Tips

The job résumé

Your résumé is your primary job search tool, so you need to make sure it’s accurate and reflects who you are. Here are a few pointers for building a good résumé:

  • Don’t copy someone else’s résumé. Yours should tell the recruiter who you are, so make one suited to your own personal situation.
  • Avoid personal details like age, ethnicity, and gender, and don’t include your photo.
  • Key words from the job posting should stand out in your résumé.
  • Always write your résumé and cover letter in the language of the job posting unless otherwise stated.
  • Limit your résumé to two pages as much as possible.
  • Your résumé should only contain relevant information that highlights your strengths, so it should be clear and concise. Always have someone proofread your résumé so you can correct any spelling errors before submitting it. Your application can be rejected if your résumé is full of mistakes, even if you have the required skills!
  • Be honest! There’s no point in having an impressive résumé that’s not true.

The job interview

Good preparation is the key to a good interview. Research the company and the position you’re applying for and learn as much as possible about its mission, products, and services. Here are other ways of preparing:

  • Spend time reviewing your previous work experience; you need to know yourself well. Familiarize yourself with the most frequently asked questions but don’t prepare ready-made answers. Interviews will usually focus on your training, experience, achievements, qualities, and weaknesses.
  • Project confidence during the interview. The employer is not looking for someone who’s perfect, but rather someone who’s comfortable in their own skin. Be confident, but not arrogant; serious, but not strict.
  • Be punctual: arrive at least 10 minutes in advance. Find out where the interview will be held, how (and how long it takes) to get there using your mode of transportation, and whether parking is available, if you need it.
  • Dress appropriately for the job. Not all employers will have the same requirements. A simple trick if you’re unsure of how to dress in your field is to go on site and observe people. Whatever the case may be, always dress conservatively.
  • Stay upbeat during the interview. If you’re asked to talk about one of your weaknesses, end by explaining what you’re doing to improve yourself. If you’re inexperienced, for example, you could mention a course you’re taking or something similar. Avoid negative statements and criticism.
  • Speak coherently, show interest, and keep your reactions in check. Answer concisely. Don’t jump from topic to topic or get lost in too many examples. Talk at a reasonable pace. Speak professionally and watch for verbal tics.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask the recruiter questions about the job. Good questions show interest in the position.

For employers

Looking for able and willing workers? We can help! Our programs - Destination Emploi,Emploi pour tous and Services adaptés - give you many candidates to choose from.

  • Our clients are trained in workplace etiquette and are therefore model employees with a sense of responsibility and who take pride in doing quality work.
  • Destination Emploi will save you wage costs because we reimburse the first six weeks of employment. This allows you to train your employee at no cost!
  • If you’re looking to hire someone with a disability, we can assist with training by helping the employee perform their work for eight weeks, in addition to reimbursing you for that period.
  • The feedback we’re getting from employers who have benefited from our placements is positive!