Job Search Workshops

• Elevator pitch
• Network with professionals in a compelling
way (Informational interviews)
• Optimize your LinkedIn profile

Credits:

The original JSW series was created by Teresa Ierullo.

© 2020. All rights reserved.

No part of this material may be reprinted or reproduced by parties other than those assigned such rights.

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30-Second Commercial or “Elevator Speech”
Person 1: “What do you do?”
Person 2: “I’m a mechanical engineer.”
Person 1: “Oh. That’s nice.” (And then Person 1 walks away…)
Everyone needs a 30-second commercial and the above conversation is an example of a boring answer to the question
“What do you do?” A 30-second commercial should be a short but powerful message about you, your strengths, and how
you can help a company.
You can use your 30-second commercial for:

- Networking events
- Cold calling a company
- Whenever anyone asks you “what do you do”

But why only 30 seconds? Because we live in the age of quick answers, text messages, and fast talk; and business people
are busy. They have no time to listen to long stories about people. They first want to know what you can do to help them
and what makes you different. If they feel they need you, they will want to keep talking to you past the 30 seconds.

And this is the only reason to have a great 30-second commercial: to give people enough information to want to hear
more about you.

The most common mistake people make with their 30-second commercial is focusing on what you do, your job title and
education. “I am a mechanical engineer. I’m an accountant with a Bachelors Degree in Finance.” Who cares? There are
thousands of people like this!

When you create your 30-second commercial, think more than your job description (which is boring) or your education
(which might be a long time ago); instead, think about:

- How you can help this company or person sell their product or service
- What makes you different from everyone else
- Sharing your strengths and your “specialization”

Keep it real. Don’t sound “fake” or how you wouldn’t normally talk. It has to fit with you and your personality, not the way
a TV commercial sounds.

When you share your 30-second commercial (by phone or in-person), be sure to:

- Smile
- Be enthusiastic
- Practice, practice, practice! It has to sound natural and “true” (not like you are reading it)
- Be ready to talk more about yourself; if your 30-second commercial is powerful and interesting, the other person will
want to know more about you

And don’t forget your body language!

Non-verbal communication can be as powerful as verbal communication (Has anyone ever said “hello” to you but they
aren’t even looking at you? How does that make you feel?) When you network, it’s important to have positive body
language, and in Canada that means:

- Making eye contact (looking the person in the eyes when you are talking)
- Firm handshake
- Volume of your voice is not too loud and not too quiet
- The speed of your voice is not too fast
- You smile and look friendly

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Your 30-second commercial/elevator speech in 4 steps…

SAMPLE 1

1. Who am I? (Introduce yourself…and SMILE!)

Hi my name is Omar Siddiqui.

2. What do I do?
I’m a speaker and a trainer.

3. How do I help companies? (my specialization)

I help companies to ask better questions and close more sales.

4. So what? (how will it help companies?)

So that they can hit their targets.

Put it all together…

Hi my name is Omar Siddiqui. I’m a speaker and trainer specializing in sales. I help companies to ask better questions and
close more sales so they can hit their targets.

SAMPLE 2

1. Who am I? (Introduce yourself…and SMILE!)

Hi my name is Tina Banillo.

2. What do I do?
I’m an Administrative Assistant.

3. How do I help companies? (My specialization)

I help companies to stay organized and to be able to find their important documents quickly.

4. So what? (How will it help companies?)

So that people can focus on the work they need to do, not the files they have to get.

Put it all together…

Hi my name is Tina Banillo. I’m an Administrative Assistant. I help companies to stay organized and to be able to find their
important documents quickly so that people can focus on the work they need to do, not the files they have to get.

But, if you think this doesn’t sound “natural” or too much like a commercial, a few small changes might be better for you:

Hi my name is Tina Banillo. I’m an Administrative Assistant looking for opportunities to help companies with what I am
really good at; keeping the office and files organized and helping my colleagues find important documents quickly so that
they can focus on the work they need to do, not the files they have to get!

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How Companies Hire

Employers start
here

From Inside the Company

Friend/Colleague

Recruiter/Agency

Job
Posting

Job seekers

4
Social media and your job search

What to say when connecting on LinkedIn

• Have a reason to connect. Don't send a blank invitation to connect. ...

• Share what you have in common. Find ways to form common ground before sending out the
connection request or InMail. ...

• Mention a mutual acquaintance. ...

• Don't ask for a job on first contact. ...

• Congratulate and give recognition.

Virtual Chat or meeting/phone call

• Asking for job at first interaction = asking someone to marry you on the first date

• Virtual chat on social media or a phone call to get guidance or mentoring from a person in your
occupation is known as informational interviews

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HOW TO CONDUCT AN INFORMATION INTERVIEW

1. Prepare questions

What questions do you want to ask a person who shares your occupation/field of interest? Have the most important
questions ready before you call anyone. Here are some example questions people new to Canada have asked:

- My experience and skills are [ ]. In what industries/occupations can they be used?

- What’s the best way to get my first job in Canada as a [occupation]?
- How do companies in this industry usually recruit people? Do they post jobs?
- [if the occupation is regulated] Until I get my license/certification, what other kinds of similar jobs/work could I do
with my experience/skills?
- In what parts of Ontario/Canada is this industry/job the strongest?
- Do you know of anyone you think I should have an information interview with? Could you refer me to someone else?
- Can I keep in touch with you?

 What other questions would you want to ask?

2. Find people to interview

Believe it or not, lots of professionals like to help others and to give advice and information! So now it’s time to find
people to interview. How?

- Use your company list from the activity you did earlier “Can I do this job where I live?” Go on the company website
and find the name of the manager, owner, HR professional, etc. (it should be someone who has the same occupation
as you or who does the hiring)
- Start asking everyone you know if they can introduce you to someone in your field/occupation to conduct an
information interview or “cold call” a company and ask!

 What other ways can you find people to interview?

3. Email the interviewee and introduce yourself.

 Have your 30-second commercial ready; you might be asked to talk about yourself!
By e-mail:

Good morning, Ms. Thomas

My name is _____________. I am a Mechanical Engineer from India and I am researching how to get into engineering here
in Canada. I researched your company and I was really interested in ________________[something about the company].

I was hoping to schedule an information interview with you for about 15-20 minutes to learn more about what I need to
do to work in Canada. Would you be willing to share your expertise with me?

I promise I am not asking for a job, rather, your expertise and knowledge of this occupation and industry. It would be a
great help to me in starting my career in Canada. I hope to hear with you soon. I will follow-up, by phone, in a few days.

Thank you.

[your name and phone number]

4. If the person agrees to do the information interview, schedule a time to talk on the telephone or meet on Zoom or
Skype to have a virtual meeting.

5. Treat an information interview seriously

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By Phone:

- Be prepared with your questions

- Be sure you are in a quiet room with no interruptions
- Have your pen and paper ready
- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
- Call at the time you agreed on

Video/virtual meeting:

- Sign-in on time and be prepared with your questions; bring a pen and paper
- Be prepared to answer questions about yourself
- Dress professionally, smile and look in the camera
- Have a natural light in front of the face and choose a quiet place
- Have your resume handy
- Be friendly and stay positive at all times (this is not the time to say how difficult it is to get a job, how life is difficult in
Canada, etc.)

6. Do not ask your contact for a job

An information interview is to collect information about an occupation/company. It is not a job interview. If asked,
however, be prepared to provide a resume.

7. Always send a thank you note/email; include your resume

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SAMPLE “THANK YOU” E-mail

Remember, you have to write your thank you e-mail based on what was said in your conversation, not only what a sample
letter says!

Sample 1
Dear Ms. Thomas:

Thank you again for giving me your time and assistance for my information interview. I value and appreciate the advice of
professionals like you who know this industry so well.

I especially appreciate your offer to introduce me to other professionals in your network which I know will be extremely
helpful to me in establishing myself.

Thank you for allowing me to keep in touch with you. I will be sure to keep you informed of my progress. And please do
not hesitate to contact me if you think of any additional suggestions for expanding my network and establishing myself as
a [occupation]. I am including my resume for your reference.

Sincerely,

Yasmine Jorgensen

Sample 2
Dear Mr. Jenson,

Thank you again for giving me your time and assistance for my information interview. I value and appreciate the advice of
professionals like you who know this industry so well.

I especially appreciate your offer to introduce me to other professionals in your network which I know will be extremely
helpful to me in establishing myself.

Thank you for allowing me to keep in touch with you. I will be sure to keep you informed of my progress. And please do
not hesitate to contact me if you think of any additional suggestions for expanding my network and establishing myself as
a [occupation]. I am attaching my resume for your reference.

Sincerely,

Yasmine Jorgensen

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 Sample Coffee-chat/Informational interview request

Good morning, Mr. Lerner

I worked in the automotive industry as a

Mechanical Engineer in Dubai for more than 5
years and have been living in Mississauga for
about one month now. I have been reading your
company’s blog with great interest and agree the
automotive industry is heading in a new direction
of smarter, more efficient cars.

I was hoping I could chat with you by phone or in-

person for a coffee to learn more about this
industry in Ontario, its direction, and how my
experience might fit. I would love to discuss some
of the international studies I have been reviewing
in regards to auto efficiency.

Thank you very much for your consideration and I

hope I can speak with you soon at your
convenience.
Regards,

Nathaniel Al Ansari

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HOW TO CREATE A LinkedIn ACCOUNT
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Create-an-Account-on-LinkedIn

□ Go to www.linkedin.com

□ Sign up by entering you name, email and a password in the “Join LinkedIn Today” box on the right of the
screen.

□ Confirm your account through your email address. Once you’ve done this, sign in and get started.

□ Edit your profile. Enter your sub-heading, area and industry underneath your name, and add a profile picture of
yourself.

□ Edit your qualifications. Add your current and past employment as well as your education. Be sure to include
descriptions of your past jobs and degrees earned, this way people will be able to more clearly see your
experiences and know what to contact you for. Keep it short, and informative.

□ Add a Summary. This is a chance to write a more in-depth paragraph to give people an idea of where you stand
now in your career, what your strengths are, where you want to go and what you have to offer.

□ Add Specialties. You can list specific skills and areas of expertise.

□ Add Connections. You can have LinkedIn search through your email address book to find people you know. You
can also search by a person’s name, job title or company.

□ Add Websites. Link in your company’s website, your own personal site, your blog, and / or your Twitter account.
This will allow visitors to your page to see different aspects of yourself.

□ Get Recommendations. If you’re trying to find a job through LinkedIn, it is suggested that you have at least three
professional recommendations. Ask your former bosses or colleagues. Return the favor and recommend others as
well.

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Interesting Facts:
- LinkedIn is the No. 1 source of recruiting.
- LinkedIn really is an online resume and career history, so it needs to be up-to-date, professional.
- Professionals will probably want to focus their efforts on LinkedIn, while Facebook is the key place for high-
traffic industries such as retail, call centres, and hospitality.
- Many companies now use Twitter to get the word out about new job listings.

Using LinkedIn for Job Search

□ Update your profile and resume and let people know you are looking
□ Create a professional headline under your name (e.g. Account Executive) to describe the job you want
□ Start connecting with people you know (you have to build your online network to make more connections)
□ Start connecting with people you don’t know but can connect via second or third connections
□ Ask (former) colleagues to recommend you on your LinkedIn account; try to get lots of recommendations
and be sure to return the favour by recommending them, too
□ Send an email to everyone in your LinkedIn network, letting them know of your situation, and asking for
any help or people they could put in touch with you
□ Search for companies and if one of your existing online contacts is connected to the company, ask for a
connection
□ Search for jobs in addition to searching for people/companies
□ Participate in conversations, ask questions, answer questions, create groups, etc. (Don’t just stay in the
background!)
□ Find events to go to related to your occupation or industry
□ Help others and make sure you are giving as much as you are “taking”

Using Twitter for Job Search

□ Use your own name for Twitter so that people know who you are and are reminded of you
□ Connect with employers where you’d like to work and follow them; participate in the “conversation”
□ Follow industry experts and learn what’s happening in your field
□ Be sure to “tweet” your own information or jobs you hear about (remember, networking is not only about
you)
□ Once connected and you get to know someone online, network directly with that person; ask for a meeting
or an information interview, etc.

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 100 NEW CONTACTS USING LINKEDIN
Yes, you can find 100 new contacts and build your network using LinkedIn, even if you are new to Canada; and
it can all be done within a day or two, depending on how much effort you want to put into this. Using LinkedIn,
you can build your job search network with:

- Individual contacts
- Companies
- Groups
- Recruiters

Here’s how to do it.

☐ SEARCH FOR NAMES OF PEOPLE YOU KNOW AND ASK TO CONNECT.

Think of everyone you know, including classmates, instructors, friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, etc. Just
type in their names and see if they are on LinkedIn and connect with them. If you know these people really well
(family and friends) it’s okay to use the default request “I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn”.
But if you don’t know them well and they could be a good connection for your job search, do not use this
standard request; instead, create a targeted message.

How many new contacts do you have? Add it up and put the number here: ____________

☐ UPLOAD YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS INTO LINKEDIN.

To expand your network through email, go to Connections on the top navigation and then click Add
Connections. Select the e-mail provider you use and then follow the directions.
➢ If you need more instructions, visit this LinkedIn page.
http://help.linkedin.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4214/~/importing-and-inviting-your-email-contacts

When you input your contacts to LinkedIn, make sure you DO NOT select the option to send all of them a
generic invitation to connect with you. At this point, you will need to review your contacts one by one and learn a
little bit about them from their LinkedIn profile. When you ask these people to connect with you, this is your
chance to write strategic, individual messages. People respond better to individual messages.

How many new contacts do you have? Add it up and put the number here: ____________

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☐ Search for companies and the people who work there.

EXAMPLE
Let’s say we searched for IBM. See the sample result below. It shows the person doing the search already has
49 people from their LinkedIn network who are connected to IBM. If they are 1st connections, you can ask them
directly about IBM and possible opportunities. If they are 2nd connections, you can ask your 1st connections for
an introduction. (But keep in mind, not all 1st degree connections are actually close friends/colleagues.) You can
also follow the company and then request to follow other people who work at the company.

How many new contacts do you have? Add it up and put the number here: ____________

☐ Search for groups and their members.

Go to Interests and then click on Groups. LinkedIn will recommend groups for you based on your profile. You
can also search for groups. When you have a group that fits your interests and/or career, click on it and review
the group’s profile, how many members they have, etc. Click on “Join Group”, and depending on the size of the
group, you could have access to hundreds, if not thousands, of possible connections. But don’t just send a mass
e-mail. Look at specific members who might be connected to you by a 1st or 2nd connection or might be good for
your job search and write them an individualized request to connect.

How many new group contacts do you have? Add it up and put the number here: ____________

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☐ Search for recruiters specializing in your industry.
Adapted from: http://www.getajobtips.com/2014/06/how-to-contact-recruiter-who-you-are.html

- Click on Advanced search.

- Select People.

- Type your industry in the Keywords box.

- Type the word "recruiter" in the Title box and the select Current in the
"Current or past" box
- If you want to search for a local recruiter, put in your postal code
- Click Search
- Review the search results and decide with whom you want to try and
connect. You will want to send each person a targeted message.
- Find more connections by changing the keywords using a different
industry title or other job titles similar to “recruiter (e.g. "recruiting
manager", “senior recruiter, "talent acquisition", etc.)

How many new recruiter contacts do you have? Add it up and put the number here: ____________

WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW CONTACTS YOU HAVE

AFTER USING THESE STRATEGIES?

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 COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR CONNECTIONS

Communicating in a group
- Hey, [Name]. I agree with your comments 100%! Well said!
- Hi, everyone. I have a question for the group. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing our industry?
I look forward to everyone’s comments!
- I went to a great event last night and I wanted to post some of the key take-away messages.
- Here’s a great article I saw in yesterday’s [name of publication]. I hope you like it.

Communicating with a recruiter

- Hi, [Name]. I see you are recruiting for a Java Developer. I have 7 years’ experience and have fluent coding
in JavaScript and related technologies such as Java Platform, Enterprise Edition, Java Beans and Java
Server Pages, as well as HTML, CSS and databases. I coordinate design, develop, test, debug and
implement Java projects. I would love to talk with you about how I can help this company.
- Hello, [Name]. I wanted to let you know I’ve updated my job profile and I think it might be a good fit for
[position, job posting, etc.] I am interested to talk to you some more about my experience and skills and how
I can help a company. Thanks!
- Hello, [Name]. I wanted to keep in touch with you and let you know I am available for positions in accounting
with a focus on auditing and international finance. Maybe we can talk or meet in person?

Communicating to stay in touch

- Hi, [Name]. I attended a great training session and I thought you’d be interested in the notes. Can I email
them to you?
- Hi, [Name]. Congratulations on the new job! I know you’ll do great!
- Hi, [Name]. I love the new photo you added! Very professional!
- Hey, [Name]. Congratulations on your work anniversary. The company is lucky to have you!
- Hi, [Name]. Is there anything I can do to help you?

Communicating for a job (directly and indirectly)

- Hi, [Name]. I’ve updated my resume and I am looking for a job in [occupation]. If you hear of anything or
know of someone I could connect with, I’d appreciate it very much. All the best; and let me know how you’re
doing!
- Hi, [Name]. Would you be willing to share any tips about how to stand out in the application or hiring
process? For example, what to include/not include on my resume and cover letter. I am new to [city] and
would love your expertise.
- Hello, [Name]. I am such a fan of your posts and I think your career experience is fantastic. Would you be
willing to talk with me about how to get into this [occupation/industry]?

Communicating for an introduction (by e-mail or LinkedIn)

(But keep in mind, not all 1st degree connections are actually close friends/colleagues!)
- Hi, [name]. I am applying for the [xxx] position with [company]. I saw that your friend, [name], works for this
company. I was wondering if you would feel comfortable making a connection between us?
- Hi, [name]. Since I am new to this city, I am still building up my network in the [xxx] industry. I see you are
connected to [name]. How do you feel about introducing us via LinkedIn? No hard feelings if you can’t, but I
thought I would ask.
- Hi, [name]. I notice you are a first degree connection to [name] at [company]. I really want to work there.
Would you be comfortable if I were to send you a request to be introduced to her? I am looking for a position
as a [job title]. Or, if you know of any leads in my [name of industry], I’d be so thankful for any suggestions!
Thanks for your help.

Communicating to say thank you

- Hey, [Name]. I wanted to thank you very much for the introduction to [name]. I appreciate it very much and
let me know if I can return the favour.
- Hi [Name]. I wanted to let you know that [name] contacted me. It was a great conversation and she said I
could keep in touch with her. Thanks so much for the referral. Hope all is well with you.

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 INVITING OTHERS TO CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
USING TARGETED MESSAGES
If you want to be noticed, be sure you are inviting people to connect with you on LinkedIn using a targeted
message, instead of the generic “I'd like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn”. That kind of an
invitation is unoriginal and it doesn’t make the other person feel like you really want to connect with them! So
take a little extra time when you are building your contacts list and use the following sample messages as a
guide to create your own meaningful, targeted invitations to LinkedIn.

Connecting because of information from a profile

- Hey, [Name]! I saw on your profile that you attended XYZ University. I have a great friend who went there
and have heard great things about it. I’d love the opportunity to connect with you. Thanks! Have a great day.
- Hi, [Name]. I'm a fellow mechanical engineer in the automotive industry and notice that we have 3 mutual
connections. I thought I would invite you to connect in case our knowing each other might be mutually
beneficial.
- Hi, [Name]. I just moved from India to Ottawa and I see you were once a newcomer now in the Finance
industry. I would love to connect with you.

Connecting because of a group or blog

- Hello [Name]. I see that you are a member of [name of group]. I am also a member of this group and would
like to share some ideas with you. Please accept my invitation to connect.
- Hi, [Name]. Since we are both in the same LinkedIn group, I thought it might be nice to connect.
- Hi, [Name]. I've enjoyed reading your comments on the [GROUP NAME] discussion board. I think we share
a lot of the same perspectives. I’d like to connect with you.
- Hi [Name], I read your blog regularly and love your advice. I’d like to connect with you.

Connecting with a recruiter

- Hello, [Name] I notice that you recruit IT professionals in Halifax. I am an experienced Java developer with 7
years’ experience. I would love to connect and speak with you about opportunities.

Connecting because you know or have already met this person

- Hi, [Name]. You may recall that I met you at the ABC networking event. I was the person who also liked to
ski. I thought it would be great to connect.
- Hi, [Name]. I see you work at XYZ Co. and know my friend [name of friend]. I’d like to invite you to connect.
- Hi, [Name]. I heard you speak at [name of event] and was so inspired by your message. I was hoping to
connect with you.

Connecting because of a mutual acquaintance

- Hi, [Name]. I know we have not yet met, but my friend [name of friend] talks so highly of you, I wanted to
invite you to connect to introduce myself.
- Hi, [Name]. I met [name of person] at a networking event yesterday and she suggested I connect with you.
- Hi, [Name]. A business acquaintance, [name of person], suggested I connect with you since he is familiar
with my expertise in [industry/occupation]. I’m hoping we can connect.

Adapted from these sources:

- http://www.careerealism.com/linkedin-invitation-tips/#1PEu75rWfGgPvEwo.99
- http://www.getajobtips.com/2014/05/invite-people-to-connect-on-LinkedIn.html
- http://blog.linkedin.com/2013/04/29/how-to-tap-your-linkedin-network-for-your-next-opportunity/
- http://www.businessinsider.com/getting-a-job-through-linkedin-2014-3

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