Our Top 5 Resume Writing Tips

Whether you're unhappy with your job but curious what is out there, it's always good to know what the market is like. That's why our third workshop of the year  focused on resumes! We've been waiting for this event to happen for so long. With a cool boardroom to work in at Workplace One hosted by Kathryn Torangeau, People and Culture Manager at Wave and former recruiter at Randstad Canada, she steered us through the ins-and-outs of the modern job hunt. The night could not have gone better! For those of your who couldn't make out on a rainy November night, here are the top 5 resume writing tips from our workshop to help you keep your resume fresh. You never know when an opportunity will strike!

1. Identify your motivation

Why are you looking for a job? No, seriously. Almost everyone wants to make money, but identify what your other goals are when looking at job postings. Do you want to develop specific skills or gain certain experience? Knowing what you really want will help you to tailor your resume but also find the right job for you.

2. Use job search tools

Online job searching tools have become pretty common but which ones will bring you the best opportunities? Here's our short list.

• Monster - One of the giants! It includes jobs from Canada and the U.S. which employers post directly.
• Workopolis - Based in Canada, this is another big site which employers will creating listings on.
• Indeed - Definitely the most popular right now. Indeed is an aggregator which means all the postings on it are pulled from other websites, making it a great way to search widely in one place.
• LinkedIn - You have an account anyway (and if you don't, get one!) and because HR reps and recruiters spend a lot of time checking out candidates on LinkedIn they post their jobs on their too. Good news - LinkedIn is smart so the more you fill out your profile the more likely it is to find jobs that match and bring them to you.

3. Decipher the job description

Really pay attention to the job posting you want to apply to. Print it out or make a copy of it in Word then go through and highlight any repeated words. Skills or tasks which are repeated 2+ times are a sure sign that this is what the hiring manager is really looking for. Make sure you use those same words in your resume (always being truthful!), recruiters don't care if you use the same words back at them. In fact, mirroring someone's speech patterns or body language often builds rapport and people don't mind it as much as you think they do. Make sure you balance it though, you still have to be yourself - don't just copy and paste.

4. Write a brand statement

When you Google resume templates or look for guides on how to write resumes you may come across a section called the "Objective." It's a statement at the top which usually says you are seeking such and such a job in field x, y, or z. The problem is this isn't adding any value to your resume and  you're starting off with telling the hiring manager something that they already know. Instead, start off your resume with something that differentiates you: a brand statement. A brand statement is a short summary 1-2 sentences long which highlights what value you are offering an employer while showing your personality. It should be your go-to answer when someone asks you to describe what you do.

5. Stay away from cliches

Team player. Go-getter. Innovative. Self-starter. These are all words that we know hiring managers want to hear but the problem is they have been way overused. Think about how you would define what you're describing yourself as and then spell it out. Suddenly, what you can do is a lot clearer. For example, what does it actually mean to be a team player? It means you're likely someone who listens, gives and receives feedback well, collaborates with others and doesn't put themselves before the team. Doesn't that sound more interesting than a "team player"?

What are some of your tips to keep your resume fresh?

Catherine is a storyteller, communications specialist, and blogger. When she isn't corporately communicating she is spreading her love of Canlit through her blog Hot Pepper Latte or lifting weights so she can read big books for longer periods of time. You can follow her online @cat_vendryes

Get Your Tickets For Workshop Your Resume

It’s that time again. Time to update that resume, but don’t know where to start. You’re looking for a new job, wanting to explore your options and see what’s out there, but you’re stuck at trying to put together the best kick-ass resume that shows off your skills as a young professional. Don’t worry—we’ve all been there and there are many resources to help you out. Young Women in Business Toronto Chapter is pleased to present “Workshop your Resume”, the third installment in our workshop series that helps people get back on their feet and give guidance to constructing a resume that perfectly describes you and nail that next perfect job! Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with resumes. It’s a great way to have all your work experience, skills, interests’ etc., written down and properly displayed on a sheet of paper, but it’s frustrating when you don’t know how to show off your personality on paper. I think that’s one of the biggest struggles people face when trying to put together their resume. It’s that, “How do I show off my creative and vibrant personality, but still show my work ethic?” Well, here at Young Women in Business Toronto, we have brought in Recruitment and Resource Manager Kathryn Torangeau, formerly of Randstad Canada to run a two hour workshop tutorial. This will be a great way to get one-on-one help with your resume and learn valuable tips and tricks from an industry professional that can help bring out your personal, quirky, creative, fantastic self!

It will be a small and intimate event with limited spaces, so hurry over and get a ticket! The workshop will be held at Workplace One King West. Can’t wait to see you all there!

Workshop Your Resume: Workplace One

Our next event - Workshop Your Resume is taking place November 8th at Workplace One! Workplace One, listed as one of Toronto's Top 10 shared office space solutions in BlogTO, offers private and shared office space, meeting rooms and virtual office solutions for companies in Toronto and Kitchener. We sat down with Adrian Wong, Workplace One's Director of Leasing/Operations to learn more about his role, how millennials are changing the traditional office space and why so many companies and startups take advantage of the open work space.

1) What is your role and responsibilities at Workplace One?

I am Workplace One’s Director of Leasing/Operations, which ultimately means that I wear a lot of hats. Giving tours to prospective members, managing staff, fixing any technical glitches that may come up, assisting our members with their needs, and generally keeping the business running smoothly and profitable are my key priorities. It’s an exciting role and no two days are alike – one day you could find me answering media questions and giving tours in one location, the next I can be found in the copier room of a different location, fixing a printer or setting up one of our meeting rooms for an event. It certainly keeps me on my toes!

2) What is Workplace One? What solutions does Workplace One offer to professionals?

Workplace One is a shared office facility offering both short- and long-term rentals for a variety of companies. We have four locations – three in Toronto, one in Kitchener-Waterloo. It’s a great option for small companies and independents who are just starting out and can’t commit to a longer-term rent contract, but it’s equally effective for large corporations who have satellite offices for smaller groups. What’s nice about our offerings is that you can grow your business under our roof by expanding or contracting office space as needed, and you have all the professional office services available to you: from an on-site receptionist, to a communal lounge and break-out rooms, to printers/copiers, and beautifully decorated meeting rooms. Each of our locations have been professionally decorated and designed, so if you have any clients or colleagues who are coming to meet with you in the office, they’re sure to be impressed. It gives your business a professional feel without the professional price tag.

Each office comes furnished with desks, chairs, and filing cabinets. Or, you can choose to work in one of our co-working areas or even use a dedicated desk. There are plenty of options that are sure to suit any business type, size, or budget. Workplace One can basically do everything for you and your business, except your work.

3) What kind of professionals come to Workplace One? Is there a certain industry you see more of?

With the exception of our Kitchener-Waterloo office which is predominantly filled with tech companies and startups, there’s a myriad of people and businesses that use Workplace One. We have some large companies with headquarters in the US or Europe who have their satellite Canadian office at Workplace One. We also have independent photographers, graphic designers, lawyers, and insurance brokers using our space. If you walk down any of our hallways you’ll also see recruitment agencies, marketing firms, app developers, event planners, and interior decorators – the list is endless. We even have a masseur in one of our locations who has converted an office into a treatment clinic. It takes all kinds!

4) Do you think millennials are changing the traditional office space for the better?

Millennials are changing the traditional office space on a large scale and we think that’s great. They have done away with the typical 9-5, brick-and-mortar space and are conducting business in a way that works for them. No two people or businesses are alike, and that’s why we’ve been so successful. We allow members to choose the space and situation that works best for them. Since we offer 24/7 access to our members, you’ll find some people in the office at 6 a.m. on a Saturday, while others just stop by for a couple of hours for a weekday meeting.

5) What are advantages of open space work space? 

There are many advantages to using an open workspace. Besides affordability, connection and collaboration are big bonuses that any of our co-working members can attest to. If you’re working on a new project and need some fresh input, you can ask your neighbour who happens to work in an entirely different industry and can bring a new perspective. Or, you need some help in an area in which you’re not proficient, you can almost always find someone who fits the bill. We recently launched a new member directory that’s very useful to our members – if you need someone close by to take care of your graphic or web design, or you’re looking for marketing help to launch your business, or maybe you need a lawyer to review some contracts you’re working on, you can simply log in and find the person or service you need. It also works both ways – you can offer your services to fellow members. You never know who you’re going to meet.

6) Have you seen any businesses start at Workplace One?

Over the years, we have been witness to a lot of companies getting started at Workplace One. They range from small start-ups about to launch, to large companies from overseas that are looking to expand into the Canadian market. It’s great for us to see them grow, and we’re honoured to have a part in that success. Some of these companies get so big they actually outgrow us, and need a building of their own. Though it’s sad to see them go, we’re happy to have helped them along the way to reach a greater level of success. Companies like knixwear, Car2Go, and Famebit have all called Workplace One home. We tip our hats to them.

Join us at our next event at Workplace One and Get your tickets today!

Diversity in the Workplace: Elle Bourne

It's finally here. Our event is sold out! Diversity in the Workplace is taking place tonight at Tangerine our gold sponsor.  Tangerine is known as the bank that helps Canadians save money with award winning client service that has helped over 2 million Canadians grow their savings and live better lives!

Elle Bourne, Strategic HR Business Partner shares insight on Diversity in the Workplace at Tangerine.

What does diversity mean to you?

There are strengths in our differences. Diversity is much more than being tolerant. It is embracing those differences and harnessing them to build an inclusive and top performing place of work where all employees and all viewpoints are valued . Diversity drives innovation and this is critical to a bank like Tangerine that prides itself on being a financial catalyst and disrupter in the banking marketplace.

Have you experienced any challenges with diversity in the workplace? How have you overcome them? Yes I have experienced personal challenges in my past professional life. At the time it was invaluable to have a strong mentor to keep me focused at a higher level an continued to challenge me to show up as the best me, while offering insights on how to navigate the ambiguity around some of the issues.

What is your favourite part of your job? Apart from the people I work with, having variety in my role so that no day is the same is one of the things I enjoy most. The Tangerine environment fosters an openness where a diversity of thought is encouraged and I find it really rewarding to partner with the business and influence them by asking questions. I think Tangerine understands that diversity drives innovation.

See you tonight! There might be tickets at the door ;) If you can't make it, follow Young Women in Business on Twitter and join in on the conversation!

Diversity In The Workplace : Ask Afrodite Cruz

According to Statistics Canada, by 2017, the number of visible minorities in Canada is expected to double and account for approximately 20% of Canada’s population. Diversity in the workplace is seen as a major challenge especially for women and minorities. We sat down with Afrodite Cruz, currently the Recruitment, Placement and Employer Relations Officer for the Master of Management of Innovation (MMI) program at the University of Toronto Mississauga Campus and discussed in depth her role and challenges she has overcome in the workplace. 

What are your responsibilities at the University of Toronto?

Currently I work with the Master of Management of Innovation Program at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus.  This is a program that helps science and engineering students bridge the gap between science and business.  I oversee recruitment, employer relations as well as career counseling and professional development in this role.  We have a mandatory internship component in the MMI and part of my job also includes preparing students for this internship and working with companies to create jobs for my students.

What kind of challenges/advances did you see when managing the Diversity & Women's portfolio at Roman? 

During my time at Rotman, I worked on the FT MBA Recruitment and Admissions team.  Women and minorities are extremely underrepresented in business schools and Rotman was active in trying to change this.  On average, only 30% of MBA classrooms are comprised of women – this is a number that top schools worldwide are trying to increase.  While at Rotman, we partnered with the Forte Foundation, which is based in the US.  This organization helps young women learn more about career opportunities pre and post MBA and also offers generous funding and professional development opportunities.

Women very regularly put off doing an MBA and other advanced degrees because of several reasons.  These include but are not limited to high costs of education, fear of heavy studies, family responsibilities and fear of taking time off work  to return to school.  Unless we educate women about the long term benefits of proper training and mentorship and provide better funding opportunities for women to pay for school, we will not see the numbers of women pursuing advanced education rise.

Why did you choose to get into managing the Diversity & Women's portfolio?

I was very lucky to have these portfolios assigned to me.  My boss at the time noticed that these issues were of personal importance to me and asked me to advocate for them in my job.  As an immigrant, as a woman and as a mother to mixed race kids, I felt very connected to issues that relate to diversity and equality.  As someone who works in education, I feel that it is my responsibility to not just speak up about wanting change but to also influence change with my actions.  The work that I continue to do in both of these areas is very personal and plays into my professional life daily.

What's your favourite part of the job? What's your biggest challenge?

I have so many things that I love about my role at UTM!  If I had to narrow it down, I would say that aside from working with an amazingly supportive, innovative and positive team,  my favourite part of my job is seeing the change in my students from the time they apply to the MMI program to the time they graduate from it.  My students often say that what I do in a span of 12 month is magic but the truth is is that when you motivate students to see in themselves the potential that you see in them the magic is just waiting to happen.

My biggest challenge currently is a good one to  have.  This year, the MMI is a much larger program than in past years.  We have 34 students who are all very different and have very different goals.  For me, delivering personalized and meaningful career services and advice to them has been challenging – but doable!  When I get very busy and feel overwhelmed at work, I remind myself of the sacrifices the students are making when they take the time out of a hectic day to come and meet with me.  If they can focus on the big picture and make time to seek help from me, then I can make the time to ensure that they all feel important when they are with me.  In the same way that I motivate and challenge my students, they motivate and challenge me.  I  am so thankful that I have the opportunity to influence such an incredible group and I am humbled by the confidence that my students have in me.

Don't miss out our Diversity in the Workplace Panel happening October 19th and hear more from Afrodite Cruz!

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Partner Spotlight | Henderson Brewing Co

We are less than one week away from our Diversity In the Workplace Panel and can't wait! The networking, the awesome panel lined up, and did we mention beer from Henderson Brewing Co? Henderson Brewing Co, a craft brewery located in the junction was named after Toronto's first brewer Robert Henderson in the 1800s. This brewery is over 9,000 square feet, has a 15,000 hectolitre capacity and is environmental friendly with 80-90% of the steam from the brew kettles recycled! What's unique about Henderson Brewing Co is that the beers brewed are inspired from Toronto's culture and brewery history. Each month a different beer is created to bring a Toronto story to life.

We sat down with Territory Sales Manager, Annie Dingwall and talked about her role and perks at Henderson Brewing Co, and her thoughts and challenges on diversity in the workplace.

What are your responsibilities with Henderson Brewing?

I’m the east end Sales Rep for Henderson Brewing. I work everyday to get our beer into licensees and now LCBOs throughout the city. I’m responsible for new activations and for expanding our brand through new partnerships within the trade. Since we are a small company, I tend to wear many different hats. Depending on the day I can be a keg delivery driver, A/R officer, home brewer, event coordinator or tap room bartender. Essentially, I am an ambassador for our brewery and our brands in every way.

What does it mean to you, to have an employer who supports diversity in the workplace?

It means everything to work for someone who understand and supports workplace equality. I’ve never been treated differently from any of my male colleagues, in fact it has never been a point of discussion. I have felt truly supported and encouraged since day 1 to make decisions and make Henderson my own. I am respected for my experience and given a lot of trust in order to succeed.

What are some setbacks you may have faced in a traditionally male dominated industry?

Especially in the beginning as a new Sales Rep, I was definitely tested and challenged on my knowledge of beer and restaurants by potential customers and industry counterparts. Beer is definitely a male-dominated industry, meaning there is always a bit of an extra hurdle. The key is to persevere through the initial challenges. Remaining confident in your skills will not only prove them wrong, but make a memorable mark.

Why is Henderson Brewing excited to support Young Women in Business?

As a new business, it is essential to have great people. Henderson realized this from the get go. It just so happens that almost half of our team are young women. Henderson made the choice to chose ambitious, driven young women to be a part of our team. We all have different backgrounds and experiences, and bring unique perspectives to the table.

Which is your favourite Henderson beer?

Henderson’s Best. It is our flagship Amber Ale. It’s classic, easy drinking, and pairs so well with food. I spend most of my days talking about our Best, so it helps that it is also my favourite in our portfolio! We just launched it in LCBOs, and it is in bars all across the city. I’m so excited for people across Toronto to be able to try it!

Image from Henderson Brewing Co Facebook

Check out Henderson Brewing Co on  Facebook! Will you be trying Henderson Brewing Co?

Diversity in the Workplace: Ask Kayla Greaves

Diversity in the workplace is an extremely important issue in today’s society. Living and working in Toronto, we find ourselves surrounded by diversity on a daily basis which is something that makes our city so refreshing and unique! So what do I mean by diversity? Individuals coming together from different nationalities, races, and religions to form an organization, most importantly, one that values and respects someone’s background and listens to their ideas and opinions. Diversity is one of the keys to success and should be nurtured in the work place, not fought. We had the pleasure of speaking with Kayla Greaves, Lifestyle Editor at the Huffington Post about her personal experiences with diversity in the workplace and how we can continue to promote the importance of diversity.

Why is diversity and inclusion in the office important to you?

As a woman of colour working in media diversity and inclusion is so essential in my everyday work. We need perspectives from as many groups as we can to produce high quality content that can reach a wide variety of audiences. We want our content to be reflective of the diverse Canadian population. And luckily, I can confidently say we have one of, if not the most, diverse newsrooms in Canada. Also, diversity makes potluck days A1.

What are some initiatives either in your current job or past jobs that you have done to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

We are currently working on a new series that will be investigating the experiences of children of immigrant parents in Canada, which I'm really excited about! I'm producing a lot of the video and visual graphic content for the series and also assisting on the editorial side. From day to day I work to attract talent from diverse backgrounds to participate in our videos, or panels etc. and make it my goal to write about underrepresented groups as much as I can.  I'm also a member of the culture club at work where we think ways to celebrate culture and diversity in a way where everyone can enjoy and also learn about other people's heritage.

Do you have a specific experience (that you are comfortable with sharing) that affected your passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace?

Yes. I previously worked for a large company that was not into the idea of diversity at all. The whole office, with the exception of two people (three including me), was primarily white. While I pushed for it, they typically made the excuse that it was too complicated etc. etc. I eventually left and moved on to find a place where I was a better fit.

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