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Our Student Career Library

BMO Financial Group has assembled a host of student Our Student Career Library for you.

The key to successful job hunting, is knowing how to market yourself. So before you begin your job search, you should evaluate your goals, aptitudes and the skills you have to offer. Then find out what jobs are available and see how you match up.

There are many ways to find out about job openings. There's your campus career centre, career fairs and a host of online job hunting sites. Then, there are more traditional channels like answering newspaper ads and targeting a specific company. Something else you might want to consider is networking - where you build relationships with other people in the industry that are mutually beneficial. It's a particularly good way to find out about positions immediately as they become available.

Your job search is like a campaign. You're promoting your skills, training and experience to potential employers. Two of the time tested ways to do this are with your resume and cover letters. As well, a simple thank you letter to someone you've interviewed with, or someone who has helped you, will go a long way.

Your resume should include all the following information:

  • Name, address, and telephone number
  • Objective Summary
  • Job History (following each position you may include a number of accomplishments)
  • Education/Continuing education
  • Technical and/or Computer Skills
  • Professional Affiliation
  • Community Activities
  • References (You can list them or put "References are available upon request")

Your resume should be clear and concise, and no more than two pages in length. Your highest or two highest level(s) of education are generally enough. Include work history that supports your objective. List your involvement in extracurricular activities, community groups and charities. It's an excellent way to demonstrate leadership, organization and other skills. Resist the temptation to cram your resume. A simple, well-spaced resume can have tremendous impact. If you have a web site, post your resume on it.

References can provide testimonials to your skills and abilities. Avoid personal references if you can. The best references are those from a professor or a previous employer - even if you only worked for them on a part-time basis or during the summer. Always notify your references when they are going to be called. And make sure that it's OK for them to be contacted by your prospective employer.

A cover letter should accompany your resume, especially if you're responding to an advertised position. It should be brief - no longer than one page - and easy to read.

There are eight essential rules for interviewing:

  1. Be brief
  2. Stop when you've said enough
  3. Listen carefully
  4. Don't be modest
  5. Don't exaggerate
  6. Use concrete terms
  7. Never defend or argue
  8. Make connections to the interviewer. It's up to you to link your qualifications to the requirements of the position
    9.

These are some sample questions you may be asked during a BMO Bank of Montreal interview. Or any other interview with a financial services organization:

  1. Tell me why you chose the university you attended?
  2. Why did you decide to study the area you did?
  3. Have you ever had an opportunity, either within your studies or work experience where you participated as a team? Tell me about it.
  4. Based on that experience, what do you think is one of the key elements that should be present in a team to make it successful?
  5. Have you ever assumed a leadership role? Explain.
  6. What would you say are you three greatest strengths.
  7. Name one thing about yourself that you would like to improve.
  8. Describe to me the kind of environment you would like to work in.
  9. What enticed you to apply to a position at our bank?
  10. What is your greatest accomplishment?
  11. Describe a time when you were able to make a significant contribution to a team effort, goal or objective.
  12. Describe a time you adapted to significant change.
  13. Describe a situation when you investigated an individual's concern or issue and found a specific need.

 

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