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Halifax Job Search Strategies Forum Report

October 17, 2009

Introduction

The forum in Halifax was the seventeenth event in a six-year NEADS’ Job Search Strategies Forums Project, addressing practical aspects of successful transition from school to the job market. Delegates represented a number of colleges and universities throughout Nova Scotia as well as from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Student participants were attending the following post-secondary institutions: Dalhousie University, Cape Breton University, NBCC Moncton, Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Nova Scotia Community College, Mount Saint Vincent University, St Francis Xavier University, Saint Mary's University and UPEI.

Altogether 45 people took part in the day-long employment session: students, graduates, employers, career counsellors/professionals and representatives from non-governmental organizations.

The NEADS Halifax Job Search Strategies Forum included two workshop panels, an exhibit area, and one-on-one resume consultations with career counsellors / HR professionals over the lunch period. The exhibit area included displays and representatives from: BMO Financial Group, Casino Nova Scotia, Convergys, Eastlink, Halifax 2011 Canada Games Host Society, Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia Public Service Commission and TEAM WORK Cooperative / The WorkBridge

1. Welcome
   Jennifer Dillon, Job Search Strategies Consultant, NEADS
2. Transitioning from School to Work
   Shawn Thompson, Diversity and Workplace Equity, BMO Financial Group
3. Disclosure and Accommodations—Hand in Hand
   Duncan MacAuley, TEAM Work Cooperative
   Nancy Blair, The WorkBridge
4. Exploiting Your Personal Network—Who Do You Know?
   Chris Hornberger, Partner, Halifax Global Inc.
5. Discussion
6. Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
   Chris Gaulin, NEADS
7. Preparing for Interviews—What Recruiters Look For
   Kamran Nisar, District Manager of Professional Services, Walmart Canada
8. How to be a Self-Advocate
   Sarah Stonier, Student, University of New Brunswick
9. Real Life, Real Jobs, Right Here
   Janice Reynolds, Senior Human Resources Consultant, Halifax Regional Municipality
10. NEADS Web-based Employment Resources
    Natalie Fougère, New Brunswick Director, NEADS
11. Question and Answer and Group Discussion
12. Final Comments
    Jennifer Dillon, Job Search Strategies Consultant, NEADS

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