Career and Job Search Help Blog

Free Resources for Project Management Certification

2025-09-18T17:23:37Z

Working in project management offers many potential benefits, from opening up new opportunities for career advancement to increasing your salary. It also gives you the chance to work with a wide range of stakeholders, hone your communication and problem-solving skills and develop a greater understanding of operations within an organization.

Prepare for your certification with free, self-paced courses and books. All you need is a library card.

What is project management?

Project management involves managing complex projects, from planning and budgeting to implementation and execution, to ensure projects are cost-effective and completed on time.

What training and experience do you need to work in this field?

When working in project management, you'll be expected to have a deep understanding of both technology and business processes. In addition to programming languages and software development methodologies, you have to understand how different teams collaborate. You also need excellent communication skills to effectively communicate with stakeholders throughout the entire process.

Project managers work directly with clients or customers. They are responsible for developing plans, managing budgets, scheduling tasks, assigning resources and ensuring deadlines are met. They are often responsible for leading teams through the life cycle of a project.

The benefits of getting certified in project management

Project management is a fast-growing field that can open doors for career advancement as well as higher salaries. It's a constantly evolving field due to technological advances and innovations. Getting certified in project management requires dedication and hard work, but it can really pay off.

Free project management courses

Your library card gives you free access to electronic resources to help you prepare for some of the most in-demand IT certification exams in project management.

Explore these resources to help you ace your IT certification exams. For a streamlined experience, sign into the O'Reilly Learning and/or LinkedIn Learning platforms before selecting the resources below. Best of luck!

Project management books

Project Management Professional (PMP) cert guide (2023)

PMP project management professional : practice tests (2021)

PMP Project Management Professional All-In-One Exam Guide (2021)

PMP: Project Management Professional Exam Study Guide, 10th Edition (2021)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® Exam Official Cert Guide (2023)

Mastering the New PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)' Exam (2023 Version) (2023)

CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management Practice Exams (2019)

This blog was written by TPL's Let's Learn Tech team.

Staying Positive While Job Searching

2025-09-18T17:23:23Z

Shenelle Payne Cuffy, one of our 2025 Career Coaches in Residences, shares tips for staying positive throughout your job search journey.

Job searching is like a rollercoaster. It's full of highs, lows and lots of unexpected twists. We might feel joy when offered an interview, anxiety during the process and disappointment after a rejection. These setbacks often bring self-doubt, low motivation, imposter syndrome and more. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—these feelings are a normal part of the journey. How we cope with them can shape our success, helping us build resilience throughout the job search.

Here are tips to help you maintain positivity while looking for a job:

Recognize your self-worth

Say this out loud to yourself: “Rejection is not a reflection of my self-worth." Your self-worth is determined by what you believe and the attributes you value about yourself—not by what anyone says about you or other external factors. Reflect on the strengths, abilities and experiences that make you feel confident. Use them to affirm your self-worth.

View failure as an opportunity to learn

There are many reasons why you might be rejected during a job search. Use this rejection to learn how you can improve. For example, after an interview, reflect on your performance and ask the hiring manager for feedback. Embracing and adopting feedback will help you get one step closer to passing your next interview.

Challenge negative beliefs

It is easy to fall into the habit of thinking negatively about ourselves. When you notice these thoughts, pause and question their validity: Why do I have these thoughts? What evidence supports them to be true? You may realize how easily negative beliefs take hold. Recognizing this gives you the chance to replace them with more positive, empowering ones.

Focus on your strengths and unique qualities

Take time to reflect on your strengths and unique qualities. Each of us has something valuable to offer the world. It’s up to us to recognize and highlight these qualities every time we apply for a role. By focusing on your strengths, you’ll naturally bring more positivity to the process.

Use your professional network

When it comes to job searching, community is key. Lean on your network—they can offer wisdom, encouragement and insights to keep you hopeful. They may also connect you with industry contacts or job search resources specific to your field. There’s no shame in the process. Your professional network can help light the way forward.

Talk to family and friends

Job searching can be tough, so it’s important to lean on your personal network to share your feelings. Your family and friends know you well and can provide a safe, non-judgmental space for extra support.

Seek professional support

Resources are essential during this time. Professionals in helping fields—like career coaches and therapists—can offer up-to-date advice to support both your professional and personal growth. Their guidance can boost your confidence and equip you with practical tools for navigating career transitions.

Moments of self care

Make time for yourself and engage in activities that bring you joy. Even a short break from job searching can lift your spirits. Caring for your well-being helps refresh your mind and strengthens your ability to stay positive.

As job seekers, it's important to remember that we hold power—the power to build self-esteem, to view feedback and rejection as opportunities for growth, and to stay motivated throughout the process. Embracing this mindset brings us one step closer to the job we’re working toward.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors:

RBC Foundation

Meet our Latest Career Coaches in Residence

2025-09-18T17:23:28Z

Our Career Coaches in Residence program offers free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29. The spring session runs until June 2025. Coaches are available to answer questions about career and job help, resumes and cover letters, preparing for job interviews or general career advice. We had a chance to catch up with the coaches and ask them a few questions.

This session's career coaches (L to R): Jonathan Kwan, Shenelle Payne Cuffy and Sangeetha Dikshit

Sangeetha and Jonathan, welcome to the program! You are our newest career coaches. What are you most looking forward to as a career coach for TPL?

Sangeetha: Thank you for the warm welcome! I am excited to support youth job seekers with career exploration and career development. This includes resume review, job search and networking strategies, and interview preparation. I aim to help my clients gain clarity and confidence in their career advancement.

Jonathan: Having recently returned to Toronto after living abroad for 15 years, I am really looking forward to reconnecting with my hometown. Being a career coach for TPL means I will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the city, learn a little bit about their story and, hopefully, provide a little help with their career journey.

How did you find your way to becoming a career coach?

Jonathan: The seed was planted when I was at university and volunteered to be a Student Career Advisor, helping peers 1-on-1 with their resumes. But it was not until years later at grad school when I helped friends with their career transition that I realized this was something I enjoyed and was good at.

Sangeetha: How I wish I had the guidance of a career coach whenever I lacked clarity or needed help with my resume! In many ways, not having the support I needed the most, especially as a young job seeker, inspired me to be that person for others. Thus began my journey in career coaching.

What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?

Sangeetha: I would highly recommend James Clear's Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. He delves into the power of small, consistent actions, providing a framework for personal and professional growth through habit formation.

Jonathan: My number one recommendation is an oldie but a goodie: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. The original version was written almost 90 years ago, but everyone still talks about it today. The fact that his insights about human behaviour still ring true today, despite the fact that life has changed tremendously in 90 years, totally blows my mind!

Shenelle, welcome back to the program!

What qualities do you think a career coach should have and what would you say is your greatest quality as a career coach.

A career coach is a valuable resource for anyone seeking guidance and clarity about their career path. A skilled coach should be able to offer expert knowledge, personalized strategies and a fresh perspective to help individuals navigate their professional journeys. Career coaches should possess qualities such as active listening, a client-centered approach and a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence to understand the needs of job seekers in order to provide emotional support and encouragement.

I think my greatest quality as a career coach is that I have a deep commitment to helping others succeed. This has been the foundational basis for me, as it enables me to actively listen, create non-judgmental safe spaces and develop meaningful connections with the job seekers I support in order to empower them to achieve their career goals. I deeply enjoy my work and my commitment to helping others motivates me to support job seekers in every way that I can.

Which TPL resource do you recommend the most to participants?

The TPL resource I recommend the most to participants is LinkedIn Learning. It's great for learning the latest knowledge and skills, both technical and interpersonal. Courses can be industry specific or focus on broader skills that are needed for all industries such as communication, leadership and problem solving. LinkedIn Learning is a great way for job seekers to increase their skills while learning at their own pace.

The courses are flexible, so you can choose how deep you want to explore each topic. Once you complete a course, you can add it to your LinkedIn profile, showing employers and your network that your skills are current. I always recommend job seekers add these courses to their resumes as well because it’s a fantastic way to highlight your commitment to growth, set yourself apart from other candidates and address any gaps in your work history. And the best part? LinkedIn Learning is free with your library card and available anytime, so you can learn whenever it is most convenient for you.

Book a one-on-one appointment with Sangeetha, Jonathan or Shenelle. Also, be sure to check out the workshops and programs coaches will facilitate during this session.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors:

and RBC Foundation.

Free Resources for Networking & Infrastructure Certification

2025-09-18T17:23:29Z

A career in networking and infrastructure requires specialized knowledge, so pursuing an IT certification can be beneficial for anyone interested in this field.

Prepare for your certification with free, self-paced courses and books. All you need is a library card.

What is networking and infrastructure?

Networking and infrastructure involves building, maintaining and managing networks that enable organizations to efficiently communicate and store data.

What training and experience do you need to work in this field?

Professionals who specialize in networking and infrastructure are responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining computer networks. It is important to have a thorough understanding of networking principles and protocols to design systems that are scalable, secure and cost-effective without sacrificing performance or quality. It's also essential to stay up-to-date on current trends and technologies.

The benefits of getting certified in networking and infrastructure

The field of networking and infrastructure is constantly evolving, with new technologies being developed every day. Having up-to-date certifications demonstrates that you are knowledgeable about current and future technologies.

Whether you're looking to land your first job or advance your career, getting certified in networking and infrastructure is beneficial for anyone considering this field.

Free networking and infrastructure courses

Your library card gives you free access to electronic resources to help you prepare for some of the most in-demand IT certification exams in networking and infrastructure.

Explore these free resources to help you ace your IT certification exams. For a streamlined experience, sign into the O'Reilly Learning and/or LinkedIn Learning platforms before selecting the resources below. Best of luck!

CompTIA Network+

Practice Exam 1 for CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Practice Exam 2 for CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Practice Exam 3 for CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Practice Exam 4 for CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

CompTIA Network+ (N10-009) Crash Course (O'Reilly Learning, 2024)

Information Technology Infrastructure Library

Information technology infrastructure library certifications (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

Cisco Certified Network Associate

Prepare for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA, 200-301) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

Cisco Certified Network Professional

CCNP and CCIE Enterprise Core ENCOR 350-401, 2nd Edition (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Prepare for the Cisco CCNP ENCOR v1.1 (350-401) Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure Foundation (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

Networking and infrastructure books

CompTIA Network+ study guide: Exam N10-009 (2024)

CompTIA Network+ practice tests: Exam N10-009 (2024)

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1 (2024)

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 2 (2025)

Acing the CCNA Exam, Volume 1 (2024)

Acing the CCNA Exam, Volume 2 (2024)

CCNP and CCIE Security Core SCOR 350-701 exam cram (2024)

This blog was written by TPL's Let's Learn Tech team.

Free Resources for Compliance & Security Certification

2025-09-18T17:23:39Z

Getting certified in IT compliance and security can open doors for job seekers looking to work in an exciting and ever-evolving industry. IT professionals who specialize in this area often enjoy good pay, job stability, interesting challenges, career advancement opportunities and the ability to stay on top of the latest technologies.

With a growing demand for compliance and security professionals due to an increase in cybercrime across various industries, there has never been a better time to obtain certification in this field.

Prepare for your certification with free, self-paced courses and books. All you need is a library card.

What is compliance and security?

Compliance and security helps companies protect their data from cyber threats while adhering to various laws and regulations.

What training and experience do you need to work in this field?

Working in the field of compliance and security involves a broad range of responsibilities, including ethical hacking, security management and systems auditing.

Ethical hackers use their knowledge of coding, programming, networking and legal regulations to test systems for vulnerabilities. They then determine how these weaknesses could be exploited by malicious actors and recommend making changes before any damage can be done.

Security managers oversee all aspects of information security within organizations. They create policies and procedures to ensure data safety and regulatory compliance.

Systems auditors evaluate systems against industry standards. They may also assess system performance and suggest improvements.

Benefits of certifying in compliance & security

Getting certified in compliance and security shows employers that you’re up-to-date on current security trends and technologies. There are many specialized certification options in this field, allowing you to really stand out when looking for jobs.

Free compliance and security courses

Your library card gives you free access to electronic resources to help prepare you for some of the most in-demand IT certification exams in compliance and security.

Certified Cloud Security Professional

Prepare for the (ISC)² Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional Preparation (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Certified Ethical Hacker

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v.12 (O’Reilly Learning, 2024)

Become an Ethical Hacker (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control

Prepare for the Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

CRISC: Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (O’Reilly, 2024)

Certified Information Security Manager

Prepare for the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) (O’Reilly Learning, 2024)

Certified Information Systems Auditor

CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor (O’Reilly, 2024)

Prepare for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2021)

Certified Information System Security Professional

Prepare for the ISC2 Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional – CISSP (O’Reilly, 2024)

CISSP Crash Course (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

CompTIA Security+

Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Certification (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 (O’Reilly, 2023)

CompTIA Security+ Certification (SY0-701): The Total Course (O’Reilly, 2023)

Compliance and security books

CCSP certified cloud security professional exam guide (2023)

(ISC)2 CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional: official practice tests (2022)

(ISC)2 CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional: official study guide (2022)

CEH v12 certified ethical hacker study guide (2023)

CEH certified ethical hacker exam cram (2022)

CEH certified ethical hacker practice exams (2022)

CRISC certified in risk and information systems control exam guide (2022)

CISM Certified Information Security Manager exam guide (2022)

CISM certified information security manager practice exams (2023)

CISM certified information security manager study guide (2022)

CISA: certified information systems auditor practice exams (2020)

CISSP Passport (2023)

CISSP study guide, 4th ed. (2023/2022)

CISSP exam certification companion: 1000+ practice questions and expert strategies for passing the CISSP Exam (2023)

CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, 9th ed. (2022/2023)

CompTIA Security+ Practice Tests: Exam SY0-701 (2024)

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Exam Cram (2024)

CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 Cert Guide (2024)

CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-701 (2023/2024)

This blog was written by TPL's Let's Learn Tech team.

Free Resources for Cloud Technology Certification

2025-09-18T17:23:41Z

With the growing demand for cloud technology, there’s never been a better time to get certified in this field. If you’re looking to be part of an exciting, rapidly-growing industry that boasts a variety of roles, a career in cloud technology might be for you.

Prepare for your certification with free, self-paced courses and books. All you need is a library card.

What is cloud technology?

Cloud technology is a type of computing that relies on virtualization. It uses remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage and process data. This allows organizations to access applications and data from anywhere at any time.

Cloud technology is vital for companies that need to collaborate with remote teams or access data from multiple locations. By taking advantage of cloud technology, businesses can save money by cutting down on hardware costs and streamlining operations.

What training and experience do you need to work in this field?

Working in cloud technology requires technical know-how and experience with different types of systems and applications.

You may be responsible for developing new projects from the ground up or maintaining existing ones by troubleshooting problems or adding new features. Also, depending on the position you hold, you may collaborate with development or support teams to ensure that all aspects of a project are running smoothly and efficiently.

Having an understanding of security protocols is an asset since cloud computing involves storing sensitive online data.

Benefits of certifying in cloud technology

Getting certified in cloud technology is a great way to further your career prospects and gain valuable experience working with cutting-edge technologies. Cloud technology is important for businesses looking for cost savings and operational efficiency.

Free cloud technology resources

Your library card gives you free access to electronic resources to help prepare you for the exams for some of the most in-demand IT certifications in cloud technology.

Explore these free resources to help you ace your IT certification exams. Best of luck!

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified: Cloud Practitioner

Learning Path: Prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01: Exam and Beyond (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

AWS Certified: Solutions Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) (O’Reilly Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

Prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) Certification (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02)(O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Prepare for the Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification by Microsoft Press (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Learning Path: Prepare for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification Course (O’Reilly Learning, 2022)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect

Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) Cert Prep: Design Infrastructure Solutions (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Google Cloud Certified: Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Cert Prep: 1 Designing and Planning a Cloud Solution Architecture (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Google Cloud Certified: Associate Cloud Engineer

Google Cloud Platform – Associate Cloud Engineer (O’Reilly Learning, 2024)

Prepare for the Google Cloud PLatform Associate Cloud Engineer Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization

VCP-DCV for vSphere 7.x (O'Reilly Learning, 2024)

Prepare for the VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization (VPC-DCV) Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Cloud technology books

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide with 500 Practice Test Questions (2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam guide (SAP-C02) (2024)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) Cert Guide (2023)

Google Cloud Certified Professional Architect: Study Guide (2022)

Google Cloud Certified: Associate Cloud Engineer (2023)

Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer Certification and implementation guide (2023)

Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer Study Guide, 2nd Edition (ebook, O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

This blog was written by TPL's Let's Learn Tech team.

Being Your True Self in Developing Your Career

2024-11-25T12:42:21Z

Shenelle Payne Cuffy, one of our 2024 Career Coaches in Residence, shares how being true to ourselves can help create stronger professional relationships and opportunities.

Consider this scenario: you come across a job opportunity that really excites you. It includes all the responsibilities you are looking for, and you meet most of the qualifications. As you begin to customize your resume and cover letter to apply for the role, a question comes into your mind: “Am I truly comfortable sharing this experience, skill or personal attribute with a potential employer?” This thought prompts you to reflect on how your experiences shape your professional identity. You might start to consider how potential employers might perceive you based on the information you choose to share.

This is a common concern job seekers have, especially in today’s competitive job market. With many job seekers vying for the same role, we might consider adapting to mainstream culture and societal norms in order to increase our chances of finding employment. This can present itself in various ways, including downplaying our qualifications to avoid coming across as overqualified or misrepresenting our educational background. It might also involve altering non-traditional names to sound more conventional, omitting culturally specific experiences or skills like language fluency or not disclosing accommodations we need in the hiring process.

While these strategies may seem like a way to reduce the risk of discrimination, it is important that we challenge this notion and explore the potential long-term implications. Is hiding our identity really what we want to achieve? Embracing our authenticity can lead to more fulfilling and supportive work environments, positively impact the work we do and ultimately benefit ourselves and our employers.

Authenticity is being real and genuine about the person we are, which influences our self-image and how others perceive us. In career development, authenticity enables us to navigate our career paths without hiding parts of ourselves. It leads us to greater self-awareness, helping us understand our interests, strengths and areas for improvement—all leading to a more fulfilling career. By being authentic, we pursue opportunities that resonate with us and reduce the internal pressure to conform to others' expectations. This allows for a more comfortable and confident approach to career development.

To prospective and current employers, being true to ourselves allows others to see our character and our values. This allows meaningful connections to grow by setting a foundation of trust and consistency. If others have a better understanding of what skills we bring, our values and unique characteristics, they are more likely to connect with us on a deeper level. This can lead to stronger relationships and collaborative opportunities that align with our shared goals and aspirations.

Here are some practical tips to increase your level of authenticity while starting out in your career:

• Write a resume that reflects your unique skills, experiences and education. Highlight attributes that set you apart from other candidates.

• Write a cover letter that speaks to the values you hold as an individual. Demonstrate how these values influence how you show up as an employee and how they will contribute to the culture of the organization.

• Ask friends, colleagues, past managers or mentors about what skills or characteristics you possess that contribute to your uniqueness.

• During an interview, demonstrate your level of self-awareness: be honest about your experiences, skills and areas that you are working to improve.

• Ask questions during interviews to determine if the position and company is a right fit for you. Do your personal values in align with the company’s?

• Build your brand through LinkedIn. Write posts and comment on articles that resonate with you. Share your successes and your challenges as well.

• Attend networking events that align with your goals. You are more likely to make better connections with people who have similar interests.

Consider taking small steps now to embrace your authentic self. Each choice you make can lead to greater confidence, fulfillment and meaningful connections in your career.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.

Career Pivoting and Upskilling: How to Stay Ahead in the Workforce

2024-11-07T08:38:46Z

Kadine Cooper, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares her tips and strategies for making a career shift.

In today’s job market, career pivots and upskilling have become essential strategies for staying competitive. Whether driven by a desire for a fresh start, industry changes or the need for new challenges, making a career transition or enhancing your skills can open new doors.

What is career pivoting?

Career pivoting involves shifting to a new role or industry that leverages your existing skills while allowing you to develop new ones. For example, you might be working in marketing but feel drawn to data analysis. A pivot could mean moving into data science. It is about using what you have learned in a new way.

Career pivots are on the rise due to:

Technological advances – new roles are emerging while some jobs become obsolete
Job dissatisfaction – more people seek meaning and fulfillment in their work
Personal growth – professionals often crave new challenges and opportunities

What is upskilling?

Upskilling focuses on acquiring new skills to stay competitive in your current field or advance your career. It can involve mastering new technical skills such as software or programming, or enhancing soft skills like leadership or communication.

Upskilling is crucial for staying relevant, adapting to industry changes and positioning yourself for promotions or new opportunities. Employers value employees who show a commitment to continuous learning.

Why career pivoting and upskilling are important

The job market is evolving rapidly. Automation, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping industries, leading to the emergence of new jobs while others fade away. By pivoting to a new field or upskilling within your current one, you can future-proof your career.

Pivoting allows you to explore growing sectors with more opportunities, while upskilling ensures you do not fall behind as your industry evolves. Both strategies help you stay ahead and maintain a competitive edge.

How to start a career pivot

Pivoting your career requires careful planning. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Assess your skills and interests
Identify what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. Reflect on the parts of your current role that fulfill you and explore industries that excite you.
Research new roles or industries
Look into the skills needed in your desired field. Read job descriptions, follow industry trends, and understand what it takes to succeed.
Leverage transferable skills
Skills such as communication, problem solving, and project management are valuable across many industries. Highlight these in your pivot.
Network
Connect with professionals already in your interested field. Networking can provide insights and open doors to opportunities.
Be willing to start over
A career pivot may involve starting at a lower level or accepting a pay cut to gain experience. Stay patient and persistent.

How to upskill effectively

Upskilling does not have to be overwhelming. Here is how to get started:

Identify the skills you need
Determine which skills are in demand in your field. Are there new technologies or methods you need to learn?
Take online courses
Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera and Udemy offer courses on virtually any skill. Choose those that align with your career goals. Access LinkedIn Learning with your Toronto Public Library card.
Attend workshops and conferences
Industry events are great for learning new skills and networking with other professionals. Check out the Career and Job Search programs listings at the library.
Seek feedback
Ask your supervisor or colleagues for feedback on areas to improve. This can help you focus your upskilling efforts.
Practice consistently
Upskilling requires ongoing effort. Regular practice ensures your new skills become second nature.

Whether you are pivoting to a new career or upskilling in your current one, both paths offer the chance to rejuvenate your professional life. You will gain access to new opportunities, enhance job security, and find greater satisfaction in your work. By embracing change and committing to continuous learning, you can navigate any career shift successfully and stay ahead in the ever-changing job market.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.

Achieving Career Success in Canada

2024-09-25T09:12:52Z

Career Coach in Residence Tinu Olawuyi shares her tips and strategies for starting your career in Canada.

Securing a job that matches your experience as a newcomer can be challenging. It is crucial not to lose hope or overlook the transferable skills you gained from your previous employment. When applying for a job in Canada, you should emphasize any prior skills related to the position.

There are options available for those looking to get practical experience before integrating into the Canadian employment landscape. Many organizations, including hospitals, community centres and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), rely on volunteers daily. This can be an excellent way to break into the Canadian labour market.

Volunteering allows you to build long-term relationships and broaden your network. An organization could eventually hire you for a paid position or be a reference. Volunteer experience demonstrates community involvement and can help build confidence. Work experience does not only need to be paid, it can also be unpaid. No job is too small!

While looking for employment in your preferred field, you could benefit from accepting roles requiring less experience. Never look down on a job, as you can gain transferrable skills and professional experience. Having no Canadian experience does not mean you have no experience! Let your potential employer know what you bring to the table.

Confidence is key and proficiency in a foreign language is always an asset. Feel free to incorporate this in your resume. The ability to communicate in multiple languages is something that will be valued by an employer, particularly if the company is multilingual. The most significant barrier that stands in the way of your professional success is always you. Believe that you can accomplish it and make use of every resource that is at your disposal.

Discuss your career goals

Book a free, one-on-one appointment or join a workshop with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Tinu Olawuyi, 2024 Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.

Meet our new Career Coaches in Residence

2024-08-06T10:24:46Z

Our Career Coaches in Residence provides free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29. From now until November 2024, career coaches Kadine Cooper, Tinu Olawuyi and Shenelle Payne Cuffy are available to provide expert advice about career planning, resume building, interviewing, negotiating and other career decisions. We had a chance to catch up with the coaches and ask them a few questions.

This session's career coaches L to R: Kadine Cooper, Tinu Olawuyi, and Shenelle Payne Cuffy

Interview with Shenelle Payne Cuffy

Shenelle, welcome to the program! You are our newest career coach. What are you most looking forward to as a career coach for TPL?

I am excited to be part of this program to help support youth in developing the skills needed for career fulfillment and success. My goal is to share my experience in career development to assist youth in defining, pursuing, and achieving their career and employment goals. I am also excited about learning from the participants. I find today’s youth are full of unique ideas and perspectives!

How did you become a career coach?

As a youth, I gained valuable experience working with people and knew I wanted my career to involve this aspect. After university, I enrolled in a post-graduate college program but realized it was not right for me. I had a part-time job working in the college’s career services office and developed enough courage to mention my concerns about my program not being the right fit to the staff there. They suggested the college's career development practitioner program, which seemed like a good fit for me. With nothing to lose, I applied and got in. Since then, I have been a career development practitioner with close to 20 years of experience working with diverse job seekers. I deeply enjoy my work and always strive to empower others to discover meaningful opportunities.

What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?

Starting out on your career journey requires developing habits that set you up for success. I would recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear, which offers valuable insights applicable to career development.

Interview with Kadine Cooper

Kadine, as a returning coach, what tips do you have for a young person to prepare for a career coaching session?

I'm excited to return to the program. Here are my top five tips to prepare for your coaching session:

Set clear goals: Before your session, think about what you want to achieve. Having specific goals in mind will help you and your coach focus on what matters most to you.
Be open and honest: Coaching is most effective when you are transparen't about your challenges, strengths, and aspirations. Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings openly with your coach.
Prepare questions and topics: Think about questions you want to ask and topics you want to cover during your session. This could include career aspirations, skill development, overcoming obstacles, or seeking advice on specific situations.
Reflect on previous sessions: If you have had previous coaching sessions, review your notes and reflect on the progress you have made. Consider what strategies worked well and where you might need additional support.
Stay open-minded: Be ready to receive feedback and consider new perspectives. Your coach might challenge you to think differently or try new approaches. Embrace this as an opportunity for growth.

What is your favourite TPL resource to recommend?

LinkedIn Learning is a great resource I often recommend.

Interview with Tinu Olawuyi

Tinu, what qualities do you think a career coach should have, and what would you say is your greatest quality as a career coach?

A career coach should have the following qualities:

Be a great listener
Be empathetic
Have the ability to probe and ask open-ended questions
Be able to empower their clients to discover their strengths and interests
Be able to provide tools and resources to support and aid their clients’ career development

As a career coach, I work collaboratively with my clients to explore, reflect on, and assess their strengths, interests, and passions. I help identify gaps in skills or education and provide the right tools, resources, referrals, and necessary information needed to achieve and thrive in their desired career.

Which TPL resource do you recommend the most?

I often recommend the Career Cruising assessment tool to help my clients assess their strengths and interests, and provide them with information regarding various career paths. This tool helps individuals who are still at the exploration phase of their career journey.

Book an appointment and join our workshops

Book a one-on-one appointment with Kadine, Tinu or Shenelle. Also, be sure to check out the workshops and programs our career coaches are offering. Have questions? Email us at ccir@tpl.ca

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.

Access Free Resources to Help You Certify in Cloud Technology

2024-05-02T09:06:35Z

Prepare for your certification with free, self-paced courses and books. All you need is a library card.

What is cloud technology?

What training and experience do you need to work in this field?

Working in cloud technology requires technical know-how and experience with different types of systems and applications.

Having an understanding of security protocols is an asset since cloud computing involves storing sensitive online data.

Benefits of certifying in cloud technology

Free cloud technology resources

Your library card gives you free access to electronic resources to help prepare you for the exams for some of the most in-demand IT certifications in cloud technology.

Explore these free resources to help you ace your IT certification exams. Best of luck!

Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified: Cloud Practitioner

Learning Path: Prepare for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C02) Certification Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner CLF-C01: Exam and Beyond (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

AWS Certified: Solutions Architect

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) (O’Reilly Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) (O'Reilly Learning, 2022)

Prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (SAA-C03) Certification (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional (SAP-C02)(O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals

Prepare for the Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification by Microsoft Press (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Learning Path: Prepare for the Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification (LinkedIn Learning, 2024)

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) Certification Course (O’Reilly Learning, 2022)

Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect

Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305) Cert Prep: Design Infrastructure Solutions (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Google Cloud Certified: Professional Cloud Architect

Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect Cert Prep: 1 Designing and Planning a Cloud Solution Architecture (LinkedIn Learning, 2023)

Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Architect (O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

Google Cloud Certified: Associate Cloud Engineer

Google Cloud Platform – Associate Cloud Engineer (O’Reilly Learning, 2024)

Prepare for the Google Cloud PLatform Associate Cloud Engineer Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization

VCP-DCV for vSphere 7.x (O'Reilly Learning, 2024)

Prepare for the VMware Certified Professional: Data Center Virtualization (VPC-DCV) Exam (LinkedIn Learning, 2022)

Cloud technology books

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Study Guide with 500 Practice Test Questions (2023)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional exam guide (SAP-C02) (2024)

AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate (SAA-C03) Cert Guide (2023)

Google Cloud Certified Professional Architect: Study Guide (2022)

Google Cloud Certified: Associate Cloud Engineer (2023)

Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer Certification and implementation guide (2023)

Google Cloud Certified Associate Cloud Engineer Study Guide, 2nd Edition (ebook, O'Reilly Learning, 2023)

This blog was written by TPL's Let's Learn Tech team.

The Right Strategy and Mindset for a Successful Job Search

2023-08-09T16:28:30Z

Amanda Armstrong, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares her tips and strategies for a successful job search.

We deserve an amazing job that makes us feel happy, healthy and fulfilled. We deserve an amazing job that we are excited and passionate about. We deserve an amazing job with an incredible employer who shares our values. We deserve an amazing job with our dream boss, dream team, and an excellent salary.

Most of us have been in at least one or two toxic, terrible or low paying jobs. Most of us have settled — or had to settle — for jobs that are less than our dream job and less than what we deserve. There are lots of reasons for this: we don't know how to land our dream job, we're under societal or familial pressure, we experience bias or discrimination (just to name a few).

Instead of settling for a job that is less than what you deserve, focus on improving your job search strategy, your job applications, and your networking and interviewing skills so you can land the best possible job out there!

We have the power

There are many vacant jobs in Canada right now. There is no shortage of opportunity out there. Most of us spend about 40 hours — or more! — at our jobs every single week. So we should be picky about which jobs we apply for, which jobs we interview for and who we choose to spend our time, energy, skills and talents with.

Job search strategy and mindset

Many of those vacant jobs out there will not be your dream job. The strategy is to find your top 10-20 dream job postings and turn those into job offers.

The goal is to end up with multiple offers and the best possible job opportunity for ourselves.

Dreams jobs do exist

I have personally landed 15+ dream jobs that I absolutely loved, including full-time, part-time, volunteer, internships, contracts and consultancies. They were jobs that I was extremely passionate about, jobs that made a positive impact in the world, and eventually, jobs with great salaries and benefits. I have worked with hundreds of people all over the world who have successfully landed their dream job as well. You can, too.

Job search goals

1. Job applications

A good goal is to apply to three high quality job postings each week. Apply to dream jobs only. Quality over quantity.

Say NO to the hundreds of thousands of opportunities out there that are not your dream job.

Do not waste your valuable time on job applications and opportunities that are not good enough for you.

2. Networking

Fill your calendar with coffee chats, events and opportunities to connect and meet with like-minded folks, organizations and industry professionals. Aim for five engagements each week.

Follow up on every single job and opportunity that you are interested in exploring. Mention the unique value that you bring to the table, how passionate you are about building your career and request a brief call or a coffee chat.

The ultimate goal is to land a meeting, coffee chat or informational interview and ultimately, a formal interview.

3. Success

Aim for a success rate of 30%. This means for every three job applications that you submit, you should get at least one interview. For every three interviews you do, you should get at least one job offer.

If you are not seeing these results, there are ways to improve your resume, cover letter, and networking and interviewing skills. Check out the library's Job & Career Help page for a list of resources to help with your job search.

From job applications to interviews, and from interviews to offers, I have received between a 30% to 100% success rate. You deserve the same results! You deserve a job that you love. A job with passion, purpose and financial freedom. A job that you are excited about because you have an amazing boss, a dream team, great work/life balance and a wonderful salary.

Opportunities are out there waiting for you. Be patient, stay committed to your goal and do not give up!

Would you like to discuss your career goals? Book a free, one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Amanda Armstrong, 2023 Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Ted Rogers Community Grants.

How to Write Your Best Resume

2023-06-30T16:42:02Z

Esther Shin, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares her resume writing tips.

Making a good first impression with your resume is vital, especially since hiring managers only look at resumes for six to eight seconds while deciding whether to invite the candidate for an interview. So, you need to make a great sales pitch on your resume.

When employers hire new employees, they are searching for a candidate with a specific set of "features" (knowledge, skills and attributes) required for the job. Similarly, if you plan to make a big purchase, such as a car, you will likely look for specific features that fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether it is a sporty, electric or family-friendly vehicle, you will move forward with the option that delivers the best features for you. Your resume must convince the employer that you have the relevant qualifications (features), and whether this makes you the right candidate for the job.

As you write your resume and cover letter, consider the following:

Show the value you bring to the role

To make a good sales pitch for a job, your resume needs to show "why" employers should hire you by explaining the value you can add to the role rather than "what" tasks you can perform. The best way to demonstrate the value you bring to the table is by sharing your past successes and the results you delivered in your previous roles. To do this, ask yourself the following questions using the CAR method:

Challenge: What was the existing problem?

Action: How did you resolve this issue?

Results: What result did you deliver? (quantifiable results, achievements, outcomes)

Turn your tasks into accomplishments

Rather than listing every task you completed in your resume, include your accomplishments by using the following formula to highlight the value added to your previous roles:

Accomplishment statement = impactful action verb + describe the task + highlight the results

Here are examples of two accomplishment statements:

• Processed accounts payable and receivable, prepared accounting reports, and investigated and resolved account discrepancies.
• Reduced reconciliation discrepancies by 40% through better QuickBooks use.

Take the time to tailor every resume you submit

Demonstrate to the employer that you match the essential qualifications (knowledge, skills and attributes) they are looking for. Scan for keywords in the job posting and provide examples of your skills and knowledge in your resume. Just like the analogy of purchasing a car, you need to show the employer that you possess the "features" that are required for the job.

Additionally, use the same keywords posted in the job posting in your resume to ensure that you demonstrate you are fit for the role. This is especially important if the employer is using an applicant tracking system to scan resumes to flag candidates who match the requirements listed in the job posting.

Your resume is not your life story

Of course, everyone should be proud of all of their accomplishments, experiences, and educational achievements. However, one of the biggest mistakes that applicants make when writing their resume is placing the focus on themselves rather than the employer. So, get into the habit of asking yourself, "So what?" after writing every line on your resume. Is this relevant to the role, and does this help me to show my relevant skills and knowledge? The focus of your resume should be on what you can do for the employer in a concise and direct manner. Sometimes less is more, especially when the goal is to impress the employer within a few seconds that they will take to scan your resume.

For more support, check out the resume lab on Brainfuse! Submit your resume and receive feedback from a Brainfuse career coach or get live help from a Brainfuse instructor. Free with your library card.

Would you like to discuss your career goals? Book a free, one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Esther Shin, 2023 Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.

Tips for Achieving Career Clarity

2023-06-12T08:57:52Z

Kadine Cooper, one of the Career Coaches in Residence, shares her tips for getting career clarity.

Career clarity is an essential aspect of career development that is often overlooked. Understanding your strengths, interests, values and skills is necessary for choosing a career that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Without career clarity, it is easy to feel lost and uncertain about the direction of your career.

Here are ways to achieve career clarity.

Identify your strengths

Take the time to reflect on your strengths and talents. What are things you're good at? What comes naturally to you? What do others compliment you on? Identifying your strengths can help you understand what you bring to the table and what kind of work in which you would excel.

Determine your interests

Think about the things that you are passionate about. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What subjects that fascinate you? What type of work would you find meaningful? Understanding your interests can help you find a fulfilling and enjoyable career.

Define your values

Your values are the principles that guide your decision-making. What is important to you? What do you stand for? What motivates you? Knowing your values can help you find a career that aligns with your beliefs and priorities.

Assess your skills

Think about the skills that you have developed through education, training and work experience. What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What skills would you like to develop? Knowing your skills can help you find a career that allows you to use your strengths and develop new ones.

Research career options

Once you better understand your strengths, interests, values and skills, research different career options. Talk to people in different fields, read about different professions and attend career fairs. Look for careers that align with your strengths, interests, values and skills. I often recommend Career Cruising to my clients. It is a great resource with career profiles and links to relevant Canadian college and university programs.

Get feedback

Getting feedback from others can be a valuable tool for achieving career clarity. Talk to friends, family, mentors, and colleagues about your strengths, interests, values and skills. Ask for their input on potential career paths.

Seek professional help

If you are still struggling to find clarity about your career, consider seeking professional help. A career counselor or coach can help you identify your strengths, interests, values, and skills, and guide you in finding a career that aligns with them.

Career clarity is essential for finding a fulfilling and rewarding career. By taking the time to identify your strengths, interests, values, and skills, researching different career options, and seeking feedback and professional help, you can achieve career clarity, and find a career that you love and aligns with your goals and aspirations.

Would you like to discuss your career goals? Book a free, one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Kadine Cooper, 2023 Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.

How to Make Your Dream Job a Reality

2023-02-24T15:02:21Z

Kadine Cooper, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares tips on making your dream job a reality.

At some point in your life, it is common to dream of something bigger and better when it comes to your career. No matter how comfortable a job may seem, you may find yourself wishing that you were working somewhere better or doing something different.

The good news is that you can go out and make your dream job a reality! Whatever the field, you can find a way to turn something you enjoy into a career.

By following the tips below, you can be on your way to a happier and less stressful work life.

Ask yourself, "What do I really want to do?"

What makes you happy? One of the best ways to achieve your dream is to find something that you already enjoy doing and make a career out of it. By doing this, the "work" does not feel like work, as it is something you are happy doing anyway.

The beauty is that you can now make money doing this. There is no better feeling than knowing you get paid to do what you do for fun! That is the concept of a true dream job.

Break it down into steps.

Sometimes when looking at the big picture, it is easy to get overwhelmed and feel intimidated. By breaking it down into a series of smaller steps, it is less daunting and much easier to manage as you progress forward.

This will also boost your self-esteem and confidence. You can feel a sense of pride in knowing that a step has been completed. The knowledge that you are actually going out and doing what you set out to do will also enhance the feeling of pride and confidence.

Do not be afraid to start at the bottom.

Some grunt work will be involved no matter what field you work in. Think of it as a sort of initiation rite. Even if it is a lower end job at the company you want to work for, it still gets your foot in the door and, in time, you can make your way up the ladder.

Find a mentor or a coach.

Mentors can be very helpful when it comes to getting your dream job. They achieve a dual purpose of showing you the ropes and giving you the skills you need, while also acting as a great reference for when the big moment does come.

If you are having trouble finding a suitable mentor, a good role model or icon will work just as well.

Ignore the pessimists.

Depending on the field you work in, there may be some negative feedback from cynics and even friends and family. For example, if you want to write a novel or work for NASA, you may be asked what your "real" job is or you may be reminded about how unlikely it will be that you will land such a job. Put it all aside.

Remember that your goal is in the realm of possibility, even if it takes some work to break into the field. Books are published all the time and there are more than a few staff at NASA.

When situations like this come along, just remind yourself that it is what you want to do. Think of the benefits you will enjoy once you succeed. In the case of aspiring novelists, you need to only remind yourself how exhilarating it will be to have a copy of your book in hand!

While your dream job may be a challenge to acquire, it is very possible to reach it, no matter how lofty. If you put in the effort and follow a handful of simple guidelines, you can find yourself working the dream job you always desired.

Check out these books to help with finding your dream job

Welcome to the Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, and Turning Your Job into Your Dream Career by Lauren Berger

The Best Job in the World: How to Make a Living from Following Your Dreams (ebook) by Ben Southall

Job Mess to Career Success: 30 Challenges to Land, Grow and Keep Your Dream Career by Scott Jeffrey Miller

Other library resources to help with finding your dream job

Another great resource offered for free with your library card is Career Cruising, which allows you to explore different jobs and career paths. Hear from professionals actually working in a field of your interest. Many offer advice through short video interviews.

Need some more guidance with your career? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Kadine Cooper, 2022-23 Career Coach in Residence.

Tips for Writing an Accomplishment Statement on Your Resume

2023-01-19T16:30:55Z

Tinu Olawuyi, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares her tips for writing effective an accomplishment statement.

Learning to write an accomplishment statement is a skill every job seeker must learn. It demonstrates to the employer what differences and contributions you have made in your current and past roles.

Accomplishment statements are those short, bulleted sentences listed under each experience section on a resume. These sentences are more than just listing your duties and tasks. They include a set of strong and concise statements that describe your contribution and the impact you made in the roles you have held. They can be qualitative and quantitative in nature.

The benefits of writing an effective accomplishment statement include a strong awareness of your skills and abilities, employers have a better sense of the impact you made in the role, and it gives a greater sense of self-confidence when presenting yourself to an employer.

An effective accomplishment statement comprises of actions and results.

Actions: describe specific actions you took to achieve a goal and/or solve a problem using strong action verbs. These action verbs mean a lot when used in your accomplishment statement.

Results: describe the contributions and impact you made because of the action you took. It can be quantifiable which means you could use numbers, percentages, and volume to describe the weight of the impact.

How to write an accomplishment statement

There are three steps to consider when attempting to write an accomplishment statement.

1. You must identify which accomplishment you wish to highlight – such as problems you encountered and how you successfully resolved the issues. It could also include how you improved systems and processes, which again highlights the contribution you made.

2. You should consider using the CAR technique to write your accomplishment statements. To write a strong accomplishments statement, you need to follow a set of rules which includes starting with a strong action verb, followed by a set of quantifiable tasks you are performing or have performed, and then closing with a strong result-oriented statement to describe what you achieved.

This is called using the CAR technique:

Challenge – what was the situation, problem, or issues you encountered in the role?

Action – what steps did you take to resolve the situation, and what skills did you use?

Result – how was the issue resolved and what impact did you make?

3. You should use accomplishment action verbs to describe the impact and result of your contribution. Some of the verbs include: contributed, collaborated, increased, developed, improved, managed, coached, streamlined, spearheaded, etc.

Examples of strong impact statements

Coached and mentored new ambassadors to develop and implement skills and business processes acquired from training to effectively execute daily tasks.

CHALLENGE: providing leadership and support to new ambassadors
ACTION: Coached and mentored
RESULT: to develop and implement skills and business processes acquired from training to effectively execute daily tasks.

Reviewed individual customer cases providing mediation and settling customers’ needs through effective questioning and research.

CHALLENGE: addressing customer cases and problem-solving.
ACTION: reviewed.
RESULT: providing mediation and settling customers’ needs through effective questioning and research.

Created digital content for the department’s social media platforms and increased student engagement by 50% in less than 6 months.

CHALLENGE: content creation and engagement on social media platforms.
ACTION: created content and increased student engagement.
RESULT: increased by 50% in less than 6 months.

With every role you hold, it is essential to ensure that you are tracking your accomplishments. Getting into this habit will not only help you remember the impact you have made but also make it easier to update your resume with ease.

Need some more guidance with your accomplishment statements? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence

Post written by Tinu Olawuyi, 2022-23 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and RBC Future Launch.

The Benefits of Job Crafting

2022-12-22T18:10:17Z

Esther Shin, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, discusses the concept of job crafting to help make your current job more meaningful for you.

Do you dream of finding your "perfect" job one day? Meaningful and satisfying work has a great impact on one’s happiness and well-being. This is especially important since many people spend so much time at work. Rather than jumping from job to job in hope of finding the "perfect" job, you can change how the work is completed to better align with your interests, values, and strengths. This is known as job crafting. All jobs, to various degrees, offer opportunities for job crafting. By doing so, you could have more influence over your professional career and improve the fit between yourself and your job.

Want to learn more about job crafting? Check out the ebook Job Crafting: The Art of Redesigning a Job by Davide de Gennaro or the book Personalization at Work: How HR can use Job Crafting to Drive Performance, Engagement and Wellbeing by Rob Baker. You can also watch a TEDx Talk by Rob Baker about job crafting.

Strength training at work

Character strengths can be very helpful at work. They can boost your confidence, strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and help with problem solving. To discover your top strengths, check out the following books at the library.

The Strengths-Based Workbook for Stress Relief: a Character Strengths Approach to Finding Calm in the Chaos of Daily Life by Ryan M. Niemic.

The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality by Ryan M. Niemic and Robert E. McGrath.

Applied Positive Psychology: Improving Everyday Life, Health, Schools, Work, and Society by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, et al.

Take steps toward crafting your job

Decide what you want your ideal job to look like and use the following three crafting strategies:

Task crafting: Employees may take initiative to change the tasks they complete, the way they work, or the timing of their tasks. By doing so, they exert a level of control over their work, which has been shown to increase satisfaction. This involves improving the way that things are done, using skills you already have, or using your knowledge. It involves finding chances to play to your strengths.

Relational crafting: Consider strategies to improve the interactions you have with other people. For example, employees can decide how and when to approach coworkers, or how much they participate in workplace social events.

Cognitive crafting: Modify your perspective of the tasks and meanings of your work. Reflect on what you believe to be the true influence of what you do at work.

Determine the possible impact of "crafting" on your work.

You need to think about your customers, your coworkers, your manager or supervisor, and the company or organization as a whole. Effective job crafting means achieving a win-win outcome. For example, you might have a significant amount of expertise and offer to train new hires. This can help build your leadership skills, interact with colleagues from other departments, and introduce yourself to new employees.

Act to put positive change in place.

You have the opportunity to improve this scenario by job crafting. You can determine what will make you feel more appreciated and productive and decide how to implement those improvements. One requirement is that your choices must benefit your organization.

Monitor, adjust, and keep going.

Make sure it delivers you the results you desire, check to see whether your employer, colleagues and customers are satisfied with the situation, and confirm that it truly fits into your larger work environment.

Need some more guidance with crafting your job? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence

Post written by Esther Shin, 2022-23 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and RBC.

How to Set Effective Career Goals

2022-11-16T09:00:00Z

Kadine Cooper, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, offers her tips for setting effective career goals.

What do you want to get out of your career? We all have dreams of what we would like to accomplish in our career.

Some people imagine being at the head of a business, leading the rest of the team to success. Others just want a job where they feel like they are making a difference.

One of the best ways to make your dreams a reality is to set effective goals and intentions.

Setting realistic career goals is how you visualize your target and come up with a solution to help you achieve it. While there is no guarantee that your plan will always go off without a hitch, the right goals and intentions will at least keep you pointed in the right direction.

The key to successfully setting goals is ensuring that they are clear, realistic, and achievable.

Consider these top tips for establishing successful targets.

Start with clarity

First, exactly what do you want to achieve? Studies show that we are more likely to succeed in our goals when we make them clear.

If you are not sure where to begin, ask yourself what your ideal job would allow you to do each day. Think about what kind of tasks you like and dislike in your current job or past employment.

It might even be a good idea to look up some information on the careers you have considered pursuing before you start applying. Consider reaching out to a professional in the role for an informational interview. This will help you to see what kind of day-to-day tasks are involved in each position.

Aim high, but be realistic

The more ambition you have, the better. However, it would help if you still were somewhat realistic.

For example, if you are still in your first year of your accounting degree, but your goal is to become the CFO of Microsoft by the end of the year, you are probably not going to achieve your target.

Setting unrealistic goals could be setting yourself up for disappointment or failure

Your goal cannot be to just make a lot of money without doing any work. It is important to take the time to think about the skills you have, the things you enjoy, and the talents you can use to actually make an income. For instance, if you love working in your marketing role now, but you think you could do more, perhaps you could aim to become a manager of a marketing department or the owner of your own marketing company within the next 5-10 years.

Visualize a path

Once you have a goal, you can begin to think about what you are going to need to get there. Chances are that you do not have all the resources you would require to get your dream career just yet. Otherwise, you would probably already be doing it. So, what are you missing?

If it is a certain set of skills, maybe you could look into taking part-time courses that will increase your proficiency in those areas. If it is just that you need to “know the right people,” maybe you could dedicate more time to building your network and socializing with others in your industry.

Ask yourself what is missing to take yourself from the point where you are today, to the point you want to be at ten years, five years, or even one year from now. Be clear about the steps you are going to take.

Check out Career Cruising for career profiles and help with job searches.

Get Committed

Ultimately, it’s going to take time and work for you to get the career of your dreams. Decide here and now whether you are committed to making your dream a reality!

If you are, then THE TIME IS NOW to push yourself, to proactively take steps toward your desired outcome as often as possible. Even if it is just dedicating an hour a week to networking with professionals in your field or looking for a career coach or mentor who can guide you through your career progression, start somewhere.

You are going to need to start that journey by taking the first step. Make your choice, buckle down, and let's go!

Need some guidance setting your career goals? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Kadine Cooper, 2022-23 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and RBC.

Meet Our New Career Coaches in Residence: October 2022

2022-10-20T17:06:12Z

Our Career Coaches in Residence offers free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, ages 18-29, from September 26 2022 to March 4, 2023. You can connect with a career coach by phone or video. Coaches are available to answer any questions about career and job help, resumes and cover letter, preparing for a job interview or general career advice.

2022 Career Coaches in Residence (L– R): Kadine Cooper, Tinuola (Tinu) Olawuyi and Esther Shin.

We asked Kadine, Tinu and Esther a few questions about their career journeys, coaching experience and their favourite books!

How did you find your way to becoming a career coach?

Kadine: I decided to transition from a Corporate Talent Acquisition Specialist into Career Coaching because I wanted to leverage my HR knowledge/background to support professionals in the job market. I did not feel supported as a professional when I was in the job market. I really want to make a difference and create a better experience for others; by giving them the right tools and resources needed to make their job search or transition experience a success.

Tinu: I found my way into the field, as I was once a job seeker who had no clue what I wanted to do. I held roles I did not thrive in, I did not feel valued and was unhappy. I started researching, networking and enrolled in professional development courses. I had a chance to work as an employment advisor, a role I thrived in and enjoyed. I saw the positive impact I made, so I decided to continue in this line of work.

What are you most looking forward to as a career coach for TPL?

Kadine: I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and insights 1:1 and to facilitating workshops that I think are beneficial to what the market is saying today. I really enjoy working with people and seeing something inside of them click; when they have that "aha" moment about what is possible for them. It is the best feeling in the world.

Tinu: I am looking forward to helping young adults make a positive change in their careers by providing them with the right tools to break into their desired career path and find meaningful work.

Esther: Throughout my childhood and young adult years, the library provided a warm and inviting environment for me to learn. I am glad to be part of the career coach team at TPL. It is great to see the library offering so many programs and resources for people to learn and playing an instrumental role in meeting the community's needs. I look forward to working with people from various walks of life and contributing to helping them reach their career goals.

What is one piece of advice you wish you had when you were just starting your career journey?

Tinu: I wish I were told that I needed to be more aware of my strengths, skills, interests and passions. And use them to find the right work that is the right fit for me.

Esther: As I was choosing my career path, I thought I was supposed to find my one true passion and stay in this career for the rest of my life. When my first career choice did not work out, I felt confused and dejected. As I learned more about the world of work and myself, I realized that I could be happy pursuing multiple career paths. One piece of advice I would give is to explore more than one career option, explore your interests and talents in multiple areas, envision yourself working in various roles, and permit yourself to change your mind.

Kadine: I wish I had a career coach or mentor to support me on my journey. Sometimes you just need someone that is non-bias to help get you clear on the ideal or best steps to take or a different perspective on a situation. Someone that can save you from making unnecessary steps or mistakes.

What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?

Esther: Some people may believe that success comes from having innate talents. The book Grit by Angela Duckworth shows that grit (passion and focused persistence) plays an important role in achieving success. Instead of giving up on a goal because of missteps, obstacles, or failure, the writer encourages the readers to explore their passions and keep pursuing their goals.

Grit by Angela Duckworth

Kadine:I think so many individuals are unclear about how to find the perfect or ideal job/role. I would recommend reading Finding Work You Love by Kirk Snyder. In this book, the author shares a 3-step framework to help you tap into your own unique value to finding a meaningful and fulfilling job.

Finding Work You Love by Kirk Snyder

Tinu: I recommend the book What Color is Your Parachute? 2022 by Richard N. Bolles with Katharine Brooks because it offers guidance and practical career advice to job seekers and career changers. I particularly like the self-inventory flower exercise discussed in the book. This book is a life changer for any young adult aspiring for career success.

What Color is Your Parachute? 2022 by Richard N. Bolles with Katharine Brooks

Book a one-on-one appointment with Kadine, Esther or Tinu!

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and RBC.

Modern Rules for Entry-Level Job Seekers

2022-06-13T08:45:00Z

Kadine Cooper is one of Toronto Public Library's Career Coaches in Residence.

Compared to previous generations, entry-level job seekers today have more flexibility in some ways and less flexibility in others. On the one hand, many recent graduates have higher student debt. It’s natural to feel pressured if you are tired of living with your paren'ts and concerned about your finances. However, you also have more choices. Social media makes it easier to find information and make contacts. You also have more options when it comes to creative working arrangements.

As you might expect, you’ll make more progress if you focus on your advantages. Find your first position with these tips for using job boards and other entry-level search methods.

Using Job Boards

Job boards can be a valuable resource in your entry level job search. They are one of the fastest ways to identify a large number of potential employers.

Use these strategies with job boards:

1. Strengthen your resume. When you are one applicant in a crowded field trying to impress a blind contact, your resume needs to be impressive. Be sure to use relevant keywords, quantify your achievements, and proofread carefully.

2. Write cover letters. Regardless of how many applications you submit, it is important to customize each one. Think of your resume as describing your background while your cover letter tells an employer the value you would bring to them.

3. Follow up. Unless you are instructed not to make contact, it is usually smart to reach out. A quick phone call gives you a chance to ask questions, offer more information and express your enthusiasm. As a bonus, it also makes you more memorable.

More Tactics

You will probably want to spend the majority of your time on methods other than job boards. Your most promising opportunities are likely to come from networking, building relationships and other more personalized activities.

Incorporate these ideas into your job search activities:

1. Intern and volunteer. Think beyond full time salaried jobs. Your first professional opportunity may be an internship, freelance or consulting gig. You can also gain experience and make contacts doing volunteer work while you are unemployed.

2. Interview for information. Even though you want a pay cheque, you will gain more if you focus on gathering information. Talk with your contacts about how they started their careers and what advice they can give you. Increase your knowledge on this topic at the upcoming online workshop, Learn About Informational Interviews on June 22.

3. Virtual Coffee Chat. While face to face communications are ideal, some of your contacts may be available only by phone. You can make the most of a 15- or 30-minute phone call by being prepared and asking if you can stay in touch. At the end of the call, ask if there is anything that you can offer in exchange for their time.

4. Explore campus resources. If you are a new grad, your college or university is a great resource to support in finding you a job. Visit your career office on campus or online to check job listings, attend job fairs and access other services.

5. Contact recruiters. Executive search agencies filling entry to mid-level positions may be interested in you too. Send them your resume so they can keep you in mind in case their clients have additional openings.

6. Brand yourself. Start packaging yourself as soon as possible. Clarify your professional values and career goals. Build up your social media presence and look for opportunities to help others. Ask others for feedback on areas where you need to grow. Learn more about personal branding in the upcoming online workshop, Personal Branding on June 16.

7. Be consistent. Approach your job hunt like a full-time job. Get organized, project a professional image and make a to-do list for each day. The more time you spend searching, the sooner you will be employed.

Ask yourself what you can learn from your first job and how will it prepare you for the next step in your professional life. Choosing an entry level job wisely can help launch you on a rewarding career path.

A great book to check out is Launch Your Career, by Sean O'Keefe, available as a book, ebook or audiobook.

Want more guidance for your job search? Join Kadine Cooper for the online workshop, Job Search Strategy and the Hidden Job Market on June 23.

Need some personalized career advice? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Kadine Cooper, 2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Three Tools and Functions to Use on LinkedIn

2022-05-09T09:00:00Z

Career Coach in Residence Ken Lee shares his tips for building your LinkedIn profile and network.

LinkedIn is a powerful platform that can be used for different reasons depending on your goals. If you’re a first-time user, keep these three tools and functions in mind as you kick off and/or advance your career.

LinkedIn Page Alumni Tab

The alumni tab on your school’s LinkedIn page allows you to explore the profiles of graduates. What’s great about this tool is the ability to access a breadth of information. From where they work, what they do, to what city they live in. This information comes in handy when engaging in career exploration and relationship building.

Case in point: If you ever decide to move to a new country, consider scheduling a conversation with an alumnus. Learn how they navigated the transition. Sometimes, there’s no better person than someone who is within your social network. How come? Well, people are more likely to help someone who has something in common with them! In this case, being graduates of the same school. On the other hand, if you’re uncertain about the type of career opportunities you can pursue with a degree, this tool can help you visualize the possibilities.

Tip! If you come across a profile of a person you want to speak with, set up an informational interview! For guidance, check out the HSTalks online course, Finding purpose-driven work through informational interviews. Also, if you’re new to the country, check out Toronto Public Library's New to Canada blog.

Career Breaks on LinkedIn

LinkedIn recently introduced a new way of communicating a career break in your profile. This feature provides a clear way of showing a reader what you’ve been up to. Decided to take a gap year to travel? Perhaps you needed to act as a caregiver for one of your family members? With over 13 options available, you can show a recruiter how this lived experience has transformed how you navigate the world. Moreover, it can show how this experience will positively impact the work you would do with their organization.

As a career educator, I love this function. It helps normalize that sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances people need to take time away from work. If this applies to you, head over to the experience section of your LinkedIn profile and add a Career Break now! Learn more about adding career breaks to your profile.

Tip! There are ways to do this on your résumé as well. Book a free appointment with a Career Coach In Residence for guidance on updating your résumé. Also, check out a past Career Coach online event, Résumés are Marketing Brochures, and learn how to answer the question: Why should we hire you instead of your competition?

News Feed

The news feed is one of the most important functions on LinkedIn that many people forget about! It’s what truly transforms LinkedIn from a user- to a community-centric platform. What does this mean for you?

Consider more active engagement. For example, if you ever see a post that resonates with you, move away from a “like” and instead leave a comment. Commenting on posts is a new way of engaging with someone you may not know.

Does networking with strangers make you nervous? This technique is a wonderful way to begin a relationship: follow someone on LinkedIn to see a person's posts before you connect with them. From there, actively engage with their posts!

Next, build your community and brand. Adopt the mindset: “give with no expectation in return.” Consider following subject matter experts in your field. These individuals sometimes get too busy to address all the questions left in the comments of their posts. As appropriate, respond to those questions. This can encourage folks to connect and follow you!

In summary, make sure to check out the LinkedIn’s alumni tab, career break function, and news feed!

A note for teens: LinkedIn has a minimum age, so you need to be 16 years old to access its services.

Want to learn more about LinkedIn? Join Ken on May 12 for a workshop Building Community and Creating Content on LinkedIn.

Book a Career Coaching appointment or say hi to Ken on LinkedIn.

Post written by Ken Lee, 2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Is Career Continuation or Career Change the Right Path For You?

2022-04-22T16:59:10Z

Toronto Public Library’s Career Coach in Residence Catherine Crawford.

First, it was the Great Resignation where workers were driven by lockdowns or burnout from the pandemic to quit their jobs in record numbers. Now, the employment landscape has shifted into something more nuanced. Millions of workers are leaving their jobs in search of roles with a better work-life balance and a workplace more aligned with their values – and it’s shaking up the labour market.

As reported in LinkedIn News, a recent survey by Robert Half Canada showed:

28 per cent of professionals plan to find a new job by mid-2022, up from 21 per cent six months ago. For millennials, that stat jumps to 40 per cent. And one in five workers say they’re willing to quit before landing their next job.

If you are one of the many professionals who are feeling unfulfilled in your work and are contemplating if you should continue on the same path or look for a new career path altogether, you are not alone. But how do you go about making this decision? Working through a systematic plan is essential to discovering what meaningful work means to you. Through a formal process of self-assessment, research and discovery, goal setting and performing, you can create the work and life you desire.

Research is showing that the Great Reshuffle has many workers reevaluating their values, interests, strengths, personality and ambitions. The Job Bank from the Government of Canada has free resources and quizzes to begin to explore these areas:

Interests: See where your interests lie and explore what type of jobs would suit you well.

Abilities: Leverage your strengths. Find out what you are great at and explore careers that allow you to use your top skills.

Preferred Work: Choose how you prefer to work with data, people, and things, and get a list of possible career options to explore.

Personality: Determine whether you learn better by seeing, listening or through hands-on experience. As well as discover your unique style of thinking and understanding.

Work Values: Examine what values are important to you in your work environment.

Another fantastic resource the Toronto Public Library offers to help discover what is meaningful work to you is the book Rethinking Success: Eight Essential Practices for Finding Meaning in Work and Life, by J. Douglas Holladay.

Pre-pandemic, many felt a job was simply a way to earn a living. Today, employee need for personal job satisfaction has taken on greater importance and is top of mind for many. You don’t have to continue doing something that you don’t enjoy just because it is what you have always done. Employees are recognizing that careers are adjustable, and they are in control!

For more information on this topic, watch a recent workshop by Catherine Crawford on Crowdcast replay: Career Change or Career Continuation?

Need some personalized career advice? Book a free one-on-one appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Post written by Catherine Crawford, 2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Meet Our Newest Career Coaches in Residence

2022-03-14T10:58:26Z

Our 2022 Career Coaches in Residence L to R: Ken Lee, Kadine Cooper and Catherine Crawford

Our newest Career Coaches in Residence offers free one-on-one career counselling and job search help for younger adults, age 18-29, from March 7 to July 30, 2022. You can connect with a career coach by phone or video. Coaches are available to answer any questions about career and job help, resumes and cover letters, preparing for a job interview or general career advice.

We asked Catherine, Kadine and Ken a few questions about their career journeys, coaching experience, and their favourite books!

What is your favourite part about being a career coach?

Catherine: Seeing others succeed is by far the best part of being a career coach. I learned early on that I was passionate about helping others and talking through strategies on how to solve problems. Career coaching allows me to ask open-ended questions to help clients better understand their motivators while equipping them with proven strategies to propel their careers.

Kadine: What I love about being a career coach is sharing my industry knowledge and insights with others. I love supporting people with their career goals and aspirations and providing tools and resources needed to show up as top talent to land a dream job.

Ken: Meeting and getting to know the people I’m working with, and personally supporting them on their journey. It’s often challenging to truly support someone when we fail to understand them as a person along with their life circumstances. Case in point, perhaps we’re working with a young person who’s the first person from their family enrolling in higher education. They may have never received guidance on the importance of networking or even how to do it. So being more patient and understanding may be key in making sure they feel well supported during this stressful process.

We‘re not the experts of the lives of those we work with, nor are we the experts of what they need. And so, I feel as though ever since I went into the field of career coaching, it has been a time of learning, unlearning, and relearning. This is why I’m so grateful to everyone I have encountered because they have shared with me their own unique story, perspective and life experience, which has changed how I perceive and navigate the world around me.

What was the best advice you received when you were starting your career journey?

Kadine: The best career advice that I received early in my career was to be a life-long learner. If you stop learning you stop growing, so be a sponge that absorbs information and then share that knowledge with someone else.

Ken: Let’s go with, “while things may not be going in accordance with your plans you have set, it’s important to be flexible.” It’s important to know any opportunity can be a stepping stone, so allow yourself to build on the skills you need in order to be where you want to be one day. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t find a job in your desired field of interest because who knows what the next opportunity will lead to. If I can sneak in two additional pieces of advice with no context, one would be, “stay curious and enjoy all the future adventures you’re going to have.” As well, in honour of the Arthur series wrapping up, "having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." So get your library card now!

Catherine: The best advice I received was to conduct informational interviews with people in the industry I was interested in before embarking on more schooling and training. Informational interviews are the best way to find out what a profession is really like and if it aligns with your interests and values. You will also be able to find out if there are jobs readily available in the market and what training or certifications you need to be considered for a position.

What are you most looking forward to as a career coach at TPL?

Ken: I’m looking forward to all the great programming that we’re going to do as a team and public library. Since this is my second residency with the library I want to continue to offer career support for folks through the Career Coach In Residence program. Thereby providing an accessible opportunity for young people to seek career guidance and advice. So tune in to our upcoming webinars, panel discussions, and so much more! What’s that idiom people like to use again? Oh! We’re cooking up a storm! It’s really building on everything that’s offered through the Toronto Public Library to support our community — from Overdrive, the library's Wi-Fi Lending and Entrepreneur in Residence programs to the time when we did an Ask Me Anything on the Toronto subreddit, /r/toronto.

Kadine: What I am looking forward to the most is making an impact in the life of every single client, giving them a sense of hope, that they can do and be anything they put their mind to because you are the CEO of your life and career. CEO for me means to "Create Every Opportunity

Catherine: I am really looking forward to continuing to work with youth. This is an exciting time for many as they embark on early adulthood, but it can also be overwhelming with all the career possibilities. Helping people at an early age find career clarity is an important process for career success, engagement, and overall happiness.

What book would you recommend to a young person starting out on their career journey?

Catherine: Being intentional about what work you do and ensuring it aligns with your values and preferences, will help you thrive in your career.

A fantastic book and one of the most popular career books on the market, is What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers, by Richard N. Bolles. His new edition features the latest resources, case studies, and perspectives on today’s job market, revealing surprising advice on what works—and what doesn’t—so you can focus your efforts on tactics that gets results. This book provides a unique self-inventory that helps you design your career around your key passions, transferable skills, and traits to ensure career success!

Kadine: I also recommend What Color is Your Parachute! This book is a great guide for anyone in the job market with amazing tips on how to sharpen your interview skills, resume writing, intentional networking, interviewing with confidence and salary negotiation strategies and techniques.

Ken: Career development can definitely be a lifelong journey.

One book I recommend reading is Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, by Amy Cuddy. I love the personal stories embedded throughout the book. Lastly, as someone who continues to battle imposter syndrome, the author provides practical advice on how to bite at it.

Meet the Coaches!

Join us March 16 at 6 pm for our first event with Catherine, Kadine and Ken. Bring your questions! Our coaches will answer any questions you have and offer their career advice. This will also be an opportunity to find out more about the Career Coaches in Residence program. Catherine, Kadine and Ken will be in conversation with E-Lin Chen, one of TPL's 2021 Career Coaches in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Interview Tips from Our Career Coaches

2022-02-08T08:45:00Z

Over the last year, our Career Coaches in Residence have fielded questions on many topics. In this blog post, Career Coaches E-Lin and Catherine address the important task of preparing for an interview. In fact, preparation is one of the most important pieces of advice they share when it comes to interviewing, so read on to find out how.

Career Coaches in Residence E-Lin Chen and Catherine Crawford

Prepare for an interview the way you would study for an exam or test. Give yourself lots of time ahead of your scheduled interview to do so and ensure you are taking care of yourself by sleeping and eating well. So how should you prepare?

Tip #1: Research the company and role you are applying for

Going into an interview requires you to have a solid understanding of the company you are applying for and the needs of the hiring manager. For example, will the successful candidate need to increase productivity, generate new revenue streams, create industry contacts or increase customer retention? The job posting usually gives great insight into these needs. Also, research what the mission, vision and values of the company are and how they align with your outlook.

Great ways to research a company is by reviewing the company website, following them on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and asking anyone in your network who might know someone who works there for a coffee conversation to seek greater insight into the company’s needs.

Tip #2: Identify and review your skills

When you ask yourself what you have to offer an employer, the most basic answer is skills. Skills are the building blocks of your career. They serve as a link from one job to another, from one career to another. In an interview, you must be able to describe how your skills and experience match the requirements. As a candidate, you must know, what your soft skills (often called our traits or personal characteristics) and hard skills (knowledge or technical skills) are, how transferable your skills are to the new role and the value of your skills to the role you are applying for.

Tip #3: Strike a (power) pose

Social psychologist Amy Cuddy, through her research, suggests that engaging in powerful or expansive postures (such as the Wonder Woman) for 2 minutes prior to an interview can help a candidate increase feelings of confidence and reduce stress.

Watch Amy Cuddy’s TED talk: Your body language may shape who you are

Or, read Amy Cuddy’s book: Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

Tip #4: Know your story

Not only should you have a good inventory of your skills, but you should also prepare engaging stories to demonstrate those skills especially when you are given a behavioural question during an interview such as, 'tell me about a time when you…'

A popular interview strategy for answering these common interview questions is known as STAR:

Situation: Set the scene and give details of your example.
Task: Describe what your responsibility was in the situation.
Action: Explain what steps you used to address the situation.
Result: Share the outcomes your results achieved.

To practice your STAR answers, book an appointment with a Career Coach in Residence.

Tip #5: Show gratitude

Always follow up with a thank-you note/email after your interview. It is a good opportunity to show appreciation for the interviewer’s time and attention but also a chance for you to summarize your qualifications and mention anything you may have missed during the interview.

Check out how to write an interview thank-you email, including samples and templates.

Bonus tip

The pandemic has shifted a lot of employers to virtual interviewing. All of our tips still stand but in addition to them, we would also recommend doing a tech trial run to make sure of the following:

internet/wifi connection is stable
camera and mic are functional
lighting is good
space is quiet

Eye contact is still important in a virtual interview except this time, you are making eye contact with the camera. Also, a camera tends to suck energy during your virtual interview, so make sure you smile bigger and sound more enthusiastic. Don’t forget to do some power poses and jumping jacks to get your energy level up before the interview!

Need some help preparing for an interview? Be sure to book a one-on-one appointment with one of the library’s Career Coaches in Residence.

Post written by Catherine Crawford and E-Lin Chen, 2021-2022 Career Coaches in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Follow Your Passion: Easier Said Than Done

2022-01-24T08:45:00Z

You may have received the career advice “follow your passion” and then read somewhere else that it is bad advice. The reality is that “follow your passion” is easier said than done and it can come with many challenges. Here are some of the top challenges and advice on how you can address them, from one of our Career Coaches in Residence.

Challenge #1: I have many passions

That’s normal and alright. There is a misconception that we must all have one true calling or must have a single focus or specialty to be successful. The reality is that many of us enjoy music but also math. Others aspire to be a lawyer but also an artist.

Growing up we are often told to choose just one passion, but Emilie Wapnick, a speaker and author, normalizes and popularizes the term “multipotentialite” in one of her TED talks, Why some of us don’t have one true calling. The term is used to describe people with many interests and passions. She argues having many passions is a good thing and that people with multiple interests are often strong in idea synthesis, rapid learning and adaptability, which are all highly sought after qualities by today’s employers.

To learn more, give How to be Everything a read or listen.

Challenge #2: I don’t know what my passion is

While some of us have many passions, others struggle with finding one. For people who are still searching, it is important to keep in mind that passions can be, and are, developed and cultivated over time. Just because you did not enjoy playing the musical instrument to which you were first introduced, it does not mean music is not nor cannot be your passion.

People often limit themselves when they see passions as pre-determined or something that they need to find rather than develop over time. These individuals usually have what psychologist and researcher Carol Dweck calls a “fixed mindset”, where they are less likely to explore new topics or engage in opportunities that may generate new sources of passion.

Instead, Dr. Dweck encourages people to develop a growth mindset where they believe things can be learned and passions can be developed.

For those who are still looking for a passion, try to focus on developing a passion by having a growth mindset and being open-minded to learning opportunities reflective of your varied interests. Sign up for that coding class or tennis lesson you have been curious about! Instead of believing that you don’t have passions, think of it as you don’t know your passions yet. And most of all, keep working at it!

Get tips on developing a growth mindset from Carol Dweck’s book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

Or, watch Dr. Carol Dweck’s TED talk The Power of Believing that You Can Improve.

When it comes to career advice, it is not as simple as just following your passion because what interested you last year may no longer hold the same appeal this year. Similarly, a topic that bored you last week may become exciting tomorrow. One thing that holds is that opening yourself up to different opportunities to develop your interests is always a good investment.

In his latest book, Think Again, psychologist Adam Grant reminds us that passions are developed, not just discovered, and offers this advice: “At work and in life, the best we can do is plan for what we want to learn and contribute over the next year or two and stay open to what might come next.” In other words, don’t worry too much about following your passion and instead, have an open mind and focus on learning.

Whether you need some guidance sorting out your many passions or need help discovering one, try meeting with one of our Career Coaches in Residences to clarify your career goals.

Post written by E-Lin Chen, 2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

The Magic of Networking this Holiday Season

2021-12-13T08:45:00Z

As we head into the holiday season, you may be catching up with friends and family. It’s the season where many spend time gathering with people and reconnecting. Although it’s also a time to turn off work and unwind, those who are job searching can'think of the holidays as an opportunistic time of year!

Networking is by far the most successful job search method. It involves locating and sustaining relationships in order to exchange information and ideas. For the job search, networking provides a focused approach to meeting people, obtaining information and gaining access to hidden opportunities, or what’s called the hidden job market. Career management experts promote networking as the single most effective method of obtaining a new job. Some survey results also confirm this, stating that 85% of jobs are obtained through networking.

It’s important to know that networking does not involve asking anyone for a job. In networking, your goal is to continually build an ever-widening network of people that allows you to discover employer needs and positions. With each networking contact that provides you with information and names of other contacts, the news you are looking for work spreads.

While networking often invokes uncomfortable feelings, keep in mind that we all network every day without even knowing it. How many times have you asked someone how work is going? Made small talk with a stranger? That’s all considered networking. Now that you realize you do it more often than you thought, you need to employ some strategy and be more intentional about how you go about it.

Looking to do some research before you begin networking? Check out the Job Seeker Guided Learning Pathway, which offers a list of online courses on topics such as job search strategies, creating cover letters and resumes and even networking!

So how does your friend and family network help you land a job?

How many times have you met a stranger, only to find out you both know someone in common? This concept is called six degrees of separation. The theory is that everyone in the world is linked together by no more than six other people or connections.

This is the foundation of networking. Right now, there is someone who is in need of your skills and they are connected to you. How it works:

Think of your network as being comprised of first, second, and third-degree contacts.

First-degree contacts include anyone you already know. These are the folks you will be mingling with this holiday season. While these people may not know your field, they may have a friend or a relative who does. Ask them if they wouldn’t mind connecting the two of you. These individuals are now considered the second-degree contacts and are able to provide you with insight into your industry field and may know of people or other companies who are hiring. Ask them to put you in touch with these third-degree contacts who have needs and can hire you or influence the hiring decision!

If you're meeting up with friends and family this holiday season, don't be afraid to tell them that you are looking to land a new position. This is a tremendous first step to beginning your networking journey and who knows what it could lead to in the New Year.

Happy Holidays and Happy Networking!

Are you a younger adult looking for some more career and job help tips? Book a one-on-one appointment with one of the library’s Career Coaches in Residence, who can offer advice and support on your career journey.

Post written by Catherine Crawford, 2021-2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

How to Get Lucky in Your Job Search

2021-11-15T08:45:00Z

When asking job seekers what attributed to their job search success, many attributed it to “being lucky.” Yet job seekers who are in the thick of it can sometimes feel like finding a job is more difficult than winning the lottery. Here are few ideas to help you increase the chances of getting lucky in your job search!

Get lucky by being at the right place at the right time

Dr. Richard Wiseman, psychologist and author of The Luck Factor, stated in his book that lucky people maximize their chance opportunities. In other words, in order to be at the right place at the right time, you have to be there. Being open to different events and seeing various moments creatively as learning opportunities can increase your luck.

In line for a coffee? Why not strike up a conversation with others in line, who knows what may come out of that conversation. If you’re currently in school, take advantage of the networking and employer events hosted by your institution.

Opportunities can also happen online. Try attending one of many online Meetup group events or getting in touch with speakers after attending an interesting online panel. By putting yourself out there in more of these situations, you will get lucky!

The library can also be a place to network and meet people. Whether it's booking an appointment with a career coach or attending an online panel program, you can use those opportunities to connect with other people.

Get lucky at predicting the future

If only there was a magic eight ball that could predict our future jobs! Unfortunately, there isn’t, but we can get better at predicting the future by paying attention to labour market information and industry trends. The Labour Market Information Council and government resources can give you a glimpse of where there are industry shortages and can help you make better career decisions. It is also a good idea to set up Google news alerts on industries and/or companies you’re interested in working in, so you can stay on top of trends. Get free access to digital newspapers with your library card.

Get lucky at reading recruiters’ minds

One of the most confusing aspects while job searching is trying to decipher what employers want. What are hiring managers and recruiters looking for on your resume? What are interviewers looking for when they ask certain interview questions? Answers to these questions depend on the recruiter you talk to, but you can better understand the perspectives of recruiters by networking and getting to know them. A quick LinkedIn search should generate a list of recruiters and many of them are responsive to polite and personalized messages as well as requests for informational interviews or career chats. Use these opportunities to better understand their point of view.

Lastly, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. As Wayne Gretzky famously put it “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So take action to get lucky in your job search.

Whether you are in need of a bit of luck, motivation, or support in your job search, start by booking a one-on-one appointment with one of the library’s Career Coaches in Residence or attend one of our upcoming career and job search programs.

Post written by E-Lin Chen, 2021-2022 Career Coach in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Setting SMART Goals for Career Success

2021-10-25T08:45:00Z

The Fall season brings a sense of change and newfound energy with it. It’s a great time to refocus, get motivated and set career goals. When it comes to your career, setting goals and making them achievable is a way to hold yourself accountable.

One great career goal might be to learn a new skill or take an online course to make you more competitive in the labour market. This will help you gain an advantage over your competition.

Check out the many eLearning resources and services offered at the Toronto Public Library. In particular, LinkedIn Learning and Gale Courses offer suggested courses on topics to keep you competitive in your field.

SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym used for goal setting. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Goals are part of every aspect of career and life and provide a sense of motivation, direction, clarity and focus.

So how can you go about setting SMART goals this season? Let’s breakdown each area of this acronym:

S – Specific: Goals that are well defined have a significantly greater chance of being accomplished. To make a goal specific, consider the five “W” questions. Who, When, What, Where, and Why?

M – Measurable: How are you going to measure your progress? If there are no criteria, you will not be able to determine your development and if you are on track to reach your goal.

A – Achievable: The goal must be achievable and attainable. The goal should make you feel challenged but defined well enough that you can achieve it. This will help you figure out ways you can realize your goal and work towards it.

R – Realistic: Is the goal within reach? Do you have the time and resources available to you to achieve your goal? As well, are you able to fully commit to your goal?

T – Timely: Goals must have a start and finish date. If the goal is not time-constrained, you will have no sense of urgency and less motivation to achieve the goal.

Example of a SMART Goal

A newly graduated student may set a goal such as this:

As a new graduate from a certified Ontario college Paramedic Program, I want to become a Paramedic in Ontario by dedicating 5 hours a week to prepare for writing and passing the Ontario certification exam within 6 months’ time.

Specific: The intended job title, and the paramedic certification exam are all listed to clarify what the goal setter wants.

Measurable: Achievement involves passing the exam and serving in a specific role.

Achievable: Each step is outlined within a realistic time frame that accounts for preparation, and study.

Relevant: As a graduate of a paramedic program, this goal is within the goal setter's industry.

Time-based: They have outlined hours needed to study each week and outlined when they will write the exam.

Taking the time to create SMART goals will help you refocus your career goals this Fall. Being intentional about your strategy will set you up for success.

Once you have defined your SMART goals, start each morning by reviewing your goals for the day and end each night by reflecting on what you achieved. Regularly following this routine will add intention and direction to your journey.

Post written by Catherine Crawford, 2021-2022 Career Coach in Residence.

Need help figuring out your career goals?

The Career Coaches in Residence program offers remote career and job search help for younger adults (18 to 29) from Sept 13, 2021 to Feb 19, 2022. Book a free appointment today.

For more career and job help resources, visit our Job & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

2021-10-12T08:45:00Z

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). This is an annual campaign to promote disability inclusion in the workplace.

Although discussions about diversity issues are increasingly common in the employment sector, these discussions often do not address disability. As a result, people with disabilities continue to face significant barriers in their workplaces. In many cases, they are excluded from employment opportunities altogether.

The NDEAM campaign promotes the idea that all people, including those with disabilities, have skills and knowledge to offer. It is a reminder that there is still work to be done to make workplaces accessible and inclusive. The campaign is also a chance for employers to discover the resources that are available to help them support their disabled employees. We’ve put together a list of some of those resources to help get you started.

What is Ableism?

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) defines ableism as the belief system that "sees persons with disabilities as being less worthy of respect and consideration, less able to contribute and participate, or of less inherent value than others." Simply put, it is discrimination and prejudice towards people with disabilities. In an article for Forbes magazine, Andrew Pulrang explains that ableism occurs at both the individual, person-level and at the larger systemic level.

The OHRC defines accommodation as "a duty to consider the needs of persons with disabilities up-front. This means designing for buildings, processes, programs or services inclusively. If existing physical structures, systems, or attitudes create barriers, they must be removed. Where it is impossible to remove barriers without undue hardship, special arrangements must be made so that persons with disabilities can fully participate."

Accessibility in the Workplace

Mental health disabilities at work : a practical guide for employees, employers, and unions by Dr. Mike Condra and Meryl Zisman Gary

With its everyday language and question-and-answer format, this Canadian manual is an essential resource for addressing mental health accommodations in the workplace. Written by a clinical psychologist and a labour lawyer, the guide provides valuable information on a wide variety of topics, including legal obligations, privacy considerations and return to work plans.

Disability and theatre: a practical manual for inclusion in the arts by Stephanie Barton-Farcas

Not all workplaces are office buildings, and not all employees sit at a desk all day. Non-traditional workplaces, the theatre, in this case, may present unique barriers for employees with disabilities. Stephanie Barton-Farcas, the artistic director of Nicu’s Spoon Theater Company in New York City, offers practical tips for making the theatre industry more accessible. Nicu’s Spoons, and several of the disabled actors in the company, are also featured in the documentary Two and Twenty Troubles.

Normal sucks: how to live, learn and thrive outside the lines by Jonathan Mooney

Jonathan Mooney is a public speaker and advocate for the neurodivergent community. In this book, he uses his own experiences growing up with ADHD and dyslexia to describe the harm caused by forcing people to conform to a rigid definition of “normal.” While the book focuses more on Mooney’s experiences in school, the types of systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent people in the education system are quite similar to those in the workforce. The accommodations that would help someone be successful are also similar. Unfortunately, the types of accommodations that are increasingly available in the school system are rarely available at most places of employment. Mooney's book can provide employers with insight into supporting their neurodivergent staff.

Digital Accessibility for the Modern Workplace

With most workplaces becoming increasingly digital, it is important for employers to ensure that the technology meets the needs of their employees. In this online webinar, Hector Minto from Microsoft’s Accessibility Team shares best practices and accessibility solutions for a variety of access needs and disabilities. He demonstrates how to make the workplace more inclusive by adapting everything from emails to meetings and presentations.

Supportive leadership: the case of Clarity-Employment for Blind People

This online video is a brief documentary about CLARITY Employment for Blind People, a British organization that provides meaningful employment and training for people with disabilities, including but no longer limited to those who are blind or have low vision. They offer manufacturing and office-based opportunities adapted to the needs of the individual employees. Although not all workplaces will have CLARITY’s disability-specific mandate, the organization still serves as an example of the importance of supportive leadership alongside practical accessibility accommodations. Both the business and the individual employee thrive when that person is set up to succeed.

Please note that the introduction to this documentary, and some of the accompanying text material, use the phrase “differently-abled.” Many people with disabilities find euphemisms such as this one to be patronizing and offensive. “Disability” is not a bad word and you do not have to avoid saying it.

Microaggressions and Systemic Change

Creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace for people with disabilities is about more than just providing access to physical accommodations. It’s also about the culture of the workplace and the ways that coworkers and supervisors interact with the disabled employee. Denying someone access to screen reader technology or a ramp are fairly obvious examples of ableism, but the discrimination that people with disabilities experience can also be harder to spot.

These subtler forms of ableism are often referred to as microaggressions. They can include behaviours such as jokes, judgemental comments, undermining someone and asking intrusive questions. As the name suggests, microaggressions may be small actions but they can have a big impact. They can also be a more complicated problem to address.

Subtle acts of exclusion: how to understand, identify and stop microaggressions by Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran

This practical handbook is designed to help you identify and prevent microaggressions, whether they’re related to racism, ableism, sexism or another form of discrimination. Jana and Baran refer to microaggressions as subtle acts of exclusion. They provide insight into why these acts can be so harmful and offer sample scripts and action plans to help foster productive conversations and meaningful change.

Zoom in: microaggressions and disability

An essential part of combating ableism in the workplace involves listening to and believing people with disabilities when they say that a behaviour is hurtful to them. This short documentary is a great introduction to the kinds of microaggressions disabled people encounter on a daily basis.

Demystifying disability: what to know, what to say, and how to be an ally by Emily Ladau

It’s OK to not be sure how to act around a person with a disability when you first meet them. But it’s not OK to use that discomfort as an excuse to ignore that person or treat them badly, even if it’s unintentional. Disability activist Emily Ladau’s book is a must-have resource for anyone who is looking to be a better ally but doesn’t know where to start. She teaches the reader about identifying ableism and disability stereotypes and gives examples of how to incorporate accessibility into your everyday routine. Ladau also provides valuable tips on how to respectfully interact with people with different disabilities.

Legal Obligations

Providing an accessible workplace is not only the right thing to do, it is also the law. Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), employers have certain legal obligations to accommodate employees with disabilities. The Government of Ontario provides several resources to help support employers throughout this process.

More Resources

Accessibility at Toronto Public Library

For more curated resource lists, check out our blog posts on digital inclusion and accessibility, assistive technology and accessible reading options.

For information about Toronto Public Library's Accessibility Services, please visit our website or contact us at (416)393-7099. TTY users can also use the TTY Relay Service (711).

Meet Our 2021 Career Coaches in Residence

2021-09-20T08:45:00Z

Toronto Public Library welcomes our 2021 Career Coaches in Residence (CCIR), Catherine Crawford and E-Lin Chen, who will be offering free 1-on-1 career counselling and job search help for younger adults (18 to 29) from September 13, 2021 to February 19, 2022. You can connect with a career coach over the phone or online. Coaches are available to answer any questions about career and job help – from resume best practices to advice on answering tough interview questions.

We reached out to Catherine and E-Lin to find out about their own career journeys, advice for job seekers and even their favourite books!

Catherine Crawford

E-Lin Chen

How did you get into Career Counselling initially? What's your favourite part of the job?

Catherine: I started my career at McMaster University where I held multiple roles in event planning, volunteer management, donor relations, and human resources. The feedback I received time and time again, was that I was a natural at relationship building, was able to connect easily with others, and I was compassionate. I also realized that helping others was what I enjoyed most about my day-to-day job tasks. When the opportunity presented itself to become a Career Strategist within human resources, I jumped on the opportunity, feeling that this was a great path for my own career. Since then, I have founded my own business called Career Advantage where I help clients with their career journey. It’s very fulfilling and I’m rewarded by seeing clients find career happiness. If starting a business is something you’ve thought about, I highly recommend checking out this year’s TPL Entrepreneur in residence.

My favourite part of career counselling is when I can help build a person’s confidence and teach them strategies to meet their goals. Individuals leave my sessions feeling as though they have found clarity and are well supported. That’s the best part of my job!

E-Lin: I stumbled upon career counselling. My childhood dream was to become a teacher because I wanted to help people and put my "outdoor" voice to good use. Volunteer and co-op experiences helped me realize that I was better in 1-on-1 settings rather than a large classroom. I also learned that helping people craft their résumés or practice for a job interview was very fulfilling and rewarding. More than ten years later, it still gives me great joy to support people in their career development and job search, whether it's to help them land their first job or their dream job.

What’s the biggest lesson you've learned on your career path?

Catherine: The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that career paths don’t have to be linear. This means that it’s okay to try out new professions and take additional training as needed to support your career moves. Clients used to worry about how it would look on their résumé if they had a few different careers listed. Nowadays this can be seen as an advantage to some employers. Having diverse experiences means you bring a wealth of different sector knowledge and can demonstrate that you are a quick learner and can adapt easily. Knowing what your transferable skills are and how to best communicate that to a potential employer is important. Research suggests that Canadians may hold about 15 jobs in a lifetime today. More people in the job force are exploring new avenues of work and improving their job or career for various reasons. This can include a lack of interest in their current position, looking to upgrade their skills, financial, or even job location. LinkedIn Learning is a great way to freshen up on your training and improve your skills if you are thinking of a career change. It’s available for free with a library card.

E-Lin: Get comfortable with asking questions and asking for help. Earlier on in my career, I thought asking questions meant I was ill-prepared for work so I avoided it like the plague. I tried to figure everything out on my own which usually took way longer than necessary. I had to unlearn that asking questions and asking for help are not signs of weakness. Instead, I realized asking questions and asking for help let my colleagues and supervisors know I was interested and engaged. By asking questions, I received help and guidance ranging from Excel hacks to informal mentorship. Nowadays, I continue to ask questions and for help when I need it and also appreciate others when they do the same!

What advice would you give a young person starting out in their career?

Catherine: Network, network, network. Networking is by far the most effective job search technique. A staggering statistic is 90% of jobs are landed through networking. When you are looking to land your first job, reaching out to people you know can really help your job search efforts. Most jobs are found by the active approach of networking. It involves gathering information by talking to friends, relatives, former employers, colleagues – just about everyone you know – and can result in job leads. It’s important to remember though, networking does not involve asking anyone for a job. Its purpose is to continually build your network of people. Ultimately, your network would reach your preferred industry and allow you to discover employer or position needs. With each networking contact that provides you with information and names of other contacts, your visibility and news of your skillset grow.

E-Lin: At the risk of sounding corny, I always tell people the best angle to start their career is from the "try"-angle. I think of career development as a series of trial and error so don't hesitate to try on different hats. Be open-minded to different opportunities and don't take no as a final destination but rather a detour. Did not get the original job you applied to? Maybe there is another opportunity with the same organization you can'try. Also, it's a tall order to find a job/career you will do for the rest of your life so I say lighten your load and aim to find a job/career you wouldn't mind trying for a little while and go from there.

What’s your favourite book on thriving in your work and career?

Catherine: Being intentional about what work you do and ensuring it aligns with your values and preferences, will help you thrive in your career. A fantastic book and one of the most popular career books on the market is What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles. The 2022 edition will be released later this year, which will feature the latest resources, case studies, and perspectives on today’s job market. It also reveals surprising advice on what works—and what doesn’t—so you can focus your efforts on tactics that get results. This book provides a unique self-inventory that helps you design your career around your key passions, transferable skills, and strengths to help you achieve career success!

E-Lin: One of my favourite podcasters and authors is organizational psychologist, Adam Grant. He takes research findings and turns them into actionable strategies that can make people more productive and successful in different aspects of life, not just work. A lot of his writing and speaking challenges our preconceived notions of success, leadership and work-life balance. His latest TED talk on languishing is also super relevant right now in this pandemic we're all in. You can find all of his books at the Toronto Public Library, including his latest book Think Again. I enjoyed them in the audiobook format but you can also find them in physical or electronic formats.

Career Coaches in Residence Kick-Off Event

Not sure what to ask our coaches? Interested in hearing their thoughts on upcoming labour market trends? Join us on Thursday, September 30th, at 6pm on Crowdcast for an interactive kick-off event! Ask them for career advice and learn more about the programs and workshops they'll be offering during their residency.

Catherine and E-Lin will appear in conversation with Ken Lee, one of TPL's 2020 Career Coaches in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation and with the support of several donors.

Three Labour Market Insights You Might Want to Know

2021-07-05T08:45:00Z

At times, labour market information can be overwhelming and confusing. So here are three insights on what to look out for when you’re conducting research.

TL;DR (Too long, didn’t read): When conducting labour market research, identify any gaps in knowledge, skills and experiences, learn which companies are and/or will be hiring, as well as explore employment outlooks.

Fill in the gaps

When engaging in career exploration, review job postings in your desired positions to identify if you need to learn or hone any skills. After all, sectors and industries evolve, so you need to address any shortcomings as they pop up.

From there, search for free resources and tutorials on the internet. YouTube is a great starting point.

What’s great about the Toronto Public Library (TPL) is that if you have a library card you receive free access to LinkedIn Learning for Library (that’s $34.99 you’re saving a month!). The platform has virtual courses led by experts on topics such as animation, coding, video editing and more.

The library also offers Computer & Library Training on subjects including Microsoft Excel, Canva, Python and more.

By possessing in-demand technical skills, employers will want to hire you.

But don’t forget your transferable skills! These are so valuable to an employer.

Tip! If you’d like to practice your English, the library facilitates English Conversation Circles. Check out ESL & Newcomer Programs.

Learn which organizations are ready to hire

Job boards will never be able to show you what opportunities will be available in the future. This is why I like to follow companies on social media as well as set Google Alerts. Both allow me to track any interesting news such as whether a company has received Series C funding.

In the world of technology, this means the company will start expanding into new markets. As such, they’re likely to be hiring now or soon.

Once I know this, I like to begin conducting informational interviews if I haven’t already done so!

Explore Employment outlook

With an evolving labour market, a job that exists today may no longer be in existence in 5 years time. So staying up-to-date with the outlook of an occupation will allow you to pivot as well as upskill.

Ontario's Labour Market has an overview of the province’s employment patterns and the library also provides Torontonians with access to Scott’s Business Directories and Career Cruising.

For more information on Career Cruising, read Cruise Your Way to a Great-Job and Resume.

Now with all this information, try conducting labour market research while keeping these three insights in mind!

Written by Ken Lee, 2020-2021 Career Coach in Residence with the Toronto Public Library.

You are Not Alone During the Job Search

2021-04-08T08:45:00Z

Job searching can sometimes feel like a solo journey. Cindy Fruitman, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares how to discover your own support team during the job searching process.

Cindy Fruitman, Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence

Sometimes it feels like job search is such a lonely endeavour. Sure, many of us may be in the same boat, but after this past year, it certainly feels like adding in a job search only adds to the isolation we’ve experienced. But whether you’re looking for your first job, seeking guidance on a career move, or are more established and hoping for a promotion, you don’t necessarily have to go it alone. In fact, it’s a far better idea to invite different perspectives and inputs from others when facing critical decisions over the course of your career.

It’s during these pivotal times that you’ll want to have a small group of key people around that are your “go-tos” when it comes to offering sound advice, insights and accountability. Think of it as having your own Personal Board of Directors – your "P-BOD"™!

In order for your P-BOD to be robust and provide the most value, it should comprise a good mix of the following:

professionals who may have industry experience or business knowledge
peers or former managers
respected people from your network that are farther along the path professionally
coaches or mentors
and perhaps a trusted friend or family member

(Caveat: There’s a school of thought that believes it’s best to populate your own personal board with people who aren’t emotionally invested in your success. Either way, use your discretion and choose wisely.) The unifying factor? you’re looking for people who believe in your capabilities and your talents. Your goal is to set up a P-BOD that will provide different perspectives, straight talk, offer guidance, and challenge to hold you accountable when it makes sense to do so.

So, who gets on your Advisory Board (P-BOD)? How?

1. Brainstorm to generate potential target lists

Start by either mapping or writing lists and bucket them into categories. For example:

People who know me well (my inner circle)
Professionals who currently advise me (e.g., financial planner, accountant, lawyer, work peer, mentor, etc.)
People I admire professionally
People I respect personally

2. Select

Generate a few variations advisory boards by selecting people from each bucket and combine them to create your ideal board. Keep in mind, you’re looking for a balance of insight, expertise and knowledge of you in order to establish a good cross section of advisors.

3. Invite

Once you have your lists of potential advisory board members:

Reach out to your “candidate” and tell them that you’re in the process of assembling your own personal advisory board.

Let them know that given your admiration and respect for their experience, sound judgement and/or knowledge, you’d be honoured if they would consider being a key advisor on your personal board of directors.

Explain that it would comprise a small number of key advisors that you would contact in the event you are faced with some key strategic decisions to make.

Convey with clarity the kind of expertise and insight unique to them that you believe each member of the board could offer.

Outline the parameters, that it would be informal in nature, communication could be by phone, virtual chat or email and you would remain mindful of their work and other commitments.

Remember this is an unpaid gig, so be sure to offer to reciprocate in kind.

There’s so much value that comes from putting in effort to create your Personal Board of Directors. It provides a level empowerment that comes from having access to a superhero team that can keep you grounded while promoting your professional growth. As a lifelong learner, the knowledge gained is something tangible that you can pay forward or backward to others who will seek you out for your own talent and expertise. In the meantime, you can continue to steer the ship, benefiting from the wisdom and guidance of others and take the journey together.

Looking for more ways to network? Discover upcoming networking events or watch replays of our previous workshops and panels on Crowdcast:

Networking in a Virtual World

Secure the Bag: Entrepreneurship Panel for Young Adults

For more career and job help resources, visit our Job & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Tips on How to Speak Confidently in an Interview

2021-04-07T15:33:19Z

You’ve landed an interview but you’re having trouble communicating your ideas with confidence. Tharsheka Natkunam, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares some advice on how to speak confidently, especially during an interview.

Tharsheka Natkunam, Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence

So you want to know how to be a good speaker? A lot of times when we think of someone who is confident, we think they must be successful, that success equals confidence. I am going to tell you that is not true. Confidence comes from within.

How, you might ask? If I asked you:

Who do you think of when you hear a confident speaker? Who comes to mind?
What does this person do or talk like that makes you think they are a good speaker?
Now think about a topic that you are really passionate or interested in. When you talk about that topic, how does it make you feel?

When you take your answers from these questions and put them together, that is what a confident speaker is: someone who knows what they are talking about and shows it. They speak from experience: experience equals confidence.

To speak with confidence in an interview, you need to convince the interviewer that you believe what you are talking about and are genuinely interested in the job. Try to apply that feeling of when you talk about something you are interested in to an interview. There are three things you need to speak with confidence:

Know the material,
Show your passion, and
Speak from experience

First, when you know something really well, that influences the way you talk about it. When you prepare for an interview, review the job posting and know the key skills or qualifications required. Including these points as part of your interview answer will show an employer that you know what you are talking about.

Second, speaking with passion can be heard with your tone. When you talk about a topic you are interested in, the way you talk about it sounds convincing, like you are an expert in it. You want to bring that same feeling into an interview with how you answer questions and by conveying your genuine interest in the job.

Finally, when you speak from experience in your interview, you sound more prepared. This can include incorporating true events that you have experienced as examples in your interview answers. Most interview questions are designed to get you to talk about your previous experiences and how it is relevant to the job. Therefore, talking about your knowledge of the job, your passion about the work and your previous experiences will help you speak with confidence in an interview.

Looking to read and learn more about improving your public speaking skills? Check out these resources:

Speaking with Confidence by Nick Gold

Some e-Learning Courses on Public Speaking through LinkedIn Learning for Library (formerly Lynda.com):

Public Speaking Foundations

Boosting Your Confidence, Public Speaking and Performance

For more career and job help resources, visit our Job & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Edited May 6, 2021 at 4:00pm to update resource links for LinkedIn Learning for Library (formerly Lynda.com).

Networking for Introverts and Beginners

2021-03-08T08:45:00Z

Networking can be useful for your career growth but it doesn't come naturally to everyone. Ken Lee, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares some insights on how to make networking seem less daunting.

The Career Coaches in Residence program offers remote career and job search help for younger adults (18 to 29) from Feb 1, 2021 to Apr 9, 2021. Book a free appointment today.

Ken Lee, Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence

Networking can be overwhelming, so here are three tips to consider when you’re first starting out.

1. Listen

The best networkers are not only talkers, but listeners. That is, you don't need to drive the conversation, but you can listen and ask questions. Think about asking people probing and/or clarifying questions. Probing questions get the speaker to think more deeply about what they shared, while clarifying questions help address any uncertainties.

Examples of clarifying questions:

Did I hear you share…?
Did I understand you when you expressed…?

Examples of probing questions:

How did you confirm…?
How did you learn…?

Putting this into practice, if you were attending a virtual panel discussion, you could ask a question like “Thank you for sharing your career transition from engineering to marketing. How did you decide marketing was a better fit for you?”

By asking these types of questions, people will feel listened to, which will leave a strong first impression.

2. Gamify

Try to apply elements of playing a game to networking to make it fun. Think about quests, which is a task you need to complete to gain a reward.

How does this work? Let’s say a virtual networking event is coming up, for example like our recent Explore Creative Careers panel. First, ask yourself, “What is my goal?”. From learning about a sector to insights on the company culture, everyone has a different reason for networking. Your goal will be your quest.

Once you’ve worked out your goal, it’s now time to set out how you plan on achieving it. If you’re new to networking, it’ll make sense to set achievable and realistic action steps as you build your confidence. For example, an action step could be “Once I have engaged in one conversation with a professional I can follow up with, I can leave the event.” As you gradually build your comfort level, you can increase the number of conversations. In other words, as you practice a skill, you’ll gain more experience in it, and in turn the more confident you will be using it.

Now, any quest always ends with an appropriate reward given the difficulty of the task. Only give yourself rewards you have earned though. (Don’t skip this part!)

Overall, try to make networking fun!

3. Online Communities

If you’re not ready to engage in ‘real time conversations’ look into online communities on Slack channels, as well as social media platforms such as Twitter and Reddit. This can be a powerful way to find like-minded individuals and build real relationships. At the same time, it can give you more time to process the information and come up with a response.

You can also find online communities that reflect your interests on Hive Index or Meetup.

Looking to read more about how to improve your networking skills? Check our books on networking.

For more resources, visit our Job & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

How to Make Career Decisions on Your Own Terms

2021-02-24T09:29:44Z

Jennifer Gaudette, one of our Career Coaches in Residence, shares her insights on how to make a career decision that's right for you.

The Career Coaches in Residence program offers remote career and job search help for younger adults (18 to 29) from Feb 1, 2021 to Apr 9, 2021. Book a free appointment today.

Jennifer Gaudette, Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.

Career decisions can be challenging. The pressure to “make the right choice” or “set yourself in the right direction” can be immense, especially if you have paren'ts, spouses, friends or mentors “strongly” advising on the matter. These influences can sometimes drown out your own voice that does know, on some level, what to do. Having a personal system for making career-related decisions can help you figure out your own voice amidst the range of opinions.

Career decisions can vary, from selecting an education program, accepting or declining a job offer or making a complete career pivot. For some, it may not feel like you have a choice or perhaps you have no idea what you want, and it’s tempting to take the first available option. It is important to remember that not making a choice is still deciding not to decide.

There is an increase in the number of jobs a person will have in a lifetime. This also increases the number of career-related decision points. The upside is, that you no longer have to decide what you’re going to do with the rest of your life, just the next chapter.

Thought exercise: Reflect back on past career decisions and write down the main reason for choosing what you chose.

If we are going to make more and more career choices, then it is important to improve career decision-making skills and self-awareness. This starts with defining personal factors or what is most important today and then updating it at different stages of life.

Personal criteria may include:

Your top 3-5 values (e.g. fitness, family)
The opportunity to use your strengths (e.g. connecting, calculating)
Practical needs, wants, interests (e.g. salary or pay rate, working with a team).

After you have looked at each career option, you can'then start your research. You can do this by conducting informational interviews, reading online reviews and consulting with individuals or sources. All of this information is important. Making decisions based only on facts or on a gut feeling isn’t recommended because it does not give you the full picture.

Explore career options that match up with your skills and interests using Career Cruising.

Relying on a gut feeling leaves you open to acting on your own biases or that of others that you may not perceive. An example of this is confirmation bias, or the tendency to look for information that supports what you already know and ignoring the rest. As humans, our brains form assumptions about what it’s like to work in a specific field or company and this rarely reflects reality.

Once you know what is important to you, what your gut is saying and more about the reality of your options, you can start to see the combined results of all factors. This offers a clearer view of a decision made on your own terms.

Looking to read more about making career decisions that are best for you? Check out our books on Career Development.

For more resources, visit our Job & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Most Commonly Asked Questions Answered by our Career Coaches in Residence

2020-12-18T08:45:00Z

Over 10 weeks in October to December 2020, our Career Coaches in Residence, Cindy Fruitman, Jennifer Gaudette, Ken Lee and Tharsheka Natkunam, together held over 200 appointments and 13 workshops for younger adults. They offered career advice on job searching, networking, navigating a new employment landscape and more.

To wrap up the fall session, we asked the coaches to tell us the most commonly asked questions and their answers.

Did you miss out on speaking to our coaches this fall? Not to worry, our Career Coaches in Residence will resume consultations in Feb 2021. In the meantime, find more career and job help resources at the library on our Job & Career Help page.

Toronto Public Library's Career Coaches in Residence: Cindy Fruitman, Jennifer Gaudette, Ken Lee and Tharsheka Natkunam

Why should we hire you?

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Cindy Fruitman:

In my 20-plus years as a Career and Leadership Coach, this is one of the most common questions I get asked and is actually one that’s most frequently asked in an interview. My answer? It depends on your situation.

Let’s look at sample answers for 3 different scenarios:

When Skills and Experience fit:

Go through the job posting carefully to understand the job description. Focus on how your skills and experience apply to the position.

“The job posting indicates the ideal candidate is required to have superior sales interpersonal skills. In my last position I established a track record of meeting and often exceeding my sales targets. I pride myself on delivering exceptional customer service and easily building relationships that establish customer loyalty and increase market share.”
When Skills and Experience don’t quite fit:
Changing occupations or industry? Emphasize how your experience and skills align and bring value to the new role.

“I’m confident that the skills in planning and project leadership that I developed in my previous job – together with my ability to create successful collaborations with diverse teams – would easily transfer and make impacts in this new role. I’m eager to demonstrate how my skills and enthusiasm for this role/industry would quickly become an asset to your company.”
When you have little or no work experience:
Write a list of your transferable skills to date, including those from volunteer & co-op work, study projects, etc. Highlight how they would help you perform well in this new role.

“I understand the importance of providing quality customer service experiences as a call center agent. Throughout my life I’ve been a hard worker, responsible and highly organized. I enjoy helping people and know the difference a positive attitude can make. If you hire me, I’m confident you’ll be impressed with my professionalism and work ethic.”

PRO-TIP: Be ready for this interview question. Be your own cheerleader! Tell yourself you’re the right person for the job. Tell the interviewer what makes you a great fit. What may seem like a tough question is actually a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd!

How do I know if I should I apply for this job?

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Jennifer Gaudette:

This is a common question for job seekers who are finding it challenging to evaluate whether or not they are right for a specific role. A lot of time and energy goes into an application, especially if you are tailoring your resume and cover letter to put your best foot forward and depending on where you are in your job search, being selective is wise.

It is also important to keep in mind that online applications are only 15-20% of how candidates are found. I often encourage clients to ask instead; “Is this the best use of my job search time and energy?” Focusing on quality instead of quantity is the rule. Blanketing resumes to every possible position does not increase your chances of getting an interview the way that a carefully crafted application and follow-up and/or networking strategy can.

On the other extreme, never applying to any roles or waiting for the perfect role where you meet 100% of the qualifications is also not a good strategy. If you are excited about a job ad, even if you only meet half of the qualifications, apply! It is important to note the rarely do candidates meet all qualifications for any role because of the variety of career paths, education and experience.

Think of a job posting as an employer “wish list” with the exception of skills that are an essential requirement to do the job. If you are targeting a specific role or company, if you do apply, occasionally, employers will notice your potential for a different role that you may be even better suited to do. I recommend creating a set of personal criteria to help you evaluate prospective postings based on your own deal-breakers, ambitions and ideal work environments or roles and use this to decide if the opportunity is a good investment of your time and energy.

If you’re looking for a book to read on this topic, try Knock Em' Dead: The Ultimate Job Search Guide by Martin John Yate.

Where do I meet people?

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Ken Lee:

In the past month, I have engaged in many conversations centered around networking. One of the more common sub-topics has been “Where do I meet people?” Here are some quick tips:

One of the best ways to find people to meet is on LinkedIn, using the alumni network function. Since you share a common connection, it’s a warmer way for you to reach out to them. Here’s a LinkedIn blog post with more information.

When it comes to in-person meetings, I like to use EventBrite to discover what’s happening near me. Also, check out the programming planned by the Toronto Public Library. There’s always something cool going on where you can meet people, such as book clubs and writing groups.

Beyond this, I like to identify where professionals I want to meet may gather because of their job. If you want to pursue a career at a library, check out professional events from the Ontario Library Association. Do you see yourself working in human resources? Well, you may want to volunteer at the annual conference hosted by the Human Resources Professionals Association.

Learn more about the various Live and Online programs at the library at tpl.ca/programs

Is there a resume template?

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Tharsheka Natkunam:

The most common question I get as a career coach is if there is a resume template. The short answer is not really. There is not a one size fits all template, as your resume needs to be specific to the job position/company so how you structure your resume may vary. However, there are certain components that can and should be included on a resume to fit the “template” or expectations that an employer is looking for. So to answer this question, my response is that there are two things you need to do make your resume stand out:

organize all important information creatively and
tailor the information to the job posting.

Organizing information involves including the important resume components (i.e. headings, skills etc.), and following the guidelines (i.e. size 12, readable font etc.) and using some creativity to design the resume to include the right information in a professional way (i.e. colour, clipart etc.).

Tailoring the information involves taking keywords from the job posting and using them as part of the important information on your resume. Your creativity and tailoring is the resume template.

Want a second pair of eyes to review your resume? Book an appointment with a career coach or get feedback from writing experts on Brainfuse in the Adult Learning Centre.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Career Coaches Share Advice They Wish They Knew When They Were Younger

2020-11-02T08:45:00Z

Hindsight is 20/20 but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the experiences and even the mistakes of others. Our Career Coaches in Residence share career advice they wish they knew when they were younger.

Toronto Public Library's Career Coaches in Residence: Cindy Fruitman, Jennifer Gaudette, Ken Lee and Tharsheka Natkunam

Your career is a journey, not a destination.

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Cindy Fruitman

After I graduated with a Psych degree, I decided to give myself a break before hitting the Toronto job market and decided to travel to Australia. Great idea, right? Well, those few months’ visit turned into a 10 year stay!

As it turns out, my first job after graduation didn’t land me my dream job as a pioneering psychologist. I actually landed work in a retail shoe store! Sure, I set out looking for work that would flex my skills in counselling, support and analysis. But those jobs were hard to come by, especially since I hadn’t planned on starting my career in Australia. My education and background didn’t quite fit the local hiring criteria for my field of work. Since I also had no Australian work experience to offer, I had to broaden my job search strategy to consider more practical options that fell somewhere in between my transferable skills and who was hiring.

It was pretty humbling. But here’s the deal: Even though I was initially frustrated that I wasn’t working in any role close to my dream job, the work experience I did gain actually further developed my skills. Particularly in service, support, problem solving, empathy, resilience, multi-tasking, operating a business and more. All skills essential to my career success.

Upon my return to Toronto, I practically lived at the library, researching through local business directories and employment resources which helped tremendously! I gained understanding of the local employment market in my field, researched which companies to target, and was able to scan current opportunities.

So don't be discouraged if your dream job doesn't happen right away. Keep an open mind when job hunting and look at alternative routes into a profession. It can pay off in unexpected ways!

The library offers a range of directories and databases to help you with your job industry research.

Everyone can feel like an imposter from time to time.

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Jennifer Gaudette

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of not belonging or being good enough to be in your role, to do a task, or to be perceived in a certain light. It is common when we are starting out in a new role, or taking on a new responsibility, essentially when we are stepping up to a new level. Though it is not just people new in their career who experience this feeling. Even the most confident-seeming leaders have said that they often doubt themselves and have active inner critics when venturing into new territory. As more and more is being asked of employees in today’s current workforce, lacking confidence or not feeling ready or "qualified" enough is a hot topic.

Most people want to do a good job and perform well. When we think there is a chance of failure because perhaps we’ve never presented to such a large audience before or managed other people, for example, we can feel the weight or the pressure to do something significant and use skills in new, untested ways. It is important to remember that imposter syndrome is just our brains trying to protect us from the pain of judgment or rejection. It is a negative script that we are playing in our head, that we may not be "good enough" to prepare us or stop us in case we aren’t.

Instead, if we take a beginner's mindset and view every situation a chance to learn what we are capable of from both our successes and our failures, then every challenge becomes an opportunity to improve whether or not we perceive ourselves as ready or deserving to be where we are. There is no way to know any outcome with certainty, so the best way to tame this feeling is to simply believe you can do anything, even if it takes several attempts. Growth can only happen outside the comfort zone when we take risks, so if you are feeling like an imposter, chances are you are growing. Learn how to gain more confidence by checking out some self-actualization books from the library.

Browse our career and job help book collections on topics such as leadership, confidence, resume building and more.

Be excellent, but don’t forget about current events and your health.

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Ken Lee

Practice breeds skill. Skill breeds confidence. Commit to becoming excellent in everything you do, particularly things that you enjoy. Even more important, practice self-compassion. Understand whatever you do in the beginning, you won’t be immediately great. So go ahead and learn or practice some technical skills such as Microsoft Excel through the Toronto Public Library’s online courses.

As you pursue excellence, don’t forget about current events. It's important to know what’s going on in the world. This will help you when socializing in the office and when you’re engaging in networking activities. So pick up a newspaper or a magazine and immerse yourself in politics, sports and more. Best of all, the library has free access to major newspapers (Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, and more).

All that being said, you need to make sure to establish professional boundaries. You’re more than an employee. While it’s great you’re an overachiever, work will always be there. It’s important to practice mindfulness. Your health matters, so consider reading books on stress, resilience and mental wellbeing.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey. I promise you, it’s going to be a wild adventure

Keep up with the latest news using the library's online newspaper subscriptions with PressReader.

Get exposed to different work opportunities at the beginning of your career journey.

Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence, Tharsheka Natkunam

When I was starting my career I was so focused on checking off all the boxes to go from the classroom to the boardroom that I became very focused on a single outcome. In that linear journey, I focused on getting opportunities that supported that straight pathway to a job title. However, that made me miss getting experiences to develop other skills that are useful in the workforce. If I was advised when I was younger to take on different entry level jobs, to volunteer in different industries, and to connect with people in the field early, I would have started my career journey with:

Transferable skills
Diverse experiences and
Opportunities for growth

Do not underestimate the value of your first fast food service job, your volunteer work at the library, or the people you meet along the way. All of these experiences shape up your skillset, which turn into strengths to write on your resume, which then turn into opportunities to get you employed!

You can also explore careers online from home with Career Cruising.

Are you on a career journey and need some guidance? Book an appointment with one of our Career Coaches in Residence.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by the RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Pursuing a Career in Fine Art: Resources for Emerging Artists

2020-10-08T08:45:00Z

Canada’s 2016 Census revealed that visual artists in Canada earned on average $21,100 per year. More than 75% of that income was derived from employment not associated with creating and selling art. This income level seems dismal. So we've put together some resources for aspiring artists who are looking to take their talent into a career. First, we will look at the contemporary global art market and then, some of the ways to put an income together.

Banksy artwork. Photo taken by Julian Osley, used on a CC license.

Art World Economics

In the last few decades, the art market has shifted its focus to contemporary art. The prices for contemporary art have risen many times over for the most favoured artists and pieces. Most of the money and activity is concentrated at the top end of the market where high net worth individuals and high profile galleries, auction houses and museums set the buying trends and prices. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, this part of the market has remained strong. Whereas the lower end of local galleries, shows and artists tends to decline in economic downturns and global crises.

The $12 Million Stuffed Shark by Don Thompson (2012)

Canadian economics professor Don Thompson explains and entertains with stories from the high-end art world. His books have valuable insights for any visual artist. In The $12 Million Stuffed Shark, Thompson wrote, "Artists who do not find mainstream representation within a year or two of graduation are unlikely ever to achieve high prices, or see their work appear at fairs, auction, or in art magazines." Mainstream representation generally means second tier galleries (lower in status than Gagosian, White Cube or Hauser and Wirth) in cities with large art markets such as New York, London or Los Angeles or Berlin.

Seven Days in the Art World by Sarah Thompson (2008)

Learning how to navigate the art world can help. Even though it was published in 2008, Sarah Thornton’s book Seven Days In the Art World is a great primer. Each chapter (or day) is devoted to exploring one of the essential components in the art world system:

The Auction
The Crit
The Fair
The Prize
The Magazine
The Studio Visit
The Biennale

Promoting Your Art

Don Thompson found that major dealers do not accept unsolicited artists’ submissions. They prefer finding artists based on tips from their current artists, collectors and colleagues.

There are other avenues of promotion, such as artist-run shows, being selected through a juried competition to participate in an art fair, a write-up in an art magazine, a lively website and also social media. Here are a few resources for getting started promoting your art online.

You can create an inexpensive but effective website. Learn how with this Gale course: Creating WordPress Websites.
This book will teach you about how to use various social media to sell your art: Advanced Strategies for Marketing Art: Innovative Ways to Boost Your Art Career.
Think of yourself as an entrepreneur and strategize your art practice for financial viability. This book will help: Art Marketing 101: An Artist's Guide to a Successful Business Plan.

We have computers, software and printers in our Digital Innovation Hubs where you can design and produce your own professional promotional materials. It's pretty easy to get started learning the necessary software with one of our classes or one of these online tutorials from Lynda.com (for free access, log in with your library card):

Show your work in its best light by learning how to shoot professional quality photos with Introduction to Photography
Create great quality marketing materials with Adobe Creative Cloud. Learn the essentials with Creative Cloud Crash Course.
For media and performance artists, learn how to edit a dynamic video with Final Cut Pro 10.4.9 Essential Training.
Perform by podcast. Learn audio recording and editing techniques with Recording and Editing a Voice Track for a smooth sound.

Prizes for Artists

Consider entering your work for prizes, both for financial support and recognition. In Canada, there are various prizes for emerging artists.

Among them, The Sobey Art Award is considered the most prestigious. Being one of the five finalists is a significant achievement.

The Canada Council for the Arts has quite a few prizes you can apply to or be nominated for. Most are for specific artistic disciplines, stages of your career or geographic locations. Be sure to read the criteria carefully. Almost all prizes come with publicity, an exhibition and money.

Artist Residencies

An artist residency is a great accomplishment to add to your resume or CV. There are residencies available all over the world. Generally, there are specific projects or mandates for these residencies. Residencies typically offer compensation, teaching opportunities and the opportunity to exhibit your work.

Canada’s Banff Centre residencies are very well-known and internationally recognized.

Or, you could apply to be an Artist in Residence right here at TPL! These positions, when available, are advertised on our Jobs page and our social media channels.

Artist Grants

Many organizations offer grants for artists. However, typically only one in ten applications is successful. Find out what sorts of grants are available from:

The online database Grant Connect is a great way to find grants too. It brings together over 400 sources of funding for non-profit endeavors, including art. To access Grant Connect, you must use a computer in one of our branches with your Toronto Public Library card.

Grant applications usually require a Curriculum Vitae, a project plan, a work plan, a proposed timeline, budget and a solid theoretical justification. Completing the rigorous application process requires thoroughly thinking through and planning out your work. Here are some resources to help you create a strong grant application.

Improve your writing about art with the 11th edition of A Short Guide to Writing About Art.
Find some great quotes and art historical examples to support the thrust of your art practice in the articles within TPL's Art Full Text database.
Pick up some useful tips and tricks to write an impressive grant submission with The Artists Guide to Grant Writing by Gigi Rosenberg (2010).

Exhibiting Your Art

Municipalities sometimes offer competitive commissions for public art. Look out for opportunities to submit proposals. One useful website is Akimbo. You can sign up to receive emails about calls for submission and updates on events, exhibitions, jobs and more within Canada.

We have art exhibit space at 16 of our branches, typically on a monthly rotation. Find out more about how to exhibit your work at a TPL branch. These spaces are quite popular and fill up fast!

Meet Our Career Coaches in Residence

2020-10-02T09:00:00Z

Toronto Public Library is excited to welcome our first four Career Coaches in Residence who will be offering remote career and job search help for younger adults (18 to 29) from Sep 28, 2020 to Dec 4, 2020 and from Feb 1, 2021 to Apr 9, 2021. Coaches can help with general career advice, résumé and cover letters, job or employment searching, interview preparation, or developing personal marketing material for your LinkedIn profile, portfolio or website.

In no particular order, meet our Career Coaches in Residence: Cindy Fruitman, Jennifer Gaudette, Ken Lee and Tharsheka Natkunam.

Cindy Fruitman

Jennifer Gaudette

Ken Lee

Tharsheka Natkunam

We recently asked them a few questions to get to know them better.

What interested you about TPL's Career Coach in Residence position and what do you look most forward to during your residency?

Cindy: What interested me was the opportunity to be part of the solution. There’s a labour shortage, yet it remains tough for youth to land work or gain employment experience. Ontario’s youth bring a wealth of talent and innovation to the workforce. It’s important now more than ever they possess practical, essential skills and agile tools to navigate and thrive in today’s competitive job market. What I’m most looking forward to is helping program participants get traction on their career goals through practical guidance together with the vast array TPL's resources at their disposal.

Jenn: I was interested in this program because I could see the value of providing career programs for the community. Access to resources and mentorship are especially needed in these challenging times. This position offers an opportunity to work as part of a supportive team of coaches to deliver one-of-a-kind programs designed to meet the needs of youth in a rapidly changing career landscape.

Ken: Having worked in higher education and employment services, I started to recognize the need to provide greater access to career-related support to Torontonians. So when I stumbled on the library’s Career Coach in Residence position, I immediately thought this would be a great starting point. With this in mind, I love the fact that there are so many cool things you can get with a free TPL card. Like borrowing a free wi-fi hotspot with unlimited data access for six months! To know I can be part of an initiative that makes Toronto such a wonderful city, makes me so proud. Honestly, I’m just eager to begin meeting with young people and supporting them in their goals and aspirations!

Tharsheka: I was interested in this position because of my passion for positive youth development and my work in youth employment. I am looking to build my expertise that I have developed over the years by getting involved in initiatives like this residency program that support young adults reach their potential. I look forward to working closely with young people to help inspire and empower them. I want to help them understand how to use the skills they already have to be successful in navigating employment.

Discover library tools and resources to support your career journey

Finding a job can be challenging and especially so if you're just starting out. What is one piece of practical advice you would give to someone in the early stages of their career journey?

Cindy: Develop your “soft” skills! Soft skills are defined as “non-technical skills that relate to how you work”. Examples include: interpersonal communication, listening, problem solving, critical thinking, flexibility, reliability, creativity, resourcefulness and time management. No longer considered “nice-to-have” skills for job applicants, more workplaces are expecting their new hires and employees alike to possess a range of soft skills beyond having the technical know-how. There’s a reason they are often referred to as “essential skills”. In a world of constant change, having the ability to demonstrate and develop soft skills will keep you in demand, over the course of your career.

Jenn: One piece of practical advice that I would give is that it is important to conduct research and run "career experiments" in order to decide what is right for you at this stage of your life. You won't always get it right with your first choice and it is OK to make changes. That said, I'd also add that it is wise to take even the most well-intended career advice with a grain of salt. This is especially true if the advice is based on what others think you should do with your career. Only you can really know what career path is best for you.

Ken: That’s a tough one, but I’d say it's crucial for you to first identify who you are, including your interests, strengths, and values. The only way you can do that is through life as well as work experience in the form of co-op, internships, volunteering, and so on. By exploring and trying things, you can discover what you enjoy. It’s honestly better to learn what you don't like in a job after an internship than to fixate on fulfilling a childhood dream. Don't make the mistake of spending months applying for a job or years studying at school, just to stay on a career path that isn't right for you anymore.

Tharsheka: A piece of practical advice I would give to someone in the early stages of their career journey would be to be open to opportunities. When you enter an experience with the mindset to learn you will leave with a lot of growth. So consider any job you take as a step into your career journey. Frame any experience as an asset. There is always something to learn from any type of work experience, as it can be used to help build your employability. So challenge yourself to reframe your work experience to meet your career goals.

I've heard that career development is an important and ongoing journey. What are your top 3 book recommendations on this topic?

Cindy:

What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Nelson Bolles
A classic in the career counselling world, this is book is packed with insights, advice and strategies to help you find the best job and career for you. It takes you on a journey through every step of the process, from figuring out which careers make sense for your personality style, to designing your resume, and offers networking and interviewing advice.

Can you Hear Me? How to Connect in a Virtual World by Nick Morgan.
The fact is, when we limit our communication to text or DMs and the world of work continues to shift online, we risk losing essential keys to successful communication. This is your “how-to guide” for communicating in a remote and virtual world.

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Based on a course taught by the authors at Stanford University, this book uses design principles to help you figure out how to achieve life and work fulfillment.

Jenn: Career development is indeed a lifelong project. Three of my favourite books on this topic are:

Designing Your Work Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

This book is a follow-up to best-selling Designing Your Life which applies design thinking and introduces practical tools for tackling career questions.

Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One by Jenny Blake

This career book is more relevant now than ever as career transitions are becoming common and the average length of work tenure reduces every year.

Wellth: How I Learned to Build a Life, Not a Resume by Jason Wachob

The founder of MindBodyGreen shares his memoir and the wisdom gained having taken a conventional approach to his career and then eventually finding fulfillment.

Ken: It's important to stay on top of industry trends so I get most of my book recommendations through current industry podcasts I'm listening to or the blogs that I read.

One website I love is PH SPOT! It’s a career development platform for those interested in public health. They have a blog, podcast, professional development courses, and even a booklist. A book I'm interested in reading next is The Invisible Cure by Helen Epstein.

I'm currently into the podcast, Dietitian’s Discovered. It’s a podcast that explores unique career paths within dietetics. My personal favourite is where the host, Sarah Muncaster, shares her personal journey to becoming a Registered Dietitian. Tip! If you're into podcasts, Overdrive has audiobooks which are a great alternative to traditional books.

Lastly, I love Reddit. You can find a community with common interests and, for example, I’m subscribed to /r/marketing. Stay tuned for a potential AMA with TPL's Career Coaches!

Tharsheka: Career development is an ongoing journey and any happy individual in their career will tell you that the decisions they made involved intention and reflection, leading to taking risks and earning rewards. So 3 book recommendations to explore more into this topic would be:

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear

The Happiness Equation by Neil Pasricha

You can book a free one hour consultation with one of our Career Coaches to get one-on-one advice on your career journey, or find more resources on our Jobs & Career Help page.

The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by RBC Foundation, and the Friends of the Toronto Public Library, South Chapter.

Five Reasons Why You Should Attend a Career & Job Fair...and Where...

2018-03-29T08:00:00Z

Photo by Julia Faherty [CC – BY] via http://www.news.gatech.edu/

A career or job fair is an excellent way to meet a large number of potential employers at one time. These fairs not only provide employment opportunities, but also provide a network for career exploration and professional development. If you are hesitant about attending one, here are five reasons why attendance at a fair can be worth your time.

1. Explore Various Careers

Fairs are a great way to learn about different industries, workplace environments and career options. Attendance at one will have you thinking about the different occupations within your respective industry or may help you decide on what industry you would like to enter.

2. Meet Different Types of Companies

Fairs always include lots of exhibitors from various companies and you can quickly and easily move from one exhibitor table to the other. On a normal day, speaking to multiple companies would involve lots of hours or days spent with back and forth communication, so visiting a fair will save you lots of time and effort.

3. "Networking is the no. 1 unwritten rule of success in business" – Sallie Krawcheck

You never know who you will meet, especially at a Career & Job Fair. Networking is valuable in helping you to establish important contacts that can help in your career development. At career and job fairs, you will get the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from various companies who play a vital role in their company’s hiring process. Connecting with these representatives will allow the employers to learn more about you and can help you to establish a personal connection to complement your resume and cover letter.

4. Improve Your Communication and Interview Skills

Job fairs are a place where job seekers can literally meet potential future employers face to face in a kind of "speed dating" atmosphere. With so many opportunities, you will be forced to practice your communication skills. You might even end up doing an interview on the spot!

5. Career & Job Fairs Are Free!

Who doesn't love free, right? Some fairs may require registration but check out the list below for a career and job fair near you. Toronto Public Library will have a booth at the City's annual Job & Career Fair on Wednesday, May 9^th, 2018 at Scarborough Civic Centre.

April 3 – 5, 2018 11:00 am – 2:00 pm	Centre for Business Career Fair	200 King Street East SJA Building (Room B155)
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm	Richmond Hill Job Fair	Holiday Inn Express Richmond (10 East Pearce St.)
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm	Bilingual Job Fair Ajax	Hilton Hotel Ajax (500 Beck Crescent)
Tuesday, April 17, 2018 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm	Ajax Job Fair	Hilton Hotel Ajax (500 Beck Crescent)
Monday, April 23, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm	Job & Education Fair	Living Arts Centre (4141 Living Arts Drive)
Monday, May 7, 2018 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Bilingual Job Fair Toronto	One King Street West (1 King Street West)
Monday, May 7, 2018 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Toronto Job Fair	One King Street West (1 King Street West)
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm	City of Toronto's Annual Job & Career Fair	Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive)
Wednesday, May 16, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm	Toronto Career Fair and Training Expo	Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West)
Wednesday, May 20, 2018 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm	Brampton Job Fair	Courtyard Marriott Hotel (90 Biscayne Crescent)
Thursday, May 24, 2018 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm	M arkham Job Fair	Monte Carlo Inn & Suites Hotel (7255 Warden Avenue)
Thursday, June 7, 2018 10:00 am – 4:00 pm	Canadian Immigrant Fair	Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front St. W, Toronto)

Want to Learn More about Cybersecurity, IoT or Linux?

2018-03-28T17:10:24Z

Let's Learn Tech Online is our latest eLearning offering for learners who are interested in developing information technology job skills. Powered by Cisco Networking Academy, these free and interactive courses are informed by industry expertise and can be taken anytime, anywhere with your library card.

There are three courses available:

Introduction to IoT

Introduces you to the Internet of Things (IoT) and the challenges of the transformational IoT economy.

Introduction to Cybersecurity

Teaches you about different types of cyber attacks, measures organizations use to mitigate risks and career options in cybersecurity.

Linux Unhatched

Shows you the fundamentals of Linux and 19 basic commands. This course can also help you prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exam.

Find out more about the program on the Let's Learn Tech Online page. Don't forget to check out our eLearning section that showcases other wonderful resources, such as lynda.com, Gale Courses and Safari Books Online.

Happy learning!

Are You the Next Billionaire?

2018-03-06T08:00:00Z

Photo by Bob Olsen [CC – Toronto Star License] via Toronto Star Photo Archive

Did you know that the top 100 billionaires in the world own 1.3% of total world personal wealth? In 2017, Forbes put together a list of the 100 richest people in the world. Soon after, a British recruitment agency examined the list to discover if there’s any correlation between someone's first career move and how wealthy they eventually become. The company found that 30/100 of the top billionaires inherited or worked for a family business, 17 started their own business, and 53 of them worked for another organization.

If you want to be the next billionaire, the following five jobs and five degrees (see the full list here) would be most beneficial in helping to make your billionaire goals come true:

In 2017, these were the top five most common first jobs among the world's billionaires:

1. Salesperson
2. Stock trader
3. Software developer
4. Engineer
5. Analyst

In 2017, these were their top five degrees:

1. Engineering

2. Business

3. Finance & Economics

4. Law

5. Computer Science

Not sure if you want to be a billionaire? Check out these enticing images of what making lots and lots of money could look like 😉 via images from our Digital Archive:

Photo by Bob Olsen [CC – Toronto Star License] via Toronto Star Photo Archive

Photo by Peter Power [CC – Toronto Star License] via Toronto Star Photo Archive

And if you are ever burdened with having TOO much money, and don't know where to put it all, you can always use it to fuel your furnace:

Photo by Reg Innell [CC – Toronto Star License] via Toronto Star Photo Archive

Learning the Way of the Hustle…as an Entrepreneur

2018-01-02T08:00:00Z

Photo by Lilly Lisa Klingbeil [CC – BY] via lemonadeday.wordpress.com

We all work hard for our money but have you ever wondered if there is something else that you can do to make MORE money? In his book, "Side Hustle," Chris Guillebeau tackles this idea by referring to a method which he calls "side hustling".

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "hustling" as both a noun and as an action:

hustle
/ˈhʌs(ə)l/
noun
-The act of pushing or jostling roughly.
-A swindle, racket; a means of deception or fraud; a source of income; a paid job. slang (orig. U.S.).

verb
-To urge, impel, push forward (into some action) in a rough unfastidious fashion.
-To sell or serve (goods, etc.), esp. in an aggressive, pushing manner. N. Amer. slang.
-To push or elbow one's way.

As a noun, "hustle" refers to the act of hustling, a pushy and forceful manner to make an income. The act of swindling can also be seen as a hustle since it happens very quickly and in a pushy manner. Chris Guilleabeau's explores "hustle" and "side hustle" by talking about a way to quickly and easily create an additional stream of income without giving up the security of a full-time job. According to him, "side hustle skills are not taught in school…The only way to master side hustle skills is by doing" (p.7). With this, he created a 27-day plan which, if followed, would bring a profitable hustle. The main objectives are broken down into the following five weeks:

To learn more about Chris' proposed approach, pick up a copy of Side Hustle at your local branch or "Place Hold" to have the first available copy shipped to your local branch for pick up.

Toronto Public Library also has a lot of books on entrepreneurship, career development and success in business. To find more books about hustling, check out these titles and the ones below:

If you hope to encourage your children to start young and build entrepreneurial skills, check out these books:

You've Got the Job...Now What?

2017-11-29T08:00:00Z

Credit: Thinglass/Shutterstock

If you are reading this, then a big "CONGRATULATIONS" must be in order! You probably spent many stressful hours preparing for your job interview and it ALL paid off when you received that phone call or email with a job offer. Now that you've been hired, you might be wondering …"Now what?" Starting a new job can be very exciting but it can also bring on jitters as you go through an adjustment period. The first day at a new job is also very important since it is an opportunity to make a positive impression on your employer and fellow colleagues (talk about pressure, right?!).

To figure out what to expect at a new job, I went to Toronto Reference Library's circulating career books collection to get the most authoritative answer. Browsing the shelves, I came across "Can I Wear My Nose Ring To The Interview?" by Ellen Gordon Reeves. The following points stuck out to me:

First Day Logistics

The first thing you should probably know is the basic logistics of the job like, "when and where do you start?" and "who should you report to on your first day?" If no one has shared these details when you were offered the job, contact the company's Human Resources (HR) department or one of the people who hired you. Do not wait until Sunday morning to realize that you are unsure about when and where you are supposed to be on your first Monday morning at your new job.

Probationary Period

When you start a new job, do not be surprised if you are placed on a probationary period. A probation period is common and usually a predetermined time (often three to six months after you start). Your continued employment is contingent on your review at the end of this time period.

Sick Days

If you are new to a job and are feeling very ill or have something contagious, it is best to stay home. Calling in sick is not ideal but your colleagues will be grateful that you aren't spreading any germs in the office.

Employee Handbook

A lot of workplaces have an employee handbook which provides valuable office rules, as well as information on how to clear vacation time, sick days and personal days. Speak to your employer or HR to find out where you can get one.

Your Work Area, Phone and Email

Your work area is a reflection of you, so try to be neat and discreet. Before you settle into your new work space, take a look to see how your colleagues handle personal paraphernalia. If your desk does not have office supplies, find out the procedure for obtaining supplies so that you can set up your organization system right from the beginning. You may also need passwords and codes for the computer and photocopier and if you are unfamiliar with any office equipment, ask for instructions as early as possible.

Once you've been given an email and phone number, make sure that you've been added to the relevant email and phone circulation lists. Don't forget to record a professional voice mail message where you state your full name and the name of the company. It is also important to figure out how to work your phone, so that you don't hang up on someone accidentally.

Office Romance

Although you may have a good chance at meeting someone you fancy, workplace relationships are dangerous! Yes, if things work out, you will definitely have more motivation to come to work but if they don't, you will be stuck seeing your ex everyday. Some offices have rules against interoffice relationships, check the employee handbook to find out for sure.

Being a Good Colleague and Employee

An office is a shared space and you are part of a community. Keep the following pointers in mind to be a good colleague and employee:

Take initiative
Don't be a prima donna
Be discreet
Respect the hidden hierarchies
Listen and learn
Be humble and helpful
Don't play the blame game
Blow your own horn, but not too loudly
Spread the good word
Don't say "I don't know." Instead say, "I'll find out."

To read more pointers from this book ("Can I Wear My Nose Ring To The Interview?"), pick up your copy HERE.

Toronto Public Library also has books on many more career firsts:

Good luck on your first day!

How to Afford a House in Toronto

2017-08-29T08:00:00Z

I recently read a Toronto Star article about the cost of housing and how "it takes a six-figure income to afford virtually any Toronto area home — even a condo."

That figure is shocking! I was lucky enough to invest in a condo a few years ago, before the pricing boom, but I am baffled at who, and which profession, can possibly afford property in this city today. So I did some digging and came across a recent BlogTO article that revealed the top paying jobs in the city and ones which might actually allow you to buy a house in Toronto:

Cardiology Physician
Radiologist
Associate Professor
Oncologist
Physician
Vice President of Finance
Chief Medical Officer
Vice President of Business Development
Chief Estimator
Director of Accounting

Most of these professions require advanced post-secondary education and fall under the medical and financial sector. To learn about these professions, the library has resources that can help you:

Career Cruising

If you want to stay in Toronto and make enough money to afford a house/condo, this database is a great place to start your research to explore and figure out which career is suitable for Toronto's financial market.

By typing in a career in the search bar or finding one using the alphabetical index (click on the "Careers" tab at the top) , this database is great in outlining things like:

the career path
average salary
type of schooling that is required (with links to various school programs and degrees)

There is also an option to add in various filters (ex. School Subjects, Career Clusters, Type of Education, Working Conditions) but by searching just by "Earnings" there are 92 career matches that offer a salary of $60,000 or more per year:

To access this database and to see the full list of 92 career matches:

Visit www.torontopubliclibrary.ca and in the search bar enter "career cruising" and click "search"
Click on "Access Online" under "Career Cruising" and enter your Library card number and PIN
From the Career Cruising database homepage click on the "Careers" tab at the top
Select "Career Selector"
Click through the tabs on the left and select which filters you would like to add.

To learn more about using our Career Cruising online resource, you can also watch our video tutorial.

If you are looking for a book to help guide you on changing careers, one of these titles might also be of help:

Learning Express Library

A lot of the high paying professions require entrance exams before being admitted to a school. The Learning Express Library database offers practice tests and answers for all ages for such tests as LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, SAT, GED and more. Visit the Learning Express Library database here.

Also check out some of our books:

Toronto Real Estate Board

And if you can't or don't want to change your career, another option is to consider moving to another city. The Toronto Real Estate Board is a great place to visit to obtain home price index reports on the current market. These reports are published every month and provide prices for various types of housing in the Toronto area, or Toronto Ward, and can give you an idea of a more affordable city to live in:

Happy researching!

Regulated Trades in Ontario

2017-08-15T08:00:00Z

Some trades are regulated in Ontario. To work in these trades, you must have a certificate of qualification or be a registered apprentice.

In Canada, trades are regulated in each province. In Ontario there are more than 150 recognized trades. Of these, at least 23 require mandatory certification (i.e. you have to do an apprenticeship and take examinations). The other trades offer voluntary certification (i.e. certification and College membership are not legally required to practice the trade). The Ontario College of Trades regulates all trades in Ontario. To see fact sheets (which tell you about the trade, what training is required and how to find training for specific trades) visit Trades in Ontario and select any of the following four sectors:

Construction (e.g. electrician), Industrial (e.g. machinist), Motive Power (e.g. auto body repairer) or Service (e.g. hairstylist).

You can also find information about being an apprentice in a skilled trade on the Ontario government site Start an apprenticeship.

Now that you know what the regulated trades in Ontario are, you will need to find examination books. Toronto Public Library has examination books for many regulated trades that require certification for members. To find them, visit the Toronto Public Library website and in the search bar, type in terms like:

Electricians examinations	Plumbing examinations	Steam boilers examinations
Heating examinations	Automobile mechanic examinations	Beauty operators examinations
Food service examinations	Carpentry construction	Industrial mechanics

Then "Sort" your results by "Date" to find the most current and relevant edition.

Or check out one of the titles below:

Good luck with your examinations!

Regulated Professions in Ontario

2017-07-18T08:00:00Z

Many professions in Ontario and the rest of Canada require you to have a license to practice in that profession. These are called regulated professions because they are administered by government regulations. Regulations exist to protect the public from people who are unqualified to practice a profession.

Most information about regulated professions is available on Internet sites for newcomers to Canada who are seeking relicensing—permission to practice their profession or trade in Canada. Licensing applies to both people born in Canada and newcomers who received their training in other countries.

Let’s find out which professions are regulated in Ontario…

Ontario Immigration: Working in Ontario

A virtual one-stop site for internationally-trained professionals and tradespersons is the Ontario government’s site Ontario Immigration. The Ontario Government also provides a variety of programs and services for newcomers working in regulated professions. The section Working in Ontario gives you detailed information on how to work in a profession or trade, including the names of the regulatory bodies. To find more information and resources on how to get licensed, to get additional help and to find work in that profession in Ontario, scroll down to the list of regulated professions on the Working in Ontario page and click on the one you’re interested in.

Now that you know what the regulated professions in Ontario are, you will need to find examination books. Toronto Public Library has many examination books for many regulated professions. To find them, visit the Toronto Public Library website and in the search bar, type in terms like:

Medicine examinations	Dental assisting examinations	Physicians examinations
Nursing examinations	Nurses examinations	Engineers examinations
Dentistry examinations	Optometry examinations

Then "Sort" your results by "Date" to find the most current and relevant edition:

Here are some of our popular books:

Good luck with your examinations!

Organize Your Way To A Tidy Work Space

2017-06-21T06:00:00Z

Is your computer monitor littered with Post-it Notes? Do you have mountains of loose-leaf paper covering your desk space and overflowing onto the floor? Do you have a collection of shoes and a mini-closet hiding under your desk?

The majority of us spend most of our time at work and sitting at a desk or cubicle. Your workspace is a reflection of you and keeping it tidy and making sure there isn't anything on display that might cause others to question your professionalism is very important.

If you want some tips on how to organize your desk check out our collection on orderliness or these titles:

A survey from the USA staffing firm OfficeTeam found that more than half of managers (54 percent) said that the most distracting or annoying aspect of employee workspaces is sloppiness or disorganization, and 15 percent have reported seeing an inappropriate or offensive item in an employee’s work area and/or too many knickknacks and decorations.

We all know every office is guilty of having a messy area or two but an organized desk and office can lead to better office harmony and improved focus. A report last year by OfficeMax found that office clutter undermines productivity and motivation. “Your performance coincides with your workspace,” says Jennie Dede, vice president of recruiting for the staffing firm Adecco. “When it’s organized and precise you have the mindset and motivation to work.”

Why Should I Keep My Desk Clean?

Being well-organized, especially with your desk space, has numerous advantages in your career (according to "6 Reasons to Clean Off Your Desk" by Monster.com):

1. It makes you look more professional
Whether it's a desk or an outfit, a professional person takes pride in his or her appearance. View your desk from an outsider’s perspective and think about what it says about you.

2. It makes you more efficient
Filing things where they belong creates less surface clutter and as a result allows you to locate things quickly since you know where the items are located.

3. It ensures you have room to work
A functional desk will have lots of clear space where work items can be spread out and referenced.

4. It helps keep sensitive information safe
Leaving sensitive information visible and lying around on your desk can put you or your company at risk.

5. It keeps you on task
A messy desk can be overwhelming and it may be difficult to prioritize your projects if you are not organized.

6. It keeps your supplies in one place
“There are many studies showing that once a person gets up from something they are working on to look for supplies, they are much less likely to return to what they were working on when they left," says professional organizer Amanda LeBlanc. "Acrylics bins or drawer organizers are great for storing supplies and keeping them easily accessible and visible.”

How Do I Keep My Desk Clean?

If you want to be the owner of a clean desk but are not sure how to achieve that, GQ.com came up with a great and easy suggestion for organizing your office space…divide up all your desk clutter into 7 categories:

Illustration by Kate Francis (GQ.com)

1. Papers
(This includes mail, to-do lists, packets of stuff from meetings, notes, Post-its etc). Organize your papers into folders. You can also scan and save PDFs into folders on your computer of the things you will need to reference later on.

2. Ephemera
(This includes anything sentimental or nostalgic that gives your desk character). Keep your desk looking professional by steering away from making it look like an antique shop or a teenager's bedroom. Limit the number of decorative items to 3-5 items. The rest should be put away in a special box or photographed.

3. Actual Tools
Keep only the bare necessities on your desk. This includes a cup to hold pens and pencils, a tape dispenser, a pair of scissors and a stapler. Everything else can be stored and organized in a drawer.

4. Things that belong in the kitchen
(This includes dirty coffee mugs, plastic forks, knives, spoons, water bottles and tupperware). Avoid taking your lunch at your desk. Also avoid making it look like you eat at your desk all the time. Clean your kitchen belongings right after using them and put them away into your lunch bag or desk drawer.

5. Clothing and shoes
Any clothing and shoes should be kept to a minimum and hidden from sight at all times. If these things don't fit in a drawer or closet, consider investing in a nice looking gym bag or tote that you can'tuck away under your desk.

6. Garbage
As soon as something becomes trash throw it away.

7. Free Stuff
Don't let free stuff like key chains or gifts pile up. If they do not serve a work purpose throw them away or take it home.

When tidying your desk remember to aim to rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Once you've decluttered, dust all surfaces, disinfect your keyboard and wipe down your computer screen and have a happy and productive work day.

I Need a Job!

2017-06-07T14:47:00Z

I need a job!

That’s a line we always hear from droves of young professionals and graduates fresh out of college or university. They are desperate for a job. Let’s have courage and admit it; this may be a natural consequence of the dark economic times we’re trudging — high unemployment rates.

It’s sad but true, many of these young people have relevant experience, and the prerequisites to boot; however, many are vying for positions too few to count, making the competition cutthroat. As a result, this frequent dismal episode ends up in the unemployment stats. It is, indeed, a difficult time for anyone to find a full-time job that will end up as a meaningful career. The traditional methods and tactics of job-seeking do not seem to work anymore. And difficult times call for creative methods and unorthodox tactics, which push job seekers to think outside the ‘norm’. You will be surprised to see opportunities you have not seen before.

An ideal scenario of your life would be such that, when you graduate from the college or university, you will find a job of your choice, and you will advance up the ladder as your career matures. However, as everyone knows, life does not work that way at all. You would consider yourself fortunate if you can manage to find a job that is remotely close to that.

What do you do? You can’t just sit around home, and wonder, dream, complain and mope. Why not try something more practical and, yet, strange? Odd jobs! Yes, I am talking about that temp job that we all dismiss as if they are for someone else, as well as some very unusual ones that you never thought existed. Degrading, weird, awful, you say? Think again.

If you look around, on the ‘net or many employment sites, you will come across jobs that hit you smack in the face. You will most likely say, ‘Oh, my god! I didn’t know that!’ Then you begin to look, and say, ‘Hmm…’ Intrigued? Here are some of the most unusual jobs I gleamed from many sources:

Submarine cook – In the land down under, working on a sub and cooking.. subs? can earn you over $200,000 per year. Apparen'tly, there are bonuses associated with working in a metal tube.

Casino salesperson in Macau, China – Are you a good salesperson? Convincing high rollers to come to casinos in Macau could earn you up to $5,000 per month.

Pearl diver – A diver can make about $1,300 per day. Watch out for the Great Whites, as most companies will charge a lot for limb insurance.

Gas and oil diver – Do you like diving? Do you like oil and gas? If so, here’s a great job involving both and you could earn about $80,000 per year.

Airplane repo person – I think most people have heard of a repo man (or person). A repo person’s job is to collect items that people buy on credit or use as collateral, such as cars, boats etc. If you default on the loan, these people will come and take your belongings. If you like adventure and are not afraid of being shot or put into foreign prisons, then making up to $900,000 per plane is a great way to make a living.

Bounty hunter – Grow a mullet, find a muscle shirt and a can of pepper spray, and you are set to collect up to $45,000 per bail-skipping criminal that you can bring in. Earning over $100,000 per year catching bad people sounds like fun, and exciting.

Voice-over work – Like the sounds of the pizza advertisement on the radio? Have a great sounding voice? You could earn about $300 for a five-minute advertisement. We would love to work for only five minutes a day.

What others are saying on the Internet:

Brent Furdyk: 11 Weird Jobs That Can Make You Extra Cash for Christmas

Jeff Kauflin: The Most Unusual Jobs In America

Sam Becker: 10 Unusual Jobs That Surprisingly Pay Over $100,000

TPL books on the topic:

You Just Bombed a Job Interview. Now What?

2017-05-01T11:17:00Z

It is such a euphoric moment when you get that ‘phone call’. Yes, they want you to come to an interview for that dream job! You immediately run into a euphoric fit, jumping up and down, hooting like an owl. You call your best friend, and tell him/her about it. The two of you engage in an excited chat about how great it is to be working for such a great company.

Once the euphoria settles down, you begin to prepare for that big event which should be a breeze by now; you have been preparing for this for so long. You even rehearse the interview process with the expertise of an Oscar-winning actor.

The next morning, brimming with confidence, you arrive at the company with your briefcase full of success tools. You are dressed in your best business attire, firm handshake and the winning smile – secret weapon. The interview goes off without a hitch, just as you rehearsed the night before. You think you did everything right to win that dream job. You even sent a handwritten ‘thank you’ note after for good measure. Now, the waiting begins.

A long few days later, you receive an envelope – or an email – with a message, thanking you for participating in the interview, and that you were great, but the company has decided to go in a different direction. You immediately launch yourself into that famous ‘emotional response cycle’: shock, denial, blame, acceptance, etc. You begin to wonder about the whole thing – yourself, even – and what went wrong? Countless questions race through your mind, but the central question still remains — I bombed the interview, now what?

Here are some advice from the experts on how to prepare for interview.

Things you should not do during a job interview

1. Showing up too early or late

This should be pretty obvious, but people still make the mistake of not leaving enough time to get to their interview, and arrive late. Always give yourself more time than you think is needed to get there. You never know what will happen on the way. Remember that you are trying to prove your worthiness for the job and showing up late is a sign of a potentially poor attitude. It is also important not to show up too early. If you arrive an hour early for your interview, you may give an impression of being overeager, and you also may inconvenience the staff at the business.

2. Wearing inappropriate clothes

No matter how you cut it, first impressions matter, and you should dress appropriately for your interview. Usually a suit is appropriate, but you may need to do some detective work to find out what you should wear; sometimes simply a nice skirt or pants and a nice shirt are enough. Do not show up in jeans or relaxed clothing; don’t overdo your makeup or forget to shave. While your experience should matter more than your clothes, your clothes may be the first thing the interviewer notices, and you want to impress, not distress.

3. Negative remarks

Easier said than done, try to make anything you say positive. For example, you may be asked why you left your previous employment. It is easy, then, to spill out the troubles you had with the people and the company you were with; none of it, of course, is your fault. Even if you feel that your story should invoke sympathy, most experts agree that negative comments will not do well for you. So, try to cast your reason for looking for a new job in a positive manner.

4. Being unprepared

Anyone can go into an interview and become nervous; I was. However, if you are well prepared, it will help you to do the best you can, in spite of your not-so-calm mental state. Remember the drills and rehearsals you went through the day before, and calm down. Most importantly, have a question or two to ask at the end. Without it, you will appear more than just unprepared, you will look uninterested.

7 bad answers to common job interview questions – Emily Moore, Glassdoor

What to Do When You Just Had a Bad Job Interview? – Linh Pham

8 signs your job interview isn’t going very well (and how you can'turn it around) – Workopolis

Interview Tips: Things You Should Never Say During a Job Interview – Resolve Recruit

TPL Books

Find Your Next Job. Visit an Upcoming Job Fair!

2017-04-20T08:00:00Z

Tired of looking for a job online and in the classifieds? Did you know that Toronto hosts various job fairs where job seekers can literally meet potential future employers face to face in a kind of "speed dating" atmosphere? Here are some FREE job fairs that are coming up in the next couple months in Toronto (some require tickets and/or online registration):

TAAFI Animation Job Fair
Saturday, April 29, 2017 (10 am – 6 pm)
George Brown College (51 Dockside Drive)

Job and Career Fair by TorontoEss
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 (10 am – 4 pm)
Scarborough Civic Centre (150 Borough Drive)

Federal Safety, Security, and Intelligence Career Fair
Thursday, May 4, 2017 (10 am – 4 pm)
4900 Yonge Street

Youth Job Fair (15-29 year olds) by COSTI Vaughan Employment Services
Friday, May 5, 2017 (10 am – 1 pm)
Julliard Centre (3100 Rutherford Road, Suite 102)

We Are Trades Career Advancement Fair
Thursday, May 11, 2017 (10 am – 3 pm)
National Event Venue (1000 Finch Avenue West)

Not Your Average Career Fair 2017
Saturday, May 13, 2017 (9 am – 4 pm)
Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West)

Canadian Job Expo May 2017 Summer Edition
Thursday, May 18, 2017 (10 am – 3 pm)
North York Memorial Hall (5110 Yonge Street)

Hire Canada Job Fair & Training Expo
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 (11 am – 3 pm)
Mississauga Convention Centre – Hall F, G (75 Derry Road)

Job Canada Fair
Thursday, July 13, 2017 (1 pm – 4 pm)
One King West Hotel & Residence (1 King Street West)

Not sure what to expect? Job fairs provide networking opportunities and give job seekers access to employers who are looking for people to hire. When attending a job fair, it is best to come prepared. The City of Toronto has provided some great tips:

Getting ready for the job fair:

Plan which employers you want to visit
Research the employers you are interested in
Bring a bunch of updated resumes
Practice a short sales pitch to highlight your background, why you are interested in the company and your skills and experience
Dress professionally
Prepare for on the spot interviews and to fill out applications

Attending the job fair:

Arrive early and meet employers on your own (instead of with friends)
Be calm, confident, smile and shake hands when greeting employers
Collect business cards to follow up with the employers
Share only positive things about your previous jobs and employers
Network with other job seekers
Make notes of which employers you met with

After the job fair:

Follow up with a phone call or email with the employers you met
If you were asked to send any additional information, do it asap
Follow up on the employer's website to check for ongoing opportunities
Ensure your voicemail greeting is professional and welcoming

Need help preparing for the fair? Various job search workshops are available throughout the city, including at the library. Get help with preparing your resume and cover letter and in sprucing up your interview skills:

If you prefer to prepare on your own, check out some of our books on the following topics.

Writing a resume:

Writing a cover letter:

Preparing for an interview:

Stress in the Workplace

2017-04-01T15:03:00Z

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and performance—and impact your physical and emotional health. Often, your ability to deal with stress can mean the difference between success and failure in any kind of work. You can’t control everything in your work environment, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless—even when you’re stuck in a difficult situation. Whatever your work demands or ambitions, there are steps you can'take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress and improve your job satisfaction.

Stress isn’t always bad. Stress within your comfort zone can help you stay focused and able to meet new challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation or alert to prevent accidents or costly mistakes. But in today’s work environment, you can easily become overwhelmed by the stress even before you realize. However, when stress exceeds your comfort zone, it is no longer being helpful and can start causing major problems to your everything, literally.

Some of the signs of excessive stress are:

Feeling anxious, irritable, depressed, loss of interest in many things
Problems sleeping, concentrating on tasks
Feeling tired all the time, including some physical and health problems
Loss of social interest
Beginning of alcohol and/or drugs to cope with the stress

Although there are many, some of the common causes in the workplace stress are:

Fear of being laid off, or, losing your job altogether
More overtime due to staff cutbacks
Pressure to perform to meet rising expectations but with no increase in job satisfaction
Pressure to work at optimum levels—all the time!

What to do about about it? Although there is no one perfect solution, one can'try the following:

Put a priority on face-to-face social contact with supportive people around you
Set a time, hopefully, each day when you completely disconnect from technology stuff
Move your body frequently—don't sit for more than an hour
Make laughter and play a priority – humour is a potent tool to use for your advantage
Reduce your intake of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
Get all the restful sleep that you need to feel your best – including, if you can, a power nap

The short article above, by any means, will give you all the answers you are seeking. However, if you really interested, try the following resources:

Related articles

Job-Related Stress: Management-Level Strategies by Jennifer Busick, EHS Management
5 Stress Management Activities You Can Do At Work by New Life Hacks
The 10 Ways to Help with Work Tension by InnerEngineering with Sadhguru
7 Entrepreneur Stress Management Techniques by Lori Kovell, Cope Better Therapy

TPL BOOKS

Happy Workplace: Myth or Reality?

2017-03-01T09:00:00Z

We like to grumble and complain about how bad it is with our workplace. We are not happy with the most of our bosses and colleagues. We work long and laborious hours while others seemingly cruise around in their cushy jobs. That makes us flaming mad!

But, we know that, in the back of our mind, not all is gloom and doom, and we can actually do something about it. We can improve our work place to make it more livable because, after all, it is our second home, isn’t it? It is always easier to sit in the proverbial corner, and sulk. But, becoming proactive, and improving the environment of your workplace is not all that hard, either.

So, what makes a happy work place? Sense of belonging. This sense of belonging can be expressed in many different ways, but all point to the same thing in the end. People talk about good communication, being part of the team, sense of being accepted, encouraging and supporting each other, and having no fear at work. These are some of the things that describe the sense of belonging.

Many agree that a good communication chain, in both directions, is vital element to a happy place to work. In an environment where sense of belonging is present, employees are not afraid of voicing their opinions about their work in order to improve it. Directions or communications from the employers are clearly relayed to all employees without any misunderstanding. All can eagerly and positively discuss the goal of their company without a fear of reprisal.

A confidence, knowing that you are part of the team, is another part in the ‘sense of belonging’. When your opinions and ideas are respected, and you are confident that you are an important part of the team, your job performance will increase. You will want to work!

No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes here and there, including at work. Knowing that there will be a help, encouragement, and positive direction coming to you will greatly enhance your experience at work. It will make the workplace a community where people want to come and spend their time.

Here is what others saying:

Cheryl Stein : 7 Simple Ways To Cultivate A Happy Workplace

Paige Magarrey: 7 new office gadgets to make your employees happier

Joe Issid: Using Soft Power in the Workplace

Mood disorders Society of Canada: Promoting Wellness in the Workplace

Books you may want to read:

Best Career For You!

2017-02-01T14:12:00Z

Every time I see a video clip of a graduation ceremony from the movie or news, a thought crosses my mind about their immediate future: will they nail that first real job? They look so happy! Hmm, are they, at all, worried about the job prospect? Are they concerned that whatever career they choose will have a long and prosperous shelf life?

Not just new graduates, there are many of us, young and old, wondering about the future of our career. Is my job safe ten years from now? What is my career going to be like in 20 years? Is my job going to be obsolete even before I retire? A worry bug’s heaven, indeed.

So, what types of jobs have a better future than others? What are the conditions for their longevity or early demise? Well, it seems as if uncertainty is the new normal now. The changes happen at a dizzying pace, which leaves someone like me at a loss. If you can keep up, or, even better, embrace the whirlwind pace of change, the force is with you!

Most experts agree that certain job types are more likely to be around, and thrive, in the near future. These jobs, or careers, can be found in health, information technology, finance, law, and of course, education. With the advancement of information technology, jobs related to all aspects of the Internet and information sector will be popular. Anything else, you ask? How about skilled trades such as plumber and electrician? Of course, they will remain strong for many years to come. How about government jobs? More than ever, governments are one of the largest employer in any country/society.

Some jobs are disappearing too: for example, the advancement of AI — Artificial Intelligence — may play a large role in the demise of some jobs. Although it may be quite a few years away, some experts predict that many number-crunching jobs such as bookkeeping and accounting may go faster that we think. In the same vein, interpreters and translators will have their future cut short. We may also see some of the so called middle class jobs, such as sewers, telemarketers, insurance underwriters, etc. disappear much like the chimney sweepers did.

Your personality matters: a million-dollar-a-year job is not for you if you are not compatible with that type of work. Your job, ideally, should be compatible with your personality for a long run. After all, you are what you work at. Taking that extra step to look for a job that fits you would be beneficial.

Here are what others say about the best and promising jobs.

On the Internet:

Best Jobs: Best Employers 2017: Inside the companies people love working for

Jess Kauflin, Forbes: The Best Jobs To Apply For In 2017

Jesse Ferreras: Canada’s best cities for full-time jobs

Or you can check out the following books:

Breaking Barriers to Employment

2017-01-29T13:51:21Z

Brandon Hay, Training Manager at Building Up, will talk about various barriers to employment and how to break through them. Building Up seeks a Toronto where people with barriers to employment have an opportunity to fight their communities' social and environmental issues with economically viable solutions.

This workshop will be held at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 2:00 – 3:30pm.

It will be located in the Hinton Learning Theatre, located on the 3rd floor.

All are welcome. No registration required.

For more information on Career & Job Search related workshops across the city, click here.

Moonlighting!

2017-01-17T13:30:31Z

Thinking about ‘moonlighting’? Not the old ‘illegal-alcohol-producing-and-selling’, but working more than one job simultaneously. Is your current job not paying enough? It’s completely understandable if you decide you need more jobs. Making a living in the Big TO is a challenge, and, like many of us, a single part-time job is often not enough to pay all the bills. So, you are left with some options: either move to another city, find a better full-time job or work two or three part-time jobs.

Before you jump headlong into moonlighting, like everything else, you should consider both sides of the coin. So, what are the pros and cons, you ask? Let’s consider some of them:

More money will give you that much more spending power, and, of course, some sense of financial security. You might enjoy seeing your bank account growing.
You will have more opportunities to explore what is out there for you to do. Who knows? You may even discover a new ability/talent you didn’t know you had. You may even apply a skill acquired from one source to the other. Exciting, huh?
You get to meet new people and, as a result, broaden your horizons.
The downside is that you will have less spare time for yourself. This will, at times, get in the way of spending time with your friends, shopping, doing hobbies, etc. You may be simply too tired to do anything but work.
When you work two or more jobs, the fatigue will eventually catch up with you. When this happens, you may find yourself spread too thin and not be able to perform well in either job.
More seriously, you may, even if unintended, end up working for two competing companies. This may be a conflict of interest. Sounds scary? You bet.
Not all employers are keen and/or positive about the prospect of having their employees moonlight. It all boils down to employee fatigue, and, eventually, productivity, not to mention the liability, should anything happen because you are injured due to fatigue.

So, what to do? How do you successfully manage multiple jobs and satisfy both your bosses and yourself, and avoid all the legal and ethical problems? Currently, the policies or the rules governing the practice vary widely. There are employers who welcome and encourage their employees to moonlight as long as their job performances are not hampered. And, then, there are other employers who frown upon their employees who hold multiple jobs outside of their companies.

Most seem to agree on several points:

Talk to each other – have an honest, open discussion with your boss/employee, so that there is a clear understanding between the two parties regarding the issues at hand.
If you are planning to moonlight, make certain not to overload yourself.
Make certain that you are not violating any code of ethics. There are many grey areas that leave lots of rooms for varied interpretation. If you are not sure of which interpretation to take, go back to the suggestion no. 1 above, and talk it out.

Intrigued? Read on!

Suggested TPL books

Cruise Your Way to a Great Job and Resume!

2016-11-17T19:20:33Z

Career Cruising is a handy career guidance e-resource you can use to research careers, find job postings in Canada, learn how to conduct an effective work search or prepare a resume. It also has career profiles and links to relevant Canadian college and university programs. Students can use it when thinking about their future or to make decisions about a career path based on their abilities, interests and values.

You can get the most from Career Cruising by first creating a My Plan.

Whether you’re in grade 5 or grade 7 or grade 9, you can start thinking about your career path and plotting how to attain your career goals. Even if you’re unsure of what you want to do, you can'take the Career Matchmaker test where you answer a series of questions, giving one of 5 answers.

The results will match you with careers that suit the answers you’ve given. The best matches are ranked first.

Exploring your assessments will help you to determine if you have the skills necessary for the above careers that matched your interests. By answering more questions, you can even find out how you learn and retain information and get tips on how to improve your study habits. You’ll know what your learning style is and be able to study effectively, making school a more valuable experience.

However, if you’re more interested in what types of careers you can enter into; start searching alphabetically for careers according to what subjects you are currently studying. For instance, if, in your Home Economics class, you find that you’ve got a talent for sewing and design, search for ‘fashion designer’. You will see an overview of the career, including job description, working conditions, education, earnings, career path and what it’s like if you choose to be a fashion designer.

You can never get bored with Career Cruising and it’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to be.

Job Fair: "Experience Counts" - The 45-plus Jobseeker Event!

2016-10-15T16:50:05Z

(CC0 Public Domain)

Toronto Employment & Social Services (TESS) is hosting a job fair on October 19th, 2016 at North York Central Library. If you're 45 or older, this event should be on your to-do list. You will learn about the various job search resources available to you including community services and supports.

The event begins at 1 pm and ends at 4 pm, so come prepared with resume in hand to network with employers and exhibitors. The day will include guest speakers and presentations from a few organizations including Toronto Public Library, and an opportunity to talk to these companies.

Job seekers of all ages should consider a few pointers to ensure they're making the most of these job fairs. Market your skills and abilities to show prospective employers how these skills and your experience can be an asset to them. And if older workers lack some of these skills, then additional education and training is one option. Because we all know that staying up-to-date with today's technology, understanding current business culture and practices and showcasing your knowledge and expertise are what employers are looking for.

Don't forget to age-proof your resume by targeting it to the job you are applying for and highlighting your current skills. Take the opportunity to also hone your interviewing technique and job strategies. And finally, dress for success for not only job interviews but for any upcoming job fairs.

Here are the details to the upcoming job fair:

When: Wednesday, October 19th, 2016

Where: North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge Street, Toronto ON

Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Room: Auditorium

For further information on job search and advocacy groups for older workers, visit these useful websites:

2016 winners of the Top Employers for Canadians Over 40 competition

CARP

Funding Assistance for Older Workers

Employment Links for Mature Workers- Toronto Public Library

Second Career Ontario

For resources on resume writing and interview tips, consider checking out these items:

That Time I Flew A Plane...And Almost Became A Pilot

2016-09-26T08:00:00Z

Have you ever thought of becoming a pilot? Did you know that before you make the career leap, you can experience the thrill of a flight and learn how to control your own aircraft with an introductory flying lesson? The adventurer in me decided to check out this exact opportunity. When I arrived at my local airport, I received a 20-minute ground briefing, followed by 40 minutes of aircraft time. The experienced pilot and I flew north of the city up to an altitude of 5,000 ft, reaching almost Lake Simcoe, where I took control of the yoke and had the opportunity to make real turns. It was an amazing and thrilling experience! Unfortunately, to my disappointment, I quickly learned that with my motion sickness I will never be able to take up flying as a hobby or a career. C'est la vie! Luckily, I love my day job and sharing these kind of adventurers and how the library can help you become a pilot :).

There are various locations in Toronto that offer these type of introductory flying lessons. BlogTO has put together a great post of 7 schools to take flying lessons in Toronto to help you get your feet wet in this profession.

If you are serious about becoming a pilot, not surprisingly, the first step is learning to fly an airplane. A potential pilot must complete ground school and flight training to earn a private pilot’s licence. Once you have this licence and have accumulated enough flight hours, you can obtain a commercial pilot’s licence, which allows pilots to offer their services in exchange for a fee. As you build your experience, you can work towards obtaining one of four types of pilot licenses (each with different fees):

Commercial pilot's license
Airline transport pilot's license
Recreational pilot permit
Private pilot's license

To learn more about the job, work conditions, education and earnings and to view a sample career path, visit our Career Cruising database and from the "Careers" tab, select "P" for "Pilot".

Transport Canada is also responsible for all aspects of licensing of pilots and flight engineers in Canada. Visit this government website to find out about:

If you are interested in this transportation industry, don't forget to check out some of these useful titles:

Happy flying!

Proper dressing for a job interview

2016-09-22T14:05:08Z

It is no secret that one must look his/her best for a job interview: you must impress your potential boss. The question is: how much do you want to invest on a new wardrobe? Chances are, you won’t have a lot of cash reserve if you are looking for a job. You want to spend/invest wisely. This does not mean, however, you can’t look great for your interview. Here are some quick tips:

Aim to dress as smartly as you can, and, the business suit is the most suitable option even if your eventual job is going to require a casual dressing code. In most cases, for women, a tailored jacket and skirt or a pantsuit, while a jacket and slacks are fine for men. Aim to wear something clean and pressed. It is advisable for men to wear a long-sleeved shirts, yes, even in hot summer, and a conservative looking tie. Flash jewelry and unconventional hair may result in a negative impact. For ladies, a knee-length or longer skirt is preferable.
Borrow or buy gently used clothes. If you have friends or family members that are similar in your physique, it may be one of the best options in front of you. Of course it goes without saying that you must be choosy and careful when you are borrowing from someone else. There are many sources where you can buy clean, respectable used clothes from: local thrift stores, online sources, i.e. Kijiji.
Charities: it may sound strange that one should rely on a charity to obtain clothes for your job interviews. But, you should not discount the possibilities. These charities provide interview-quality clothes to economically challenged and unemployed people. The services are offered either for free or at a very affordable rate. Here are a couple of Toronto-based charities: Dress for Success (https://toronto.dressforsucess.org), Dress You Best, Toronto (www.dressyourbest.ca)

At Toronto Public Library, you will find many books and other media-related tips on how to dress for the job interview. You don't know how to look for them? Well, ask away at the information desk. The librarians will be more than glad to help you out. But here are some of the examples of the books available on the topic.

Also, here are some articles from the internet that may be of help.

1. How To Dress For Your Next Job Interview http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/06/20/how-to-dress-for-your-next-job-interview/#3fef0b8d38ba

2. Best Interview Attire for Every Type of Job Interview https://www.thebalance.com/best-interview-attire-for-every-type-of-interview-2061364

3. Proper Dress for Job Interviews on a Budget http://www.best-job-interview.com/proper-dress-for-job-interviews.html

4. 4 Budget-Friendly Ways to Dress for an Interview Without Looking Cheap http://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/have-a-job-interview-4-ways-to-look-the-part-on-a-budget.html/?a=viewall

Whitby, Vaughan, and Burlington Among Best Ontario Cities to be an Entrepreneur

2016-09-12T08:00:00Z

Tired of working for someone else? Why not start up and run your own business as an entrepreneur?

According to the newest issue of Canadian Business magazine (Aug 2016), the following cities have been picked as being the country's best places to do business:

The cities were scored based on the best balance of moderate costs, growing markets and business-friendly governments. To read the full profile for each city, check out pg. 37 of our digital copy of Canadian Business, available from our newest online database Flipster eMagazines. Now that I've lured you in with some very interesting findings about Ontario you might be thinking or feeling that this career may be your life's calling. You may be asking, "What's next? How do I become an entrepreneur" ?

Well…if you are looking to become an entrepreneur and to start your own business and need help, Toronto Public Library has everything that you need to know! Visit the steps and links below for access to important sites and information, or you can Book a Librarian for a free 30-60 minute appointment to get help with research and career and business information.

How to become an entrepreneur

To start, entrepreneurs usually conduct market research to find out about competitors and potential interest in their product or service. It’s very important that entrepreneurs determine the appropriate investment and budget for their products and services, as they may be taking large personal financial risks to get the business running. Entrepreneurs spend a lot of time actively marketing their products or services in order to attract new clients. It is not uncommon for entrepreneurs to work daily on financial accounting and bookkeeping, as monitoring incoming and outgoing funds is crucial to keeping the business running smoothly. Working independently means that entrepreneurs are often responsible for developing and delivering creative presentations to clients and investors. Entrepreneurs must constantly multi-task, often working on many projects and duties at once. Creating proper online and offline records is important to entrepreneurs so that they may keep tabs on all the various projects and contracts they are working on at any given time.

To learn more about this career, visit the entrepreneur profile on our Career Cruising database.

How to start a business

The Canada Business Ontario website, by the Government of Canada, provides very useful information on starting a business including topics such as What is a business plan?, Securing financing, Choosing a business structure, Choosing a business name, Choosing a location, How to register your business name, Incorporating your business, Regulations, licences and permits, Business number registration, Taxation and Hiring employees.

Our database Gale Virtual Reference Library also has a multi-volume Business Plans Handbook. This handbook provides actual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses. It presents sample plans taken from businesses in the manufacturing, retail and service industries which serve as examples of how to approach, structure and compose business plans. You can search the available plans by using the search bar on the right.

Putting together a business plan

1. What type of business are you starting?

Canadian businesses are classified based on a NAICS code. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data.

You will need this number to assign to your business and to find related industry information. Visit Statistics Canada for the full classification system and click through the headings and narrow down your NAICS code to find one that suits your category of business.

2. Where to find market and industry information

The Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website is a great source of information.
Canadian Industry Statistics analyses industry data on many economic indicators using the most recent data from Statistics Canada. On this website, they provide reports specific to all available NAICS codes including data on establishments by employment type and province/territory, financial performance data, accumulated capital investment, salaries and wages, and company directories.

This Research Monitor database is only accessible from library computers. Here you can do a "Subject Search" to find industrial snapshots of specific industries for a specific country. This database is an introduction to Euromonitor International's industry and country research with reports for 80 countries and daily articles and opinions from industry and country expert.

The MarketLine database is a great one for providing current industry trends and product development reports. The database also include news on companies and industries worldwide. This database can only be accessed from library computers at North York Central or Toronto Reference Library.

Statistics by Subject (Statistics Canada) is a collection of various studies, research papers and technical reports for specific subjects. Select a subject to find information that is relevant to your business type. The information can be used in your business plan and can help you in determining which type of business is right for you.

Where to open your business

As the Canadian Business article noted, there are some cities that support new businesses better than others. In the same way, specific neighbourhoods are also better suited for specific businesses. You can find out the demographics of a specific neighbourhood by visiting the official city website of where you hope to start your business. For Toronto, the City of Toronto website provides Ward Profiles (demographic characteristics of the people and households in each ward) and Neighbourhood Profiles (detailed demographic information about Toronto neighbourhoods, prepared by the City's Social Policy Analysis & Research Unit). You can get information on population groups, housing characteristics, languages, income and more. The website also provides access to reports, mapping tools and key surveys for the City of Toronto.

Who is your competitor?

If you need to know what other businesses exist in your industry, visit one of our company databases and search using the NAICS code specific to your industry:

Mergent Intellect
This database provides basic company facts on over 70 million US private businesses, over 3.5 million Canadian private companies and over 6,500 US public companies. Key features include industry news, executive details, financial information (five years), company family trees and competitors lists. To search using a NAICS code, click on Advanced Search and under the Industry tab select NAICS Code, select the appropriate number and click Add to Criteria+.

Scott's Business Directories Online
This database provides access to detailed information on Canadian manufacturers, wholesalers and business services. You can search by product, type, location or NAICS code.

Need additional help?

1. Toronto Public Library's Small Business programs and seminars

We offer free small business programming and lectures on everything you'll need to run your small business – on social media, taxes, the law, networking, using a computer, digital design, franchising and more. We offer ongoing Small Business Networking events for small business people or people who are just thinking about starting their own business. We also have a low-cost eight-week Business Inc. program offered at Toronto Public Library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Development Centre. Learn from professionals and get on your way to making your business dreams a reality! The program application deadline is September 30.

We also send out a monthly "Small Business Newsletter" highlighting new small business programs, classes and resources. Email us at smallbiznews@torontopubliclibrary.ca if you'd like to be added to our mailing list.

Business Inc. Course Outline

Module 1 Taking the leap to entrepreneurship
Module 2 Market research for your business
Module 3 Resources for researching your business
Module 4 Developing a powerful marketing strategy
Module 5 Creating an operating framework for success
Module 6 Building blocks for financial management
Module 7 Financing for business growth
Module 8 Making your pitch

2. Check out our Entrepreneur in Residence

If you're starting or building your own business, our newest Entrepreneur in Residence, Sima Gandhi, can advise and answer your questions.

Most recently, Sima founded riince, a designing and manufacturing an innovative kitchen utensil addressing the changes in social norms towards eating environmentally-friendly proteins and super seeds.

For the first time ever, this year's Entrepreneur in Residence will provide a behind-the-scenes view of taking a product to launch, as Sima will personally blog and take us through her journey from concept to launch of riince.

Apply now for a one-on-one meeting to get help on your small business plan or idea or attend a program.

3. Enterprise Toronto

Enterprise Toronto is a City of Toronto service that provides free assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses to help them succeed. Services are free and include:
-Business idea analysis and guidance
-Reliable information including one-on-one business plan consultation
-Personal assistance with business registration, name searches and incorporation
-Advice on permits, licenses and regulatory requirements
-Coaching for a range of business challenges, from raising capital, managing cash flow and accounting to hiring and managing staff, marketing, social media and more
-Outstanding training and networking opportunities
–Referrals to other business support services, including incubators, government programs and shared workspaces

Good luck! And remember, if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact your local librarian 🙂

Love to Travel? Get Paid to See the World!

2016-08-02T08:00:00Z

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Do you dream of quitting your job and hopping on a plane to see the world? There are various careers available that allow you to spend your days traveling as part of your job requirements. Below I explore some of the options and required skill sets that can help turn your dream into reality:

1. Work on a cruise ship

Toronto Star Archives. 1928.

Earnings Range: $20,000 – $100,000
Level of Education: High School or Community College/Technical Training

Working on a cruise ship is a travel lover's dream gig. You make a living traveling the world while receiving free meals and accommodations. There are opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and work experience from positions working at a restaurant or bar to a shop or beauty parlour or being one of the cruise's entertainment performers. Many companies advertise vacancies on their own sites (like Norwegian, Carnival, Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruises) or try cruiseshipjob.com or allcruisejobs.com.

2. International Tour Guide

Toronto Star Archive. 1988.

Earnings Range: Minimum wage – $24/hour
Level of Education: High School or Community College/Technical Training or University

Every city that attracts tourists needs tour guides. Tour guides help travelers discover their destinations by showing them around and answering any questions they may have about each site. To be a tour guide, you not only need to know your city inside and out (history, culture and hidden secrets) but you also need to be outgoing, friendly and be able to relate well to people. It also helps to speak more than one language.

If you are good at your job you can work your way up to owning your own tour guide company and looking after all aspects of a tourists' travel plans.If you want to learn more about a city or country, check out our travel guides.

3. ESL Teacher

Toronto Star Archive, 1993.

Earnings Range: $15 – $50/hr
Level of Education: University

English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers teach people whose first language isn't English how to speak the language. ESL teachers are trained to work with students of all ages, from children to adults. They work for all kinds of organizations in Canada and abroad, including elementary and high schools, colleges, private language school and community organizations.

As an ESL teacher in a foreign country you will help students learn to understand your native language while immersing yourself in that country's culture. According to HowStuffWorks, Asia and Eastern Europe are two of the biggest markets for English teachers today. Learn more about teaching English abroad from one of our books.

4. Flight Attendant

Toronto Star Archive, 1967.

Earnings Range: $30,000 – $80,000
Level of Education: High School. Most airlines will only require prior experience in customer service and an appropriate certification.

Flight attendants ensure that airplane passengers have a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight. They work 8 to 14 hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays but get between 10 and 15 days off a month to make up for long and irregular shifts. The work isn't always easy but it is common for attendants to get a glimpse of hundreds of cities across the world and to spend a night or two in a foreign city (if they work for a major airline serving long haul destinations) before their next shift on a flight to another country. There is also the possibility of receiving discounted flights for you and your family. Learn more about the flight attendant career or get a glimpse into the profession with some flight attendant anecdotes.

5. Event Coordinator / Photographer

Toronto Star Archive. 1992.

Earnings Range: $20,000 – $65,000
Level of Education: High School or Community College/Technical Training or University

If you are talented in the creative department and want to stay on the road full time, consider a job as either an event coordinator or photojournalists, landscape and travel photographers. Event coordinators working large events like festivals and trade shows meet with potential vendors from around the world and are required to travel to the event location to oversee the setup and breakdown of the event. As a photographer, it's not the easiest way to earn a living and income is never guaranteed, but they see some of the most beautiful and distressed parts of the world while at work. Options for travel are endless and many photographers direct their own projects as well as work on commission. You can learn more about the event planning industry with one of our books or check out our collection on photography careers.

6. Travel Writer

Toronto Star Archive, 1992.

Earnings Range: $25,000 – $75,000
Level of Education: High School or Community College/Technical Training or University

Travel bloggers share their experience about popular travel destinations. Most of the work is freelance and publications seek out individuals who can submit firsthand accounts of the locations that they are writing about. If you have a skill in writing and love to travel this is a great profession that combines both interests. If you need some inspiration, check out our collection of books written by travel writers.

To view more job ideas, check out:

"25 Great Jobs for People who Love to Travel" by Business News Daily
"The Best Careers for Travelling the World" by Lonely Planet.

Also visit our database Career Cruising to learn more about various careers; their job description, working conditions, earning and required education.

Bon voyage!

Working After Retirement: 7 Options for Retirees and Seniors

2016-06-20T08:00:00Z

Toronto Star Archives. 1987. " Work as usual: Art Hopkins; who turns 90 today; will be at his usual job of repairing bicycle tires at Hopkins Cycle and Sport; a shop run by his son; Ken. The senior Hopkins; who joined his son's business in 1959; says his second career has kept him alive and active. People who look forward to retirement as a never-ending vacation are mistaken; the nonagenarian says."

In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/abrahamlin137180.html

Many of us dream about and countdown to retirement life; the freedom, leisure, and the possibility of spending endless time vacationing and relaxing. But when retirement comes many may find that they actually begin to miss the work, old coworkers and even the action. A longitudinal study, whose findings were published in the international Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health in March 2016, found that "continued participation in volunteer activities and paid work in old age after retirement could delay the declines in physical, cognitive and mental functioning and reduce the risk of morbidities, which leads to better survival."

If you are hungry to return back to work life, "there are many ways to leverage your passion and experience into a rewarding post-retirement career”, says Kira Botkin of MoneyCrashers.com. She offers the following advice that demonstrates that “retirement can provide the opportunity to train for a new, exciting job or volunteer position with minimal time investment.”

1. Work for your former employer

If you enjoyed your old job consider calling up your former boss to see about working part-time. You will be able to renew contact with old co-workers and continue a job that you always enjoyed but on your schedule.

2. Work as a consultant

If you have advanced degrees or specialized experience you can leverage your years of expertise, training, and connections by taking on a job as a consultant. Begin by researching skill shortages and which experience is needed in your field. In this role, you can set your hours and avoid a full-time workload. Once you begin, remember to think of ways to find more work once your current assignment ends. Taking on part-time or short term projects can help expand your network of contacts and aid you in finding additional work in the future.

3. Start a retail business

If you have a large collection of any kind, whether it is an attic full of dusty antiques or boxes of books, you may have the startup inventory needed to open your own retail business.

You can also consider taking your store online. With the relatively low overhead costs of selling and advertising online, sites like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon and Kijiji make it easy for anyone to sell items online.

If you have other business ideas check out our Small Business page. Take part in our free programs and seminars on everything you'll need to run your small business. We have books on everything including marketing plans, human resources and more and we also have online databases and e-magazines you can access 24/7 from the library's website. And we have spaces for you to work and meet – everything you need to make your business a success.

4. Seek out low-stress, part-time work

If you want to stay busy and be around other people, look for low-stress work with light responsibilities. Some popular part-time jobs for retirees include:

Retail Positions. These are a dime a dozen. They do not offer high salaries but offer flexible hours.
Call Center Jobs. These are ideal for seniors with low mobility.
Tutors. Tutors can be self-employed or work with a larger organization.
Childcare Services. There is a demand for childcare services for busy families. Babysit for friends, family and neighbours for extra income, or offer daily childcare services in your home.

Some jobs can also offer rewarding perks. If you work in an entertainment venue (ex. movie theater or concert hall) you might receive free tickets to shows and if you are an usher during theater or sporting events you can enjoy the entertainment during your shift. If you need help finding a job check out one of our recent blogs, Looking for Job Postings?, for some tips and advice.

5. Work as a temp

If you want to balance work with leisure consider getting a temporary job. Temporary jobs don’t require a specific skill set, significant work experience or an advanced degree. The length of assignments vary and can range between one day and several weeks. If you ever feel like you need a break, you can pass on one job and wait for the next to come along.

6. Give back

A number of retired individuals look to use their time to give back. Check out Canada’s largest volunteer centre, Volunteer Toronto, to find a great volunteer opportunity in your area. Search by category of interest, keyword, area or organization of interest. New positions are posted daily so you have the most up to date opportunities available. If there is a category that interests you, subscribe to it and receive email updates when new positions are posted.

7. Retrain for a career

If you are between the ages of 55 and 64, the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers will help unemployed older workers increase their ability to find and keep a job while the local economy changes.

If you plan to work after retirement also take a look at some of the suggested companies on Canada's Top 100 Employers annual list: Top Employers for Canadian Workers Over 40.

***

"And in the end it is not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years." — Abraham Lincoln

Looking For Job Postings?

2016-05-31T12:05:28Z

Starting a job hunt can be stressful, to say the least! You have to think about formatting your resume, making sure you have the appropriate credentials, having the right clothes for an interview and then trying to figure out where to actually look for this dream job! With the emergence of online job-searching sites and more and more companies using the Internet to post job postings, it can all get a little bit overwhelming. Many people aren’t aware that the Toronto Public Library dedicates a small portion of their website to job postings! It takes quite a few clicks to get there, but lucky for you, I’m attaching a direct link here :).

Once you click on this link, you might think to yourself “What is this lady talking about? I don’t see any job postings!” Well, you’ll unfortunately have to work a little bit harder than that! What you’re looking at is essentially a one-stop shop of websites that will have direct job postings on them. As you scroll through the list, you’ll notice some of the popular sites such as Monster or Indeed, but the nice thing is that there will also be websites that you have never heard of! Ones that are catered towards different types of industries such as teachingjobs.com, retailjob.ca and overseasjobs.com, or different locations such as Saskatchewan jobs and the Toronto Job Centre, to name a few.

If you've applied to a few job postings and are still having trouble landing that gig, the following books may be able to help you a little further:

Email with Care

2016-05-09T08:00:00Z

Photo Credit: Anonymous Collective via Flickr (Creative Commons)

Email is one of the most important ways in which people communicate in today’s workplace. Studies show that the average employee spends about 25% (as quoted on Inc.com) of each workday simply sorting through, responding to, and creating their email messages. As it’s an instant way of getting in touch with others, it’s easy to overlook the basics of business correspondence such as spelling, grammar and punctuation in emails. It’s important to maintain a high standard whenever you communicate with others and to know when to switch from being overly formal to carrying a more casual conversation.

Here are some tips, tricks and advice for writing great emails

1. Clearly identify the subject of the email

Our emails are constantly flooded with a high volume of messages each day. Ensure that every email you send has a clearly identified subject that is brief and to the point. This will help your receiver to prioritize and decide what is important in their inbox. If you send multiple emails about the same subject, include a date or version number to ensure your recipient reads the latest version of information. For example:

Project status — Draft 4
New meeting date — Monday, May 23, 2016
Monthly report
Order for John Doe - Delivery Status

TIP: If you’re writing a business e-mail, avoid using "Hello" in the subject line. It annoys some people and may put them off from reading the message.

2. Be as concise as possible

Email is intended to be a short form of communication. It should be brief, to the point and the main points of the message should be easily understood. If you need to go into some detail, break your message into small chunks with a heading before each section.

3. Check your spelling and punctuation

Emails sent from your work account hold the same status as official letters and other printed materials. Having a messaged filled with spelling mistakes and bad grammar reflects poorly on the image of the company and on the sender.

TIPS:

The popularity of text message lingo has begun to be used in emails. While most individuals will understand "mtg off" or "C U @ 10", it's best not to include this type of abbreviations
Most popular email programs include spellcheckers. If your system does not, prepare your message in a word program, check it, and copy and paste it into you email
Use upper and lower case letters accordingly. Messages written in all lower case suggests something was written in haste and a message written in upper case may appear as if you are shouting
Avoid using acronyms unless you explain what they mean at the beginning of your message. They may make sense to your colleagues but might be meaningless to others.

4. Use an appropriate style

There is no single style for email. However, you can use an informal style when contacting a colleague or friends and a more formal style when contacting a customer or external contact. For colleagues or familiar contacts you can open with "Hi", "Hello" or just a name ("John"). For formal emails use "Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss" or "Dear John" if you're on first name terms with your email recipient.

TIP: At the close of the e-mail, modify your sign-off to your relationship with the recipient.

Different ways of signing off:

Informal: Cheers, Thanks, Thx, All the best, Later, See you

More Formal: Best, Best wishes, All best, Many thanks, Regards, Kind regards, Best regards

Very Formal: Yours ever, Yours sincerely (if you know the name of the recipient), Yours faithfully (if you don’t know the recipient’s name and have addressed your message to "Dear Sir" or "Madam")

5. Request the action or information you need

Some emails provide the recipient with information while others request action or information. Make sure you phrase your request clearly and if you are targeting a number of people, provide individual instructions so that everyone knows of their role. For example:

To successfully implement this new policy we need to meet the following targets:

Bob–Obtain statistical data June
Jane–Complete report by July
Tim–Present findings to board by August

6. Explain how urgent your message is

Some email systems allow you to highlight an email's level of importance. Make clear whether your email is routine, important or urgent. Do not abuse this feature. If you make all your emails urgent your email recipients may start to disregard messages that you mark as urgent. Also, refrain from using too many capital letters as this can be regarded as 'virtual shouting'.

7. Use attachments to provide detail

Use attachments to send detailed information to your correspondent. Use this feature with caution. Some attachments (ex. video clips, photographs, spreadsheets, presentations) may take some time to download by your recipient especially if they do not have broadband (which allows for fast transmission of large amounts of data). Keep this especially in mind when dealing with small businesses or individuals who work from home.

8. Include further contact details

Add a signature to the end of your message, especially if writing to someone for the first time, to provide some extra context about what you do and who you work for. A signature should include your name, job title, business name, postal address, telephone and fax number. For example:

John Doe
Manager
Cafe Barista
123 Main Street
T: 416-123-4567
F: 416-123-4568

TIP: Some email systems allow you to create a default signature which gets automatically added to the end of each of your email messages. Check the settings section to set this up.

9. Don't forget to reply!

It is proper etiquette to reply to emails. Silence to email provides too many opportunities for errors, disappointments and expensive assumptions to be made. If you get caught in a situation where it’s almost embarrassing to respond because you are really late in sending your email, remember that it’s better to send a late response than never send one at all.

For all those miscellaneous, oh-gosh-I-really-should-have-replied emails, you can use this template as a starter:

Dear ________,

As I was looking through my drafts, I realized I had never [emailed/responded to] you about [subject]. My sincerest apologies for not getting back to you sooner.

[Respond to initial email]

Apologies again,

Jane

More of the above information can be found in the book Email Etiquette by A&C Black Publishers.

Additional Resources

If you need additional help or help with setting up an email account:

Attend one of our Email Made Easy classes or,
Book an appointment with one of our librarians via our Book a librarian service.

Find Your Dream Green Career...

2016-04-25T10:39:48Z

Photo: Creative Commons

It's Earth Month 2016 and the time has come to take seriously our impact on the planet. Toronto Public Library is happy to present the best of our collections on environmental education, geared to children, teens and adults. Watch for environmental displays in branches across the city and pick up some reading material. At the same time, please join us for Our Fragile Planet, our free environmental programming series. Learn about issues that impact our city, and what you can do to tread lightly on our planet.

Do you have an environment degree and don’t know what to do with it?

The University of Toronto has compiled a great, but not exhaustive, list of career options available to Environment graduates. These include:

Environmental Epidemiologist*	Fundraiser, Environmental Org's.*
Ecologist*	GIS Analyst*
Environmental Auditor	Remediation Specialist
Environmental Health Officer*	Environmental Marketing Specialist*
Water Quality Inspector	Public Relations Specialist*
Environmental Quality Analyst	Recycling Manager
Environmental Risk Assessor	Hazardous Waste Material Manager
Water Treatment Plant Operator*	Waste and Water Resource Specialist
Environmental Consultant*	Eco-tourism Planner
Environmental Engineer	Environmental Engineer*
Environmental Chemist	Teacher/Professor*
Air Quality Specialist	Forester*
Soil Scientist	Botanist*
Urban Planner	Environmental Reporter
Park Naturalist	Editor, Science Magazine*
Conservation Officer
Environmental Activist/Lobbyist

Career Cruising database

Not sure what kind of job this entails? You can obtain a career profile for the above jobs (marked with an asterisk (*)) by visiting our Career Cruising database.This database provides career guidance resources with career profiles and links to relevant Canadian college and university programs. It also includes a Canadian Job Search section.

Each of the career profiles contain the following information:

At A Glance - A snapshot of the occupation, containing a summary of key information about on-the-job activities, working conditions and employers, earnings, education and training requirements, and relevant skills and abilities. The section also includes earnings and education graphs and photos depicting common tasks performed by people in the occupation. Some profiles also feature related videos.

Screen shot of an Occupational Profile for an Environmental Engineer from "Career Cruising" database

Job Description – A detailed description of what people in the occupations do, including common tasks and duties, skills and technology used on the job and other aspects of the career.

Working Conditions – Information on where people in the occupation work, typical hours and other working conditions, such as potential safety issues.

Earnings – General information on how much people in the occupation can expect to earn, related benefits and expenses, and factors that influence salaries.

Education –Information on the education and training requirements for the occupation, including related college and university programs, related apprenticeships, suggested high school subject areas, and other qualifications.

Sample Career Path – Shows how job titles, responsibilities, requirements, and earnings change over time as individuals progress in the career.

Related Careers – Links to related occupation profiles in Career Cruising, career clusters and top industries.

Other Resources – Links to other websites related to this career, such as government resources, professional associations, and other informational resources.

Multimedia Interviews – Interviews with two practitioners of each career can be accessed by clicking on the names in the Interviews menu located on the left side of each occupation profile screen.

Are you still unsure about which career path to take? Need more information?

Do you want to work with the environment but are not sure in what way and what schooling you may need? We have a collection of introductory career books exploring all topics related to the environment:

Ready to apply?

If you've found the ideal career and job posting we can help you to apply. We provide various help in crafting a good resume and cover letter. Check out one of our many Resume Writing Workshops, one of our blogs on writing resumes and cover letters, or one of our many career books including the first title below on putting together a resume specifically for an environmental job.

On the Career Cruising database, under the "Employment" tab, an "Employment Guide" is also available and provides you with valuable advice for all stages of your work search. Get step-by-step help on developing a job search plan, writing a resume and cover letter, preparing for that important interview and the first day on the job.

Screen shot of the Employment Guide from "Career Cruising" database

Didn't Get That Job? Your Social Media Presence Might Have Ruined Your Chances

2016-03-29T08:00:00Z

Photo by Jason Howie via Flickr

"It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it." — Warren Buffett

Has this ever happened to you? You applied for your dream job, spent days crafting the perfect resume, coached your references to provide the ideal recommendation and felt 100% certain your qualifications and personality would be a perfect fit for the company — only to hear crickets from the employer? You might end up racking your brain trying to figure out what went wrong. What you might not realize is that your "party-time" photo, bleary-eyed, chugging beers (which got over 167 friend likes!) could have ruined your chances at your next job.

A 2014 Career Builder survey of 2,138 hiring managers found that 43% of employers research candidates on social media and 51% of those say they have found content that made them decide not to hire the candidate. “It’s very common practice [among recruiters] to search and see what they can find on a social network,” David Lewis, president and CEO of Operations Inc., an HR outsourcing and consulting firm, told FastCoExist.

Photo: Creative Commons

In today’s day and age, anyone can access huge troves of information about you. Employers are now checking out your digital footprint to gain insight into who you are. They are googling you, scrolling through your pictures and posts on Facebook, reading your tweets, watching your videos and making judgements about you.

Your online presence is just as important as your resume. Below are some top tools for building yourself online so that employers can find you, develop a positive opinion of you and hopefully decide to hire you.

Top Tools

Blogging

Example: WordPress.com, TypePad.com, Tumblr.com

Blogging has been around for over 15 years. A blog is simply a regularly updated "log" or account of events or ideas posted on the web. Blogs are free, quick to set up and can either have a specific focus (like cooking) or present a collection of random entries of your thoughts and opinions. Your blogs can speak well of you by creating content that is positive and showcases your passion, keen insight or creativity.

Learn how to blog at Toronto Public Library with one of our classes. Or check out one of our books:

Twitter

Twitter.com

Twitter is a very powerful tool for staying connected to individuals and companies that carry the most influence in their area of interest. Once you've set up your account, upload a professional photo of yourself and include any relevant information in your bio including links to your LinkedIn profile, personal blog etc. Start building your account by finding and following personal and company twitter accounts — and anyone who you think has wisdom to share — that are a good fit for your career. Throughout the day, view your Twitter feed to see what others are tweeting. Read the links and retweet the ones you like the most. Once you're comfortable, start adding thoughts to these retweets. Your main objective on Twitter should be to establish a Twitter presence that suggests you are on top of current professional trends and that you're part of the conversation.

Pick up more tips and tricks with one of our books:

LinkedIn.com

If you do not have any other social media presence, LinkedIn is one that you definitely shouldn't ignore. Creating a LinkedIn profile is free and may take some dedicated time to set up since it should include all your professional information including a professional photo of yourself. Recruiters and hiring managers refer to LinkedIn to understand who candidates are and it is the easiest way to share someone's resume. This is also a great place for professional networking. You can find and reconnect with colleagues and classmates, learn about companies and get industry insights, tap into the knowledge of your network and discover new career opportunities.

Get an introduction to Linkedin with one of Toronto Public Library's classes. Or check out one of our books:

Facebook

Facebook.com

Facebook is an online dashboard for your social life with a centralized display that gives you up to the minute data on what your friends are up to, what is on their minds and what they are planning. In addition to strengthening social connections, Facebook also provides a set of tools for sharing information and promoting anything that interests you or creative projects you are working on. Facebook is like your own personal broadcast network. Once you have an account, make sure to become familiar with its privacy settings and avoid posting or commenting on material that might potentially be career-limiting content. Also remember to regularly review your photo albums, profile picture, photos you're tagged in, your info page, wall posts and status.

Learn how to create a Facebook page with one of Toronto Public Library's classes. We also have lots of books on the topic:

YouTube

YouTube.com

YouTube is not for everyone but is the ideal place for uploading and sharing your originally-crafted videos. Your videos may impress potential employers but only if you have a talent for creating good videos. Since Google owns YouTube, if an employer googles your name, the search engine will produce video results with yours near the top. When you upload your videos, it is important to make sure that your name appears at least once. When commenting on videos or responding to comments on yours, always aim to leave the best impression.

Learn more about YouTube with one of the following titles:

Dos and Don'ts

Now that you hopefully have all the tools at your fingertips, remember to think twice before releasing anything into the online world. In their article "Employers reveal the social media gaffes that tank your chances of getting the job", Workopolis provided some useful insights into what does and does not work online when applying for a job:

The top 10 things that caused employers to eliminate a candidate:

Provocative or inappropriate photographs or information (46%)
Posts about them drinking or using drugs (41%)
Bad-mouthing their previous company or fellow employee (36%)
Poor communication skills (32%)
Discriminatory comments related to race, gender, religion etc. (28%)
Lied about qualifications (25%)
Revealed confidential information from previous employers (24%)
Candidate was linked to criminal behavior (22%)
Unprofessional screen name (21%)
Candidate lied about an absence (13%)

The top 10 things that made hiring managers more likely to hire a candidate:

Felt the job candidate would be a good fit within the company culture (46%)
Candidate’s background information supported their professional qualifications for the job (45%)
Their social media presence conveyed a professional image (43%)
Candidate was well-rounded, showed a wide range of interests (40%)
Great communication skills (40%)
Creative (36%)
Received awards and accolades (31%)
Other people posted great references about the job candidate (30%)
Candidate interacts with company’s social media accounts (24%)
Have a large amount of followers or subscribers (14%)

While you may feel that your social media presence does not affect your job search, no presence whatsoever can be just as problematic. Most employers will never let you know whether what they did or did not see online affected their hiring decision.

When you are beginning any job search, remember to evaluate your presence from an outside perspective and keep all inappropriate material offline ;).

Additional Resources

For additional help on optimizing and constructing a professionally appropriate digital footprint, on May 26, Toronto Reference Library hosts Digital DNA with Marketing and Events Coordinator Towa Beer. She discusses how to set up your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and website, so you are secure in your Digital DNA.

If you prefer to read up on the topic you can check out these titles:

We also have various online resources available 24/7 including video tutorials from Lynda.com:

Happy online building!

Get Mobile With Job Search Apps

2016-03-14T19:58:34Z

(CCO Public Domain – from pixabay)

Job searching has never been more accessible than within the last few years. In the past, you were restricted to looking for jobs or working on your resume on your home computer. It is now possible and more convenient to job search while on the move with the aid of mobile apps. Successful job seekers know they must stay abreast of any opportunity that comes their way, so having access to a handy mobile app gives job hunters the extra edge on the spot. Being able to access your professional network, looking at current job postings, exchanging digital business cards with ease, or quickly firing off your resume while on the go, becomes increasingly important in today's competitive job market.

This is where job searching apps can be of benefit to your career development. What is a mobile app? Techopedia defines a "mobile application, most commonly referred to as an app, [as] a type of application software designed to run on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet computer." Their selective features are why customers can't get enough of them. These "small, individual software units with limited function" allow consumers to choose what functions they want their mobile devices to perform.

Some mobile apps are free and others can be purchased through an app store such as Apple's App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone Store. How popular are they? According to Statista, there had been over 100 billion mobile apps downloaded since June 2015 from the Apple App Store. Worldwide download is expected to reach 268.69 billion in 2017.

There's an app for pretty much anything you're looking for. Do you need help with your resume? Try Pocket Resume. Or how about assistance in preparing for an interview? Look no further than Job Interview Questions Prep. However, be aware that as a mobile user, you may encounter bug issues depending on the app and the version you're using. And since they are frequently updated and fixed, it makes sense to stay current with the newest and latest apps. That's the nature of the beast when it comes to technology. That being said, for those wondering about what app job seekers should know about, here are just a few for your iPhone or Android to consider incorporating into your job search process.

(CC0 Public Domain – from pixabay )

Job Search Apps

Job Search by Glassdoor (FREE/compatible with Android and iOS)

read company reviews and choose what companies to follow
read about company interview questions and job candidate experience
search for jobs based on salary criteria
receive job notifications
save your job searches, apply for a job from your mobile device or email jobs to a friend
searches for the newest and best jobs you may be interested in

LinkUp Job Search Engine (Android & iOS)

Linkup Job Search Engine (FREE/compatible with Android and iOS)

find job postings from the "hidden job market"
job postings come directly from company websites
filter job searches using keywords, company and location
save, apply directly or email job listings to yourself or others
receive RSS feeds of your search results
get job alert notifications of new jobs as well as, any relevant job postings

Simply Hired (FREE/compatible with Androis and iOS)

aggregates job postings from job boards, company websites, online newspapers and more
set-up email alerts based on your criteria, apply in-app, or save jobs for future use
search for jobs based on location (focus is North America), job type (e.g. part-time or full-time) or date posted
search for jobs that match your needs

zenPeak Job Alerts (compatible with Android and iOS)

job listings are for Toronto and GTA only
jobs posted are from the "hidden market" and not the large job boards
use of tags instead of drop-down menus
get job alerts by location and postal code
full-time and salaried jobs are posted
resume and career advice
website and app are synced up

(CC Attribution 2.0 Generic – Flickr.com)

Resume Apps

Pocket Resume (Purchase/compatible with iOS)

resume building app
create, edit, save, send, share and print (PDF) your resume directly from your mobile phone
work on your resume using professionally formatted layouts and designs (web resume templates)
sync your resume on iCloud between multiple devices

RadResume (FREE with in-app purchase options/compatible with iOS)

input your information with easy interface
option of importing your information from LinkedIn
free template and design (additional templates can be purchased)
professional and modern designs to choose from
create, save, print and send resume directly from mobile phone
send resume to your Dropbox account

Resume Builder Pro (Purchase/compatible with Android)

Relevant data converted to a DOCX file
easy to back up your information automatically on new devices
modify your document file with ease using a free app
easy format for resume building
sample resumes for reference
app generated resume
professional resume editing in-app service available

(CC Attribution License – FindMyDreamJob.co.uk)

Interview Apps

Interview Prep Questions (FREE/compatible with iOS)

this is a free video app
watch experts in the HR field talk about the interview process and how they would answer some tough interview questions
learn some tips and practical techniques to help you with the process
choose which questions you would like to see
practice and coach yourself with a set of questions

101 HR Interview Questions (FREE/compatible with Android)

familiarize yourself with the most commonly asked interview questions
101 questions divided into several categories such as Common Questions, Problem Solving Skills, Personal Development and Time Management
Practice interview questions and compare your answers with the experts

(CC Attribution 2.0 Generic – Flickr.com – Paul Wilkinson)

Networking Apps

SnapDat™ (FREE/compatible with iOS)

you take the traditional business card to another level with this app
digital business card that allows you to select how you want to display your details in a way that is convenient to you
New added GeoStamp mapping features available
multiple card designs and layouts to choose from with options to include your logo
tailor your designs according to your needs (business/personal) and even design a business card for people in your address book
you can send another SnapDat user your details to their account
you can also send your business card (vCard) to someone's email if they don't use the app
consolidate SnapDat contact details into your iPhone Address with ease so that sending, receiving and synching information from your contacts is done with little effort
link your SnapCard™ to other social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter

CamCard (FREE & PURCHASE/compatible with Android and iOS)

easily scan and store your business cards, or exchange electronic versions of cards
language recognition capability
store information in the cloud and sync it to other mobile devices
all contact information can be stored on your mobile phone (you can scan 200 cards in free version)
take care of all your business cards with ease (tag, share, search or add meeting notes)

As you can see from this short list, there are numerous apps to choose from. Try them out and use them to compliment the more traditional job searching techniques. In addition, check out these titles on job hunting and app technology at the library.

New Job Search Strategies for Newcomers

2016-01-30T11:41:17Z

Are you new to Canada? If so, welcome! Perhaps you could use some help searching for a job? Toronto Public Library once again partners with other service organizations to provide job search help, this time with a workshop focussing on new job search strategies. It’s presented as part of our series of programs with Library Settlement Partnerships, a partnership with Citizen and Immigration Canada, the YMCA and Toronto Public Library.

You are invited to come to the Discussion Room (next to the Writers’ Room) on the 3rd floor of the Toronto Reference Library from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2016.

As well, Toronto Public Library, and in particular the Toronto Reference Library, has many Library Resources for Job Searching, including job hunting resources, company and industry information, as well as interview materials.

You can find many of these books in the Career Collection at the Toronto Reference Library (TRL). Most of the books in this collection, unlike the majority of the books at TRL, can be signed out with your library card.

Our New to Canada landing page also provides information about Jobs, Training & Certification. Included is a link to this Career and Job Search Help blog, called there Career and Job Search News. As well, you’ll find links to New Resume and Cover Letter Books, as well as Related Links. To find more links of interest, try our Recommended Websites. The Employment Links for New Canadians sub-category, from the Job Search and Careers category, might be of most interest.

Please also feel free to visit a Newcomer Information Centre near you.

Cruisin' to the Top!

2016-01-24T14:42:57Z

Toronto Public Library subscribes to almost 100 databases (yes…I really did count!), but many people don't in fact know what a database is, let alone how awesome they can be! At the most basic level, a database is pretty much a website filled with tons of relevant information and many are subject-specific. In this post, I want to pass on my love for my favourite career database: Career Cruising!

Anytime I share my passion for this database, I tend to come across as pretty geeky, but by the time I'm done with you, I can guarantee you are going to love it just as much as I do. The main reason I fell in love with this site is because it has all of that information you would want to know when looking for a job or changing careers, that is REALLY hard to find anywhere else on the Internet. Plus it might take you days to put it all together. On top of that, all of the information is CANADIAN. You read that right. Dollar values and all.

Here is a brief overview of what you can find and I'll leave you to play on your own!

When you first log in, it will have one menu across the left-hand side with questions and a traditional-looking menu across the top. They are both the same thing. Regardless of which you choose to click, it will take you to the same information:

Assessments: If you register for the site (it's free!), it will give you access to two quizzes. One will match your skill-set to the job best suited to you and the other quiz will let you know what learning style you lean towards.

Careers: This is where you'll spend the majority of your time. With four different ways to search for a career, this section will let you know all those things you really want to know about a job but that a lot of people don't want to talk about, such as salary, work atmosphere, what personality traits you'd need to succeed, and education requirements, to name a few. I also love that this section shows you the career path available to a specific job, so you know if there is room for growth and where on the totem pole you'd slot yourself in, based on your previous experience. There are also interviews with employees currently in the field (I actually know one of them, so I know they're not lying!), to help give an inside perspective on what the job is really like.

Education: Many people come into the library looking for course calendars and there used to be a time where we would have boxes and boxes of them, but with the rise of the Internet, websites have kept all of that information for us. However, this database is a great resource to find out what colleges/universities offer which programs, in addition to where one can find apprenticeships. Remember, this is Canada-wide, so if you're thinking of packing-up and going cross-country, you can see which school you may be headed to.

Employment: This section is to die for. After looking at all the previous categories and deciding on what career is best for you, now you can start the job hunt! This part of the site looks a lot like any other job-search website, where you can hunt around for job postings. But wait 'til you try it. If you type in the keyword of whatever job you're looking for (i.e. 'Administrative Assistant'), it will search the Internet for you and bring back tons of job postings relating to that keyword. It's almost like a one-stop shop for job postings! Ultimately, you then follow the links until it brings you the original job posting, whether it be on the company's direct website or another job-searching website. Either way, all you have to do is remember to come here, and you're good to go!

I hope that now you will take some time to check out Career Cruising a bit more in-depth, and that you will love it just as much as I do! And if you're still having trouble with your job-hunt, why not try attending one of the library's free Career and Job Search help programs.

Start Working in Your Profession or Trade in Ontario

2016-01-16T09:16:42Z

Are you new to Ontario? Are you also educated or trained for your profession or trade outside of the province and would like to work here in this same profession or trade? If so, there are several organizations that can assist you with the accreditation process. We have provided links to them through our recommended websites on Accreditation for Foreign Trained Professionals. In order to protect public safety and health, many professions or trades are regulated in Ontario. However, many are also unregulated.

If you are a chartered account, this is one of the regulated professions in Ontario. You are welcome to attend a free library workshop especially for Internationally Educated Accountants from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Come to the Discussion Room (next to the Writers' Room) on the 3rd floor of the Toronto Reference Library.

You will be provided with information on access to the accounting profession in Ontario, as well as learn about qualification and experience requirements, advanced standing options for foreign trained accounting professionals, and career opportunities. It's presented as part of our series of programs with Library Settlement Partnerships, a partnership with Citizen and Immigration Canada, the YMCA and Toronto Public Library.

Engineers are also regulated, so if you want to work in Canada you will need to get a license to do so. You are welcome to attend a free library workshop on Getting a Professional Engineering Licence in Canada from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 24, 2016. Come to the Hinton Learning Theatre (just opposite the elevators) on the 3rd floor of the Toronto Reference Library.

Engineer Ramadoss Srinivasan will be discussing his experience and offering tips for obtaining a professional engineering license in Canada.

We hope that you will soon be able to apply your skills in a field related to your training. Communities across Ontario can use your talents.

So You Want to be a Trial Lawyer, eh?

2016-01-04T11:20:27Z

While we are all concerned with the maintenance of our individual rights and freedoms, we also recognize that they are not absolute, since we live in society with others. In Canada, as in any democracy, our society is governed by the rule of law. This "balance(s) individual rights with our obligations as members of society" by giving us "rules of conduct that protect everyone’s rights" (Canada. Department of Justice. What is the Law? ).

Some are called to play a special role in maintaining our laws. If you are one such person, you may have considered becoming a lawyer, someone that, according to the Canadian Law Dictionary, has "been trained in the law and that has been certified to give legal advice or to represent others in litigation. to This person is also known as a 'barrister & solicitor' or an 'attorney'. Since ancient Greece, there have been those who might be described as "lawyers", but it was not until the Middle Ages that being a lawyer became a "lifelong profession in itself." If you had a chance to see the recent exhibit, Magna Carta Canada, at the new Fort York Visitor Centre, perhaps this inspired you to become a trial lawyer, a lawyer who represents their clients in court.

The court system involves many players, including judges and lawyers, as well as jurors. One of the key principles arising from the Magna Carta (in its various incarnations from 1215 to 1300) is the right to trial by a jury of one's peers. The Canadian Law Dictionary defines a jury as a "group of citizens randomly selected from the general population who decide on the merits of a legal case", or, in other words, who decide on the facts of the case. As an adult Canadian citizen, you may be summoned at some point to serve in this capacity (as a potential juror), if you haven't been already. If you'd like to know more about our country's court system, you might like to read Canada's Court System by the Department of Justice Canada.

The Magna Carta was concerned with establishing a set of rules to settle disputes between barons and the Crown. However, as Queen's University law student Pascal Lévesque argues in his award-winning essay, The Relevance of Magna Carta in Canada in 2015: Upholding the Heritage of Freedom, it grew "to have a life of its own, going beyond its initial scope, becoming a political argument, and generating other initiatives fostering protection of human rights, especially where there are advocates to keep the fire alive".

One such initiative relevant to us in Canada is the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960) which concerns "the Recognition and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms", regardless of an individual's "race, national origin, colour, religion or sex". This includes "the right of the individual to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property, and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law" (article 1.a), as well as "the right of the individual to equality before the law and the protection of the law" (article 1.b). Of even more significance currently is the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (part of The Constitution Act of 1982).

A more recent initiative relevant to us in Ontario is the Human Rights Code (1962) which builds on this by recognizing that "the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world and is in accord with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as proclaimed by the United Nations."

Library Resources:

Regular Print Books:

You will find other sources of interest in the Career Collection at the Toronto Reference Library .

Also try the following:

eBooks:

Find Your Way…Articles & Online Research

Click on Articles & Online Research from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the library’s homepage, select Databases & Research Tools by Topic and then Business & Careers or Practice Tests. (Or, just enter the title of the database in the main search box of the homepage, or browse using the A – Z List of All Databases).

Suggested Titles:

Career Cruising

LawSource (North York or Toronto Reference Libraries only)

Learning Express Library

See Also

Recommended Websites related to Law.

Programs and Classes:

Law at the Library series

You might also want to consult the websites of The Law Society of Upper Canada, The Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, or The Criminal Lawyers' Association.

Professional Networking with LinkedIn®

2015-11-22T09:00:00Z

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, networking is "the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions; specifically : the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business". Networking can help in all stages of career development, from those seeking employment, to those just trying to build professional connections (How Can Networking Benefit Your Career Development?).

As many of you are no doubt aware, "LinkedIn® is a great way to network with people online specifically for professional purposes. It allows you to develop and maintain contacts with people in your industry, join professional groups, connect with people who you already know, search for jobs in your field and yes, find employment (6 Things To Do to Improve Your Profile on LinkedIn®)".

The library has many resources to help you to better use LinkedIn®:

eBooks:

You will find many more eBooks and eVideos on topics of interest in Safari Tech and Business Books Online. If, for example, you enter "LinkedIn" as a keyword in the search box for the entire site (found in the upper right-hand corner of the main page), you will get almost 5,000 results (as well as over 30 videos)! Many of these are actually chapters within books, which is one of the wonderful aspects of using online resources.

Regular Print Books:

Programs or Classes:

To help you get started using LinkedIn®, consider attending the upcoming free LinkedIn for Job Searching workshop in Learning Centre 1 of the Toronto Reference Library, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2015. Online registration is required (starting November 2, 2015). If you haven't been able to get in, please come and consult with staff in the Business, Science and Technology Department, 3rd floor, Toronto Reference Library. They can help get you started.

Library Resources for Job Searching

2015-11-05T09:00:00Z

If you're looking for a job, Toronto Public Library, and in particular the Toronto Reference Library, has many resources to help you in your search, including job hunting resources, company and industry information, as well as interview materials.

Regular Print Books:

You can find more of these books in the Career Collection at the Toronto Reference Library. Most of the books in this collection, unlike the majority of the books at TRL, can be signed out with an active library card.

eBooks:

You will find many more eBooks on topics of interest in Safari Tech and Business Books Online. If, for example, you enter "job hunting" as keywords in the search box for the entire site (found in the upper right-hand corner of the main page), you will get over 4,000 results! Many of these are actually chapters within books, which is one of the wonderful aspects of using online resources.

Research Guides:

Business Directories: City of Toronto and Area

Researching a Canadian Company

Researching a Canadian Industry

Programs or Classes:

You might want to start by coming to one of the upcoming free library workshops, Are you Looking for Job?, in Learning Centre 1 at the Toronto Reference Library from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m on Saturday, November 21, 2015, or Saturday, February 13, 2016. Online registration is required for this class, as space is limited. Registration opened October 24 for the first date, and opens January 16, 2016 for the second one. If you haven't been able to get in, please come and consult with staff in the Business, Science and Technology Department, 3rd floor, Toronto Reference Library. They can help get you started.

Other branches of Toronto Public Library also offer free library programs to help you with your Career and Job Search.

Please also visit the Job & Career Help landing page, as well as our Career and Job Search Help blog for more resources.

See also our Recommended Websites related to Job Search and Careers.

Business Directories: City of Toronto and Area

2015-10-15T13:27:23Z

Business Directories: City of Toronto and Area

Toronto Public Library provides information in a variety of formats. These include downloads and ebooks, DVDs, articles and online research. Additional help is available by consulting a librarian in the branch, calling Answerline (416-393-7131), using our email or online chat service, Ask a Librarian. You can also Book a Librarian (a 30 to 60 minute personal appointment with a librarian).

Getting Started

The Business, Science and Technology Department of the Toronto Reference Library (3^rd floor) has many resources related to finding businesses in the city of Toronto and area. For additional information please ask at the Information Desk.

Searching the Library Catalogue

Suggested Subjects or Keywords:

Subjects:

Business enterprises — Ontario — Toronto – Directories

Business enterprises — Ontario — Toronto region –Directories

Corporations — Ontario — Toronto – Directories

Professional corporations –Ontario –Toronto Metropolitan Area – Directories

Keywords:

Business directories Toronto

Checking the Shelves

Relevant call numbers:

061.1025
331.12809
338.00257
338.09713 262
380.10257
620.0025713
659.10257

Suggested Titles:

General Directories

Contact Toronto

Ontario Business-to-Business Sales & Marketing Directory. 4 vols.

Regional Directory. Ontario [Dun & Bradstreet]

Scott’s Directories: Ontario Business. 4 vols.

Subject Specific Directories

Business Associations

Associations Canada

Financial Services

Financial Services Canada

Using Online Sources

Toronto Public Library provides access to a wide range of online resources, such as downloads and eBooks, as well as articles and online research. Most of these resources can be accessed outside the library from the Library's website with a valid Toronto library card.

Find Your Way…Downloads & eBooks

Click on Downloads & eBooks from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the Library's homepage. Click on Downloads: Start Here to find Getting Started with Library eBooks and Help for new users. From the Downloads & eBooks page, select OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks. Our largest eBook collection, OverDrive includes current non-fiction, videos and audiobooks. Click on Business & Careers under eBook Nonfiction to browse all titles in this category.

Find Your Way…Articles & Online Research

Click on Articles & Online Research from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the library’s homepage, select Databases & Research Tools by Topic and then Business & Careers. (Or, just enter the title of the database in the main search box of the homepage, or browse using the A – Z List of All Databases).

Suggested Titles:

Scott’s Business Directories Online

Find Your Way…Small Business

Click on Small Business from the FIND YOUR WAY section of the library’s homepage to find Spaces to Meet and Work, Expert Staff Assistance, Specialized Business Resources, and business –related Programs and Seminars.

Recommended Websites

Click on Books, Video, Research and More from the library’s homepage, select Recommended Websites, and then Business, Finance and Economics. To find websites on finding businesses in the city of Toronto and area click on Company Directories/Greater Toronto Area or Company Directories/Ontario.

See Also

Researching a Canadian Company

Researching a Canadian Industry

Starting a Small Business in Canada

Library Settlement Partnerships can Help with Your Career and Job Search

2015-10-14T16:20:01Z

Are you new to Canada and looking for career and job search help? Toronto Public Library partners with other service organizations to provide free assistance with many aspects of settling in Canada as a newcomer, including job search help. We call this Library Settlement Partnerships.

You are welcome to come to one or both of the following free events, provided in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the YMCA, and Toronto Public Library. Both take place from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m in the Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium at the Toronto Reference Library, as part of our Library Settlement Partnership Series:

New Job Search Strategies

Wed Nov 04, 2015

Learn new strategies to maximize your job search potential and uncover the hidden job market.

Be Your Own Boss

Wed Nov 18, 2015

Have you thought about starting your own business? Learn about creating a business plan, attracting customers, and implementing your marketing plan.

Here are some books related to these programs which you can'take out from the library:

Our New to Canada landing page also provides information about Jobs, Training & Certification. Included is a link to this Career and Job Search Help blog, called there Career and Job Search News. As well, you'll find links to New Resume and Cover Letter Books, as well as Related Links. To find more links of interest, try our Recommended Websites. The Employment Links for New Canadians sub-category, from the Job Search and Careers category, might be of most interest.

Please also feel free to visit a Newcomer Information Centre near you.

Need Some Work Motivation?

2015-10-09T11:11:00Z

Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to wake up every day and go to work. It can feel like the same routine, day-in and day-out. And even when one doesn't have a job, it can be even harder to snap out of the comforts of home and go after a new career. So in this blog post I've decided to hopefully inject some enthusiasm into you! I know for me, when I see other people doing great things, it inspires me to want to work harder and do the best I can. Fortune Magazine lists 40 under 40 people who you can be inspired from and in case you're not in the mood to read the entire thing, I've pulled out a few highlights to entice you. Also, selection for this list used to be based entirely on wealth, but now includes achievements, ambitions and influence. Congrats to these young professionals!

#1. Adam Neumann

In a nutshell: At the age of 36, Adam is the CEO of WeWork, an organization that transforms buildings into beautiful, collaborative workspaces.

#3. Ryan Graves

In a nutshell: Ever heard of Uber? As the company's first CEO, his current stake in the company is valued at close to $1 billion. Not bad for a 32-year-old.

#6: Taylor Swift

In a nutshell: We may have her songs stuck in our heads, but Taylor has also used her influence to take a strong stance against free music. Can you believe she's still in her 20s?

#40. Ronda Rousey

In a nutshell: She may be last on the list, but she's first in my books! She's earned an estimated $5 million dollars this year, doing what you ask? Being undefeated as a UFC fighter! You go girl.

Researching a Canadian Industry

2015-10-03T15:37:14Z

Researching a Canadian Industry

Getting Started

The Business, Science and Technology Department of the Toronto Reference Library (3^rd floor) has many resources related to Canadian industries. For additional information please ask at the Information Desk.

Searching the Library Catalogue

Suggested Keywords:

Search the name of your industry and then the words “industry Canada” or “industries Canada” by typing your terms in the search box at the top of the homepage, e.g. aerospace industry Canada.

Note: The website includes historical and current publications. If you are looking for current information, always look first at the date of any publications that come up during your search. If it says Print Magazines, Newspapers & Journals, click on the title, and then the green Copy details (old catalogue) button to see if it is currently received.

Checking the Shelves

Relevant call numbers:

338.70257
338.76025
380.10257
670.5

Suggested Titles:

Business/Company Directories

Blue Book of Canadian Business

Canadian Key Business Directory

Contact Toronto

Ontario Business-to-Business Sales & Marketing Directory. 4 vols.

Regional Directory. Ontario [Dun & Bradstreet]

Scott’s Directories: Ontario Business. 4 vols.

Business Associations

Associations Canada

Business/Industry Performance

RMA Annual Statement Studies

Using Online Sources

Find Your Way…Downloads & eBooks

Find Your Way…Articles & Online Research

Suggested Titles:

Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA)

DBRS (Dominion Bond Rating Service)*

Financial Post (FP) Advisor

Marketline*

Mergent Online

Scott’s Business Directories Online

* Available at Toronto Reference Library and North York Central Library only.

Find Your Way…Small Business

Recommended Websites

Click on Books, Video, Research and More from the library’s homepage, select Recommended Websites, and then Business, Finance and Economics. To find websites on Canadian industries click on Industry.

Suggested Titles:

Demographic Information

Census Profile, 2011 Census

NHS Profile [National Household Survey], 2011 Census

Report on the Demographic Situation in Canada, 2008 to 2012

Business/Industry Performance/Company Information

Canadian Companies Capabilities

Financial Performance Data

Key Small Business Statistics

SEDAR Company Profiles

SME Research and Statistics

Toronto Industry Profiles

Additional Sources

Vertical Files – Industry Files

Located behind the Business, Science and Technology Department Information Desk, they include recent printouts and clippings from various sources for Canadian industries. Press releases, pamphlets and other sources of information about industries may also be included.

Researching a Canadian Company

Starting a Small Business in Canada

Researching a Canadian Company

2015-10-03T10:20:00Z

Researching a Canadian Company

Getting Started

The Business, Science and Technology Department of the Toronto Reference Library (3^rd floor) has many resources related to Canadian companies. For additional information please ask at the Information Desk.

Searching the Library Catalogue

Suggested Subjects or Keywords:

Subjects:

Corporations – Finance – Directories – Canada

Finance – Canada – Periodicals

Corporations – Canada – Periodicals

Financial statements – Canada

Keywords:

Annual reports Canada

Checking the Shelves

Relevant call numbers:

380.10257

338.70257

670.5

670.5

Suggested Titles:

Blue Book of Canadian Business
Canadian Key Business Directory
Contact Toronto
Ontario Business-to-Business Sales & Marketing Directory. 4 vols.
Regional Directory. Ontario [Dun & Bradstreet]
Scott’s Directories: Ontario Business. 4 vols.

Using Online Sources

Find Your Way…Downloads & eBooks

Find Your Way…Articles & Online Research

Suggested Titles:

Canadian Business and Current Affairs (CBCA)

Financial Post (FP) Advisor

Scott’s Business Directories Online

Find Your Way…Small Business

Recommended Websites

Click on Books, Video, Research and More from the library’s homepage, select Recommended Websites, and then Business, Finance and Economics. To find websites on Canadian companies click on Company Directories or Company Information.

Or, from the Recommended Websites page, select Job Search and Careers, and then Company Research.

Suggested Titles:

Corporations files

Sedar

Incorporation Information

NUANS Corporate Name Search

Additional Sources

1. Annual reports and Corporations files

These are Canadian company annual reports and corporation files, primarily for companies that trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The annual reports are filed alphabetically by company name. Ask about holdings at the Business, Science and Technology Department Information Desk.

2. CanCorp Microfiche/ Corporate Retriever (Canadian)

The CanCorp microfiche include company financial statements and other documents filed with the Ontario Securities Commission until 1997. Ask at the Business, Science and Technology Department Information Desk.

3. Oncorp database

Ask at the Business, Science and Technology Department Information Desk.

4. Vertical Files – Industry Files

Researching a Canadian Industry

Researching Older Canadian Companies

Starting a Small Business in Canada

Jobs at the City of Toronto

2015-09-24T11:36:46Z

Are you looking for a job? If so, the City of Toronto is looking for people who are not only interested in public service, but who are people of integrity, good judgment and discretion and who care about the many services that our city provides.

https://chuckmantorontonostalgia.wordpress.com

You can find out more about Jobs at the City from the City of Toronto's website. Current, ongoing and summer opportunities (when applicable) are included. While it's true that some jobs are only open to those who are already employed by the City (internal applicants), many are posted externally (for external applicants).

You're also invited to the C ity of Toronto Career Information Event, a free program coming to the Toronto Reference Library on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 (10 am – 4 pm). Meet City staff and find out how to apply for City job opportunities, and the skills and experience required in different careers in the Toronto Public Service. More than 30 City divisions, agencies, boards and commissions participate in this event.

As we are administered by our own board, the Toronto Public Library Board whose members are appointed by City Council, you will find Toronto Public Library on the City's list of Agencies, Committees and Corporations. However, to find out about job and volunteer opportunities at Toronto Public Library, start at our homepage. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you'll see a section in blue with headings in yellow.

To find jobs, look under the first heading, About the Library, and click on Jobs at the Library. Be advised, however, that openings for pages (shelvers) are not posted. For all positions, simply submit a completed External Application Form (DOC) to the local library that you are interested in working at, either in person or by mail. We do not confirm receipt of applications, and your application will be kept on file for six months.

To find volunteer opportunities, look under Support Your Library on the home page, and click on Volunteering. By volunteering you can often gain the needed experience for finding paid work. You might also check out Volunteer Toronto or 211 Toronto for other opportunities.

Toronto Reference Library also has lots of resources to help you in your job search. The recent My Brilliant Career! post outlines some of these for you. And our Job and Career Help landing page is always being updated with new job search tips and resources.

Thank you for considering service to this great city.

Help! I Hate My Job!

2015-09-17T10:00:00Z

A blog about jobs and careers naturally focuses on obtaining a job, advancing in one's job or making your job more satisfying, but what about those people who already have jobs but want to quit? And I'm not talking about when you have one bad day, or if you storm out of the office angry because you just got reprimanded. I mean, people who honest to goodness can't take another day of walking through their office doors. This feeling may occur for various reasons from growing out of the position to feeling unappreciated, but what does a person do in this case?

The common advice is not to leave one job unless you have another one lined-up and most of us can see the logic behind this. Bills still need to be paid, food still needs to be eaten and the cost of living is fairly high in most of the major cities in Canada. But this article from Fortune Magazine provides an opposite perspective, and an interesting one, at that: looking for a new opportunity should become your full-time job. The author shares their own story and goes into detail about what they did once they quit their job in order to obtain another one, and it involved things such as spending time on their resume and networking, and sadly didn't involve having cocktails to celebrate their new-found free time.

This other article discusses how the stigma has lessened over time for job-seekers who are unemployed. Awareness has now been built around fully-qualified people being laid off or even highly educated, new graduates having a hard time finding work. Recruiters no longer look down upon a candidate who is currently out of work.

If instead, you're wavering on the fence and think it might be too risky to just get up and leave, Huffington Post has some suggestions as to things you may want to try before making the official decision to quit.

At the end of the day, the decision is ultimately up to you. Only you know what the best path to take is in your life.

In the meantime, for some inspiration on making the most of your time at your current job, try some of these titles:

Experience Counts! Resources & Tips for Job Seekers 45+

2015-09-10T17:47:31Z

Are you a mature, middle-aged, or older adult looking for employment?

Please join us for a free program:

Experience Counts! Resources & Tips for Job Seekers 45+

Fri Oct 09, 2015

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Toronto Reference Library Elizabeth Beeton Auditorium

City of Toronto staff offer practical tips, resources and expert advice to consider when job seeking at 45+.

Bring your resume. Professional staff will be available for review!

Try these potentially helpful resources from our collections, specifically written for older adults:

Job hunting after 50

Great jobs for everyone 50+ : finding work that keeps you happy and healthy and pays the bills

The encore career handbook : how to make a living and a difference in the second half of life

We also provide computer and library training which could prove invaluable to you in finding and landing a job.

If you have not already done so, you might consider joining the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP). Among other things, they advocate on behalf of the rights of older workers. Check out, as well, our Employment Links for Mature Workers.

For your general interest, you might also want to check out the free educational site Techboomers.

Happy job hunting!

Learn More About the Employment Standards Act

2015-09-05T10:30:00Z

The Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) is a provincial statute, which sets out the minimum requirements for the employee/employer relationship in the Province of Ontario.

Here are some facts every Ontarian should know under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA):

Employees are generally entitled to be paid at least 4 percent of their total wages earned as vacation pay.
ESA doesn't apply to certain individuals and persons or organizations. Check out the Special Rule Tool to see industries and jobs with exemptions or Special Rules.
Under this act, most employees earn at least two weeks of vacation time after every twelve months.
Most employees who qualify under this act can'take off 9 public holidays in Ontario from work and be paid public holiday pay.
The General Minimum Wage Rate as of October 1, 2015 will be $11.25/per hour.
"The maximum number of hours most employees can be required to work in a day is eight hours or the number of hours in an established regular workday, if it is longer than eight hours. The only way the daily maximum can be exceeded is by written agreement between the employee and employer."
If you are a foreign national and working as a live-in caregiver or looking for work as one in Ontario, you have certain rights under the EPFNA (The Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act (Live-in Caregivers and Others, 2009)

If you would like to find out more about some of these topics, consider attending a free program at North York Central Library – Auditorium. The Ministry of Labour – Ontario will be discussing the Employment Standards Act in more detail. Learn about various provisions of the act: minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation with pay, public holiday, leaves of absences, termination, etc.

Program: Overview of Employment Standards Act

When: Thursday September 17, 2015

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For an indepth look at employment law, statues and regulations, visit the North York Central Library reference collection.

The Essentials of a Stay Interview

2015-08-17T10:30:00Z

(image: flickr CC Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic)

While financial gain is one of the prime reasons for people staying in their current occupation, this doesn't necessarily translate into job satisfaction or fulfillment. If you are bored, disengaged or feel unappreciated and undervalued in your job, chances are money will not make you happy in the long run.

Today, companies are struggling to keep not only their brightest and best employees but also the middle employees who form the backbone of any organization.

In Hello Stay Interviews, Goodbye Talent Loss, authors Kaye and Jordan-Evans point out that "it is well documented that it costs 70 percent to 400 percent of an employee's annual salary to replace him or her." The hard costs are easy to measure but the soft costs can cost even more especially when you lose talented people. Their expertise and knowledge goes with them not to mention reallocating the work to other employees, waiting for and training the replacement or having other talent follow suit.

The bottom line is, employers need to be more proactive in retaining these employees. One way is incorporating what is known as a "stay interview" into an organization's best practice procedure in order to keep valued employees from leaving. A stay interview is a one-on-one meeting between a manager and an employee. During this one-on-one, the manager can find out more about the employee's immediate concerns, such as what excites them about their job, what factors might motivate them to leave the company or what is/isn't working for them at present. Its aim is to find out why they would stay, why they would leave and decide upon a plan of action. This is an opportunity to find out where the company or department excels in from the employee's perspective.

(credit:www.flazingo.com/creative commons)

The stay interview is a chance to start the conversation with exceptional employees, build trust and assess the degree of employee satisfaction and engagement that exists in a department or company.

The goal is to make the lives of your employees more rewarding and comfortable. Stay interviews should also be an ongoing management priority with follow-ups and retention actions that will minimize the departure of key employees.

Employers should make it part of their performance appraisal or part of a monthly one-on-one meeting with key employees they don’t want to lose. While stay interviews is an effective strategy to implement, it can only work if the organization has a culture that encourages open communication and employee participation. It will not be effective in an organization that has an environment of mistrust and low morale. Before considering stay interviews, these organizations should dedicate some time on trust and team building/collaboration activities first. This will help boost team morale and cooperation.

Some of the benefits

Customized to a single identifiable individual and their wants.
Encourages both parties to identify actions that can improve the employee experience and actions that can help eliminate any major barriers or turn over triggers.
Identifying and then reinforcing the positive factors of the employee’s job.
Inexpensive.
Lower employee emotions – meeting takes place well before the employee has made the decision to leave.

What to consider:

Managers should be trained on how to conduct an effective stay interview. Knowing what questions to ask, how to strengthen trust and confidence as well as, how to actively understand and listen to what your employees are saying, will make the procedure a constructive and meaningful event.
Be ready to take action when you conduct stay interviews with people you hope will stay and play on your team.
Build a positive and loyal environment and support employee development and growth.
Stay interviews should be ongoing, proactive, realistic and reliable.
A stay plan should have an objective; customized for each employee; written actions to be taken by manager and employee; dates of activities to be taken; and in writing.

If implemented properly stay interviews can be an effective employee retention tool.

To learn more about this topic, check out these new titles at Toronto Public Library.

Dreaming of a Career as a DJ?

2015-08-07T15:06:07Z

Late night parties. Being the first to find the latest music. Impressing your friends with your skills. These are all things we tend to associate with being a DJ. The glitz and the glam can be enticing. A DJ controls the room with their music. A career as a DJ has increased in popularity with the likes of Tiesto, Deadmau5, and David Guetta becoming household names and earning in the millions for their talent. But where does one start and what is it really like for a local DJ?

DJ Revolution is a Toronto DJ who has played at some of Toronto's hottest clubs, in addition to running his own company. I interview him to get the scoop on what it's really like being behind the turntable.

1. State your name and business:

Andrew, owner of Euphoric Entertainment Inc (DJ Services)

2. What inspired you towards this career?

My love for music and my passion to entertain.

3. What is the one thing that surprised you about running your own business?

The logistics behind it. There is a lot of government related paper work that is required to manage/start a successful business in Canada (taxes etc).

4. With quite a bit of competition out there, how do you stand out from the crowd?

Everything has moved online. Having an impressive website is a #1 selling feature to a business. The way you market yourself will set you apart from the rest.

5. What are the top three personality traits you think a future DJ should possess?

1. Willingness to learn. 2. Willingness to adapt. 3. Willingness to network

6. How much do you feel technology has played a part in this industry?

Technology has transformed my industry in more ways than one. Years ago, music was played with records and record players (analog). Now all music is stored on a laptop and played through CD players (Digital) with an industry standard software like Serato.

7. No one likes to talk about salaries, but we are all curious. Would you recommend a job in this industry as a viable way to make a living?

I would recommend this job as an alternate means of income but it's all about how much you put into things. This type of work can be a full-time role depending on how much effort you put in. There is money to be made.

8. What’s the title of the last book/magazine that you’ve read?

9. I have to ask…what’s your favourite thing about the library?

The resources that are available to help you. They provide several training sessions and knowledge to prepare/educate you.

If you've been inspired and want to create your own mixes, check out the Digital Innovation Hub at Fort York Branch that has free DJ equipment for you to use! And make sure to check our website for any upcoming DJ workshops.

In the meantime, feel free to read up on the career:

Keeping Your Reputation Clean at Work

2015-07-17T11:11:00Z

How many times have you asked a colleague out for coffee after work and then realized that you have way more in common than you ever thought you would? Or that your boss is a lot cooler and calmer when on a lunch break than during office hours? This tends to be because many of us like to keep the 'personal' us separate from the 'professional' us (two Facebook accounts, anyone??). Most of us are quite aware of certain behaviours and habits that are just not appropriate at work, which lends to the appearance of being more flexible or fun, after hours. Unfortunately, we do all know that one person who just happened to cross the line, even once, and the reputation remained with them forever. Well I am here to ensure that that person does not become you!

I came across an article on LinkedIn, highlighting seven key components to remaining professional. I summarize them as folllows:

Dropping Your Commitments – no one likes broken promises and this is equally true at work
Blaming Other People for Your Mistakes – he said/she said; own up to your mistakes and people will respect you
Attending Professional Events Impaired – not only do you want to remember the names of the people you networked with when you wake up the next day, but one wrong move can make you the laughing stock of the year
Assaulting Other People's Senses – be mindful of who's around and don't be that annoying co-worker that no one wants to sit next to
Throwing Your Co-Workers to the Wolves – don't nitpick at what others may be doing wrong and announce it to the department
Cutting Corners – slow down; use technology to your advantage to spellcheck, grammar check and scroll back up in case you tuned out halfway through the email
Badmouthing Your Employer or its Associates – if there's something you don't like about your environment, make a change…whether it's leaving or changing your attitude

So there you have it! How to not be the subject of your office gossip! For more information, check your local library for these books:

Best Blogs and Websites to Jumpstart Your Career

2015-07-13T13:53:02Z

(courtesy of: http://www.flazingo.com/creativecommons)

I often get asked by job seekers what are the best job and career websites, blogs and resources to read. Of course I always recommend reading Toronto Public Library's Career & Job Search Help blog; but if you would like further options there are quite a number of very informative sites out there. There are a few that I often read and are my go to blog sites when I need some inspiration on topics to blog about from seasoned professionals in the field.

Having said that, maneuvering your career or even transitioning into another requires careful planning and research. Job seekers often turn to recruiting and HR specialists , business experts, and well-known authors to help them get started in the right direction. Whether it is the latest advice in career development, industry and job search trends, curated content from experts or some good old-fashioned career advice, bookmarking these sites may be useful for those in job search mode.

(photo courtesy of Mike Licht- Flickr Commons)

Ms. Career Girl: This blog is about women looking to start their career in business. You will find topics ranging from career advice, personal finance to lifestyle and fashion; real issues that career women face.

Women for Hire: This site offers women career-related advice and information, resources, webinars and an online job board.

Corporette: As this website states: "Fashion, lifestyle, and career advice for young professional women who want to wear stylish, chic work outfits and get (and give!) career advice." I think this pretty much sums up what this site delivers to working women.

(image credit: http://www.flazingo.com/creativecommons)

Blogging4Jobs: Blogging4Jobs is a workplace resource and HR and recruiting blog. This site has won numerous awards and was listed as one of the leading career sites by Forbes Magazine in 2012. This site blogs about workplace realities with keen insight into job searching techniques.

Careerealism: Founded in 2009, this job search magazine provides reliable career information for job seekers so that they are better informed and more prepared for any career challenges.

job-hunt.org: This website provides current and sound advice from career experts to assist job seekers with job searching techniques. Their free online Job Search Guides equip job hunters with the essential tools required to conduct a successful job search.

LinkedIn Official Blog: Blogs can be filtered by recent, popular and topical posts. You can read articles on career advice to industry news from leading experts as well as, guidance on how to boost your profile on LinkedIn.

Talent Egg: This is a great site for students and recent graduates seeking employment in the Canadian market. There is an online job board, tips and tricks on various career topics, and career guides that gives you information on different industries.

For curated content, have a look at:

For suggested reading, access these online resources and eBooks:

Career Advice to Ignore

2015-06-26T11:11:00Z

Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Show up earlier and leave later than everyone else. Make sure you speak up in meetings. There are countless books, blogs (even this one!) and articles giving out career advice, that sometimes it's difficult to know which to follow. That's why when I saw the article, 'The Classic Career Advice You Should Feel Free To Ignore' my curiosity was piqued! It has a top 9 list of advice to ignore, many of which I've actually heard myself:

1. Never turn down a networking opportunity
2. Above all else, think strategically
3. Narrow down your five year plan
4. Multitasking is good
5. Gaps in your resume is bad
6. Going back to school will help you get ahead
7. Prep, prep, prep
8. You must follow your passion
9. Work you and real you are different people

Reading this article and recognizing that I had been regurgitating many of these things I had heard in my life to others, made me realize that things do change over time and that the advice our paren'ts gave us does not necessarily reflect society today. This is all a good reminder that whenever we read or hear something that is meant to guide us in life, we should take it with a grain of salt and consider the big picture combined with our individual circumstances and personalities. There is nothing that will work 100% of the time, for 100% of people (otherwise we'd all be doing it by now!)

For more advice to avoid check out this article published by Business Insider or this one published by monster.com.

For more professional tips and tricks, see if your local library is hosting any programs or try some of these titles available at your local library:

Dealing With Employment Gaps on Your Resume

2015-06-23T16:59:05Z

                 (courtesy of: www.flazingo.com/creativecommons)

Employment gaps are always a challenge to explain on a resume. Should you include these periods of unemployment on your resume? Will this hurt your chances of getting the job you want? Will potential employers judge you unfavourably during the hiring process? These are some common concerns people have when constructing their resume.

With the unemployment rate hovering around 6.5%, the Bank of Canada said that the “average unemployment duration is lingering close to its post-crisis peak, at about 21 weeks.” These statistics clearly demonstrate that employment gaps are a common occurrence in today's current job market.

There are many reasons why people have these employment gaps. Whether it is time off for personal reasons, caring for an elderly family member, starting a family, going back to school, emigrating to a new country, getting laid-off, or simply transitioning between jobs, job seekers should take some time to modify and carefully reconstruct a resume that reflect these employment gaps. Your goal is to make sure that you skillfully showcase your skills and accomplishments in a positive and favourable light.

But how do you effectively explain these temporary breaks on your resume so that it will not raise any red flags to prospective employers? Here are a few ways to address gaps in your employment:

Resume Format – While hiring professionals prefer chronological resumes to functional, Sharon Graham says that recruiters generally prefer a reverse chronological resume format. This helps them to get a better picture of the candidate’s accomplishments. She also recommends that you include a strong “feature section” upfront that includes your best traits, personal career success and significant skills. Add your strongest accomplishments “early in the resume [then] add a career history section which includes “meaty” content under each job title.”

If there is a gap, fill it by listing the years with that company instead of including the date. Make sure that the top third of your resume showcases your strengths and accomplishments. Customize your resume by tailoring it to the job that you are seeking. However, multiple resumes mean that you have to ensure that you proofread each one very carefully for specific content as well as, spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.

Martin Yate suggests using annual employment dates (e.g. Microsoft 2010-2014) to fill employment gaps instead of month and year dates because it downplays these gaps in your resume. Once in the interview, you can'then explain these gaps as honestly and concisely as you can without giving too much details about why you were off for a period of time. He cautions that you can't use the same strategy for all your employment gaps but rather adopt different strategies for the different periods.

Cover Letter – A cover letter can convey how and why you would be a great asset to the organization. Because it is less rigid than the actual resume, you can briefly explain these employment gaps. Explaining the lapse honestly gives you the opportunity to remove any doubt about your capabilities while highlighting your strong points and this will in turn, remove any awkward questions during the interview process.

Build Your Skills – List any volunteer experience, internships, retraining, freelance work, temporary assignments, or certification that you did during this transitioning period. Use this period to improve your skills and stay current with changes in your industry. This is an excellent way to show potential employers how productive and constructive you have been during this period.

An employment gap is not something to be ashamed about, however, how you acknowledge these gaps on your resume and to prospective employers is very important when it comes to your job hunting success.

For help with preparing your resume and cover letter, borrow these title.

Dreaming of a Job as a Cake Decorator?

2015-06-05T11:11:00Z

Who doesn't love dessert? Imagine spending hours working in an environment with chocolates, icing and sugar all day long? My mouth is salivating just thinking about it! Or perhaps you require something gluten-free, fat-free or all-organic and having a hard time finding these products in your neighbourhood or in your price-range and are now starting to think that maybe baking your own goods is a job that you could do?

Local business owner of One Tier At A Time, Melanie Marinucci, turned her passion for cake decorating into a profession. Read our interview below to see if the cake decorating world is for you and how to stand out from all the rest!

1. State your name and business.

Melanie Marinucci, One Tier At A Time

2. What inspired you towards this career?

My husband always liked to bake. We were asked by our mutual friend to make her wedding cake so we decided to take cake decorating classes together as couple. After becoming certified cake decorators, the rest is history.

3. What is the one thing that surprised you about running your own business?

I was most surprised by the lack of support from others in the same industry. I can understand not wanting to help your competition, but we all need to start somewhere. I see no reason why we can’t share resources or information about how to progress forward.

4. How important is social media to your business?

Extremely important. You can find me on so many platforms: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google Plus, Instagram, and then there are the cake specific social media sites too! It’s a full time job.

5. With quite a bit of competition out there, how do you stand out from the crowd?

I make everything from scratch and custom make everything. No two cakes have ever been the same.

6. What are the top three personality traits you think a future cake decorator professional should possess?

Be a great listener – If you can’t understand what your client wants from you, there’s no chance to succeed.

Communication – You need to be able to express to your client, in a way that they can understand the vision you see in a cake, that incorporates what they want, along with your own artistic touches.

Creativity

7. No one likes to talk about salaries, but we are all curious. Would you recommend a job in this industry as a viable way to make a living?

Honestly, it takes a lot to make any real money in this industry. The reality is, someone will always make it cheaper. But you just have to persevere and stick to your pricing. Knowing what others in the area charge helps with knowing if you are on the right track or not.

8. What’s the title of the last book you read?

9. I have to ask…what’s your favourite thing about the library?

I’m old school. The library is like a personal Google. Everything you need in one place. It’s a one stop shop for knowledge.

If this interview has piqued more than just your taste buds, check out some of Melanie's favourite books to get you started:

Career Spotlight: Apprentices

2015-05-30T16:46:53Z

How many times have we heard the following: "Get a college diploma, get a university degree – these will get you good jobs!" What we really should be looking at is the labour market, and then gaining the practical skills, and checking out where the job vacancies are.

In April 2015, the Globe and Mail wrote about a shortage of 100,000 skilled workers over the next 10 years, particularly in the construction industry – a shortage exacerbated by a trend of an entire generation of young workers pursuing college or university degrees. So they finish high school, go to college and/or university, may/may not be able to find meaningful employment and by the time they turn 27, come to the realization that they really want a career and to make some decent money, according to the Ontario Construction Secretariat. That's when many workers are finding their way back to the trades. Twenty-seven is now the average age for a construction apprentice.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS) indicated that 252,000 workers are required in Canada’s construction sector over the next decade. They anticipate attracting an estimated 152,000 first-time new entrants from Canada’s population. This leaves a gap of 100,000 workers. In Ontario, the gap is 40,000 workers.

Buildforce Canada also indicated in their report that this is a severe shortage.

The Ontario government has been actively encouraging young people to enter a trade profession. Recent announcements included a promise to pour an additional $55-million into three apprenticeship training programs at colleges and other institutions across Ontario, while $13-million will go towards bolstering the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. This program is aimed at at-risk youths, aboriginal people, newcomers and women – all of whom are underrepresented in the trades.

Some books

and more!

Career Cruising is your one-stop shopping for job descriptions, salary info, pros and cons, job postings, education options, and job search guides for hundreds of occupations.

Top Canadian Jobs for 2015 and Beyond

2015-05-29T20:17:45Z

photo credit: canadianimmigrant.ca

Canadian Business recently published their yearly standing of Canada's Best Jobs 2015: The Top 20 Jobs. This list ranks occupations that are showing the biggest growth and pay. Using data from Statistics Canada, the ranking was based on job and median salary growth over time. The ranking clearly shows the top jobs vary dramatically and can be found across industries.

Their methodology looked at jobs that fulfilled these requirements:

occupation had experienced employment growth over the past five years;
occupation had a minimum median salary of $60,000;
the field employs at least 5,000 people as measured in the most recent year.

The occupation that topped the list was a Mining & Forestry Manager with a median salary of $108,804.80 with a total of 10,700 employees in this field. Required for this job is deep technical knowledge combined with strong people skills. The ranking included such occupations as: human resources manager (#20), registered nurse (#16), software engineer (#12), mapping technologist (#9), statistician & actuary (#4) and air traffic controller (#3) to name a few on the list.

If you are interested in the highest paying professions, then check out the list that Workopolis came out with that has The 10 best jobs for 2015 that pay over $90K. No surprise there as to which ones made the list. Of course professions like physicians, dentists, lawyers and pharmacists will always prove to be highly lucrative careers.

When you look at the Canadian job market right now, the areas that are showing immense growth are science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Degrees in computer science, math or engineering are in demand because they can be applied to many industries such as finance, e-commerce and IT. The health care field is another area that is growing because of our aging population. And when you turn to the skilled trades profession "the Conference Board of Canada estimates at least one million trades and construction workers will be needed in the country over the next 15 years. The Skills Canada non-profit organization has estimated that one million skilled trade workers (e.g., plumbing, masonry, and, automation and control) will be needed by 2020."

Having said all of that, you should also look at labour market information before you jump into any career based on these lists. While they do provide you with pertinent data and up-to-date statistical analysis and methodology, you should still research a suitable career based on your interests, needs, personality type, and capabilities.

For more information, visit the North York Central Library – Career Collection and have a look at some of these titles to borrow.

Dreaming of a Career in Real Estate?

2015-05-15T11:11:00Z

Have you always liked the sound of working for yourself? Knowing you'll have to put in the long hours, but being able to reap all the rewards? How about venturing out into the hustle and bustle of the real estate industry?

Thusjanthan Kubendranathan from RealtyForSale.ca has done just that! Following is an interview where I asked Thusjanthan questions about the real estate industry Get ready for an inside look as to what it takes to run your own business and the question we all have on our minds…how much money can you really make??

1. State your names and job titles:

Sayenden Supramaniyam – Co-Founder & CEO

Thusjanthan Kubendranathan M.Sc – Co-Founder & CTO

2. Tell us a little bit about your company and what you do.

RealtyForSale.ca empowers home buyers to make the most informed decision when buying a home by providing insights on schools, demographics, and crime rate in the neighborhood. RealtyForSale.ca also offers a rebate program giving up to 1% cash back to customers purchasing a home through the site. Users can sign up for a free account and take advantage of the RFS dashboard to browse through homes, add them to your favorites, receive updates about new listings, compare homes with similar prices/features and sign up for email alerts.

3. What was your very first job?

On my 16^th birthday, I asked my father for a job at his place. I started as a dishwasher at Pizza Hut that very day.

4. What is the one thing that surprised you about starting your own business?

The amount of times you feel like quitting and still having some energy to keep going. An entrepreneur must be able to stomach the most difficult times. I guarantee you there will be such times. What separates success from failure is to keep grinding.

5. What obstacles did you face when first starting out in real estate that others may not think about?

The amount of red tape and processes to hurdle over when trying to access real estate data! There are quite a bit of rules and regulations around what and how the data can be represented. We were audited a number of times and had to fix things on a 24 hour turn around.

6. What are the top three personality traits you think a future real estate professional should possess?

Communication – I’ve seen quite a few agents that cannot communicate their ideas/pricings. If you are targeting a particular ethnic community, that is fine. However, to be successful, you need to be able to communicate with both buyers and sellers.

Marketing – The ability to sell yourself to others.

Selfless – To put it simply: “Don’t be greedy!” One of the perks for RealtyForSale.ca is that we want to give back. Do not expect something in return, but on the plus side, when people are happy about the services you’ve provided to them, they will refer you to others and hopefully you’ll get many more clients.

7. No one likes to talk about salaries, but we are all curious. Would you recommend a job in the real estate industry as a viable way to make a living?

I would recommend a job in real estate. On average, an agent can look at making $80K to 100K a year. A recent article on the globe and mail suggested that agents are making $1000/hr. This is not the rule, this is the exception. If you work hard and grind, you can probably do really well in real estate. I myself know of a few agents that grind day after day and are making in the upwards of $500K/year.

8. What’s the title of the last book you read?

I read quite a few technical books. However, the last relevant book I read was ‘The Cashflow Quadrant’ by Robert Kiyosaki.

9. I have to ask…what’s your favourite thing about the library?

In my undergrad & post grad, my favorite thing to do was to go to the library, grab a cubicle and do some work!

If you loved this interview and want to hear more from Thusjanthan, you can check him out on Wednesday, May 20 at North York Central Library.

Jobs For Lazy People

2015-04-24T10:09:00Z

Courtesy of: techeblog.com

I recently wrote a blog about The Best Part time Jobs for anyone looking to work outside the traditional 9-5 hours, but what if even that seemed like a little too much work for you? What if you believe you're just not made to work…that work is the enemy. Well there's good news for you! Because there are jobs out there tailor-made for the lazy!

It's common North American practice (and maybe elsewhere in the world too!) to bond with friends and colleagues by complaining about work. Working is one of those things that we all sort of have to do, since we've 'got to pay the bills.' Once we've landed that first job, we instantly become part of this community of complainers, who get together after work at happy hour or perhaps on the weekend at a BBQ, to vent about the latest work drama. Forbes lists the top five reasons for quitting one's job as stability, compensation, respect, health benefits and work-life balance.

It may be after many years of lacking a few of these things in one's position that bitterness builds-up towards having to work at all! And hence, we end up having a group of people who are capable and smart, yet feeling a bit lazy. And lazy isn't seen as a negative quality either. Many employers are actually seeking out lazy people because they use their energy and time more efficiently (read: get more done in a shorter amount of time) leaving these lazy people much happier as they spend the rest of their days doing whatever it is they want (read: sleep!). It's a win-win. So what are some of these jobs I'm talking about? From reading various articles, the job titles that keep coming up are:

1. Computer programmer (many problems become repetitive and easy to solve, and bonus: you don't have to wear a suit every morning!)

2. Teaching English in another country (high demand and not a lot of schooling required)

3. Creative director (being paid to look around for inspiration all day? Count me in!)

4. Seamstress/tailor (considered one of the least stressful jobs!)

5. Hotel sleep tester (need I say more?)

6. Radio host (you may have to wake up early, but you're only on-air for a few hours being paid to chat)

And if you happen to be a boss with some lazy employees, take a look at this article for tips on how to get the most out of them!

Happy job-hunting!

Aging in the Canadian Workplace - What's in the Future?

2015-04-18T16:48:33Z

(image credit: pinterest -smartcompany.com.au)

In 2011, the Canadian census data showed that for the first time, there were more people in the age group where people typically leave the labour force (55 to 64), than in the age group where people typically enter it (15 to 24).

Recent statistics show that by 2031, one-quarter of Canada’s population will be over 65 years old. Older workers are choosing to work past mandatory retirement age. "The share of workers who expect to work full time past the age of 65 has now surpassed those who think they’ll be fully retired at that age, according to a national survey."

This trend is expected to continue as people live longer, healthier lives. What challenges and opportunities does the aging workforce present for the mature worker?

To find out more about this topic, consider attending a library program in which Sandra Kerr, Director of Programs for 50+ at The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University will be speaking at North York Central Library Auditorium on Thursday May 7, 2015 at 6:30. Registration is free. Register online.

Below are a few titles to help you with your job searches.

2015 Canada's Best Employers

2015-04-17T15:30:37Z

Fats Domino in his 1964 album Fats on Fire performed Gotta' Get a Job: "I've gotta get a job…" So that got me thinking about the best places to work – who are Canada's best employers? Every year, a whole series of 'best' lists pop up. The Globe and Mail and Mediacorp recently published the 2015 Canada's Best Diversity Employers. It was an insert in the March 31, 2015 issue of The Globe and Mail and covered a range of employers from Accenture Inc. to the Manitoba government to Ryerson University to the YMCA of Greater Toronto! Also available online.

Then there's the perennial favourite: Canada's Top 100 Employers. Toronto Reference Library has the 2015 edition, the only print edition available in the Toronto Public Library system. What about online, you ask? The 2015 online edition was made available late last year; in fact, the 2016 edition is underway.

Then there's The Career Directory, Canada's longest-running and best-loved career guide for new grads. Along those lines is the Canada's Top Employers for Young People.

How To Run a Great Meeting

2015-04-02T10:30:00Z

Courtesy of: clipartpanda.com

I love meetings. Ok, I can sense your eyes rolling through the computer screen, but I mean it! I love getting together with colleagues to brainstorm and discuss what's happening in the department. It's not everyday that we have the chance to actually sit down together, when there's so much work to be done! Meetings are also a great way for new employees to show initiative and share their ideas.

But what happens then, when you're asked to host a meeting? Does the idea of it send you running out of the building? Well I'm here to promise you that with a little preparation and an agenda, it won't be as bad as it seems. The Harvard Business Review has come up with an awesome cheat-sheet on which presentation-style you should use when hosting a meeting. It will depend on things like the content you're presenting, whether feedback is required and how much control you want.

Once you've decided on how you're going to go about running the meeting, here are some other tips and tricks to make it a success:

Create an agenda and stick to it
Make your objective clear
Invite only the people necessary to achieve your objective
Only use technology if it will add value to your meeting
Ask around the table for comments, to give those who tend to be quieter a chance to speak

For further reading on hosting a great meeting, try one of these books:

Calling All Students! Start Your Own Summer Company

2015-03-26T16:57:54Z

(image credit: www2.fiskars.com)

For young people, starting up your own small business can seem like a risky venture to take. With limited resources and business skills, this idea may be too daunting a task. Factor in the sweat equity it takes to make your small business a success.

With so many variables to consider, young people might think twice about fulfilling that once in a lifetime dream. Or so you thought? Have you heard about Summer Company? No? Did you know that starting your own small business is now a very real and viable option? This is the perfect opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to put their ideas into action while acquiring and enhancing their business acumen skills with help and assistance from the government.

The Ontario Government through the Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure, funds a program called Summer Company for young adults between 15-29 years old. This initiative is the Government of Ontario's "flagship youth entrepreneurship program" that aims to help young people start, grow and run a business.

Those accepted into the program will receive a maximum grant of up to $3000 for start-up costs as well as, training and coaching from experienced mentors throughout the summer. While you have the option of starting up any type of business, there are program guidelines that your business must meet. Although the process is very competitive, the opportunity for students to receive training, mentoring, coaching and funding to start-up and run their own summer business is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be passed up. Deadline to apply is May 8, 2015.

For inspiration, check out the 2014 Yearbook (PDF) and video testimonials from past participants.

And to help you get started in making your dream become reality, start researching that brilliant business idea of yours!

Non-profit Jobs

2015-03-21T16:32:00Z

On the first day of Spring, our thoughts can'turn to all things green: grass, trees, plants and…new jobs! You know what they say – the grass is greener on the other side, etc. So if you're looking to change your job, you may want to think about working either in the for-profit or nonprofit sector. There are all sorts of pros and cons for both sectors; but, traditionally, nonprofit sector salaries are much lower (about 40%) than their for-profit counterparts.

In Charity Village's article, Andy Levy-Ajzenkopf quotes that more than 165,000 nonprofits and charities operating in Canada contribute 7.8% of GDP and 10.5% of the labour force. A number of other notable developments: the appointment of the Canadian nonprofit world’s first-ever Chief Economist. Appointed in February 2013 as part of a plan spearheaded by Imagine Canada, Brian Emmett, a former federal public servant and economics graduate of the University of Western Ontario and the University of Essex in England, is tasked with “measuring the impact of the sector and bringing economic issues facing charities and nonprofits to the forefront of public policy decision makers,” according to Imagine. And then there's Humber College Fundraising Management Program where you learn to design and run organized, highly effective campaigns. It also covers the latest trends in ethical philanthropy. If you want to explore the salaries in the nonprofit sector, check out this recently published salary survey, Compensation of Full-time Employees in Small Charities in Canada (PDF) published in 2013.

Some more resources to pique your interest:

Best Part-Time Jobs

2015-03-13T10:10:00Z

There is the traditional path in life: go to school, get a degree, land a full-time job. And then there is the untraditional path: anything that defies that. I can't think of anything that has gone through more of a transition over time than the idea of what 'work' is. There are probably more options available to us today, in terms of how flexible we can be with our work environment, than ever before. We've heard of the 4 hour work week, the creativity of the Google offices and paperless meetings, to name a few. Working part-time is starting to become more common, as well, whether it's because someone's attending school to upgrade their skills or because someone made the choice to balance stay-at-home paren'ting with paying the bills. With many employers leaning towards using contract jobs to fill their job vacancies, permanent part-time work is becoming a viable option to getting some form of job security, too. Workopolis has put together a list of the best part-time jobs of 2015. In rating these jobs, they looked at emotional factors such as competitiveness of the job or degree of public contact, as well as physical factors such as stamina required and physical demands. More about job evaluation.

When considering whether permanent part-time work is right for you, of course you want to ensure that you can still be financially stable. This includes looking at the cost of things that are traditionally covered under a benefits plan. In addition, you may also want to consider things like how it may affect your spouse, if you are married, will you remain productive at home or do you prefer the discipline of having a routine, and will you have the option of picking-up extra hours if need be. Whether you decide to work part-time or full-time, it's always important to know what your legal rights are as an employee in Ontario.

If you'd like to read more about working part-time, check out these books:

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