What’s New

Online Safety Training During COVID-19

March 25, 2020

COVID-19 is preventing job seekers and employees from obtaining or renewing certificates. Training providers, with authority from Alberta Labour – Occupational Health and Safety, are offering certificate extension for various courses. Also, online training is available through several organizations.

Energy Service Canada

https://www.energysafetycanada.com/News-Events/COVID-19-Response

St. John Ambulance

https://stjohn.ab.ca/certification-concessions/

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

The Work Place will continue to provide employment support services to job seekers by phone and/or other technologies. There is no charge to use our services.

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

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

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

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.

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.

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.

Job Seeking During COVID-19

March 23, 2020

“Should I keep looking for a new job with all of this going on?”

If this thought has crossed your mind at some point since the coronavirus pandemic began, you’re not alone. In the midst of all the economic uncertainty, it is normal to wonder if you should put your job search on hold or keep looking.

Now is not the time to stop. We do not have a crystal ball to predict how things will change in the next few months. However, we can provide career and employment supports so that you can develop more skills, confidence, and direction regarding your career path.

What The Work Place can help with:

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

Website links to updated government and community information.

The Government of Alberta has directed us to cease in-person services; therefore, our office doors are closed until further notice. The Work Place will continue to provide employment support services to job seekers by phone and/or other technologies.

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

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

Our website is www.gpworkplace.ca

The Alberta Health Services webpage provides overall COVID-19 information, including how to adjust your home and workplace to address the pandemic:

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

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

Denise Carlson and The Work Place team

Service Delivery Adjusted During COVID-19

March 20, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business As Usual At The Work Place

March 13, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upcoming Phone Interview?

February 26, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Explaining A Job Loss

February 24, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Pregnant And In The Job Market?

February 14, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Have 2020 Foresight In This Year’s Job Search

February 10, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

Meet Our Staff – Rhonda Rousell

January 19, 2020

Position: Job Placement Services Employment Consultant

Years with The Work Place: Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online Safety Training During COVID-19

Changing Your Resume During COVID-19

Job Seeking During COVID-19

Service Delivery Adjusted During COVID-19

Business As Usual At The Work Place

Upcoming Phone Interview?

Explaining A Job Loss

Pregnant And In The Job Market?

Have 2020 Foresight In This Year’s Job Search

Meet Our Staff – Rhonda Rousell

Contact

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