secondary students in English and mathematics
Initiated ongoing consultations with parents
Researched, gathered and classified information pertaining to English and mathematics
Summers 1999, 2000
Camp Director, Camp Discovery, Montreal, Quebec
Overhauled an established five-day program for minority youth of Canada
Recruited, interviewed and trained counsellors and administrative staff

Selected camp site, coordinated fundraising and marketing and all aspects of program implementation
129
Appendix C: Samples
Sabrina Patel
(514) 287-9883
Other employment experience

Since May 2003
Administrative Assistant, Career and Placement Service, McGill University

Montral, Quebec
Managed reception desk and career resource library; received and registered students
Winter 2001
Employment Order Coordinator, McGill University Career & Placement Service

Summer 1996
Received and quickly processed employment orders from employers in a high-stress environment
Liaised with employers as well as counsellors to ensure accuracy of requests
Conceptualized and established workflow practices to increase efficiencies
Salesperson and Cashier, Simon, Montreal, Quebec
Summer 1995
Directed students to relevant job search resources and employment opportunities

Successfully guided employers in their search for information regarding recruitment at McGill
Devised and presented workshops to students, introducing them to the Career and Placement Service
Provided courteous service in fast-paced environment

Maintained inventory on a monthly basis
Sorted, matched, and arranged clothing items to create new displays
Balanced the cash at the end of the day
Tree Planter, Alberta Forest Contractors, Calgary, Alberta
Planted trees in an autonomous atmosphere under little supervision in all weather conditions
Extracurricular activities & interests

2000-2003
2001-2003
2001-2002
2000-2001
Since 1999
Leisures
Member, Editorial Collective, Fire with Water, a journal for survivors of sexual assault
Poetry Editorial Staff, The Pillar Magazine
Student Representative, Senate Sub-committee for Honorary Degrees and Convocations
President, McGill Ismaili Students Association
Member of the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Reading, swimming, and expanding my knowledge of fine chocolates and desserts
September 28, 1975; Victoria, British Colombia

Single, no dependent
Canadian
Personal data
Date and place of birth:
Status:
Nationality:
Reference letter and evaluation forms are enclosed
130
Appendix C: Samples
Business Cards
Colleen Templeton
Bachelor of Science (Anatomy)
McGill University-2003
Laboratory experience (Molecular biology, Cell biology, Chemistry)
Computer literate (Word, Excel, SPSS, Powerpoint)
Bilingual (English & French)
1234 Peel Street

Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B3
Tel.: (514) 842-9876

E-mail: colleent@mail.mcgill.ca
1333, rue Lacombe

Montral (Qubec)
H3T 1K6
Tlphone :
(514) 342-5987
Tlavertisseur : (514) 987-3324
Courriel : dominiq@videotron.ca
DOMINIQUE GIACOMELI
Agronome
Bachelire en sciences de lagriculture (Science des plantes)
Membre de lOrdre des agronomes du Qubec
Exprience en services-conseils, gestion et dcontamination des sols, supervision,
recherche et dvelopement. Trilingue : Franais, anglais et italien.
Possde un permis de conduire et une voiture.
Karen Zeiling
Bachelor of Arts in English

McGill University - 2004
v
v
v
v
Experience as an editor and writer

Effective oral and written communication skills
Superior research skills
Critical and analytical thinker
3333 Cte-des-Neiges
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1K3
Tel.: (514) 997-5453

E-Mail: Karenz@mail.mcgill.ca
MARC PETERSON
Baccalaurat en relations industrielles
Membre de lOrdre des Conseillers en ressources humaines et
en relations industrielles du Qubec
Connaissances en recrutement, droit du travail, formation, gestion de la
rmunration et des avantages sociaux. Bilingue: Franais et anglais (parls
et crits).
2123 St-Marc, apt. 7
Montral (Qubec)
H3H 2P1
Tl/tlc : (514) 937-5766

Courriel : Petersonm@mail.mcgill.ca
131
Appendix C: Samples
Thank You Letters
5252 Sherbrooke Street West

Montreal, Quebec
H3X 2X2
September 26, 2003
Ms. Claire Smith
Manager
ABC Company
6000 Trans Canada Highway
St-Laurent, Quebec
H2X 3X3
Dear Ms. Smith:
I wish to thank you for taking the time to see me on September 25 to discuss your
requirements for a Personnel Officer. I found our discussion very informative.
The assignment you described represents exactly the type of responsibility and challenge
I am seeking. The new human resource information system you recently installed would
provide an excellent opportunity for me to fine tune the computer skills I learned at XYZ
Company last summer. As well, my experience in preparing job description for secretarial
staff is entirely related to the job requirements you described.
It was a pleasure meeting with you and I took forward to speaking with you again in the
near future.
Yours sincerely,
Susan Dolan
132
Appendix C: Samples
Le 5 juin 2003
Madame Diane Labont
Directrice en ressources humaines
Pharma Expert
3458, rue Edouard-Montpetit
Montral (Qubec)
H3T 1K5
Madame,
Je vous remercie de mavoir rencontr en entrevue aujourdhui afin de discuter de mes
qualifications et du poste de reprsentant pharmaceutique. Le poste que vous avez dcrit
reprsente exactement le type de dfi que je cherche puisquil me permettrait de jumeler
deux de mes passions soit les sciences et la vente.
Tel que mentionn lors de notre rencontre, jai beaucoup aim les expriences de
laboratoire que jai eues durant mes tudes. Je me suis alors non seulement familiaris
avec des techniques de recherche mais aussi avec les produits utiliss. De plus, lors de mon
bnvolat lHpital Ste-Justine, jai appris communiquer efficacement autant avec les
mdecins quavec les administrateurs du milieu hospitalier. Jai aussi constat que malgr
de vif progrs, il est essentiel que de nouveaux mdicaments soient introduits pour traiter
certaines maladies encore incurables ou pour remplacer certains mdicaments causant trop
deffets secondaires. Mon professionnalisme et ma capacit de communiquer efficacement
autant en franais quen anglais me permettrait dtre un excellent porte-parole et de bien
reprsenter votre entreprise.
En esprant recevoir une rponse positive de votre part, je vous prie dagrer, Madame,
lexpression de mes sentiments distingus.
Martin Demers
1310 Toussaint-Trudeau
Chambly (Qubec) J3L 5P1
133
APPENDIX
Appendix D: Succeeding in Your Fir st Job
Succeeding In Your First Job
There are many big changes that occur in a lifetime, but one of the biggest and most important
transitions is leaving university and starting to work. Many of us do not realize how big of
a change this really is until we begin our first job. Entering the professional world is a very
different experience from being in school. You will be faced with new expectations, stresses
and challenges, and although there will be uncertainties and adjustments, there are strategies to
help make this transition a successful one. The following section describes the most important
points to keep in mind when entering this new world.
More Information
If you are interested in getting more information about this topic do not
hesitate to look at the books available in the career resource library or
participate in our First Year on the Job Workshop.
Your First Job

Tips for preparing for your first day
Assess your wardrobe
Read company literature
Complete required paperwork
Know where to go on the first day
Be on time
Tips for your first day
Treat it as an adventure: be enthusiastic
Be prepared for anything
The First Three Months

The first three months in your new job will prove to be quite important. That said, you dont
have to impress everyone with your knowledge and skills; rather, concentrate on making a good
first impression. Get along with others, and be trustworhty, respectful, courteous and helpful.
This is a time when you should take in all the information that you can and do the best possible
job with all tasks assigned to you.
Tips for dealing with difficult situations
Dont jump to conclusions
Think it through
Go directly to the person involved with your problem
Dont accuse
135
Appendix D: Succeeding in Your Fir st Job
Tips for dealing with your boss

Accept criticism, be loyal, admit your mistakes, ask for feedback
Talk directly with your boss regarding problems, but bring some solutions
Be humble, not defensive
A smooth transition into the professional world is possible if you plan for it. You need to be
prepared and allow adequate time for leisure and your health care. Remember that it doesnt
matter the level of your experience every new job is tiring at first. Everything is new and there
is so much to learn, but the more you plan for this transition the less overwhelming it will be.
Do
136
Have realistic expectations

Demonstrate maturity
Stay focused on learning
Listen and observe
Ask questions
Familiarize yourself with our work
environment
Realize that youre the new kid on the
block
Try to remember names
Make constructive use of time
Follow-through with your
commitments
Be enthusiastic
Show initiative
Dont
Appear like a know-it-all

Criticize procedures
Contribute to company gossip
Blame others for your errors
Burn bridges
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CAPS

Career & Placement Service

Career & Placement Service Service de placement et carrires de McGill

Introduction: About CAPS

Chapter 1: Self Assessment

Chapter 2: Researching Employers

Getting to Know Occupations, Industries and Employers