Welcome to today’s Professional Perspective, where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment-related topics, Disability Employment Awareness Month edition!

To tackle the complex topic of accommodations, this 3-part series features professional perspectives from a community agency project coordinator, a post secondary institution counsellor, and a Manitoba employer.

Today’s Disability Employment Awareness Month question is:

What should students and new graduates do if they need accommodations in the workplace?

Part 2 of this series – Andrea Johnston is sharing her professional perspective regarding accommodations in the workplace. Andrea has worked with students with disabilities for over fifteen years in various community agencies and post-secondary settings.  For the past six years she has been a Counsellor at Red River College in Counselling and Accessibility Services. Andrea is passionate about inclusive education and supporting students in achieving their academic and professional goals.

Andrea’s Professional Perspective

As a person with a disability, you have a right to accommodation in the workplace in Canada. The law is clear; employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations. But what does that mean exactly? And why is it that disclosing the need for accommodations can still feel like a difficult conversation for new graduates looking for work?

The truth is that if you are a person with a disability, the journey to meaningful employment can be difficult. In 2011 Statistics Canada released a study stating that the employment rate of Canadians aged 25 to 64 with disabilities was 49%, compared with 79% for Canadians without a disability. The stigma and barriers that people with disabilities can face in the workplace are unfortunately still very real.

As a graduate breaking into a potentially new industry you may feel especially vulnerable; it is important to reflect on what you need, be educated on your rights and to be strategic in your search.

Respect your needs

The first thing to understand is that your concerns and worries about whether or not to disclose the need for accommodations are both valid and understandable. Be compassionate with yourself, but try to remember that you are lawfully deserving of a safe and inclusive workplace. When speaking with an employer about your needs avoid framing any requests for accommodation as an apology. An accommodation is not something to apologize for and it doesn’t mean you can’t do the job. Requesting an accommodation ensures that you are setting yourself up to work in an environment that allows you to be the best at what you have been hired to do. Think of requesting accommodation as a sign of respect for the job, your supervisor, the workplace and most importantly for yourself.

Know your rights

As part of the job search process, it is always important to educate yourself on what your rights are. I echo Millie Khan’s thoughts from last week’s Professional Perspective post. The Manitoba Human Rights Code protects those with disabilities from employment discrimination. Candidates are to be given the opportunity to disclose and request an accommodation throughout the hiring process and employment relationship to be able to perform duties safely, efficiently and reliably. You are not required to disclose your disability needs, but you need to be prepared to respond with the specific accommodations you require when asked “Do you require an accommodation?”.

Understand disclosure

It is always important to reflect on how having or not having access to an accommodation will impact you on the job and during the hiring process. For persons with disabilities the reality is that for a variety of valid reasons, not disclosing the need for accommodation feels like the right choice. However, there are situations where the lack of accommodation can have a negative impact on hiring, workplace safety, job satisfaction, performance, and interpersonal relations with colleagues and employers. It is always important to consider your decision carefully. When deciding for yourself whether or not to request an accommodation reflect on the following questions:

• Does going without an accommodation impact your safety or others on the job? If the answer is yes, you are required to tell your employer.
• Is there a reason to disclose, will your health be impacted by going without an accommodation?
• Does your disability impact your ability to participate fully in the hiring process or perform aspects of the job?
• Do your coping strategies allow you to meet the job requirements?
• Many companies have equity standards and hire for diversity and inclusivity; would identifying as a person with a disability increase your chances of being hired?

Identify employers invested in inclusivity

More and more industries and companies are embracing the benefits of inclusive hiring practices and an understanding that there is strength in diversity. Be strategic in your job search and look for companies that promote diversity and inclusivity as part of their hiring practices.  Information interviews, networking and finding a mentor in your field can help you learn as much as you can about a company and its culture and will allow you to make an informed decision regarding disclosure.

References:

Canada, G. O. (2015, November 27). Persons with disabilities and employment. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/75-006-x/2014001/article/14115-eng.htm

Families | Province of Manitoba. (n.d.). https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/imd/hr.html

Samuels, J. (2017, March 29). To disclose or not disclose: http://abilities.ca/disclose-not-disclose/

The Disclosure Dilemma, talking about disability at work [Audio blog post]. (n.d.). http://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/cbc-radio-specials/episode/13949702

Red River College Counselling Services offers counselling support to students struggling with a variety of different challenges. Students frequently come to counselling to get help with personal/relational challenges, managing mental wellness, and to receive support through times of crisis. Red River College Accessibility Services works collaboratively with students, faculty and support staff to identify and implement strategies to ensure that all students can have an equal opportunity to achieve their educational goals. For more information, visit Red River College websites: Counselling Services and Accessibility Services.

Stay tuned for the last installment of Professional Perspective: Accommodations in the workplace – Part 3, featuring a Manitoba employer!

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

Manitoba leads the way by declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). DEAM is an annual opportunity for Manitoba businesses, industry associations, community organizations, educational institutions, government bodies, and other groups to take proactive steps to increase employment success for Manitobans with disabilities. For more information on why you should get involved and how you can get involved visit www.deam-mb.ca.

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.

Welcome to today’s Professional Perspective, where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment-related topics, Disability Employment Awareness Month edition!

To tackle this complex topic, this 3-part series features professional perspectives from a community agency project coordinator, a post secondary institution counsellor, and a Manitoba employer.

Today’s Disability Employment Awareness Month question is:

What reminders would you give students and new graduates who might need accommodations in the workplace?

To start us off, Milli Khan, Co-Op Project Coordinator with Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES), joins us today! Milli’s professional perspective comes from decades of work with charities/non-profits, individual and group counselling, and community education. As an individual living with a disability, Milli brings her passion and compassion into her practice, assisting those who wish to succeed in attaining their employment goals.

Milli’s Professional Perspective

To disclose or not to disclose… that is the question.

If you have a disability or health condition that may require accommodations for you to work safely, efficiently and reliably, you may be wondering: When do I bring this up? Do I want to tell the employer who hasn’t even hired me yet? What if the employer rejects me because of my request for accommodation?

These are all valid concerns when looking for employment and I would ask you to consider these thoughts in trying to come to the right decision in your search for the right opportunity:

Your rights

The Manitoba Human Rights Code protects those with disabilities from employment discrimination. While disclosing is a personal choice – where some people are very comfortable disclosing information and others are not – the Code does not require you to disclose your disability to a potential employer.

Employer’s responsibilities

Employers in Manitoba must give candidates and employees the opportunity to disclose or request an accommodation for you to do the work safely, efficiently and reliably throughout the entire hiring process and employment relationship. Just remember, an employer cannot ask “What is your disability?” but they can ask, “Do you require an accommodation?”. Be prepared to respond with the specific accommodations you need to help the employers help you be successful in the workplace.

A good fit

You are interviewing your future employer as much as they are interviewing you. Being a good fit is a two-way street. Employers should decide and hire based on whether the skills you present make you a good fit with their defined needs, and not discriminate against you with regards to your disability or health condition. Would you not want to work with an employer with whom you share similar goals?

Reaching E-Quality Employment Services (REES) promotes employment of people with physical disabilities or health conditions. Milli coordinates the REES Co-Op Project, which provides pre-employment training, on-the-job training and experience to match participants with sustainable employment.

For more information on REES’ projects and supports, visit: Reaching E-Quality Employment Services.

Stay tuned next week for Professional Perspective: Accommodations in the workplace – Part 2!

Manitoba leads the way by declaring October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM). DEAM is an annual opportunity for Manitoba businesses, industry associations, community organizations, educational institutions, government bodies, and other groups to take proactive steps to increase employment success for Manitobans with disabilities. For more information on why you should get involved and how you can get involved visit www.deam-mb.ca.

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.

How about some more Professional Perspective, where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment-related topics?

Zain Ali, Human Resource Manager at Domo Gasoline Corporation Ltd. is back with more of his professional perspective. Zain’s professional perspective comes from an accumulation of his personal experience as an international student and his professional work experience within various industries, and now as a Human Resource Manager.

Today’s question is:

Why should students and new graduates consider networking as they prepare to enter the world of work?

Zain’s Professional Perspective

Is networking important? Will it help me in landing a job? Shouldn’t I just apply for the jobs?

These are some of the questions that I hear when it comes to networking. I strongly believe that networking is a crucial step in succeeding in your career in any industry. Just don’t confuse networking with a quick-fix pill that will solve all your job searching challenges in one snap.

Networking typically does not cost a lot of money, but it does cost time and effort to build the human connection that is vital to networking your way to a job. Being at the right networking events, you can help you form relationships with people who can help you land your next job.

Networking has so many more benefits than just securing a job:

1. Friendship goals

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.” We all like to give advice, and sometimes require a little ourselves. Books can teach you a lot, but an experienced friend, colleague, and mentor can help you navigate the many surprises that your career has to offer! Having a great network can equip you with strategies and supports that you need to manage your job search process.

2. Opportunities

Sometimes, through networking, you can land monetary benefits like a job, joint ventures, client leads, and partnerships to a start-up. Who knows, you could be the next Steve Jobs and start a business from your garage, or you may be the most wanted asset to an organization! Don’t hesitate to show where you stand and what you bring to the table at networking events.

3. Becoming known

Getting noticed is a huge benefit of networking. Attending networking events will certainly help others to take interest in you and this may present opportunities or customer referrals that can set you up for long term success.

4. Positive influence

“Birds of the same feather flock together.” You are who you hang out with. At networking events, you may get positively influenced to do something great. Or, people may get influenced by your ideologies that can launch the next big thing… you!

5. The 2 Cs

Not everyone is able to stand in front of hundreds of people and give a speech. Those who can are either natural public speakers or have devoted countless hours to practicing the art of public speaking. Attending networking events can help you build the 2 Cs – confidence and character. Believe me when I say, I had stage fright, too! But Toastmasters, charity events, networking events, and best man speeches helped me overcome this fear and allowed me to speak confidently in front of a huge crowd! No matter the size, I can now woo the audience with my speech!

Often, it is what you know and who you know that help you land a great career. Not just one of them.

For more information on networking, visit Student Employment Services’ Online Employment Resources or book an appointment with an RRC Employment Advisor at 204.632.3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca.

Want to read more professional perspectives? Check out past editions here:
Professional Perspective – What employers are really thinking

Welcome back to Professional Perspective where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment related topics!

Wendy Ferris, Partner at inVision Edge, is answering today’s question. Wendy’s professional perspective comes from years of working in human resources and now collaborating with amazing business owners, leaders and teams, creating strategies and driving innovation to achieve results.

Today’s question:

Why is innovation a must-have for today’s new grads?

Wendy’s Professional Perspective

In the business world, the speed of change is only increasing. In addition, consumers are now more educated and have more choice and accessibility to products and services than ever before. Companies are looking for new ways to compete and stand out.

The innovative employee is a rare commodity. Companies are looking for employees who understand the business, take initiative and offer solutions that make business sense.

I’m not talking about the clichéd and typical suggestion boxes here.  It is time for smart solutions that positively impact customers, employees, AND the bottom-line.

So how can you prepare yourself to make a difference for your employers and stand out by coming up with great ideas and solutions? Good news! You don’t need to be Steve Jobs to be innovative!  Here are some quick tips to point you in the right direction:

1. Don’t lose your creative mojo

The greatest thing about students like you is that you are fresh, energetic and eager. Use that energy to generate ideas by doing research and finding stimulus to make sure you are coming up with something new. Work with teams and others, get their thoughts and collaborate. The quality of your ideas radically improves by adding the diversity of others to the process.

Notice that I didn’t suggest “brainstorming”. That’s because traditional brainstorming methods will only result in ideas that are already percolating in your head. Push yourself to look at patents, trends, markets, insights, tech and dig deep to come up with new ideas. Once you get started, it gets fun! You’d be surprised at how much you can find in as little as an hour!

2. Critically think it through

It doesn’t take long to find the example of the passionate, unsuccessful inventor on Dragon’s Den. Avoid that. I’m glad that you love your idea…but will anyone else? Ideas are really a dime a dozen. But smart ideas are rare. So spend time critically thinking it through. Will it really work? Is it really all that unique? Now’s the time to think of all the things that may get in the way of your idea working. Test it out before you present it. Do a survey or conduct focus groups and get customer or user input. (Warning: don’t rely on just your family and friends opinions…get out there and get real feedback from people who aren’t worried about hurting your feelings!)

3. Get over it

So you got input that told you that your idea has flaws? GREAT! Now you have information to work with and the opportunity to build and improve your idea. Don’t waste time over analyzing…test your ideas, learn from the information, and ACT.  Make decisions. Make improvements. But do it quickly. This is not the time for analysis paralysis.

4. Make a case

I’m sorry, but any idea that doesn’t have a math model along with it isn’t worth listening to. Your boss is going to want to know what it is going to cost, how much revenue it will make or how it is going to save money for the company. What is the ROI on your idea? How long will it take to pay off the investment? What problem are you solving? Who is your customer? Make sure you are ready to communicate your idea clearly, confidently and with data. If math isn’t your thing, find someone who can help you. Your idea might be fantastic; but no math, no green light.

I guarantee you that if you can present your boss with smart, well thought out ideas with a business case…you will stand out.

Just remember who gave you this advice when you become my boss, k?

For more information on how to prepare for your job search, visit Student Employment Services’ Online Employment Resources or book an appointment with an RRC Employment Advisor at 204.632.3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca.

Want to read more professional perspectives? Check out past editions here:
Professional Perspective: What employers are really thinking

Welcome back to Professional Perspective where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment related topics!

We have Cathy Lund, Senior Campus Recruiter at RBC, answering today’s question. Cathy’s professional perspective comes from an amazing career that began in client facing sales roles and quickly evolved into leadership and human resource roles, recruiting and matching top talent with opportunities for rewarding experiences at RBC.

Today’s question is:

What would you encourage students to do to increase their chances of securing employment as they are nearing graduation or summer break?

Cathy’s Professional Perspective

Social Media
“I would encourage students to do their research on social media: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and explore a variety of roles that a company is posting. It makes for better conversations and resume building.”

Get your tech savvy and social media accounts to give you a boost in your job search, as Cathy suggests. A company’s post can reveal what they are looking for, what they value and what they are currently involved in. Use this information to learn more about the company. And when you are ready to reach out, use this knowledge to show interest in the company and customize your self-marketing tools.

Work Exposure
“Engage in co-ops, internships or summer jobs to build competence and organizational awareness.”

Success is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration. Cliché? Perhaps, but it rings true when Cathy recommends to take the time to get to know the business and the industry by getting involved. Use every opportunity with employers to build credibility, demonstrate a strong work ethic to earn yourself employability points for when you are vying for that dream job.

Informational Interviews
“Informational interviews are GOLD. Where else can you ask a person anything and find out if this is the right company or role for you before you are put on the spot during an interview?”

Need we say more?

Cathy adds, “10K Coffees is an emerging resource for students where they can login and connect with professionals and other students working for the company and request information interviews. Although there are many other companies participating, the RBC student hub is https://www.tenthousandcoffees.com/hub/rbc4studentscareers Code: rbccampus”

As a professional recruiter, Cathy is a wealth of information on what you can do to increase your chances of securing employment. If you would like tap into more of her knowledge, Cathy will be at the Notre Dame Campus on March 14, 2017 to talk about the Summer Internship Program, Aboriginal Summer Internship Program and new graduate opportunities at RBC.

Click here for more information and to register:
Employer on-Campus: Inspirational Career Journeys for Students @ RBC

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.

Learn from the industry professionals on Professional Perspective, where they share their insights regarding various employment related topics!

In this issue, Zain Ali, Human Resource Manager at Domo Gasoline Corporation Ltd., is back to answer today’s question. Zain’s professional perspective comes from an accumulation of his personal experience as an international student and his professional work experience within various industries, and now as a Human Resource Manager.

Today’s question is:

When you are reviewing applications, what do you want to see in a cover letter?

Zain’s Professional Perspective

A cover letter is the first impression you create for the potential employer you are trying to meet with. It is something that makes a candidate stand out from the rest of the applicants who are trying to get the job. So, make sure to write an impressive and effective cover letter.

What to include in the cover letter?

Before you start writing a cover letter, read the job description and understand what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate and what the duties of the job are. Use this information to match the employer’s needs with your skills.

Begin writing: 1st paragraph

• Start by explaining how you found out about the job, whether through an advertisement or by word of mouth.
• Introduce yourself by including a line or two about your background, like what program you graduated from and the role that you want to play in the industry.

Continue writing: 2nd paragraph

• Express the most outstanding skills that relate to the job that you are applying for.
• Generate interest by elaborating on your skills, explaining how your experience and skills can be very beneficial to the organization.
• Remember, this is a cover letter, not a copy of your resume.

Finish writing: 3rd paragraph

• Professionally request an interview with the employer and provide the best way to reach you.
• Mention that you are attaching your resume and other documents that they specifically ask for such as copy of transcripts or references.
• Thank the reader for their time

End with a professional closing, “Sincerely” and your name two lines below that.

As a hiring professional, I look for cover letters that:

• Are tailored – Show me why you think you would be a good fit for the position.
• Are concise – Avoid long paragraphs, use active voice and stay within a single page.
• Show enthusiasm – Sound confident and excited for the opportunity to meet and talk about what you can bring to the organization.

My pet peeves? Cover letters with these characteristics:

• Generic
• Don’t focus on skills and how they would help my team
• Overuse “I”
• Long
• Unprofessional
• Contain spelling mistakes
• Repeat the resume
• Don’t show appreciation

For more information on writing cover letters, contact Student Employment Services to book an appointment with an Employment Advisor at 204.632.3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca.

You can also click here for more resources on cover letters:
Online Employment Resources – Job Search Preparation

Welcome back to Professional Perspective where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment related topics!

Zain Ali, Human Resource Manager at Domo Gasoline Corporation Ltd., is back to answer today’s question. Zain’s professional perspective comes from an accumulation of his personal experience as an international student and his professional work experience within various industries, and now as a Human Resource Manager.

Today’s question is:

As a human resources professional, what do you look for in a resume?

Zain’s Professional Perspective

A resume has about 10 seconds to get the recruiter’s attention. If there is nothing that stands out or at catches my attention, I move onto the next one. Here are 4 general things that I look for in a resume:

1. Education – training and certifications

The education an applicant lists provides me with an idea of what kind of person the candidate is – their knowledge, skills, learning attributes, vision and commitment to the field.

2. Experience – employment, internships and volunteering

I look for work related experiences – including both the duration and the organization. Duration denotes commitment and efficiency while the organization shows ambition and capability to handle jobs for different organizations and their products and services.

3. Responsibilities – detailed description

To understand how your experiences have prepared you for the job you are applying for now, I need you to make the connections for me. Your explanation will also tell me whether you are enthused about your previous jobs or otherwise.

4. Format – uniformity and professionalism

Use a good font (Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial or Georgia) and easy to read layout. Black and white is ideal. Adding colour isn’t bad, but the print quality shouldn’t compromise the uniformity or professionalism of your document.

And when it comes to resumes, I have my own pet peeves. As a final tip, don’t get caught having a resume with these:

• Information written in pen
• Coffee stains or other marks
• Improper grammar
• Photos and overly creative designs
• Incorrect information and inflated titles
• Third-person writing
• Long resumes
• Out-dated personal information 

For additional tips on how to develop your resume, visit Student Employment Services’ Online Employment Resources.

Everybody is unique – book an appointment with an RRC Employment Advisor at 204-632-3966 or JobCentre@rrc.ca for personalized supports!

Welcome to the first edition of Professional Perspective where industry professionals share their insights regarding various employment related topics!

Answering today’s question is Zain Ali, Human Resource Manager at Domo Gasoline Corporation Ltd. Zain’s professional perspective comes from an accumulation of his personal experience as an international student and his professional work experience within various industries, and now as a Human Resource Manager.

Today’s question is:

Even though students have just started their 2016 academic term, what would you encourage them to do now to increase their chances of securing employment upon graduation?

Zain’s Professional Perspective

Starting a program can be challenging at times. From getting used to schedules, to knowing the classrooms, staying on top of your notes and assignments, adjusting sleeping patterns to getting groceries. You are likely in a time of many transitions and to help you with this transition and to plan for your future careers, I have listed below some basic ways to get ahead in securing employment right from the beginning.

1. Organization

Organization is the key to succeeding in almost every aspect of life. Every student should begin organizing their schedules and be on top of their academic curriculum. Read up on your program, in detail. Pay extra attention in class, read up on the chapters ahead so that when the Instructor is explaining to you some part of your course, you are well versed.

2. Know your surroundings

It is very crucial for every student to know what their surroundings are like, because sometimes what we are looking for the most may be just around the corner.

For example: What locality do you live in? Does it have a school, hospital or retail stores nearby? Or do you have any organizations or outlets that are related to your program? Are they hiring?

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