Landing a career job takes career grit: perseverance, resilience, flexibility and initiative, along with self-knowledge and effective job search skills. The job search process can be full of ups and downs in our competitive labour market. Be proactive to ensure you know the best practices to reach your career goals.
RESUMES & COVER LETTERS
First impressions are important, so make sure that your resume and cover letters are at their best. Both need to be tailored to every job to which you apply. Obtain valuable feedback to get your resume noticed by hiring managers and ATS resume screening software.
Leverage social media to showcase your skills and accomplishments while connecting with employers and mentors. Get help building your LinkedIn profile or have it critiqued along with a personalized lesson on how to unlock the capabilities of the world’s largest professional networking site. View our top 10 tips about how to make LinkedIn work for you.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews are your chance to demonstrate your capability to meet the employer’s needs and showcase your most relevant experiences. Make a positive impression and give the interviewer the information they need by learning the STAR method for telling your interview stories.
BIG INTERVIEW
We’ve subscribed to this comprehensive online interview software. Practice your virtual interviews and share your progress. Access 1000s of industry-specific and commonly asked interview questions. Go to Big Interview to create an account with an @mcmaster.ca email address.
• If you no longer have access to your mac email, please contact acs@mcmaster.ca for alternate login information.
NETWORKING & JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES
Looking for meaningful work can be full of both challenges and opportunities. Implementing effective networking strategies will help you succeed! Learn more about devising a job search strategy suited to your goals that involves multiple search strategies to find success. Did you know? 1 in 200 online applications results in a job offer compared to 1 in 12 informational interviews. Interview Tips Booklet & A Brief Guide to Networking.
JOB SEARCH ESSENTIALS FOR ALUMNI ONLINE COURSE
This course has been newly updated and upgraded for Fall 2020. You can progress with the material in a flexible, self-directed way that suits your schedule and needs. You are welcome to register anytime during the month and work through the modules in Avenue to Learn at your own pace.
Each section covers a different aspect of the job search and will take you through activities to strengthen your job searching skills. Effective Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Social Media in your Job Search, Networking and the Hidden Job Market. Interviews, Negotiating Job Offers and more!
Work through each module at your own pace and then get personalized feedback on your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile and interview skills through SSC’s virtual drop-in sessions or virtual appointments. Register on oscarplusmcmaster.ca | SSC | Volunteer and Experience Building | click to register
JOB POSTINGS ON OSCARPLUS
Did you know? As an alum, you still have access to the job postings on OSCARplus.
Employers contact us directly when they want to hire McMaster grads for their skills and experience. We post over 6000 jobs a year. Locations range from the local Hamilton/ GTA area to locations all over the world. To access them, log onto OSCARplus and click on the following tabs (Student Success Centre – Employment – Job Postings)
Find Work Globally: Search for Position Type = Global Opportunities
Diversity Adds Value: Look for the Diversity Recruitment Program postings that have been developed to assist students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group or have barriers to employment.
CAREER ACCESS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES (CAPS) SUPPORT FOR EQUITY-DESERVING ALUMNI
Career Access Professional Services (CAPS) are for students and alumni who identify as a member of an equity-deserving group or have barriers to employment.
Equity-deserving groups are made up of people who experience discrimination and social barriers that prevent them from receiving equal access to services and opportunities. Some groups include women; racialized persons; First Nations, Métis and Inuit; persons with disabilities; and the 2SLGBTQ* community.
The CAPS team provides individualized support to assist with all aspects of career development including exploration, preparation and the building of skills and confidence. For more information, check out our website.
If you have an accommodation need to book an appointment, please email careeraccess@mcmaster.ca. Should you require any materials sent in an alternate/accessible format, please advise.