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Addressing Ageism In Your Job Search

May 31, 2019

Does ageism exist in today’s workplace? No employer will admit it, but the answer is resoundingly, yes. However, if you’re over 50 years old, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to advance in your career.

In this blog, we provide resources on how to address the job market if you’re a more seasoned worker who wants to seek new opportunities.

Some companies will only hire younger staff for a variety of reasons – youthful workers command lower wages and there’s a mistaken belief that they’ll stay with the organization long-term. There are those who believe older workers could be less motivated and may be more likely to miss time for health reasons.

There are a variety of steps to take to address ageism. We are now in an age where personal information is readily available, so you can’t hide how old you are. However, you can avoid it jumping off the page by focusing on your most recent work and accomplishments, backed up by results.

You can also combat the age issue in how you present yourself. Does your resume reflect contemporary formatting and avoid unnecessary phrases like – references available on request? Are you demonstrating you are tech-savvy by using social networking tools such as LinkedIn and including your account on your resume?

Are you using action-oriented words and phrases such as flexible and willing to learn in your cover letter?

If you are an older worker, capitalize on your assets. Don’t just rely on job boards for your employment search. Reach out to your network. Many positions await in the hidden employment market. Your volunteer work can also be a tool to leverage, not only for the skills you bring, but also to show you contribute to the community.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to prepare for roadblocks in your job search such as ageism.

 

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.

We encourage you to check out these resources for ideas on how you can address ageism and even turn your experience into an even greater asset.

https://executivecareerbrand.com/how-to-conquer-ageism-in-executive-job-search/

https://careerimpressions.ca/blog/2018/03/resume-guide-for-job-seekers-age-50/

https://www.themuse.com/advice/ask-a-career-coach-how-do-i-get-around-ageism-in-the-job-search

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/avoid-age-barrier-in-cover-letter

Ageism is another form of discrimination. It is unfortunate that people are left out of job opportunities and promotions because they are senior members of the workforce. Be sure you’re taking every step possible to remain current and adaptable by taking advantage of free or low cost courses or workshops, especially those that will demonstrate your technical capabilities.

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

 We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

Addressing Weaknesses In Interviews

May 24, 2019

Hands up, who dreads being asked about their weaknesses during job interviews?

In previous blogs, we’ve discussed the importance of being prepared for interviews. This time, we focus on a question that routinely trips up candidates: “What is your biggest weakness?”

This isn’t a trick question. Hiring managers are looking for a response that shows you are able to overcome adversity or obstacles.

The hiring employer doesn’t want to hear you care too much or that you work too hard. They want to know you’ve identified areas to work on and have solutions.

For example, it you know you’ve been challenged by competing priorities, a remedy is to enrol in a time management class.

You can even be proactive in anticipating this tough question. Review the expectations of the job to see how you can tailor your response to a specific growth opportunity. If the employer is looking for strong leadership skills, you can reflect that you’re confident in working with others but plan to take a supervisory course.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to prepare for interviews.

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.

The links below provide resources on how to deal with the weaknesses question in interviews. They will help you capitalize on the enquiry if you’re asked.

https://bit.ly/2JTkrxd

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/02/19/how-to-talk-about-your-biggest-weakness-in-a-job-interview/#195043295a80

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-question-what-are-your-strengths-and-weaknesses

https://www.sfu.ca/continuing-studies/career-help/blog/2015/how-to-answer-weakness-questions-in-an-interview.html

Preparation is the key to succeeding in interviews. Having examples to build on your answers is important, including how you are working to turn weaknesses into strengths. Also remember that a lost opportunity is not having questions of your own for the 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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

 

 

 

How To Address Career Gaps During Job Search

May 13, 2019

In today’s economy, many people will have stretches of time on their resume where they haven’t worked for various reasons – perhaps as a result of a layoff, to take time to care for an ailing family member or maybe even because of a choice to take a break.

Employers can be wary of these career gaps where they don’t see a clear explanation. In this blog, we provide resources for these situations in the links below. As well, we look at another common situation for a lot of people in the workforce – several workplaces in a short time frame.

It’s important to be proactive in addressing these scenarios so that potential employers don’t overlook your resume or for you find yourself in an interview, stumbling to explain your work history.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to manage any challenging resume content.

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.

Our first resource regarding career gaps is a video produced by Kamara Toffolo, an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker: https://bit.ly/2JbOm4k

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

Check out these links for more valuable tips and ideas:

https://careerprocanada.ca/dealing-employment-gaps-resumes/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/how-to-deal-with-gaps-in-your-resume/article4317643/

https://www.jvstoronto.org/blog/strategies-for-overcoming-gaps-in-your-resume/

In a LinkedIn post this week, Kamara explored the topic of frequent job changes:

“Worried about how job hopping looks in your job search?

You’re not alone. Short term gigs aren’t ideal but are a reality of our economy with more and more employers being a bit, commitment phobic let’s say? ?

Here are 10 tips to deal with job hopping in your job search:

 

  1. Accept your career for what it was

 

  1. Consolidate similar gigs on your resume where it makes sense

 

  1. Use career gap tactics to deal with short term roles in between longer term roles (noted in video above)

 

  1. Disclose layoffs if needed

 

  1. Don’t delete recent gigs if it creates a gap

 

  1. Leverage accomplishments and results

 

  1. Consider cherry picking the best stuff and create a career highlights section

 

  1. Anticipate and address employer concerns on your cover letter and put their minds at ease

 

  1. Prepare interview stories that put a positive spin on your job hopping

 

  1. Never disparage your former employers when explaining short term gigs.”

 

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Learn more about our programs and services at www.gpworkplace.ca

No May Be Yes Later

May 10, 2019

We’ve all experienced the heartache of a rejection letter or a phone call informing us we didn’t get the job we felt had our name all over it.

This can be particularly painful if it’s been a long process with more than one interview. It’s natural to feel down and perhaps even think negatively about the situation.

In this blog, we provide resources on how to respond to the communication, if you choose to, and some lessons learned to be even stronger for your next opportunity.

Often, we accept we didn’t get the position and move on to pursuing other options. For a lot of people, the interview is one of many as part of a job search. Sometimes, the unsuccessful candidate will determine it wasn’t the right fit anyway.

If you do want to respond in writing or verbally, be sure to be gracious, courteous and brief. You can recount that you appreciated learning about the organization and how you felt the interview was a great experience. You can also express your interest in keeping in touch for future vacancies.

Should you wish to receive feedback, you may ask for a debrief – if you are comfortable accepting constructive criticism.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to follow up employers in the interview process.

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.

Check out these links for ideas on how you can respond to news you weren’t successful for a coveted position.

https://www.zippia.com/advice/how-to-respond-to-a-rejection-letter/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2018/03/07/whats-the-best-way-to-respond-to-a-rejection-letter/#5b4296ce6c7f

https://www.roberthalf.ca/en/blog/what-happened-you-got-a-job-rejection-instead-of-a-job-offer

Ultimately, if you choose to respond to a rejection letter, you want to leave a positive impression. The dreaded news may come via a phone call so be prepared to be cordial. If this is a workplace where you’d like a second chance, your tactful verbal or oral communication can lay the groundwork for that.

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Learn more about our programs and services at www.gpworkplace.ca

 

 

How Are You Evolving As An Employee?

May 6, 2019

Acquiring new skills through training or further education is often recommended by employment counsellors as a way to advance careers. There are also improvements that we can make that don’t cost any money or involve any special talent.

Examining how we act on a day-to-day basis and making adjustments can significantly impact how we’re viewed by supervisors, colleagues and customers. Our conduct can even affect relationships at home and in our community activities.

In a two-part series, author Molly Fletcher explores behaviours that can be controlled to improve success. These include punctuality, flexibility, attitude, being coachable, preparedness, resourcefulness, empathy, work ethic, passion, humility, and confidentiality. For the complete discussion, check out these posts and the excellent resources included in their links:

https://mollyfletcher.com/zero-talent/

https://mollyfletcher.com/zero-talent-part-2/

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to fine tune-tune how they interact in the workplace for improved relations.

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.

It’s important to be conscious of how we relate to others at work. If we want to advance, it’s vital to consider the impression we leave with what we say, what we do and even our body language.

As Motivational speaker Tony Robbins reminds us, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always gotten.”

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Learn more about our programs and services at www.gpworkplace.ca

Employment Advisor Opening

May 3, 2019

The Work Place is seeking an Employment Advisor to assist with the delivery of employment-related services to both job seekers and employers.  The position will be from June 1 to August 16, 2019.  Applicants must be returning to school in the fall.

Responsibilities

To provide services in the employment resource centre:

  • Greet first-time walk-in visitors, register job seekers, complete preliminary assessment of employment needs and provide orientation to services.
  • Answer telephone in a courteous, professional manner; provide information and/or route calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Provide information on the phone to clients, employers and community organizations regarding employment services
  • Provide information to clients regarding how to access job and career information on the Internet, and provide assistance as required
  • Provide resume and cover letter preparation assistance to clients
  • Maintain self-service resources and materials
  • Take job orders from employers; maintain job binders
  • Provide referrals to other government programs and services
  • Maintain accurate statistics of all client visits

Qualifications

  • A student in the Faculty of Education, Social Work Degree or Diploma Program, Office Administration, or other human services related field of study
  • Customer driven individual who enjoys working with the public
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office software
  • Experience working with a diverse demographic population an asset
  • Excellent writing skills
  • Well-organized, detail oriented and able to handle multiple priorities and deadlines

Start Date: June 1, 2019

35 hours per week:  $17.00 per hour

All applications will be reviewed to select candidates whose qualifications and experience most closely meet our needs.  Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.  If you have questions about the job, please call Denise at 780-897-8939

Please email your resume, cover letter and two references by May 10, 2019 to:

Attention: Denise Carlson

denise.carlson@gpworkplace.ca

 

Are You New To The Canadian Job Market?

May 2, 2019

Grande Prairie is a hub for immigrants from all over the world with more than 10 per cent of the city’s population hailing from other nations. In this blog, we focus on resources to help new Canadians with tips to ensure their resumes are appropriate for use in this country.

If you are new to the country, you may find several differences in how job search documents are prepared from what you’ve been familiar with in your homeland.

For example, resumes in Canada do not generally have photos of the job candidate. As well, personal information is limited to details relevant to employment. You need not include a notation that references will be provided upon request. It’s important to verify Canadian equivalence to your qualifications. Resumes should also kept to two pages.

Kamara Toffolo, an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker, has produced a series of three videos with tips on how to tailor your resume for Canadian employers: https://bit.ly/2V2vv1O

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

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on preparing effective resumes for local employers.

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.

Here are additional links with resource on how to adjust your resume to the Canadian marketplace:

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/job-tips/archives/resume-tips-for-new-immigrants_1755/

https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/resume/how-do-i-create-a-canadian-style-resume/

https://moving2canada.com/resume-format-in-canada/

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

Feel Like Quitting Your Job? Be Careful!

April 26, 2019

“Take this job and shove it
I ain’t working here no more …”

Raise your hands – who hasn’t felt like Johnny Paycheck in his 1970s song and wanted to quit your job outright?

There’s an old saying that it’s easier to find a job when you have one. That’s because it can be challenging to explain a gap on your resume – especially lengthy ones. Most people also don’t want to discuss the situation that made them unilaterally decide to leave their employment.

Depending on the job market, your education, training, skillset, level of willingness to relocate and age – yes ageism does exist – it may also be difficult to find meaningful employment in short order.

Most people don’t have the financial resources to withstand a lengthy period without a regular paycheque and unless you can prove just cause, you’re unlikely to receive Employment Insurance (see related link below).

Of course, there are all kinds of reasons for wanting to throw in the towel immediately. Your supervisor may be a horrible leader, the workplace culture could be toxic, you are facing harassment or bullying, the job may not be what you originally were told it would be, you are overworked/underutilized or you are being passed over for advancement by others.

Not every place of employment is joyful. There are some poisonous work environments out there and everyone has stories of uncooperative co-workers. We have all felt what seemed like insurmountable stress. There are many reasons for frustration beyond our control.

There are absolutely cases where there may be no option but for you to leave. It is possible you’ve exhausted, without success, every avenue to addressing mental health issues, harassment, bullying or other ways you feel you’re in an unsafe environment or untenable situation.

The links below provide guidance on steps you can take to address unsatisfactory and poor working conditions and how to seek help.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to work your way through a poor work situation without quitting.

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.

http://careerimpressions.ca/blog/2019/04/senior-professionals-dont-quit-your-job-too-soon/#sthash.fVrYtbrG.l0TJaAwG.dpbs

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinecenizalevine/2018/08/18/when-is-it-okay-to-quit-your-job-without-another-job-lined-up-a-ten-question-checklist/#6dd187924e90

https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-reasons-quitting-your-job-too-soon-hurts-your-career

This link addresses the circumstances where you may be eligible for Employment Insurance if you leave your job outright: https://stepstojustice.ca/questions/employment-and-work/can-i-get-ei-if-i-quit-my-job

Ultimately, any job should be considered part of a long-term career plan. You don’t want to be jumping from job to job. It’s not always greener on the other side of the fence. Sometimes, speaking to your employer can resolve issues, particularly if there are concerns they are not aware of.

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

 

Positive Outlook Improves Job Search Prospects

April 25, 2019

In recent blogs we’ve underlined the importance of networking, impactful resumes, cover letters that make employers take notice, and interview skills. Your success will be maximized when these efforts are supported by a positive outlook.

Whether you’re unemployed, under employed or you’re ready to transition from your current position, finding a great new workplace can happen within days of your search beginning or it may be a long and frustrating process.

You could even find that moving to a new community is your best option. There is routinely disappointments and tedious activities along the way while you explore the job market.

The more you can take charge of what you can control, the better off you’ll be.

The resources we’re providing in the links below will help you stay at your best throughout the process, whether you’re trying to stay motivated while diligently tailoring resumes and cover letters or participating in an interview at a company where you’d love to work.

Some of these steps include focusing on actions such as surrounding yourself with like-minded, positive people, avoiding negative individuals and thoughts, concentrating on your strengths, paying attention to self-care – getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition – and balancing a routine that includes specific goals and strategic activities while taking timely breaks.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to maintain an upbeat focus while seeking employment.

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.

These four links provide great tips for maintaining a positive attitude during your job search. In fact, you’ll find some of the strategies are good to maintain on an ongoing basis.

https://executivecareerbrand.com/how-to-stay-positive-in-executive-job-search/

https://ca.topresume.com/career-advice/6-ways-to-stay-positive-in-your-job-search

https://talentegg.ca/incubator/2017/03/02/9-ways-stay-positive-job-search/

https://alis.alberta.ca/look-for-work/find-work/stay-positive-during-your-work-search/

Remember that sometimes not getting an interview or even a job you desired can be a great learning experience. It could be that the company wouldn’t be a great place to advance in your career after all. Ultimately, you want to find the right match so you’re not on the job hunt again in a short time. Patience can be a great friend.

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

 Networking A Vital Part Of Job Search Toolkit

April 19, 2019

You’ve updated your resume, have well-written cover letters and applied to numerous positions. How are you doing with your networking?

It’s an old maxim that who you know is often a stepping stone to success. That’s still very true in the job market, even in a time of Applicant Tracking Systems and online recruitment sites. Your ability to get a referral could be just the thing that puts you ahead of your competition.

Networking can occur in many forms. These range from connecting with long-time or new contacts on LinkedIn/other social media to approaching classmates at a school reunion to reaching out to other attendees at an event or even volunteering and seeking informational interviews.

Your comfort level will determine how far you’re willing to venture.

A recent post by Career Impressions on LinkedIn recommends beginning with friends, family, colleagues, professional contacts, professional forum members, and alumni.

“Your network is comprised of all the people that you know and also all the people that THEY know. Just because you don’t know someone personally at a company of interest doesn’t mean you are out of luck. Try to find a 2nd or 3rd degree connection to them and ask to be introduced. Keep in mind that good networking requires relationship building and relationship management.

“If you haven’t talked to someone for many years (or at all), don’t let your first contact with them be: “Hey, can you help me get a job at your company?” Engage with individuals regularly and make sure they know *what* you are good at and what you are *looking* for.”

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to network effectively.

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.

A study by Jobvite in the graphic below shares that friends and professional connections top the list of job resources. So if you are job searching – or thinking about changing jobs – don’t forget about asking your friends!

Here are four links to help employment seekers with tips on effective networking:

https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/getting-job/networking

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/top-career-networking-tips-2062604

https://pwp.vpl.ca/siic/job-search-resources/networking-for-employment/

https://blog.ttisuccessinsights.com/how-to-network-authentically

This last resource is a YouTube video that provides some alternative thoughts to what we typically think of networking:

https://bit.ly/2DhBu87

Whatever form(s) of networking you choose when job searching will be a big plus over simply casting your net in the marketplace and hoping you’ll snare that dream job. If networking isn’t part of your normal routine, start out on some familiar ground, but don’t be afraid to try one of the many tactics in the resources we’ve provided.

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, 9840-97th Ave., Grande Prairie.

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

 

Contact

P: 780-539-5477
E: info@gpworkplace.ca

#105, 9840 – 97 Avenue
Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V 7K2

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday:
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and Statutory Holidays:
Closed

The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the Government of Canada to provide employment support programs and services.

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