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Liaison College : 2007CAPS Student Manual

Slides Forms

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(C.A.P.S)

Welcome

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The Career Action Plan Services unit is designed to fine-tune and polish your job search skills. Whether you are searching for your first job or making a career change, C.A.P.S gives you the skills you need to sell yourself in an interview.

Resumes

Cover letters

Telephone skills

Interview skills, and more

C.A.P.S COVERS MANY CRITICAL TOPICS

C.A.P.S covers many topics, including:

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CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION.

Your instructor will tell you more about the criteria required to receive your certificate.

Enjoy the program, and good luck in your job search.

Upon successful completion of this unit you will be awarded the:

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For the next section, you will need your

Student Employment Record

and

Graduate Follow-Up Information Sheet

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Your Student Employment Record

Click picture to open the Word document

Use this form to write out your work experience and skills.

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT RECORD

PLEASE PRINT

Name: ________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________

Postal Code: ___________________ Phone Number: __________________

Course Completed: _____________________________________________

Previous Education/Courses/Seminars: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Fill in this form as follows:

Martha Stuart

1234 Main St., Hamilton ON

N1N 2B2 905-123-4567

Basic Cook I

High school leaving

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Languages Spoken/Written: ______________________________________

Employment Experience:

Dates From/To Company Position/Duties_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1. I hereby authorize Liaison College to discuss the above information with any employer. 2. I understand that Liaison College assumes no responsibility for, or guarantees employment at any time in any field whatsoever.

Date: ___________________ Signature: __________________________

French, German

Jan 2007 – current Red Rooster Cooks HelperMay 2006 – Sep 2006 Red Rooster Dishwasher

Sept 23 2007 Martha Stuart

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Track your success using the

Graduate Follow-up Information Sheet

Click picture to open the Word document

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According to the National Occupation Code (NOC) there are dozens of entry level and experienced positions available in this exciting field.

Journeyman/Woman CookApprentice CookCookDietary CookFirst CookGrill CookHospital CookInstitutional CookLicensed CookSecond CookExecutive ChefExecutive Sous-ChefGarde Manager, ChefHead ChefMaster Chef

Pastry ChefSaucier

Sous-ChefSpecialist Chef

Short Order CookFood Service Helper

Bartender HelperBus Boy/Girl

DishwasherCook’s Helper

Kitchen HelperChef

Chef de CuisineChef de Partie

Corporate Chef

COOKS PERFORM MANY DIFFERENT DUTIES. . . . . . THEY FILL ALL KINDS OF JOBS . . .

The NOC is job category system developed by the Government of Canada.

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THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS:

With these key ingredients you will be SUCCESSFUL!

Fast, skillful, efficient & FRIENDLY customer service

Good COMMUNICATION skills

The WILLINGNESS to learn

A POSITIVE attitude.

A DEDICATED work ethic

and above all . . .

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SEARCHING FOR EMPLOYMENT TAKES:

Many jobs are NOT advertised. This means that you, the job hunter, must find other ways to learn about these positions.

Let’s look at some ideas to help you in your search…

PERSEVERENCE and

CREATIVITY

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1. NEWSPAPERS

TIP: Act on want-ads quickly: you will have lots of competition.

a) General News: Read the news to locate new or newly renovated restaurants opening up in your area.

b) Want-Ads: Learn to locate jobs that fit your skills and interests. Avoid disreputable or less-than-secure job positions.

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2. CANADA EMPLOYMENT CENTRES (HRDC)

Register at your local branch. Check the job board regularly. HRDC also posts online.

3. NETWORKING

Develop contacts and join professional associations.

Ask friends, relatives & direct contacts.

TIP: HRDC sponsors many programs for which you may qualify that make you more attractive to employers.

Remember: lots of available positions are never advertised.

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4. Yellow Pages

Check the ads and develop a list of prospective employers. Call them and ask if they are hiring in your position.

5. Walk-in

Bring a résumé and ask to fill out an application.

TIP: Check your network first to find out if anyone you know, knows someone at the restaurant.

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6. Internet

The information highway is fast and efficient. Many companies post online.

Check the Liaison College website for recent job opportunities. You have lifetime privileges.

7. Private Employment Agencies

Many companies use agencies to fill job positions.

TIP: Read any contract carefully before signing. Some agencies are less than reputable. Don’t sign if you aren’t sure.

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8. Volunteer

Offer your services as a volunteer. This can provide you with the experience you need to get a paying position.

9. Trade Shows

Trade shows give you an opportunity to meet and network with people in the industry. Ask questions. Be friendly.

For example: try the Wine and Cheese Show or Hostex.

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10. Be Creative

Create a reason to meet with the manager. For example, design a product or service that you think a restaurant could use and sell it to them.

11. Libraries

Check trade, professional and business magazines for background on companies and who is in charge of hiring.

Business directories are another terrific source

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Information Interviewing

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The best way to research a position is …

1. Contact someone working in your field of interest.

CONDUCT AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW

2. Ask them for a few minutes of their time.

TIP: Make sure it is only a few minutes and go prepared with specific questions to ask.

3. Take notes. Treat the interview as a potential contact for a job.

TIP: Stress that you are a student and are only researching the position. Do not indicate that you are looking for work at this time.

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1. What is your job title?2. How did you get into this work?3. What do you like best and least about doing this?

HERE ARE SOME RELEVANT QUESTIONS:

4. Describe a typical day.5. What is the necessary training or education for your position?6. What other jobs have you had in this field?

7. In what position can you learn the most?8. How can you advance in this field?9. What kind of starting salary is normal for an entry level position?

10. What SKILLS are necessary?11. My strongest skills are: _______________________. Do you think they would be useful in this field?12. Who else would you recommend that I speak to, for advice in this field? May I use your name when I call this person?

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BE SURE TO THANK THEM AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW!

This is one way of NETWORKING!

It’s a valuable job search technique.

It’s also smart to send them a thank you letter with your address and phone number on it. Indicate in the letter that you would be interested in working in an entry level position if one becomes available or as a volunteer.

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Application Forms

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MANY EMPLOYERS ASK YOU TO FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM.

When filling in application forms, make sure to do the following:

1. Read the entire form before you fill it out.

2. Use a blue or black pen to fill it out in neat printing or writing. Never use red or green ink, or a pencil.

3. Bring reference information including names, addresses, and phone numbers of all previous employers.

4. Carry a dictionary to correct spelling and check the meaning of words.

5. Bring your résumé to help you with dates of past employment, skills and educational history.

6. Be prepared to answer questions: How did you hear about the job? What are your specific qualifications? Do you know someone who works here? What kind of position are you looking for?

7. Sign and date the form.

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Practice filling out applications using a blank form.

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Resumes

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YOUR RESUME IS A REFLECTION OF YOU.Be honest and concise.

Stress achievement. Be positive with overstating.

Make sure your résumé is error free. Check the spelling and punctuation. Have it proofread by a professional for advice.

2 pages is standard. Type references on a separate page.

Add a summary of your qualifications or state your career objective.

Use lots of white space. Choose a font that is readable and avoid italics and fancy or small fonts.

Avoid abbreviations.

Use white paper if you fax your resume. Coloured paper does not fax well. Use good bond paper when hand-delivering or mailing.

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BE HAPPY WITH YOUR RESUME.

There are many opinions available on how to prepare a résumé.

The keys to success are :

Have it neatly typed and

Make it easy to read.

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THERE ARE SEVERAL STYLES OF RESUME.

Click here to open a Functional Resume

Click here to open a Chronological Resume

The two standard types are:

FUNCTIONAL and CHRONOLOGICAL.

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A FUNCTIONAL RESUME highlights your skills and objectives

Click here to open a Functional Resume

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A CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME outlines your previous experience using a timeline.

Click here to open a Chronological Resume

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Worksheet for Resumes

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NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

EDUCATION:

Dates Names and Address of School Diploma/Grade Completed

From: ________________________________________________________________________

To: _________________________________________________________________________

From: ________________________________________________________________________

To: __________________________________________________________________________

From: ________________________________________________________________________

To: __________________________________________________________________________

Other Training (Courses, Upgrading, Seminars, Programs)

_____________________________________________________________________________

WORK EXPERIENCE (MOST CURRENT FIRST)

Dates Name & Address Job Description

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Lucy Saunders

123 Main St.

905-123-4321

1999-2002 Junior League High

2003-2005 Junior League Senior High High School Leaving

2006 Liaison College Cook Basic I

1999 – 2003 John’s Garage

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VOLUNTEER WORK

Date Description of Duties

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

SKILLS:

Technical: ________________________________________________________________________

Personal: ________________________________________________________________________

Interest/Hobbies: _________________________________________________________________

References:

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

Phone/Fax Nos.: __________________________________________________________________

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Covering Letters

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ALWAYS USE A COVERING LETTER when mailing or delivering a résumé. Address it directly to the person in charge of hiring.

To find out the name of the hiring authority, call the company. Be sure to get the correct spelling and position of the person.

Employers need to know that you want to work for them, not just anybody. A personalized cover letter provides this proof and is essential for an effective job search.

Tip: If you can’t discover the person’s name, address the letter to “PERSONNEL” or “HUMAN RESOURCES.” Complete the salutation as “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”.

Never use “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.”

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If you answer an advertisement and they provide you with a Fax number only, begin your letter as follows:

GRACE R. TALLINSKI1456 Donfield Rd.

Orangeville, ON L7N 4B8(519) 786-5490

SENT BY FACSIMILE TO NO. (905) 897-5679(as requested)

June 16, 2007

ATTENTION: HUMAN RESOURCE DEPT.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

(then complete the body of your letter)

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THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXAMPLE OF A GOOD COVERING LETTER

It gives the contact name, date and the name of the hiring authority.

The first paragraph explains the purpose of the letter and where the job ad was seen.

It then summarizes the applicant’s qualifications.

Finally it finishes with a promise to call in the week to follow-up.

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JERRY SMITH125 Port Street

Mississauga, ON(905) 275-7986

March 15, 2007

Mr. James LevineABC Hotel128 Maples StreetToronto, ON, J6N 4G6

Dear Mr. Levine:

This letter is in response to your advertisement for an Apprentice Cook in the Toronto Sun, March 13, 1997.

As my enclosed resume shows, I have over five years of restaurant experience with servicing and waiting on customers. I recently upgraded my skills to include the preparation of all types of foods, especially Italian Cuisine, which I am aware is your specialty.

I would describe myself as a self-starter. For example, I implemented a new system of food service at the restaurant that I worked as a waiter which proved to be so efficient that the owner has now used my system in two of his other locations. I have had many customers speak to me about your establishment and particularly your fine Italian cooking and I would be most interested in working for you because of your reputation for quality.

I will call next week to be sure that you have received my resumes and to answer any additional questions you may have for me. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Jerry SmithEnclosure

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Using the Telephone Effectively

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WHEN MAKING A CALL TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER, take these points into consideration:

Phone from a quiet, private location (no background noise)

Plan in advance what you are going to say. Prepare a script outlining your qualifications, highlighting those that are especially suited for this position.

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Introduce yourself briefly and state the reason for your call.

Speak politely to everyone you talk to and attempt to find out and use the name of the person in charge of interviews.

TIP: When you make a cold call, indicate that you are seeking information on the company. Use information interviewing techniques, instead of coming out directly and asking if there are any jobs available. You may not get past the receptionist if you do this.

TIP: If you are unsuccessful the first time, record the time you called and follow-up with a call at lunch or before 9:00, when some employers pick up the phone themselves.

Try to leave your phone number, including the area code. Have your answering machine ready to pick up the call if you are not home.

TIPS: Have a short professional message on your phone. Get rid of noise and background music. Tell your family to let the machine answer calls, otherwise you may not get the message, or the employer may have a hard time leaving a message if the person answering does not speak English well.

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MANY EMPLOYERS COMPLETE A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW before they ask you in for a personal interview.

You will be successful IF you are prepared and

professional.

Be aware that every time you answer the phone it may be the perfect job you have been looking for on the other end.

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Interview Skills

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DRESSING FOR THE INTERVIEW

First impressions have a strong influence on the employer and how they perceive you. You have less than 2 minutes to capture their confidence.

Sloppy dress implies careless work habits. A NEAT APPEARANCE IS CRUCIAL

Dress for the position or the one above it (To discover the company dress code, visit their premises before the interview.)

Dress conservatively, in quiet colours.

Jewellery should be simple. (No dangling earrings)

Clean fingernails and hair are a must.

Clothes should be fresh, pressed and clean. Shoes should be polished (no scuffs, no dirty runners.)

Avoid strong odours such as liquor, smoke, garlic, etc. on your breath. Bathe/use deodorant before interview. Avoid heavy perfume or after shave.

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS

SMILE: A friendly face is more approachable.

SHAKE HANDS: Be firm - no limp fish no bone-crushers.

EYE CONTACT: Respect the interviewer, show confidence in yourself.

BE ENTHUSIASTIC: Think of interview as a challenge and an opportunity to meet new people.

LEAVE YOUR TROUBLES AT HOME: Do not say anything negative about past employers, financial troubles or personal problems.

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LISTEN: Consider all answers carefully.

BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE: Don’t cross your arms and avoid withdrawing from interviewer.

BE CALM: Avoid nervous habits. Don’t fidget. Sit up straight.

DON’T SMOKE.

NEVER CHEW GUM

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BE PREPARED

Find out as much as possible about the company and the job.

Prepare questions to ask.

Bring a resume/reference letters (name/addresses/phone number).

Have a pen and paper ready for taking notes.

Be aware that receptionists make decisions (be polite/professional).

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Interview Questions

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HOW PREPARED YOU ARE to answer questions in an interview, can make the difference between being hired or not.

What follows are some standard questions you may be asked in an interview and some possible answers.

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1. Why should I hire you? or Tell me about yourself!

Answer this question with a few words about your skills, experience and work ethic.

“I have just completed an intensive program focusing on cooking and with my many years of experience in the restaurant industry and this up to date education I am sure confident that I will be able to handle the position you have available. I am a hard worker and fast learner and am looking forward to new challenges.”

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2. Why have you held so many jobs?

This question is asking about your company loyalty.

“I was exploring different career options and have found that this is the field that I want. I have taken the time to re-educate myself and I am ready to start a new career in the cooking field.”

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3. What are your weaknesses?

This question judges how you see yourself.

“I am shy or nervous in an interview, however once I get to know people I work well with others. I have never had a problem getting along with co-workers.”

or“I tend to take on a lot of tasks at the same time, it can be a little overwhelming, however, I have learned to prioritize my work and do the most important things first.”

or“My English is my weakness. I am going to school at night to improve my reading and writing skills and I am happy with my progress.”

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4. How much do you expect to be paid?

“I realize that this is an entry level position and I am sure that we can come to a reasonable settlement on salary that we are both satisfied with.”

or

“What do you normally pay people in this position?”

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5. Why did you leave your last job?

“I left my last employment to retrain myself into a different career, and that is why I am here today, to use some of the skills I have learned.”

If you had a problem with your last employer...

“I had a personality conflict with my last employer, however I have learned from this experience and I will handle the situation differently if a similar situation arises.”

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6. What are your future plans? or Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

“I see myself with more responsibility in the future. I will be continuing my education to achieve further levels in cooking and hopefully become a Chef.”

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7. How adaptable are you to work speed?

“I like to work under pressure I find I am very motivated and productive. When I have a lot of time on my hands I use it to get organized so that I will be able to do my job smoothly when I get busy again.

I also like to help out others who are busy. This helps me learn a little about their jobs, which can be useful if you need someone to fill in.”

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Think about questions that might be asked and prepare answers in advance.

TIP: Practice before and after interviews to refine your answers by speaking your answers out loud. Ask a friend or family member to listen to you and comment.

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Thank You Letters

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SEND A FOLLOW-UP LETTER to the interviewee.

The following is an example of a letter to be sent after the information interview.

Express your appreciation for the time they spent with you, providing information about their position.

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David Donnell123 John Street

Mississauga, ON L5M 4S8(905) 828-5623

August 5, 2007

Ms. J. Landry, ManagerBard Bakeries44 Huron StreetMississauga, ON L5M 6S2

Dear Ms. Landry:

I enjoyed meeting with you last week. It was a highly informative interview. I never realized that the bakery industry had so much to offer in the way of various employment opportunities.

After my food service training, I am sure that I would find working within a company such as yours very rewarding. I would appreciate hearing from you if any entry level positions, or volunteer opportunities arise within your industry.

I feel confident that I would be able to contribute to the smooth operation of any kitchen and look forward to being able to utilize my skills.

Thank you again for your kind consideration and if I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to call me.

Yours sincerely,

David Donnell

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The following is an example of a letter to be sent after an interview or phone call.

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David Donnell123 John Street

Mississauga, ON L5M 4S8(905) 828-5623

August 5, 2007

Ms. J. Lamb, ManagerPetit Paris Find Dining44 Huron StreetMississauga, ON L5M 6S2

Dear Ms. Lamb:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for spending time with me discussing the Cook’s Helper position within your fine establishment.

I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion and would like to be part of your team. As discussed I have just completed the first level of cooking at Liaison College and I have many years experience in the food service industry as a waiter. In addition to the skills mentioned during our discussion, I would like to emphasize that I am fluent in French and Italian and thought this may be of interest to you.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

David Donnell

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THANK YOU FOLLOW UP TIPS

Many interviewers do not decide on the candidate during the interview.

Following-up after the interview can keep your name at the top of the list and may make the difference in getting you that job.

Here are some ideas for keeping in touch with

prospective employers.

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1. TAKE GOOD NOTES

During the interview or immediately after

Jot down why you think you are good for this job

2. CALL OR WRITE Call if you feel that putting a letter

together would take too long; the job might get filled today

Write if you have a few days. You can always fax the letter or drop it off to the employer (this shows genuine interest and initiative)

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3. EASE EMPLOYER’S DOUBTS

In the call or letter, answer these questions:

Did I show that I can do this job?

Am I compatible with other workers?

What contributions can I make?

What can I highlight that I forgot to mention in the interview?

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4. DRAFT LETTER

Have someone else read your letter.

Express interest. Show positive “matches” between the position and your skills.

Outline your education and experience

List volunteer work

Offer to provide references

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5. MAIL

No later than 2 days, or it loses its impact

The sooner the better

6. FOLLOW-UP CALL

Call 2 days after the person gets the letter. Express interest in job ask if they need any further information on your qualifications

You cannot afford to NOT follow-up

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THE WAY YOU CONDUCT YOURSELF ON THE JOB will make a difference not only in keeping your job, but in

Let’s review some positive examples of effective workplace

behaviour.

receiving promotions,

getting raises, and

being treated with respect.

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BE PUNCTUAL: Be on time for work and when coming back from lunch and breaks.

ACCEPT CRITICISM AND DIRECTION GRACIOUSLY

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS: Angry or tearful outbursts are very counter productive, be calm and deal with your frustrations in a professional manner.

HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND SENSE OF HUMOUR

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BE A TEAM PLAYER: Participate in company activities, help out coworkers when they are too busy, volunteer for extra work.

LISTEN AND TAKE NOTES IF NECESSARY

CONTROL YOUR SOCIAL LIFE: Do not let friends and family call or visit you at work and do not bring your personal problems to work. Deal with them on your own time.

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PUT FORTH YOUR BEST EFFORTS EVERY DAY

BE HONEST AND ENCOURAGE FEEDBACK: Admit your mistakes and do what you can to fix them. Ask how you can better yourself on the job and be honest with coworkers.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED: Respect company information and treat customers like royalty.

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Job Search Log Sheet

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To help you plan and track your job search strategy, use a

Job Search Log Sheet.

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JOB SEARCH LOG SHEET

DATE TIME CONTACT RESULTS___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Being unemployed is one of the most difficult times in your life and you have to work at keeping a positive attitude.

The following affirmation from the book Live and Be Free Thru PSYCH-CYBERNETICS (Maxwell Maltz, M.D., F.I.C.S., and Charles Schreiber, F.A.R.A.) can be a source of motivation for you.

Say it aloud with a positive and strong voice, to help you calm your fears and strengthen your self-confidence ……

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This is a beginning of a new day. I have been given this day to use as I will. What I do today is important because I am exchanging a new day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place whatever I have traded for it. I pledge to myself that it shall be for good, gain and success.

My thinking and my attitudes are calm and cheerful. I act and feel friendly toward other people. I am tolerant of other people, their shortcomings and their mistakes, and I view their actions with the most favourable understanding possible.

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I act as though attainment of my goals is sure to happen. I am the kind of confident individual I aspire to be, and everything I do and the way I feel expresses this individuality, self-confidence and enthusiasm.

I will not allow my thinking or my attitude to be affected by negativism or pessimism. I will try to smile as often as possible, at least several times a day.

I will respond in a calm and intelligent manner, without alarm, no matter what the situation. If I cannot control the situation, I will respond in a positive manner, even to negative facts.

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KEEP SMILING AND SUCCESS WILL

COME YOUR WAY!

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FORMS

Student Employment Record

Graduate Follow-up Information

Application Form

Worksheet for Resumes

Job Search Log Sheet