Job Searching and Networking: A Local Employer Perspective

In this episode, we are chatting with 2 local employers about their perspectives on job searching and networking. Join us to access some valuable and insightful advice about how to speak to employers when networking, best practices when job searching, and what you can do if you are a student facing barriers! 

Episode Transcript

Safia (00:04):
Hello and welcome to Wolfe's workplace career chats,
where we discuss everything andanything careers related.
Our goal is to connect studentswith opportunities to explore
their life path, build skillsand networks, and gain knowledge
of how to succeed in theirchosen industry to support
employment and cultivate themotivation to persist and
complete their studies.
But regardless of whether youare a student or not, please

(00:25):
feel free to join.
Welcome.
I am your host, Sophia Bega, andI am the career zones, employer
relations specialist.
In this episode, we will provideyou with a brief introduction to
the world of networking and jobsearching.
From an employer perspective, wewill be speaking with two local
thunder bay employers to findout a little bit more about
their career paths and advicethey have for students looking
for jobs with the intention tospark some inspiration in you

(00:48):
regarding your own career path.
I am very pleased to introduceJason Thompson and Michael knits
as our special.
Thank you so much for joiningus.

Michael (00:58):
Yeah.
Thanks for the inmates, Sophia.

Safia (00:59):
So Michael, can you please tell us a little bit
about yourself and what you do?
So if you could describe youreducational background, how you
got into your company andindustry and the role that you
currently have.

Michael (01:09):
Yeah, right now just honored to be the district vice
president for TD bank for all ofNorthern Ontario, from Manitoba
border to Quebec border.
Not a job I ever thought I wouldhave, uh, in university growing
up in Toronto and looking atoptions.
I wanted to be a gym teacher.
I wanted to promote physicalwellness to kids moved up to
Lakehead university for thekinesiology program.

(01:29):
After two years switched over tobusiness, I just found, I was
showing up to those classes andI took an interest in those
classes so switched to businessand then ended up working in the
financial sector.
So it's been a great journey,got an opportunity to work with
many phenomenal employees andjust, yeah.
Honored to be living in NorthernOntario.
Yeah, that's

Safia (01:47):
awesome.
I love the direction your careerpath took, especially from what
you thought you were interestedin as a student to where you are
now.

Michael (01:55):
Yeah, it really taught me to follow my passions.
Right.
So I was enrolled in all thesekinesiology programs.
I had some business electivesthe stuff I got excited about
wasn't kinesiology.
So made the quick switch.
And I think it's just everyonefollow your passion because
you're, your career is a longtime.
and just focus on those areasthat ignite you and you jump
outta bed, wanting to do,instead of those that, maybe

(02:15):
necessarily aren't that way thatyour parents push you down that
path or, or if your path changesdon't, don't be shy.
That's awesome

Safia (02:22):
advice.
And yeah, I also would encouragestudents to not hesitate, to
pursue what really intereststhem And, uh, Jason, would you
like to introduce yourself

Jason (02:30):
as well?
Yeah, for sure.
Still Jason Thompson, I'm aproud member of the red rock
first nation, president ofsuperior strategies incorporated
as well as president awardengineering.
In my path, I guess, ultimatelyit was really typical to most
folks in Northwestern, Ontario,where, you know, I went to high
school at nip rock high in, inred rock and graduated and did a
year of college decided I wantedto go to work and make some

(02:53):
money.
So I did that for a few years.
And when the forest industrystarted to collapse, I decided,
you know what, I gotta returnback to school and finish my
studies in human resource.
Manage.
and, again, I was written verypassionate about health and
safety, health and safety in thehuman element has always been,
something that's really, kept meenthused, but also looking at
ways of, of doing thingsdifferently.

(03:14):
And, you know, I've always said,as we grow and develop, been
very fortunate, we're working ina lot of really, inspirational
type business sectors with.
Advances in modern technology.
We're talking about compostablebags working with robotics.
but one thing that's alwaysstayed true to me and true to
what I believe that, there's nogreater asset to any company
than the human asset.
And that's why human resourceshas always been huge for me and

(03:35):
health and safety.
Right?
So we started out business as ahealth and safety training
company and have evolved to anumber of things.
But I said, I'm very proud to befrom Northwestern, Ontario.
I'm a huge supporter ofNorthwestern, Ontario as a.
I've always been about, being aconduit to, to change an
opportunity.
And right now it's extremelyexciting for the young folks.

(03:57):
I'm enthusiastic about what thefuture holds for, thunder bay
and Northern Ontario as a wholeand Canada as a whole.
So I, I'm pretty excited about,the path forward for everyone.
And honestly, there's a, there'sa place for everyone out there.

Safia (04:09):
it seems that you also followed something that you were
passionate about as well withyour career path.
A hundred

Jason (04:13):
percent.
You know, we were very fortunatethat, like Mike said, you know,
you gotta enjoy your work,getting up every morning and
putting your socks on andgetting ready to go.
Like, I remember the first day,of my first job and kid made to
get out and, and get, to work.
I like that every day.
Oh, I get to come to work everyday with that same energy mm-hmm
and I always say, you know, if,if people can come to work with
that same energy every day, WhenI started this new job, I know
it's not, you know, maybe I'm,too philosophical in my

(04:35):
thinking, but I do believe thatif you look at things from a
different perspective, it reallyhelps shape your vision.
Right?
You can sit there and look atthe negative and, and be angry
or whatever the case may be.
But at the end of the day,you're in control of that
destiny.
So you can make the choice to.

Safia (04:51):
That's true.
Yeah.
I love the advice that you havejust starting out.
So our first question, justgetting into it.
What have you learned from jobsearching that students and new
graduates should know?
And what advice would you give astudent facing barriers who
might be hesitant and nervouswhen it comes to job searching?
Uh, so Michael, do you wannatake that first?
Yeah.

Michael (05:10):
Sure.
So first off you just gotta getout there and meet folks.
When I hire Lakehead alum,Graduates.
I find there's a special focuson emotional intelligence.
So I find what I meet withLakehead students and graduates.
They have a great ability toconnect with people, to talk to
people.
My only regrets to my career areMBAs who went to other schools,

(05:31):
right?
Like it, it is not necessarilyIQ.
That's gonna get you in the doorand get you a job.
So much of the focus, especiallyaround leadership or, or roles
where you're dealing withcustomers is about those
abilities to have aconversation, connect with
someone, inspire and motivate.
And I, I think just really focuson the ability to get out.
What skills are required to goup, shake someone's hand, have a

(05:51):
conversation, and then go and doit.
There's a number of avenues inNorthwestern, Ontario, and
outside to grow your network.
show up to events, chambers ofcommerce, through a ton of
events, young professionalorganizations across Canada, uh,
host a ton of events and just gowith a focus on meeting people,
being curious, asking questions,and just wanting to get to know
people.

(06:12):
The other thing I would couplewith that is an online presence
through LinkedIn, superimportant that individuals are
out there.
Use it as your virtual Rolodex,sharing content.
That's inspiring to you that youthink others would like, and
engage with folks as well inthat platform and, and never,
never feel afraid to, to send aconnection request to someone
you just met, even if it was fora couple seconds, cuz you don't

(06:33):
know where that path or in thatjourney's gonna bring you.

Safia (06:36):
Yeah, absolutely.
And I think that's somethingthat.
Really encourage students to dois number one, networking.
And, showcasing the skills thatyou have.
And it really comes down to,like you said, being able to
show who you are and what youhave to offer.
And just being confident indoing that.

Michael (06:52):
Yeah.
People wanna work with thosethat they like and that they
trust.
Right.
Like I can tell in 10 seconds ifI want to work with someone and
if I want to hire someone, sojust.
leave all that, that learningbehind and just be a human and
connect with them in that.
It in that moment, everyonesays, you know, people put on
their pants, we'll make it atime.
And it's, it's true.
Everyone has families.
Everyone has challenges.
Everyone's going through thesame process of COVID.

(07:14):
If someone has kids and you havekids connect on that, like just
find a mutual interest and justtalk about it.
Food is actually the easiestthing I find it a networking
event.
The best question in anothercommunity is where do I get the
best pizza pizza around here?
And everyone thinks they're apizza conno, sir.
And it leads to some interestingdialogue amongst the people in
the room.
So just be human and justconnect and just be, be likable

(07:35):
and be authentic.
Be you be real.
And, you'll have no problemfinding an.
Yeah,

Safia (07:40):
I love that.
And I think that's somethingthat we also encourage students
to do.
And, uh, we discuss networkingis that you just have to present
yourself authentically becausethat is who you're gonna be when
you're working for someone.
So if you connect then, thenthat is already something that
is beneficial for your futureworking relationship.
just again,

Jason (08:00):
what Mike's saying about, you know, network having a
strong network and volunteering.
I was one of those person orpeople that couldn't wait to
become of age, to volunteer forour fire department back home.
I just couldn't wait for it.
And I had to wait until I was 18years old, become a volunteer
but that that's really it, youknow, I really believe in giving
back to the community, being apart of the community.
It's how you make greatconnections.
You talk about, using yoursocial media platforms and

(08:21):
there's a variety of differentplatforms out there again, but
also remembering that, thosesocial media platforms,
everything that you post hasseen, right.
And you gotta be cognizant ofthat, everything you say, and
I'm very active on LinkedIn andall that.
I am who I am.
I will not change that.
I am who I am.
And, you know, I try, I try tobe very honest, and encouraging,
but also.

(08:41):
there's a point to beeducational, especially as a, as
a first nation person,indigenous person here in,
Canada, in Northern Ontarioright now, you know, you see a
lot of challenges and barriers.
you face a lot of challenges andbarriers.
I meet'em head on and I am theperson that, you know, you're
willing to work with me.
I'm willing to work with you.
And you know, we're very proudto say that as an indigenous

(09:04):
organization, spirit strategy isa hundred percent indigenous
owned and.
We're one of the very fewcompanies doing what we're
doing, uh, in, in multiplesectors across business.
we also have water engineering,which I'm a majority owner of,
but again, it's about empoweringour people and you talk about
barriers and we faced a lot andwe still face a lot.
There's still a lot ofchallenges relative to
residential schools in thehistory that, you know, 150

(09:26):
years of challenges we face asindigenous people.
And it's more so about, pickingeach other up I've always said
that our people are notanti-development, we're at the
exclusion and it's really seeingyourselves in those positions.
And that's why I'm very proud tosay within our organizations
that a majority of our,employees are indigenous and the
majority are female.
So I walk inclusion every day Ilive it.

(09:47):
I breathe.
It, it is who I am.
And, you know, I can have aconversation with, I don't care
who you're talking to staples orwhatever agent corporation and
say I'm doing it.
And if I can do it, you can.
And it's really about, again,it's showing people, you know,
what we, what we've created hereas, couple of companies is that,
there's a stigma and stereotypeout there of the lazy Indian.

(10:08):
And I don't believe that's thecase.
I really truly believe in whywe've created this warrior brand
is a brand that built oninclusion.
And it's about inspiring peopleto say, no, if I can do it, you
can do it.
I grew up under, as I know, I'veseen those trials and
tribulations and it's really.
inspiring people, you know, thefour colors of the medicine
wheel are inclusive of everybodyon this, on this planet.
Right.

(10:28):
And that's really what we wantto do.
So, again, at the end of theday, I think it's, it's also
important to understand that,sometimes the challenges are
barrier created is within, iswithin your head and, and
dealing with some mental healthissues and challenges, it's all
part and parcel to what we'redealing with.
And everybody goes, right.
I don't care what color or skinyou are, nationality.
You.
but it's about picking us up.

(10:49):
And I really think yourgeneration as, as people are in
a great place right now toreally impact change.
And that's, what's expiring forme.
And I sit there and go, I seeopportunities every day.
And how do I communicate that topeople?
So they see what I.
and that's a challenge formyself and I'm open to open to
the conversation, but I'm going,like, I see so much opportunity
for our youth, right.
And that's where we're at.

(11:09):
You know, again, like I said,there's so much potential.
I see the opportunity for, youknow, my kids, my grandkids,
and, and the future generationswhere we talk about seven
generations.
And I see the opportunity.
I think, you know, we're slowlyturning that corner still a
little ways away, but verypositive with companies like the
TD bank and Mike and his teamare.
It's tremendous.
Cause we see that cornerturning.
Right.
And we see the opportunity, thisa matter of ensuring everybody

(11:31):
sees that opportunity.
Right.
Mm-hmm sorry.
Sorry for a long

Michael (11:34):
winded

Safia (11:35):
answer.
No, no, I think that's veryimportant.
Yeah.
And um, yeah.
Thank you for bringing that up.

Michael (11:39):
I think, um, you wanna work for an employer too?
Who wants to be representativeof the community?
You wanna work for an employerwho wants to be diverse?
At TD and other largestorganizations, they have a focus
on more diverse workforce.
And, I can agree more, adjacentabout, you know, the barrier
sometimes being the individualsthemselves and in the banking
sector, if there's a, a youthgrowing up in a remote first

(12:01):
nation community, they probablynever thought of working in
banking, but ask some questions,reach out to folks the company
want to work for likely, wantsto, wants to engage with you.
And.
We've come a bit.
We have a long way to go.
both my sons are members of4000001st nation and, and, and
I'm really excited about whenthey start looking for jobs in
10 years, about how much fartherwe can go in that time, but

(12:21):
never be afraid to reach out tosomeone, never feel you're not,
uh, worthwhile of a conversationwith someone just, I mean, reach
out your hand and if they don'treach back, you don't wanna work
for them anyway.
So find those organizations thatwant to learn and listen from a
diverse, a diverse group offolks.
Mm-hmm

Safia (12:36):
that's very true.
Yeah.
So it, it does come down to,what kind of company you wanna
work for, um, and then findingthe right fit for you as well.
so moving along from that,what's the most difficult part
about job searching from yourperspective, how would you
encourage students, especiallystudents facing barriers to
overcome these challenges?

Jason (12:57):
I think ultimately it, it, it comes down to, having the
confidence to, to venture into apath that, especially on, again,
refer back to the indigenous,side of things where you're not
seeing a lot of people in thesepositions, whether it's
engineering or, or even infinance.
So it's, it's going in with themindset that I will.

(13:19):
groundbreaking.
I am going to be a role model.
And I think it's through thatperspective saying, you know
what I think, you know, in mostsectors across, you know, Canada
and the world right now, thereis, uh, a more of a welcoming
perspective to, diverse groups.
Right?
A lot of diverse group doesn'tmean doesn't matter, just one or

(13:39):
any one or two in particular.
It's it's everyone.
I think, you know, this hugemovement relative to ES.
you're seeing that.
And I think it, it's more sobeing confident and, and willing
to sit there and say, you knowwhat, I'm doing this for me, but
I'm also doing it for the peoplethat are come behind me.
And that's kind the message we,we have.
And, and, and it's really about,in our indigenous, thought
process to warrior is ultimatelythat the, the protector, the

(14:03):
helper, and that's what thewarriors is, not the aggressor
in which sometimes the percept.
But it's ultimately to helperthat's what we want to do.
we want people to help becauseagain, it's, Senator Murray
Sinclair said for us asindigenous people, it took us
150 years to get to the placewe're at.
It's gonna take 150 years to getto the place we want to be.
what it's gonna take is peoplehaving that confidence and sit
there and knock on that, or be apart of this group, get out

(14:26):
there.
Right.
Especially when, you know, youmight have been dealing with,
challenges or, or an unhealthy.
whatever the case may be, but tohave the confidence to, to be
that person, that instituteschange.
Cause that's really what it'sabout.
It's student change, right.
Having that confidence.
And I think if we can find apeer group, a collective to sit
there and support you in that,and that's what you want.

(14:46):
And like I said, I think rightnow we're, we're in probably a
great place, relative to wherewe are in society that is there
to encourage that.
Right.
We still have some work to do,but I think we're in a much
better place than.
Probably five, 10 years ago.

Michael (14:58):
Do you have anything to add to that?
The question was aroundchallenges for some, yeah.

Safia (15:03):
So challenges about, uh, job searching.
And then also if you have anyperspective on something that
students facing barriers coulddo to overcome these.

Michael (15:10):
Yeah.
I think first off, just knowthat because you don't see a job
posted with a certain companydoesn't mean they're hiring.
we've started more and more.
When we post a job, we alreadyknow a couple people who are.
apply.
So reach out to an organizationthat inspires you, an
organization that you'reinterested in working with, know
that you as the, the employeehave a lot of power nowadays,

(15:31):
especially with the way, uh,things are in the community.
Like if, if you're a reallystrong, passionate, hungry,
humble, smart, potentialemployee, you have the
negotiation power to pick theemployer you wanna work with.
so don't, don't underestimatethat.
I do know a lot of organizationsgo to online application for
jobs and that's okay.
But don't just apply to thoseroles online and expect to get

(15:55):
an interview and get the job.
You have to add extra nuances onthere.
If someone applies to a role andthey haven't reached out to me,
if I'm the hiring manager, ifthey haven't walked into one of
our branches to drop off aphysical resume, still.
They haven't gone above andbeyond.
So don't ever just click that,apply to job, um, button on your
computer and then expect thingsto fall into place.
Do those things that are gonnaget you noticed because yeah,

(16:17):
sure.
It's easy for you to apply thatway.
It's also easy for those 50other people.
And how are you gonnadifferentiate yourself?
So show up in person with awritten resume, meet the hiring
manager and start building aconversation there.
So, yeah, biggest advice.
I would say for anyone lookingfor a job, don't just apply
online, cuz you're likely noteven gonna get.
Mm.

Safia (16:36):
And I think like, even more basic than that is tailor
your application

Jason (16:40):
Also do your homework, right.
And find out like, is this theorganization you wanna work for?
Does it, does it share yourvalues?
Cause that's important, right?
You don't wanna get stuck in ajob and, and.
Yeah.
I feel like you you're stuckthere, right?
Again, you're not happy.
Right?
You're don't like putting yoursocks under everyone to get out
the door, find out if thatorganizational culture within
that company aligns with yourown personal values.
Cause

Safia (17:00):
that's important.
Yeah.
Right.
And then you can showcase that.
And that will come through whenyou're talking to whoever is
hiring or whoever you wannaconnect with

Jason (17:07):
a hundred percent, you know, from my, my perspective
when I'm doing recruiting is II'm looking at behaviors and I,
and I'll be brutally honest withyou is that I don't look for,
unless it's for an engineeringor specific engineer position
I'm hiring for behaviors.
I'm looking, I'm looking forpositive behaviors if you're
willing to grow and, and, andreally commit to our team and be
a part of our team.
Yeah.
I wanna hire you.

(17:27):
Right.
And I think that that's reallytruly it because, you know,
technical stuff, technicalskills can be trained.
People can be trained to dotechnical things, right.
It's that people coming in towork with a bit of a fire in
their belly and a willingness tolearn and help grow the company.
That's what I want as anentrepreneur, as someone growing

(17:49):
a small medium sized business isI want someone to come in every
day that you know, is gonna comein and give an effort and be a
part of the team and, and, andmesh well with the team.
Cause at the end of the day, youknow, as, as a small business
owner, we can afford to havesomeone coming in also that got
a bit of a chip on yourshoulder.
That's coming in with adifferent attitude and, and
demonstrating behaviors that arenot, you know, in line with the

(18:13):
rest of the.
Because that damage is not agood thing.
Right?
And I think at the end of theday, we all have to be honest
with ourselves and say, is thisthe right spot for me?
Cause I think that's at a, at apoint we're at Mike's a hundred
percent right now you can go outand find another job tomorrow.
You can leave one today and findanother one tomorrow.
There's that much work outthere.
But after a while, if you'redemonstrating poor behaviors
where it also travels fast andpeople are not gonna touch you

(18:35):
after.
Right.
So it's understanding, you know,like you also gotta be true to
yourself, true to your employerbecause everybody's taking a
chance, from the person applyingto the person hiring.
Right.
And again, we all wanna seesuccess.
Like I've always said, I wantas, as a business owner and
someone who's growing people asthat, you know what I wanna
create a win-win as much as Ican.

(18:55):
That's really what it should beabout.
Right.
Not one person winning oneperson using.
Cause at that point, nobody,nobody wins in my perspective.
Anyway.
So it's creating that.
Win-win where, you know what, Iwant you to be happy to come to
work every day.
And if you're not, then I'llhelp you find another position
or I'll be honest with you.
And I think that's really at apoint where we're at right now
within, you know, life andsociety saying no, like life is

(19:18):
too short to going and be angry.
at work know everybody has thatchoice, but I think right now
there's a huge opportunity, withhow quickly the workforce is
changing.
we're hearing a lot of talkabout robotics and how it's,
changing manufacturing and eventalking about, retail and
service sector.
We are gonna see a huge increasein the amount of robotics that
are gonna be used, right.
But you still need that humanelement still.

(19:39):
I'd love to be served by humanbeings and, and a human
interaction.
that's one thing that COVID hasreally taught us, is that we
craved that human interaction,doing it online and virtual for
two years was tough.
And really it is aboutcommunity, right?
You need a sense of communitypride.
You know, like Mike mentionedthe chamber of commerce, you
know, very active within thechamber of commerce, very active

(19:59):
within the community.
And that's important for, forgrowing your network.
Right.
And getting to talk to peopleand talking, you know, people
like Mike and others and, youknow, finding out about
different careers and what are,what are your options out there?

Safia (20:11):
Yeah.
And I think even if you don'thave the necessary, technical
skills, don't hesitate to applyand to reach out and see what
opportunities that you have opento.
Because, like Jason was saying,there are a lot of opportunities
for you just based on yourtransferable skills.
Mm-hmm and those are somethingthat are, that you grow and that

(20:32):
are personal to you.
and so like, it is important toshowcase.

Michael (20:36):
I think humility is also really important.
Like not coming in the doorfirst day.
Like, Hey Jay, how want yourjob?
Right?
Like now thinking be thepresident CEO tomorrow, like,
come in, be humble.
If you're, if you need to movefor, for a role to get the right
role, by all means, do that.
It shows the humility that youlearned.
One of the best things I didafter university was move.
I moved to.
Yeah.

(20:57):
Uh, I, I lived across the streetfrom where Jay went to high
school in red rock on Newton, onNewton, and it was the best
thing I ever did.
And a lot of people said, well,you're moving where I was like
almost an hour outside ofthunder bay, no big deal.
But the skills that taught me,the, the connection to the
community is really important.
Getting to know real people wasreally important.
And then from a job standpoint,I was doing every job in the

(21:18):
branch.
So I picked up a lot of skills.
So be, be humble.
be smart on, on the, on the EQside.
And then.
Be hungry too.
And hunger as far as besuccessful in the role you're
at.
And don't go to your boss everyday, looking for the promotion,
like do the work that's beingasked of you in a great way, and
you can get to wherever youwant.

(21:39):
And I've had employees say, Iwanna be the president CEO of
the bank.
And I'm like, sure, but here'swhat I need from you this year.
And then next year I'll tell youthat I'm never gonna downplay
someone's dreams or.
but you gotta put the work in.
If you want to get to thatlevel, nothing's ever gonna be
handed to you.
It hasn't been handed to us.
Right.
So humble, hungry, smart, Ithink are three characteristics
that everyone should have to bean ideal team player.

Safia (22:00):
I think it's good to keep that realistic.
It's good to know that, yeah, atthe end of the day, hard work is
what gets you.
Successful.
It's not, doesn't all

Michael (22:09):
come easy and not just one week of hard work.
That employee's coming in.
Wow.
I had a really good first week Iopened up this many accounts.
I did this many loans.
I'm ready for the next job.
And it's like, eh, five days

Safia (22:18):
Commitment.
And then also liking your jobyeah.
Is important because then you'llwant to put in that.

Michael (22:24):
Yeah.
I'm not a fan of the Monday,like, oh, it's Monday, tomorrow,
or, Hey, it's Friday.
Let's celebrate.
If you are in that frame of mindor you're in that kind of job
where you look forward toFriday, you're not the right
job.
Exactly.
Go find something where you're alittle disappointed.
That's Friday.
Sure.
You'll spend time with family orfriends, but you should never
look forward to Friday all weeklong, cuz you're in the wrong
job.

Safia (22:44):
I like that advice.
I really hope that studentslistening to this can find, a
passion that will help them todiscover that kind of
opportunity.