EP043 Create a Stand Out Cover letter, Resume and LI Profile with Kamara Toffolo
Young Money with Tracey Bissett
Release Date: 08/07/2018
Young Money with Tracey Bissett
As Financial Literacy Month continues, we're diving into the crucial but often overlooked role of insurance for young Canadians. Today we're joined by Jessica Baker, Executive Vice President of Retail Wealth at Co-operators, a trusted, Canadian-owned company providing insurance and financial services since 1945. Listen in as Jessica explains how insurance isn't just about protecting possessions—it's about safeguarding your financial future. She busts common myths, like the idea that insurance is too expensive or unnecessary for healthy young people, and offers valuable insight that could...
info_outline EP331 Financial Literacy Month with FCACYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
In this Financial Literacy Month special of Young Money, we're joined by Rana Abu-Naameh, Director General of Supervision at the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC). With her extensive background in public service and financial oversight, Rana sheds light on how FCAC protects consumer rights and enhances financial literacy across Canada. Listen in as Rana dives into the critical aspects of FCAC’s mandate, focusing particularly on the streamlined consumer complaint handling process. She explains the steps consumers should take if they have grievances with financial products or...
info_outline EP330 Small Business Path to Impact with Pouya Zangeneh, ScotiabankYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
As we celebrate Small Business Month in Canada, I'm delighted to speak with Pouya Zangeneh, the Senior Vice President of Small Business Banking at Scotiabank. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Pouya shares his insights from Scotiabank's recent report, "Path to Impact 2024: Navigating the Future Succession and Success in the Digital Era." Listen in as Pouya discusses the trends impacting small businesses, including the imminent 'succession tsunami' where many business owners plan to transition their businesses in the next decade. He explores the importance of...
info_outline EP329 Canadian Holiday Spending Outlook with PwCYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
In this episode, I’m joined by Elisa Swern, a national retail and consumer leader and partner at PwC Canada. With over 25 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors, Elisa brings her extensive expertise to discuss the findings of PwC's Canadian Holiday Outlook Survey for 2024. Listen in as Elisa dives into the expected increase in consumer spending this holiday season, despite economic challenges. She also highlights the spending behaviors across different generations and provinces and shares insights into the growing importance of sustainability in consumer choices. You'll...
info_outline EP328 More Than A Number with Meridian Credit UnionYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
Are you feeling overwhelmed by rising living costs and seeking better financial guidance? In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kauth, Vice President of Wealth at Meridian Credit Union, who brings nearly three decades of experience in the financial industry. Shawn discusses the results of Meridian's 'More Than a Number' survey, revealing critical perspectives on financial insecurity among Canadians. Listen in as Shawn addresses the concerns different demographics face, including the anxiety experienced by Gen Z and the challenges women face regarding long-term financial futures. You will...
info_outline EP327 Student Loan Repayment Explored with NerdWallet CanadaYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
Are you or someone you know dealing with student loans or getting ready to navigate the world of repayment? In this episode, I sit down with Clay Jarvis, NerdWallet Canada’s mortgage and real estate expert, to discuss essential strategies for managing student loans and making smart financial decisions. We'll dive into practical advice for students just starting their loan repayments, adjusting payments to fit your financial situation, and what to do if you’re struggling to make payments. Clay also highlights the importance of budgeting and why parents should have financial conversations...
info_outline EP326 NerdWallet's Guide to the Costs of Fertility TreatmentsYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
Have you ever wondered about the true costs of fertility treatment in Canada? In today's episode, we sit down with Shannon Terrell, a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, to explore the financial realities many Canadians face when seeking fertility treatments. With one in six Canadian couples experiencing infertility, understanding the costs and financial options available is crucial. Shannon shares insights from a guide she developed, offering a comprehensive look at the various methods of fertility treatments and their associated costs. Listen in as we discuss where Canadians can...
info_outline EP325 Spotlight on V.I.L. Landscaping founder Charlie KerriganYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
In this episode, I’m joined by Charlie Kerrigan, the founder of V.I.L Landscaping and host of The Hard Lessons Podcast. Starting his business in 2016 with just a push mower, Charlie has grown V.I.L Landscaping into a thriving enterprise and aims to become one of the top landscaping companies in Canada. Listen in as Charlie shares his journey, from being a young entrepreneur knocking on doors to running a company with multiple locations and a dedicated team. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors, the necessity of cash flow management, and building a strong team...
info_outline EP324 Advice to My Younger Self with Martha IbrahimYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
In this episode, I’m joined by Martha Ibrahim, a certified accountant with 13 years of experience in capital markets regulation and a champion of financial inclusion projects in Nigeria. Martha shares her journey and the inspiration behind her book, Things I Wish I Knew Before I Got My First Job, which highlights the seven keys to personal finance, personal growth, and self-leadership. Listen in as she offers invaluable advice on the importance of personal finance, the necessity of multiple streams of income, and the four essential skills everyone should develop. You'll learn about the...
info_outline EP323 Financially Supporting Aging ParentsYoung Money with Tracey Bissett
As Canadians grapple with the financial and emotional aspects of supporting aging parents, we sit down with Clay Jarvis, a mortgage and real estate expert from NerdWallet Canada. This episode dives into NerdWallet’’s recent aging parent survey, conducted by the Harris Poll, revealing that nearly one-third of Canadians are either assisting or plan to assist their parents financially. Listen in as Clay provides expert advice on initiating conversations about finances with aging parents, addressing sensitive topics such as estate planning and end-of-life care. He emphasizes the importance of...
info_outlineKamara Toffolo is a job search strategist, LinkedIn consultant, and resume writer who is passionate about helping high-achieving professionals around the world transition and advance their careers to the next level. She is a featured and contributing author for many publications including Business Insider, Forbes Magazine, and Inc. Magazine and has presented keynote speeches and seminars at several professional conferences, universities, corporate training, and workshops. Before working in the career development field, she has 12 years of experience in the financial services and technology industries, working with small to mid-sized businesses as well as Fortune 500 companies.
Kamara joins me today to share tips and strategies on how to create a standout cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn profile. She explains the purpose of a cover letter and how it can help you highlight your personality, accomplishments, and the value you bring to an organization as well as some of the common mistakes many young professionals make when crafting their cover letter. She also explains the difference between a functional resume and a chronological resume, what job recruiters truly want from your resume, and tips on how to build a stellar LinkedIn profile.
“It goes back to the know, like, trust factor - someone without a linked in profile picture immediately misses out on the ability to establish trust.” - Kamara Toffolo
This Week on Young Money:
- How she helps clients achieve their career goals and demonstrate their professional values in their cover letters, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles.
- The importance of finding a balance between being humble and highlighting your accomplishments and the value you can bring to an organization.
- How building and nurturing relationships have impacted her career success.
- What led to the transition from working in the financial services industry to the career development space.
- Why she wishes she began to invest in real estate sooner.
- How to identify your transferable skills.
- The importance of seeking advice from other professionals within your industry.
- The importance of keeping a running document of your accomplishments and achievements.
- The appropriate length of a resume.
- The importance of being clear on what your target job is before building your resume.
- Common mistakes to avoid when creating your resume.
- The difference between a functional resume and a chronological resume.
- The purpose of a cover letter.
- Common mistakes to avoid when crafting your cover letter.
- How your profile picture helps you build trust.
- The importance of including the skills you currently have on your LinkedIn profile instead of the skills you aspire to have.
- Why LinkedIn recommendations are critical to job recruiters.
Kamara Toffolo’s Tips for Creating a Stand Out Cover Letter, Resume, and LinkedIn Profile:
- Start with the pre-resume work. Find the common thread that connects your skills, experiences, and what you stand for.
- Keep an ongoing record of your accomplishments.
- Be clear on your target job. Do your research.
- Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for.
- Include a headshot (no selfies!), recommendations, and your current skill sets on your LinkedIn profile.
- Make sure you have a well-written LinkedIn profile summary.
- Take the time to customize your cover letter to reflect the value you can bring to an organization.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Kamara Toffolo:
- Kamara Toffolo website
- Kamara Toffolo on LinkedIn
- Kamara Toffolo on Twitter
- Kamara Toffolo on Instagram
- You Map: Find Yourself, Blaze Your Path, Show the World book – coming in November 2018
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