Caring less will reduce your job search stress. In other words, the less you give a damn, the happier you are The Greek Stoic philosopher Hecato once said: "Cease to hope, and you will cease to fear." You would be hard-pressed to think of an activity that combines hope and fear more messily than job…
Unfortunately, speaking the truth undermines your chances of winning For many reasons, such as 102 candidates running to become Toronto’s next mayor, the Toronto media is focused on the top six polling candidates: Ana Bailão Brad Bradford Josh Matlow Mark Saunders Mitzie Hunter Oliva Chow Because mainstream media is a profit-driven industry, like any other…
Focus on what you are good at while embracing lifelong learning Dear Class of 2023: Had my priorities been in order when I graduated, my career compass would have been: Love what you do. Love the people you do it with. Love what you leave behind. We live in a complicated world, especially when it…
Your value to an employer is not “This is what I have done.” Your value is, “This is what I will do for you” Are you having trouble getting employers to respond to your applications? If yes, then change your focus. Instead of highlighting your past experiences, consider what you can do for the employer.…
Gil read the room and decided he would not be another vanity candidate. He should be applauded “A man’s gotta know his limitations.” – Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry in Magnum Force (1973) Last Wednesday, Gil Penalosa, who finished second in last October’s Toronto mayoral election with 98,525 votes, announced he decided not to run…
Telling your career success stories effectively will significantly enhance your job search Almost every hire I have ever made resulted from my ability to relate to the candidate’s story. Solutions, right answers, and great ideas are as exciting as watching paint dry. On the other hand, who does not love risk-takers, plain talkers, and underdogs? For…
Don't be afraid to have fun with social media - show your true selves Campaigning for the Toronto mayoral by-election on June 26th is underway. As expected, candidate outreach through social media is becoming increasingly important. Do candidates no longer knock on doors and hold town halls? It is not a stretch to say that…
The last impression you make tends to linger How you end an interview is more important than how you began and performed throughout the interview, within reason, of course. Yes, making a great first impression is essential; however, the last impression you make tends to linger. As your interviewer is wrapping up your interview (e.g.,…
Send in the clowns Given the ever-increasing number of would-be candidates making pre-nomination announcements, it does not take a mathematical wizard to predict that whoever wins the upcoming Toronto mayoral by-election on Jun. 26 will have received at most 20 per cent of the votes. John Tory was not challenged by a notable candidate in…
Six simple ways you can create human connections This column will be a departure from my usual job-searching topics to focus on something crucial to a successful job search and your career momentum, especially when networking and interviewing: making human connections. Genuine human connections lead to positive energy exchange and trust building. Since most job…