On August 24th, we chatted with the expert recruiters from Bell during Office Hours to explore the exciting opportunities for students and new grads to hatch careers with their company.
During the online Q&A, we discussed application and interview tips and took a deeper look at some of the awesome programs Bell has available for new grads.
If you weren’t able to attend the event, check out the full transcript of the conversation below!
TalentEgg
Hello everyone, thanks for joining Office Hours with Bell! To log into the chat, please follow the steps below:
Click the message bar above to activate (“send questions or comments”)
Pick a screen name – your first name will do!
Enter your question(s) into the chat – they’ll be accepted into our moderation system as soon as you hit ‘send’!
We will be starting the event promptly at 3 p.m. ET – stay tuned!
TalentEgg
Hello, and welcome to Office Hours with Bell! My name is Melissa and I’ll be monitoring today’s chat.
We’re super egg-cited to get started. Today, we have some very special guests joining us from the Bell team who will be answering your career questions.
Before we start, I’ll quickly explain how this event works. Students and grads (that’s you!) will submit career questions over the next hour, and our guest experts will do their best to answer as many of them as they can. You can ask about anything from job opportunities to interview tips. The sky’s the limit!
If you pre-registered and submitted an advance question, then you can sit back and relax! If you have additional questions, you can submit them live during the chat.
Now let’s introduce our guest eggs-perts!
Tania from Bell
Hello! My name is Tania @ Bell. I’m responsible for connecting with top talent from Canadian universities to Bell’s fantastic student and new grad opportunities!
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hello! My name is Francesca from Bell. I’m the program lead for the Finance Grad Leadership Program. I’m responsible for connecting with top talent, as well as working with employees to ensure their time is a great and fulfilling work experience!
Stephanie from Bell
My name is Stephanie and I joined Bell in November of 2016. I am currently in the HR Grad program. Looking forward to speaking with everyone:)
Ike from Bell
Hi, this is Ike from the campus recruitment team and I am happy to answer any questions you have
Guerlain from Bell
Hello, my name is Guerlain. I am assisting in the 2018 Finance Grad leadership program hiring process. I look forward to answering your questions.
Jessica from Bell
Hi, my name is Jessica and I have recently joined Bell in the HR new grad program. Happy to answer any questions you have about it!
TalentEgg
Great – let’s begin!
Tushar
What is BCE looking for in candidates for their Finance Graduate Leadership Program?
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Tushar, this is Francesca. I am looking for a candidate who is analytical, poised, and has good presentation and communication skills. I also want a candidate who has good academic standing, and has experience working in Accounting/FInance field.
Manasi
Are there any junior level IT project management or QA opportunities currently?
Tania from Bell
Hi Manasi – Thanks for your question! Our IT Grad program offers these opportunities! You can learn more on our website here. Posting will open in early September. The IT program will be looking for 10+ new grad talent for their team.
Ariana, an Information & Media Studies major at Western University asks:
“What is the career growth path like for someone who starts out in one of your graduate programs? Do they typically advance within the company after they complete the program?”
Tania, Campus Recruiter at Bell
Hi Ariana Bell has had the pleasure of promoting 54 of our grads to Senior Management, and recently 2 grads who started the program in 2011 to Directors! Bell believes in cross-functional learning and career mobility. Whether you join one of our rotational or non-rotational programs, you’ll enjoy endless opportunities to work on a variety of projects and with many teams to help develop your skills. Lateral movement within the organization and internal promotions are encouraged. With so many opportunities, you can design a career path that works best for your personal goals!
Pawan
When will marketing positions open up?
Ike from Bell
Hi Pawan , New Marketing grad opportunities would be open early September and they would be Consumer Markets & Media (CMM) and B2b Solutions
Joseph
How many positions are available for the finance rotational program for new grads?
Guerlain from Bell
Hi Joseph, there are 15 positions open in the Finance Grad openings for 2018.
Raj
In today’s fast paced technology driven recruitment industry, how important is the cover letter and resume format / style?
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Raj, Thanks for the question! Cover letters and resumes are very important. It is the first impression that Recruiters get of a candidate so you want to make sure that your cover letter and resume stand out from the crowd and show your personality. Some general tips are to make sure that your cover letter is roughly ¾ of a page and your resume is no longer than 2 pages. Be sure to balance white space/text and start your bullets with verbs.
Hasul, a General Science major at the University of Alberta asks:
“What is the recruitment process at Bell like?”
Tania, Campus Recruiter at Bell
Hi Hasul, with so many opportunities available at Bell, students are asked to apply to a maximum of 3 Graduate Leadership Programs. Students displaying a great first impression and enthusiasm at our info sessions also have an advantage in being selected for the interview process. 1. Submit your resume, cover letter, and transcripts online 2. Complete a video pre-screening interview 3. Assessments for behaviour, cognitive ability, and emotional intelligence 4. A face to face interview focusing on behaviours, analytics, problem solving, and presentation skills By providing a video pre-screening option instead of a phone interview, we are accommodating schedules so that students can record and submit their video on their own time. Bell is the first telecommunications company in Canada to be using this exciting tool.
Sheena, an English major at the University of Victoria asks:
“Do you assist with relocation costs when hiring new graduates?”
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Sheena, Bell offers positions in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic but unfortunately Bell does not cover relocation costs.
Angelo, an Information Technology major at the University of Toronto asks:
“Is BTS Technician experience valued by the graduate program recruiters?”
Tania from Bell
Hi Angelo – great question! This is very valued by all involved in New Grad recruitment. Any program would love to see this on an applicant’s resume, though it would directly relate to the Field Operations Management program which includes rotations within Bell Technical Solutions.
Saad Khan
Hi, my question is, if you were to describe the culture of the company in one word, what would it be?
Jessica from Bell
Hi Saad, It’s hard to describe Bell in one word as there are so many exciting and unique things happening across this dynamic and innovative company. From personal experience, if I had to choose one word, I would say… ‘engaging.’ I hope that helps!
Theresa, a Queen’s University student asks:
“When is the application period for your Business Intelligence grad program?”
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Theresa, Our Business Intelligence program will open at the beginning of September and close September 24th at midnight
TalentEgg
Wondering which Bell Graduate Leadership Program is right for you? Check out this article!
Audrey M
Hello. Do you have any Project Management programs or opportunities for new graduates?
Ike from Bell
Hi Audrey, Project Management is available in all of our programs but some programs specific to it include Consumer Markets &Media, I.T , Network, Field operation Management
Charlene, McGill Accounting grad with 1 year experience
Are there any campus events in Montreal area?
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Charlene, yes we do have campus events in Montreal area specifically, Polytechnqiue career fair, Ecole HEC, McGill and Concordia.
Helen, a Public Accounting major at the University of Toronto asks:
“What are some of the opportunities provided for young professionals to grow within the company? E.g. training, mentorship programs, etc.?”
Monica from Bell
Hi Helen. Great question! Bell invests in learning solutions and learning partnerships that are relevant and current, innovative and forward focused. We provide a wide range of certifications, including Microsoft technical certifications, and certification for product and project management, business analyst, and business unit-specific functional training. There is a learning portal enabling leaders at all levels to self serve and/or identify training for their team members. Included in this portal are videos of industry leaders, book summaries, blueprints for developing organizations, short & interactive courses that enable learners to hone their leadership skills and much, much more. We have, in addition, made it far easier for employees to apply for our Educational Assistance Program which provides funding and support to pursue continuing education courses. As for mentoring, you might be happy to know that all grads are paired with a mentor based on their career aspirations and fit.
Dil
You recently mentioned that there are info sessions for the Graduate Leadership Programs. When/where would the next of these info sessions be held?
Ike from Bell
Hi Dil, our next info session would be on September 11, 2017 at U of T and UTM. Feel free to come join us and ask more questions in person !
Ayda, a Business Administration major at Wilfrid Laurier University asks:
“What is the best way to prepare for an interview?”
Guerlain from Bell
Hello Ayda, to best prepare yourself for an interview it would be best to know the description of the position you applied to. Also in the interview make sure elaborate your skills that you have displayed on your resume and make a connection with the job description. Practice the night before answering behavioural questions. Use the STAR method for the behavioural questions, and research the company and your position. Make sure to provide examples to every questions asked based on previous experience. Ensure to be yourself, make connections with the interviewers and be personable, shine your personality through during the interview. Lastly, make sure to have 2 to 3 questions related to your positions ready that you can ask.
Jay
Does Bell offer positions in the Operations Management program in Ottawa?
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Jay- sorry there are no opportunities in Ottawa
Rob
How long is the wait between the video pre-screening interview & the assessments? I am more specifically referring to the HR leadership program that was due a little while back.
Tania from Bell
Hi Rob – great to hear you’re interested in the HR program! We’re currently in the process of reviewing the video questionnaires and will be following up with next steps in the next couple weeks. In general, we aim to follow up with candidates within 2-3 weeks from the time the video questionnaire is submitted, if not sooner! This is dependent on how many applications are received. Thanks!
Ahmed
When and where are the campus events in Toronto?
Ike from Bell
Hi Ahmed, our next Campus event in Toronto would be on September 11, 2017 at U of T and UTM. Feel free to come join us and ask more questions in person!
James
What are the career options at Bell for MASc Computer Networks graduate?
Guerlain from Bell
Hello James, Bell has some great programs network, business intelligence, at Bell for recent grads in computer science.
Basim, a Business Management student at Ryerson University asks:
“What personality trait do you value most when hiring?”
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Basim, confidence always stands out, so we definitely look for this trait when interviewing candidates!
Mackenzie Stannard
What are some of the most common mistakes people make with their applications to the leadership programs?
Monica from Bell
Hi Mackenzie! In response to your question about common mistakes candidates make, while I wouldn’t call it a “mistake” necessarily, I would like to place importance on letting your personality shine through in the video interviews. Of course you want to portray yourself as professional and confident, but don’t be afraid to smile and be yourself. 🙂
TalentEgg
We’ve reached the halfway point in our chat! This seems like a great time for a poll question.
What are you most egg-cited to learn about today?
• Bell’s Graduate Leadership Programs 57%
• Bell’s internships/co-ops
• Company culture 5%
• Application/hiring process 33%
• Career growth 5%
Sumran, an Economics and Statistics major at the University of Toronto asks:
“While considering an application, how much weight is put on one’s GPA?”
Tania from Bell
Hi Sumran – thank you for your question 🙂 This is dependent on the program. A higher GPA is always valued (B average or above), though we prefer to look at the applications as a whole – GPA is only one aspect of what can make a great candidate. We also take into consideration aspects such as work experience, community involvement, communication (from the video questionnaire) and much more!
Maria
How many students do you recruit for your HR Grad Program? Also, what is the recruitment/interview process like?
Jessica from Bell
Hi Maria, I started in the HR grad program in June and in my cohort we are 4 new grads. The number of new hires will likely depend on the need and current projects going on. As for the recruitment and interview process, once you have submitted your application, you will be asked to complete a video pre-screening interview and assessments for behaviour, emotional intelligence and cognitive ability. Successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person interview.
Liam
Hi, what qualities will you expect from an engineering graduate student if he/she is interested in your financial program, but has no experience in this area?
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Liam, good question- thanks for showing interest in the Finance Grad program. I am looking for someone who has analytical skills, good communication skills, and confidence.
Martin, a Finance major at Carleton University asks:
“If a candidate doesn’t have a lot of work experience, what are the key points you look for in a resume/cover letter that will help make them stand out?”
Stephanie from Bell
Martin – Your resume might be the most important document you will ever create! It’s your first impression to a company – a snapshot of who you are and what you do. Your resume determines whether or not you get an interview, so it’s important to make sure it’s the best it can be. Our recruiters have come up with 6 rules to follow in order to make sure your resume isn’t lost in the shuffle: 1. Use verbs Start each bullet-point with verbs such as organized, managed, consulted, etc. This will tell employers exactly what you’ve done, and get right to the point. 2. Explain why Recruiters want to know more than just what tasks you’ve completed – explain why those things are on your resume. It’s great that you can use Excel, but tell is why it was necessary for you to use it. 3. Balance white space Resumes should be easy to read and follow, and not overloaded with content. Only the most important things should go on your resume, and you can expand on your knowledge when you get to the interview stage of the process. 4. Tailor your resume It’s important that you tweek your resume to each job that you apply for. Make sure to compare your resume with the job posting. This way, you can show a recruiter that you have the exact skills and qualifications that they’re looking for, which makes you an ideal candidate! 5. Don’t go over 2 pages As we said before, only the most important things should go on your resume. It’s supposed to give a recruiter a quick look at who
Jackie, an Economics major at Queens University asks:
“What skills and values do you look for when interviewing someone?”
Tania, Campus Recruiter at Bell
Great question Jackie! Irrespective of the specific job qualifications relevant to each grad program, there are a few best practices when it comes to interviewing in general. Take a look at 3 these suggestions- 1. Understand the two types of questions interviewers will ask Behavioural questions ask you to describe a time in the past when you demonstrated a certain behaviour. For example, “please tell me about a time when you had to deal with a conflict that occurred between you and a co-worker.” Situational questions ask you to describe how you acted or would act in a certain situation. For example, “please tell me about a time when you had to work under a tight deadline and how you handled this pressure.” 2. Know how to answer using the STAR method The best answers to interview questions always follow the STAR method. Situation – Explain the specific event in enough detail for the interviewer to understand the context. Task – Outline the purpose or goal of the event. Action – Identify the steps that you took to accomplish/contribute/resolve the event. Result – Explain the outcome of your actions and the events. Make sure your all of your answers contain each point – situation, task, action and result in order to ensure you give a well-rounded and complete response every time. 3. Review the job posting and identify the key skills and qualifications You can be certain that if a skill is listed in the job positing, there is a good cha
TalentEgg
Make sure to follow Bell on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for the latest updates!
Aranyah, a Western University student asks:
“What is the career progression like? How can one grow within the company?”
Tania from Bell
Hi Aranyah! Career progression at Bell takes on it’s own path for each individual employee. Bell has had the pleasure of promoting 54 of our grads to Senior Management, and recently 2 grads who started the program in 2011 to Directors! Bell believes in cross-functional learning and career mobility. Whether you join one of our rotational or non-rotational programs, you’ll enjoy endless opportunities to work on a variety of projects and with many teams to help develop your skills. Lateral movement within the organization and internal promotions are encouraged. With so many opportunities, you can design a career path that works best for your personal goals!
Jillian, a University of Toronto Mississauga student asks:
“What’s the most common mistake you see on recent graduates’ resumes and how can it be avoided?”
Tania, Campus Recruiter at Bell
That’s a great question Jillian! Your resume might be the most important document you will ever create! It’s your first impression to a company – a snapshot of who you are and what you do. Your resume determines whether or not you get an interview, so it’s important to make sure it’s the best it can be. Our recruiters have come up with 6 rules to follow in order to make sure your resume isn’t lost in the shuffle: 1. Use verbs Start each bullet-point with verbs such as organized, managed, consulted, etc. This will tell employers exactly what you’ve done, and get right to the point. 2. Explain why Recruiters want to know more than just what tasks you’ve completed – explain why those things are on your resume. It’s great that you can use Excel, but tell is why it was necessary for you to use it. 3. Balance white space Resumes should be easy to read and follow, and not overloaded with content. Only the most important things should go on your resume, and you can expand on your knowledge when you get to the interview stage of the process. 4. Tailor your resume It’s important that you tweek your resume to each job that you apply for. Make sure to compare your resume with the job posting. This way, you can show a recruiter that you have the exact skills and qualifications that they’re looking for, which makes you an ideal candidate! 5. Don’t go over 2 pages As we said before, only the most important things should go on your resume. It’s supposed to
Francine, a University of Toronto student asks:
“Does applying to more than one grad program hurt your chances of being seriously considered?”
Guerlain from Bell
Hello Francine, great question. Applying to three positions does not affect your applications or consideration for the jobs applied for. Make sure to focus on programs that are right for you, this would enable you to show expertise’s, and share the skills sets you bring in. It is best not to apply more than three programs.
Manasi
Can people out of university attend your info sessions?
Ike from Bell
Manasi – Absolutely! but registration is managed by the different schools’ career centres, so registration is dependent on each school’s specification.
Tharsiga, a University of Waterloo student asks:
“Where can I find more information about the HR Graduate Leadership Program?”
Tania, Campus Recruiter at Bell
Thanks for your question Tharsiga! You can find details by visiting our Careers site!
TalentEgg
Find out how these Bell interns turned their placements into careers!
Mackenzie Stannard
To those currently in the graduate leadership program: Can you tell us what you initially noticed about Bell’s company culture? And has your view changed over time?
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Mackenzie, To be honest, my perception of Bell has gotten better! When I first started I was worried that it would be a hierarchical and formal company- maybe I had stereotypes of large corporations! But, Bell is even better than I could imagine. Everyone is so friendly, eager to help you learn, and respectful. I can’t imagine working anywhere else!
Cynthia, an Accounting major at the Schulich School of Business asks:
“What does a typical day look like working at Bell in the financial departments?”
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Cynthia, what a great question thank you. I have many years of experience in Finance department, and based on my personal experience, a typical day would be meeting with your business partners (people outside of Finance) and discussing pricing tactics, or projects that require specific financial analysis. Finance employees working in Operational Finance tend to be “financial advisors” and require strong business acumen…meaning someone who understands numbers but also understands the industry. Operational Finance also includes monthend financial reporting, forecasts, and budgets.
Charlene, McGill Accounting grad with one year work experience
As I graduated in 2016, am I still acceptable for Bell’s accounting/finance graduate program?
Stephanie from Bell
Hi Charlene- great question! Students have 2 years after their graduation date to apply to the graduate leadership program. For example, if you graduated in June 2015 you have until June 2017 to apply.
Pawan
Can MBA students apply for these programs?
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Hi Pawan, yes MBA students are welcome to apply for new grad opportunities.
Weihuang, an Employment Relations major at the University of Toronto asks:
“What are the qualifications required for an HR intern position at Bell?”
Jessica from Bell
Hi Weihuang, The qualifications and requirements for positions in HR at Bell will highly depend on the role. All of this information will be listed in the job description. Generally speaking, we look for candidates who demonstrate an eagerness to learn, adaptability and a team-player mentality. Our internships in HR are posted through an external agency called Career Edge. Please check their job board here for opportunities at Bell!
Deborah
Do you offer volunteering opportunities to interested candidates?
Monica from Bell
Hi Deborah! We are hugely committed to corporate social responsibility here at Bell. Throughout the year, Bell volunteers could be found building homes, putting care packages together, cleaning up community centres, fundraising, and collecting toys and school supplies for kids, to name just a few of their activities. View our Corporate Social Responsibility report for information about Bell’s commitment to a better community.
Joseph
How do you assess fit with company culture?
Monica from Bell
Hi Joseph. In your response to your question about the overlap between the CMM Program and the HR Grad Program is that the CMM program is rotational with options across various functinos in the organization. You could potentially do a rotation in HR as an option. The HR Grad Program has rotations in different functions of HR, but only within HR.
TalentEgg
Each year, employees across the company get involved in Bell Let’s Talk Day. Learn more about it here!
Manasi
Does Bell accept any postgraduate candidates from colleges or just from universities?
Tania from Bell
Hi Manasi – thanks for your question! The Graduate Leadership program requires candidates to have recently completed or will soon complete a Bachelor or Masters degree from a University. However, there are plenty of other opportunities across the organization for individuals with college degrees! You can check out our open roles at anytime on our careers page.
TalentEgg
Looks like we have time for one last question!
Charlene, McGill Accounting grad with one year work experience
How do employees share ideas for improvement and suggestions with their managers at Bell?
Guerlain from Bell
Hello Charlene, great question! Bell has an amazing open door policy to receiving and sharing new ideas. Bell enables its employees to work closely with it’s manager in a collaborative environment with openness to new opinions. Everyone has weekly touch points with their managers to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
TalentEgg
That’s all the time we have for today! Thanks everyone for your egg-cellent questions.
We’ve covered a ton of ground today – hopefully you’ve all taken away some useful information about hatching your career with Bell!
A very special thanks to our guests today – the past hour just flew by! Do you have any final advice to give our students and grads?
Stephanie from Bell
Thank you so much for participating in our office hours today, it was a pleasure speaking with you all! If I had one piece of advice to give it would be to show your personality!! I cannot state that enough. Bell is looking for people that fit into the organization and department. And don’t feel like you have to be anyone but yourself… there are lots of personalities at Bell. It’s what makes it such a great place to work
Monica from Bell
Thank you so much for participating in the Office Hours with Bell. 🙂
Tania from Bell
Thank you so much for joining us today! We’re currently accepting applications to our Finance Program streams and will be opening up further program streams for applications in September. Please ensure you submit your cover letter, resume and transcripts (unofficial is fine) through our website. We look forward to connecting with you again soon!
Ike from Bell
Thanks for joining us today! We would be having our info sessions coming this September starting from the 11th (for Ontario) , 13th (for Quebec) and 15th (for the Atlantic). For More information on these events, visit our website. Have a great day ahead!
Francesca Dorado, (From Bell)- Finance Grad Leadership Program
Thank you everyone for participating! Your eagerness is much appreciated, and well accepted. If I have to give one advice to you grads, I would say to have a clear understanding of what you want to do in the future and taking the appropriate steps in achieving this goal. Create a plan for yourself and have a well thought out ladder to accomplishing what you truly want.
Jessica from Bell
Thanks, everyone, for all of the great questions! What ever roles/programs you are applying to, do not get discouraged if at first you are not successful. Be sure to set up email alerts on your ‘careers at Bell’ profile and to check regularly. We are always posting new opportunities! Good luck with your applications and hope to see you in the halls here soon!
Guerlain from Bell
Thank you for joining the live online chat. It was a pleasure answering questions, regarding the grad leadership programs at Bell. One piece of advice I would give is to be passionate about your new role as Bell is looking for future leaders. Wish you best of luck.
TalentEgg
If you’re looking for more info on Bell, be sure to explore their Employer Page on TalentEgg. You’ll find job postings, articles, and more!
Thanks again for joining us, TalentEgg-ers. Have an egg-cellent day!