Look within

If you work for a global company, your best bet is an interoffice transfer, says Travis O’Rourke of the international job search firm Hays PLC. “In our Toronto office, we have people from India, Australia, Scotland, Ireland and England,” he says. “They offer a different perspective and fresh ideas to the company.” Many companies have a policy to consider internal applicants—even those from abroad—before they can look elsewhere. But before you contact HR make sure you’ve informed your managers about your international ambitions. “Whoever you report to will receive a phone call for a reference check,” says O’Rourke. “You don’t want that person to be blindsided.”

Make contacts abroad

No chance of a transfer? “Ferret out people who are doing what you want to do, where you want to do it,” suggests Bruncha Milaszewski, a workforce consultant in Abu Dhabi. She suggests joining international industry associations, networking at conferences, and participating in online expat forums and local intercultural groups. LinkedIn works well too, says O’Rourke. “Find other employees who are associated with the company, even if they’re not in a hiring position,” he advises. “Tell them you think they’ve got a fantastic job and you’re keen on joining the company in a similar role. People like to feel good about themselves. Very few of them will ignore you.”

Ace the interview

Your first interview is often by phone, but Skype and video conferencing are increasingly used, says O’Rourke. Wear the same clothes as you would when doing a traditional face-to-face interview and “dress to impress,” he advises. Make sure you’ve done your research on the position, the company and the location. “If you’re asking questions in those areas, you run the risk of giving the impression that you’re just kicking the tires of the company and you’re not fully interested in relocating there.”

Tailor your resume

Milaszewski’s resumé contains a line that reads: “American, divorced, no dependents and able to travel within the region.” It seems personal, but it shows the employer you’re serious about leaving home. Set up a local phone number, and be sure to trumpet any language skills, international certifications or work permits. Finally, O’Rourke says if you’re applying in a lower-cost country and aren’t expecting Canadian-level wages, state your salary expectations.

It’s a dirty secret in recruitment, but many of the jobs advertised are already earmarked for internal candidates. “It happens all the time,” says Rusty Rueff, a former head of HR for Electronic Arts who’s board director for career website Glassdoor.com. “I’d say with 35% to 40% of jobs that are advertised, they are already pretty sure they will hire internally.”

Why would a company bother to advertise when they have someone in mind? Often it’s just a case of manager checking if the grass is greener, or to prove due diligence to the hiring manager’s superiors. Sometimes it’s just because HR didn’t bother to check whether the manager already had a preferred choice. Legal issues also come into play —a company may need to advertise before getting a work visa for a foreigner, or it may want to have a “diverse candidate pool” to show that minority candidates were interviewed.

Clues that a company isn’t serious about hiring outsiders include ads on obscure websites, or asking for skills only an insider could have, such as familiarity with in-house software. Job seekers can also look to sites like Glassdoor.com, where people share their experiences.

However, the best way to know if an ad is legit is to work your contacts. “That way when a job is posted you can do your own due diligence to find out if there’s already a candidate,” says Liz Grant of HR firm Right Management.
]]> http://www.moneysense.ca/2010/11/15/how-to-spot-a-fake-job-ad/feed/ 159 http://www.moneysense.ca/2010/01/27/employment-a-new-career-in-a-year/ http://www.moneysense.ca/2010/01/27/employment-a-new-career-in-a-year/#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:28:38 +0000 Rob Gerlsbeck http://www.moneysense.ca/?p=2692 Truck Driver

In demand? An aging fleet of big-rig operators means jobs aplenty for a new generation of drivers.

What you need: A few weeks at a truck driving school, then pass the provincial tractor-trailer driver’s test and you’ll be hollering “10-4, good buddy” in no time.

It helps if: You don’t mind diner food.

What you can earn: Even 18-wheeler newbies can pull in $40,000 a year. An experienced driver can make $70,000.

Welder 

In demand? All skilled trades are in demand these days, but those who know their way around a torch will benefit the most from government infrastructure spending and a resurgent oil and gas sector.

What you need: A one-year college certificate.

It helps if: You know a bit of math (and like melting stuff).

What you can earn: $30,000 to start. Become an apprentice and get your journeyman’s ticket to earn $90,000.

Air Traffic Controller

In demand? NAV Canada says it’s always looking for recruits.

What you need: If you do well in an online test, you’ll be invited in for an interview and more tests. The chosen few then spend anywhere from four to 14 months in the classroom, do a few months of paid training, and are guaranteed a job somewhere in Canada.

It helps if: You have ice in your veins.

What you can earn: Your salary will rise as fast as a 747: anywhere from $60,000 to $125,000 a year.

Web Designer

In demand? The world is moving online. Someone has to make the place look good.

What you need: A streamlined one-year course in web design, offered by some colleges, is enough to launch your career.

It helps if: You’re the creative type.

What you can earn: Up to $45,000.  At first you’ll be doing the grunt work on the web support desk and maybe creating those annoying little banner ads, but with promotions, you could move to $60,000 within a couple years.

Financial adviser

In demand? Banks, insurance companies and investment firms are constantly looking for people to sell their financial products.

What you need: Many colleges offer one-year financial services programs.

It helps if: You’re a natural-born salesman, as most companies pay on commission.

What you can earn: $40,000, plus up to another $20,000 in bonuses. If you’re talented, expect to make six figures soon.

Public Relations Professional

In demand? PR used to be all about pitching articles to journalists. Now it’s everything from acting as gatekeeper of your company’s reputation, to organizing marketing events, to writing the CEO’s blog.

What you need: If you have a university degree already, a one-year certificate program at a community college will fast-track your PR career.

It helps if: A gift for gab and writing attention-getting copy.

What you can earn: $30,000 to $60,000 to start. Seasoned PR experts can make $90,000 and up.

Office Administrator

In demand? Don’t call them secretaries. Today’s office administrator keeps businesses humming smoothly. And, yes, they’re in demand.

What you need: A college certificate in office administration.

It helps if: You’re super organized.

What you can earn: Around $30,000 to start. Don’t expect big raises, however.

Cobbler

In demand? Shoe repair shops are bustling places these days and expert cobblers are hard to come by.

What you need: Convince a shoe repair shop to hire and train you.

It helps if: You love shoes. (Honest, that’s what veteran cobblers told us.)

What you can earn: Around $22,000 while learning the trade. Qualified shoe repairman can make over $30,000.

Health care assistant

In demand? As our population ages, nursing homes and seniors’ residences are staffing up.

What you need: A certificate from a one-year community college program.

It helps if: You enjoy helping people.

What you can earn: Around $30,000.