What’s New

Transition to Employment Services Information Sessions Resume

December 20, 2019

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

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

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

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

The focus is on those who are:

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

Components include:

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

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

Holiday Hours Notice

December 19, 2019

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

We look forward to serving you in 2020.

Restructured? What next?

December 4, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 conduct comprehensive job searches.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also help employers find qualified candidates.

How Often Do You Change Jobs?

December 2, 2019

Should I stay or should I go?

It was a question posed by the rock band The Clash in the 1980s. It’s also one people contemplating their current job situation ask.

In this blog, we explore job turnover, average employment tenures and things to consider in determining when it’s time to change jobs.

A March 15, 2018 article in the Canadian HR Reporter quoted a LinkedIn study which showed annual turnover rate in Canada is 16 per cent, fourth highest in the world behind France (21 per cent), the United Kingdom (17.6 per cent) and Australia (17.5 per cent). The United States was 13 per cent.

In 2014, Workopolis examined 7,000,000 resumes in their resume database and determined that working-aged Canadians would work an average of 15 jobs in their careers: https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/how-many-jobs-do-canadians-hold-in-a-lifetime/

According to Statista, a statistics portal for market data, market research and market studies, the average tenure for employees in Canada is 8.5 years.

This ranges from management occupations at (12.6 years) to sales and service jobs (6.2 years) to health positions (9.5 years) to trades, and transportation and equipment operators and related occupations (8.2 years). See full 2018 analysis here: https://www.statista.com/statistics/439028/multiple-jobholders-canada/

The statistics in Alberta vary from these, according to the March 2018 issue of the Alberta Government’s Labour Market Insights newsletter: “The average job tenure in Alberta has increased in the last three years, from 88.2 weeks in 2014 to 91.4 weeks in 2017 (essentially 1.5 to almost two years). The increase has been concentrated in young (those aged 15 to 24) and prime-age (aged 25 to 44) workers.

“Since 2014, job tenure among young workers and prime-aged workers has risen in Alberta 2.2 weeks and 5.4 weeks, respectively, while tenure for older workers (aged 45 and over) has been virtually unchanged.”

These are interesting figures. For all of us, the question is how often should you change jobs? There’s always that thought of the dream job awaiting us. On the other hand, you don’t want to be seen as randomly hopping jobs by prospective employers.

When considering a career move, are you doing so 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?

Having several jobs over a short amount of time does not send up the same red flags it once did. Employers recognize that we have an increasingly mobile workforce that may involve one member of a couple being transferred or being attracted to a job in another community. Layoffs, restructuring or downsizing can all lead to more frequent job changes.

While job hopping may not have the same stigma attached to it, we encourage you to consider how a new position fits into your overall career strategy.

Here are some resources discussing the pros and cons of job searching and how to address career gaps on your resume.

https://www.randstad.ca/job-seeker/career-resources/job-search-tips/evaluating-your-career-should-you-stay-or-should-you-go/

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/does-job-hopping-help-or-hurt-your-career-678856113.html

https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/recruitment/employers-reveal-how-they-really-feel-about-job-hopping/130262

https://talentegg.ca/incubator/2018/12/18/job-hopping/

https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/resume-writing-tips-for-jobhoppers-canada

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 career gaps in your resume.

Adrienne Tom, an award-winning resume writer, interview coach and job search strategist in Calgary also covered the top of job hopping in a recent blog: https://careerimpressions.ca/job-hopping/

The blog links to a discussion on LinkedIn. Here are a few of the responses:

“I think it completely depends on the generational perspective you’re coming from. I have found that many folks in the older generation still view job hopping as a risk, but millennials align with the idea that changing roles can result in higher negotiations. At the end of the day, there’s no one RIGHT answer, but something that my Dad said when I was first starting my career has stayed with me: “A company will only be as loyal to you as what makes financial sense for them.” So yes, be loyal to an extent – but ultimately, you have to look out for your career. Because if you won’t, who will?” – Jena Viviano, Career Coach & Strategist, Franklin Tennessee.

Adrienne responded: “I think you’ve nailed it Jena Viviano – a person needs to look out for themselves. A successful career isn’t up to an employer, it is up to each individual. For some, this may mean staying with a right-fit employer who rewards and compensates accordingly. For others, this may mean exploring new roles that offer new opportunities, skill sets, or challenges.”

Jeanine McNulty, an HR executive in Houston Texas added, “I think there are many factors related to job hoppers that not all recruiters or hiring managers take into consideration (and I am a hiring manager, so I like to have the conversation with the applicant). Often times, the job hopping is out of their control: layoffs, closures, relocation due to spouse or other family circumstances as has been the case in my own career.

“I also see employees leaving not just because of pay but because organizations fail to promote their value within the organization through providing educational opportunities, advancement within the organization, mentoring programs, providing recognition and respect-it’s often times not about leaving for more money it’s about new challenges and opportunities for growth and being valued.”

Amir Muradali, a career and leadership coach, trainer, author and speaker, in Calgary, responded: “This is a complex topic because yes, some companies still value loyalty, and also yes, companies can see your job changes as a positive sign of ambition. Further yes, changing jobs can mean you earn higher – although that isn’t a guarantee. And yes we are in a new volatile environment with a lot more frequent layoffs, so that candidate who appears to be a job hopper from their resume isn’t by choice.”

Ana Lokotkova, Career Advisor, LinkedIn Personal Branding, Interview Coach in Calgary, commented: “Very interesting topic! I think a lot depends on the specific situation. Employers do value loyalty, but, as you mentioned, times are changing. Someone who may have been labeled as a job hopper in the past wouldn’t be labeled so today, because there is more and more project-based work, and people don’t always have a linear career progression.”

Ultimately, there are many factors to consider as you consider various job opportunities. A good question to ask yourself is whether you are looking for another job or is it a career move?

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.

Don’t Put A Ho-ho-hold On Job Search During Holidays

November 29, 2019

The stockings are all hung by the chimney with care. Decorations fill your house with light and glitter. The presents are all neatly wrapped under the tree. Are you giving yourself the gift of a potential job opportunity in the New Year?

While the festive season is an important time to take a break from the daily grind and visit with family and friends, your job search doesn’t need to go on a complete hiatus.

There is no doubt that recruitment slows down late in the year after the rush to fill temporary seasonal retail positions is complete. However, companies never stop the hiring process. You may be able to get a leg up on competitors who let their job search go into full vacation mode for a few weeks.

Consider even smaller steps such as tuning up your resume or taking some time during holiday parties to update your colleagues on your career interests.

Speaking of networking, is your LinkedIn profile up to date?

It’s a good time to examine what’s worked well in your job search and review your goals for the year ahead.

As this article points out, it’s vital to recognize the recruitment cycles throughout the year: https://www.monster.ca/career-advice/article/understand-recruitment-cycles-ca

The importance of maintaining your job search even during the holidays is discussed in this post: https://www.vpi-inc.com/2019/11/18/keep-your-job-search-going-this-holiday-season/

In this article, you’ll learn more about how the festive season is great time to look ahead and focus on your career: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/holiday-season-time-focus-your-career-maureen/

You can sign up for a free Holiday Guide to Job Search here: https://www.jobsearchsecretweapon.com/

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.

Our office is closed between Dec.24 at noon and Jan. 2, 2020.

Kamara Toffolo, an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker, produced this video for the 2018 holiday season and the points remain valid: https://bit.ly/2L2rVhe

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

You own your career and your job search. It’s important to renew acquaintances as we head into a new year. If you’re serious about a job change in the coming months, though, we recommend you take some down time to get a head start in some way.

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.

Job Fair Alert – The Work Place Partners With Source Energy Services

November 4, 2019

Source Energy Services – Job Fair on November 12 at The Work Place

Source Energy Services (www.sourceenergyservices.com) is hiring Operators within Grande Prairie and surrounding areas. The Work Place has partnered with Source Energy Services, and will be hosting a Job Fair on November 12 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you’re interested in working for Source Energy Services, and have the qualifications indicated in the job description below, please come in person to The Work Place to register for an interview time by November 8 at 4:00 pm. Please have an up-to-date resume, valid Class 5 Driver’s License, a clean Driver’s Abstract (not more than 30-days old/no suspensions), and relevant safety tickets with you. Please note, our office is closed on Monday, November 11 for Remembrance Day.

Need your resume updated and job interview coaching/tips in advance? Check out our job search services at www.gpworkplace.ca

Date: Tuesday, November 12

Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: The Work Place

#105, 9840 -97^th Avenue

Grande Prairie

Job Description

Position: Sahara Operator I & II

Location: Grande Prairie, AB

Position Summary: With 2+ years of oilfield experience, the successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring proper maintenance and compliance with company and third-party procedures while expected to effectively and safely operate the Sahara units and associated equipment.

Employees work a rotation of 15 days on and 6 days off. Meals and accommodations are paid for by Source while working. Earn up to $70,000 annually as a new operator.

Open to candidates within: Grande Prairie, Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and surrounding areas. A travel allowance will be provided to candidates for travel to and from our base locations in Grande Prairie and Red Deer to our service areas. Pay is hourly and overtime eligible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist in proper set-up and take-down procedures for all parts of plant pre and post-transport;
Ensure proper maintenance and effective operation of Sahara plant on location;
Monitor input and outflow of material to and from Sahara plant; guiding supply drivers in offload and;
Effectively work in a team environment and with other services on location.

Qualifications:

Individuals with a hardworking attitude and a working knowledge of tools and mechanics. Individuals must be self-motivated and adaptable to change. Other basic requirements include:

2+ years’ experience in an oilfield or construction environment requiring strict adherence to operational procedural and provincial safety standards;
A mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn;
Previous frac experience is preferred;
Possess exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with different personalities;
First Aid / H2S not required but considered an asset;
Able to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug, alcohol and fit suitability testing; and
Possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driving record (no suspensions).

Meet Our Staff – Catherine Dyer

October 17, 2019

Catherine Dyer

Position: Employment Advisor

Years With The Work Place: Began in August 2019

Role: Catherine works in collaboration with the Employment Consultants and Employment Specialist to provide employment services to local job seekers and employers. She provides job seekers with detailed information regarding employment-related services. She completes registration and initial assessment of employment needs and determines eligibility for services for potential clients and refers them appropriately, according to established criteria. Catherine provides accepted clients with employment and career-related guided assistance in a professional, respectful and courteous manner.

Education and Career: Catherine received her Business Administration Diploma from Grande Prairie Regional College in May 2019 after attaining a Business Administration Certificate a year earlier, a proud accomplishment after being out of school for 10 years. Catherine brings a variety of coaching, leadership and work experiences to her position at The Work Place. At Curves, she coached women in the basics of health living and assisted clients with health-related questions. At McStrong Safety Services, Catherine handled combined clerical duties with tasks such as creating safety manuals and programs. She has strong background in customer service as a result of working at Armamark Canada where she was responsible for training new hires.

Community Involvement: Catherine was the Event Co-ordinator for the Grande Prairie Regional College Business Conference in March 2018 and 2019 and the Peace Country Rising Stars event in November 2018. She also assisted with the Grande Prairie Women’s Show in September 2018.

Hobbies and Interests: Catherine has an adventurous spirit. Her first airplane ride was highlighted by a parachute jump. She also enjoys travel, house boating and dog sledding. Favourite pastimes include painting and creating mixed media, listening to rock and roll music, and bargain hunting – she relishes finding a great deal. She has a passion for supporting clients and friends in reaching their potential.

Consider Non-Verbal Communication In Video Interviews

August 29, 2019

In today’s job market, moving to new communities is a real possibility as part of a career advancement. Some form of technology-based interview by video conference/Skype/Zoom are increasingly being used for out-of-town candidates, particularly in the initial stages of the recruitment process.

That means it’s important to consider how these types of interviews might vary from in-person meetings.

Emily Lawson, certified career coach and job search strategist in Greensboro, North Carolina, posted the following discussion on LinkedIn earlier this month:

“Do you believe that 93% of communication is nonverbal?

If this is true, think of how this translates into video interviews. With this form of interviewing only increasing over time it’s crucial to understand the keys to video interviewing success.

Is it possible that your body language is more important that what you actually say? According to Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Rule of Communication, 93% of what we are “saying” is actually nonverbal.

He breaks it down to:

? 7% – Actual Words That You Say

? 38% – Voice Tone and Inflection

? 55% – Body Movements, Posture, etc.”

Here Are Emily’s Thoughts:

✓ Most people don’t realize that if you are interviewing with a prospective employer they have already vetted out that you are qualified for the role.

✓ The interview is about determining fit and the majority of that is communicated nonverbally.

✓ People easily hire those they are connected with, trust, and respect; which can only be developed through communication.

The key here is to be mindful of your nonverbal communication so it doesn’t detract from your value. Ralph Waldo Emerson summed it up perfectly… “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.”

Emily invited others to chime in with their advice on video interviews:

Adrienne Tom, Executive Resume Writer at Career Impressions in Calgary, responded: “Often people tend to get ‘stuck inside their head’ during the process…trying to anticipate questions or formulate responses and this can make them seem disengaged or removed. Approach the process as a conversation and aim to make a connection with the interviewers.”

Kamara Toffolo, an Ottawa-based resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, job search strategist and speaker added: “Job seekers need to remain ever-present during interviews, and actually answer the questions they’re asked.”

Maureen McCann, Executive Career Strategist in Victoria, had this to say: “Relax and be yourself. As you said in your post, the hiring team has already vetted you. You’re in! What they want now is to get to know you. Don’t try to be overly formal or perfect. Be yourself. Let them see who you’ll be once you’re on their team.”

Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based job search expert Sarah Johnston commented: “Consider taking off your glasses. The camera doesn’t always favor people who need lenses (there is often a light issue).”

Here’s what Erin Kennedy, Founder & CEO, Professional Resume Services, Inc. in Detroit offered: “Try not to let your face show your emotion. If you left a company on bad terms, practice in front of a mirror what you would say about that and keep your face neutral (it’s harder than it sounds!).”

“Don’t tap with a pen or fiddle with your fingers, hair/beard or jewelry,” advised Ashley Watkins, Certified Resume Writer, Job Search & Interview Coach in Birmingham Alabama.

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

Here are some other resources to consider:

https://fuzehr.com/video-interview-tips-preparations-to-nail-it/

https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/worst-video-interview-blunders/

https://www.roberthalf.ca/en/blog/job-interview-tips/how-to-nail-your-next-video-job-interview

https://www.iqpartners.com/blog/10-tips-crush-next-video-job-interview/

Ultimately, a video interview is an interview. Treat it as if you were face-to-face with the interviewer(s). Be prepared, act professionally, answer all the questions thoroughly, and dress appropriately. Remember to ask questions when the opportunity presents itself.

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 – Nevin Bakir

August 20, 2019

Position: Employment Specialist

Years with The Work Place: One year and 3 months

Role: Nevin researches potential employment opportunities for clients by assessing openings and ensuring a match with their skills, qualifications and goals. She supports job seekers including guidance on steps needed to achieve certificates and short-term training required by employers.

Nevin undertakes proactive outreach with businesses and industry groups to identify prospective vacancies and labour market trends. She also collects information from employers related to job orders including position requirements and skills. Nevin delivers employment-related information to employers on human resources and employment standards.

She raises awareness about attitudinal barriers and works to remove stigmas attached to specific job seeker groups. Nevin attends career fairs, trade shows and other employment-related events where she shares employer marketing materials.

Nevin explores opportunities for job shadows and pursues potential volunteer placements for clients with employers. She conducts follow up with businesses to gauge the success of current arrangements and to discuss potential further opportunities. Her duties also include facilitating workshops and Employment Support Sessions while providing job maintenance support to clients and ensuring documentation is accurately recorded.

Education and Career: Nevin was previously the Settlement Practitioner and Volunteer Coordinator at Grande Prairie Centre for Newcomers and worked earlier with Immigrant Settlement Services, helping immigrants settle and adjust to the community. Nevin was also a Community Engagement Co-ordinator at the Canadian Cancer Society.

She brings a variety of other experiences to The Work Place, including employment in guest relations at a holiday resort in Turkey, a French teacher assistant, and a personal banking representative.

Her education includes a diploma in Business Administration with a major in finance, and a childcare staff qualifications certificate, along with ongoing attendance at professional development workshops.

Community Involvement:

Ecole Nouvelle Frontiere – President, 2014-2015

Early Child Development Mapping Project (ECMap) Member, 2012-2014

ACFA Board Member, 2008-2014

Grande Prairie Century Play/Vice President, 2012-2014

Grande Prairie Volunteer Services Bureau Conference Planning Committee, 2013-2014

International Racism and Discrimination Celebration/Planning Committee, 2015

Welcoming and Inclusive Community in Grande Prairie and Arts and Newcomers, 2014

Accomplishments: In addition to being fluent in English, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Turkish, Macedonian and Serbian, Nevin is pursuing a Teaching a Second Language Certificate – Level 1 through the University of Calgary. As well, she is very artistic, creating beautiful paintings and crafting handmade knitwear and accessories.

The Finishing Touches Of A Cover Letter

August 2, 2019

Your cover letter is intended to entice hiring managers to read your resume, so it’s important to have compelling content, particularly the closing statement.

In this blog we provide links to some resources that will help job seekers consider how to wrap up their cover letter, to go beyond traditional phrases like … “I look forward to hearing from you” or “Thank you for your consideration”.

In a sense, it’s like you’re a lawyer before a judge and you want a substantive statement to close before you rest your case – a statement that prompts the employer to go directly to your resume.

Consider a call to action, perhaps indicating that you will follow up shortly. Look for ways to close off showing your passion and enthusiasm in a professional manner.

Staff at The Work Place in Grande Prairie can guide eligible unemployed or underemployed clients (visit www.gpworkplace.ca for details) on how to make your cover letter stand out.

Check out these resources as you examine how to write the final lines of your cover letters:

https://upjourney.com/how-to-end-a-cover-letter

https://www.best-job-interview.com/closing-a-cover-letter.html

https://www.nexxt.com/articles/what-is-a-proper-closing-on-a-cover-letter–16343-article.html

As with your resume, you want to make sure your words count. Taking extra care ending off your cover letter is a great way to keep the momentum going behind the marketing of you as a human resource.

If you’re interested in tips on improving your cover letter overall, check out our Jan. 22 blog: https://bit.ly/2YgPquM. We also provided cover letter advice in our Dec. 17, 2018 article: https://bit.ly/2GqFS6h

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.

Transition to Employment Services Information Sessions Resume

Holiday Hours Notice

Restructured? What next?

How Often Do You Change Jobs?

Don’t Put A Ho-ho-hold On Job Search During Holidays

Job Fair Alert – The Work Place Partners With Source Energy Services

Meet Our Staff – Catherine Dyer

Consider Non-Verbal Communication In Video Interviews

Meet Our Staff – Nevin Bakir

The Finishing Touches Of A Cover Letter

Contact

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