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As you may or may not know, Otto has a disability (Autism). He has cope with it very well and imo has made great strides in his development. We (my wife and I) went through alot during his primary s

At the beginning of all of these revelations, Ford's allies and councillors tried to sit down with him privately, and urge him to look out for himself, to get help, and to come back stronger than ever

Heavy Rescue Squad 331. Beaten up, soaked, and with bellies full of smoke. Best job in the world.  

Doesn't look like tweets prior to a certain date are even viewable online anymore, which is nice.

 

Someone go to my page http://twitter.com/ZachMHenderson and try to scroll down and find tweets from before 2014. If you do, please tell me.

 

I still have a shit ton of awful photographs to delete.

 

I like that it still shows me with 5k+ tweets now, so that people will assume I'm worth following.

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If I have two candidates left one is a Leafs fan other Pens fan. I'm taking the Leaf fan. Just saying.

 

You can't sue for team ism!!!

 

 

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If I have two candidates left one is a Leafs fan other Pens fan. I'm taking the Leaf fan. Just saying.

 

You can't sue for team ism!!!

. I remember a guy wanted to hire me because I fish. We spoke for like 15 mins on bass fishing. Told him I fished 2 tournaments.

 

So maybe poker may help

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Yeah, it would be something that comes up more naturally though, certainly not on a resume. If I gave a resume, and they wanted to look up my social media and stuff, they would probably figure out the poker thing. I say "former pro poker player" in my Twitter bio now, so if that was something that would help, then that's where they'll get it.

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Zach, I wouldn't put Poker on your resume, but I'd be prepared to talk about it during a job interview. It likely won't be viewed as a negative, and you can certainly put a positive spin on it if you are prepared. Somehting unique like that may look bad on paper, but may help you stand out amongst a group of applicants.

 

This is basically my approach - I mention it on a strategic basis only. If it is a longshot job with lots of applicants, and you get a good vibe from the interviewer (preferably a male no older than 40, if you'll permiss me to be both sexist and ageist, since that is the group most likely to have played poker themselves), then it can be a great way to separate yourself. If the position is such that only 1-2 people will make the hiring decision, even better. But more often than not, it is going to harm you, as it only takes one person who views poker as "gambling" to take you completely out of contention for a job, no matter how well you phrase it. Consider most jobs you will be applying for will not be directly analytical or mathematical, it makes it even harder to segue effectively.

 

Obviously experience is important, but the fact is that EVERYBODY starts out with no experience. How do I get in the door?

 

Volunteer. I know this is obvious, but there are a million volunteer opportunities in Toronto - show up to things, get yourself on boards - it is a lot easier and more seamless than you'd expect.

 

Zach, I think writing a good cover letter that is specifically tailored to the job and company that you are applying for is important. Then structure your Resume with a focus on your recent education, skills, and motivations. Don't have a work experience section at all.

 

Excellent advice. It's amazing how big of a difference the BS on cover letters can make when it is or isn't strongly written. Everyone knows it is all BS, but the key thing to remember is that every person interviewing you just wants to select someone that will be agreeable to their supervisors and won't make them look stupid. Getting the right keywords into their brains is what it is all about.

 

Yeah, it would be something that comes up more naturally though, certainly not on a resume. If I gave a resume, and they wanted to look up my social media and stuff, they would probably figure out the poker thing. I say "former pro poker player" in my Twitter bio now, so if that was something that would help, then that's where they'll get it.

 

Take this out. If they get that information without the proper context, your name will get thrown in the garbage immediately. Be cautious with how you share that information and who you share it with. Then, be more cautious. You will be regularly surprised at how a history of poker can effect you in the workforce, even in minor ways - there is a significant percentage of people who hear that, and will think that you spend every minute of ree time as one of those sad old men at Casino Rama.

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All good advice. When hiring, for me, a strong cover letter will get you a look more than almost anything. If you don't have relative job experience, then make the actual employment history part of your resume short and precise. THEN, in the skills area, highlight EVERY example you can think of for relative skills for the specific position for which you're applying. The other thing, and I'm sure someone already mentioned it, is don't write ONE resume and use it for everything. Write a resume for every job you're applying for. Use the same template, but highlight relevant skills and information to THAT job.

But mostly write a strong cover letter. And when you write it, don't fill it up with bullshit. What I mean is, don't use the 'I'm a hard worker and willing to learn' type of generic nonsense. Sometimes honesty will get you miles further.

For example, if you were applying for a job with a transportation analysis company, write something in your cover letter like, "While I may not have the experience of some people in the field of transport analysis, I feel strongly that this is the career path that I'm destined to follow. I do a lot of research on my own time into the (insert phrase here that indicates you know more than a layman) aspect of transport. I'm determined to be a part of the transport field, and I will bring that enthusiasm to any company that hires me."

 

If that doesn't work, go with the sexual favours suggestion....

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Volunteer. I know this is obvious, but there are a million volunteer opportunities in Toronto - show up to things, get yourself on boards - it is a lot easier and more seamless than you'd expect.

 

I don't think there are a million volunteer opportunities in Toronto. I don't think it's easy to get a volunteer position, which is weird.

 

Any advice on how to find something relevant to my field... that can also work around my busy schedule?

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I don't think there are a million volunteer opportunities in Toronto. I don't think it's easy to get a volunteer position, which is weird.

 

Any advice on how to find something relevant to my field... that can also work around my busy schedule?

 

This sounds silly , however call the mayors office...Say that you want to volunteer and I am sure they will direct you somewhere that is relevant..

 

 

 

PS

 

Rob Ford does return his emails and phone calls..He returned mine( his staff I am sure)

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I don't think there are a million volunteer opportunities in Toronto. I don't think it's easy to get a volunteer position, which is weird.

 

Any advice on how to find something relevant to my field... that can also work around my busy schedule?

 

Relevant to your field, I have no idea. But to just volunteer in general - any city or private festival, non-profit organization, school, recreational/sports group, YMCA, etc are always looking for volunteers. Something like the YMCA, a rec group or non-profit organization are your best bet for various reasons, including that their boards are usually important people from the community, and it doesn't take a lot for someone who is looking for that to find their way onto committees or board positions. I mean, you're not going to just hop onto the board of the Canadian Cancer Society and start having beers with CEOs, but there are important people at all levels. If you really want to be sneaky, find out which organizations some of the leaders at companies you'd like to work at volunteer with - probably they are on the boards of schools, churches and non-profit organizations, and get involved there.

 

Normally I'd stay away from municipal stuff, but if your work will mainly be with/for the city, then any contacts you make there will be useful indeed and it's a great place to get involved. City events and festivals will need volunteers and don't take up a lot of hours. And if you show yourself willing and able to take on responsibility, you'll get it, quickly, and get yourself into 'important' meetings.

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Would e-mailing my councilman have the same effect?

 

On the phone, or especially in person, has a much greater chance of getting somewhere in my opinion.

Emails are easily ignored or standard responses sent. Show you really want it by making the time for even something as simple as a 10min sit down with your councilman. You never know when such meeting may pay off in other ways.

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That's a good idea. I just have no idea what's even out there. I'd really like to find something I can do like, once or twice a week, that can be productive, useful, and at the same time, bolster my resume.

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Relevant to your field, I have no idea. But to just volunteer in general - any city or private festival, non-profit organization, school, recreational/sports group, YMCA, etc are always looking for volunteers. Something like the YMCA, a rec group or non-profit organization are your best bet for various reasons, including that their boards are usually important people from the community, and it doesn't take a lot for someone who is looking for that to find their way onto committees or board positions. I mean, you're not going to just hop onto the board of the Canadian Cancer Society and start having beers with CEOs, but there are important people at all levels. If you really want to be sneaky, find out which organizations some of the leaders at companies you'd like to work at volunteer with - probably they are on the boards of schools, churches and non-profit organizations, and get involved there.

 

Normally I'd stay away from municipal stuff, but if your work will mainly be with/for the city, then any contacts you make there will be useful indeed and it's a great place to get involved. City events and festivals will need volunteers and don't take up a lot of hours. And if you show yourself willing and able to take on responsibility, you'll get it, quickly, and get yourself into 'important' meetings.

 

I think for what Zach is looking for, he should volunteer with the city..

 

So many things you can do..

 

Pick a kids hockey team(especially house league) they always need helpers volunteers.

Go to your local community centre during a holiday..Help the homeless..

Go to a soup kitchen..

 

Pick a church..So many things you can do.

 

I have a full time job but still do tons of volunteer work. Mostly with my church and Adrian's hockey organization.

 

I am the head of the fundraising committee for the hockey team, I also help at the church I am on the auditing committee and I help run their golf tournament every year.

 

I think if i am hiring someone the volunteer work like that would impress me more than, cashier work at Mcdonalds or clean up at the local Winners.

 

If you lived in Suburbia i can get you so many hook ups, with volunteering jobs..Even introduce to you a lot of higher end businessman..Downtown not so much contacts.

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On the phone, or especially in person, has a much greater chance of getting somewhere in my opinion.

Emails are easily ignored or standard responses sent. Show you really want it by making the time for even something as simple as a 10min sit down with your councilman. You never know when such meeting may pay off in other ways.

 

good advice...

 

People dont phone anymore..More personal

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I think for what Zach is looking for, he should volunteer with the city..

 

So many things you can do..

 

Pick a kids hockey team(especially house league) they always need helpers volunteers.

Go to your local community centre during a holiday..Help the homeless..

Go to a soup kitchen..

 

Pick a church..So many things you can do.

 

I have a full time job but still do tons of volunteer work. Mostly with my church and Adrian's hockey organization.

 

I am the head of the fundraising committee for the hockey team, I also help at the church I am on the auditing committee and I help run their golf tournament every year.

 

I think if i am hiring someone the volunteer work like that would impress me more than, cashier work at Mcdonalds or clean up at the local Winners.

 

If you lived in Suburbia i can get you so many hook ups, with volunteering jobs..Even introduce to you a lot of higher end businessman..Downtown not so much contacts.

 

Good advice here. A good example too of what can happen - you volunteer somewhere, next year they're looking for people on the committees - maybe it is a treasurer, maybe on a fundraising committee, etc and you're in.

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Say I found a non-profit that is perfect for me... how would you word the e-mail to them? What would you include? They aren't necessarily looking for volunteers, but I'd like to see if they may want someone, or how I can get involved, etc.

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Say I found a non-profit that is perfect for me... how would you word the e-mail to them? What would you include? They aren't necessarily looking for volunteers, but I'd like to see if they may want someone, or how I can get involved, etc.

 

Just call Rob Ford directly and tell him that you want to work on his re-election. No need to e-mail.

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Say I found a non-profit that is perfect for me... how would you word the e-mail to them? What would you include? They aren't necessarily looking for volunteers, but I'd like to see if they may want someone, or how I can get involved, etc.

 

If it is a big enough non-profit, they probably have a Volunteer Manager or someone similar - call them and ask to set up a meeting or coffee as you'd LOVE to volunteer for them and would like to discuss the capacity. That's pretty much their dream come true - to have excited, dedicated people, capable and interested in increased responsibilities, even if you aren't able/willing to commit a ton of hours. Getting in good with that person will be the single most important factor in determining how beneficial that relationship is to you.

 

If it is a smaller organization, and you do not have any intermediary contacts, phone is still better, but email is fine too. I'd be inclined to email the top person (again, only if it is a very small organization) if there isn't an obvious contact for volunteers and just say that you're interested and excited to volunteer and ask who the best person to discuss opportunities with would be.

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