Welcome to Professional Perspective – First Impressions Recruitment Event edition!

The 4th Annual First Impressions Recruitment Event (FIRE) is just under a month away. And with the deadline for applications of October 25th at 4:00 pm, students from the Red River College programs Applied Accounting, Business Administration, Business Administration Integrated, Commerce Industry Sales & Marketing and International Business are encouraged to upload their resumes to each FIRE posting through Job Central now!

To answer our FIRE Professional Perspective question, we have Kristin Tooth, HR Business Partner at BMO Bank of Montreal. Kristin supports the Prairie Central Canada Division and is a CPHR designate. Kristin is a proud Red River College, Business Administration graduate and has over 10 years’ HR experience in the financial industry.  She is involved in her community as a committee member for both the YMCA – Women of Distinction Awards and the HRMAM Leadership Conference.

The First Impressions Recruitment Event question is:

Who should attend the First Impressions Recruitment Event?

Kristin’s Professional Perspective

Are you just starting your first semester and aren’t sure what you will major in next year? Are you graduating soon and looking for employment? Perhaps you are just interested in developing interviewing skills? These are all great reasons to attend!

The First Impressions Recruitment Event isn’t just for soon to be graduates and current vacancies. It is an opportunity to develop your personal brand, network, and learn what your employers of choice are looking for in a candidate.

You’ve likely heard this before but I can’t stress it enough…you are interviewing employers as much as they are interviewing you. This is your time to meet with companies who are of interest to ensure they are a good fit for you. Here are a few things that you might want to consider:

• What are the hours of operation?
  Some positions are expected to work extended hours and weekends. If you have the flexibility to work these hours, you can use that to your advantage.
• Do they have the specific jobs you desire in the province you want to work in?
  Many headquarters roles like marketing, accounting and human resources may only exist in headquarters or there are very limited senior roles in the province you reside in.
• Do your values align with the company’s vision and value proposition?
  Your values aligning with the company’s could make the difference between burning out and thriving in your career. When you are a part of something you believe in, you will be excited to go to work and be dedicated to make a difference.
• What are the different career paths in the organization?
  Learning about the different ways one can move up and within the organization can help you determine strategies in advancing your career, as well as identify if their environment will support your career plans.

As employers, we aren’t just looking for students who are ready to graduate. We are looking to develop and foster relationships throughout your schooling. We want to give back and help you throughout your journey of transitioning from school to your career.

This is your opportunity to ask us what we love about our jobs so you can decide where you want to grow your career. Come introduce yourself and take advantage of it!

The First Impressions Recruitment Event offers a great opportunity to interview with industry professionals that might lead you to your dream job. So, ready yourself for the conversations you are about to take part in! Just remember, getting your dream job isn’t just about preparing for the interview. Prepare yourself for the career that you want by picking up transferable skills from part time jobs, volunteer opportunities, and the courses you take.

Here’s a testimonial from an RRC graduate whom Kristin met at FIRE

During my time as a Business Administration student at RRC I attended FIRE on both my first and second years.

The event happened in October and I wasn’t going to graduate until April of the following year, however I knew there would be many potential employers at the event so I saw an opportunity to network and gain some information about the different positions and opportunities that would be available after I graduated.

I met Kristin during this [recruitment event] and she said that she believed that my skills and education would be a great fit to BMO. She told me she would keep my resume and would be in touch with me in the future.

Because graduation was months away, I honestly thought that she would see so many other candidates and that my resume would probably be forgotten.

To my surprise, a few months after graduating I received a call from Kristin saying that she wanted to touch base with me and see how I was doing. I went for an interview and I’m happy to say that I’ve been a Financial Services Manager with BMO for over a year.

I’m glad I took the time to attend [FIRE]. Little did I know, but that day led me to a successful start of my career.

–Raquel da Sliva Durst, RRC Business Administration graduate, now a Financial Services Manager at BMO Bank of Montreal

Over 30 employers are taking part in the First Impressions Recruitment Event on November 9, 2017, including BMO Bank of Montreal.

For more information on how to apply, visit rrc.ca/firstimpressions.

To read past editions, click here:
Professional Perspective – What employers are really thinking

For additional job searching tips, visit Student Employment Services’ Online Employment Resources or book an appointment with an RRC Employment Advisor at 204.632.3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca.