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Nearly 50 years ago, singer David Bowie released one of his most popular songs, Changes, to reflect adjustments he was going through in his own life. COVID-19 has impacted us all personally and the workplace in the new normal won’t be the same.

Many people will need to consider Ch-Ch-Changes as they continue their careers. In this blog, we discuss some of the characteristics employers will be looking for in the post-pandemic employee and provide some resources for you to consider.

Being adaptable will be more important than ever. Some of this will involve acquiring skills and being a lifelong learner. It will also be important to be ready to try new opportunities, take on different duties, integrate new technologies into our routine, and perhaps even change communities for employment.

During COVID-19, many workers have had to work from home and to manage not only their jobs, but family life. Remote work has involved participation in virtual meetings on platforms such as Zoom and Skype like never before.

It’s likely that the workplace of the future will involve many more people working from home and an increase in alternative work arrangements.

Check out this timely article that outlines attributes that will be pillars of success in the workplace of the future: https://bit.ly/2LS2IGp

Further discussion on the importance of adaptability can be found here: https://ofe.ca/the-most-important-soft-skill-adaptability/

Adrienne Tom, is an award-winning resume writer, interview coach and job search strategist in Calgary. She addressed the topic in a recent LinkedIn post:

“Now more than ever adaptability is playing a big role in careers and jobs. I read a post by Deloitte on the future of work written pre-COVID that still applies during today’s challenging times.

It stresses that: “as work evolves, individuals should cultivate a “surfing” mind-set, always alert to emerging, high-value skills and catching the wave at an early stage to capture the most value from these skills.” (article here: https://bit.ly/2z0HQKh)

What does this mean?

️ * Be aware. Watch for changes, trends, and growing needs. How can you align?

️ * Be proactive. Engage in related opportunities to learn and grow.

️ * Be ready to pursue. Create a plan and be prepared to jump at openings.

️ * Be adaptable. Stretch yourself and prove that you adjust.

️ * Be ready now. Don’t wait for an opportunity to present itself before taking action.

Now is a time of great change. Companies and job requirements will likely continue to evolve…but as Jack Welch said: “when there’s change, there’s opportunity”.”

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can help unemployed and underemployed individuals assess how they can address career decision making, including new skills and training they may want to consider.

Until the Provincial Government provides further direction on pandemic protocols, we are unable to meet in person. However, we can provide job search advisement, including assistance with your resume and cover letter via phone, email or video-based consultation using video technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.

Enquiries can be made by calling 780-539-5477. Catherine, our Employment Advisor will be happy to provide you information on our services. You can also email us at info@gpworkplace.ca. Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

The Work Place also provides:

• Assistance to develop/fine tune your job search skills: resume, cover letter, interview skills (including digital interviewing), LinkedIn Profile, and networking.
• Resources/assessments to identify and/or develop your work-related skills.
• Career planning guidance.
• Website links to updated government and community information as well as online job search and career advancement resources.

Here’s an article that provides resources on job search and skills upgrading during the pandemic: https://www.laboureducation.org/job_searching_during_covid19

While COVID-19 has and will continue to cause adjustments in how work is done around the world, one thing has not changed – the importance of finding ways to make your resume, cover letters and interview techniques stand out from those of your competitors.

If you’re currently in the job market, we extend best wishes as you advance your career.

Preparing for an upcoming job interview can be daunting enough without any variation in the expected format.

Most meetings with a prospective employer occur in-person, usually with two to three people asking questions. However, in today’s ever-mobile workforce and fast-paced business environments, you may be asked to participate in interviews that are not in-person.

In our August 29 blog, we provided advice on how to prepare for a video/Skype/Zoom interview: https://bit.ly/2SWZUf6. Here, we will provide some guidance on how to succeed with a phone interview.

Jessica Hernandez, CPBS, CSBA, Executive Resume Writer, in the Jacksonville, Florida area, is a great resource for job search and career advancement advice.

In a recent LinkedIn post, she provided the following guidance and related infographic:

“One of my favorite tips to help with phone interviews is to create a “talking points” outline.

These are key points you want to cover in the interview. This can include: – Position and industry-specific accomplishments. – Unique assets you possess as an employee. – Information about the company that you learned from your research that ties into your skills, abilities, and qualifications.

Here are a few other tips to help you with your phone interview:

• Anticipate the conversation — think about the questions you might be asked and the key points to include in your answers.
• Prepare a list of questions to practice for the phone interview.
• Prepare questions ahead of time that you will ask in the interview.
• Tape record the practice call so you can identify areas to improve. Practice speaking concisely and clearly. Many people are surprised to hear how they sound on the phone.
• Convey your enthusiasm during the phone interview — which can be done through your voice pitch, tone, and volume.”

Here’s a great article on preparing for a phone interview: https://globalnews.ca/news/4048287/phone-interview-job-tips/

And here’s more great advice: https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/mastering-the-phone-interview-canada

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/career-resources/job-interviews/tips-for-telephone-interviews/

https://www.bcjobs.ca/blog/8-things-remember-your-phone-interview/

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to update their resume and cover letters and participate in an interview of any kind.

They can also assist you with your other job search tools and ensure you’re using all the resources available to you, including accessing potential training opportunities (see contact details below). Your strategies may include updating or acquiring new skills.

Although phone interviews have their own nuances, the basics are the same. In addition to doing your research and having your own questions prepared, though, you’ll want to be sure you have a quiet space and a charged phone – ideally you’ll have a landline to avoid distractions.

Essentially, you want to treat this interview just as you would an in-person meeting. Make sure your personality comes through and that you’re ready to wow your prospective next employer.

If you want more help with your job search at no cost, contact us at 780-539-5477. You can send enquiries to info@gpworkplace.ca. Our office is located at #105, 9840-97^th Ave., Grande Prairie.

 We also help employers find qualified candidates.