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A Canadian guide to time management for job seekers
One key communication technique to level up your interview skills
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It’s not the big things that add up in the end; it’s the hundreds, thousands, or millions of little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.
PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Canadian job search guide to making the most of your time
Are you applying to hundreds of jobs and feeling discouraged by automatic replies?
As with most things in life, the key to a successful job search is momentum created through consistency. Austin Belcak, career coach and founder of Cultivated Culture, recently shared the 5:50:5 method – 5 job search tasks, 50 minutes a day, 5 days a week. The key to this method is dedicating 50 minutes daily to focused tasks while making time for rest and rejuvenation on weekends.
Here are some tasks you can focus on throughout the week to build momentum and maintain morale:
💼 Send fewer, more tailored résumés – Austin recommends applying to 3 roles that truly align with your goals and focusing on making each application as specific as possible.
🤝 Reach out to new contacts and re-connect with current ones – Aim to create value for them, which can be as simple as asking about a project or offering insight.
💬 Leave thoughtful LinkedIn comments – This helps boost your visibility and builds your professional presence.
📊 Track your progress – Use a spreadsheet to record every job application, new contact, or comment you make. Shifting your focus from results to creating consistent habits can help maintain morale and keep you motivated.
CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach
Q: How does Canada approach work-life balance?
A: Canada stands out for its work-life balance, thanks to paid leave policies for things like parental and medical time off. This contrasts with the U.S., where paid leave isn’t guaranteed, making it harder for workers to find balance.
Ontario’s 2023 Right to Disconnect law also helps by encouraging workers to unplug after hours. Even if it’s tough to enforce, it sends a clear message that personal time matters.
Compared to cultures with longer work hours, like India, Canadians work fewer hours—around 32 a week—giving them more time for family, hobbies, and rest. (via Indeed Canada)
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LEARN THE LINGO
One key communication technique to level up your interview skills
Amy Lentz, an HR professional (also known as hackyourhr on Instagram) recently shared a few tips on nailing your interview, and she highlighted one key communication technique — speaking in threes.
The idea is simple: if you need to share multiple points, such as experiences, values, or ideas, aim to share three. Why? Our brains naturally find it easier to process and remember things in threes, making your responses more memorable to the listener.
Here are a few examples of how you can use this technique in an interview.
When asked about your strengths:
✅ I would say my three biggest strengths are adaptability, problem-solving, and communication.
When asked a behavioural question:
✅ In a previous role, I was tasked with leading a project with a tight deadline, which I knew would be challenging. First, I assessed the team’s strengths and delegated tasks accordingly. Then, I ensured open communication throughout the project by scheduling daily check-ins to address any concerns. As a result, we delivered the project on time, and the client was extremely satisfied with the final product.
When asked why you’re interested in the role:
✅ I’m particularly drawn to this role for three reasons: first, the opportunity to work on [specific type of project or task] excites me because of my experience in [related skill]. Second, I admire your company’s focus on [company value or mission], which aligns with my personal values. Finally, I see this as a great opportunity to continue developing my skills in [relevant area].
