Candidate Resource Articles

The Business Office – Profit Centre by: Ian K. McEwen The automotive industry today is very dynamic and constantly changing, especially to respond to meet in the needs of well-informed, high-tech consumers. Within any dealership, The Business Office is one of 4 key departments (vehicle sales, service, & parts) with the ability to generate significant […]

We Gotta Get Out of This Place! by: Ian K. McEwen As we close out another year, many take the time to reflect on careers and possible changes. In our recruiting/outplacment practice, we hear employees comment about frustration, boredom and ‘spinning one’s wheels’. Career satisfaction is waning and the employee is becoming disorientated and out […]

Second Job Interview by: Ian McEwen President Congratulations! You have done everything right so far. Obviously, the prospective company is serious about bringing you on board. Now you have the opportunity to seal the deal – so don’t blow it! Generally, the first interview is to determine if you have the qualifications and skill set […]

How to Find and Work with a Recruiter by: Ian McEwen President The best recruiters are active in the industry sectors they serve. For employers and job seekers, working with recruiters can be a valuable resource. From an employer’s perspective, hiring an executive search firm or a recruiter may seem like an expensive proposition. There […]

Ask the right questions and steer your career – Questions a Candidate Should Ask by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research Is this the right fit for you? It’s important to ask intelligent questions. The interviewer is listening to what you ask and even what you don’t ask! This is your chance to learn about […]

Business Dress Code. What’s smart. What’s not. And who says so? by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research Do you remember when men wore 3-piece power suits in the boardroom? Day in and day out? And a woman dressed in a charcoal or navy suit if she wanted to compete in a man’s world? When […]

Common Sense Email Etiquette by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research Don’t forget your manners for the sake of convenience. Regard for correct protocol costs positively nothing, but disregard can indiscriminately cost millions. The rules of techno-etiquette are based on the same principles as good manners: common sense and courtesy. Perhaps the greatest need for […]

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace.So what’s all the hype about? by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research So you have a high IQ! What about your EQ or Emotional Intelligence? Not so long ago, it was believed that a high IQ was the primary ingredient for a successful life. Psychologists have recently discovered that Emotional […]

How Do I Market Myself? by: Ian McEwen President Now that you are committed to make a career change, the next step is to build a business plan to separate you from others vying for the job you want. Just like selling automobiles, you need to know the features, advantages, and benefits of your product. […]

Make Your Career Your New Year’s Resolution by: Ian McEwen President So you are beginning a new year, and you think you have your game plan mapped out. Just like the environment, as you look at the employment landscape, you can see the playing field changing. Job security is becoming a thing of the past. […]

Resumés that Rock! by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research Ready…Set…Go..! You have 30 seconds to make an overall first impression. That’s how long employers will spend scanning your resume. This means you have to be succinct and clear. Ensuring your resumé instantly captures a prospective employer’s attention, and addresses their need for information about […]

Make your Resumé Stand Out by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research Here’s how to make your resumé stand out: Edit! Edit! Edit! Spell-check is the first step to editing your document. Even if you’re a good speller, it’s amazing what errors are made when you’re in a hurry, or staring at the monitor with […]

Ten Tips for Writing Concise Resumés by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research In today’s world, brevity counts. Employers don’t have time, and simply refuse to read long resumés that could have been written in a much shorter space. Follow these simple rules to ensure your resumé gets read from beginning to end. Remove lengthy […]

Sales Protocol Intelligence Outclass the Competition by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research “The world was my oyster but I used the wrong fork.” Oscar Wilde Competition in the business playing field is fierce, and companies are now looking for people who can handle themselves in the sales or showroom area. Candidates learn to “outclass […]

The Job Interview – Make the Sale by: Ian McEwen President You have all the qualifications for the position, and you’ve got a great resumé, but the one who is successful does the best job in the interview. The interview allows you the opportunity to be yourself by presenting a positive image, style and personality […]

The Professional Interview: Get Ready! You will answer these tricky questions – Questions a Candidate Should be Prepared to Answer by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research The Professional Interview – Get Ready! You will answer these tricky questions.Interviewers need to be sure that you have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude needed to fit […]

Who’s Firing Whom? by: Ian K. McEwen President Sooner or later, employers and employees face the issue of dealing with a career adjustment! Whose fault is it? At some point in time during our working careers, we may all be in a Donald Trump-like situation waiting for the verdict – You’re Fired! It certainly may […]

The Job Interview – What to Expect by: Ian K. McEwen President As a result of your polished resumé and an excellent cover letter, you have met the initial experience and skills requirements of a prospective employer. The interview is now your opportunity to verify that your qualifications and experiences meet the employer’s requirements. The […]

Acing the Professional Interview – Lights! Camera! Action! by: Sharon LeBlanc Consultant: Training and Research The interview places you in the spotlight — With good preparation and lots of practice for your interview, you will be a shining star in the spotlight. There is fierce competition for jobs in the automotive industry. You may have a […]

Passed Over Again… How Do I Get That Promotion? by: Ian McEwen President In our executive search practice, we see many people who have become disillusioned and frustrated with their current jobs. The event that often triggers a call to our office is the lack of advancement – the promotion that went to a colleague. […]