Trying to get an edge

[Scorp2586]

I've recently come across some courses at McMaster university; leadership essentials, team essentials, productivity essentials. I'm going to copy and paste a link to them. I've been merit listed and I'm trying to find ways to improve my chances for an offer, as I have a feeling I'm not exactly at the top of the list. I'd appreciate a response to how might these courses help increase my chances of an offer, and also is there some more important than others?

1)    http://studentsuccess.mcmaster.ca/experience/leadership/certificate.html
2)    http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/essentials/Team.html
3)    http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/essentials/Productivity.html

I have also looked at the courses for; innovation essensials, and communication essentials

4)    http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/essentials/Innovation.html
5)    http://www.mcmaster.ca/conted/programs/essentials/Communication.html

 

[JM2345]

Don't be afraid to shoot your recruiter an email directly with a question like this. Nobody here has access to your file (well, some MIGHT, but that's not likely going to happen), so they can't give you a reasonable idea if this would actually be a benefit for you. Your recruiter should be able to look at your exact file and let you know if these courses would be a benefit for you or not.

I can understand not wanting to call the recruiters on the phone, whether people think they are bothering them or just not comfortable on the phone, but sending an email is quick and painless for you and the recruiter. Last time I emailed my recruiter a question, they responded in under 20 minutes. That's obviously not to be expected every time, but gives you an idea. It's their job to help you, and with a question like this, I think it's better you check with them so you don't waste time or money.

Hell, you could register and pay, and get an offer the next day.

Just in GENERAL terms, I received this statement from CF recruiting when they told me I wasn't competitive enough:

Enhance your standing or experience in some of the following areas (level of education, specific work or leadership experience or community involvement)

So in general, any education, leadership, trade related work experience, and community involvement/volunteering SHOULD "boost" your competitiveness. But, because everyone is so individual, we can't say if these will ACTUALLY help you, or just help you in theory.

 

[Goodeman]

I went through this exact situation last year. I volunteered with my local fire department and listed all the tickets I got with my job and all the public events I did with my fire department and BAM. I got an offer.

 

[Scorp2586]

I'll get in touch with my file manager I suppose. I have been avoiding calling as I've already been calling a bunch about a file transfer from Regina to Hamilton. This has been a very lengthy process for me, anything I can do to speed it up from here I'll do, definitely open to advice and thank you for the replies.

 

[JM2345]

I'll get in touch with my file manager I suppose. I have been avoiding calling as I've already been calling a bunch about a file transfer from Regina to Hamilton. This has been a very lengthy process for me, anything I can do to speed it up from here I'll do, definitely open to advice and thank you for the replies.

I know, a lot of us dread having to keep calling them over and over, that's why I say try to just email them instead of calling. Calling takes a lot more time and effort usually from the people on the other end, but if you email, it allows them to check it and reply at their convenience. Some people think emailing is unprofessional or makes you look scared, but think about it, the CF emails us all the time throughout the application process, so I think it is their preferred method of contact. If you don't know your file managers email, you can always just email the main address for the recruiting center and ask them to forward it to your file manager.

Hopefully you get where you want to be soon! Good luck.