News – Page 5 – The Work Place – Resources for Job Seekers & Employers in Grande Prairie, AB

Service Delivery Adjusted During COVID-19

March 20, 2020

The Work Place continues to offer services to job seekers and employers.

While countries across the world continue to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19, The Work Place is committed to supporting your job search needs and provide continuity of service. We want you to know that the health and safety of job seekers, staff and our community is of utmost importance.

The Government of Alberta has ordered us from providing in-person services; therefore, our office doors are closed.

The Work Place will continue to provide employment support services to job seekers by phone and/or other technologies.

For more information about Transition to Employment Services, contact Joyce Black, Transition to Employment Services Employment Consultant at 780-539-5477 or email joyce.black@gpworkplace.ca

If you would like information about Job Placement Services, please phone 780-539-5477 or email info@gpworkplace.ca

The Work Place is privileged to serve you and is committed to providing employment supports during this time of uncertainty. We will continue to keep you updated with information regarding our services.

Business As Usual At The Work Place

March 13, 2020

At The Work Place, we are closely monitoring the ever-changing events related to the COVID-19 outbreak and are taking a cautious, yet sensible approach to our response at this time.

We are very grateful that we are in an area where the risk is still considered low. However, we believe it is our responsibility to reduce the risk. In addition to our regular cleaning and sanitizing routines, we have increased the amount of times that multi-touch surfaces are sanitized.

Our current services are operating as usual while incorporating enhanced health and safety expectations. If things change, information will be posted on our website and Facebook page.

We are continuously monitoring the situation, and will provide updates as new information become available.

For additional information on COVID-19, please refer to the following website

https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16997.aspx

Upcoming Phone Interview?

February 26, 2020

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.

Explaining A Job Loss

February 24, 2020

Becoming unemployed either through termination or a layoff can be difficult enough without your job status being raised in an interview with a prospective employer.

In this blog we discuss how to respond to questions about why you were dismissed from your previous position.

In either case, you want to remain positive while demonstrating your value and interest in being successful in a new workplace. Long gone are the days where people stay in a position for a lifetime; job upheaval is expected.

However, it’s also important to be up front about your situation without getting into any unnecessary details. A lack of honesty is likely to come back to haunt you.

If a mistake caused your dismissal, own it and recognize what you’d do differently next time. If there was a conflict with a supervisor, your tact should be about your interest in finding a good fit. Don’t badmouth a previous employer.

If you were laid off or restructured, you will likely have a document from your former employer that explains this.

Even before getting to the interview stage, don’t leave your previous employer cited on your resume as if you are still employed there.

This article discusses how to deal with questions of why you were terminated. As well, it outlines proactive steps employees can take to help them if they’re let go suddenly (for additional advice be sure to see the comments at the bottom of the article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/explaining-you-were-let-go-andrew-seaman/

Here’s advice on how to deal with scenarios of an employee being fired or laid off:

https://www.fastcompany.com/90221526/fired-or-laid-off-heres-how-to-talk-about-it-in-your-next-interview

https://www.best-job-interview.com/answer-job-interview-questions.html

https://www.zsa.ca/dealing-with-past-terminations-in-your-job-search/

Here’s advice specifically related to an employee being fired and how to respond to questions: http://careerbuilder.ca/blog/2018/11/19/how-to-explain-being-fired-to-potential-employers/

This article addresses how to deal with job termination on your resume and cover letter https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/job-termination-and-your-resume-canada

Regardless of the circumstance surrounding leaving your last job, your focus needs to be on finding a suitable new position. This can be challenging, particularly if you were blindsided by a layoff or dismissal beyond your control.

Take any steps necessary to help you cope with any lingering stress so that you’re ready to take on that next great position. Then be ready to put your best foot forward for that next great job.

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.

Pregnant And In The Job Market?

February 14, 2020

If you’re about to take on the job of a mom, should you be seeking new employment at the same time? There’s a lot to consider, but there is no reason not to if there’s a position you really want.

In this blog, we explore the topic of applying for jobs while pregnant – things to consider and some of the legislation related to looking for a new position while carrying a baby.

Many of the same issues that would come into play for any job seeker remain valid at this time.

For example, are you considering a career move for greater learning opportunities, more responsibility or additional training possibilities? Is better pay motivating your job search? Have you found you are stuck in a rut or in a challenging or toxic work environment?

A good question to ask yourself is whether you are looking for another job or is it a career move? If it’s the latter, is now the time to be taking on a new challenge or is it too good an opportunity to pass up?

The place you are in your career may also play a factor in your thinking. Do you already have children? Where does being a parent fit into your career plans? How soon would you want to return to the workplace after giving birth? Do you have a strong family support system?

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to address your job search while pregnant.

This video discusses how to address applying for jobs while showing and what to do: https://bit.ly/2GIiUYc

Here’s a Workopolis article discussing seeking work while pregnant:

https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/how-to-look-for-a-job-when-youre-pregnant/

In this Monster.ca piece, you’ll find some considerations to consider, including whether to reveal your situation: https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/job-search-while-pregnant-ca

Here’s a feature focused on interviewing while pregnant: https://www.cleverism.com/unofficial-rules-of-job-hunting-while-youre-pregnant/

Here’s an article regarding pregnancy rights in Canada: https://www.babycenter.ca/a537568/your-pregnancy-rights-in-canada

As always, consider the bottom line of why you’re in a job search and how it fits into your career goal. If this is your dream job and part of your career plan and you have everything in order, go for it. Good luck.

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.

Have 2020 Foresight In This Year’s Job Search

February 10, 2020

The Christmas tree and decorations have been put away. You’re working to reduce those extra pounds and bills that built up over the holiday season. How’s that New Year’s Resolution to make a career advancement in 2020 coming along?

Early in the year is a great time to get your job search back on track. Many companies operate on annual budgets so hiring often happens in January and February.

It’s also a great time to pull out the calendar and look at what networking opportunities are coming up. Are there any job fairs or Chamber of Commerce mixers to attend? Speaking of networking, is your LinkedIn profile up to date? Do you have a current resume? Have you spoken to your references lately?

Now that the reality of a new year has set in, it’s also important to review your goals for the year and beyond. Has anything changed since you last examined your career path? Are there training opportunities to consider? Have there been changes in your workplace that have created new possibilities for advancement?

This video discusses the importance of a fast start early in the year if you’ve got a career advancement in mind for 2020: https://bit.ly/2ObLo0s

This link provides tactics to assist your 2020 job search: https://prepcan.ca/6-tips-to-kick-start-your-job-search-in-2020/

Here are some websites that will help your research: https://careersherpa.net/best-websites-for-2020-job-search/

This link offers some great resume tips for 2020: https://careerimpressions.ca/20-resume-tips-for-2020/

Here is some generic career advancement advice, keeping in mind some of it has an American context: https://thevoiceofjobseekers.com/20-job-search-tips-to-navigate-2020-to-get-more-money/

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to launch a successful job search.

Ultimately, a job search requires commitment and consistency. It’s a job in itself. It’s important to develop a schedule and to be accountable to yourself. If what you’ve done in the past to find new employment hasn’t worked for you, examine new tactics to add to your toolkit.

If you’re ready to make a move in 2020, you can do this!

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.

Meet Our Staff – Rhonda Rousell

January 19, 2020

Position: Job Placement Services Employment Consultant

Years with The Work Place: Two

Role: Rhonda completes service provider intakes, determines client readiness, develops service plans, and, in co-ordination with the Job Placement Services team, delivers case management services, job supports and follow up. She consults with colleagues and community partners to assist and, where appropriate, refer individuals to support services.

Rhonda helps clients identify steps toward achieving objectives and a combination of services to reach goals. She supports clients in addressing barriers that may impact goals being completed. Rhonda identifies the support service needs of clients and interventions required to meet those needs.

Rhonda assists clients in understanding labour market conditions and changes, and the relevance of this information in choosing, preparing for, seeking or maintaining employment in a suitable job.

She facilitates small group workshops and provides employment support services such as preparing/updating/revising resumes, online employment applications, self-marketing, cover letters and interview coaching.

Other duties include referring clients to Alberta Works staff for funding toward exposure/short courses and employment supports, completion of reports and documents and maintaining accurate client statistics.

Education and Career: Rhonda has a significant background in working in the employment, social services, court and education settings.

She has experience as a Child, Youth and Family Counsellor, and is certified in Child Protective Services, Level 1 and 2 Supervision. Rhonda has training in trauma informed counselling, mental health first aid, sexual assault first response, communication and conflict resolution skills, non-violent crisis intervention, suicide prevention, women in addiction, domestic violence, sexual offenders, family systems theory and analysis.

Rhonda has worked for more than two decades with vulnerable Albertans – in conjunction with schools, child protection, youth, justice, family court agencies, and contracted service/residential group homes.

She has experience as a foster parent, group home worker, psychiatric facility group co-leader, and Family Support Worker/Program Supervisor (where she oversaw 14 staff and four programs).

Rhonda has provided individual support and community support service to those with various disabilities.

Her background also includes managing a street level program for those that were homeless, addicted and involved with sex trade activities. She has also taught school groups for children affected by grief and loss.

Community Involvement: Rhonda has volunteered in a variety of capacities with PACE, including its wilderness rally, bingos, casinos, and the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event.

Achievements: Rhonda co-created a pilot project recreational program to address grief, loss and positive relationships. It was focused on ages five to 15.

Rhonda also developed modified programming for students with various disorders/disabilities and/or mental health issues. She was recognized for leading a campaign to recruit, train and support therapeutic foster parents. Rhonda led a team at PACE achieving accreditation over four Children’s Services-mandated programs receiving a 98 per cent satisfaction rate on client surveys.

Hobbies and Interests: A mother of two, Rhonda’s pastimes include quilting, baking, walking her two dogs, and restoring items.

Transition to Employment Services Information Sessions Resume

December 20, 2019

The start of a new year is an excellent time to bolster your job search skills.

If you’re unemployed, check out an upcoming Transition to Employment Services information session at The Work Place in Grande Prairie as part of your plans.

Transition to Employment Services offers supports to assist unemployed individuals find job opportunities.

Information sessions are every Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m., resuming Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 at #105, 9840-97 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta.

The focus is on those who are:

Unemployed and looking to gain a competitive edge with their job search;
Lacking workplace and occupational-related skills to find their next job; and
Thinking about making a change from one occupational field to another.

Components include:

Employment and job search support, access to funding for short-term training, employment supports and referrals to employers/opportunities.

For more information, contact The Work Place at 780-539-5477. You can make enquiries at info@gpworkplace.ca.

Holiday Hours Notice

December 19, 2019

The Work Place will be closed from December 24, 2019 at noon and re-open on January 2, 2020 at 9:00 am.

We look forward to serving you in 2020.

Restructured? What next?

December 4, 2019

Right-sizing, restructuring, re-organization, company relocation.

All of these R words can mean you have found yourself out of a job. In this blog, we provide resources on how to adjust to your situation and take the next steps.

The most important thing is to take care of yourself. Airline travellers are always reminded during safety demonstrations to put themselves first before assisting anyone else should the air mask drop during the flight. Similarly, there are steps to take to take to manage your situation.

You may have feelings of anger, bitterness and a sense of loss, particularly if you’ve been caught off guard. It’s natural to feel a sense of despair and feel hurt.

You may have worked for an organization for a long time and been a loyal employee. When companies restructure, it is not about individual employees. There’s a change in direction and staff are reorganized accordingly. Don’t take it personally.

There are immediate steps to take once you’ve received your severance. Do you have the ability to obtain medical and dental coverage? Did you have a pension that needs to be addressed?

How is your personal and/or family financial situation impacted? If you have an investment advisor, it’s important to determine how best to manage any severance and if you have financial reserves, how can they be accessed, if need be.

If your former employer provides you with transitional assistance, such as career coaching, we recommend you access these. Seek out community resources should you find you’re having difficulty coping emotionally.

On a professional level, take time to assess your situation. Are you looking to return directly into the workforce? Is this a time to explore new training and education opportunities? Would you consider relocating?

If you plan to make an immediate return to the workforce, are your job search documents in order? Is your LinkedIn profile up to date?

It’s important to establish a normal routine. Seeking employment is a job in itself. Develop a work plan that includes networking.

If you’ve been restructured, here are some resources to assist you. In some of the posts, reference is made to executives. Recommended steps are generally universal:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/four-things-do-immediately-after-youve-lost-your-job-maureen/

https://findingclarity.ca/blog/bouncing-back-after-being-restructured-out-of-a-job/

https://reimer.ca/leading-edge-so-you-have-been-restructured-originally-published-in-mmd/

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/your-legal-rights-following-your-canadian-job-loss

Perhaps there’s been a restructuring at your workplace, but you find yourself still employed. If you find yourself in this scenario, we recommend you review this article: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-best-moves-to-make-if-you-hear-your-companys-restructuring

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.

All posts in News

Service Delivery Adjusted During COVID-19

Business As Usual At The Work Place

Upcoming Phone Interview?

Explaining A Job Loss

Pregnant And In The Job Market?

Have 2020 Foresight In This Year’s Job Search

Meet Our Staff – Rhonda Rousell

Transition to Employment Services Information Sessions Resume

Holiday Hours Notice

Restructured? What next?

Contact

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