NEADS CONFERENCE “Right On” Transition From School to Work Ottawa 2004

1. NEADS CONFERENCE“Right On” Transition From School to WorkOttawa 2004 Clint Davis Co-Director, Diversity & Workplace Equity BMO Financial Group Stephen McDonnell Senior Business Partner, Diversity & Workplace Equity BMO Financial Group

2. BMO Financial Group What does BMO do? What does BMO stand for? Job Seeking – tips on how to prepare Research the company Craft the resume The interview Starting the job – build a successful career Accommodation Career Development Perform, Perform, Perform Research, Prepare, Develop Presentation Agenda

3. BMO Business Activities We can offer many financial services

4. Task Force on the Employment of People with Disabilities November 1992 BMO’s Commitment

5. The Perception People with disabilities can’t do the job Special treatment: cost too much People with disabilities are not suited for certain types of jobs BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

6. The Reality 80% of individual accommodations can be achieved at reasonable cost Research shows that people with disabilities do not take disproportionate amount of sick leave Technology improvements in workplace accommodation has broaden the range of available jobs BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

7. Recommendations Experiential Learning Internships Co-ops Work Placements Job Shadowing Community Outreach Partnerships BMO’s Commitment – The Task Force

8. We care about our customers, shareholders, communities and each other. We draw our strength from the diversity of our people and our businesses. We insist upon respect for everyone and encourage all to have a voice. We keep our promises and stand accountable for our every action. We share information, learn and innovate to create consistently superior customer experiences. BMO’s Commitment - Corporate Values

9. Know the organization – what do they do and what do they stand for? If a public company, read the annual report Read the corporate values – is there a commitment to diversity? Understand the organizational structure – who are the executives? Internet Research – any press coverage on the company? Do you know anyone who works at the company – ask them lots of questions Job Seeking - Research the Company

10. The essential tool to market yourself It is an inventory of work-related experiences, skills, knowledge and achievements It must create a strong, positive impression and an accurate description of what you bring to an employment relationship Job Seeking - The Resume

11. Simple, clear and easy to read Usually two pages State objective and/or summary statement Support activities and responsibilities with results and accomplishments Begin sentences with action words Keep the reader in mind THERE SHOULD BE NO MISTAKES ON THE RESUME Job Seeking - Effective Resumes

12. Avoid making your resume a story of your life Avoid the use of extraneous information that does not support your objective or summary Avoid using “I” to begin a sentence Avoid leaving gaps between employment dates Try to focus on recent jobs Don’t list your age, marital status, health or number of children Job Seeking - Ineffective resumes

13. Education, Experience, Achievements Level of Education Practical Work Experience Volunteer Experience Leadership Skills Awards and Recognition Extra Curricular Activities Job Seeking - Success in a Resume

14. It is a conversation with another individual who is interested in your skills, abilities and experiences to determine if they match a particular position. You can also use the interview to determine if the position is right for you. Make sure the interviewer is aware of any accommodations you may need Job Seeking – The Interview

15. The 4 Ps: Prepare – know your strong skills and abilities, strengths and weaknesses Participate – ask insightful questions Practice – practice with a friend or colleague Perception – first impressions are often lasting impressions Job Seeking - The Interview

16. Steps to Help You Prepare: Know what you have to offer Develop your proof Decide what you will wear Confirm the time, place, name and title of the interviewer Take extra resume copies with you and job specific information. Talk to your references Job Seeking - The Interview

17. Understand your boundaries around disclosure Articulate your accommodation needs - Ask for the tools you need - Focus on Ability not Disability – Companies want to hire on Ability! Workplace Accommodation at BMO Starting the Job - Accommodation

18. Learn the company’s culture and values Ask for a tour of the facilities Review relevant company literature – HR policies Is it available in alternate format Avoid information overload ”orientation is a process not a single event.” Starting the Job - Orientation

19. Your Role Active Participation Prepare and Ask Questions Get to know other team members Be responsive Be flexible Network Know what is expected of you Starting the Job - Orientation

20. Career development is all about: Learning and growing Common Goals Independence Self Sufficiency The opportunity for you to achieve your full potential Starting the Job - Career Development

21. Be Proactive talk to your manager and create a Career Development Plan Get involved establish networks – Diversity Councils find a mentor Perform, Perform, Perform keep skills current with manager, develop mutually agreeable expectations of key performance Starting the Job - Career Development

22. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Confusius Questions? And in conclusion…