Career Advice

You’ve been killing it these last few months. Putting in extra hours, wearing different hats, and ramping up sales. Sounds like now is the time to learn how to ask for a raise. It’s never an easy conversation, and in an economic slowdown it may feel even riskier and more awkward to raise the subject, but if you’ve been helping create a whole bunch of value for your company, a salary increase could be yours for the asking. While few things spark more anxiety than asking for a raise, many companies still have budgets for new hires and salary increases, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

One thing rings true—the phone interview is where every job opportunity starts, and you need to be ready for this very important conversation. With social distancing ruling out in-person interviews, acing the phone interview has never been more critical. Without handshakes and face-to-face interaction, you have to work even harder to sound smart and connect with the hiring manager since they only have a voice to go on. Approaching the conversation with confidence and poise can greatly increase your chances of participating in the next round of interviews, and getting invited to take the job. These phone interview tips can help you move to the next round.

There are two types of skills: hard and soft. While hard skills refer to technical knowledge and training (your ability to use PowerPoint, CPR certification, etc.), soft skills are more like personality traits—teamwork, communication, problem solving—that make you well-rounded and give you the ability to work well with others. Combining these human skills with hard skills will boost your hireability, earning potential, and progress in the workplace, even in the most technical fields. Read on for a primer on the top soft skills you should develop.

In this time of crisis, Prime Minister Trudeau has asked that all employees who are able to work from home do so. Yet, for several essential service positions, such as frontline healthcare deliverers and construction workers, phoning it in isn’t an option.

Being authentic at work means bringing your true self to the job. For people who are LGBTQ, that isn’t always easy. Lingering prejudices can be barriers to inclusiveness. Which is why you should consider the best employers to work for that are LGBTQ positive. These hirers go above and beyond the laws that protect against discrimination. They actively promote diversity and celebrate Pride at the office.

Congrats! You’ve made it. One chapter is closing, and another is just beginning—one with an ocean of exciting post-grad career possibilities. So just what will be your first job coming out of college? If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. You may be feeling a bit lost and confused about where you should be headed professionally. Maybe even feeling pressured and in a hurry to land a great gig your first time out.

The Class of 2020 is graduating into what must feel like an apocalypse. Lockdown and layoffs have hijacked summer internships and placements. Graduate recruitment is on hold, face-to-face interviews cancelled, onboarding delayed. Exciting post-grad career plans are in the shredder.

For people who are used to office life, the adjustment to working from home isn’t as liberating as it might seem. Sure, there’s no commute, and you can work in your pyjamas, or even from bed if you want. But for many of the newly home-based workforce, it’s a struggle.

Come prepared when taking part in a live-streamed virtual meeting, or risk looking like an amateur.