Job Search

Job Search Consultation Services At No Charge

October 19, 2020

The Work Place continues to provide employment support services to job seekers in Grande Prairie and area by phone, email and/or video technologies. Our office doors may be closed, but we are open for business.

We offer a wide range of services to clients at no charge, including:

One-to-one employment coaching services are available via phone and/or Zoom meetings;
Access to employment-related workshops, including Employment Café (information on labour market trends, projects, and job leads) and Job Hub (connecting employers and job seekers);
Assistance to develop/fine tune your job search skills and documents: resume, cover letter, interview skills (including digital interviewing), online job search, LinkedIn Profile, and networking;
Resources/assessments to identify and/or develop your work-related skills. This includes access to Northstar Digital Literacy. Northstar was developed in response to the needs of job seekers who may lack the digital literacy skills needed to seek, obtain, and retain employment. The Work Place is one of two testing locations in Alberta; and
Information on community resources in Grande Prairie.

Our Employment Specialist continues to work with employers to meet their immediate hiring needs and search out job opportunities for clients.

We regularly post blogs highlighting job search resources and upcoming job-related events on the What’s New section of our website, Facebook and Facebook accounts.

For information and access to employment services including Job Placement or Transition to Employment please call 780-539-5477 or email info@gpworkplace.ca

The Work Place is committed to caring for the health and safety of our clients, staff and the community while maintaining our dedication to provide quality employment services.

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

Explore career options in Retail/Sales/Customer Service

September 11, 2020

Job seekers in Grande Prairie and area can gain a wealth of information about opportunities in the Retail/Sales/Customer Service field, from the comfort of home, at an upcoming Virtual Job Hub.

The Work Place has partnered with Alberta Labour and Immigration to offer this free online session on Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

There’s limited seating to attend this Zoom session so register at: https://bit.ly/3h9X8fy

Participants will gain valuable information from four local employers who will provide:

An overview of their business;
Information regarding job areas within their company;
The skills potential employees should have;
Details on their recruitment process; and
Benefits of working with their organization.

Featured presenters include:

Darrel Gunderson, Manager, Hi-Tech Business Systems

Lionel Frey, General Manager, Prairie Mall Shopping Centre

Wanda Rogers, Store Human Resources Manager, Home Depot

Miranda Copeland, Director of Human Resources, New Horizon Co-op Ltd.

Information enquires can be directed to Nevin Bakir at 780-539-5477, ext. 5, or nevin.bakir@gpworkplace.ca

What Are Your Resume Challenges?

August 13, 2020

Writing resumes can be difficult. Most people aren’t comfortable promoting themselves and yet when you’re competing with many others for a position, it’s essential to take the stress out of preparing one of your most important job search tools.

Maureen McCann, a career strategist in Victoria, B.C., who operates Promotion Career Solutions, says a few minor tweaks can make a significant difference in how successful your resume is in landing interviews.

In a recent LinkedIn post, she outlines these keys:

✔ Be specific. Tell a story that proves your value.

✔ Organize your content so it is easy to follow and easy to understand.

✔ Give quantifiable results. Use data; give the reader context.

✔ Tailor the resume to the #job. Every. Single. Time.

✔ Use active language to describe what you do. Use words like Strengthened, Revitalized, Modernized, Accelerated (to name a few).

Here’s a link featuring further advice from Maureen on resume preparation: http://www.mypromotion.ca/2018/06/how-to-clean-up-your-resume-this-weekend/

In a recent forbes.com article, another job search specialist we routinely reference, Adrienne Tom, was profiled following a recent survey she conducted on challenges people have with writing resumes.

The president and chief executive resume strategist at Career Impressions in Calgary, had 2,431 responses. Adrienne provides tips to each of the challenges in the article. The difficulties survey participants cited point to some essential issues of resume preparation. Top concerns are in brackets.

Respondents were concerned with adding the right key words (39 per cent), writing about achievements (29 per cent), worrying about applicant tracking systems (25 per cent), and keeping to a certain length (15 per cent).

Here’s the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinryan/2020/07/15/hardest-part-of-resume-writing-quiz-results-and-tips/#757e798e6262

Adrienne is featured along with some other job search experts discussing resume preparation in this article: https://www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com/health-news/job-coach-adrienne-tom-reveals-10-steps-to-writing-the-perfect-resume/

At The Work Place in Grande Prairie, we continue to be here for you during these challenging economic times. While our physical office is closed, we remain OPEN and operating virtually to assist job seekers. One-to-one employment counselling services and workshops are available via phone, email or video-based consultation via technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.

Staff can help unemployed and underemployed individuals assess, at no charge, how they can address career decision making, including new skills and training they may want to consider.

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

Here are some other resources discussing resume preparation:

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/career-resources/resume-tips/downloadable-the-ultimate-resume-writing-guide/

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/what-to-include-on-a-resume

This article, directed at career consultants, acknowledges that there is varying advice on resume preparation and how to address this: https://careerprocanada.ca/resume-writing-contradictions-and-challenges/

Ultimately, it’s important to tailor your resume to the details of the job ad and go from there. Focusing on how this key job search document can help you put your best food forward is important in standing out from the crowd.

If you’re currently seeking employment, we extend best wishes. If our team can assist in your efforts, we welcome you to contact us.

What is your Job Search Strategy?

July 15, 2020

It’s more important than ever that job seekers have a plan of attack to pursue their next opportunity.

How many of you have heard of people sending out hundreds of resumes to no avail? Are you taking a “spray and pray approach” (a term referenced in one of our links below)?

You may get lucky sending out resumes in volume. Most people will likely find themselves frustrated doing a lot of work for naught.

In this blog, you’ll find some resources to develop a strategic approach to your job search.

As Adrienne Tom, an award-winning resume writer, interview coach and job search strategist with Career Impressions in Calgary, points out, a resume is just one tool in your job search strategy:https://careerimpressions.ca/your-resume-is-not-the-key-to-opening-doors/

In a recent LinkedIn discussion, Adrienne asked how much time readers invest in various tactics. Some other job search experts provided their thoughts.

You will see that while there are different responses, the message is that much more effort should be devoted to activities like networking and doing research than in sending out untargeted resumes and focusing on job boards.

Adrienne shared her formula for the current circumstances:

Research 25%

Informational Interviews 30%

Engaging on LinkedIn 15%

Networking, online and off (other) 15%

Building tools 10% (this would include resumes, cover letters, etc.)

Online job boards 5%

Biron Clark, Career Advice Author in Boston and founder at CareerSidekick.com, responded with this comment: “Such an important/good topic to think about for every job seeker. I think it varies a lot. Have you already gotten interviews lined up? Then you need time to prepare for those. That’s just one factor. But I think it’s beneficial for every job seeker to sit down and at least think about this. Where is your time best-spent? Where are you seeing results? Where are you not seeing results and maybe should spend less time?”

Adrienne replied: “Great insights and consideration, Biron. I agree that the process is fluid and time allocation may need to tip in different directions depending on focus or results. It is definitely wise to be aware of the time spent on different efforts alongside ROI (Return On Investment).”

Virginia Franco, Executive Storyteller, Resume and LinkedIn Writer in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed her formula:

30% research/homework/interview prep

30% outreach/networking/engaging on social media

30% preparing your career marketing collateral (resume and LinkedIn)

10% Job Boards

Austin Belcak, founder of Cultivated Culture, a professional training and coaching firm in New York City, responded:

Informationals / Networking – 40%

Engaging On LinkedIn – 20%

Research – 20%

Customizing Tools (Resume, etc.) – 10%

Job Boards – 5% Other – 5%

“I think some can overlap, like engaging on LinkedIn could be lumped into networking and working to get informationals. If I had to pare it down to two buckets, I would say this: Networking Activities – 90% Online Apps – 10%.”

As you can see, job search experts agree that circumstances will dictate what your strategy and time investments look like.

However, we can support job seekers using technology in many ways, including questions about developing a job search strategy. This includes assistance with your resume and cover letter via phone, email or video-based consultation via video technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.

Staff can help unemployed and underemployed individuals assess how they can address career decision making, including new skills and training they may want to consider.

Earlier, we mentioned the “spray and pray” approach to seeking employment. This article covers how to address frustration in your job search: https://www.irelaunch.com/blog-no-one-has-responded-resume

This article discusses time investment in a job search: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-much-time-to-spend-on-a-job-search-2062204

Here are some other resources that explore job search tactics:

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-strategies-for-a-successful-job-search-2060714

https://www.best-job-interview.com/job-search-strategy.html

https://careerpivot.com/2018/long-will-job-search-take/

https://www.creativehorizonsresumes.com/post/reevaluate-your-job-search-strategy-in-2020-and-think-outside-the-box-and-take-action

Ultimately, a successful job search should be focused on a career advancement to fit your strengths, values, interests, skills – one that will give you opportunities to grow and find fulfilment. This will best be accomplished by having a planned approach and not putting all your eggs in one basket.

If you’re currently undertaking a job search, we extend our best wishes.

What is Your Personal Brand?

June 15, 2020

We all know the big corporate brand names from Amazon, Google, Apple and Sumsung to Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Nike. In the job market, how would you stand out from your competition?

What is your brand?

It’s more important than ever that job seekers differentiate themselves from their peers and that they are also aware of their own brand – what others would say about them.

In this blog, we’ll explore this question and offer resources on how to develop your brand in a job search to maximize your attributes.

The first link is to an interview job search expert Sarah Johnston conducted with Dave Gordon, an internationally recognized brand, marketing, and communications expert. He’s the author of TIP, A Simple Strategy to Inspire High Performance and Lasting Success.

This is not a book endorsement. Dave’s answers to the questions posed by Sarah provide some great insight for anyone on a job hunt: https://bit.ly/2TUCEib

At The Work Place in Grande Prairie, we are not yet able to welcome clients into our office. In light of COVID-19, we are monitoring Provincial Government Relaunch phasing and developing measures to ensure the health and safety of our staff and individuals looking for assistance. However, we can support job seekers via technology in many ways, including questions about how to stand out from competitors.

Staff can help unemployed and underemployed individuals assess how they can address career decision making, including new skills and training they may want to consider.

We can provide job search advisement, including assistance with your resume and cover letter via phone, email or video-based consultation via video technology such as Zoom, Skype and FaceTime.

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 are some other useful links related to addressing your personal brand:

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/the-importance-of-your-personal-brand

https://www.adecco.ca/en-ca/blog/developing-your-personal-brand/

https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/how-to-create-a-personal-brand-to-enhance-your-job-search-v2/

https://themanifest.com/digital-marketing/5-personal-branding-tips-job-search

https://www.adecco.ca/en-ca/blog/why-linkedin-is-important-for-personal-branding/

This last resource is specifically directed to helping newcomers to Canada find success in the job market:

https://arrivein.com/career-ca/personal-branding-for-a-successful-career-in-canada/

Your personal brand will evolve over time as you acquire new skills, take on different responsibilities and expand your networks, professionally and personally.

By managing it, you can clearly up the ante on your competition. The first step is to be aware of how much it matters.

We extend best wishes, if you are currently conducting a job search.

Adaptability Key In Post-Pandemic Workforce

May 26, 2020

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.

There Are Employers Hiring During Pandemic

April 29, 2020

Whether you’re seeking a job because of a recent layoff or a career advancement is top of mind, you may be wondering if there are opportunities to get hired during the downturn in the economy.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the situation locally and more broadly and provide you with insight and resources on how you can address seeking employment in this uncertain time.

There is, in fact, hiring occurring in Grande Prairie and area. Staff at The Work Place have noted job advertisements for several positions. In addition, we are also having daily discussions with local employers and human resources personnel regarding opportunities within the hidden job market.

Here are some of the positions/sectors that have been seeking employees locally:

Cleaning
Road construction
Infrastructure projects
Delivery/truck driving
Warehousing
Construction
Large retail
Security
Health services, including support positions

Although we are unable to serve clients in-person at our office due to provincial government pandemic protocols, our team can assist you in a variety of ways.

We can provide career and employment supports so you can develop more skills, confidence, and direction regarding your career path.

Service can be provided by phone, email, and via technology based meetings using Skype, Zoom or FaceTime.

Contact us at 780-539-5477 and Catherine, our Employment Advisor, will be happy to provide you information on our services. You can also send enquiries to 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 advisement.
Website links to updated government and community information as well as online job search and career advancement resources.

Here are some links related to hiring more generally in Canada during COVID-19:

https://www.bcjobs.ca/blog/top-10-jobs-in-canada-during-covid-19/

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/career-resources/working-in-canada/industries-trending-during-covid-19/

Adrienne Tom, an award-winning resume writer, interview coach and job search strategist in Calgary. She authored this recent blog to provide advice for job seekers during this time: https://careerimpressions.ca/job-search-resources-for-job-seekers-during-the-pandemic/

Although this University of Manitoba post is more directed to students and recent graduates, it provides some good tips if you’re in the job market. https://news.umanitoba.ca/job-search-during-covid-19/

If you’re an employer or student, here are some details on temporary changes to the federal summer jobs program:

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/08/changes-canada-summer-jobs-program-help-businesses-and-young

This next resource is a free virtual job seekers summit beginning May 4. The schedule over the five days includes 50 job search and career advancement experts, including Adrienne Tom, mentioned earlier.

Topics range from preparing resumes, success during interviews and the global economy to the outlook on future jobs and mental health in these trying times.

Here’s the link: https://buff.ly/2VtoOnW

Lastly, this is a hot topic during the current job market – whether to wait or accept any job offer. This blog provides an excellent analysis of the situation: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/should-you-wait-right-job-accept-any-andrew-seaman/?trackingId=UhTMXZ8mBbFm0V6yQdl7Lg%3D%3D

Regardless of whether you’re in the midst of a job search or merely considering your next career steps, we wish you the best. Stay safe and healthy.

Job Hunting Resources During COVID-19

April 16, 2020

Seeking employment can be challenging at the best of times without throwing in a worldwide public health crisis.

What ramifications does a pandemic have on your job search? If you’re unemployed, you still want to find a job. If you’re seeking a career advancement, that desire won’t change because of COVID-19.

No one knows how long this pandemic or its impacts will last. It certainly has changed the workplace in unprecedented ways and perhaps, permanently, in some cases. Employers and staff are being far more diligent about cleanliness within the office. Technology is being embraced as a means of carrying on business in a time of social distancing and working from home has become commonplace.

COVID-19 is also changing the recruitment process. Interviews are more frequently going to take place using video conferencing tools such as Skype or Zoom. It may also take longer than normal for the recruitment process to occur.

Advancement of your career is important whether you were going all-out in a job search prior to the pandemic or you have been just getting in the game.

There are many steps you can be taking during this uncertain time to be prepared, ranging from updating your resume to taking an online course and expanding your online networking initiatives.

Kamara Toffolo is an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker, provides 10 tips for seeking employment during a pandemic: https://bit.ly/2Qolrvz

Kamara creates videos directed at job seekers and shares them every Tuesday on LinkedIn. Consider following her or subscribing to her videos.

Another great Canadian employment advisor is Maureen McCann, a job search strategist and executive resume writer in Victoria, B.C.

We share some practical insight she posted on LinkedIn in late March:

“The world of work is changing before our eyes. Sadly, we’ve seen mass layoffs begin as businesses try to slow the impact of this global pandemic.

By late last week, over 50K Canadians had applied for Employment Insurance. (NOTE: This figure has since climbed to over 1 million). Adaptability and flexibility in a market suddenly flooded by job seekers, is going to be your greatest strength. How quickly can you pivot?

Identify the needs of the market. Pay attention to labour market information. What is happening in your local labour market right now? For example demand in tourism and hospitality appears to be dwindling (airlines, hotels). Conversely, there is demand in the healthcare/medical field, in the supply chain (warehousing and the movement of goods and services) and in large technology companies. (In the Grande Prairie area, jobs have been listed in trucking, cleaning, construction and home renovation stores).
Identify how you can fill a need in the market *today* One of the best things you can do for yourself is take inventory of what you have to offer and what problems you can solve. Having clarity about what you have to offer enables you to pivot quickly into new markets. There are loads of tools and resources available to job seekers.

Austin Belcak posted a comprehensive guide on job market insights and job search strategies. He is giving job seekers a generous leg up to help them navigate these sudden changes.”

Although Austin’s guide has an American perspective, there are some excellent insights into industries with opportunities. He also offers tips for conducting a job search during COVID-19: https://cultivatedculture.com/covid19-job-market-insights/

Austin is founder of Cultivated Culture, a professional training and coaching firm in New York City.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie continue to offer service via a revised delivery model as the Province of Alberta has directed us not to meet clients in-person during the pandemic.

We can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to update their resume and cover letters. We can be reached at 780-539-5477 or info@gpworkplace.ca

Meetings can be arranged via technologies such as Zoom and Skype.

Our staff 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. Your strategies may include updating or acquiring new skills online via webinars.

Here are some other resources to assist your job search during the pandemic:

https://www.orlandojobs.com/article/help-for-your-job-search-during-coronavirus-covid-19-uncertainty-important/

https://www.atriumstaff.com/5-tips-for-job-searching-during-coronavirus/

https://www.workitdaily.com/coronavirus-is-affecting-job-search/1-get-really-good-at-virtual-interviewing

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-handle-a-job-search-during-a-pandemic-4799787

Seeking work can become a job in itself and can be a frustrating process. While the current circumstances can test your mettle even more than normal, remember that your job as a job seeker is to shine and stand out above other candidates, regardless of the situation.

That’s the bottom line of this article: https://azbigmedia.com/business/jobs/will-the-coronavirus-pandemic-slow-down-hiring-in-2020/

COVID-19 Resources For Workers and Employers

March 26, 2020

The Work Place continues to assist clients through a revised service delivery model as the Provincial Government has directed us not to provide in-person service. However, our staff can assist you in several ways.

We can work with you via phone, email or video technology to provide assistance to develop/fine tune your job search skills: resume, cover letter, interview skills (including digital interviewing), LinkedIn Profile, and networking capabilities.

Give us a call at 780-539-5477 or send an enquiry to info@gpworkplace.ca.

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

We will also continue to share other relevant resources and information to workers and employers as it becomes available.

Resources

This link provides essential information on financial relief for Alberta families as well as other updates on property taxes, utility payment deferrals and banking. There is also information on Federal Government programs: https://bit.ly/3ala3sB

This Alberta Government link also provides key information. Here, you will find details regarding COVID-19 related leaves as well as other resources such as Business Continuity Planning and Fact sheets for employers and employees from the Workers Compensation Board: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-support-for-employers.aspx

This Alberta Health Services page provides overall COVID-19 information, including how to adjust your home and workplace to address the pandemic: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16997.aspx

This Government of Canada link directs readers to essential Employment Insurance information related to COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

The City of Edmonton has developed an excellent guide for employees. While some of the information is focused on that specific workplace, there is good general health and safety: https://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/city_organization/employee_experience/covid-19.aspx

If you’re an employer/entrepreneur, you will want to consider tuning into a webinar presented on Friday, March 27 by the Grande Prairie & District Chamber of Commerce on business resilience: https://www.grandeprairiechamber.com/covid-19-business-resiliency/

Regardless of whether you’re a worker or an employer, it’s important to stay informed and take steps to ensure the safety of those around you.

Best wishes as you navigate through these trying times.

Changing Your Resume During COVID-19

March 24, 2020

The global pandemic is thrusting everything in society into chaos, including the workplace.

Many people have been laid off. Others are concerned their jobs are in jeopardy. Some had been seeking a job change prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 either through job loss or to advance their careers.

While there have been job losses related to COVID-19, hiring continues in other areas, particularly in industries that have ramped up to meet the needs of the marketplace.

In either scenario, your resume needs to reflect your situation and how you can adapt. Perhaps you have a background that fits perfectly with an employer in the recruitment mode.

Staff at The Work Place continue to offer service via a revised delivery model. The Province of Alberta has directed us not to meet clients in-person during the pandemic.

However, we can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to update their resume and cover letters. We can be reached at 780-539-5477 or info@gpworkplace.ca

Meetings can be arranged via technologies such as Zoom and Skype.

Kamara Toffolo is an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker. In this video, she provides guidance on how to adjust your resume if you’ve been laid off because of COVID-19: https://bit.ly/2WHvOii

Kamara creates videos directed at job seekers and shares them regularly on LinkedIn. Consider following her or subscribing to her videos.

Adrienne Tom, an award-winning resume writer, interview coach and job search strategist in Calgary, started a discussion on LinkedIn this week about the importance of having your resume ready in this volatile job market.

“If you are feeling uncertain about your current employment status, *now* is the time to get your resume ready.

Here are some of my top tips to help:

Ensure your resume meets modern standards. A format that worked for you a few years ago could need an update in both content and design.
Review your last year of work and take an inventory of new skill sets or accomplishments. If you feel you don’t have anything stellar to share – think again. Everyone is a producer, even on a small scale.
Create a ‘starter’ file — a resume that you can build off of and tailor for unique applications. It is important to customize the resume for each audience (employer).
Focus heavily on sharing results in the file, not job tasks. You need to provide the employer with proof of your abilities and these lie within your results.
Only list related and relevant content. Ask: does this point add value to THIS application? If not, remove or replace.”

Adrienne added some links on resume writing from her website:

https://careerimpressions.ca/executive-resume-trends-for-2020-part-1

https://careerimpressions.ca/does-your-resume-have-a-red-flag/

https://careerimpressions.ca/how-to-add-achievements-into-your-resume

Several other job search experts added comments on Adrienne’s post.

Erin Kennedy, Founder & CEO, Professional Resume Services, Inc. in Detroit, contributed this advice: “Add a “rave” or testimonial from someone you worked with or a supervisor. These are proof of your expertise and they also add interest to the resume, kind of like a real-time reference.”

Shelley Piedmont, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Career Coach, Resume Writer, Interviewing Expert, LinkedIn Profile Builder, in Charleston, South Carolina commented: “If you are stuck on what to highlight think about your workplace and what do you do that is different from others. Do you do things more efficiently? Are you more innovative? A great problem-solver? Emphasize these strengths in your resume. What were your accomplishments that used those skills? Put that on your resume.”

Adrienne responded: “All good prompts and questions to ponder, Shelley, thank you! Some of the questions that I ask my clients when they are struggling to identify top resume content are: What are you most proud of? What distinguishes you from other similar candidates? What have you been regularly or recently complimented for by colleagues/peers?”

Adrienne added she likes the CAR – Challenge, Action, Result – approach to making resume statements.

Virginia Franco, Executive Storyteller, Resume and LinkedIn Writer in Charlotte, North Carolina, added: “Be sure to include a headline at the top that is customizable — so the reader immediately has a sense for what role you are targeting.”

Meg Applegate, Certified Resume Writer, Job Search Coach, Personal Branding Strategist, in Indianapolis, Indiana, commented: “Give a brief snapshot of your unique value proposition in the top third of your resume. If the reader reads no further, they should have a good idea of who you are and the value you bring.”

Ultimately, it’s more important than ever that your resume helps you stand out from other candidates.

And, remember, unless you’re advised not to, add a cover letter, even a brief one. This tells employers that you’re willing to invest extra time and effort to tell your story. And some managers won’t look at applications that don’t have them.

Best wishes in your job search.

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