Career Professionals of Canada News Feed

How to Invest in Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Bank Accounts

June 24, 2022 |

With life gradually returning to normal after COVID, some people report that they’re having difficulty adjusting. Some feel exhausted, unmotivated, unsettled, anxious, and perhaps even depressed. For the last two years, all of us have had to draw heavily on our physical and emotional resources. But, let’s face it, those resources are not limitless! Think of the different aspects of yourself as being similar to a bank account; you can’t maintain a healthy account if you continuously make withdrawals. It’s vital to focus on making deposits to keep your reserves topped-up. I’d like…

Following Up on a Job Application: Good or Bad Idea?

June 17, 2022 | Comments Off on Following Up on a Job Application: Good or Bad Idea?

During a recent Advanced Résumé Development (CDP-105) course, students enjoyed a lively and interesting discussion about the pros and cons of clients following up on a job application. The discussion came out of the analysis of a cover letter in which the job seeker closes with the statement “I will try to reach you next week to see if we can arrange an interview or a brief meeting.” Some students took exception to the phrase “try to reach you next week to see if…,” labelling it passive language. But, even…

Working With Recruiters: Insider Tips for Success

June 10, 2022 | Comments Off on Working With Recruiters: Insider Tips for Success

Job seekers inevitably interact with a recruiter at some point in their job search. One of the prime goals of a recruiter is to find the best qualified candidates to fill vacant positions in the shortest amount of time. Career professionals diligently prepare their clients to impress the recruiter and help them land their target job. With careful preparation and current information, a win-win outcome is possible! Recognizing that everyone has their own work processes, and likes and dislikes, I’d like to share – from my perspective – a behind-the-curtain…

Gaslighting in the Workplace: How to Help Your Clients

June 3, 2022 |

As career development practitioners, we’re aware of various forms of bullying and manipulation that can occur at work. But what happens when the manipulation is not that obvious and leads your client to question their abilities, and even their mental health? You may have heard or read about the phenomenon known as “gaslighting.” According to Psychology Today, gaslighting is defined as a subtle form of manipulation and psychological control. The term actually originated from a 1938 play called “Gas Light” in which an abusive spouse psychologically torments his wife by causing their home’s…

How Do You Overcome Impostor Syndrome?

May 27, 2022 |

“Impostor syndrome” is a term used by clinical psychologists when referring to high-achieving individuals who are unable to internalize their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as frauds. A quick Google search reveals that up to 82% of high achieving professionals suffer from this psychological phenomenon, which affects their confidence and fulfillment at work. The encouraging news is that there are ways that impostor syndrome can be overcome. Neither career professionals nor their clients are immune to occasionally feeling like a “charlatan.” In fact, 90% of career development…

Learning Quotient (LQ): What It Is, Why It’s Important

May 20, 2022 |

A relatively new kind of “quotient” is gaining recognition and prominence in workplace hiring practices. The Learning Quotient (LQ) refers to our willingness and ability to grow and adapt to new situations and challenges in our work lives. It refers to our “learnability.” Along with IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Quotient) assessments, the practice of testing a candidate’s learning quotient as part of the recruitment process is gaining traction. Understanding LQ and learning how to enhance it benefits both career practitioners and their clients. The Importance of Maximizing Learning Quotient…