Back...and better than ever

We have long recommended our Learning Express database (found under the Business, Investment, Directories & Career section in our E-Library) to job searchers looking for online courses and information related to resumes, interviews, communication skills and professional examinations.

Through Learning Express, we now have a valuable new resource: the Job & Career Accelerator.

The Job & Career Accelerator is another source for occupational descriptions and has resume and cover letter builders, examples of excellent resumes and cover letters, and information about interviewing and online job applications:

We are especially thrilled that the Job & Career Accelerator also has video tutorials for many of the most popular basic computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Project and Adobe Illustrator:

If you want to learn more about the Job & Career Accelerator database, or any of our other career databases, contact us: 403-260-2782 or busn@calgarypubliclibrary.com/.

On Saturday, May 12th, the Central Library is hosting its annual Accelerate Your Career event. Local career consultant Brian Lambier will be presenting the Brian Lambier, Career VitalityInterview Strategies and Techniques program from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where you will learn how to WOW prospective employers with your knowledge, preparation and "fit." We asked Brian a few questions about current interviewing trends:

1. Is it true that the decision on whether or not to hire a candidate is often decided in first 40 seconds of the interview?

A skilled, experienced interviewer who understands the position and the type of person they are looking for will sometimes have a “gut feeling” about interview candidates fairly quickly but their experience tells them to keep an open mind for the remainder of the interview.

2. How important is it to bring your own questions to the interview?

Extremely important! Interview candidates should consider the interview as an opportunity to learn more about the position and organization and to determine if the position is the right fit for them.

3. Are phone and Skype interviews becoming more common?

Employers certainly will conduct interviews using telephones or messaging systems like Skype. This method of interviewing may be used for the first interview in a multi-interview process or if the candidate is unable to meet in person due to time or geographical constraints. Meeting in person is always an employer’s first choice whenever possible.

Brian Lambier is the owner of Career Vitality Services Inc. in Calgary, Alberta and specializes in career and retirement transition coaching and corporate training. He can be reached at (403) 978-9134 or brian@careervitality.ca. He will be presenting his interview program during our all-day Accelerate Your Career Event held on Saturday, May 12, at the Central Library. Register online or by calling 403-260-2620.

Accelerate Your Career 2012

Saturday, May 12, 2012, Central Library

Career Conversations • 11am–3pm • Main Floor • Sign up during event
Resume Help • 11am–3pm • Main Floor • Preregister: call 403-260-2782
Career Serving Agencies • 10am–3pm • Main Floor • Drop-in
Interview Strategies and Techniques • 10:30am–12:30pm • Third Floor • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Company and Employer Research • 1–2pm • Third Floor Open Area • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Power Networking • 2:30–4pm • Third Floor Open Area • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Enhancing Your Job Search through Social Networking • 10:15–12:15pm • Bsmt Rm #2 • Register online or call 403-260-2620
Work Search on the Internet • 1–4pm • Third Floor Learning Lab • Register online or call 403-260-2620

In celebration of International Coaching Week, Calgary Public Library is partnering with the Calgary Association of Professional Coaches to offer free 15-minute coaching sessions with experienced professional coaches. These valuable individualized sessions can focus on various topics such as: career, business, team and personal relationships.

This is the first event of its kind in Calgary and will be offered at two Library locations on February 8^th and 9^th, 2012.

Register online or by calling 403-260-2620. The regular Career Coaching program offered at four library locations offers further opportunities to access career advice from our experienced volunteers.

Calgary coach and human resources professional Tanya Snow answers some of our questions about career coaching:

Tanya Snow

What exactly does a career coach do?
A career coach can help you to take your career to the next level, assist you in finding a career that aligns with your interests, skills and values, or to make a small career shift to ensure a good fit.

What is the difference between an Executive Coach and a Career Coach?
A Career Coach would typically have clients from all walks of life and would be focusing on career related issues and barriers. An Executive Coach would deal specifically with senior management clients and would look at issues and barriers preventing them from achieving professional and personal goals.

When I hire a coach how much of my time is coaching going to require?
Typically Career Coaching consists of an initial assessment, and then three to five 1-hour sessions, depending on the type of change required.

Where do I find a career coach in Calgary?
The Calgary Association of Professional Coaches (CAPC) site has a Coach Referral Service that can help you find a certified coach that fits your needs.

What is price range for a Career Coach?
Prices can vary depending on qualifications and experience but typically you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $250 a session, or a flat rate per month of approximately $500.

What do you find personally satisfying about career coaching?
I find it very satisfying and rewarding to work with clients to help them achieve satisfying career goals and to find a career that fits their individual values, interests and skills.

Tanya Snow is a certified Human Resource Professional and with over 10 years experience in the areas of career development, job search strategies and resume development. Tanya is also a Certified Executive Coach specializing in Career Transition Coaching, Leadership Development and Career Management Coaching.

Given that the consensus still seems to be that thank you cards are a vital after a job interview, Calgary Public Library customers often ask staff for books or magazine articles that can offer guidance on how to write such letters. Books such as Hire Me, Inc: Interviews The Get Offers and The Advice of a Headhunter offer strategies for writing meaningful letters when "going for the close" in trying to secure a job. They also discuss whether email or hand written notes are the best options in trying to make your letter stand out from the crowd.

A recent article in the Globe and Mail had a nice summary of the four main elements you should include in your thank you letter. The author, a career coach, stresses that such letters should be much more than notes to say "Thank you for the opportunity to meet you."

Staying on the Radar After The Job Interview