Brescia University

My Toolkit

There are specific actions you can take during your career journey that will help you stand apart, but also provide clarity, especially once you’re ready to start your job search. Ensuring your self-marketing package (resume and cover letter) are in great shape, working on a polished digital presence and honing your networking and interview skills are all necessary parts of your Toolkit.

To develop your Toolkit, the Student Life Centre can support you in:

  • Building your professional network
  • Enhancing your career-ready skills 
  • Creating effective job applications 
  • Focusing your purpose
  • Developing your digital presence

Tools

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    Networking

    As a skill set, networking is an art that takes practice to build confidence. It's about making authentic connections and relationships, not about getting a job.

    To grow these skills, you want to understand what the 'hidden job market' is and how networking is connected, how to find networking opportunities, ways to develop a strong ‘elevator pitch’, and identify your potential networking barriers.

    Learning about and practicing your networking skills (starts at 9:39 mins) will help you put your best foot forward when talking with others, including employers.

    Learn More

  2. Icon interests.

    Immploy

    Employing international individuals will build stronger businesses and stronger communities for tomorrow. Visit Immploy to be connected with professional networks and resources. 

    Learn more

Additional Resources

Job Searching
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Getting a Job After Graduation
Western's Careers & Experience team outlines how to connect with employers, uncover the hidden job market, and other effective job search strategies.

Find Work: Job posting sites in London & Canada, and for Full-time, Part-time, Summer, Government Positions

Non-Profit Employment Opportunities:

Endless Possibilities: Websites for Working or Volunteering Abroad, Experiential Learning, Youth Entrepreneurial Programs

Working at Brescia, Western, King’s, Huron: For Working at Western (MyHR) you will need your Western login ID. Once you have entered that, select ‘Working at Western,’ followed by ‘Students.’ There are lots of excellent opportunities on campus!**

Note: Student Life does not screen organizations or their employment opportunities/labour practices. When applying for any opportunity it is your responsibility, and in your best interest, to research the organizations and their associated fees and practices.

Resumes
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Review the 4 Rules of Resume Writing

Chronological Resume Example
Organizes your information based on date. Most well-known type of resume.

Functional Resume Example
Organizes your information by skill areas. A great format for individuals with limited related/work experiences or older experiences.

Combined Resume Example
Organizes your information using skill area headings, followed by experiences organized chronologically under each related heading.

Accomplishment Statements
A resource to help you develop strong, tailored, and professional statements for under each experience.

A Resume Makeover: View a resume 'Before, During and After' a critique / review by a Career Peer.

Real Resume Examples (scroll down)
Western’s Careers & Experience team share examples of real resumes that showcase a variety of strengths for a variety of job sectors: from resumes that highlight skills in a unique way, to well done skill headings and accomplishment statements, and ways to reframe little work experience.

Effective Resumes & Cover Letters (webinar)
Western’s Careers & Experience team teaches you how to create resumes and cover letters that will effectively communicate your skills. You will learn the “rules of resumes” and get a chance to practice putting your accomplishments in writing.

Cover Letters
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Cover Letter Example
A sample Cover Letter highlighting the applicant’s skills, experiences, and fit for the specific position. Remember to create a new Cover Letter for every position you apply to, customizing the information you include based on the job posting.

Real Cover Letter Examples (scroll down)
Western’s Careers & Experience team share examples of real cover letters for a variety of positions–internship, part-time, summer, and full-time. 

Ultimate Guide to Writing a Cover Letter
An excellent rundown of language that will personalize your letter, appropriate salutations and sign-offs, and preferred length and layout. (HINT: One page, please!) This article also includes valuable Dos and Don’ts checklists.

How to Write a Cover Letter
A useful resources that details how to personalize your cover letter through storytelling and highlighting your research of the company/organization.

References
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References List Example
A sample list of References highlighting the information you will want to include.

Some job postings will request a resume, cover letter and three references. Generally, it is expected that you will submit your references when you are shortlisted. You should clarify with the company/organization’s HR rep if they would like three supervisory references.

LinkedIn
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Expert LinkedIn Tips – 7 quick tips to help you stand out on this digital platform devoted to professional networking

A quick and easy guide for writing LinkedIn articles – Writing your own LinkedIn articles is an ideal way to increase your profile views and start to develop professionally. Follow professionals you admire and see what sort of articles they post regularly. You can write about your experiences as a student, from study tips to time management. The main takeaways? Get your profile in great shape and just start writing!

Interview Prep
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Interview Preparation Guide
Discover the types of interviews that typically exist, how to dress, and what to bring with you. Even use our practice questions and ‘Do’s & Don’ts’ to help you build your confidence so you can focus on putting your best foot forward

Interview Strategies (webinar)
Western’s Careers & Experience team teaches you about “the basics”, interview types, response strategies, and other techniques to help you ace your next interview.

Interview Skills
This short, interactive skills module covers what employers are looking for, how to best prepare, and effective response strategies.

Practice with Interview Stream
Log in using your Western email and practice anytime, anywhere. Access over 1500 interview questions and video record your responses, review, and re-try. You can practice at your own pace and see and hear yourself online.