If you thought LinkedIn was only an online resume, think again. It’s a great platform for building your personal brand and advancing your career. But do you need a personal brand if you’re employed? Absolutely. Whether you’re a freelancer or an employee, building a reputation with your network by sharing who you are and what…
I’m sure you have all been faced with the question of whether to work for a small firm, or go with the bigger well-known firm, at some point in your careers… It seems to be a common dilemma I have witnessed people dealing with and the decision-making process for such an important career path should…
When I started recruiting in the late 90s we were still posting jobs in newspapers and getting resumes faxed in. We would walk in every morning to a pile of resumes next to the fax machine, looking over each resume that came in and hoping that it was a good match for the jobs we…
Starting a new job always comes with a mix of emotions – lots of excitement, together with nerves about the unknown. First impressions do last, and there are certain things you can do from the start that will jump-start your success in a new role. Here is my list of top 10 things you can…
In these difficult times when so many in our industry are job searching and doing their best in the “new normal” I try to share as much information as I can to help. When Lindsay Sutherland Boal asked me to join her in a conversation about job searching as part of her COVID Chronicles Canada Series I…
During this COVID-19 time I have been getting lots of messages from people asking whether they should send resumes out or apply for jobs during these uncertain times. They feel embarrassed to be focusing on their own career and jobs during a time when people are so stressed. Some feel like no one is hiring…
It’s only natural to sometimes feel bored at work. Especially here in Canada, around this time of year – we are in the thick of winter and the holiday season is a distant memory, so we need to dig deep for that extra bit of motivation in the work space. My advice is to try…
It’s a new year and are you looking to start a new job? Or are you currently employed and keeping an eye out for something more interesting? Whether you’re actively looking for a new job or being passively open to new opportunities, it’s important to stay on top of things and present yourself professionally during…
We hope you had an amazing New Year’s Eve and Day. Did you make any resolutions or goals for 2019? I’m sure you will agree with me that it doesn’t take long for us to begin to forget those resolutions in the daily hum-drum. Career-related resolutions are some of the most common that people make. Unfortunately, they…
The stores are decorated; the smell of Gingerbread latte is in the air. Shopping lists, holiday events and family gatherings are on everyone’s mind. And what about your job search? The myth is that no one hires during the holidays so you might as well stop and take December off of your search. While some…
They say finding the right candidate to fill a job is like trying to find the needle in the haystack. So, when you’re applying for senior-level jobs, you need to make sure your resume stands out from the rest because you, inevitably, want to be that needle in the haystack that lands the job. How…
There is nothing worse than dreaming up and planning the perfect vacation, and then having work-related stress overwhelm your precious and well-deserved time off. Here are my top 7 tips for preparing your work life so the only thing you need to think about while on vacation is YOU. Let colleagues and clients know well…
How do you keep yourself educated and engaged in your profession? Networking events and seminars are great but there’s another way to get exposure to new ideas and thoughts on the many different facets of this industry that’s right at your fingertips, anytime you like. Podcasts about almost any topic imaginable are available on your…
I was checking a candidate’s references the other day and had the most difficult time getting through. I found myself “chasing down” one of the references who hadn’t heard from the candidate in 5 years. The result? Well, not the best reference. He had nothing bad to say about the candidate but because it’s been…
All that hard studying at school has finally paid off. Congratulations graduate! You’ve been offered your first official position in the Architecture & Design industry… but there are a few things you will need to know to help you start out right. Work is NOT like school. Surprised? We were too! But believe it or…
The luxury of multiple interviews at different times and locations may be severely complicated for some firms. Especially if the position the firm is trying to fill, the candidate is required to wear “multiple hats”. Queue the Panel Interview style. What is a Panel Interview? “The term panel interview is used to describe a technique that allows several…
Congratulations! You’ve heard back and scheduled that interview you’ve been dying for. You know… the one with that amazing studio you’ve been salivating over. The position is perfect for you, and you know that you’ll be great at it. Your portfolio is perfect. You’re all set and ready. One final hurdle that can trip up…
Everyone knows you need a well written resume. Spelling and grammar should be flawless. You can choose to show your jobs chronologically, in the traditional style, or showcase your skills in the functional kind. Specify your responsibilities, focus on accomplishments and be concise. Have you done of all of that? Great! You still could be…
If you don’t have an online portfolio yet…now is the time to create one! Online portfolios are a remarkably useful tool for you to showcase your work, achievements, potential and personality. When applying for jobs include a link to your online portfolio with your resume. You’re now a step ahead of your portfolio-less competition for…
An important part of the interviewing process is to show a genuine interest in the new role and the company. Most interviewers are influenced by the candidate’s ability to present themselves in an impressive manner, right from the start of the interview. Whether you are the type of person who naturally presents themselves confidently, or…
Since a resume is often times the first point of reference for a potential employer, it’s crucial that it truly reflects your talents, achievements, personality and style. Paying attention to some essential points, you can easily build it into something that really sets you apart from the other candidates. Here are my top tips for…
Fall is here and its time to get motivated and prepared for the busiest time of year when it comes to changing jobs. I encourage you to take the time now to prepare yourselves for the fall season, when companies reach their annual hiring peak. What can you do now so you can make the most of career opportunities…
Company culture is the personality of a firm. It’s an important factor is determining whether a new job is a good fit for you. So, I encourage you to take the time to do some digging inside the culture of a firm, to help make the decision on whether it’s the right environment for you…
Last week I interviewed a great candidate. This person has many years of experience managing projects and people. He’s also a great storyteller and was able to showcase his achievements with some very specific and interesting examples. So why did I come out of that interview exhausted and a little frustrated? This person was so…
Certain interview questions are easier to prepare for than others, and you can usually bank on certain typical interview questions being asked. One of the harder, yet common interview questions revolves around the topic of being a team player – especially in the design and architecture industry, as the nature of this industry is very collaborative, so…
Is doing a good job enough to stand out from the crowd? How can you, as a team member, working alongside other talented professionals shine and be noticed? One way to go beyond the limits of your job description is to identify a niche field that you are passionate about, and become THE expert in your company…
When preparing yourself for an interview, there is one important part that is often forgotten – you are there to ask questions too! This is your chance to find out if this is an organization you actually want to work for – you are interviewing the employer just as much as the employer is interviewing…
So many articles out there about having a mentor as one of the most important keys to success. I believe this is especially true in the early stages of your career, but is invaluable at just about any life stage. Mentors are usually a few (or many) years ahead in their career and life and…
If you’re an introvert you have to view Susan Cain’s TED talk about the Power of Introverts. In this passionate talk, Susan argues that introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated. It’s just under 20 minutes but worth every second. It will make you feel great about your beautiful…
I’m not talking about the “Once Upon a time…” kind of story here. (although if you have little kids that might be your forte). What I’m talking about are compelling career stories that bring to life the information on your resume and cover letter. Stories that provide examples and evidence to support your promise of…
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