PURSUITS 2011! - Business Education Council of Niagara

How to APPROACH a prospective employer about a job
Niagara employers speak out
Did you know that about 70% of all jobs are not advertised Some openings may not exist but chances are if you make a good first impression
at the time you first meet an employer, there may be a position that opens up down the road that suits your skills and qualifications.
Whether you are looking for a first job or looking for a new job, knowing how to approach an employer is important. Since the vast
majority of job openings are part of a “hidden” or non-advertised job market, it is up to you to discover what jobs are best suited
for you and where to find them.
To help you with this process, we asked three Niagara employers, along with a Career Councilor from the Business Education Council’s
Employment Services, how employers want to be approached by students looking for a job. Here are their responses:
Kristen Angrilli
Human Resources
Consultant
Public Works
Niagara Region
With over 3,000 employees, Niagara Region is responsible for such diverse areas as land use planning, transportation, water and
wastewater treatment, waste collection and management, emergency medical services, public health, children’s services, and seniors’
programs to name a few. Niagara Region offers great career opportunities in municipal service and our competitive salaries,
attractive benefits, and wealth of programs will support your personal wellness and professional growth.
What are the best ways for job seekers to approach your business
“We use on-line job boards including our own career site at www.niagararegion.ca to post jobs, so I suggest applying on-line
as a starting point. Networking though career fairs and other events can also be helpful.”
How often do you hire and how do you recruit
“We post jobs regularly for all areas within the Niagara Region. We recruit externally when we are not able to fill positions
internally. On-line applications are the starting point and from there we screen applicants based on their qualifications, skills
and experience that fit job requirements. We will then interview and do testing if it’s required. Final candidates are asked for
references and will be asked to provide background checks, including a police clearance certificate if required.”
What are some of the key areas you consider when hiring
“Of course, we consider the required certifications, education and training along with work experience. We look for a good
fit for the job and we do that through the answers to interview questions. We also look for people who demonstrate
initiative and an interest in the field. So volunteer work in the field, and participation in special interest clubs and community
events are a great idea for students. We also look for a match with our culture and values, including an interest in public
service and serving our communities. So if you would like to work in an environmental career, you could be a member
of your school’s environment club and other green initiatives in your community. ”
Julia Sebastian
Human Resources
Manager
White Oaks Conference
Resort & Spa
White Oaks employs approximately 480 employees. Located on 13 acres in the heart of Niagara on the Lake and along the Niagara
Escarpment and at the centre of Niagara area attractions including Niagara Wine Country, Niagara on the Lake, and Niagara Falls
- White Oaks Conference Resort and Spa offers a Boutique hotel atmosphere with the services and amenities of a 5 Star Resort.
White Oaks is Ontario’s only combined 4 Diamond, 5 Star Resort boasting a truly modern, chic atmosphere with facilities that include
LIV Restaurant – an urban dining experience featuring Niagara Regional cuisine and award winning Niagara Wines, a world class
Fitness Facility with Wellness and Fitness programs included in the Resort Experience, luxury Full Service Spa and more.
What are the best ways for job seekers to approach your business
We accept resumes via email, through the mail, by fax or the applicant is welcome to drop a copy at the front desk of the hotel
or fitness club.
Should you choose to come in and drop off your resume in person, keep in mind that you are on stage the minute you walk
through the front door. It it important to make a positive first impression so dress appropriately.
How often do you hire and how do you recruit
As a year-round employer we hire all year, however, we do the majority of our recruiting at the end of the summer as we gear up
for the busy conference season that starts in September.
There are several methods we use to recruit. Team member referrals are probably the most successful recruitment program we use.
The way it works is that when a White Oaks team member refers a family member or friend to an open position and
that person is hired, the team member is paid $50 for the referral.
Other recruitment methods include the HRSDC job bank, job fairs, employment ads in local newspapers, recruiting firms and
various job search engines.
What are some of the key areas you consider when hiring
1. Genuine passion in providing exemplary customer service to fellow team members, guests and Club members.
2. Is sincerely interested in learning new skills and is willing to share ideas and experiences for the purpose of
continuous personal and organizational improvement.
3. An individual who has done their homework and is prepared and knowledgeable regarding the company and industry.
4. Are honest and genuine during the interview.
5. Ask questions, show interest and express positive body language
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