Maximizing the Use of Job Fairs - for Job Seekers,
By TorontoJobs.ca

To view a current list of up coming Job Fairs please CLICK HERE.

Job fairs are a tremendous way for job seekers and employers to connect, if well planned and handled properly on both sides. Most of the benefits of these shows will result from proper planning, rather than the actual day itself.

This article provides a number of tips for job seekers to maximize the benefits at job fairs.

CONTEST: Tell us your Employment Story for your Chance to WIN!!!

Have you or someone you know recently been going through a hard time seeking employment? 
If so, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

With all the negative hype within the media about layoffs and the unemployment rate, we at TorontoJobs.ca want to assist those looking for employment in the GTA!

About the Contest:
If your employment story is chosen you will win a free 2 hour consultation with a Career Coach to work on resume writing, interview tips and more!  You will also win a Career Workbook which includes samples resumes, sample interviewing questions and more!

How to Enter:
Send us your employment story (50 – 200 characters) and be sure to include your contact information and why you would be the best candidate to win a free Career Assessment Session.

Contest Submission Deadline: September 15th, 2009
Submit your Story to contests@TorontoJobs.ca for your chance to win!

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Patching Up Gaps in Your Work History,
By www.poss.ca

Spotty work history is not the end of the world. It doesn't mean that your chances of getting a job are nil because employers will be suspicious of your Swiss-cheese resumé. They may notice it, but there are many ways to ensure that your employment gaps don't cost you a job. So why not just make something up to cover that seven-month break? Bad idea. In this modern age, there are just too many ways to verify someone’s employment history (hello Google!). So don't lie about it -- you might get caught.

According to How to Fix a Spotty Employment History, many employers expect some gaps in employment history and will accept your explanations if they are reasonable. Do not include these explanations in your resumé. According to How To Address Gaps In Employment History, you can say something in your cover letter but keep it brief and only include it if you think it's crucial.

Between Job Survival Tips,
By Colleen Clarke, Career Specialist and Corporate Trainer,

Prior to being an independent career coach and corporate trainer, I spent many lonesome, scary, depressing, freedom reveling months, in various seasons, handling the “will I ever work again syndrome.” Though attitude accounts for an enormous part of your ability to get through this transition time, using these survival tips might help too.

• Job search is five focused, productive hours a day in the first couple months of being unemployed. Get organized, set daily and weekly goals and make the best use of each quarter of the day. Surfing the net and answering questionnaires does not count for any of the 5 hours.
• Balance your day with pleasurable activities or play every afternoon and work for a couple hours in the evenings.  Treat yourself to designer coffees rather than designer sportswear. Don’t deny yourself little luxuries. Discount movie theatres are a great escape from the pressure of looking for work day in and day out.
• Let other people treat when they offer, then silently commit to pay backs when you are re-employed.