What’s New – Page 4 – The Work Place – Resources for Job Seekers & Employers in Grande Prairie, AB

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.

Many Job Openings Not Advertised

August 5, 2020

You’ve been working hard to find new employment but not making much headway. Are you accessing the hidden job market?

The Internet has made it easier to conduct a thorough job search and online sites are a popular way to find openings. Larger organizations have structured hiring processes. However, many employers continue to prefer getting candidates through employee referrals that can avoid lengthy hiring processes and advertising.

The hidden job market refers to jobs not advertised or posted online. The actual percentage varies – figures between 40 and 80 per cent are used. Suffice to say a significant number of vacancies still get filled without being promoted publicly. This article discusses this in greater detail https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-the-hidden-job-market-2062004

In our July 15 blog, we stressed the importance of having a job search strategy, rather than taking a “spray and pray” approach. This article acknowledges that a balance is needed between waiting on opportunities to appear and taking steps to put your own best foot forward: https://www.jogreencoaching.com/blog/2018/3/20/80-nonsense-busting-the-hidden-job-market-myth

However, we can support job seekers using technology in many ways, including questions about accessing the hidden job market. 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.

Here are some further resources that address the hidden job market:

https://www.epcjobs.ca/?view=article&id=65:10-strategies-for-finding-jobs-in-the-hidden-market

https://metaservices.ca/why-you-should-never-discount-the-hidden-job-market/

https://www.geraldwalsh.com/blog?c=is-there-really-a-hidden-job-market-2

https://careerfoundation.com/2019/07/accessing-the-hidden-job-market-step-1/

https://prepcan.ca/unlocking-the-hidden-job-market-5-tips-to-success/

These two links are geared more specifically to individuals newer to the workforce:

https://guides.vpl.ca/c.php?g=698557&p=4959723

https://news.umanitoba.ca/six-ways-to-uncover-the-hidden-job-market-2/

Ultimately, seeking employment in today’s job market is much more than applying for jobs online. What efforts will you make to stand out from the competition? Will you try new things?

The likelihood of you finding a fulfilling position is increased if your approach leaves no stone unturned.

If you’re looking for a job right now, we wish you the best. Good luck!

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.

Job Posting – Assistant Employment Advisor

June 11, 2020

APPLICANTS MUST BE BETWEEN 15 AND 30 YEARS OF AGE AT THE START DATE OF EMPLOYMENT

APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO BE RETURNING TO SCHOOL TO APPLY.

This is a 9-week position.

Responsibilities

Answer telephone in a courteous, professional manner; provide information regarding services and resources and/or route calls to the appropriate staff member.
Complete registration and preliminary assessment with job seekers.
Provide employment and career-related guided assistance to clients in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.
Convert instructor-led training workshop content into engaging and interactive e-learning sessions.
Design and create high-quality, engaging, and effective e-learning presentations.
Work with subject matter experts, assessing content, and identifying gaps.
Research new resources to stay current with relevant job search strategies and the labor market.
Document client information on database.

The Skills You Bring

Post-secondary education in marketing, digital media, education, human services or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, specifically PowerPoint.
Familiarity with virtual classrooms such as Zoom, WebEx and other virtual-learning platforms.
Visual/graphic design skills with experience using applications such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator.
Excellent verbal and written communication as well as receptive listening skills.
Proven grammar and editing capabilities.
Excellent project management and time-management skills
Well-organized; able to handle multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Email your resume and a cover letter ‘indicating why you would be an ideal fit for this job’ and two work/professional references to info@gpworkplace.ca.

Please put Application for Assistant Employment Advisor in subject line.

All applications must be received by 4:30 pm, Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

If you have questions regarding the position, contact Denise Carlson, Manager, The Work Place at 780-897-8939.

Thank you for your interest in the position; while we would love to be able to respond directly to each applicant, we are only able to contact those who advance to the next stage of the hiring process.

Applicants must be:

Between 15-30 years of age at the start of the employment, due to Canada Summer Jobs grant requirements.

A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or a person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.

Anticipated Start Date: To be determined

The individual will work at The Work Place, #105, 9840 – 97th Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB. The job is full-time (37.50 hours a week), Monday to Friday. The wage rate is $17.00 per hour. More information about The Work Place is available at www.gpworkplace.ca

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/

Working From Home During COVID-19?

April 9, 2020

Many employees are finding that picking up their office and setting up shop is a reality during COVID-19.

For some, working from home has always been something they’ve dreamed about. Others dread the thought. They can’t imagine trying to get work done with family members around and distractions such as laundry.

It’s hard to fathom being productive with no schedule, little or no in-person adult interaction and the familiarity of operating outside the normal workplace.

There’s little doubt that when this public health crisis is over, a new workplace will emerge where working from home will be increasingly normal. Up until now, many employers have been skeptical about allowing their staff the flexibility. They are likely to find that some people are actually able to get more accomplished in this new environment.

For those who’ve never done it before, the concerns are legitimate. It will be tempting to get that pile of dishes out of the way before settling into work. How will you work around kids interrupting? Spring has arrived, you may be tempted by the birds chirping and the sun shining.

In this blog, we provide resources that will help you make the most of your situation, including pitfalls to avoid, whether you’ve always wanted to try working from home or the idea has always scared you.

In either case, this necessary social distancing time will make you a more flexible human resource.

Here are some links to articles to help you work from home more effectively:

https://energynow.ca/2020/03/https-energynow-ca-2020-03-20-tips-for-working-from-home-being-covid-19-proactive/

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/tips-on-how-to-successfully-work-from-home-1.4864382

https://www.informationweek.com/pitfalls-to-avoid-in-the-covid-19-rush-to-work-from-home/d/d-id/1337367

https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-ways-to-prove-your-productivity-when-working-from-home?

https://www.themuse.com/advice/take-it-from-someone-who-hates-productivity-hacksthe-pomodoro-technique-actually-works?

https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/employee-engagement/covid-19-tips-for-successful-remote-working/217059

At The Work Place in Grande Prairie, we continue to provide service under a revised delivery model. The Province of Alberta has directed us not to have in-person meetings with clients during COVID-19. We can continue to provide job search and career advisement information via email, phone or video technology.

Call us at 780-539-5477 or email info@gpworkplace.com.

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

When you’re working from home, it will also be important to be mindful of your physical and mental wellbeing. Here are some resources that cover tips in these areas.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479259/how-to-design-an-effective-schedule-during-stressful-times?

https://www.fastcompany.com/90479504/how-to-maintain-your-mental-health-while-working-from-home?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/digital-leaders/202003/5-tips-working-home-amid-covid-19

COVID-19 will mean many workplace changes and remote working will be an expected part of doing business in the future. For employees, the ability to show flexibility is another feather in their caps when it comes to employability.

We wish you the best in your adjusted work situation.

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.

APPLICANTS MUST BE BETWEEN 15 AND 30 YEARS OF AGE AT THE START DATE OF EMPLOYMENT

APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO BE RETURNING TO SCHOOL TO APPLY.

This is a 9-week position.

Contact

Hours of Operation