NEADS CONFERENCE“Right On” Transition From School to WorkOttawa 2004

Clint DavisCo-Director, Diversity & Workplace EquityBMO Financial Group

Stephen McDonnellSenior Business Partner, Diversity & Workplace EquityBMO Financial Group

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Presentation Agenda

1. BMO Financial Group• What does BMO do?• What does BMO stand for?

2. Job Seeking – tips on how to prepare• Research the company• Craft the resume• The interview

3. Starting the job – build a successful career• Accommodation • Career Development• Perform, Perform, Perform

Research, Prepare, Develop

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BMO Business Activities

We can offer many financial services

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BMO’s Commitment

Task Force on the Employment of People with Disabilities

November 1992

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BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

The Perception

• People with disabilities can’t do the job

• Special treatment: cost too much

• People with disabilities are not suited for certain types of jobs

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BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

The Reality

• 80% of individual accommodations can be achieved at reasonable cost

• Research shows that people with disabilities do not take disproportionate amount of sick leave

• Technology improvements in workplace accommodation has broaden the range of available jobs

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BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

Recommendations

• Experiential Learning• Internships• Co-ops• Work Placements• Job Shadowing• Community Outreach• Partnerships

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• We care about our customers, shareholders, communities and each other.

• We draw our strength from the diversity of our people and our businesses.

• We insist upon respect for everyone and encourage all to have a voice.

• We keep our promises and stand accountable for our every action.

• We share information, learn and innovate to create consistently superior customer experiences.

BMO’s Commitment - Corporate Values

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Job Seeking - Research the Company

• Know the organization – what do they do and what do they stand for?

• If a public company, read the annual report• Read the corporate values – is there a

commitment to diversity?• Understand the organizational structure – who

are the executives?• Internet Research – any press coverage on the

company?• Do you know anyone who works at the company

– ask them lots of questions

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Job Seeking - The Resume

•The essential tool to market yourself

•It is an inventory of work-related experiences, skills, knowledge and achievements

•It must create a strong, positive impression and an accurate description of what you bring to an employment relationship

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Job Seeking - Effective Resumes

•Simple, clear and easy to read•Usually two pages•State objective and/or summary statement•Support activities and responsibilities with results and accomplishments•Begin sentences with action words•Keep the reader in mind

THERE SHOULD BE NO MISTAKES ON THE RESUME

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Job Seeking - Ineffective resumes

•Avoid making your resume a story of your life•Avoid the use of extraneous information that does not support your objective or summary•Avoid using “I” to begin a sentence•Avoid leaving gaps between employment dates•Try to focus on recent jobs•Don’t list your age, marital status, health or number of children

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Job Seeking - Success in a Resume

Education, Experience, Achievements• Level of Education• Practical Work Experience• Volunteer Experience• Leadership Skills• Awards and Recognition• Extra Curricular Activities

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Job Seeking – The Interview

It is a conversation with another individual who is interested in your skills, abilities and experiences to determine if they match a particular position.

You can also use the interview to determine if the position is right for you.

Make sure the interviewer is aware of any accommodations you may need

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Job Seeking - The Interview

The 4 Ps:

• Prepare – know your strong skills and abilities, strengths and weaknesses

• Participate – ask insightful questions• Practice – practice with a friend or colleague• Perception – first impressions are often lasting

impressions

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Job Seeking - The Interview

Steps to Help You Prepare:

•Know what you have to offer•Develop your proof•Decide what you will wear•Confirm the time, place, name and title of the interviewer•Take extra resume copies with you and job specific information.•Talk to your references

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Starting the Job - Accommodation

• Understand your boundaries around disclosure

• Articulate your accommodation needs- Ask for the tools you need- Focus on Ability not Disability – Companies want to hire on Ability!

• Workplace Accommodation at BMO

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Starting the Job - Orientation

• Learn the company’s culture and values• Ask for a tour of the facilities• Review relevant company literature – HR policies• Is it available in alternate format• Avoid information overload

”orientation is a process not a single event.”

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Starting the Job - Orientation

Your Role

• Active Participation• Prepare and Ask Questions• Get to know other team members• Be responsive• Be flexible• Network• Know what is expected of you

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Starting the Job - Career Development

Career development is all about:• Learning and growing • Common Goals• Independence• Self Sufficiency• The opportunity for you to achieve your full

potential

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Starting the Job - Career DevelopmentBe Proactive • talk to your manager and create a Career Development Plan

Get involved• establish networks – Diversity Councils• find a mentor

Perform, Perform, Perform• keep skills current• with manager, develop mutually agreeable expectations of key performance

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And in conclusion…

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Confusius

Questions?