Preparing for a Job Interview

Last evening, I was invited to conduct a workshop on How to Prepare for a Job Interview to a group of university students. I promised that I would put my power point notes on my blog for the participants. Here they are:

A successful  career involves a number of ingredients such as hard working, working smart, setting goals  for 1 yr, 2 yr, 5 to ten years  so that one can track the progress whether you are achieving your goals or not.  Setting achievable short term goals helps one to move along and eventually enable one to reach  his /her long term goals. One also needs a plan of actions to achieve ones’ goals.

Nowadays, some of the important qualities companies are looking for in their potential employees are:

•          Communication skills  -Very important!

•          Good command of written/ oral skills

•          Speak with confidence

Equally as important, when  fresh graduates are looking for their first professional job upon graduation, they will also need:

•          Mentors and support network

•          Relevant experiences

•          References

•          Understanding of work cultures and values

In my career as a school administrator and recently as a Human Resources Manager, I have discovered that many young people do not have much work experience upon graduation. Many have spent their university summer months either traveling back to their home country or studying summer school; few actually got summer employment relevant to their field of studies.

Experience is important!!

•          Accumulate relevant job experience by:

•          Volunteering

•          Government programs

•          Personal Network

•          Part time

•          Co-op program

Steps for Finding a Job

•          Learn what kinds of jobs you want

•          Research your companies

•          Be Prepared with the following:

•          Covering Letter

•          Resume

•          Interview

Interview Blunders -  3 biggest mistakes

•          Dress  inappropriately

•          Talk badly about previous job or boss

•          Appears disinterested

After you sent out numerous application letters and resume, finally you got an interview! Congratulations, if you've got an interview,  some experts says:

You have  50% chance of getting the job!

Therefore do everything in your power to prepare yourself for the interview as if you are preparing for your most important final exam.

Learn about the company

•          Research the company

•          Know the products

•          Know the organization structure

•          Knowledge is power

Dress appropriately

•          Jeans are not for all occasions!

•          Dress according to position applied

•          At least 2 Days before the interview date:

•          Pick out your interview outfit

•          Shoes, socks – ready

•          Grooming – hair / nail

•          Check out location of interview and make a test run

Job  Interview – Creating a Positive Impression

•          Don’t be late1!!!

•          Arrive 15 -20 minutes earlier

•          Check  hair, teeth, finger nails – cut  & clean

•          Deodorant,  Moisturizer/ lip palm

•          Avoid bad breath; use mouth wash or breath mints

Interview – Manners

•          Good manners = consideration

•          Remember to shake hands

•          Smile!!

•          Say good morning, afternoon, thank you, please etc.

•          Sit  only when asked

Maintain Eye contact During the interview

•          Listen to questions carefully

•          Not afraid to ask for clarification

•          Positive attitude

•          Demonstrate confidence

Job Interview – Some Frequently Asked Questions

•          Tell me about yourself.

•          Tell me about your experience and qualifications.

•          Why are you applying for this job?

•          Why are you the best person for this job?

•          What are your strengths?

•          Describe your weakness.

•          What are the things that motivate you?

•          What do you do in your spare time?

•          What are your hobbies?

•          What do you like the most/ least in your school?

•          What were some of the most difficult problems you have had in your school or volunteer work?

•          How did you solve them?

Interview - Situational Questions

•          You are helping a customer who is getting verbally abusive with you. What would you do?

•          You are working on a team and you are having a problem with another worker? What would you do to solve this problem?

 

Where to find jobs?

•          School / University

•          Guidance offices, bulletins around campus

•          Community / local newspapers

•          Local supermarkets, McDonald’s, Tim Horton’s, YMCA

•          Parks and Recreation 

•          Canada Services Centre – local offices and websites

•          Student Summer Employment Program

Networking is important when you are looking for jobs. You could expand your contacts by

                 volunteering in your:

•          School / Church/  Workplace / Community

•          Talk to everyone you meet

•          Make connections

•          Small talk with your supervisors/  teachers/ professors

•          Make friends with your colleagues/ secretary

•          Attend workshops / Job fairs

•          Be careful of internet advertisement and interview location

After the interview

•          Make notes of the interview and especially the questions you did not answer well.  Have a notebook to write them down so that you could learn from your mistakes to improve your future interviews.

•          Follow up with:

•          Phone call, Email or  thank you note

Be faithful to God

•          Ask God to help you

•          pray  and ask God to give you wisdom to show you the way and open doors

•          Be faithful in your service

•          Put God first and Don’t forget to Tithe

Government Programs that help young people to find their first jopbs:

•          Mitacs-Enterprise Internship

•          Canada Summer Job

•          Employment Agencies

R.T.
Director - TECA
Toronto Education &
Communications Associates
Toronto, Ontario
 Nov. 3, 2012

 

Preparing for the mission trip to Cambodia

Since June, 2012, I have been meeting with a group of people who are committed to lending a hand to the people of Cambodia. I will be going as a member of a church short term mission team that goes to Cambodia on a regular basis to support their work there.

Our mission team has been meeting since the beginning of September for our training sessions before leaving for Cambodia in November. At each training session, Pastor Teresa leads us in planning the programs and activities; we also learn about the history, culture, hardship and the challenges faced by Cambodians in their country.

My proud little balloon doggies!

At each training meeting, a member of the mission team presents and  teach the rest of us something that we would be able to use during our visit there. These topics could be a short session on leading songs, learning to playing children's games and sports or a culture lesson about the people. One of the sessions was how to make cute little animals out of balloons.







I have always wanted to make balloon animals for a long time and this evening it gave me a great opportunity to learn and practise this fun skill.
Matthew came prepared with the long balloons and an air pump. He kept blowing up the balloons and the rest of us just followed |Rebecca's instructions in twisting and turning the long strips of balloons.

A balloon flower for my sweetheart?

Most of us were unsure what to do and did not like the slippery feeling and the funny sound of the balloons when we twisted and tried to bend the long strips into cute little dogs.  Our fear was that the balloons would burst and pop on us. The most satisfying of our balloon twisting that evening was learning the main trick of the trade and overcoming our fear of busted balloons. Important trick- The balloons would not burst as long as we leave a little tail at the very end where there was a space for air inside to escape.

Bingo! As soon as we learned the secret to balloon twisting, we were emboldened and kept shaping our balloon animals without fear nor reservation.  It was a lot of laughter and fun playing with balloons again with twelve other adults from our mission team. We were like children, just having fun. Great activity indeed!

I have been running different errands trying to get ready for my Cambodian trip. I cannot believe the amount of medication I am bringing with me. I went to the Travel Clinic for needles and medications; that alone cost almost $200.00. I went to dentist today to have my teeth checked out making sure I would not have any serious problems while I am overseas. Again, my dentist gave me a prescriptions of more antibiotics, oral rinse and other. Wow! I am now armed with more medicines than I have even seen or taken in my life. I hope I won't have to use them!

I will be leaving in a few days. Not sure what to expect but I depend on God who is mighty, powerful and gracious to keep me safe!

R.T. Oct., 2012
Short Term Mission Training Meeting, Toronto

The Burpee - A not so easy Cardio Circuit

I went to my regular fitness training session today. But I did not feel my best therefore found today's exercises difficult and could not complete the circuit my trainer designed for me. I was so mad at myself!  But sometimes, you just can't control your own body.

Joyce, my personal trainer, had me started off with the Burpee exercise, which was a combination of jumping jack and push up. I did that 12x and three rounds of it, with 30-45 seconds of rest in between each round. That was not easy as this was not an exercise that I liked. After that, I was supposed to do 50 skips, but my feet felt so heavy that I could not even do 3 skips without being caught in the skipping rope.

Lunging with weight

Beside the regular workout which I did, Joyce plans a few different circuits for me to make workout interesting and move me along to a higher level. She planned this circuit for me today:

Running on treadmill machine - 0.2 mile
Lunging with wt above head - 10x\
Burpee - 10x

Repeat the circuit - 4x consecutively

It was tough for me to do the Burpee exercise this morning. Some exercises look easy but when I go to try them, they are not easy at all. The Burpee was of those today for me as it was a combination of a few motions. I hang my head low and feeling defeated as I could not complete this circuit 4 x as Joyce planned.

The Burpee Exercise - An Excellent Cardio Exercise

Sometimes I go into the gym feeling great, being in fine shape and could perform all the exercises that Joyce plans for me. At times, I feel weak and wobbly on my feet unable to lift the weight or sustain the exercises to the end. Today was one of those days.

But I will persist as I have seen how weak and helpless some people can become as people age. I have read and heard it numerous times - Exercise is not an option, but should be a part of our life. I will keep going to the gym and work as hard as I can.  

R.T. Goodlife Fitness Gym
Toronto

Remembering Mrs. Jung of Thunder Bay, Land of the Sleeping Giant

Thunder Bay, Ontario

The Sleeping Giant,  landmark of Thunder Bay

Good Bye,  Thunder Bay, my beloved city, the land of the Sleeping Giant. I was leaving but wouldn’t know when I ‘d be back again.  I cranked my neck as far as I could to see over the wings of the West Jet plane trying to take in the city view and the memories of the people I loved below as much as I could.

Hoito - Our favorite Finnish Pancake Restaurant

Thunder Bay,   a northern Ontario city about an hour and half plane ride from Toronto, with a little over one hundred thousand residents for the past four decades, has a very special place in my heart.

The images of laughter, friends, family, warm and welcoming neighbours, pictures of pig roast parties at my brother’s huge backyard, commencement ceremony, my youthful days, talks of plans for the future, and dreams of conquering  the world all floated in front of me and melted into one big happy scene  whenever I touched down on the soil of Thunder Bay - Ah, the city of my youth and dreams, where I spent the happiest part of my teenage years in the 70’s. 

 Finnish Book Store - where we visited weekly to send letters to friends overseas

I was grateful for the warm and wonderful citizens of the city where it received an immigrant family from overseas more than forty years ago. How could I ever forget in particular, our next door neighbour, the Jung’s family, for their exceedingly warm hospitality and kindness in making our transition to our new life in Canada so smoothly, and their three spunky kids, Parker, Dinah and Linda who were ever so energetic, lively and always smartly dressed ( by their mother?)

 Happy memories abound in these two houses between the Jung's & us

All these wonderful sweet thoughts and pictures of my girlish days flooded my mind this past  weekend. My family settled in Thunder Bay years ago, but gradually one by one, we moved down south over the years. Since 1971, this was the first time I came back to my beloved city without any family members residing here.

I always have delightful memories of the city of the Sleeping Giant. But sadly, my joyful recall of the past was overshadowed by the passing of one of the most wonderful people I had the privilege of knowing, Mrs. Jung, our neighbour during the early 70's.  I was in the city to attend her funeral  and to offer my support to her wonderful children, and her husband, Let Jung.

I went to the visitation on Thursday evening and the Friday funeral service at the Sargent and Son Funeral Chapel, on Court Street, to convey my condolences on behalf of my family. The pain of losing Mrs. Jung was evident and written on the faces of her surviving family members. I could feel the sadness and agony of their loss. Nothing could ever ease the pain of a loved one taken from us so suddenly. The only thing we could do is to let the family know that we share their pain and be there for them. This was what compelled me to come from Toronto for the funeral service.

The Jung's and their friend

Attending Mrs. Jung’s funeral allowed me the opportunity to pay my last respect to her. It also helped me to get reconnected with my old friends from my teenage years and the chance to revisit some of my happiest days, as well as affording me the time to reflect and re evaluate the priorities in my life. Nothing could be more important than spending time with family, and the people I love.

The  funeral service was a touching one from start to finish. With Chinese violin music softly playing in the background, Mrs. Jung’s casket was open, and she looked serene as if she were just sleeping. 

 Mrs. Jung - A Beautiful Lady Inside and Out

I remembered her kind, porcelain complexion very well. Her hearty laughter, her twinkling eyes, and the high pitch singing voice when she got excited singing with my parents in our living room, scenes of happy neighbourly get together all came back to me.

 How could I every forget the giggles and great laugh we had at her kitchen table after she gave me a pretty graphic explanation about the birds and the bees ( Refused to discuss with my parents on this sensitive topic, I pestered and begged Mrs. Jung for days about this mystery of life and she eventually relented) ; our chitchats in her vegetable garden, the B-B-Q in our backyards, the traditions she shared with us about Christmas gift exchange in Canada,  our first Christmas pictures taken in the Jung's living room, our driving excursions to Chippawa Park, the falls, and other places...etc.
She brought us so much joy and laughter. What a beautiful person inside and out! I was taken away and lost in my happy memory of the past.

The service started after the family was given a private moment while the casket was being closed. Then the Reverend led the immediate family members each to light a candle placed at the front, followed by scripture readings of comforting passages of Jesus from the bible as well as from Psalm 23. There were three musical selections by the family and each piece of music was played after a scripture reading. All three musical selections were beautiful.  The one that touched me the most and perhaps many others was Dust in the Wind. Listening to that song brought me to the realization that Mrs. Jung was really gone and we were all but just dust on this earth eventually. I was all choked up and I didn’t think there were too many dry eyes in the house either.

Alana, Mrs. Jung's granddaughter who was the apple of her eye, and her three children, Parker, Linda and Dinah took turn to remember and pay tribute to their dear mother. They all shared with us her love and dedication to the family. There were some light hearted moments and fond memories of her recalled by them.

I was glad that I made the trip to Thunder Bay and shared with the family this important moment of their lives. I stayed with the family as much as I could this past weekend because it might be a little while before I could see them again. It is unfortunate that we only see the people we love in unpleasant circumstances such as this. I must change that and try my best to make time for my family, friends and those I love.

Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay - seen from the top of the hill at Hillcrest Park

Four wonderful decades flew by before we even realized it. From a young girl who landed in Thunder Bay years ago to a retired person today, I will always remember the people I met and great friends I made in this northern city. Mrs. Jung and her family occupy a very special place in my heart and will always be a part of me. I will treasure our special bonds, mutual affection for each other, and cherish those fond memories of our good time together.

Good Bye, Mrs. Jung, thank you for all you had done for our family. You are gone, but not forgotten. We love you and will always remember you!

R.T.  Thunder Bay, Ontario
October 27, 2012

Giving is a Joyful, Unforgettable Experience!

We went to a self funded mission trip to GuangXi, China

``Who am I to receive a welcome reserved for heroes and celebrities` That was the question I kept asking myself after our visit to China three years ago.

My husband and I knew very little about the work of CRRS prior to May 2009. We attended the October 2008 fundraising gala and we were deeply moved by what we saw and heard at the gala presentations.

Our team received an exceptional welcome

We joined a self-funded CRRS Vision Trip in 2009 and visited a number of primary and secondary schools in China. Everywhere we went, we were warmly received and graciously treated. Some students were dancing and beating drums to welcome us – a welcome fit for a hero. I remembered clearly that I was choked up with emotion with tears in my eyes.



At a few schools, the entire student body lined the playground and welcome us as we entered the school ground.

Students welcome us with songs & dances

At one secondary school, students were dressed in their traditional ethnic clothes, applauding ,while
others were welcoming us with their traditional songs and dances.

 “Who am I and what did I do to deserve such welcome from these kids?  I am just an ordinary person. I haven`t done anything for these kids to deserve such a welcome! I am a person just like these kids.

The only difference is that I am fortunate enough to live in Canada and maybe have the means to help support one or two students in their education… “ I asked myself  these  questions and was greatly humbled by this experience. 

We were touched by the beautiful smiles on these students' faces!

The most memorable moment during our China trip was the bright smiles of those students who we had an opportunity to talk with and their enthusiasm to show us about their school and what they were learning. One teacher invited four of us to visit her students because she really wanted them to hear us speaking English.  

These students had their dinner but stayed in their classroom studying at 8pm and they looked genuinely glad to see us. Seeing their happy faces, the “teacher” in me sprang into action.  I taught the kids a simple English song and played a game with them. I also left them some pencils from Canada. The kids were thrilled and looked excited simply because we were there to visit!

In life, how often do we have the opportunity to bring happiness to people by giving so little? It is more of a blessing for us to to give than to receive.  We have experienced tremendous joy by giving just a tiny bit of what we have, therefore, my husband and I have since become regular donors.  I am grateful that I have this privilege to be involved with CRRS and can give and share a little with others. 



Nealry a thousand people attended the 2012 CRRS fundraising gala

Tonight, nearly a thousand people participated in this charity event and attended the CRRS  Annual Fundraising Gala held at the Premier Ballroom in Richmond Hill. This is the10th Anniversary of the Toronto Chapter, and it was humbling to see so many people gathered at one place willing to dig deep into their pockets, ready to contribute what they could to CRRS s meaningful work  in China.

We had three tables and invited Irene, her family, my sister and the Lioness' Club president and Stan's colleagues to this fundraising event. We received many touching feedback and numerous guests thanked us for inviting them to learn about this great charity. 

We may be a drop in the ocean but together we can make a real difference in China- the world`s most populated country and give a hand to their next generation!

R. T.

Toronto, Ontario 

How to Lose inches on My Waist - Fat Burning Mini Circuits

I just loved the time we spent walking in Europe and the great feeling I had from all those exercises. In order to maintain that feeling of being fit,  I have been going to my personal trainer three times a week for the last month since we came back from our trip.  Joyce, my personal trainer measured me today after my exercise program.

Great news!  - I lost inches everywhere!  I especially love the three inches lost on my waist. My clothes fit me much better than before. I was going to give away many of my fancy clothes to Sally Anne's. However, I can fit into them now therefore, I plan to  keep them for a little longer. Funny though,  I did not lose any weight!  How could that be?  My trainer told me not to worry about my weight because I am starting to build muscles which are heavier than body fat. What the heck!  As long as I am losing inches, who cares?

This afternoon, I had coffee with my girl friend with whom I had not met up for two months. She was surprised at how nice I looked with my short black leather jacket and tapered pants. " You lost a lot of weight! You look fantastic!" She exclaimed as soons as she saw me. Wow! I have not received compliments like these for quite a while.

These exercises work for me. I am writing then down so that I could recall them and do them on my own after my paid training sessions which are not cheap at all.

A lot of people don`t enjoy doing exercises, neither do I. But as my personal trainer designs different circuits for me, I find that exercising becomes less boring and easier for me to continue.  The following circuits might help other people like me who are trying to improve their cardio and tighten up their bellies a little.

The mini circuits I did today consisted of the following:

 Warm up - lurching with body wt. only - 3 gym length

1. Lurching while locking out with weight above head -  2x gym length
2. Step up carrying wt on both hands - 12x
3. Skip 50 times

For each circuit, Joyce always insisted that I do them three times in a row. But I found lurching with weight above my head was a little difficult without rest in between.I needed to rest and catch my breath half way through the lurches. Lurching may look easy to other people, but if you do them properly with your back up and your leg bending at 90 degree, iplus with weight, that could be challenging.

 I also did the following circuit 3X and I was given 4 minutes to finish this circuit. I was able to complete it  3x in a little more than 10 minutes, less than the time allowed.

1. Mock Beep ( Interval Running)
2. Riser Jump - 5 to 6 risers high, 12X each
3. Skipping - 50X


Another mini circuit which I enjoyed doing today was:

1. Rowing for 200 meters on the rowing machine
2. Body weight squat - 12X

I did the above 3X consecutively. After I finished this training session with Joyce, I was totally exhausted and did not have the energy to join the Body Attack class afterwards.


R.T. Toronto
Oct. 2012

Apple Picking -Favourite Canadian Thanksgiving Activities

Whenever October is mentioned, Canadians very often think of Thanksgiving and turkey dinner. When the weather turns cooler and leaves change colour, one of our autumn activities is apple picking at a nearby orchard.

On Thanksgiving Day, we joined many families and drove out of Toronto to the Watson Farm to enjoy the nice fall weather and do some apple picking.

Upon our arrival, the parking lot was full  and there were a lot of people with little kids and their bags in hands, ready for the apple picking.

 Rules of picking apples were clearly posted for all to see and followed

The farm is quite large in size with various crops.

There were people lining up to get a ride to the picking area.

The waiting time was not long as there were a number of trucks with bench seats taking farm visitors  to the nearest apple orchard.









Since it was such a nice day, we took advantage of the mild temperature and  walked to the designated apple picking area.

There were many apples fallen under the trees as October is the month when apples are ready for harvest.

Apples were sold by pounds. Each visitor was given bags and we could pick as many as we wished.

 
We could also sample the apples while picking.
What could be fresher than apples just picked from the tree by your own hands?

A nice fall day for apple picking and to enjoy the outdoors!

  Above us, flocks of birds were circling close by, waiting for us to leave and ready to swish down and peck on the windfalls.

Being outdoors is dun for kids!

We liked this farm because it was more than just picking apples.


 It had a nice play area for kids and things were set up for kids to do.

There was a play area for kids to go on the slide, swinging on the swings, chasing each other under the warm autumn sun.















 I love watching kids running around having fun and just be kids!

It's so much healthier playing outside  than watching TV or playing computer games indoors all day!

There are so many red an plump apples! Which one should I pick?

For many Canadian families, apple picking or driving out to the country are among our favorite things to do, kids and adults alike!

R.T. Thanksgiving
Ajax, Ontario, Canada