Tag Archives: Career Advice

How to Increase Your Qualifications

adult_studyIf you have been on the job hunt for a while, you will notice that having three (3) CXC/CSEC passes is no longer sufficient to land an entry level job in Trinidad and Tobago. Most employers are seeking five (5) or more passes for their entry level positions.

Since this is the case, job seekers have to consider entering back into school to earn and increase their qualifications. It’s not always easy between work and home life, but if you can create the time and supply the effort, having just two (2) more passes can increase the likelihood of landing the ob position of your dreams – not to mention upgrading you into a better salary bracket!

Where to start?

Adult Literacy Tutors Association (ALTA)

Here is where you begin if you need help reading and writing. The Adult Literacy Tutors Association, a non-profit organization in existence since 1992, provides the only comprehensive, structured, adult literacy programme in Trinidad and Tobago. ALTA does not necessarily provide CXC/CSEC classes, but aids in literacy to eventually write those exams. There are three (3) locations in P.O.S., Arima, and San Fernando.

Tel: 624-2582
Email: altapos@alta-tt.org

 Below are four (4) schools that provide CXC/CSEC classes for returning students, no matter what age!

Upper Level Educational Institute Ltd

ULEI is one of the leading private secondary schools in Trinidad. Its distinguished reputation and outstanding achievements have contributed to its growth and development over the years. Located in Chaguanas, Trinidad

Tel: 672-8797
Email: admin@uleitt.com

CTS College of Business and Computer Science Ltd

Over the years, thousands of students have graduated from CTS’ CXC/CSEC and GCE O’ level programmes, and some have progressed on to one of our degree programmes in Business or Information Technology, some of them have also gone on to completing their MBA. Located in Chaguanas, Trinidad

Tel: 671-2551/2872
Email: Study@CTScollege.com

Elders’ Classes

Elders’ classes provide a range of classes, including courses in CXC/CSEC after school and work flexibility. Located in P.O.S., Trinidad.

Tel: 627-8632 / 623-0935
Email: n/a

BetterGradesFast.com

BetterGradesFast.com provides the option for online video classes so that you don’t even have to leave your home. Their physical location is in Arima, Trinidad.

Tel: 308-4028
Email: n/a

 Don’t wait until you are too busy or cannot afford to improve your qualifications. Remember this investment today will provide a better tomorrow for you and your family! So take the leap now!

Brand Yourself Using Social Media

In the digital age, a person’s character and skills are quickly judged by their online presence before a real meeting. Turns out, about 92% of companies use social media for hiring – excluding LinkedIn. Your social media persona can help get the job (i.e. show creativity) or it can hamper your chances (i.e. show incompetence).

Here’s some Dos and Don’ts on how to use Social Media to your advantage!

Facebook/Twitter

  • Do choose a profile picture that is not scandalous and/or offensive.
  • Do create a user name that is close to your real name. Corrects spelling helps!
  • Don’t post everything you may find funny and/or go on a rant.
  • Don’t use offensive, racial and/or obscene language in most of your posts.

LinkedIn

  • Do choose an appropriate profile picture with a clear view of your face.
  • Do make sure you spell check your profile.
  • Don’t lie on your profile.

Personal Blog/ Instagram/ Youtube/ Tumblr/Pinterest

  • Do show your creativity, worth ethic and interests!
  • Don’t leave your profile “public” if what you post may discredit you.

Remember, every comment you make can trace back to your profile, so make sure your digital presence can impress and captivate the employer. Let them start chasing you for once!

Check out JobsTT on LinkedIn here!

 

When to Seek Feedback from an Employer

One of the many frustrations of job hunting is receiving little to no feedback on submitted applications from potential employers.

poll

According to a poll done by Simply Hired last week on Twitter, recruiters say a candidate should wait up to 5 – 7 days before following up on a job interview.

Following up with an employer after an application submission or interview can help you fine-tune your cover letter and CV for the next job opportunity coming your way. So to determine the right time to seek feedback, you should consider the following questions:

Have you successfully applied/interviewed for the job position?

Make sure that your application is successfully sent and delivered. If it’s an interview, note the date of the interview.

Has it been more than a week since you applied/interviewed?

From the date of your application/interview, count to see if seven (7) or more days have passed.

Is it pass the deadline date/feedback date for the job post?

Note if the application deadline or the feedback date given by the interviewer has passed.

If you have answered Yes to ALL of the above questions, then go ahead and contact the employer. The HR department should be willing to give feedback on your application/interview.

If you answered No on any of the above questions, you should consider giving the employer a few more days before seeking feedback.

Remember, whether if your feedback is positive or not, always ask how you can improve your resume or interviewing skills for future reference!