How do you market yourself to companies? What role does Human Resources play in the hiring process? How do you apply online? What is the most important element of a resume? This week's podcast is with Andrea Garson, Vice President of Human Resources at Workopolis and one of the speakers at our upcoming event - The 2008 Canadian Career Summit. I am giving away 10 complimentary tickets for our readers. Send an email to alan@careerjoy.com and share with me your thoughts on your career.

Andrea has a very unique viewpoint both as an HR professional and in her involvement with Workopolis, Canada's leading career website. She has hired thousands of professionals over her career. Andrea grew up in a family that was very career oriented. Both her brothers became lawyers and she was tempted to follow their path. Growing up she was a babysitter, camp counselor and worked as a clerk at the liquor store. "The common theme of my young life was I loved understanding, working with and helping people move forward in their lives". She graduated from University with a degree in psychology and worked for a couple of years getting a feel for her career options. She wrote her GMAT and LSAT and wrestled with following in the family business or choosing her own path. She decided to do her MBA in addition to take some HR courses. It became clear to her that HR was the right area. " I just loved this area, it was where I belonged".

In my role as a career coach and in my former role running a recruitment firm, I am able to see the important and strategic role that Human Resources plays in the recruitment process. I also noticed how many candidates underestimated their role.

What role does HR play? Dealing with Human Resources, "If you don't make a good first impression with HR, you are most likely not going to get hired by the company".

These are the first 3 steps to getting hired by Human Resource:

1. Mindset - There is a lot of negative news in the media these days about the economy and the job market. The mood is really doom and gloom. If you believed the headlines, it would seem that all companies are laying off and nobody is hiring. Despite what the media says, the economy still rolls along.

Andrea's advice: "Everything has a cycle. I wouldn't act out of fear. Don't be complacent. While companies may take a little longer to hire, great companies are always hiring".

Action - Where are the new opportunities in this cycle of our economy?

2. Researching opportunities - Today it has never been easier to gather information. From the comfort of your living room, you can explore the world. Start by creating a list of companies that you may be interested in working for. It can be broken down by location, sector and growth potential.

Andrea's advice: "You can never have enough information on how to make a great decision".

Action - Create a list of 20 companies you are interested in working for? Remember, many companies have openings that are not listed on their websites.

3. Resume - The resume is your very first impression in the entire process, so it is crucial that you have all of the information up to date. Many people struggle with putting a good resume together. Check out our website. We have some great templates to help give you the advantage in putting a resume together.

Andrea's advice: "There are 3 keys to your resume - it is available, updated and accurate".

Action - Ask a friend or professional resume writer go over your resume. You will be amazed what others may see that you have missed.

Remember, if you are feeling like you lack the proper information in going through the hiring process, don't fret. Job search can be a learned skill. Get good support, reach out to your network and to professionals like me. As our friends at Home Depot say, "You can do it we can help". Next week I will share the final 3 keys to getting the job you want sooner, faster and with less stress.

Looking at getting tips on how to sell yourself? Wondering how to get promoted? Questioning your job search strategy? I am excited to announce The 2008 Canadian Career Summit. Join Launi Skinner, President & COO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK, Andrea Garson, Vice President of HR from Workopolis and myself. Learn the latest job search strategies, discover how to make great career decisions and network with like-minded professionals in diverse industries. The Summit will take place Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm in Ottawa at The National Arts Centre and Thursday, Oct 16, 2008 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm in Toronto at the Glenn Gould Theatre. You can also join our free, 1-hour Teleworkshop based upon my book Get the Right Job Right Now! from the comfort and convenience of your own desk. It can make a great impact on your career. Looking for more confidential one-on-one support? Book an initial consultation with myself. One hour can change your future.

Learning, along the road with you!
Alan

This week's 10 Minute WORKout
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Do you love what you do? If not, this week think about how you can market yourself to Human Resource Departments and put a plan of action in place.