12.31.2006:
Don wishes everybody visiting a happy and healthy 2007! Will see you soon.
12.28.2006:
Hey folks, I'm back. Are you all recovered from Christmas yet? I returned to work today, and this weekend I'll be back with family ringing in 2007.
Many fans of James Brown are mourning his death and celebrating his music. Brown, the 'Godfather of Soul' and the 'Hardest Working Man in Show Business,' died Christmas Day after a brief illness. The only personal story I have to share is that my mom met him 11 years ago. He joined other rock stars in a concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. Brown was one of the first singers inducted into the hall in 1986. I regret not having met him.
Tonight I came across an excellent article about Brown and his music at AllMusic. He was one funky dude who worked hard up until the very end. RIP Soul Brother.
12.23.2006:
Last night I managed to find a poem that I first heard on the radio four years ago. It conveys the true message of Christmas as told to a young child. It's called "Santa's Wish."
12.19.2006:
Last Friday (Dec. 15), I attended the annual Christmas party broadcast hosted by CHUM-FM at the Sutton Place Hotel. The radio special featured celebrity guests, including the new Canadian Idol, Eva Avila! I got to meet Eva and she signed the cover of her debut CD. She is the first of the four Canadian Idols I've met. She came on the show to perform "Jingle Bell Rock," and to discuss her plans for a concert tour in 2007. Here's another kiss for you, Eva--I know you'll do well!
12.17.2006:
TIME Magazine has just named me its Person of the Year! Actually, everybody is included in this year's selection. TIME has picked 'You' as Person of the Year, because we control the Information Age! I guess whoever controls information also controls the world? The 2006 Person of the Year edition should be on the newsstands this week, Or, you can read it online at www.time.com. Time to celebrate 'You' (and me)!
12.15.2006:
Today I am taking the time to wish all my Jewish friends, acquaintances and site visitors a happy and blessed Hanukkah!
12.1.2006:
The iPod is one of the most popular tech toys being sold today. Two months ago I bought myself an iPod at the Apple Store. My iPod is a Nano, and it can hold up to 2000 songs. Apple, the makers of the iPod, has sold 70 million units. But like with everything else, owning one of these pricey gadgets can have its drawbacks. Yesterday I read this article in CANOE Technology about the pros and cons of owning an iPod. It was written in response to consumers increasing the sale of iPods during the Christmas season. I think iPods are cool to have, so just take good care of them and they could last longer than the average two-year lifespan that they allegedly have (according to Mike Oliveira).
11.25.2006:
Christmas is just a month away from today. Have you done your shopping yet? Christmas is my favourite time of the year, and I know that getting presents isn't (and shouldn't be) the main reason for observing the season. This morning I've included a link to 97.3 EZ Rock's 24 hour, commercial-free online Christmas station, for those of you who enjoy this festive music. Listening to Christmas music always puts me in a jolly mood. Enjoy!
11.17.2006:
The 40th Annual CHUM-City Christmas Wish campaign begins today. This is a local Christmas charity that I have supported for the past eight years. If you're interested in giving to this charity anytime between November 13 and December 23, all you need to do is drop off an unwrapped toy or other kid-friendly item to either the CHUM building on 1331 Yonge Street, the CityTV studio at 299 Queen Street West, or to any RBC Royal Bank branch. Cash and cheques are also accepted. Online donations can now be made as well, at www.canadahelps.org.
An even better way to drop off donations is by attending CHUM-FM's Family Christmas Breakfast broadcast (date and location to be announced)! Perhaps we'll get to meet up there. This will be my 9th year at the stations' Christmas party. It is fun to see the morning show hosts, the celebrity guests and all the donated toys under the tree.
As the folks at CHUM say, 'Thank you for helping to give a kid a Christmas.’
11.11.2006:
Today marks the 75th Remembrance Day. It is the one day where Canadians and people in other countries take time to honour and remember the soldiers who sacrficed their lives in the name of freedom in the major wars (including the two world wars). Here's a link to the famous poem "In Flanders Fields," written in 1915 by a Canadian WW1 soldier named John McCrae (1872-1918).
Never forget.
11.03.2006:
Last week I was interviewed by Ability OnLine for a new job-hunting resource initiative they launched a couple of months ago. You can read the profile here. I volunteer at Ability OnLine as host of an online conference called Employment Tips. It is an honour to be serving them in this capacity, and I give the article a thumbs up!
10.31.2006:
Last night I learned two things about Halloween and its connection with Scotland. Did you know that Jack O'Lanterns originated from Scotland? The Scots were the first to make Halloween pumpkin carvings, or Jack O'Lanterns, in their response to their belief in the mythical legend of Stingy Jack. According to this myth, Stingy Jack wandered around the countryside alone with a burning coal inside a turnip. I would've thought that pumpkin carvings were originally made in Ireland (i.e. the 'O'Lantern' tag), but apparently this Halloween tradition began in Scotland.
I also discovered that Robert Burns, one of Scotland's most celebrated poets, wrote a poem about Halloween. It provides further details on its origins and many of the characteristics associated with this occasion.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
10.28.2006:
My floor hockey league, the CEWHA, has made the news again! Sportsnet profiled the CEWHA in its weekly column posted on its website. Read all about it here! The story certainly helps raise the CEWHA's profile. The Toronto division's games are played most Fridays and Saturdays at the new Bloorview building at 150 Kilgour Road.
10.15.2006:
Here it is... the message you've all been waiting to read...
I'VE GOT A NEW JOB!!!
On Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 10), I received and accepted an offer from the Toronto Rehab Foundation to serve as its Data Processing Clerk. My primary role will be to process donations and donor information into its database, in addition to managing files and creating spreadsheets.
09.28.2006:
There is a job fair for persons with disabilities taking place next Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Toronto. Please read this ad for more details.
09.20.2006:
NewspaperDirect has launched "Newspaper Radio," a unique service that allows people to listen to newspapers and magazines on either their computers or mobile smart phones.
For online viewing, offline downloading and now, for listening.
Newspaper Radio offers commuters, business travelers, expatriates and the visually impaired access to news that has previously been unavailable to them. It is simply a matter of copying their favorite newspapers' URLs from the PressDisplay.com website and pasting them into Microsoft Windows Media Player. Once stored in Window's Media Player, listeners can tune-in to the latest edition of their newspaper or magazine at any time.
09.11.2006:
Today I am observing the fifth anniversary of the infamous terrorist attacks known as 9/11. Hard to believe that it has been five years since they occurred in the U.S. It is still frozen in our collective memory, making the world more fragile. I heard that 24 Canadians were killed when the World Trade Centre towers fell in New York (out of the 2800 victims counted altogether).
The world has also become, however, more resillient, and people are more alert now to the realities of terrorism and terrorist groups.
I celebrate the survivors of the terrorist attacks, and the heroes who sacrificed so much in order to respond to the needs of others. I reflect on the lives that were claimed by this horrific event. I also think and pray about the peackeeepers and the troops who are over in the war-torn countries.
Most of all, I wish for a more peaceful world, and an end to war and terrorist threats.
09.10.2006:
This afternoon I created a new page to store all my blog entries from last year. The new blog archives section will expand to other pages at the close of each year.
I have also re-posted the photo taken with my late Granny at my old Carleton U rez room.
09.06.2006:
If you've been visiting here the last two days, you will have noticed the photos of me and my Granny from Scotland on display. I am in mourning this week over her death. She died Sunday (Sept. 3), at the age of 97. Even though we were divided by a pond, we managed to maintain a good, close relationship that lasted 25 years. She was my last surviving grandparent, and she lived the longest out of all of them. Her funeral takes place this Saturday at a church near her home in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.
A few months after I launched this website in 2000, she posted an entry in my site's guestbook. As far as I know, this was the first and only time she ever made use of a computer. You can still read the entry at this page (scroll down to 'Mary Barrie').
One of my favourite memories of her stems from 1995, when, at the age of 86, she came to visit me and my parents in Toronto. During her visit, she ate dinner at the revolving restaurant at the CN Tower, saw Niagara Falls, and went across the U.S. border to New York State. Before leaving Canada for home, she got to see Ottawa, the nation's capital, and my on-campus residence at Carleton University (where I was studying at the time).
My Granny lived a full and active life, filled with love and laughter, faith and family. Her devotion to those four things are her greatest legacy. I'll keep her memory alive in my heart forever.
08.22.2006:
Last week a former networking contact of mine called on a live TV phone-in show and referred viewers to an employment-related service. The Job Accommodation Service (formerly Job Accommodation Network Canada) can assist job seekers with a learning and/or physical disability with their employment search. This former case manager said that JAS helped him get hired at different places. The phone # I have for JAS is 1-800-664-0925. Further information on JAS can be found on the website for the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work, www.ccrw.org.
08.03.2006:
On Tuesday I finally mastered how to rip video to DVD! I tested out software from Roxio that allows conversion from analog to digital. To test the program, I used a DVD-RW (rewriteable disc) to rip a video clip from a 1973 musical special honouring Duke Ellington. Chicago was the only rock (and non-jazz) group to appear on the special. The Windows Media(TM) Video File has their performance of "Jump for Joy." Not only can I play this disc on my computer, but also on my external multi-region DVD player.
07.30.2006:
Tonight BBC2 aired the final episode of Top of the Pops. It featured classic performance clips from its 42-year history. The TOTP Web site now has a section devoted to its history, at www.bbc.co.uk/totp/history/. Some shorter performance clips can be accessed there as well.
07.29.2006:
This weekend I am saying goodbye to one of my favourite British TV shows, Top of the Pops. It was a weekly, half-hour revue of the top hits of the day making the UK charts. The show was produced and broadcast by the BBC, beginning January 1, 1964. For many years it was the show where British pop music fans could either cheer or jeer established and emerging acts as they sang their current single in front of a studio audience. I didn't grow up watching the show in Canada, but I have seen many clips over the years, both during vacations in Scotland, and up until recently, here in Toronto via the BBC-K digital channel.
One of the first episodes I saw in its entirety was on March 11, 1993 (yes, I was 'holidaying' in Scotland at the time). On the bill that night were Bryan Ferry (of Roxy Music fame), Iron Maiden, Jamiroquai, PM Dawn, Shabba Ranks, Shaggy, Sister Sledge, the future 'Sir' Cliff Richard, and the Dutch dance duo 2 Unlimited. The duo had the #1 that week with "No Limit" (awful song btw). Of this setlist, I enjoyed Sir Cliff's the most (he did a gospel-influenced cover of Eddie Money's 'Peace in Our Time').
After 42 years, TOTP is folding due to a decline in ratings, and increased competition from all-music channels and (ehrm) Internet downloads. The 'Beeb' will apparently continue publishing its Web site and monthly magazine, respectively.
07.28.2006:
Today I volunteered at Sunny View and helped the office admin staff wrap up another summer camp. Being able to work away from home with a supportive group of staff, volunteers and kids made for an enriching experience. After all, the camp is officially known as the 'Summer Enrichment Program'! A BBQ lunch was held, and I sunk my teeth into another dee-lish burger! I also volunteered to help with reception and writing duties on Tuesday (July 25).
Thanks for having me back SV. See you in September.
07.27.2006:
A friend of mine shared an update about last weekend's CEWHA fundraiser... 51 bike laps (510 km) were completed, and about $20,000 has come in so far. Way to go!
07.21.2006:
Yesterday I attended the Ontario March of Dimes' annual fundraiser BBQ at the TD Courtyard at Bay and King. When I was looking for a hamburger, I asked this tall man if he knew how I could get one, and he said he liked to get them as well. I then realized I was speaking to Ben Mulroney, the host of Canadian Idol, and son of Brian! We had a good chat, and I let him know, "I watch Idol." I also thanked him for supporting OMOD. Then I got to shake hands with Paralympic champion Jeff Adams, who I had met before. Both Jeff and Ben then teamed up to do a photo-op with the OMOD team. Unfortunately I don't have any pics from this quick meeting, but it was still cool to meet up with them.
07.20.2006:
Today's edition of the Toronto Star includes a story on this weekend's marathon mountainbike ride to raise money for the CEWHA. We all wish Dean the best of luck!
07.16.2006:
Today I want to tell you that the Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association, where I play floor hockey, is hosting a fundraising and awareness event next weekend in the Durham Region. It will involve the CEWHA President doing a 48-hour mountainbike ride. It might sound crazy, but it's true! This event is dedicated in memory of a friend and former teammate of mine who passed away last April.
You can read about 48 Hours for Ian in this press release. Please come and show your support if you can!
07.04.2006:
On June 14, Don was honoured with other volunteers in an appreciation assembly held at his alma mater, Sunny View Public School. Check out the pic of Don holding his certificate that the kids designed for him! Though the school year has come to an end, Don may return to volunteer with the office administration staff during one of the summer day camp sessions held there this month. Stay tuned...
07.03.2006:
Last night I got to see Superman Returns, the long-awaited revival of the superhero on film. I think it is going to be one of the big movies of the summer! Brandon Routh, the new Superman actor, successfully fills the shoes once worn by Christopher Reeve. I also admired the approach director Bryan Singer took by hearkening back to the original film directed by Richard Donner (he also directed part of Superman II). Watching this new film took me back to my childhood, and reminded me of why I enjoyed Superman so many years ago. I'm glad they dedicated it to Reeve and his wife Dana, who also passed away recently.
07.02.2006:
Today I want to toast the success of Nelly Furtado, one of this country's most popular singers. I met her in 2003 during the annual CHUM-FM Christmas broadcast, and I remember her as being very down-to-earth and fan-friendly. I followed her career prior to meeting her, and it is now wonderful to see her break through internationally. She presently has the #1 single ("Promiscuous") and album (Loose) on the US Billboard chart, and recently scored a #1 song in the UK ("Maneater"). Wow, Nelly!
Here is the pic taken of us on that Christmas show I won't soon forget. I also have the CD she autographed for me.
07.01.2006:
Happy Canada Day! I'll be back soon with another blog, eh.
06.23.2006:
Today Don celebrates his 33rd birthday - Happy Birthday Don!
06.19.2006:
I've always liked watching movies, and especially enjoy seeking out the classics. Last Wednesday (June 14), I watched a TV special on this year's 100 Movies list, compiled by the American Film Institute (AFI). This year's edition revolved around 100 Cheers, films that contain an inspirational story or message. The film at #1 is the perennial Christmastime favourite, It's a Wonderful Life. Of the other films in the top 10, I've seen To Kill a Mockingbird, Schindler's List, Rocky, E.T., The Grapes of Wrath and Miracle on 34th Street.
You can view the entire list at AFI.
06.16.2006:
Blogging can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. I am very sensitive to what I post on this blog. You never know who might be reading it. I don't want my whole life to be an open book!
Here is an article about the pros and cons of blogging published by the Possibilities Project -- or Poss -- for job seekers. No matter who you are, or what audience you are trying to attract, it is good to be cautious when posting entries on a blog. If you disclose too much information about yourself, through words or photos, it could come back to haunt you. Discretion is key.
That's my PSA on blogging.
06.02.2006:
Have any of you been experiencing hurt or disappointment in your lives recently? I read this uplifting article that speaks to people who are troubled by the depressing situations life can bring. Even though this article comes from a Christian publication, its message can have universal application. "Dealing with Hurt and Disappointment" is written by Fr. Ron Rolheiser, a columnist for The Catholic Register. You can read this column here.
Have any of you been suffering from the layoff blues? You might want to check out a column by Melanie Joy Douglas of Monster.ca. Her column addresses post-employment concerns, and how to channel your energies towards re-entering the workforce in a healthy way. This article can be accessed here. Become one of the enlightened unemployed!
06.01.2006:
You may notice that there's finally a new picture of me on the front page of this site. It was taken last month at my hockey league's annual banquet. During all the years I've played floor hockey, I never received a Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. But this year, I received one for my team, and I must admit that it felt good! I play hockey because I love the sport, and not for awards, but I like knowing that my efforts for the team were appreciated. It was a good team, called the Dragons, and the camaraderie was always good, even in the roughest of times.
The Canadian Electric Wheelchair Hockey Association (CEWHA) is making an appearance at People in Motion, an information fair for consumers with disabilities. The event takes place Friday, June 2 (10 AM-6 PM) and Saturday, June 3 (10 AM-5 PM), at the Queen Elizabeth Building, Exhibition Place. Admission is free. Hope to see you there!
I am keeping up with my freelance writing, which I got back into a short time ago. This includes editing and publishing a quarterly newsletter for the Toronto division of the CEWHA. You can click here to read the first edition.
Will blog again soon. Enjoy the reading material!
05.25.2006:
Tonight I read about the Eight Cardinal Rules of Interviewing on the Working.com site. This article was written by Philip Blackford, a columnist and a Right Management Consultant.
These are the eight cardinal rules, according to Blackford (with link to article):
1. KEEP IT BRIEF
While every question is unique, requiring a thoughtful and well-crafted response, most of your answers should be no longer than about two minutes. An exception to this rule might be the question commonly asked first – “Tell me a little about yourself.” In this case, you’re usually safe taking between three and four minutes. Remember too that most of us tend to talk too quickly, particularly when nervous. Try not to cram twice the content into half the time while at the same time speaking twice as fast.
2. STOP TALKING WHEN YOU’VE ANSWERED THE QUESTION
The times we regret having said something are usually the times when we’ve simply said too much. Most of us are uncomfortable with silence. Some interviewers know this and will purposefully remain silent after you’ve answered one of their questions to see if you will say more. Sometimes it’s fine when we do and sometimes we wish later we hadn’t. When you’re done answering, stop talking. If you do find the silence awkward you can ask a clarifying question like, “Have I answered your question?” or “Would you like more detail about that?"
3. LISTEN CAREFULLY
Keep in mind the old adage about human beings being given two ears and one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we speak. This may not be possible during an interview but it’s a good way to remember to pay attention. Don’t assume you know what your interviewer is asking until you’ve heard the whole question. If you don’t understand what you’ve been asked, seek clarification.
4. DON’T BE MODEST
It seems that modesty is a fundamental prerequisite for Canadian citizenship. Which is lovely really, but counterproductive when it comes to interviewing. While you don’t want to be perceived as a braggart, you do need to promote yourself. That’s one of the reasons you’re there. It’s okay to say, “We did this or that.” It confirms that you’re a team player. But make sure you also identify what your role in the accomplishment was. How did you personally contribute to the success?
5. DON’T EXAGGERATE
This rule goes hand in hand with the one above. While you need to promote your successes, don’t go overboard. Don’t claim credit for someone else’s achievement or pretend that you alone are responsible for your current employer’s success.
6. TALK IN CONCRETE TERMS
This is one of the most important rules. Teach yourself to be specific and concrete when answering an interviewer’s questions. The best answer will almost always involve a story, preferably a success story or an accomplishment. If the interviewer points out that this position requires someone who is good at managing detail, don’t just tell them that you’re detail oriented, prove it by telling them a story about how your detail skills helped you accomplish a specific challenge.
7. NEVER DEFEND OR ARGUE
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people get themselves into hot water by being defensive or argumentative in an interview. Remember, the customer is always right - and in this instance, you are the seller and they are the buyer. This would include being careful not to criticize the firm or its leadership for perceived mistakes or shortcomings, even if you are asked what you would do differently if hired. It’s one thing to offer a suggestion based on what you know has worked for you in the past. It’s another to imply by your answer that they should have done it this way from the beginning.
8. MAKE CONNECTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEWER
Finally, when you tell your success stories make sure you link the benefit of your experience to the immediate needs of the company. For example, if you have just told them how you improved your current employer’s accounts payable process by streamlining the monthly report, go on to point out that those same skills could be put to good use in helping them achieve success in the work they described in their job description.
05.12.2006:
Last Saturday (May 6), I attended a seminar about a trust fund that protects any inheritance an Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recepient may receive. The Henson Trust, a special form of Trust arrangement, places estate assets in the care and control of a Trustee, "to be administered for the benefit of a beneficiary." Inheritances placed in a properly prepared Absolute Discretionary Trust will not affect provincial benefits.
Ken Pope, an Ottawa-based lawyer and Henson Trust expert, talked about the trust itself and how parents can begin setting one aside for their child when a Will and Testament is created or revised.
According to Pope, a child on child benefits, or an adult on ODSP benefits, will be disqualified from receiving them if left an inheritance, unless:
* The parents’ Will creates an absolute discretionary "Henson" Trust which will protect the inheritance; and
* The Henson Trust is funded by insurance or assets, and suitable Trustees are chosen to carry out the terms of the Trust.
I attended the seminar with my dad, and we came away learning more about an important trust fund that unfortunately is not widely known in the disability community. I learned about it through a monthly e-zine I subscribe to through Abilities magazine. We are so thankful that we attended this seminar, because it was informative and worthwhile, and it concerns our futures.
Even though the seminar has ended, you can still read all about the Henson Trust at www.kpopelaw.ca. I strongly advise and recommend visiting it if you are an adult with a disability, or the parent of a child who has a disability. During your visit, you can also subscribe to a free Disabilities and Estate Planning NetLetter.
05.10.2006:
Tonight I watched last night's episode of Workpolis TV through the Report on Business TV Web site. On this episode, learned about the most common interview mistakes. Have you made these mistakes? The following statistics were reported by the president of Korn/Ferry Canada, an IT firm:
Common Interview Mistakes
36% Talking too much
22% Lack of knowledge about the company
16% Over-inflated ego
9% Appearing overly confident
I know I am guilty of having committed one or all of these mistakes in some of my past interviews. What I like about interviews that don't lead to job offers is being able to evaulate what went wrong, and not forgetting the experiences themselves. I also reflect on questions that I struggled with, and as soon as I come up with responses that are positive and can yield a better result, I immediately write them down in my personal script.
The next chapter in my career is still being written, but I continue to take positive steps that will get me results in the long term. More on that later.
05.06.2006:
This week I took on a project that I see as another positive attempt to re-enter the workforce. On Monday, I started doing data entry for my alma mater, Sunny View Public School, and its summer day camp taking place in July. I am entering the names of every camper into a database I created with FileMaker Pro. The staff have very helpful and accommodating, and I spend 1-2 days a week working in their library--one of my favourite hangouts there!
Many of the staff I knew during the years I spent as a student are no longer there, but it has been good to meet with the ones who still are. I am also touched to see the children, and I can tell that they like my presence there as a fellow person with a disability.
On Thursday, May 11, I am attending a fundraiser for the school in a concert organized by Sunny View and the Rosedale United Church. Some fellow alumni may also be attending, including friends who I remained in contact with since graduating 18 years ago For years I resisted making visits back to the school, but it will always be a part of my life. The friendships I formed there are blessings to me, and I also have fond memories of the people who influenced my personal development. Perhaps my return to Sunny View is a calling that now is the time to give back.
04.11.2006:
Last night while watching Workopolis TV, I learned something very shocking and surprising. A survey conduted by Robert Half International finds that most companies (86%) want job seekers to make a follow-up one to two weeks after submitting their applications. This is contrary to what most of us have been led to believe. What's also interesting is that the majority of recruiters and executives surveyed (46%) prefer a phone call as opposed to an email (34% prefer this method). The alleged reason is that they consider a follow-up call from a potential candidate shows a lot of initiative and proactive ability.
Five months ago I met with a career counsellor at Ryerson University who told me I needed to be more proactive in my job search. I have taken his advice seriously and have followed it closely each day, by balancing oral communication with preparing applications. This did not always include making follow-up calls a week after sending applications, however.
Today I phoned one of the hiring managers. The timing of the call came exactly a week after applying for a communications-related position with a non-profit organization. While I'm not sure what the recruiter's thoughts are, we talked for two minutes and she sounded appreciative. During our brief conversation, I highlighted in my qualifications and background that complement what is stated in the posting. She asked for my name at the end, and I gave it to her with the hope that I will stand out from the other applicants. I thanked her for her time, and now I am going to wait for their response while forging ahead with other applications.
I was nervous about taking these extra steps to be proactive five months ago, but I find that it can give a job seeker a more competitive edge without appearing aggressive or abrasive. Being proactive has also lifted me out of my layoff-related depression and diffidence. If you take the right approaches to being proactive, it can yield some pleasant (and unexpected) results.
03.29.2006:
It's been a busy few weeks for me as I have concentrated most of my energies into the job search and professional development activities. I have also been developing ways I can effectively respond to the inevitable behaviour questions that come up in job interviews, something I hinted at in my previous blog.
Below are some behavioural questions that I have answered successfully in my recent series of interviews. These can help you if you are a job-seeker or an employer who is looking for some good questions to ask.
Describe a time when you went “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Can you tell me about a time when you had difficulty interacting with a customer?
Tell me about the best customer service you have ever delivered.
Tell me about a time in which you had to use your verbal skills in order to get a point across that was important to you.
Describe your most positive team experience. What made it so successful? What role did you play and how did you interact with other team members?
Tell me about a time when you couldn’t “see eye to eye” with someone.
Describe a responsibility you have had that required a high attention to detail.
Sometimes it's easy to get in "over your head." Describe a situation where you had to request help or assistance on a project or assignment.
Is there ever a time where you made a mistake on the job? If so, how did you go about correcting it?
Why do you want to work for us?
Where do you see yourself 5 or 10 years from now?
Was there ever a time where you had to go outside of the parameters of your role when delivering quality customer service?
Talk about a time when you worked with a colleague who was not completing their share of the work. Who, if anyone, did you tell or talk to about it? Did the manager take any steps to correct your colleague? Did you agree or disagree with the manager's actions?
We can sometimes identify a small problem and fix it before it becomes a major problem. Give an example(s) of how you have done this.
Describe a situation in which you had to collect information by asking many questions of several people.
There are other behavioural questions that could be asked at a job interview, but these ones I've listed are some of the most common. I find that the better prepared you are at giving answers, the easier it is to calm your nerves when you're faced with these questions. I have written down answers for reference purposes to these questions I've listed, and they have made a difference in the way I perform during interview situations.
02.16.2006:
Behavioural interviewing has become the new standard of assessing candidates for paid positions. Being able to know how to respond to answers in a behavioural-style interview is a skill in itself. This is one skill that I have had to develop, because answering probing questions does not come naturally to me. Thankfully there are resources and services out there that can help, like taking part in mock interviews and getting feedback afterwards.
* Identify six to eight examples from your past experience where you demonstrated top behaviors and skills that employers typically seek. Think in terms of examples that will exploit your top selling points.
* Half your examples should be totally positive, such as accomplishments or meeting goals.
* The other half should be situations that started out negatively but either ended positively or you made the best of the outcome.
* Vary your examples; don't take them all from just one area of your life.
* Use fairly recent examples. If you're a college student, examples from high school may be too long ago. Accenture, in fact, specifies that candidates give examples of behaviors demonstrated within the last year.
* Try to describe examples in story form and/or apply the STAR (Situation/Task-Action-Result) technique
I am starting to get the process and am able to relax more now that I've been through several of these kinds of interview situations. You will find that your confidence level increases the more you practice and prepare for behavioural interviews.
01.31.2006:
As promised, here is a positive step back to the workforce I'm going to share with you. During the summer, I began getting acquainted with PowerPoint, because I know that many professional environments now use it to create presentations. Gone are the film reels and slides of yesteryear!
My first tutorial was self-guided. All I had with me was a how-to guide I borrowed from a staff member of the Toronto Reference Library. While reading though the important steps at the library, I used one of its computers to play around with the backgrounds, fonts and graphics. It was love at first sight!
I discovered that PowerPoint is an outlet I can use to showcase my creativity, which I consider to be one of my strengths. PowerPoint is a computer skill that is in demand these days. It wasn't long after my introduction to this program that I upgraded my entire Microsoft Office for my home computer. My upgrade enabled me to install PowerPoint for the first time.
I took my PowerPoint education a step further by attending a workshop hosted by a local employment counselling and resource centre. Here is the short mock presentation I created during the workshop you can download safely onto your computer. The presentation, called Welcome to Toronto, is supposed to be intended for American businessfolk and visitors unacquainted with the city.
This is only the beginning of my PowerPoint association. I continue to experiment with this program, and can't wait to create presentations on a more frequent basis at my next place of employment. I'm a PowerPoint guy!
01.18.2006:
The election is five days away. Since I made my last blog entry I discovered that Toronto Star reporter Helen Henderson caught on to Warren Rupnarain's investigation on whether the major political parties are taking a more proactive approach to accessibility issues. He continues to post results daily on Warren's World. He has made random, unannounced visits to the candidates' offices in Toronto, as part of a fourth-year social work project he is doing for Ryerson University. As Henderson writes in her column, published January 14, "This is reality TV with a definite message, one that candidates ignore at their peril."
You can read Henderson's column on Warren's World by following this link.
01.14.2006:
Today I'd like to tell you about a cool site I found that encourages people with disabilities to make their voices heard in the upcoming federal election. A 22-year-old Ryerson University student named Warren Rupnarain has been named the 2006 Election Voice of Accessibility by Ontario March of Dimes. His site, Warren's World, also features advocacy news and links in a presentation that is both informative and entertaining.
I am an alumnus of Ryerson, and it's good to see someone else with school ties make a name for himself! (laughs) Oh, and he has a good blog too.
After spending time here, be sure to check out Warren's World!
