The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

26 OAKVILLE BEAVER, Saturday, September 23, 2006 You Can Create Superb References By Sharon Graham, CRS, CIS, CPRW, CEIP In the last few years, reference checking has been steadily growing in popularity. Current sources indicate that background and reference checks are commonly performed in over 75% of middle management to senior level positions. More importantly, formal reference checking organizations assert that up to 20% of all candidates are eliminated due to poor or questionable references. If you are in the midst of a job search, it is likely that you will be asked to provide a reference. Reference checking usually starts as you near the end of your interview process. So, it is absolutely critical that you produce the very best references to close the deal. At various points, throughout your career, you will run across excellent professional contacts. Work to establish long-term trusting relationships with these key people. As each relationship builds, you will be able to ask for and get a stellar letter of recommendation. In no time, you will have created an outstanding endorsement portfolio consisting of a choice set of professional references. Here are the steps to creating superb references: 1- Select the Very Best Carefully consider whom you will choose to represent you to your prospective employer. Select a good variety of your very best references. Choose about six professional business or academic references. Consider board members, senior managers, supervisors, coworkers, employees, professors, customers, vendors, and project leaders. If possible, avoid using family members as references. Think strategically about your choice for a reference. Identify the individuals that will represent you in the very best light. Whenever possible, choose contacts that know you well, genuinely like you, and appreciate your value as a business professional. Select only people who will speak positively about you, your background, accomplishments, qualifications, and work ethic. Your references should have strong communication skills and be able to focus on business. They should be secure and use thoughtfulness and restraint when responding to questions about you. Avoid using individuals with strong personalities or big egos. It is likely that they will minimize or undermine you in favour of inflating themselves. Always receive permission from your contact prior to giving his or her name out as a reference. If your contact has any reservations whatsoever, graciously accept his or her decision and find another reference. 2- Handle Poor Relationships with Care If you had a personality conflict with a key player at your workplace, or you have been terminated, make every effort to rebuild your bridges. Since a background check is likely to be done, do whatever you can to repair your relationship with individuals who may be contacted about you. Also, do what you can to obtain a favourable letter of recommendation from your employer. If you are sure that you will receive a less than stellar reference from an employer, you are best to prepare your interviewer. When you are asked for references, provide your professional endorsement portfolio first. Then, offer an honest explanation of the situation with your previous employer. Do not underestimate the power of your references. If you have any concerns with a contact, it is best to leave him or her off your reference list. 3- Prime Your References Once your contact has agreed to become your reference, schedule a short meeting with him or her. At the meeting, provide your reference with a current copy of your résumé. Remind your reference about the time and length of your relationship, your job titles, and any key experiences you shared. Go over accomplishments, projects, promotions, and other aspects of your background which your reference should be aware of. Identify the sticky questions that your reference is likely to be asked and work together to agree on the best responses. Before the end of this meeting, be sure to collect accurate contact details from your reference. 4- Obtain a Letter of Recommendation During your discussions with your reference, request a formal letter of recommendation for your endorsement portfolio. Whenever possible, you should write your own letters of recommendation on behalf of your references. In most cases, they will gladly allow you to do this, since it will save them time and effort. Each letter of recommendation should show your exceptional value. Connect the wording in each letter to your résumé. Focus on specific accomplishments and skills that can be supported by your reference's unique perspective. Your reference letter should be one page in length. Finally, ask your reference to review and modify the letter, print it on company letterhead, and sign the finished original. If you are writing multiple letters for your various references, give each letter you write a different look and feel. Match the letter's tone and style to that of your reference. Each letter should be a powerful sales tool that promotes you to your potential employer. 5- Create an Endorsement Portfolio A strong endorsement portfolio consists of approximately six reference letters. If you are uncomfortable or unable to write six distinct, creative letters of recommendation, consider hiring a professional résumé writer to create your endorsement portfolio. Try to update your portfolio as you progress in your career. The more current your letters are, the more credible they will be. For added professionalism, create a table of contents in the format of a reference list, complete with contact information. Create multiple copies of your endorsement portfolio in a businesslike folder. Your professional endorsement portfolio will be a fantastic meeting handout. It is important to show your references respect at all times. During your job search, keep them informed about your progress. Use your references only when absolutely required and alert your reference, when you are giving his or her name out. Always follow up with a thank-you. Finally, when you obtain your dream job, send your reference a sincere thank-you note or card for being an integral part in helping you to achieve your career goals! Sharon Graham is a certified professional résumé writer, employment interview strategist, and author of Best Canadian Résumés. She is executive director of Career Professionals of Canada and services job seekers though her consulting firm Graham Management Group, www.GrahamManagement.com. You can contact Sharon directly by e-mailing info@GrahamManagement.com. OAKVILLE Fortinos' is a group of franchise retail supermarkets with 20 locations across southwestern Ontario. Our Franchises strive to provide customers with the best in one stop shopping. Fortinos provides competitive wages, benefits, opportunities for advancement, scholarships, a pension plan and secure employment to all its employees. >> Meet local employers with immediate job vacancies >> Apply for a wide variety of jobs that interest you >> Gain experience in approaching employers >> Learn more about local career opportunities >> If you need help getting ready, go to our website to find out about free workshops available to you Don't forget to have copies of your resume with you, and remember, you will be speaking directly with employers and may even be interviewed, so dress for success! Face to Face is accessible and admission is free NOW HIRING FLEXIBLE PART-TIME STAFF FOR OUR NEWEST LOCATION Opening NOVEMBER 2006 · 173 Lakeshore Rd · Must be available to work days, afternoons, evenings and weekends. APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR JOB FAIR ON Tuesday September 26, 2006 · 11:00AM to 8:00PM or Wedneday September 27, 2006 · 11:00AM to 8:00pm at Oakville Convention Centre 2515 Wyecroft Rd. Oakville L8L6P8 · Please bring references and come prepared for an interview FUNDED IN PART BY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: JOIN A MOTIVATED TEAM. LOOKING FOR A CHALLENGING & REWARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY? The YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington is offering part-time positions providing licensed care to children between the ages of 3.8 -12 years. · SACC programs for School Age Children ages 3.8-12 years (SACC) All programs are within schools in the Ancaster, Burlington and Hamilton Areas. The successful candidates will be enthusiastic, creative, child focused and able to work within a flexible schedule. Responsibilities include frontline supervision of children, as well as, program development, administration and working as part of the YMCA School Age Child Care team. If you: · Have a diploma in ECE, Child and Youth or Recreation · Or have two or more years experience working with children in a recreation or child care setting · Are 18 years of age or older Please complete the job application found on our website ymcahb.on.ca and submit with your resume and cover letter to: Burlington Program Contact: Lynn Golfi ­ School Age Manager c/o Ron Edwards Family YMCA 500 Drury Lane Burlington, Ontario L7R 2X2 IMPACT COMMUNITIES. Come to Work, Stay to Care! We are looking for caring Evening Charge Nurse (FT) BUILD A REWARDING CAREER. Central Park Lodges, a Registered Practical Nurses leader in long-term care, is looking to hire some (FT & PT) very special Nurses for our homes. with a commitment to providing We are a firm believer in quality care and a passion for the Eden and KIN philoso- building relationships. phy, so if this is you, please apply. We require all applicants to be in good Think this is the job for you? standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario. Please forward your resume to: What can We offer You? 8 long term care centres and 1 retirement residence across the Greater Toronto Area, with exceptional locations. We have a commitment to our staff that is second to none! Apply in store: 3050 Davidson Court, Burlington, ON BUILDING TEAMS IN: Sales, Lot, Cashiers, Specialty Sales and Freight BENEFITS: · A Career with Growth Opportunity · Bonus Opportunities · Tuition Reimbursement Ready to join our team? Full-time and part-time opportunities available. Apply today at your local Home Depot store or online at: Fax: (905) 333-1767 · E-mail: lynn_golfi@ymca.ca Hamilton Program Contact: Shawna MacLellan - Area Supervisor c/o Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA 79 James Street South Hamilton, Ontario L8P 2Z1 Fax: (905) 529-6682 · E-mail: shawna_maclellan@ymca.ca We thank all those who applied; only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Northridge Long Term Care Centre 496 Postridge Drive, Oakville Fax: 905-257-9883 Email: juliewong@cplodges.com We would like to thank everyone for applying. All qualified applicants will be contacted. www.homedepot.ca The Home Depot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Available positions may vary by store.