WorkBC Blog

The writ period and what it means for the blog

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:04:19 PDT

Tuesday, April 16th marks the start of the provincial election or writ period. During this time, the BC government, including WorkBC, will be observing Elections BC rules and will be restricting its communications and social media presence. For this reason, WorkBC's blog, Facebook, and Twitter accounts will not be publishing any new content until the writ period comes to an end. We understand that this may be frustrating to job seekers, and we're sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. However, we want to ensure you that we will still be available to answer any inquiries related to our services. WorkBC Employment Services Centres will still be in operation and will be happy to assist you with any of your employment questions or needs. Or, should you have any questions related to the WorkBC website and its programs and services, you can still contact us using our live-chat service or by calling 1-877-952-6914.

If you'd like to know more about the writ period and why government communications are being restricted please visit the BC B-Sides. Moreover, should you have any non-WorkBC related questions during the election period, your best bet is Service BC: http://www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/ or 1-800-661-8773.

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How to Tackle Odd Interview Questions

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:38:34 PDT

It doesn’t happen very often, but once in a while an interviewer may ask you a question that seems way out to left field. E.g. “How would you rate your memory?" or "How would you measure 4 litres of water if you only had access to a 3 and 5 litre jug?” The phenomenon may seem strange, but odd questions like these have been around for a while. In fact, each year the website Glassdoor.com polls job candidates and asks them to share their wacky interview questions to help job seekers prepare for their interviews. So if you're nervous about being asked a wacky question, like the ones on Glassdoor's list, keep reading to find out some strategies to get past these challenging questions.

What is the point of such questions?

The point of these types of questions isn’t to scare you or make you panic; rather, the point is to see how well you handle difficult or unexpected problems and what kind of solutions you come up with. In other words, it’s not so much whether you answer the question correctly, but rather, how you come up with an answer. Essentially, what an employer is looking at is what thought processes you employ in your answer and are you able to think critically.

How do I tackle these "odd" questions?

To address these odd questions I find it useful to first think about the employer. For instance, before you enter into any interview, you should, of course, always research the company you're applying to, and have a pretty clear understanding of its history and values. That way, when you do get asked an odd question, you can reflect on your research and come up with an answer that demonstrates your knowledge. For example, does the company value quantity or quality, do they make any charitable donations, are their customers their number one priority, do they have strong family values, etc... Once you’ve thought about such things, you can then begin to tackle the question by approaching it from the company’s point of view.

If you’re interviewing at a restaurant for instance, and they really value speedy service, consistency, and customer satisfaction, and they ask you how you would make a grilled-cheese sandwich, start thinking about what their needs are and how you would address them. For example, are their customers interested in gourmet ingredients or do they prefer large portions? Or, since the restaurant values speed and efficiency, start thinking of ways that help you make grilled-cheese sandwiches really fast and consistent. Do you do a lot of prep work? Do you have a special cooking technique? What methods do you employ to help increase your speed and consistency? By seeing how you tackle this question, an employer will get a better sense of your personality and how you would react when faced with new challenges.

Another thing to think about is why the odd question is being asked. If a potential employer asks you to rate them as an interviewer, what kind of response do they think they want? Why do you think they would ask this question? The one thing that is certain is they don’t want you to give them a perfect score. They are expecting you to answer them in this manner, as it’s an easy solution and it avoids any serious thought. In most circumstances, what they are probably testing is your communication skills. How do you tell them that they’re not perfect without hurting their feelings? To accomplish this I wouldn’t focus on the interviewer as a person, rather, I would focus on the interview itself. What aspects have been positive? Did the interviewer ask pertinent questions? Were they productive and fair? Were they on time? The best practice is to usually avoid any negativity and focus on the positive. If you have to say something negative, say it at the beginning and follow up with lots of positive examples. Make sure that the interviewer knows that their efforts are appreciated and why you appreciate them. Ultimately, what the interviewer is testing in this question is whether you're able to come up with a succinct answer that showcases your communication skills and ability to diffuse a potentially problematic situation.

So if you get asked an oddball question in your next interview don’t despair, instead, strategize. Use your background knowledge of the company and think about why the question is being asked, and then proceed to answer the question making sure that you use a lot of detail and specifics in your answer. It also never hurts to throw in a little humour and smile, because the point of every interview is to see if you'll be a good fit in the company.

And the answer is...

Now, just in case you’re curious about the correct answer to the second question in this post, here is how you get 4 litres of water if you only have a 3 and 5 litre jug. Fill the 5 litre jug and dump it into the 3 litre jug. Empty the 3 litre jug and fill it with the remaining 2 litres from the 5 litre jug. Fill the 5 litre jug and pour it into the 3 litre jug. You should now have 4 litres left in the 5 litre jug.

Do you have any comments about this blog post? Please don’t hesitate to comment below, we welcome your feedback!

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Women in Trades Training Program

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:42 PDT

Women in Trades Training (WITT) Initiative

To help celebrate International Women’s Day, which takes place on March 8^th, we thought it would be a great idea to highlight one of our employment programs designed specifically for women.

The Women in Trades Training initiative is a fantastic government-sponsored program that aims to help women jump-start their career in the trades. Since its beginning the WITT initiative has helped break down barriers for more than 2,000 women in British Columbia. The program is run through the Industry Training Authority (ITA) who contracts training service providers to deliver the following:

Introductory trade training programs that give you exposure to a variety of trades, upgrading and job placement support
Foundation programs, to help you get job ready
Essential skills training
Work placements and on the job training

Each program is tailored to your individual needs, and can include:

Free tuition
Tools and books
Childcare subsidies
Transportation subsidies
Career counseling
Introductions to employers
Safety training
Upgrading and essential skills training
Exposure to a range of trades

Visit Thompson Rivers University to read some Testimonials from women who have gone through the program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the program you must be:

Unemployed, non-Employment Insurance clients; or,
Employed but lacking high-school diploma, recognized certification, recognized post-secondary education towards a university degree, or essential skills (e.g., literacy, numeracy, and document use).

There are individuals who may also qualify for funding assistance. Please contact one of the training service providers below to find out if this is a viable option.

If you don’t qualify for the program, the ITA may be able to connect you with other programs and initiatives to help you land a career in the trades. Please contact them if you’d like to know more about this or other ITA programs.

These Boots are Made for Working Contest!

The Woman in Trades Training initiative would like to know how they can encourage women to explore a career in the trades! So if you have a great idea that can help promote trades to women, then be sure to enter this contest to win one of five pairs of work boots! To be eligible for a prize you must be at least 19 years old. Visit the WITT’s contest page to enter!

Service Providers

BC Construction Association (BCCA)

Camosun College

Okanagan College

Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

Tradeworks Training Society

UA Piping Industry College (UAPIC)

Vancouver Island University

Like the WITT on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/womenintrades

Career Trek Videos

Here's a video showing a baker in Cowichan Bay. See more trades in action on Career Trek!

Want to learn more about women in the trades? Here's a link to an excellent Australian documentary entitled Women in Trades that tracks four women who are employed in non-traditional trades.

Are you a woman who works in the trades? How did you find your job? Do you have any advice for women looking to enter this field? Share your story below!

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Discover the BladeRunners Employment Program

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:00:10 PDT

What is it?

BladeRunners is an employment program that targets at-risk youth (15-30 years of age), and provides them with basic training designed to facilitate entry into the labour force. The program works with many different companies and employers throughout B.C. to help provide employment opportunities to the youth participants so they can gain sufficient skills and experience that will help them gain long-term attachment to the labour force.

Ensuring that participants have an excellent chance obtaining long-term attachment to the labour force is integral to the BladeRunners model, and through multi-sector partnerships with youth, community, employers, trades unions, post-secondary institutions, and various levels of government, the program has witnessed much success.

How will it benefit me?

As a BladeRunner participant you’ll learn life skills, receive certified health and safety training, and learn job-readiness skills that will help you build self-esteem and confidence. Through the program’s unique blend of workplace training and integration, you’ll also acquire marketable skills that will enhance your long-term employment prospects. The following is a list of services offered through the program:

Life skills training
Job readiness skills
Certification courses (e.g., WHIMIS, WCB Awareness, First Aid Level 1)
Job coaching and support 24 hr/day, 7 days/wk
Workplace communication
Job placement opportunities

Eligibility

Youth with barriers to employment, between 15 and 30 years of age.

Please contact your local WorkBC Employment Services Centre for more information on program eligibility.

Service Delivery Agents

Please visit the BladeRunners website to view the service delivery agents for the program.

Success Story

Noah

Noah was struggling with past addictions issues and was at risk of becoming homeless when he entered the NYSA BladeRunners program in October 2009. He self reported that he had a grade 10 level education and had literacy and numeracy barriers. Despite having very little work experience or education, he excelled while in the skill enhancement component of the training. Noah attended and completed the entire skill enhancement portion of the program and was placed with RGL Construction.

He has not looked back since. Noah is confident in his job due to the skills he learned through BladeRunners and the employer is also very impressed with Noah’s work ethic and abilities and plans to keep Noah on for the long-term.

“The Nanaimo Youth Services BladeRunners program has helped me believe in myself. Before…I was two steps from being homeless and struggling in my recovery from drugs and alcohol. Through some of the different facilitators and workshops, I have gained the insight that I am capable of realizing my dreams.”

Promotion Video

Have you participated in the BladeRunners program or do you know anyone who has? Share your story with us! We value your opinion and would love to hear your thoughts on the program.

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Introducing the Labour Market Navigator!

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:26:05 PDT

What is it?

We're really excited to introduce our newest app: The Labour Market Navigator! Have you ever imagined yourself in a new career, but weren't sure if it was a good choice? Or, have you ever been curious to see how much money you can make if you go into a particular career? If so, the Labour Market Navigator will be a must have for your smartphone or desktop!

Depending on your background and interests, Labour Market information can come across as boring or irrelevant. However, we've designed the Labour Market Navigator so that the statistics and information in the app is easy to absorb and really useful. If you're currently job hunting or if you're in school, this app will give you an excellent idea of what jobs are currently in demand, or which jobs will be in demand in the future. Or, if you're just curious about how B.C. is doing in terms of employment gains/losses, our monthly Labour Market Snapshots are available through the app as well.

How does it work?

When you first open the Navigator you'll immediately be greeted with three choices: BC Regions, Occupations, and Industry.

If you choose BC Regions you will be brought to a page that lists all seven BC Regions, and within each section there will be stats that show how much employment is predicted to grow in that region over the next 10 years. You will also see which occupation groups have the highest expected growth rates in that region, so you'll have a good idea of what sort of jobs will have a high need for employees.

The Occupations section is fantastic. Upon arrival you'll see a featured occupation, as well as the highest growing occupation groups. When you visit an occupation you will be introduced to a large number of useful stats presented in an easy to read format with lots of colourful graphics (see below example). For instance, you will see the average salary, unemployment rate, estimated number of job openings for the year, required skills, workforce composition, as well as the competitiveness of the job market, to name a few. And, if you're not sure which occupation you want to search for, you can click the occupation button at the top and browse through the occupation categories. Each category will lead you to a more narrow field until you get down to an actual position. So if you don't know what kind of manager you want to be, you can get a better idea of the different kinds of managers by browsing through the management category.

The Industry section is really useful as well, because it can help you with your future career choice. If you have no idea what industry you want to work in, you can have a look at this section to see which industries are projected to grow in the future. And if you have no idea what sort of jobs are available in this industry, the tool provides you with a handy list of common occupations specific to your industry of choice.

Example

Here's an example of what an average occupation outlook may look like:

Let us know what you think of the tool! We're really excited about it, and we would love to know your thoughts. Share your experience below!

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Spring Clean Your Resume!

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:06:14 PDT

It’s amazing what a little light can do. The past few mornings I’ve actually seen a light haze when I get up in the morning, instead of the dreary black of winter, which can only mean one thing: spring is here! With spring comes warmer days, new sounds, scenes of renewal and life, and, if we’re lucky, a little extra energy. And with this tiny splurge of energy I usually like to tidy the house and clean up all the garden beds. In addition to the yearly house cleanup, I also find that spring is a great time of year to update or “freshen” one’s resume.

Once people find a job they tend to become static. They get comfortable knowing that they have a steady job, and their resume will often sit idle and slowly become outdated. This practice isn’t necessarily that harmful, especially if you have a really steady job and you don’t plan on going anywhere for a long time, but life has a way of changing things, and before you know it, you may be faced with a new opportunity or a flurry of bad luck, and suddenly require a new resume. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to casually update and tidy your resume. You never know when you may need it, and having one that’s virtually ready to go is much easier than having to start from scratch.

So the next time you have a few minutes to spare at work, spend a little time and add some new skills to your resume. Maybe you took some new courses or maybe your job title changed. Whatever the case may be, doing a little updating here and there will save you a ton of time in the long run. Moreover, if you haven’t updated your resume in a long time, you’d be amazed at how much stuff you’ve forgotten, which is why I recommend keeping a running tab of projects or achievements. Having this list will not only come in handy for your resume, but it will also be a huge help when you have to prepare for an interview!

If your resume is up-to-date you may think you’re done, but I’d like to suggest one more small task that’s worth doing. Update your social media profiles. If you use LinkedIn you’ll find that it too gets out of date quickly. So spend a few minutes once in a while to spruce up the page and update your skills and job duties. It’s also a good idea to endorse people, because they’ll likely endorse you back!

Do you have any more tips to keep your job application documents up-to-date? We’d love to hear any neat new tricks.

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5 Useful Apps for Job Seekers

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:29:12 PDT

Third Party Apps

LinkedIn (iphone/ipad/android/blackberry/windows)

LinkedIn is a rising star in the social media world. The network is directed mainly towards professionals and the world of business, but it's rapidly expanding into other employment sectors. What's great about the mobile version is that it can help you keep up on industry news, while providing you with great job-search tips. Users of the app can also search for jobs and maintain their online profile with full editing capabilities. LinkedIn is great for people looking to advance further in their preferred industry, as well as people looking to climb the career ladder.

Pocket Resume (iphone/ipad/android/blackberry)

Drafting a resume is tough! People often don't realize just how much work is involved. You have to choose a layout and resume style, and, of course, you have to create the content. Pocket resume helps you create, manage, and distribute your resume. Its major goal is to help you choose and create your resume layout. You'll still have to come up with the content of course, but Pocket Resume will help you make a resume with a professional look and feel. And when you're finally finished you can save your resume in a handy PDF.

Dropbox (android/iphone/ipad/blackberry/kindle fire)

Dropbox isn't an app that's specifically designed for job seekers, but its features are really handy. Cloud technology is fairly new and I find a lot of people don't know what it is or how to use it. Essentially, Dropbox works like an online hard drive where you can store up to 2GB of data. Why this feature will be useful to job seekers is because it makes your data portable. Now you can edit your resume from any device that has internet access and a word processor, because it will exist on Dropbox's hard drive. It's a really great tool because you can upload your resume, references, job descriptions, photos, or any other item that you might want to reference when you're drafting your resume or preparing for an interview.

101 HR Interview Questions and Answers (android)

This app is pretty basic, but it's very useful when you're trying to prepare for your interview. It works just like the title says. You'll be asked common interview questions like "What's your greatest weakness?," and then you'll get to practice answering them. Once you've come up with a response you can tap the answer and you'll be provided with some advice on how to handle the question should it come up in an interview.

Evernote (android/iphone/ipad/blackberry/windows)

I haven't really used Evernote yet, but I've been reading a lot about it and it sounds pretty useful. One of the great features of Evernote is its webclipper. You can "clip" anything you see on the web and attach notes to it and save it in a notebook of your choice. So you could make a new notebook for "Interesting Jobs" and browse through any of the jobs you clipped at your earliest convenience. One of the great things about your notes is that you can tag them to make them searchable. So if you know you took a clipping of a really interesting job about carpentry, but you can't find it, you can easily search for your tag and locate the clipping. It's also useful for keeping track of your appointments and any business cards you may come across. So while this isn't necessarily a "job seeker" app, it does have lots of features that would be useful for job seekers.

WorkBC Apps

Build a Career (iphone/ipad/blackberry)

Our Build a Career app is great for job seekers who aren't sure what career path they want to take. It's targeted more towards younger audiences, but it's also great for adults who want to see what sort of careers may complement their likes and interests. The app itself is essentially a quiz that assess your skills set. It asks a variety of questions and tries to suggest careers you'd be good at. There are 4 levels of the quiz and I recommend doing them all to get a more accurate picture. So if you're unsure what career path you want to take, make sure you download a free copy of Build a Career and take the quiz!

Boss Yourself (iphone/ipad/android)

Boss Yourself is a fun app designed to encourage youth to consider business ownership as a career choice. The app has challenges that work to introduce basic business skills, an inspirational video, and information on starting and running a business. It also includes a bunch of great links to business resources. As you progress through the app you'll be rewarded with crests for each challenge you complete. Again, like Build a Career, this app is directed towards high school students, but it does contain a lot of useful information that adults may benefit from as well.

Do you use an app for your job search? Which one is your favourite? Do you have any further recommendations for our smartphone or tablet users out there?

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How to stay positive and calm during your job search

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:08:48 PDT

We all know how difficult it is to search for jobs. You work really hard preparing resumes, scouting opportunities, and studying for interviews, but sometimes, despite your best efforts, nothing happens. It’s frustrating to put forth all this effort and not see any measurable progress. And with additional money and relationship pressures adding to the stress one feels, it’s no wonder that people often feel anxious, lose sleep, or become depressed when job searching. With this in mind, we’re going to offer several methods that you can try to help you remain calm and positive while looking for work.

Exercise and eat well

We all know that job searching takes a lot of time, but sometimes there are just not a lot of opportunities out there so you may end up having some unexpected spare time. Instead of using this extra time to sit and watch television or play video games, you should try exercising. Exercising is a great way to relieve stress and renew your mental faculties. You’ll also feel better about yourself after your workouts, and you’ll likely fall asleep more readily from the increased physical activity. It’s also important to watch what you eat! If you’re depressed or stressed it’s easy to seek solace in your favourite junk foods, but eating too much unhealthy food will decrease your energy and leave you feeling guilty for indulging. Instead, it’s a much better idea to stick to healthy foods. In fact, it’s been proven that one’s diet can actually help reduce one’s stress level. Here are some great articles that can help you eat healthy from Healthy Families BC.

Visit a Career Counsellor

If you’re not getting any interview offers there’s a good chance your resume needs work. So instead of stressing over the details it’s a good idea to seek out some professional advice. Career counsellors are well equipped to assist you with your resume. There are many different styles and formats out there and sometimes all it takes is a few adjustments to turn things around. Once you perfect your resume style, you’ll find it easier to adjust your resume to match job descriptions, which will save you time in the future and help ease your anxiety. Our staff at WorkBC Employment Centres is a good starting point if you need assistance.

Set specific and easy-to-accomplish goals each day

You know that anxious feeling you get when you procrastinate too long? It’s a horrible weight to bear, and it can easily occur when you’re job seeking. You may have children to take care of and errands to run and such tasks can easily monopolize your time, making it difficult to get any work done. Therefore, in order to stave off any stress that can occur from procrastinating or unexpected events, you may want to try setting miniature goals each day, as well as larger weekly goals, to help you feel a sense of accomplishment. As long as you make a point of setting goals that are easy to manage you’ll be surprised how good you’ll feel when you start to see some success. Just make sure you don’t set your sights too high, because if you don’t end up accomplishing the goals you set for yourself, you can end up feeling worse.

Take a break

Yes. It’s okay to take a break from job-searching. Go on a small vacation, visit family, hang out with friends, take a road trip, or go for a walk. Whatever you decide to do it’s important that you give yourself some time to recharge. When you’re on your break you can reassess your approach and take some time to think things over. Once you get back to your routine you’ll feel more resolved and ready to press ahead. Just be wary about taking any work with you. The whole point of taking a break is to truly take a break, which means turning off your job alerts, leaving your laptop at home, and escaping your day-to-day routine.

Talk to friends and family

Sometimes things just don’t seem to be going your way. Maybe you had a rough interview or perhaps you didn’t get a response to a job you really thought you were qualified for. Whatever your situation, there’s a good chance you’ll run into some tough times when you’re searching for work, which is why it’s important to make use of your support network. Share your thoughts and frustrations, brain-storm ideas, have a good conversation with friends or family, and talk about those ideas that keep running through your head. Many people will often have sudden revelations after they’ve shared their ideas with someone. Also, by sharing your thoughts you’ll typically sleep easier by releasing that build-up of pressure. Talking about your job search is also a good way to build your network and spread the word that you’re looking for work.

Do you have any other ideas to help relieve anxiety when searching for work? Did you do anything in your job search that really made a difference? Share your opinions below. We’d love to hear from you.

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Check out Discover Trades BC for your chance to win!

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:37:03 PST

What is Discover Trades BC?

Discover Trades BC is a relatively new program funded by the B.C. government. Its purpose is to increase the awareness and interest in trades among B.C.'s high-school students, as well as providing them with easy access to the many available educational opportunities in trades training. Basically, the goal of Discover Trades BC is to try get more B.C. students to consider a career in the trades, and to do that, they hope to get more teachers and parents promoting careers in the trades to their students and children.

Why should I visit?

The Discover Trades BC website is a great resource for students, educators, and parents. The website is designed to be a one-stop place for students to learn about the trades and what sort of skills they'll need for an exciting and rewarding career. The website has resources, events, lesson plans, and videos to help both parents and educators spread the word about the trades and what sort of jobs are in demand. It also has a great section that shows where students can receive trades training in their particular region of the province. And if that's not enough the website also has a fantastic directory full of useful links to many great resources.

Video Contest!

If you're currently studying at a public or independent secondary school in B.C. or know someone who is, you'll definitely want to head over to Discover Trades BC and enter their video contest for a chance to win one of three amazing prizes:

First Place: Mac Book Pro and $2,000 for the winner's high school!

Second Place: 16GB Apple iPad and $1,000 for their high school!

Third place: 16GB Apple iPad Mini and $500 for their high school!

Wow! So if this sounds like something you're interested in, head over to Discover Trades BC and submit your video showing your skills!

Contest Rules

Have you checked out Discover Trades BC? Are you planning on entering the video contest? Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear from you.

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How to get your resume past keyword-scanning software!

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:38:37 PST

Resume 101: Keyword-Scanning Software

Have you ever noticed that some companies prefer that you copy and paste your resume into an online form when you’re applying for work? Why is that? Well, some companies use this method to level the playing field. When you paste your resume into such a field you’ll typically lose all of your special formatting, tables, and spacing, which can be aggravating to those of us who spend hours meticulously crafting a resume that is easy on the eyes.

However, these forms do make it so one’s qualifications and writing are the most notable qualities of the resume, which makes it easy for human resource personnel to scan the data and weed out those who don’t have the required skills. These special submission forms also make it easy for automated tracking software to scan your resume for keywords.

What is automated tracking software?

In the most basic sense, automated tracking software is a computer program that scans your resume and looks for predetermined words or phrases that have been chosen by an employer. For example, if an employer gets over 100 resumes for a Firefighter, they can use this software to quickly scan through the resumes and remove those that don’t have the necessary requirements. E.g. First Aid Certification. This way they can narrow down the list of applicants without wasting time weeding through 100s of resumes.

The software is great in theory, and does serve a valuable purpose, but there are so many ways to say the same thing in English that it’s inevitable that the software will miss applicants that are qualified for the job. Nevertheless, the technology seems to be gaining popularity, and is unlikely to disappear. Thankfully, the software is getting better and more intuitive.

How does a keyword scanner work?

Let’s say, for example, that an employer is looking for a graphic designer that has Adobe Photoshop experience, and is “results driven” and “motivated.” Now, let’s say that when you sit down to craft your resume you write that you’re “goal-oriented” and “eager” to work for the company, and that you have much experience using Adobe’s graphic design software.

Now, if a human were to read the above information it would be clear to them that you have the necessary skills; however, if this were run through a keyword scanner it’s very unlikely that your resume would make it to the next stage. The reason for this is because keyword scanners will often only look for specific words written in the job description. So unless your resume uses the exact language found in the job description, the scanner is unlikely to find the words it’s looking for and will probably discard your resume.

How can I ensure that my resume makes it past the scanner?

Read the job description then read it again. Now, read it a third time and highlight any words that seem important. Do the words repeat? Are they in bold? Are they necessary requirements? Do they seem vital to the job? If you answered yes to any of the above, then make sure these words are highlighted. Once you’ve done this go back to your resume and incorporate as many of these words as possible. Make sure you insert them in a clear and concise manner so it’s obvious that you possess these skills or requirements.

For instance, if the job description says you need 5 years project management experience then make sure that you put "5 years project management experience" on your resume! It’s also important not to just stick these words in your resume without incorporating them into a sentence. If you just paste words all over your resume without making them meaningful or understandable, your resume may make it past the keyword scanner, but it won’t make it past the hiring manager when they review the final resumes the software picked out.

If you have any further tips on beating the keyword scanner please let us know! Share your valuable experience below to help other job seekers across B.C.!

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The benefits of posting jobs on WorkBC!

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:42:00 PST

If you're currently not posting jobs on WorkBC, you may want to have a look at the following infographic, which lists just a few reasons why you'll want to make the switch to WorkBC today!

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How to effectively use Social Media in your job search

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:37:10 PST

Spread the word:

The key reason many people are interested in using social media for their job search is because it’s a great place to connect with people. Whether you use Twitter or Facebook or LinkedIn, it’s easy to spread the word that you’re looking for work, and what we’re finding is that spreading the word that you’re in need of a job is a vital part of the job searching process. So the next time you’re on your favourite social media profile make sure to let your friends and followers know that you’re looking for a job. Your friends may not know of any immediate positions, but if something comes up and they know that you’re looking for work, they’ll definitely think of you.

Don’t be shy:

We know it’s sometimes difficult to bring up the fact that you’re currently between jobs, but unless people know this fact, there’s nothing they can do to help. Your friends want to see you succeed, and so it’s important to tell them that you need help finding a job. Social media is all about spreading the word, and so it’s vital that you spread your message as far as possible, because that will increase the odds of finding a job opportunity.

Tidy your profiles:

I’ve said this before and it’s still a very important part of job searching. Employers know about Facebook and Twitter, and there’s a good chance that they’ll look you up. So if you have inappropriate pictures or rude, derogatory messages on your profile, it’s unlikely that you’ll find yourself getting interviewed. The best thing to do is to go through your pictures and remove all of the unprofessional ones, and make sure that the messages you share are clean and work appropriate. It also won’t hurt to update your profile picture with one that shows your professionalism and good fashion sense.

Use social media to your advantage:

Social media is used by almost everyone in some shape or form and so there’s a good chance that your potential boss or hiring manager will have a profile of sorts. Therefore, the next time you’re about to be interviewed, try researching your interviewer (if you know who it is) to get to know them. You never know what information will be useful in an interview so you may find something of value. It may also give you a better idea of whether you’ll be a good fit in the company, and whether you'll get along with your future boss.

Advertise your social media presence:

On your next resume you may want to include your Twitter handle or LinkedIn profile to show that you’re up-to-date on the latest trends. By including this information your potential employer will get to see how you interact online, which is hopefully a good thing, and will have another way of getting in touch with you if they need to get a hold of you.

Follow WorkBC and other job recruiters / experts for the latest advice:

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and even LinkedIn are gold mines for job-search advice. Spend a few hours the next time you’re online and try to track down companies, hiring managers, recruiters, bloggers, and career counsellors on your preferred social media sites and follow or like them so that you can read their helpful advice. Many of these people are experts in their field and will have lots of neat tips to help you land that dream job.

Create connections:

Let’s say you want to work for Company A. Company A has a Twitter account and they’re always posting updates about their company and employees, and sometimes they even post job opportunities. Keeping this in mind, doesn’t it seem like a no brainer to follow Company A? Not only will this help you research the company, but it will also give you an edge when positions become available, because some jobs may not make it beyond Twitter. It will also give you some talking points to bring up during an interview. You can also try to retweet Company A’s messages, and join in their conversations. The person in charge of their social media may not be in charge of the hiring process, but it can’t hurt getting your name out there. Just make sure that you don’t go overboard and become more of a nuisance than a helpful and interested follower.

Have you found a job using social media? Do you follow anyone that gives great advice? Are you on LinkedIn? Let us know!

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Top 10 Employer Trends for January 2013

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:01:05 PST

January was a very busy month here at WorkBC, especially in terms of new job postings, which is great news for job seekers. Below you'll discover the top 10 occupations, certifications, skills, employers, and industries in BC during the month of January. We've analyzed the data from multiple job boards across the country to determine what employers are currently looking for in their job postings, and the following list is a summary of what we discovered. If you would like a more detailed look at these statistics based on your specific region please refer to the second image further down the page, which looks at the five most active (in terms of job posting activity) regions in the province. Please note that the top 10 list data is based on the total number of jobs posted. Employers and industries that are high on the list are there because they had a higher number of new job postings.

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Breaking News for Placement Agencies and Third Parties

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 09:54:44 PST

Effective, February 7, 2013, please be advised that we are implementing a policy affecting only Placement Agencies and Third Parties who advertise jobs on behalf of employers under the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) Live-in Caregiver and Temporary Foreign Worker programs. If this applies to you, please read further for specific instructions:

In the past, Placement Agencies and Third Parties could post jobs on behalf of employers under their own accounts; this is no longer the case. If you wish to post a job on behalf of an employer who will be applying for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), you will now have to create a separate account using the employer’s information.
The new account must be created under the employer’s name. The name can appear in full, or as initials, or you can choose to include either the first or last name only.
The new account must be set up using the employer’s Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number.
The Contacts section of the employer account requires at least one contact name, e-mail address, and phone number. The contact details can be either the employer’s or the Placement Agency/Third Party’s.
The How-to-Apply section of the job posting can contain either the employer’s or the Placement Agency/Third Party’s contact information.
You must send us a document from the CRA that verifies the Business Number of the employer. A PD7A document is preferred. To avoid any delay, please send us the CRA document as soon as the employer’s account has been created. Documents can be sent by fax: 250-387-5329 or by e-mail: jobbank@gov.bc.ca.

We are working closely with HRSDC on streamlining this process in the future, and we thank you for your patience in the meantime. We will notify you if this process undergoes any changes.

If you have any questions or require assistance regarding the advertising requirements for an LMO, please consult HRSDC using the contact information below.

Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): 1-877-227-4577

For more information on the LCP, click here.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): 1-888-246-7712

For more information on the TFWP, click here.

Thank you for your cooperation,

WorkBC Team

1-877-952-6914

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Skills Connect for Immigrants

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:51:00 PST

If you’re a skilled immigrant who is having a tough time finding work, the Skills Connect for Immigrants program is definitely something that you should look into. This cutting-edge program is run and operated through WelcomeBC, and is designed to help immigrants find the perfect employment fit using an individualized approach that is tailored to them and their needs. The B.C. Government is well aware that many immigrants arrive with valuable skills and experience that are in much need in the province, and so the program works with a number of different organizations to help connect them with jobs that are in need of their specific skill set.

What is the Skills Connect for Immigrants program and how does it work?

At its heart, the Skills Connect for Immigrants program is an employment-bridging program that helps skilled immigrants upgrade their previous work experience and training by providing a number of services and supports. For example, the program will begin by assessing a recent immigrant’s skill set and qualifications. Afterwards, counselling and planning services will be provided so it is clear what sort of upgrading or language support may be needed to meet B.C.’s labour standards. Finally, once the provincial labour standards are met, workplace practice opportunities and mentoring will be provided to help immigrants secure and sustain meaningful employment. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to find work opportunities that make the most of immigrants’ pre-arrival skills and experience, helping them become productive members of society.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the Skills Connect for Immigrants program you must have:

become a permanent resident of Canada within the last five years;
a minimum of three years of pre-arrival work experience in a profession, trade, or high-skill occupation; and
an intermediate to advanced level of English language proficiency.

What services does the program offer?

If eligible, Skills Connect can assist immigrants to find the job they were trained for by:

assessing skills, qualifications and experiences;
providing targeted career counselling and career planning services;
providing job seeking skills and support and an introduction to Canadian workplace culture;
improving language skills and assistance to upgrade other skills;
assistance with industry specific skills training;
providing connections to and assistance with regulating bodies; and,
providing hands-on workplace experience through mentoring and other innovative approaches.

Is the program available in my area and how do I apply?

The program is delivered throughout all regions of B.C. via five agencies that specialize in helping immigrants prepare for employment. If you’d like to apply for the program or if you’d like to know more about it, please visit WelcomeBC’s resource-filled website or connect with one of the following agencies.

Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training (ASPECT)
Back in Motion Rehab Inc.
Douglas College
Training Innovations Inc.
Immigrant Services Society of BC

Success Stories

Have you been through the Skills Connect for Immigrants program or do you know someone that has? Share your story with us below! Or, if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

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WorkBC Improvements have Arrived!

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:17:13 PST

Many of you may have noticed that WorkBC looks a little different now. That dark grey banner that used to sit under our header is now gone, and has been replaced with drop down menus that appear when you hover over a selection, making it a lot quicker to maneuver through the site.

We’ve also made some major changes to our Job Search. Over the past few months we’ve been gathering public feedback, and the one thing we kept hearing over and over again was the need for a more effective job-search engine. Well, we’ve listened to your requests and the moment has finally arrived.

When you first start searching you’ll notice that the left-hand side of the results page is now completely different. What you’ll now see in that space is a refine search box. In this box you’ll see a whole slew of new search options. You can now search by job number, industry, and National Occupation Classification code (NOC). You’ll also have the ability to search by multiple locations and to exclude jobs posted by placement agencies. We’ve also improved the location search to include regions, and, best of all, you can now enter in a search radius based on distance to search for jobs nearby. The ability to use Boolean operators (OR, NOT, AND) in a keyword search has also been added.

By improving our search we hope to have made your life a little bit easier. We know job searching is very difficult and the last thing you want is to miss out on employment opportunities because you can’t find them. After you’ve experimented with the new search features please let us know what you think. We’re always trying to improve the site and your feedback plays an important role in that process.

If you have any questions about our new features please don’t hesitate to comment below. The improvements listed above are just a few of the many enhancements we’ve made in this update so there’s always a chance that something doesn’t quite work right. If this is the case, we definitely want to hear from you so we can make things right!

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Connect with your local WorkBC Centre!

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:16:42 PST

Find your WorkBC Employment Centre!

A large portion of people who visit WorkBC are looking to get some individualized help at one of our WorkBC centres. However, some people have a tough time finding the location they're supposed to go to. In this post we would like to try to make it a little easier to find that information. Below you'll see a listing (by region) of all of our WorkBC centres that have websites. On each website you'll find more specific information relating to the centre near you. Some of the websites are packed full of great tips and advice so they're worth checking out if you want more information.

If you need to contact a centre to set up an appointment, we recommend that you use our interactive map and enter in your postal code to find the nearest centre. Or, if you want a detailed listing of all of our centres and their contact information you can find that here. Most centres will want you to go to the location that is nearest to your residence, although some do make exceptions. You should phone first to confirm.

What kind of services can I access at a WorkBC Centre?

We know how difficult it can be to find work, which is why in addition to our many online resources, we offer individualized in-person help at our WorkBC Employment Service Centres. If you are eligible to work in B.C. then you can visit a WorkBC Centre for information, services, and programs to help you start—and succeed—in your job search. Each centre also offers special resources for new Canadians, people who speak English as a second language, First Nations people, people with disabilities, and people living in rural or remote areas. So if you would like some help with your job search make an appointment at a centre near you!

Have you been to a WorkBC Centre and received help? Let us know what your experience was like! Comment below!

Location(s)	Contractor	Website
Port Hardy Campbell River	North Island Employment Foundations Society	NIEFS
Powell River	Powell River Employment Program Society d.b.a. Career Link	Career Link
Courtenay	Creative Employment Access Society	CEAS
Port Alberni Ucluelet Tofino	Island Work Transitions, Inc. d.b.a. Alberni Valley Employment Centre	AV Employment Centre
Parksville	Central Vancouver Island Job Opportunities Building Society d.b.a. The Career Centre	Career Centre
Nanaimo Victoria Saanich Chilliwack Burnaby	GT Hiring Solutions (2005) Inc	GT Hiring Solutions
Nanaimo	SLB Consulting Inc. DBA Supporting Employment Transitions	SET Nanaimo
Duncan	Global Vocational Services Inc.	GVS Jobs
Langford	WorkLink Employment Society	WorkLink
Sidney	Beacon Community Services	Beacon CS
Delta Ladner	Boys and Girls Club of South Coast BC	Boys & Girls Clubs
Richmond Langley Coquitlam Port Coquitlam Surrey Newton	Avia Employment Services (Back in Motion Rehab Inc.)	Avia ES
Vancouver South Vancouver Westside North Vancouver	Young Women's Christian Association	YWCA
Vancouver Midtown	Pacific Community Resources Society	Pacific CS
Vancouver Northeast	M.O.S.A.I.C. Multi-Lingual Orientation Service Association for Immigrant Communities	Mosaic
Vancouver Downtown- Eastside Sechelt Lillooet Oliver Kamloops	Open Door Social Services Society	Open Door Group
Vancouver City Centre	Family Services of Greater Vancouver	Family Services
Squamish	TII Training Innovations Inc	Squamish ESC
Whistler	TII Training Innovations Inc	Whistler ESC
Abbotsford	Abbotsford Community Services Society	Abbotsford CS
Port Moody	TII Training Innovations Inc	Port Moody ESC
New Westminster	Fraser Works Co-operative	Fraser Works
Surrey Fleetwood / Guildford	Pacific Community Resources Society	Pacific CRS
Surrey Cloverdale South Surrey	Sources Community Resources Society	Sources CRS
Surrey Whalley	Options Community Services Society	Whalley ESC
Fernie	Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays	CMHA Kootenays
Cranbrook Golden	Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays	East Kootenay ESC
Creston	Kootenay Employment Services Society	KES
Nelson	Kootenay Career Development Society	KCDS
Nakusp	Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services	ASLCS
Trail	Greater Trail Community Skills Centre Society	The Skills Centre
Grand Forks	Community Futures Development Corporation of Boundary Area	CF Boundary
Penticton	YMCA-YWCA of the Central Okanagan	YMCA Okanagan
Kelowna	MAXIMUS Canada Employment Services Inc	Maximus
Vernon	Community Futures Development Corporation - North Okanagan	CF North Okanagan
Salmon Arm	WCG International Consultants Ltd.	WCG ESC
Revelstoke	WCG International Consultants Ltd.	WCG Revelstoke
Clearwater	Yellowhead Community Services Society	Yellowhead CS
Ashcroft Williams Lake Bella Coola	Horton Ventures Inc. and Bella Coola Valley Learning Society	Horton Ventures
Merritt	Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country	CF Thompson Country
Quesnel	0911217 B.C. LTD dba Quesnel Employment Services	Quesnel ES
Valemount	Valemount Learning Society d.b.a. Valemount Learning Centre	Valemount LC
McBride	Robson Valley Support Society (Valemount Learning Centre)	Robson Valley SS
Prince George	Kopar Administration Ltd.	PG ESC
Vanderhoof Burns Lake	Progressive Employment Services Limited	Progressive ES
Smithers	WCG International Consultants Ltd.	WCG Smithers
Kitimat	The Kitimat Community Services Society	Kitimat CSS
Terrace	Northwest Training Ltd.	Northwest Training
Haida Gwaii Queen Charlotte City Prince Rupert	Hecate Strait Employment Development Society	Hecate Strait EDS
Mackenzie	College of New Caledonia	Mackenzie ESC
Dawson Creek	Dawson Creek Catholic Social Services Society	Northeastern ESC
Fort St. John	124876 Canada Inc. d.b.a. Employment Connections	Employment Connections
Fort Nelson	Fort Nelson Employment Services	Fort Nelson ESC

...

Help us Improve WorkBC! Share some Feedback!

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:17:02 PST

Over the next few months WorkBC will be getting a makeover. The site functionality and content will not be changing much, but the layout and design will be dramatically different. This change is the result of previous user feedback. Many users found it challenging to navigate WorkBC, and so we're hoping to make the site more user friendly. For this reason, we’d like to ask you a few questions to see what areas we should be focusing on.

Job Seekers:

Are you content with the site as it currently sits?
What improvements would you like to see made to our search engine?
Would you like to see any features added to our job search?
Are our work-related resources easy to find?
Is our selection of tools useful or are there any tools/apps you would like to see added?

Employers:

Is our 3 step job-posting system working for your business?
How can we improve our service?
Is it easy to find employer resources on the site?
Do you want us to add or remove anything from our job posting forms?
Are you happy with your Employer Profile? What would make it better?
What kind of tools would you want us to develop in the future?

The above questions are just a few examples. If you have any feedback that we did not address above we'd still love to hear from you! Please send us an email to workbcinformation@gov.bc.ca or comment below! With your input we can help make WorkBC even better!

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Why should I post jobs on WorkBC?

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:54:30 PST

Over the past year I’ve done a lot of blog posts dedicated to the Job Seeker, which is great because I really want to see job seekers find meaningful work in BC! However, because of this focus I’ve kind of ignored a large portion of our user base: the employer! For this reason, today’s post is going to focus on information pertinent to employers.

One of the questions we get asked quite often is “why should I post my jobs on WorkBC?” Well, I can think of 400,000 reasons—the number of people who visited WorkBC in December. Even during one of the slowest months (in terms of hiring) of the year, WorkBC still saw a large number of people visit the site, which is great news for employers. In fact, the jobs portion of WorkBC alone had over 1.5 million page views. So if you’re hoping to get a lot of exposure for your job posting, you don’t need to look much further.

Another reason to consider WorkBC as your go-to resource for job posting is the cost: $0.00. Many other job posting sites out there cost quite a bit of money, which is fine if you want to maximize your exposure by posting on every site you can think of. However, unless your job is extremely specialized, there’s often little need to go beyond WorkBC to post work, because in busy months we can get close to 600,000 visitors, which is a number we're constantly trying to grow!

WorkBC is the new Job Bank in British Columbia. If you’ve been posting jobs for a while you’ve no doubt heard of the federal Job Bank. This vast resource of jobs has been in operation for years and has a huge following, which is great news for employers in BC, because WorkBC is now responsible for all job postings in BC that used to go through the Job Bank. Now, whenever somebody searches for jobs using the Job Bank, they are automatically redirected to WorkBC. And, what’s more, whenever you post a job on WorkBC, your job also appears on the Job Bank, so you’re technically posting on two websites with just one click of the mouse!

And of course, another great reason to use WorkBC is how easy it is to post jobs. All you need is a business number and an email address. With these two pieces of identification you just have to register to create an account, and very shortly you’ll be on your way to posting work opportunities. When you first log into your account all you have to do is click on Post a Job and follow the 3 easy steps, and voila, your job will immediately appear online. So what are you waiting for? Sign up and start posting jobs today.

If you’re still not sure about posting jobs on WorkBC feel free to ask us questions below! Or, if you’d rather speak to someone directly you can always use our online chat service or phone us at 1-877-952-6914.

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How to Nail a Phone Interview!

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:25:27 PST

Consider a landline (not completely necessary, but you may find it helpful)

I know a lot of people use cell phones as their primary phone these days, but cell phones can drop calls, they’re not as clear, they can have a slight delay, and you always have to ensure they’re charged, which can be a little unnerving if you’re trying to make a good impression. If you do decide to get a landline it’s also a smart idea to get voice mail and caller ID. The caller ID feature will give you a heads up if an employer calls so you don’t answer the phone awkwardly or while you have loud music in the background, while an answering machine (or voice mail) will ensure that if you do miss the call the employer still has a way to communicate with you. If the competition is a close one and an employer can’t reach you there is a good chance that they’ll move on, so it’s vital that you have some means for them to leave you a message (email or phone).

Be picky with the number you put on your resume

We all know that children sometimes answer phones, and we all know that if they do pick up the phone there’s a good chance they’ll awkwardly hang up or yell into the microphone, which isn’t something we want to happen if a potential employer is on the line. So if you have kids or if you’re in a house with children, it may be a good idea to put your cell number on your resume to avoid this situation. And if this were the 90s I’d also recommend that you stay off the internet to keep your line free, but thank goodness we don’t have to deal with that problem anymore. Also, be mindful of the message you have on your voice mail. If it’s not professional sounding be sure to change it before you start applying for work.

Practice your speaking skills

I know it sounds cheesy, but before your interview it’s a good idea to practice speaking into a phone. Call a friend and ask if you’re speaking too loud or too fast. There’s virtually no such thing as too slow. When people get nervous they tend to speak faster, and if you speak too fast there’s a greater chance that you’ll be misinterpreted because speed can negatively affect the clarity of your words and the tone of your voice. If you need a good model for how fast you should be speaking try running a search for Casey Kasem or Jian Ghomeshi on YouTube and listen to them speak on the radio. They’re slow, careful, and confident speakers with clear and impressive enunciation. It’s also a good idea to smile while you’re talking on the phone. There is actually some evidence to suggest that a smile, even a fake one, can actually make you happier, and, believe it or not, people can pick up on your mood by listening to the sound of your voice.

Keep a pen and paper handy

When you finally get the call I can almost guarantee that you’ll have to write something down during the course of the interview, and you don’t want to ask an employer to wait on the line while you panic to find something to write with. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to keep a pen and paper near each phone receiver you have in the house while you’re job searching.

Dress for the interview

It’s a phone interview so you can just sit in your Ninja Turtle pajamas and browse the internet while you’re on the phone right? Wrong. Even though it may seem weird it’s good practice to get ready for a phone interview the same way you would for an interview in person. You don’t have to dress in a suit, but you should be well-groomed and dressed in something that you wouldn’t mind wearing in public. It’s all about your state of mind. If you’re well prepared for an interview mentally and physically you’ll feel much better about yourself and you’ll be better equipped to focus on the task at hand.

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Just like an in-person interview you should be well prepared before you speak with an employer.

Have prepared responses ready for interview questions that you think might be asked.
Research the company and be ready to answer questions about it.
Keep your resume and the job description in front of you during the interview in case you need to review them.
Prepare questions for the interviewer or be ready to invent questions based on the interview as it progresses.
If you know the time of the interview get your interview space ready. Make sure it’s a quiet room, and that you have no distractions. Bring a list of things you want to discuss so you don’t forget anything.
Be ready to discuss work scenarios. Almost every interviewer is going to ask you a question where you have to demonstrate your abilities through an example so be ready with multiple past scenarios that can be used to showcase your abilities.
Follow up with the employer the following day by sending them a short email thanking them for the opportunity.

Acknowledge the unexpected

We all know that unexpected things can happen. If you’re on the phone and you have call waiting you may miss an important question when your phone beeps so casually explain what happened and ask the employer to repeat the question. If the doorbell rings or if your dog starts barking it’s okay to acknowledge the issue and move on. Also, if the interview is going longer than expected or if it started late, it’s perfectly fine to postpone the interview. Obviously, if it’s a matter of a few minutes don’t be too quick to abandon ship, but if the interview started 15 minutes late and is going well past the scheduled time you can politely ask the interviewer to continue the interview at another time. Lastly, if you come across a question that completely stumps you, it's perfectly acceptable to ask for a few minutes to think. It may seem awkward to sit in silence, but it's better to have a good answer than to stumble along and start panicking.

Be yourself, that is, an energetic, happy version of yourself

If you always answer the phone with “Hello,” then keep up this practice when an employer calls. Don’t start answering the phone in a manner that is strange and foreign to make yourself sound more important: “Good Afternoon. This is the Smith residence. John speaking.” Ultimately, an interviewer is trying to find out if you’ll be someone who they can work with so if you come off as pretentious or disinterested or forgetful it’s going to reflect negatively on your personality. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to be energetic, friendly, and casual, while remaining true to yourself.

Do you have any more tips for a solid phone interview? Do you prefer a phone interview over one in person? Do you have an upcoming phone interview that you're nervous about? Let us know your thoughts!

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What to say in an Email to an Employer

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:02:21 PST

Before the invention of the internet it was arguably more challenging to discover job opportunities, especially international ones. However, that being said, the internet has brought its own set of challenges for job seekers. For instance, nowadays, in addition to a cover letter and resume, an introductory email is often required when applying for work, since most resumes are submitted via this method. And to make sure your email isn’t glanced over or lost, we’ve prepared a few tips to help.

Don’t be vague:

If you’re applying for a Class 1 Truck Driver position it’s important to mention this in the subject line. Avoid putting things like “Hi, I would like a job with your Company,” because the intention of the email isn’t crystal clear. The employer doesn’t know what job you’re interested in, and the subject is too vague; it could be viewed as spam. Instead, use something more specific like the following: “Experienced Class 1 Truck Driver interested in Position #5432.” This subject line lets the employer know that you’re experienced and that you have the requirements for the position. It also lets them know specifically which position you’re applying for, which is important if it’s a large company.

Don’t be long-winded:

You already have a cover letter so there’s no need to repeat yourself. It’s easy to start writing an email and get carried away, and end up writing too much. In this case, it’s much better to be short and sweet. The only purpose of this email is to get the employer to open up your resume or cover letter. So when you’re writing the email it’s a good idea to briefly introduce yourself and maybe provide two or three short bullet points or sentences that highlight your experience (making sure it’s relevant to the position). Here’s a quick example:

Hi *insert name*, my name is Michael Smith. I’m very interested in applying for the Class 1 Truck Driver position. I have over 10 years experience in this field, and I’m eager to put my experience to work for you. I was a long haul truck driver for 5 years, and during that time I performed numerous pre-trip inspections, carefully maintained a log book, and was never involved in a collision. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Michael Smith

Obviously, I’m not a truck driver, but the email content here is short and to the point. You’ll want to customize what you write in your email so that it matches the job you’re applying for. Overall, if the email gets the employer to open your resume then it’s a successful email.

Your attachments should contain your name:

If there are a lot of people applying for a job it’s tough to stand out. One way to help combat this is to make sure your name gets noticed, and the easiest way to do this is to label your documents with your name: e.g. Michael Smith’s Resume 2013.doc

Basically, the email that accompanies your resume is just your initial foot in the door. If you want to wow an employer make sure your resume does the majority of the talking. The email is definitely important, but it's your resume that will get you an interview.

Do you have any more tips for our users? Have you ever written an email that was really effective? Let us know! We really value your opinion.

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Top 10 Employer Stats for December 2012

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 11:56:22 PST

It took a while, but we finally finished amalgamating December's job posting statistics. Below you'll discover the top 10 occupations, certifications, skills, employers, and industries in BC during the month of December. We've analyzed the data from multiple job boards across the country to determine what employers are currently looking for in their job postings, and the following list is a summary of what we discovered. If you would like a more detailed look at these statistics based on region please refer to the second image further down the page, which looks at the five most active (in terms of job posting activity) regions in the province. Please note that the top 10 list data is based on the total number of jobs posted. Employers and industries that are high on the list are there because they have a higher number of job postings.

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What is the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers?

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:00:08 PST

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

If you’re an unemployed individual between the ages of 55 and 64 you may be interested in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) program. The program works to provide employment assistance services and employability improvement activities, such as skills upgrading and work experience, to assist unemployed older workers with their return to work. Back in October of last year, it was announced that the TIOW agreement would be extended to March 31, 2014, so there is still plenty of time to apply for assistance. To date, over 4,000 people living in BC have been given the opportunity to participate in TIOW projects, and with this extension we expect to help many additional workers retrain for new careers. So if you’re interested in applying for this fantastic program, please call or visit the service providers listed below.

Please note that the TIOW program is “targeted” to specific communities that have experienced high unemployment or been affected by industry downsizing or closures. For this reason, the program is not offered in some communities.

How it Works

TIOW is a federal-provincial/territorial cost shared initiative, where the design and delivery of the project is managed by the province. The program is aimed at unemployed older workers in cities and towns that:

have a population of 250,000 or less; and
are experiencing ongoing high unemployment; and/or
have a high reliance on a single industry affected by downsizing or closures.

To be eligible, participants must:

be aged 55 to 64*;
be unemployed;
be legally entitled to work in Canada;
require new or enhanced skills to successfully transition into new employment; and
live in an eligible community.

*In some circumstances, unemployed workers aged 50 to 54 or 65 and over may also participate. Please contact your specific service centre to see if you’re eligible.

Locations/Contacts

Location	Agency	Project Name	Contact Information
Burns Lake	College of New Caledonia	Return to Work for Older Workers - Increasing Employability and Employment prospects	(250) 692-1722
Castlegar	Ashland Training Concepts Ltd.	Opportunities for Mature Workers	(250) 365-0966
Courtenay	Creative Employment Access Society	Vintage Advantage	(250) 334-3425
Cranbrook	College of the Rockies	East Kootenay Older Workers Program	(250) 489-2751
Fernie	College of the Rockies	East Kootenay Older Workers Program	(250) 489-2751
Grassy Plains	College of New Caledonia	Return to Work for Older Workers - Increasing Employability and Employment Prospects	(250) 692-1722
Kimberly	College of the Rockies	East Kootenay Older Workers Program	(250) 489-2751
Mission	ETHOS Career Management Group Ltd.	Experience Works - Mobile	(250) 741-8116
Port Alberni	INEO Employment Services Inc.	Assisting Mature Persons with Employment Direction - AMPED	(250) 723-4675
Prince George	Prince George Employment Services Society	Seasons Employment Program for Older Workers	(250) 564-8044
Quesnel	Quesnel Employment Services	Experience Counts	(250) 992-7691
Revelstoke	Okanagan College	Experience Works!	(250) 837-4235
Smithers	Kopar Administration Ltd.	Opportunities North Employment Program	(250) 564-3545
Squamish	T.I.I. Training Innovations Inc.	Encore Employment Program	(250) 298-4757
Terrace	Terrace and District Community Services Society	Mature Career Opportunities	(250) 635-7995
Vernon	North Okanagan Employment Enhancement Society	Employment Plus	(250) 545-0585

If you have any questions or comments please share them with us by using the form below. We value your feedback.

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Five Tips for Keeping New Year's Resolutions!

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:28:53 PST

With 2012 almost over it’s time to start looking ahead to the New Year. Are you determined to find work this year? Do you want to run a marathon, eat healthier, or change career paths? If so, the New Year is a great time to start putting your goals into action. And even though New Year’s resolutions are a bit cliché, since most people’s resolutions tend to be vague or platitudinal in nature, and thus easy to forget or neglect, they’re still a great practice to attempt. The most difficult part however, is not starting a resolution, but sticking to it.

Have you ever noticed how busy fitness centres get in January? Well, if you’re a regular you’ll also notice that this influx of new people tends to vanish by late February. Why is this? Well, for starters, resolutions are hard to keep. When you make a resolution you’re resolving to act in a manner different than what you’re accustomed to, and this new behaviour may be difficult and it may not offer the same rewards. So if you plan on sticking to your new resolution you’ll have to have determination and a plan. To help you get started here are five tips to assist you with your resolution this year!

Pick a Resolution That’s Right for You

Choosing a resolution can be tough. Perhaps you feel pressure from your family to quit smoking or be more active, but unless this is something that you really want to do it’s very unlikely that you’ll be successful. Your heart has to be behind your decision. So when you're trying to think of the right resolution, try thinking of both your future and past selves. What kind of person do you want to be one year from today? What sort of things made you really proud or happy this year? Focus your thoughts around these ideas and try to come up with a resolution that will perpetuate the good from this year, and allow you to grow into the person you want to be a year from now.
Avoid Really Broad Goals

Let us say that your main resolution is to get in shape. Although that’s a great goal to have, how will you know when you’ve achieved it? Do you stop after you lose 10 pounds or do you stop after you can run 10kms? Without any specificity it could be a challenge to progress for a long period of time, because the end may seem too far or too difficult to reach. Hence, it’s important that when you pick a resolution to make sure that it’s specific enough that you can set miniature goals to help you feel a sense of accomplishment as you’re working towards the end result. If you want to lose weight for instance, you should have a specific goal in mind that's not too ambitious, but difficult enough that you'll have to work at it throughout the year. If you want to lose 30 pounds for example, make a schedule of smaller monthly goals that will work towards your desired result. In this case you'll want to lose 2.5 pounds each month. And as long as you keep achieving your smaller goal of 2.5 pounds, you’ll feel good about your progress, and stay motivated throughout the year.
Don’t Break the Chain

I read a really interesting blog post earlier this year that described an idea from Jerry Seinfeld on how to stay productive, and the same idea applies here so I thought I’d share it. Seinfeld’s idea was to put constant pressure on himself, and he did this by coming up with a unique calendar system. The first thing to do is to go out and buy a big calendar and red magic marker from your local drug store. Put the calendar on your wall and mark a big X for every day you work on something related to your goal. After a few days of doing this you’ll have a nice red chain. Now, the only thing you have to do, and this is the most important thing, is to not break the chain. It’s a simple enough idea, but it has powerful results. After a while you’ll like seeing a large unbroken chain on your wall and this pleasure will help motivate you to continue working towards your goal. Eventually this behaviour will become habit, and you’ll find yourself doing it every day regardless of the calendar. And, what’s more, if you work on something a little each day, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish over a short period of time.
Start Small

Maybe you’ve resolved to find a more meaningful career this year, and though that’s a great goal, it’s fairly ambitious. Finding a new job is a lot of work, and so you’ll want to start small. It will be a good idea to set up a schedule. Maybe in the first week you’ll work really hard to improve your resume, and then in week two you can focus on finding jobs to apply for, which may mean that in week three you start tailoring your resume to these jobs. This is just an example, but the important part is that you keep chipping away at the larger goal by accomplishing smaller ones. When you actually accomplish a goal you’ll feel good about yourself and you’ll be more likely to continue this positive behaviour, and, as long as you keep working at the larger goal, there’s no limit to what you can do.
Reward Yourself

At the end of the day, whatever resolution you choose, make sure you reward yourself for your successes. Buy yourself something nice if you’ve kept up the chain for one month by writing something each day or go on a short vacation if you’ve stayed away from cigarettes for a few weeks. Just make sure that you don't give up after you’ve rewarded yourself. One of the biggest reasons people fail to keep their resolutions is because they give up too quickly. Keep working on the little things like staying positive and motivated, and you’ll have a much greater chance of success.

If you have a resolution for 2013 that you'd like to share please comment below! Or, if you have any further advice you'd like to add feel free to make an addition to this thread!

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Understanding the Employment Skills Access Program

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:51:44 PST

Overview

Are you an unemployed or low-skilled individual looking to re-enter the labour force? If so, we have the program for you! The Employment Skills Access Program (ESA) is a Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA) funded program that aims to provide tuition-free skills training to unemployed individuals in need of assistance transitioning into a new job. This government-sponsored program waives tuition and student fees for specific intensive training programs offered through 19 post-secondary institutions (all of which we’ve listed below).

The training programs that are offered through the ESA program are primarily focused on preparing individuals for entry-level employment in industries or occupations that are currently expecting or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages. The programs’ length will vary, ranging anywhere from three weeks up to a maximum of 12 months, and will work to provide participants with the recognized credentials for their occupational choice. Current training or certification standards will be met in each of the offered training programs. The program may also cover costs for books, course materials, transportation, and childcare, provided certain eligibility requirements are met.

As an ESA program participant you may receive the following:

Essential skills prerequisites for successful employment
Assistance with entry or re-entry into the labour force
Training to improve basic qualifications
Provincial and industry-recognized certification credentials
Individual referrals and resources including ongoing support
Information regarding your preferred trade or profession in BC and Canada
Professional job search assistance

Eligibility Requirements

You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

You cannot be a student at the time of enrolment.

If you're currently employed you must answer "No" to either one of the questions below to meet the required definition of Low-Skilled:

Do you have recognized certification (such as a trades certification, Class 1 Driver's Licence, Commercial Diver certificate, etc.) or some recognized post-secondary education toward a university degree?
Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?

If you're currently unemployed you must answer "No" to all four of the questions below in order to meet the required definition of a Non-EI Client:

Are you currently receiving EI benefits?
Have you received regular EI benefits in the past three years?
Have you received maternity or paternal EI benefits in the past five years?
Did you establish a regular EI claim in the past three years but did not receive benefits as the result of a disqualification?

If you met the definition requirements above for either a Low-Skilled or Non-EI Client, and you're legally entitled to work in Canada and not currently a student, then you are eligible to apply.

Post-Secondary Institutions

Listed below are all of the post-secondary institutions that accept ESA program participants. Each link will take you to the specific ESA pages for each institution, except for Thompson Rivers and Kwantlen Polytechnic.

Douglas College

Vancouver Island University

Selkirk College

Northwest Community College

Royal Roads University

Northern Lights College

British Columbia Institute of Technology

College of New Caledonia

College of the Rockies

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Thompson Rivers University

University of Northern British Columbia

Vancouver Community College

Did you obtain employment through the Employment Skills Access program? If so, please comment below and share your experience!

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How to Brainstorm Career Ideas

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:36:44 PST

Growing up I always wanted to be a palaeontologist. I don’t remember what first sparked my interest, but it was very clear to me that dinosaurs were the most interesting thing on the planet. All of my school projects were devoted to dinosaurs and their skeletal remains, especially the Archaeopteryx—a feathered dinosaur generally referred to as the oldest known bird. And of course, my most prized possession was a faux tooth from a Tyrannosaurus Rex from the Royal Tyrrell Museum.

However, somewhere along the line my passion for this profession dwindled, and I was suddenly at a loss for what I wanted to be when I grew up. This never seemed to be a problem until I was faced with the important decision of choosing a specialty in university. It was quite a stressful time, because I was faced with deadlines and difficult questions that I had never really thought about. In the end, I wish I had taken more time to research potential career options before plunging down the path to a B.A. without much thought or direction.

That being said, your career choice is going to have a major impact on your life so it’s vital that you take some time to discover what career path you’d like to take. It’s also important to reach for the stars. If you really want to be a lawyer, don’t let the admission requirements, lengthy education, and LSAT discourage you. Make it happen. If you don’t try you’ll likely regret the fact that you never gave it a shot.

However, remember to be smart about your decision. If you’re afraid of heights it’s probably not a good idea to pursue flight training. Or, if you simply can’t commit the time, energy, and money into the required training for a specific career, you should probably look at another option. In any event, if you are unsure about your career path and you’re wondering what you should do, this guide will hopefully be able to offer some assistance.

Exercise: Brainstorming

Step 1: Before you start researching careers online or in the library it’s a good idea to make a list of every single type of career that you find interesting. This list may be short and non-specific, but it’s important to help you recognize which professions or fields you find appealing.

Step 2: Your family and friends are always a great resource so ask them what sort of work they think you’d enjoy. Some of their ideas may not be ideal, but they may help jog your memory to think of careers you hadn’t previously considered.

Step 3: Broaden your search. Use the internet and library to look at jobs of interest.

WorkBC is a fantastic resource to explore careers. Our career profiles index has over 500 careers that you can search through. Each profile shows the average salary, occupation size, job stability, duties, working conditions, workforce projections, employment outlook, related occupations, and links to education programs, as well as actual job openings.
If you’re a visual learner visit CareerTrek to explore 53 videos highlighting a variety of jobs throughout the province. You can search for careers by salary, field of work, or education level. Each job also details which skills are important assets to have for the job in question. CareerTrek is expanding next year so check back to see new videos.
Education Planner is another fantastic resource. Although they don’t list actual careers they do have a training program search that you can peruse by subject. Each subject you search for will list available training programs which may help spark some career ideas.
The library is a great place to research careers. Most people only search online, and while the internet can be a great resource, it’s not the only one available. There are many books out there that offer personality tests that can help match you to specific careers. There are also lots of books that will outline specific careers in detail so you can make a more informed decision.
Google is your friend! Figure you’re a scientific genius? Try typing “What can I do with a science degree” in Google to find websites that list applicable careers. There are lots out there.

Step 5: Look at job boards. Sometimes we know we want to work with computers, but we don’t know what types of computer jobs are out there. By visiting a job board, like WorkBC, you’ll be able to get really specific career information--including a list of duties and qualifications. These qualifications can be a great way of determining what sort of training program you apply for.

Step 6: Narrow down your list! By now you’ll probably have a list that’s over a page in length. Ideally, you’ll want to narrow this list down to 5 or 6 options. Highlight your favourites and speak with your family and friends. See if they can offer any advice that will help reduce your list. Maybe they know someone who is a dentist (for example) and can put you in touch with them to help make your decision. Ultimately, it’s important that you keep a few options open, and it’s even more important that you make the final decision yourself.

Step 7: Research your top 5 careers extensively. See which ones make the most money, have the best opportunity for advancement, offer the best job satisfaction, are the most flexible, have the best prospects, offer a good balance between work and play, etc... A lawyer may make a lot of money, but they also work a lot of hours, and they are usually involved in stressful cases, which begs the question, is this still something you want to do? Don’t rush this part of the process, because once you commit to something it’s tough to go back.

Step 8: Narrow down your list to 3 and start researching the education requirements of each career. Maybe the training is only offered in Europe or maybe the program is too long for you. Whatever you discover, use this information to help make your final decision.

Step 9: Apply for training for your top 2 career choices. If you get into both training programs, you’ll obviously have to choose one, but if you miss out on one opportunity it’s important to have a backup! Just remember to apply for admission well in advance, because it can take up to a year to get into some programs, and you may find out that you’re missing some of the entry requirements.

Step 10: Write to us and share your success! We’re always interested in hearing from people looking for work so if you found a job through WorkBC we’d really like to know how it all worked out! We may even feature your story on the webpage!

Got any tips to add? Do you have an alternative method of career research that you found helpful? Please share your thoughts below?

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Have you heard about govTogetherBC?

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:45:43 PST

Have you heard about govTogetherBC?

If you’ve ever wanted to share your opinion with the government on an upcoming project, but don’t know whom to contact, here’s your chance to get involved. GovTogetherBC is a relatively new website that has been introduced by the BC government to help inform the public about upcoming and current engagement opportunities. Whether you want to read about an upcoming initiative, or speak up and voice an opinion, govTogetherBC is the place to interact with government officials and discuss important issues.

The main purpose of govTogetherBC is to inform the public about events or projects going on in the province and offer ways for people to take part in the process. Whether the government is looking at the future of coastal ferry service or trying to improve health care for seniors, it’s up to the folks at govTogetherBC to help get you connected so you can share your valuable opinion.

GovTogetherBC also keeps track of the outcomes of such dialogues, and makes them readily available so you can check back and see the results after the discussion has ended. All you have to do is run a search for all “closed” consultations and dialogues and you’ll be able to see a summary of the results, as well as important background information recapping the issue in case you've forgotten.

Or, if you really want to get involved to help make your community a better place, you can visit the Build Your Community section of the site and view volunteer or mentor opportunities across BC. There are also community development, safety, and environment opportunities as well. So if you want to be more involved with your community and government, make sure you visit govTogetherBC and start spreading your ideas!

Join the conversation today!

Have you ever tried govTogetherBC? Please let us know your thoughts. We'd love to know if this is an effective way for the government to reach out to the public.

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Searching for work? Here's a look at what companies are looking for and who's hiring.

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:24:06 PST

Due to the popularity of a recent Facebook posting that listed the top 5 requested job skills in BC for November, we thought it would be a good idea to expand upon that data and offer a slightly more comprehensive look at some job-postings statistics for BC. We've examined data from job boards across the province and come up with the following lists to help you with your job search. If you'd like to see additional data or if you'd like this to become a monthly addition to the blog, please comment below and let us know!

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Tips for using our Career Pathfinder tool!

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:45:18 PST

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Get Youth Working Program!

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 13:14:50 PST

Get Youth Working Program

www.getyouthworking.ca

With today’s announcement that the Get Youth Working! program will be extended until March 31, 2013, we thought it’d be a great idea to remind people of this fantastic opportunity.

What is it?

The Get Youth Working! program is funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. The goal of the program is to help provide youth participants with the skills necessary to be successful in the labour market. By providing an incentive for on-the-job training, work experience, and further skills-development training, the BC government is working to address BC’s current and future skills shortage challenges. Essentially, the program works by offering BC employers a $2,800 hiring incentive when they hire youth aged 15-29. Once they hire a youth, employers can take advantage of a further $1,000 to help purchase formal training for their new employee, ensuring that they have the skills or certification needed to excel on the job.

How does it work?

Employers

Provided you meet the requirements below, it’s easy to apply for the hiring incentive. Simply conduct your own recruiting, and when you’re ready to hire someone (who must also meet a set of eligibility requirements), submit an online application at www.getyouthworking.ca. If you’re approved you’ll receive the $2,800 hiring incentive in three equal payments over the first three months of employment.

Youth

If you’re between 15 and 29 years of age take a look at the criteria below. If all of the statements are TRUE in regards to your present living situation, then contact someone at Bowman Employment Services Inc. (1-877-866-3100), and they’ll send you a letter that you can attach to your resume that will let any prospective employers know that you are eligible for the Get Youth Working! program.

Eligibility Criteria

Employers

In business for a minimum of one year
In good standing with WorkSafe BC
Must employ new hire for a minimum of 3 months and 30 hours/week
Must apply for and be approved for the hiring incentive before a new hire starts employment

Youth

Unemployed, 15 to 29 years of age
Not currently receiving or eligible for EI and have not received EI in the past 36 months or 60 months for a parental claim
Not a full-time student, enrolled in high school or returning to school
Not a participant in another LMA-funded program
Resident of BC and legally entitled to work in Canada
Accepted as an eligible participant into the program by Bowman Employment Services.

Here's a photo from the event that took place on November 26th in Prince George announcing the extension of the program!

Julianna Weisgarber has a degree in anthropology and is now living her dream of working at a museum. Hers is one of many success stories to come out of the Get Youth Working program, and one of the reasons government is extending the pilot project through to March 31, 2013.

For more information be sure to visit the official website for Get Youth Working!

Do you have any comments you'd like to share about this fantastic program? Please share your thoughts below! We value your opinion.

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Common Resume Blunders

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:27:56 PST

When you're crafting your resume make sure you avoid these common mistakes. Your resume is the gateway to a job so it's important that you get it right the first time. See our older blog post on resume strengthening for more in-depth advice on the writing process.

Getting too Creative with your Formatting

Unless you’re a graphic designer it’s not a good idea to get “creative” with your resume formatting. Instead, you will want to focus on making it clear and easy to absorb, which means proper headings, short bullet points, and smart use of white space. Try one of Word’s templates or search our blog archives for some examples from UVic.

Painting yourself as a Jack-of-all-Trades

Just like the well-rounded athlete who tends to get picked in the middle, the well-rounded resume often runs into the same problem. For example, what do professors or athletes have in common? They’re both experts in one subject, which makes them stand out from any competition. If I want to hire an animal photographer I’m going to want a person who is an expert in animal photography. You may be a great photographer and pretty decent at capturing a variety of subjects, but if you come up against someone who is dedicated and committed solely to photographing animal subjects, I’d much rather go with that person, because they seem like a much more reliable choice. So when you’re crafting your resume don’t generalize too much, and make sure you stay focused on the desired qualities.

Self-directed Negativity

It seems odd, but sometimes people can be too hard on themselves. Often resumes will contain statements or remarks that are self-deprecating, and this does nothing to help your chances of getting an interview. Never post comments about yourself that are negative, even if they’re making light of a bad situation.

Using your Resume as a Trophy Case

The other side of this coin, of course, is resumes that come off as a trophy collection. Don’t brag about your performance, because it will just appear as an over the top exaggeration. Statements like “Unbelievable job performance and skills allowed me to excel in every assigned task,” will make you appear cocky or arrogant, which is not something employers are looking for, that is, unless you’re applying for a reality television show.

Poor Placement of Facts

Under no circumstance should you ever place your most notable achievements at the bottom of your resume. As we all know, human resource managers don’t have a lot of time to review all the resumes they receive so they’re going to be quick and efficient. If they don’t see your most promising qualities in the first few sections of your resume, they’ll probably be missed. A resume’s most valuable space is the top-third of your first page so use this space wisely!

Long-winded Paragraphs

Never write your achievements on a resume in a paragraph format. Paragraphs like the one I’m writing right now can’t be absorbed quickly. Therefore, because your resume will only be looked at for a short span of time, it’s vital that you make your resume easy to absorb. Use bullet points and headers to make your skills and achievements easy to read and grasp.

Assuming your Resume is Properly Formatted

Submitting a resume online into a field or text box using copy and paste can completely mess up your resume’s formatting. I use tables in my resume and if I ever have to paste it into an online form it’s always messed up. Make sure you take the time to either re-write or re-edit your resume after it has been pasted somewhere else. A messy resume does not look professional, and most recruiters won’t spend much time with such documents, believing you were in a rush to submit it.

Adding too Much Unnecessary Stuff

Longer resumes are okay as long as they’re relevant. If you spend too much time recounting experiences that are from jobs that have no bearing on the position you’re applying for, then these sections are essentially a waste, because they won’t be looked at. Try to pack your resume with relevant experience and skills. If you can’t remember what you did at a past job then it’s a good sign that it should be left off your resume. If you really need to fill in some gaps on your resume it’s okay to add some short points, but if you’re desperate to fill in gaps you probably won’t run into this issue.

Including your References

Listing your references on your resume is generally frowned upon these days so don’t do it. If an employer wants to invite you to an interview then they’ll most likely ask for your references at this point. Just remember to give your references a “heads up” so they know to expect a phone call or email.

Using an Unprofessional Email

This shouldn’t be an issue for most people, but I still hear about strange email addresses being used when an applicant applies for a job. Emails like ilovepokemon@gmail.com or luvjustinbieber@hotmail.com should never be attached to your resume. Sign up for a free email and use your first and last name if it’s available. You want everything you send to help cement your name in the recruiter’s mind so you stick out when they have to decide on who to hire. And, although they’ll most likely remember an email like leetskilzplayingxbox@hotmail.com, it won’t necessarily be a positive recollection.

Ignoring the Golden Rule

This is the biggest mistake made on resumes, and it’s also the most talked about so I’ll keep it short. Proofread your resume and have at least two other people proofread it before you submit it to an employer. Enough said.

I know there are some more great resume tips out there so please share them with our readers! Have you made any mistakes on a resume in the past? Tell us about it and let us know how you fixed it.

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Careers in the Video Game Industry

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:28:45 PST

With all the gloomy news in the press lately, I thought it’d be a good idea to shed some light on the video game industry in BC to help alleviate some fears if you were hoping to land a job in this area and stay out west. As you may have heard, the video game industry has had a tough run over the last few years, especially in Vancouver. Back in January, video game giant Ubisoft closed its doors in Vancouver, while Activision laid off 89 people in June from their subsidiary company Radical Entertainment. Rockstar also pulled out and moved to Ontario, while Capcom and Microsoft cut 20 and 35 people respectively. However, although these large companies may be downsizing or moving east to take advantage of tax incentives, it does not mean that the gaming industry in BC is dying. On the contrary, despite recent struggles amongst some of the larger game companies, the independent or small studios that are focusing on mobile or social games are still in great shape. For this reason, if you are looking at obtaining employment in the gaming industry, we highly recommend that you explore some of these smaller studios and research the types of jobs that are being posted on a regular basis, and use that data to help guide your career path.

At present, the video game industry in BC consists of more than 85 interactive studios, and it’s estimated that at least 5,000 full-time professionals are currently employed in this field. The gaming studios are part of BC’s vibrant digital and screen-based media sector, which is composed of over 600 companies, employing upwards of 16,000 people. The entire industry is worth approximately $2.3 billion to the province, and is an important player in BC’s tech sector.

That being said, if you’re looking for work as a game designer, programmer, artist, composer, voice actor, writer, or any other game-related career, there are many opportunities out there. Listed below is a small sampling of game studios in BC, many of which are hiring. So if you are really keen on working in this growing industry, it would be a good idea to visit a large number of these sites and start applying; or, if you’re still in school, you may want to see which jobs are popular among the studios and shift your training to align with industry needs. Another idea would be to contact some of the studios and see what kind of jobs might be available in the future so you can adjust your course work to align with future demand.

After you've decided what kind of career you would like in the gaming industry, it will be time to look for an applicable training program. We've done some of the work for you and researched a few computer design programs and listed their respective training institutes below.

British Columbia Based Game Studios

Road House Interactive

East Side Game Studio

A Thinking Ape

Gree

Silicon Sisters Interactive

Exploding Barrel Games

Iugo Mobile Entertainment

GameHouse Canada

Microsoft Game Studios

Radical Entertainment

Zeros 2 Heroes Media

Kool Haus Games

Game Industry Careers

Design Jobs

Level Designer

Systems Designer

Game Designer

Content Designer

Web Designer

Lead Designer

Audio Jobs

Composer

Translator

Audio Engineer

Sound Engineer

Art Jobs

Character Artist

Creative Director

Art Director

Art Technician

Programming Jobs

Junior Programmer

Lead Programmer

Graphics Programmer

Engine/Tools Programmer

Artificial Intelligence Programmer

Multiplayer Networking Programmer

3D Character Animator

3D Character Builder

Level Builder

Storytelling/Writing Jobs

Writer

Video Game Reviewer

Games Journalist

Translator

Business/Misc Jobs

Technical Support Specialist

Producer

Project Manager

Associate Producer

Marketer

Tester

Training Institutes

The Art Institute of Vancouver

BCIT

Lasalle College

Pacific Design Academy

Pacific Film and New Media Academy

Van Institute of Media Arts

Pacific Audio Visual Institute

Camosun College

Do you know of any local gaming companies that we missed on our list? Do you have any tips for our readers on how to obtain work in this field? Please share your comments below!

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Investment Opportunities Abound in British Columbia

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 10:06:38 PST

Overview

BC is well known throughout the world for its natural beauty and world-class hospitality, but did you know that it’s also home to cutting-edge technology industries, unique business opportunities in a broad range of industry sectors, and a diverse population and economic base well suited for investment? To help make more people aware of this fact, the BC government has created a new website entitled OpportunitiesBC, which is designed to:

provide updated listings of eligible opportunities around the province in order to help investment seekers gain greater profile for their projects.
serve as a portal for foreign visitors to explore opportunities in BC communities.
connect opportunity representatives with potential foreign investors.

Basically, the aim of OpportunitiesBC is to attract more foreign investment into BC. It works like an online searchable database where BC companies or Economic Development Officers can list potential business opportunities in their communities in order to connect with foreign or domestic investors and potential immigrants interested in doing business in the province. Right now there are over 600 business opportunities for sale, and the list is growing every day. The opportunities range from an apple orchard or vineyard in the Okanagan, to a thriving resort on one of BC’s many beautiful lakes. So if you’re looking to invest in one of many exciting opportunities in BC, head over to OpportunitiesBC and start searching today!

How It Works

Once you land on the page you can submit an opportunity of your own or start searching the database for investment prospects. When you attempt to search the database the image below is an example of what you will see on the site. Simply search for any opportunity type that you’re interested in, and the map will update its appearance and show you where the opportunities are located around BC. When you find one you like you can click on it for more details! It’s as simple as that! If you are interested in an opportunity listing, click on “Contact EDO” and provide your contact details on the form. The Economic Development Officer responsible for the listing will contact you within 3 business days.

Lastly, if you’re not too sure about starting such an endeavour, why not check out our Boss Yourself app to learn more about entrepreneurship.

Have any questions or comments? Please fill out the form below and let us know. We love hearing from people!

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6 Tips to Find Seasonal Work

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:56:33 PST

It has begun! For the first time this year I found myself listening to holiday tunes while I was out shopping, which means Christmas is just around the corner. Although it might be too soon to start shopping for gifts, it’s the perfect time to start searching for seasonal work or part-time jobs. Competition for such work can be pretty stiff so it’s a good idea to start as early as possible to ensure the best chance of securing a job.

Some of you may be asking why anyone would want a temporary part-time job during such a busy and stressful time of year. Well, it turns out that many seasonal jobs actually morph into permanent positions after the holidays are over. If you work really hard and prove that you’re reliable and enthusiastic, then there’s a good chance that your “temporary” job could become a full-time career.

According to an article from Barbara Farfan from About.com, major retailers like Toys ‘R Us plan on hiring 45,000 temporary seasonal jobs this year. In addition, Amazon.com needs 50,000 warehouse associates, and Wal-Mart plans to hire 50,000 seasonal employees. GameStop, Best Buy, Future Shop, Costco, and FedEx will also need to fill many temporary positions this holiday season. So, if you’re looking for work, it’s an excellent time of year to get serious about your job search.

Here’s a few tips to help you get started.

Don’t delay, start today!

If you wait until December it’ll be too late to find any jobs. Retailers start to get busy in November so they’re looking to hire now to make sure they can train you in time for their busy season.

Think about what kinds of businesses get busy this time of year.

Retailers aren’t the only places that get busy during the holidays. Shipping companies are swamped this time of year and often hire on additional drivers or warehouse workers to help sort and deliver the myriad packages they receive. Tax preparation companies also start thinking about hiring this time of year to help prepare for their busy season (February – April). Photography companies, craft stores, and grocery stores are other excellent options to try as well, because they too get really busy this time of year.

Return to previous site of employment.

If you worked in a temporary position during the holidays last year, there’s an excellent chance that you’ll be hired if you re-apply this year. Companies love to hire past employees, because they don’t have to spend as much time training them. They also know the system, and they know how things work, which makes them of great value to employers.

Strategize before you begin your search.

If you have a preference where you’d like to work this season it would be a good idea to begin your search there. You don’t want to accept an offer from a place you’re not too keen about before trying your hand applying for your job of choice. However, remember not to put all your eggs in one basket. You don’t want to hold out for that perfect job and then miss out on other opportunities. You may not get your favourite job so don’t wait too long to say yes to another company if you get an alternative offer. Lastly, don’t make a “one-size-fits-all resume” that tries to say everything. Rather, tailor your resume to each employer you approach, making sure that you highlight any skills or work experience that is pertinent to the position you’re applying for.

Apply in person!

Many large retailers will ask you to fill out an application when you apply for a job, and if they’re desperate for people they may give you an interview right there on the spot if you look respectable and reliable. It’s also a good idea to ask for the manager and express your interest in a position, while highlighting some of your skills. I’ve gotten three jobs in the past by using this strategy. If you can’t apply in person, try to make your resume sound positive and enthusiastic so that you stick out from the competition. Make sure to write thank-you notes if you get an interview, and remember to be flexible with your work schedule. I can almost guarantee that you won’t get a holiday job if you express that you can’t work weekends. Weekends are the busiest days of the week for retailers and they’ll need employees who can work these shifts.

Work hard and treat your job with respect.

If you do end up getting work this holiday season that doesn’t tie in with your career goals, don’t be so quick to write it off. The job is still providing you with a steady paycheque, and, better yet, it has gotten you a foot in the door. Now that you’re working you can really show your employer what a hard worker you are, and your temporary job could turn into something permanent. The job will also provide you with valuable work experience, so even if you don’t get hired on permanently, you can still add this experience to your resume.

If you like the artwork in this post be sure to check out Presentation Magazine and user UNKWinc on deviantART.

If you have any more tips for finding holiday work please comment below! Or, if you have any holiday employment stories you’d like to share with our readers we’d love to hear them!

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Exploring the Benefits of Volunteering

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:47:48 PST

It takes more than a diploma or degree to land a job these days. With so many skilled applicants applying for work many employers are looking closely at resumes for work experience to determine who gets an interview. However, if you’ve just graduated you may not have a lot of work experience to put on your resume. For this reason, you may want to look into volunteering, because it’s a great way to gain work experience and expand your network.

Here are some ways that volunteering can help you reach your career goals:

Volunteering can expand your skill base.

Not only can volunteering give you a chance to learn new skills and abilities, but it can also help you build upon existing skills as well. If you’re an excellent public speaker among your peers or in a classroom, volunteering at a major event could help you expand upon this skill by allowing you to practice speaking in public on a much larger scale with a different kind of audience.

Or, if you’re employed, you may want to look for volunteer opportunities that will complement your current skill set and strengthen any skills that you don’t use very often. For example, if you work on a computer all day, it might be nice to volunteer at a festival or convention where you will get to interact with a lot of people, so you can improve your people skills.

Volunteering lets you check out a career or industry.

When you’re thinking about what career path you want to take it’s difficult to know if you’d truly like an occupation without first experiencing it. By volunteering you will get a chance to work with people who are currently working in your field of interest so you’ll be able to pick their brains to see if the occupation suits you. For instance, as an SPCA volunteer, you’ll be exposed to all sorts of animals and pet owners, which will give you a better understanding of what would be involved if you were to enter the field of animal care.

Volunteer experience in an area that is closely related to your dream job can also make your resume stand out from the competition. If you want to be a veterinarian, having experience in an animal shelter or clinic is not only desirable, but often necessary, so it’s a good idea to try to obtain as much experience as possible to improve your chances of employment or admission to specific programs.

Volunteering can build your confidence.

If you’ve been unemployed for a while it’s easy to become discouraged, especially if you’ve been actively seeking employment without success. If you volunteer however, you may find that it will help you feel active, productive, and useful, which are all great ways to increase your confidence. Once you become more proficient in your role, you'll find that your confidence will increase as you become better at your job.

Volunteering can expand your network.

It’s amazing how many people find work through networking. Every person you meet or know is part of your network, and the larger your network becomes, the better chance you have of finding a connection to a potential employer or contact. Volunteering will give you a chance to meet new people and make new friendships, opening up opportunities that wouldn’t have developed had you sat at your computer. Remember to keep track of your new contacts that you make while volunteering, because you never know when you might need a reference.

Volunteering gives you valuable experience.

As stated above, most employers want new hires to come with work experience. However, for a large portion of new graduates, this experience isn’t easy to come by. For this reason, it’s an excellent idea to start volunteering while you’re in school or shortly after you graduate so you can obtain some practical work experience in a relevant field. Your volunteer record will prove to an employer that you have workplace experience, and that you were successful in such a position. Ultimately, you will want to show your future employer that you’re reliable, adaptable, and flexible, and volunteering can help you prove that you possess such skills.

Do you have any volunteering advice to offer? Have you had a volunteer experience that led to a job? Please share your stories below! We value your opinion.

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Tourism Industry in BC and Canada (Infographic)

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 10:24:02 PDT

BC's tourism and hospitality industry, according to BC's Tourism Labour Market Strategy, is now the single largest "primary resource industry" in the province. The industry generated an annual real GDP of more than $6.4 billion in 2010, which puts it ahead of forestry, mining, oil and gas extraction, and agriculture. Its ability to positively impact the economic, environmental, and social health of virtually every community in the province makes it an exceptional industry to work in, and one with much potential for growth. Current labour market projections expect to see the number of jobs increase from 255,860 in 2010 to 300,080 by 2020, which means that many new jobs will become available in this industry as we head into the future. If you're interested in working in this industry you may want to check out our infographic below to see what sector would be most appealing to you. Also, be sure to visit go2 for more tourism industry information.

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Trades Training Resources

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:10:07 PDT

According to recent projections, there will be approximately one million job openings by the year 2020, and 43 per cent of those openings will require trades and technical training. In light of this news, we'd like to make it easy for job seekers to discover information about the trades and apprenticeship training. In this blog post we'll provide you with links to all the resources that we could find that relate to trades and training in BC and Canada. Once you've done your research don't forget to come back to workbc.ca for all of your job searching needs!

Apprenticeship Information and Tools

Apprentice BC - Apprentice BC is a free service that works to assist qualified, out-of-work apprentices find employment. If you need help getting back on track to complete your apprenticeship then visit this site to get connected with local employers who are hiring.

Apprentice Online Support Portal - Visit this portal to learn what sort of supports and services are available to apprentice clients, and to find out if you're eligible for the financial supports offered by the Ministry of Social Development. If you are eligible for support you can use the portal to apply for financial assistance.

Labour Market Services Apprenticeship Information - Visit this site to learn of the available financial supports under the Skills Development Program, and what types of things government financial assistance covers.

Apprenticeship Toolkit - The apprenticeship toolkit is a great site for learning how to navigate the BC apprenticeship system. It has a great system that makes it easy to find out all of the answers relating to apprenticeship programs and how an apprenticeship works.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - Visit this site to find out how apprenticeship can lead to a rewarding career. They have an apprenticeship database full of information that will help you learn everything you need to know about apprenticeship training.

WorkBC's Apprenticeship Page - Our information page examines how the apprenticeship system works, and shows you how you can apply for financial support.

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant - This page provides information relating to the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant--a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant - This page provides information relating to the Apprenticeship Completion Grant--a taxable cash grant of $2,000 for those who successfully complete their apprenticeship training.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum - A not-for-profit organization that helps bring together key participants that make up the Canadian apprenticeship community. Visit for information on national apprenticeship symposiums, and general apprenticeship issues and info.

Post-Secondary Trades Training Facilities

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Vancouver

Vancouver Island University - Nanaimo

Vancouver Community College - Vancouver

University of the Fraser Valley - Mission

Thompson Rivers University - Kamloops

Selkirk College - Castlegar

Okanagan College - Kelowna

Northwest Community College - Prince Rupert

Northern Lights College - Dawson Creek

North Island College - Port Alberni

Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Richmond

College of the Rockies - Cranbrook

College of New Caledonia - Prince George

Camosun College - Victoria

Trades Learning Resources and Miscellaneous

Discover Trades BC - A site that provides easy access for secondary students to see what educational opportunities are available to them in trades training. Site is funded by the BC government and has a wealth of programs and training options to help BC students get the skills they need for the trades.

Career Trek - Visit this great site to watch videos of various trades occupations in action to see if a certain job catches your interest. Many other jobs can be viewed on this site as well!

Skills and Training Plan - Visit the BCJobsPlan to learn about the province's new Skills and Training Plan to see how the plan will impact trades training programs.

Trade Links - This site helps you find links to information and websites that will help you join the ranks of professional tradespersons in Canada. You can search for jobs, learn about trade school, and view info on financial resources.

Construction HR Solutions - The Construction Sector Council (CSC) is a national organization committed to the development of a highly skilled workforce. The CSC develops tools and resources such as labour market information, career information, e-learning courses, and essential skills materials that are really informative.

Tools and Resources for Skills Training in BC - Use this tool to discover and navigate the programs and resources available in BC for current or future tradespersons.

Industry Training Authority - The Industry Training Authority leads and coordinates BC's skilled trades system. They issue credentials, manage apprenticeships, set program standards, and increase trades opportunities. This site has a wealth of information relating to all things trades in BC, and should not be missed.

Trades Training BC - Visit this site to learn about BC's Post-Secondary Trades Training programs, and to view the schedules offered by 14 accredited training institutions.

Skills Canada BC - This site works to promote trades and technology careers to help meet the labour needs of BC. Skills BC offers exciting hands-on experiences each year to many students. To register or to get more information about their competitions please visit.

Skills Canada - Visit Skills Canada to learn about careers in the trades, as well as their innovative programs and competitions that are used to promote skilled trades and technologies to youth.

Red Seal Program - Visit this site to learn about the Red Seal Program itself and to find out which trades are recognized by the program. There is also information about their examinations, awards, and financial incentives.

Step BC - Step BC is a no-fee program that works to match potential workers with employers. They work with new employees and employers to help address the gap and find relevant opportunities for training and employment.

Industry-Specific Resources

Resource Training Organization - The Resource Training Organization oversees the management and development of apprenticeship training for the resource sector in BC. They help promote career and training opportunities in this industry, as well as measure and respond to industry training results and outcomes.

Transportation Career Development Association of BC - The TransCDA seeks to enable high-quality training, skills, and career development services to employers and workers in transportation sectors in BC. Visit the site to learn about standards development in this industry, as well as training programs in aerospace, marine, ground, and construction sectors.

Construction Industry Training Organization - The Construction Industry Training Organization is responsible for the Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional sector of the construction industry. They lead and support the development of a skilled workforce to meet the industry's needs in this sector. Visit the site for a tonne of information and news relating to the construction industry.

go2 - go2 implements new mandates for industry trades training in BC's tourism, hospitality, and food services sector. They work to ensure the growth and success of BC's tourism and hospitality industry by creating programs and services, and by coordinating new research and HR planning. Visit this site for a wealth of information about hospitality and tourism training , as well as an excellent job board.

HortEducationBC - HortEducationBC is the new industry training organization that serves the ornamental horticulture industry in BC. Visit this site to learn about new careers in this industry and to find out training options. Industry-specific information for both apprentices and employers is also available.

Residential Construction Industry Training Organization - The RCITO has recently closed, but this site does have some reports and links to industry partners. If this link no longer works please contact us.

If you have any more useful links that you'd like to share, or if you have any additional information that might be useful to current or future tradespeople, please comment below!

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Thanks for supporting JobFest!

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:23:20 PDT

Over the past six months JobFest has stopped in 50 British Columbia communities to help inspire youth to start thinking about their future careers. From the far north all the way down to our southern border, JobFest has reached thousands of people, and helped spread inspiring stories, sound career advice, and important labour market information. The support JobFest has received from local communities has been phenomenal. We honestly could not have put on such a great show without the many people who volunteered their time and effort in each community we visited!

Throughout the JobFest tour, guest speakers – former Olympians, martial arts instructors, mayors, and Aboriginal leaders, to name a few – offered their advice and wealth of knowledge to our audiences. Each person shared their own unique experiences to help inspire, teach, and encourage B.C.’s youth to follow their dreams and pursue their career goals. The response from the audience has been overwhelmingly positive. And, thanks to WorkBC’s many different career tools and online job search, we were able to help many people get started on the path to employment.

Beyond the inspiring words, audiences were also treated to some wonderful performances from our talented headliners and local musicians. Each event featured great music from up and coming rock and indie bands who energized the crowds. And, of course, who could forget our amazing crew! The extraordinary effort put forth by each crew member setting up and promoting the show, and interacting with our audiences, was well worth it, as their efforts had a meaningful impact on the lives of many who attended JobFest.

So on behalf of the JobFest crew and those involved here at WorkBC, we’d like to thank each community we visited for your support of JobFest, as well as everyone who took the time to come out and participate!

If you visited JobFest this year, we’d love to hear about your experience at the event. Did you have a favourite tool, speech, or band? Is there anything you would have changed about JobFest? We value your feedback.

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Introducing Boss Yourself!

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:17:11 PDT

Boss Yourself is WorkBC's newest app designed specifically for the would-be entrepreneur. When you use the app you'll be introduced to the basics of becoming your own boss through a series of challenges and questions that will test your knowledge and sharpen your business sense. By correctly completing specific challenges you will earn "crests" ranked bronze, silver, and gold. By the time you collect all of the crests you'll be ready to take on the challenges of running your own business! You'll also have access to links and resources that will help make owning your own business a reality. At present, the app is available for the iPhone, Android, and web browsers! So what are you waiting for? Download the app for free and get started on the path to entrepreneurship!

If you've tried out Boss Yourself we'd love to know what you thought of it? Please comment below!

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British Columbia Employment Stats for Sept, 2012

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 08:49:32 PDT

If you're interested to see how British Columbia is stacking up against other provinces in regards to average wages and unemployment rates, then check out the graphs below. In both categories British Columbia ranks fourth in the country. The bottom graph focuses on BC itself, and provides statistical data for seven regions. If you would like a much more detailed look at Labour Force Statistics in Canada please refer to this PDF from Stats Canada.

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Exploring jobs in BC's film, television, and digital media industry!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:59:20 PDT

British Columbia’s film, television, and digital media industry is the third largest centre of production in North America. Our province’s beautiful and varied locations, facilities, training programs, and talented people help bring all kinds of motion pictures to life. In 2011 alone, 77 movies, 69 television series, and 23 documentaries were filmed in BC with a total of $1,188,703,023 spent in the province. That being said, there are lots of opportunities to be had working in this industry. In fact, it's estimated that 36,000 jobs have been generated thanks to TV and film production. In today’s post we’re going to be looking at a number of different careers in this industry that can be quite lucrative if you work hard and make a name for yourself.

Producer

A producer is quite a vague title in the world of film, considering they can be a writer, investor, or manager (to name a few), but essentially, without prying too far into the job dynamics, a producer is the person in charge of a film’s production. They are involved in every step of the filmmaking process, and have a large say in what a film will eventually look like. In pre-production, producers read scripts and listen to ideas from agents and directors. When they’ve finally decided on an idea, they have to raise money for the project through a major movie studio or through independent investors. Once the funding has been secured a producer will hire a screenwriter(s), director, cinematographer, casting directors, art directors, lighting and camera crews, and all sorts of production staff. At the end of the day, a producer has to make sure that the project stays on course and stays within its budget. To be a successful producer you’ll not only have to produce good content, but you’ll also have to make money for those who invested in the film.

View the career profile here.

Screenwriter

A screenwriter is a notoriously difficult profession to break into, but it can be quite lucrative if you make it to the top-tier of the profession. Basically, there are a few ways a screenwriter can get involved in a film project. First, they can write a full script on spec, which is where a writer will write an entire script and try to sell it to an agent or producer who may buy the script for future development. Second, if a screenwriter has an agent, they may be asked to pitch an idea for a script to a producer who may buy the idea or hire the writer to write it. Third, in some cases a producer or director may have a change of heart during the production and decide that the film needs new or alternative dialogue, and so they’ll often hire a screenwriter to alter an existing script to make any number of changes. This is why you’ll often see several screenwriters receive credit for a movie’s script. Most screenwriters begin their career as playwrights or novelists, but it’s not uncommon for someone to start writing scripts straight out of school.

View the career profile here.

Construction Manager

A construction manager is the person in charge of building the world in which the movie takes place in. The hobbit homes in Lord of the Rings for example were made especially for the film, and the construction manager would have been in charge of their erection. They work closely with the art director and production and set designers to recreate the director’s vision. On the set of most films you’ll see many teams of builders, carpenters, painters, and plasterers who work really hard to construct anything that the film requires: wagons, ships, castles, homes, stages, and furniture to name a few. The construction manager will ultimately be in charge of overseeing this large crew of skilled-labour to ensure that they stay within their budget and work in a timely and safe manner. Cleary, this isn’t an entry level position and many years of experience will be required should you wish to pursue a career in this field, but the variety and excitement of this job make it well worth the effort.

Digital Media Artist and Animator

For a long time now movies have relied heavily on computer animation to provide realistic effects. It’s not easy to make someone look like the hulk and have them crash through walls with makeup and trick photography alone. Effects studios like George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic have since become important aspects of movie making and Vancouver is becoming quite the hub for studios that specialize in digital effects. Artists and animators who work at such studios will be involved throughout the film-making process. Sculptors, storyboard sketchers, and artists will be brought in early to help the director visualize the world and its characters. Once a final product is decided upon 3D clay models are often scanned into digital form so computer animators can take over and bring a character to life frame by frame. It can be tedious work, but watching your work come to life on the big screen after putting in so much effort can make this job quite fulfilling. The exciting thing about this profession is that it changes all the time as technology becomes more advanced, so you’ll constantly be working with new software and computers to help make the effects look more and more realistic.

View the career profile here.

Talent Agent

A talent agent is similar to a salesperson, except instead of cars or vacuums they are selling actors, scripts, or film reels. The roles of most agents are to find scripts for their acting or directing clients to read, promote their clients’ abilities and headshots, negotiate salaries, and find extra promotional opportunities for their clients (like Bill Murray’s Whiskey commercial in Lost in Translation). They’ll also work hard to take care of their clients’ needs by booking their flights, hotels, and making sure everything is ready for them upon their arrival. Most talent agents work for an agency, but some choose to work independently. Most agents will work for commission, taking roughly 10% of their clients’ earnings for each specific contract. So if your clients make a lot of money then that means that you’ll also be making a lot. In the United States the annual mean salary for a talent agent was higher than any other film industry job.

Cinematographer and Director of Photography

Even if a film based on a novel has the original author involved in the project (who knows exactly what the world should look like) it can still be a bust visually if the movie doesn’t get captured on the screen properly. A cinematographer will work with the director and screenwriter to help translate their vision onto film. They’ll be well versed with a camera’s movements, limitations, and angles so that the on-screen action and transitions will match the movements of the script. A good cinematographer will have a keen artistic eye, and be a master camera technician. Sometimes the cinematographer and the director of photography will be the same person, but on large projects the director of photography will manger the camera and lighting crews, and be responsible for the cameras, lenses, booms, and other film equipment.

View the career profile here.

Director

Directors are usually the heart and soul of a film who oversee the film’s artistic vision. A director will work closely with the producer and screenwriter to figure out the best way to visually represent the script on the big screen. Most of the time a director will already know who he/she wants to work with on the set, and will attempt to bring in their favourite cinematographers, art directors, casting directors, camera person, and actors. Even though the producer is in charge of the hiring, the director will have the final say, and will often be present at casting calls and auditions. Once the film is being shot, the director is the person who guides and coaches the actors on the best way to read their lines and express emotions. They will also work closely with the cinematographer to make sure the film is being recorded properly and in accordance to their vision. After the film is shot, the director will work with the editor to ensure that the film is assembled correctly. They will also work with the film’s composer to create a score that fits closely with the action on the screen and conveys the right mood/themes. A director will have to be strong-willed and have excellent communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of film history and technique. The pay for this position can be quite good as well, since many directors will often negotiate for a cut of the film’s earnings, which, if the film is successful, can amount to a very large figure.

View the career profile here.

Film and Video Editor

Film editing isn’t the most glamorous position in the film industry, but it is definitely one of the most important. If you look at any reality TV show it’s amazing to see what an editor can do. Even the most boring scenes can be made to appear exciting and fresh in the hands of an expert editor. However, that being said, editing can be a painstaking process. Editors will often spend many long days in front of a computer shaving seconds off of shots and reordering scenes, while making sure that the audio and sound effects are synced. On larger products there can be many different editors, each with a different task. One editor might work on the special effects while another works on the film’s audio. An editor will work closely with the film’s director to ensure that the final product is in accordance to the director’s vision. In some cases, there can be more than one version of a film released if the director doesn’t agree with producers. Sometimes there is so much extra footage that an entirely new movie can be made of the cut scenes: Anchorman for example has two completely different versions because so much extra footage was recorded.

Actor

Actors are the people that bring a film’s script to life. Being an actor is very difficult as it requires great awareness of one’s body movements, facial expressions, and speech. It can take years of formal training and it is a very competitive field. The best actors are the ones who don’t appear to be “acting” at all. They inhabit the minds and bodies of their characters so completely that it becomes impossible to separate the actor from the character while they’re performing. Many actors get their start in theatre or small productions and work their way up the ladder. It can be a really tough field to enter however, as there is so much competition. Many actors require two jobs to earn a living, as most jobs are contract based and short term. However, if you’re an “A” list actor you can make up to $20 million for a single movie. Many famous actors will also appear in commercials to earn extra money.

View the career profile here.

Extra

To make a world look realistic you have to have people to populate it. If two actors were walking down a Vancouver street and there were no people around it wouldn’t look realistic, which is why movies employ extras. Extras are the actors who appear in the background of shots. Some will have minor speaking parts while others will just walk past a shot in the background or slowly sip coffee while the actors perform their lines. Being an extra is a great way to see how a movie is made, and it can help you get noticed and build your resume with valuable experience. The pay is often low, but it’s a great place to start if you’re serious about acting as a career. It can also be a fun job to have if your schedule is flexible, because you may get the opportunity to meet a famous actor or act in a movie with extravagant costumes and sets.

View the career profile for other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts here.

For a more in-depth look at the above careers please check out HowStuffWorks for their blog on the 10 highest paying careers in the film industry.

If you've ever been involved in a film production or if you have any advice for people trying to break into this industry please share your story below!

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Moving or relocating to BC? Try our Cost of Living Calculator

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:46:39 PDT

BC is a great place to live. We have some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada and a healthy and stable economy. However, it can be an expensive place to live, especially if you’re a single parent, so if you’re thinking of moving here it would be wise to make sure that you can afford to do so. For this reason, we are hosting WelcomeBC’s fabulous Cost of Living Calculator on our site to help you discover how much money it’s likely to cost to live in any particular city and region in BC.

Simply enter in the location where you’re thinking of moving to and your current or future occupation, and then provide a few more details relating to lifestyle and our calculator will estimate your expenses and compare them with your income. If you’re in the green then it’s likely that you’ll be able to afford the transition. If you’re in the red our calculator will show you how much more income you’d need in order to afford the move.

Of course, our calculator is not meant to provide an exact figure, and all results are rough estimates based on data collected through the Economic Research Institute. Every person will have their own unique situation and lifestyle, which makes an exact calculation impossible, but our calculator can give you a rough idea of whether such a move is affordable. It can also be used as a guide to help you make future career choices. If you want to change careers or if you’re just about to enter a post-secondary institution, you can use this tool to compare jobs or cities to see what careers would provide you with enough income to live in BC. When you’ve finished using the tool you can save your results in a PDF file or print them for further review.

If you cannot find a career in our occupation search simply select any random career and change the salary to reflect your own earnings.

Below is a screenshot of what the calculator looks like in action. The results shown are for a Transportation Route and Crew Scheduler living in Hundred Mile House.

If you have any questions about the tool or if you have any comments please share them with us below!

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JobFest is coming to the island!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:44:33 PDT

It has been a wild and exciting ride so far for JobFest. After a very successful tour up north, JobFest packed its tents and made the long journey south, and the response so far has been great! With stops in Abbotsford, Squamish, Vancouver, and Salmon Arm, to name a few, the JobFest crew is just about ready to head over to Vancouver Island. So if you haven’t had a chance to check out JobFest, now’s the perfect time to plan a visit, because there isn’t a lot of time left!

But wait, what is JobFest?

JobFest is a travelling road show that provides a fun-filled day of career exploration. The goal of JobFest is to engage with and excite youth while delivering labour market information and showcasing six career exploration tools developed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. Although the event is directed towards youth, it’s an all ages affair, so even if you’re close to retirement don’t be afraid to come down, because we always have a wide range of age groups attend.

At each JobFest event you’ll have the opportunity to listen to some guest speakers from around the community, and hear some great bands. You might even walk away with a brand new iPod touch if you’re lucky! So if JobFest sounds like something you’re interested in attending, please see the tour dates below and check out www.jobfest2012.ca for more information.

Chilliwack
October 1

Victoria
October 5

Duncan
October 7

Nanaimo
October 9

Port Alberni
October 12

Courtenay/Comox
October 14

Campbell River
October 16

Powell River
October 19

Here’s some videos from recent JobFest events!

JobFest Overview

JobFest in Surrey, BC

JobFest in Revelstoke, BC

If you have any comments about JobFest feel free to share them below! We’d also love to hear from you if you’ve attended an event!

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Overview of the Skills and Training Plan

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 15:56:41 PDT

If you pay close attention to the news you may have noticed the announcement of a new Skills and Training Plan for BC, but you may be wondering what this initiative means for BC. In today's post we're going to give a brief overview of the plan to help whet your curiosity as to what it might look like in action. If you'd like a much more detailed look at the Skills and Training Plan please visit the BC Jobs Plan website here.

Overview

According to recent projections, there will be approximately one million job openings by the year 2020, and 43 per cent of those openings will require trades and technical training. To help meet this huge demand for skilled labour, the Skills and Training Plan was instituted to better prepare British Columbians for the jobs of tomorrow. To accomplish this goal, the Skills and Training Plan will work with businesses, post-secondary institutions, educators, and economy stake holders to ensure that BC’s educational programs stay relevant, effective, and accessible. If BC is going to continue to be a successful economic force, BC’s workforce has to have the necessary skills for any new jobs that will be created as new business investment is attracted.

For example, here is what the plan may look like in action. One of the economic initiatives that will transform the labour market in BC is the development of a new economic sector for liquefied natural gas (LNG). The BC Jobs Plan has commited to having one LNG plant in operation by 2015 and three by 2020. The creation of such plants will create thousands of permanent and temporary jobs for British Columbians, and will spur growth in the north where the natural gas is extracted, transported, and shipped. However, because the LNG projects will require new technologies and an assortment of skilled labour, the Skills and Training Plan will work to ensure that BC’s training system will be adaptable and responsive in the trades that are in demand to provide people with easy access to the training when and where it’s required.

To accomplish this goal, the plan will work with industries and employers to find out when they are busy and what sort of jobs are in demand so training programs can adapt to the changing needs. If, for example, more welders are needed in Terrace, then our northern colleges will work to align the seats they offer with the trades and technical needs of local industries, thus opening more training opportunities in Terrace. Moreover, the plan will also make it more affordable for high-demand training, and will aim to reduce the amount of time required to achieve certification for trades and technical training. The plan will also attempt to raise the profile of the trades and fuel a passion for craftsmanship to entice new generations of students and under-represented groups to commit to a career in the trades and take full advantage of the training that is available.

Here is a quick summary of the four key areas of action for the Skills and Training Plan:

1. Today’s training is tomorrow’s careers – promote dynamic opportunities in

trades and technical fields and improve policies that support these choices.

2. Invest in and improve our training facilities and equipment, and ensure

the availability of technical education teachers, particularly with trades

certification.

3. Get the right mix and quality of trades and technical programs and

accelerating completion times and rates while maintaining the high

standards required by industry.

4. Align economic immigration selection to British Columbia’s labour market

needs.

If you have any comments about the Skills and Training Plan please share your thoughts below!

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Cater your resume to the recruiter

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:37:49 PDT

When a hiring manager takes a quick glance at your resume (6-10 seconds on average), they’re trying to figure out if you’d be a good match for the job you’re applying for, and if you’ll be successful in the position. Therefore, you’ll want to immediately capture their attention so they’re more likely to spend a longer time reading your resume. The more they look at your resume, the more accomplishments they will see, which will lead to a better chance at being called for an interview.

In order to grab your reader’s attention you’ll want to make a resume that is easily scanned and organized. A recruiter should be able to tell what you do and what you will bring to the job very quickly, so if your resume is too jumbled, lengthy, or complicated, it will likely get passed over. If you’re an actor for example, the recruiter will need to see and understand this in the first few seconds of reading, so make it obvious. Use headers that will convey this fact and list relevant skills and accomplishments that stand out. Rather than having a heading labeled “Experience” for instance, create a heading that conveys the fact that you’re an actor: “Theatrical Experience” or “Film Experience” are much better options that let the recruiter know exactly what it is that you do or have done.

Additionally, instead of listing skills that are broad or vague (e.g. “I am a team player with a passion for the arts” or “I am an innovative performer”), list skills that will “grab” your reader’s attention and make you stand out: “A seasoned actor who has had leading roles in over a dozen successful theatrical productions and films that have grossed over $3 million in ticket sales.” By listing objective skills and measurable accomplishments you’re selling yourself as a good product with a proven history of success.

By following these few simple tips you’ll make your resume easier to absorb and dissect, making the recruiter's work much easier. If they don’t have to work very hard to understand your resume and see how awesome you are then your chances at an interview are much improved.

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Careers in Healthcare (Infographic)

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:07:35 PDT

Careers in Healthcare:

If you like the information in our infographic be sure to visit VIHA's excellent job catalogue for more information!

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Front Line Jobs in the Veterinary Field

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:47:19 PDT

Overview:

A job in veterinary medicine can be a very rewarding career; however, it’s important to realize that a job in this field isn’t for everybody. You may love animals and have a pet of your own, but that’s only a small start. If you’re truly interested in pursuing a career in this field you have to be dedicated, mentally strong, and you can’t be squeamish. It’s not all about cuddles and belly rubs. Most of the time you’ll be dealing with sick animals and upset people, and depending on what profession you enter, that can mean a number of different things.

Veterinary Technician Assistants for example will often be charged with the task of cleaning up diarrhea, infected wounds, blood, urine, vomit, and a whole assortment of smelly bodily discharge (believe me there is nothing quite like the smell of Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis). Sorry to gross you out, but these are the kinds of things you’ll have to deal with on a daily basis, not to mention the cat scratches and dog bites that happen to even the most experienced technicians on occasion. And, due to the nature of the field and the high cost of veterinary care, there will be a lot of stressful and emotional days when you can’t save an animal or are forced to put one down. You’ll also be dealing with very emotional people who will often be upset and angry, making it necessary to possess excellent communication and conflict resolution skills.

However, despite all of the hardships and challenges, and there are a lot, the animals that you do save are what makes this field so rewarding at times. There’s nothing quite like bringing an animal back from death’s door and watching them greet their owners when they’ve recovered. And if you work in a small clinic the chances are pretty good that you’ll see a lot of healthy animals come through the doors for a routine checkup, which is not something you’ll typically see in the emergency hospitals or specialized clinics like Canada West. So if I haven’t scared you off yet and you’re still really keen to get started then you might be ready for a career in this profession so let's see what's involved.

Veterinary Technician Assistant (Veterinary Assistant)

Duties:

As a veterinary technician assistant you’ll mainly be in charge of in-patient care. You’ll often greet owners, monitor vital signs, restrain and handle animals, triage new patients, clean and sanitize surgical instruments, restock supplies, clean blankets and floors, and assist veterinarians and technicians with a variety of tasks.

Requirements:

To obtain a job in this position it’s a good idea to volunteer in animal rescue shelters like the SPCA. There are also courses from 6 months to 1 year that you can take that can help you stand out from the competition. Because this position is an entry-level position it is possible to work in this role without any prior training, but it is recommended that you have significant experience working with animals before attempting to apply for jobs.

Training:

Veterinary Technician (Animal Health Technologist)

Duties:

As a veterinary technician you’ll be administering treatment plans, triaging new patients, taking blood samples, dressing and suturing wounds, preparing animals for surgery, assisting doctors with surgery, performing critical procedures and dentistry, monitoring vital signs, taking x-rays, restraining and handling animals, and collecting specimens for culture or microscopic examination. Essentially, a veterinary technician is a nurse for animals, and will have a wide range of duties.

Requirements:

To become a veterinary technician you will have to graduate from a technician training program. Most programs will require that you have a significant amount of experience working or volunteering in a veterinary-related position, and that you have completed secondary school biology, chemistry, science, and math courses. Once you complete the program you will be eligible to write the Veterinary Technician National Examination, which will qualify you for registration in Canada and the USA as a Veterinary Technologist.

Training:

Douglas College

Thompson Rivers University

Video:

Veterinarian

Duties:

The duties of a veterinarian will vary depending on their chosen field: Private Practice, Government, Teaching and Research, or Industry. In a private practice they will typically examine dogs, cats, birds, and other small animals; diagnose and treat diseases; prescribe treatments and drugs; perform surgery and dentistry; vaccinate animals; provide animal healthcare advice and education; use specialized diagnostic techniques such as ultrasound and radiography; research best practices; and manage the business side of their practice. Not only will the work of a veterinarian vary depending on their field, but it will also vary based on the kinds of animals they work with (large, small, or exotic). If you wish to work in a hospital be prepared for shift work and long hours.

Requirements:

To become a veterinarian you should have completed biology, chemistry, and basic science courses at the high school level, and have a strong background in mathematics. Volunteer experience is also very useful to determine if the profession is right for you, and to obtain references for admission into a veterinary program. Once you decide to become a veterinarian you will need to attend university for a minimum of six years: two of those years will be pre-veterinary study at a regular university followed by four years of courses at one of the five Canadian veterinary colleges. All in all, only about 400 students graduate from the colleges each year so it is VERY competitive, and we would recommend that you take your first two years of study at university very seriously so you can get the grades necessary for admission into one of the colleges. Having strong references will also help immensely.

After graduating you will need to take a test for your Certificate of Qualification, which, depending on your qualifications, can be a three part exam that includes the basic and chemical science examination, the clinical proficiency examination and the North American veterinary license examination. Once you receive your certificate you will need to contact the provincial authority of the province you want to practice in and fulfill any remaining licensing requirements.

Training:

The Atlantic Veterinary College (Prince Edward Island)

Université de Montréal (Québec)

The Ontario Veterinary College (Ontario)

The Western College of Veterinary Medicine (Saskatchewan)

University of Calgary - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Alberta)

Unfortunately, at this time there is no training facility in British Columbia.

If you’re determined to work with animals, but don’t have the stomach or grades to be a veterinarian, don't despair, because there are many other support positions available in this field, and we encourage you to research some of these careers online or at a WorkBC Services Centre. For example, many animal-related jobs can be found in labs, zoos, daycares, grooming centres, training facilities, and government organizations to name a few so there are definitely a lot of careers out there.

If you have any advice or words of wisdom for people entering this field please share it with our visitors below! We love hearing from people.

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Weighing the benefits of post-secondary education

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 15:25:16 PDT

Nowadays, many secondary students may feel increasing pressure to pursue post-secondary studies after graduation, and for good reason. According to a study entitled “The Evolution of the Returns to Human Capital in Canada, 1980-2005,” the financial benefits of all forms of post-secondary education saw a steady increase over the 25 year period of the study. For example, the earnings gap between high school graduates and those with post graduate degrees was over 40 percentage points, whereas the gap between high school graduates and trades school graduates was roughly 14 percent. This gap is even greater if we look only at women. With this in mind, it’s no wonder that universities and colleges are seeing such an increase in student enrollment.

So if the earnings potential of post-secondary studies entices you, you’ll soon be faced with a choice of university or trades school. Attending either one is a great step towards improving your future job prospects, and although most people will say a university degree is a more lucrative investment, it’s not always the best choice. Before you jump right into university it’s important to look at all of the options available. If you’re a “hands on” kind of person it may be a wiser decision to look into the pursuit of a trade.

According to a recent survey given to approximately 30,000 former post-secondary students through BC Student Outcomes, 95% of former apprenticeship students were in the labour force, whereas only 88% of baccalaureate graduates could say the same. As far as the quality of instruction is concerned, 94% of university students said that the instruction they received was very good or good, compared to only 84% of apprenticeship students. If we only go by these numbers, apprenticeship students have a slightly better chance of gaining employment, while university students tend to receive slightly better instruction. However, another important factor that we should consider is cost. A student attending a trade school or university can expect to pay between $2,500-$8,000 per year in tuition alone. In most cases however, because apprenticeship students will be working for much of their training, they will likely accrue less debt over the duration of their education, making it a slightly better option if cost is a major issue.

Although many people tend to assume that a university education will automatically lead to a higher pay cheque, it’s important to realize that this isn’t always the case. In fact, many jobs in the trades pay quite well. In the chart below we look at the average hourly wage for some of the more popular jobs in the trades, and, as you can see, most of them pay quite handsomely.

Therefore, if you’re debating which post-secondary path you should take, we’d recommend that you take the time to consider a trade before automatically assuming a university education is necessary. In most cases, a trade will take less time to complete, cost less, and the job prospects are definitely comparable. That being said, a university education is still a fantastic option that will greatly increase your chances of finding work in today's market.

For a closer look at the highlights from the 2011 surveys for BC Student Outcomes click here.

Please comment below and share your thoughts on whether university or trades school is a more viable option for young graduates.

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Is it a good idea to work while in school?

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:01:52 PDT

With students returning to school today, we thought it’d be a good idea to peer into the life of a working student, and examine whether it's a good idea to work while attending university or college. At first glance the answer seems a simple question of money, but it's more complicated than one might think. There are a lot of factors to consider before making such a decision, and for this reason, we're going to look at some of the positive and negative aspects of working while attending school.

Before we come to any conclusions, let’s take a look at some statistics. According to a study by the Canadian University Survey Consortium, almost 6 in 10 students work while attending school. Of these students, most work about 18 hours a week on average. Interestingly, about 1 in 3 students say that their employment has had a negative impact on their academic performance, whereas 3 in 10 say that it has had a positive impact on their performance. Taking this into consideration, it appears that for most students, work has a more negative impact on their studies. However, it should be noted that those who work solely on campus (48%) are much more likely than those who work solely off-campus (26%) to say that their employment has had a positive impact on their studies. From this we can say that if you do have to work while you’re in school, it may be better to find work on campus. However, because this survey is based on subjective data, how work will truly affect your studies will ultimately depend on you yourself, and how well you manage your time.

Now that we’ve looked at the stats, let’s examine the benefits of working while in school:

University or College is expensive these days, and if you work while you’re in school you can slowly pay off your student loans, or, at the very least, you can use the extra money to pay for your living expenses/rent and not accrue anymore debt.
Working will enable you to create networking opportunities and references that could help you upon graduation when you start looking for a permanent position.
Working will undoubtedly strengthen your resume, giving you an important advantage when job searching. For example, although the experience you gain in school is really valuable, many employers nowadays want to see actual work experience as well, so it's nice to have such "real world" experience on your resume.
Many universities have dental and health benefits these days, but if you’re not so lucky a part-time job could provide you or your family with these important perks (provided you work enough hours).
Part-time employment during the school year could develop into full-time employment in the summer months between semesters. Working during the summer is a great way to pay off any debts accrued during the school year so if a part-time job has the potential to become a full-time position it may be something worth looking into.
Juggling between work and school is a great way to acquire time management skills. When you have to attend class, go to work, study, put in face time with your friends and family, and finish your homework, you’ll quickly learn how to manage your time more effectively. Being able to prioritize your work schedule is an important life skill, and it will certainly come in handy when you start working full-time.

Negative aspects of working while in school:

It’s very challenging to select the courses you want to take (or need to take) and create a workable timetable that doesn't require sprints between classes. Adding a work schedule to this timetable is even more challenging. In some cases you may have to drop certain classes to make your schedule work or sacrifice work shifts (if possible), which may slow down your overall progression through school.
Trying to juggle both work and school is always going to be a challenge, but for some people this challenge will cause them to “burn out” with the added stress.
Your job or classes may seem manageable at first, but unforeseeable circumstances may change your delicately balanced schedule. An employer could demand you work an extra shift if they’re short staffed or a professor could pile on the homework suddenly. Such unexpected events are bound to happen at some point and may lead to poorer grades and more stress.
It’s healthy to spend time with friends and family and relax when you have some free time; however, having such a busy schedule often leads to erratic hours and less “me” time, which isn’t always healthy in the long run. You’ll also have less time for extracurricular activities, which is an important part of the “school experience.”
The holidays will probably be filled with homework or shift work. Even if you’re off school and work for a national holiday, you’ll likely still have school work to catch up on, so if you’re attending college far from home it’s unlikely that you’ll have the opportunity to fly back home for the holidays.

Now that we’ve examined the positive and negative aspects of working while attending school, it’s up to you to decide if a job is something that you’ll benefit from. Everyone will have a different opinion on this subject so it’s important for you to weigh the pros and cons and make a decision that has your best interests in mind. Clearly, if you have bills to pay or a family to support and you need the extra money then the answer will be obvious, but if you’re fortunate enough to have the choice make sure that your decision is the right one for you. If you have terrible time management skills and you get stressed out really easily then maybe working during school isn’t your best option. However, if you have a flexible schedule and you’re able to find an employer that will accommodate you while you study, and you can handle a lot of pressure, then working might be a great way to get a head start. Just remember that most people only go to university or college once so it’s important to cherish the experience and make the most of it!

If you have an opinion on whether students should work while they’re in school then please share your idea below! We’d love to hear what you have to say on the subject.

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British Columbia Employment Stats for July, 2012

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:04:22 PDT

If you're interested to see how British Columbia is stacking up against other provinces in regards to average wages and unemployment rates, then check out the graphs below. In both categories British Columbia ranks fourth in the country, which isn't too shabby. The bottom graph focuses on BC itself, and provides statistical data for the major urban areas. When the data for other cities in British Columbia becomes available we may post another graph. If you would like a much more detailed look at Labour Force Statistics in Canada please refer to this PDF from Stats Canada.

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What to do if you're not hearing back from Employers

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 15:36:59 PDT

One of the most frustrating aspects of any job search is the silence that will often follow the submission of a job application. After you’ve spent hours researching job postings, crafting your resume, drafting a cover letter, and submitting your application, it can be really aggravating when an employer doesn’t send a response. It’s not necessarily the waiting that is irritating (although that’s often frustrating as well), but rather, it’s the uncertainty and the wondering that can grow tiresome, because you’re never really sure if you should move on and apply somewhere else or keep hoping that an interview is just around the corner. That being said, in today’s post we’re going to look at the likely reasons why you may not be getting a response from an employer, and how you can make a few adjustments to increase your chances of getting an interview.

Inferred Skills Versus Demonstrated Skills

When you apply for a job it’s a great idea to try to closely match your resume to the job description. However, when you do this matching be careful that you don’t fall into the “assumption trap.” For example, having Microsoft Office skills is a must for most administrative positions, and so many people feel that when they apply for such positions it’s assumed that they will have these skills. I can assure you that this is not the case; if it’s not on your resume, employers will assume that you don’t possess such skills. And with automated screening software being used more frequently, it’s even less likely that your resume will even be looked at unless these skills are spelled out. Therefore, if you want a better chance at getting an interview, it’s vital that you explicitly state what skills you possess, especially if they are required for the position.

Practice What You Preach

Many job descriptions request that candidates have a keen eye for detail. This skill is necessary for many positions, and it’s a skill that many people possess. However, if you are applying for a job that requires a “keen eye,” make sure that you demonstrate this skill by creating a resume with no errors. Having a spelling or grammar mistake on a resume is almost the same as throwing your resume in the recycling bin, because that’s probably where it’s going to end up. Such mistakes are usually listed as the number one reason hiring managers will reject an application. Even if you’re applying for a minimum wage position it’s vital that your resume is error free, so make sure that you get friends or family to read it over before you submit it.

Tailoring Your Resume

If I was screening resumes for a computer programmer, and I received one that focused on sales experience, I would probably move on to the next one, even if this person had the required qualifications. Why? Because in my pile of resumes I’m certain that there will be others that will spend more time highlighting skills that are relevant to the position, which will allow me to make a better decision as to who gets an interview. If it looks like you didn’t take the time to tailor your resume for the job I’m posting, I’m probably not going to take the time to read your resume.

Social Media Blunders

When recruiters are having a tough time narrowing down their candidates there is a very good chance that they will look to the internet to help them select the people who will get interviews. In most cases, it won’t take long before they are browsing your Facebook or LinkedIn profiles, and if they see something they don’t like, it will be easy to remove you from the competition. If your profile picture is a shot of you in your Sponge Bob pajamas it might reflect poorly on your “professional” character, making it easy for recruiters to screen you out of the competition, especially if it’s really close. So before you start applying for work, make sure to clean up your online accounts so that they reflect your professional qualities.

You’re Awesome, But You’re Not Quite What We're Looking For

In most cases, this will be the most typical reason why you don’t hear back from an employer. Nowadays there are so many qualified people applying for work. Major employers can now look for employees overseas and find applicants who are just as qualified as their North American counterparts. With this vast pool of available talent it’s getting harder and harder to make yourself stand out. You may have everything an employer is looking for, but so do twenty other people, and whether it’s a gut feeling or the luck of the draw that sees you passed over, don’t despair, because there will always be another opportunity just around the corner. If you keep striking out it may be a good time to seek some professional help. Visit a career counsellor or a WorkBC Services Centre, and have someone look over your resume. One small adjustment to your routine may make all the difference in your job search.

Although there are many other reasons why you may not get a call back, it’s important to remember that employers simply don’t have the time to message every single person that applied for a job. It’s nothing personal and it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doing something wrong, but if you’re noticing that you’re never getting calls back, it might be a good time to evaluate your job searching techniques and see if something is to blame. So instead of getting down on yourself the next time you hear silence after submitting an application, use that period of silence to improve your resume so that when the next job comes available you’ll be ready to shine!

Do you have any more tips that will help people stand out from the competition? Please comment below!

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How to Post a Job on WorkBC

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:15:41 PDT

How to post a job on WorkBC

First, make sure you’re on our homepage: www.workbc.ca
Click the blue button labelled “Post a Job” in the top right hand corner and Sign In.
1. If you get the message “Access Denied” you are not a Job Posting Manager. Please contact us or ask the Primary Contact of your company to change this.
2. To post a job you must be registered as an employer and have an up-to-date Business Number from the Canadian Revenue Agency.

Once you’ve signed in you will be taken to the Job Posting page. Please fill out all the required fields (marked with a red asterisk) and any fields applicable to the job you’re posting.
Step 4 - Job Description
1. Fill in the Job Title and the Date you want the posting to expire. We recommend 2 weeks.
2. Enter in the National Occupational Classification Code (NOC). The best way to find the right code is to start typing either your industry or job title and selecting the code that is the closest match to the job you are posting. It is very important that you enter in the correct code, as people may not be able to find your job if you enter the wrong NOC.
3. Enter in the Occupational Subcategory. If you’ve selected the right NOC code you should be able to start typing your Job Title into this field, which will bring up a list of similar titles. Select the title that most closely matches your job. Do not enter in your own unique subcategory. If you can’t find a match you’ve probably entered in the wrong NOC code.
4. Please fill in the Salary. You can enter in a single number or a range. E.g. 15-20, 20000-40000, 100-200, etc... (see image below)
5. Please select the Minimum Education, Number of Positions, and Job Type. You can select more than one Job Type if applicable.
6. Please make good use of your description. This is the field that most users will spend a lot of time reading. Whatever words you enter in this field will be searchable, and will be reviewed by our team. If we find any discriminatory comments or unethical screening practices your account will be suspended.
7. If you have a document that you would like to attach to the job posting please upload it by clicking on the link titled “Add Document.” You may attach more than one document. Documents must be in the following formats: PDF, DOC(X), JPG, or PNG. If you accidentally attached the wrong file please click on the grey text that says “(1) Document(s),” and click on the red “X” next to the document you want to remove.

Step 5 - Location
1. Please enter in the location of the job. Use the drop down menu to select the proper office location and the map will automatically be updated. If you would like to add a new location simply click the link above the map that says “New Location.” When the link opens you will be able to enter in a new address.
  1. The Office Title is simply the name of your location. You can enter in Head Office or Main or a city. In other words, Office Title is simply the label that will be attached to your new location. If you only want the postal code to appear on the job posting make sure you click “Display Postal Code Only.” After you’ve filled out all of the required fields click “Add to List” and then click “Save.” You can now select this new location from the drop down menu above the map.

Step 6 - How to Apply
1. In this section please enter your contact information so potential employees can contact you. Only enter the information that you want to appear on the ad. If you only want people to apply by email, then only fill in your email address. If you only want people to apply by fax or phone, then only fill in those two fields. To have people apply by mail or in person simply check the boxes that say Mail or In Person and fill in the address you want them to apply to.

Step 7 - Posting your Job
1. This step is very important. If you want to save your posting as a draft and come back to it later you can click “Save Draft,” and it will be saved to your Workspace. If you want to post your job immediately then you must click on “Preview.” Once you see your job posting and what the final version will look like, you will then be given the option to post the job to our site. Simply click “Post” and your job will immediately go live. Congratulations! You’ve now posted a job on WorkBC!
2. Remember if you need to change anything in your ad or if you want to cancel the ad simply login and manage your jobs from your Workspace.

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Ever Thought about Becoming a Chef?

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:59:48 PDT

In honour of Julia Child’s 100^th birthday celebration, we thought it would be a great idea to look at chefs in BC! Although there are many different kinds of chefs, their main duties all revolve around the preparation and cooking of meals, as well as the general management of kitchens. Their work environments can range from small cafes or bistros to much larger establishments like hotels or hospitals. Most chefs will specialize in a particular cuisine, which may take on flavours or styles influenced by a specific region or culture. A chef who has studied Mediterranean cooking for example, will often use a lot of lamb, olive oil, and peppers in their food. That being said, even though we tend to associate chefs with food and cooking in general, their duties extend well beyond gas ranges and cutting boards. For instance, just some of the activities a chef may be tasked to do could include the following:

Manage kitchen operations
Develop and price menus and recipes
Oversee safety, sanitation, and food storage procedures
Manage kitchen staff and scheduling
Oversee the preparation and presentation of food

What qualifications are required to be a chef in BC?

In most cases, the completion of secondary school is required to begin a career in cooking, but if this qualification is all that you possess don’t expect to jump right into managing a kitchen. A career in the restaurant business right out of secondary school will typically begin with dishwashing, which will usually lead to advancement if you show that you are reliable, hard working, and capable of working under pressure. If you wish to begin your career in a higher-level position it’s a good idea to have several years of experience in commercial food preparation or certification. Certification is not required to work as a chef in BC, but many employers prefer to hire chefs who are certified. Overall, there is no “right” way to become a chef, but having experience and training will definitely help you stand out from the competition.

Where can I receive training in BC to become a certified chef?

Northwest Culinary Academy of Vancouver – Vancouver, BC

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts – Vancouver, BC

The Art Institute of Vancouver-Dubrulle Culinary Academy – Vancouver, BC

College of New Caledonia – Prince George, BC

College of the Rockies – Cranbrook, BC

North Island College – Vancouver Island, BC

Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC

Camosun College – Victoria, BC

Selkirk College - Nelson, BC

Okanagan College – Kelowna, BC

University of Fraser Valley – Abbotsford, BC

Cascade Culinary Arts School – Abbotsford, BC

Thompson Rivers University – Kamloops, BC

Northern Lights College – Dawson Creek, BC

What kinds of certification are there and how do I obtain them?

Right now there are three types of chef certification:

If you don’t have the qualifications to obtain chef certification, there are two methods that can help you get certified. The first method is to challenge the “Red Seal” certification exams for a cook. To challenge the exams you should have been in the industry for quite a while, as you will need to challenge the Professional Cook 3 Certification Exam. In order to challenge this exam you will have to provide evidence that you possess enough work experience and knowledge of the industry. The second method of achieving certification will be to go through the training and apprenticeship programs offered at any of the above schools. This will mean completing (or challenging) the three levels of training for cooks from Professional 1 to Professional 3.

For information on how to challenge the certification exams click here.

For more information on the types of certification, or to explore the journey towards certification, please check out this excellent flow chart from the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council. Click here.

Types of jobs in a kitchen environment:

Chef de cuisine

Chef de partie

Corporate chef

Executive chef

Executive sous-chef

Pastry chef

Saucier

Senior chef

Sous-chef

Specialist chef

Head chef

Master chef

Cook

Junior cook

Dishwasher

Rotisseur (Roast cook)

Poissonnier (Fish cook)

Garcon de cuisine

Career Trek video on cooks:

For more information on becoming a chef please check out the following links:

Career Trek Cook Profile

WorkBC Chef Profile

WorkBC Cook Profile

Go2HR Apprenticeship Training Information

Canadian Culinary Institute

The Canadian Culinary Federation of Chefs and Cooks

Vancouver Community College ESL and Cooking Program

If you're currently a chef or were previously employed in a kitchen please share your story with other British Columbians who are thinking about pursuing a career in this field. Or, if you have any questions about this article please post a comment as we'd love to hear from you!

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How to Utilize our Job Search to its Fullest Potential (The Basics)

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:34:00 PDT

In order to help increase your results when searching for jobs we decided to write a how-to guide showing the capabilities of our job search engine. We want you to get the most of our search and so in this guide we'll be highlighting some of its really neat features.

Basic Functionality:

Our job search has two separate job search fields: location and keyword. You can choose to fill in both fields, but if you would like to search for all jobs in a particular location without a keyword you are free to do so. You can also run a keyword search without filling in the location field.
The location field must contain a city or town in B.C. Entering in an abbreviation, region, or cardinal direction will not produce results.
If you choose to enter in a location you will only see jobs in that location, with a few exceptions around Victoria and Vancouver. If you enter in either of these cities or cities close by, you will see results in neighboring communities. A search for Richmond for example may bring up jobs in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, or New Westminster. Near the bottom of this guide is a complete list of the cities that will bring up results in more than one location.
Our job search engine is setup by default to search for terms using the AND boolean. In other words, if you search for "computer admin" only jobs with both computer and admin will appear in the results. It will not show jobs with just one of those two terms. So the more terms you enter the more specific your jobs search will be. If you are not getting enough results try limiting the number of search terms in your search.
Our search engine is not case sensitive. Entering in a capital C for "Construction" will not produce more results than "construction."

Future Upgrades in Motion:

Right now our search engine does not support the ability to search for jobs using a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. We are aware that this is something many of you would like to be able to do and so we are working on adding this functionality.
Because the word Nelson appears in both Nelson and Fort Nelson, our search brings up jobs in both cities. We are hoping to remedy this in the future so if you type Nelson into our search only jobs in Nelson will appear in the results.

List of Cities That Will Bring Up Neighbouring Communities:

Vancouver Area:

Vancouver - Central Area --->> Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Surrey-White Rock, North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Horseshoe Bay / West Vancouver, Burnaby

Vancouver - Eastern Area --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Surrey-White Rock, North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Horseshoe Bay / West Vancouver, Burnaby

Vancouver - Western Area --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, , Surrey-White Rock, North Vancouver, Richmond, New Westminster, Horseshoe Bay / West Vancouver, Burnaby

Surrey-White Rock --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Richmond, New Westminster, Langley, Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody, Burnaby

North Vancouver --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Richmond, Burnaby

Richmond --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, North Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody

New Westminster --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody

Langley --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody

Horseshoe Bay / West Vancouver --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area

Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Burnaby, Richmond, New Westminster

Burnaby --->> Vancouver - Central Area, Vancouver - Eastern Area, Vancouver - Western Area, Langley, Richmond, New Westminster, Coquitlam / Port Coquitlam / Port Moody

Victoria Area:

Langford-Colwood / Sooke --->> Saanich, Sidney, Victoria

Saanich --->> Langford-Colwood / Sooke, Sidney, Victoria

Sidney --->> Saanich, Langford-Colwood / Sooke, Victoria

Victoria --->> Saanich, Sidney, Langford-Colwood / Sooke

Overall, we are always working to improve our site's features to make your job searching easier. We are trying to implement everyone’s suggestions on ways to improve the site, but such things take time, and not every suggestion is possible. We hope that this guide allows you to utilize our search to its fullest potential so you can find your dream job.

Please let us know what features you’d like to see in our search engine and we’ll see what we can do to make it happen!

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How to Utilize our Job Search to its Fullest Potential (Advanced)

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:05:07 PDT

Advanced Functionality:

If you have really specific terms you would like to search for you can use quotation marks to bind the two terms together so our search engine will only search for jobs with that exact phrase. For example, if pharmacy technician is bringing up too many results you can search for "pharmacy technician" (with the quotes) to force our search engine to only search for jobs where pharmacy technician appears exactly as it is shown. For instance, a posting that has "working in a pharmacy is a great way for a technician to..." will not be displayed in the results, as the two terms are not displayed together.
If you have more specific inquiries that you would like to search for, you can use our Advanced Search, which has many different options to help make your search easier. If you use this feature you can limit your search by date, salary, or the type of position you want (full-time or part-time), or you can even search specific sections of a job posting. So if you're having trouble finding a specific job, be sure to experiment with our advanced search to help produce more precise results.
If you only want to search for new jobs use the advanced search and click the circle in front of “In the past 3 days (NEW jobs).” With this qualifier selected anything that you search for will be limited to jobs that have been posted in the last 3 days.
If you search for a job with a specific salary our search engine also calculates what that salary will be hourly, annually, weekly, etc... So if you searched for jobs with a minimum salary of 30,000 you will also get jobs with hourly wages as low as $14.42 approximately. This feature allows for a greater number of results in your search.
Jobs are sorted by Internal and External postings. Internal jobs will be displayed first (by default) and will have the WorkBC logo beneath them; however, you can choose to organize postings by date, location, or job title instead. External postings are set to expire in 45 days so some may already be expired or filled when you click on them. We may shorten this expiry date in the future if too many expired jobs are appearing on the site.

Future Upgrades in Motion:

Right now our search engine does not support the ability to search for jobs using a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code. We are aware that this is something many of you would like to be able to do and so we are working on adding this functionality.
Because the word Nelson appears in both Nelson and Fort Nelson, our search brings up jobs in both cities. We are hoping to remedy this in the future so if you type Nelson into our search only jobs in Nelson will appear in the results.

Alternative Method of Searching for Jobs:

If you would like to use alternative booleans such as OR or NOT to expand your job search you may want to try using our Google Search in the middle of our home page. When you search using this method jobs will appear in a small column on the right hand side of the screen. We do not recommend this method of searching for jobs however, as it is meant as a way to search WorkBC's internal website and not for jobs specifically so you may not see as many results.

Please let us know what features you’d like to see in our search engine and we’ll see what we can do to make it happen!

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Have you checked out Career Trek yet?

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 16:39:54 PDT

If you’re a recent graduate and you’re wondering what you want to do for a living, you may want to check out Career Trek. Career Trek is a fantastic new website from the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation that takes you on a trip across British Columbia to look at some exciting career options. Travel along with Career Trek’s hilarious and engaging hosts Viviana and Brian, as they take you inside some really interesting careers to show you what the jobs look like in action. Right now there are 52 featured careers in BC, each containing a video profile roughly 5 minutes long. In addition to the video, all of the career profiles highlight the skills requirements, salary expectations, and required education level of each job. If you’re unsure where to start you can take a look at your region of BC and view the jobs available in that area, since many of the featured jobs are region specific. You can also limit your search by salary, job title, education, or field of work so you can narrow down career choices to find one that closely matches your interests. Moreover, all of the videos link back to WorkBC’s career profiles so you can get in-depth information regarding the occupation size, working conditions, and employment outlook for each job of interest. So if you’ve just graduated from high school and are wondering what sort of career you’d like to do in the future, check out Career Trek to see if there’s a job that piques your interest!

Careek Trek

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Did you Enjoy the Olympics? Thought about a Career in the Sports Industry?

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:21:55 PDT

Thanks to inspiring performances by Canadian athletes at the Olympics we thought it’d be a good idea to showcase some careers in the sporting world. For many people the idea of sports conjures up memories of breakthrough performances, friendship, competition, and unique personal achievements. For this reason, working in the sports industry can be a really rewarding experience. Not only are sports typically associated with fantastic memories, but they are also very dependent on teamwork, respect, and perseverance, which are great qualities to have in any workplace. However, because many sports are fused with big business and closely connected with ticket sales and fan bases, the sports industry can often be a profession that requires long hours of hard work. It is also an industry characterized by pressing deadlines and stressful situations. That being said, despite these challenging characteristics, the world of sports can be a great place to work—with many perks. So if a job in sports sounds like it may be of interest to you please check out this graphic below for a list of possible careers.

Who are the employers in the Sports Industry?

According to the University of Toronto, there are a variety of organizations that offer sports-related careers in Canada and North America at large. Here is a list from their Career Guide:

- Professional Teams (eg. Vancouver Canucks)

- Professional Sports Leagues (eg. NHL)

- Amateur Teams (eg. Mississauga Majors – OHL)

- Amateur Sports Leagues (eg. Dixie Soccer League)

- Community Sports Programs (eg. City of Mississauga)

- Sports Apparel Organizations (eg. – Puma)

- Sports Equipment Organizations (eg. – CCM)

- Sports Not For Profit Committees (eg. - Special Olympics Canada)

- Sports Health/Rehabilitation Organizations (eg. – The Sports Clinic)

- Print/Electronic/Television Media Organizations (eg. The Score)

- Universities/Educational Institutions (eg. University of Toronto Varsity Blues)

- Sports Communications Companies (eg. SDI Marketing)

- Sports Law/Athlete Management Firms (eg. Newport Sports Management)

- Fitness Centers (eg. Goodlife Fitness)

- Sports Training/Development Schools (eg. John Elkin’s Hockey Goalie School)

- Sports Retail Companies (eg. Sporting Life)

- Sports Research Laboratories (eg. Gatorade Sports Science Institute)

- Sports Museums and Historical Sites (eg. Hockey Hall of Fame)

What sort of Education do I need to apply for positions in the sports industry?

Unfortunately, for many careers in the world of sports, you will need a higher-education degree from a college or university. Like many industries, sports are a world built heavily upon integration. Many people may not start out studying sports-specific occupations, but they may move into such a field after they’ve completed their degree. For example, a nurse may take additional courses in athletic training or sports nutrition to move into the profession if she/he develops a passion for the field. So before you jump right into the sports world it may be a good idea to build a solid foundation in another area before committing yourself fully to the profession. That being said, if you absolutely love sports and you're fully committed to obtaining employment in this exciting industry, then here is a list from the University of Toronto of some graduate programs and certificates directly related to sports (please contact your local college or university to see if similar programs are available in BC):

- Sports Management, Durham College

- Fitness and Lifestyle Management, George Brown College

- Sports and Recreation Administration, Lambton College

- Sporting Good Business, Sir Sanford Fleming College

- Exercise and Lifestyle Management, Humber College

- Health Promotion, University of Toronto (St. George)

- Psychology and Socio-Cultural Studies of Physical Activity, Queen’s University

- Sport and Event Marketing, George Brown College

- Sports Journalism, Loyalist College

- Coaching, York University

- Television, Radio and New Media Broadcasting, College of Sports Media

For further advice and suggestions for finding work in the sports industry please refer to this outstanding guide from the University of Toronto.

If you already have a job in the sports industry, please let us know how you got into your career, and if you're happy in your position. I'm sure our readers would love to hear some stories from any athletes as well!

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Job Interview Tips! (Infographic)

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 09:30:15 PDT

If you've gotten to the job interview stage we'd like to offer you some congratulations! However, because you're still not quite in the door yet, here's a handy infographic by Elisabeth Fosslien that offers some humerous yet poignant advice for your next challenge.

Interview Objective: Join the 180° Club

What You Hopefully Did Months Ago

Because I GUARANTEE This Will Happen Before Your Interview

What You Should Do Leading Up to the Interview

What You Should Bring

The Suit

This is Not a Party

"Fashionably Late" Does Not Exist

The Handshake

How Enthusiastic You Should Appear

Question Category Overview: What I (the Interviewer) am Really Trying to Figure Out

Tell Me About Yourself

What are Your Strengths?

What are Your Weaknesses?

Your Phone

Describe a Time You Had Difficulty Working with a Coworker

What Was Your Biggest Mistake?

Describe Your Ideal Workplace

What Do You Know About this Company?

Why do You Want this Job?

Do You Have Any Questions for Me?

Lunch: Price Considerations

Lunch: Limit Your Pickiness

Lunch: Appropriate BAC Level

Lunch: Very Important Additional Consideration

What to Remember Regarding a Thank You Email

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Breaking News! Important Information Regarding the Job Bank.

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:57:27 PDT

As of August 1^st 2012, the Federal Job Bank in British Columbia will be no more. If you’re an employer who is looking to post jobs in BC you will now have to use WorkBC. The Job Bank will still exist in its current form, but if you are posting jobs in BC you will no longer be able to post on Job Bank. Therefore, with that in mind, let us be the first to welcome you to WorkBC!

When you first arrive at our website you may be slightly overwhelmed with the new layout and job-posting process, but don’t despair because it’s really quite simple to find and post jobs. Just follow the steps below and we’ll try to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Job Seekers

If you are a job seeker you can start searching for jobs right away.

Enter a keyword and location in the bar with the large red button that says Find Jobs.
Click the button once you’ve entered your search terms and you’ll be taken to a page with a list of all of the available jobs related to your search.
Click on a job to see its details and location.
If you’re interested in the job look at the Apply To section on the right-hand side and respond using the method(s) the posting describes.

You may notice that some jobs have the WorkBC logo underneath them. When you see this logo all it means is that the jobs are internal postings (they were posted on WorkBC). Any jobs without the logo are external postings, meaning that they were originally posted on a different job-search engine. You can still view these jobs, but you will be taken to a different website.

If you’d like to save jobs or receive email notifications all you have to do is sign up for a job-seeker account. Just click the grey Sign in button on the top of the page and create an account to use these features. For more information about job-seeker accounts click here.

Employers

If you’re an employer who is hoping to post on WorkBC, all you have to do is sign up for an employer account (slightly different than a job-seeker account).

Click on the Post a Job button in the top right-hand corner.
Enter in your Business Number into the empty field and fill out the captcha. Click Continue.
On the next page you will be asked to create your account. Fill in your employer information, contact information, and address.
Please read the terms of use and click the check box if you agree to the terms. Click Continue.
The next page will thank you for creating an account. You will now be sent an email asking you to confirm your account details.
After you open this email and verify your account you will be able to log in and start posting jobs.

IMPORTANT

In order to help ease your transition over to WorkBC, we have imported a large portion of employer accounts from Job Bank. If you discover that your company is already registered on our website please follow these instructions.

Click on Post a Job in the top right hand corner.
Enter in your Business Number in the blank field and complete the captcha.
When you are prompted that your company is already registered please enter your email into the blank field and click Reset. You will then be sent a password reset request to the email you provided, which will allow you to login.
If your email address is not found please click Register and fill out the required information. After you have completed this step please contact us so we can validate your account.

Additional Information

If you are an employer with multiple companies please note that you will be required to have a separate email address and account for each company.

If your business has multiple locations you will be able to add additional locations by editing your employer profile.

Please log in and go to your Workspace page (Grey button at the top).
Click the Employer Profile button and then click the Edit Profile button.
Under the map on this page you will see a link that says + Location. Click this link and add an additional location. Click Save.
After your new location is saved you will be able to select it when you post a job.

Labour Market Opinion (LMO)

For employers looking to hire a foreign worker you must first apply for an LMO. In the past, one of the requirements for an LMO was that you had to post a job on the Job Bank for a minimum of two weeks. This requirement still exists, but instead of using the Job Bank, you must now use WorkBC.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions after reading this guide please visit our help page and view our tutorial videos or FAQ. If you still need assistance you can use our Live Chat Support by clicking on the large grey button anywhere on the website, or you can call us at 1-877-952-6914 to speak with a Client Service Officer.

We hope you enjoy using WorkBC. In its creation we listened to a lot of public feedback and have tried to make a webpage that is faster and easier to use than the Job Bank. We understand that this transition may not be easy for a lot of people and so we expect to receive a large volume of phone calls over the next few weeks. If you need assistance please be patient with us. We will try to respond to your requests as soon as possible.

Feel free to comment below and let us know what you think of the new website.

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Thought about a Job in the Construction Industry?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 13:29:35 PDT

The construction industry is now the third largest employer in British Columbia, providing jobs for roughly 10% of BC’s workforce. With a booming housing market, increased investment in apartments and condos, a growing population, and a relatively strong economy it’s no wonder that the construction industry has experienced huge growth since the turn of the century. As far as the work force is concerned, most employees are male, outnumbering women nine to one, and about nine out of ten workers are employed full time. Due to the nature of the job, most construction workers will spend a good deal of time outdoors, which is why employment in this industry is typically seasonal. Therefore, if you’re just starting out in this industry it’s a good idea to apply for work in early spring before the busy summer months. Since construction activity takes place all over BC there is a lot of flexibility for most general labourers; however, because specialized workers are often needed for region-specific projects, what you do will largely dictate where you end up in BC. Heavy projects that are resource dependent (dams or power generating stations) will usually be located in more remotely populated areas. So if you’re planning a career in this industry you will want to decide if you want to be fixed in one location or if you’re willing to move around.

That being said, if you’re looking to ply your hand in a really versatile and dynamic industry, here are a number of Red Seal jobs that may be of interest:

Boilermaker

Boilermakers are skilled tradespersons who construct, repair, and install steel fabrications that typically contain liquids or gases. Most often these fabrications are steam or hot water boilers used to heat domestic or commercial buildings. To repair or construct such vessels, boilermakers use oxy-acetylene gas torches to cut steel plates and tubes, followed by specialized welding to fit and join sections and valves. Construction boilermakers will also test such systems for leaks and defects to ensure that both structures and workers are well protected from injury. This may occasionally require the installation of heat-resistant materials around such structures, as well as frequent repair and replacement of components to ensure the tubes are in good working order.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Bricklayer

A bricklayer or mason fits together bricks, concrete blocks, stone, or structural tiles to construct and repair walls, foundations, or other structures. In order to lay bricks properly a mason is required to learn the science of such construction material, as well as how to prepare the surfaces and ingredients and properly apply the mortar or cement. In addition to structural work, a mason may also work on a number of residential projects that may include the restoration of old brick work, ornamental walls, patios, chimneys, glass blocks, and other decorative installations. Since bricklayers will be working with very heavy materials everyday, they should be in good physical condition and very familiar with safety protocols.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Highlights from the 2012 Bricklaying Championship

Carpenter

Carpenter duties are largely dependent on whether the project is residential or commercial. Typically, a carpenter works to build and repair structures made of wood or wood-substitutes. They will spend a lot time assembling and erecting forms for concrete, building wood and metal frames, installing roof systems, or shaping interior structures (cabinetry, furniture making, and joinery to name a few). Within the carpentry trade there are many specializations that you can enter into, ranging from finish carpenters to coopers and framers to name a few. Most carpenters work for construction companies or contractors, but some are self employed or employed as maintenance workers. Carpenters will need excellent math, dexterity, and observation skills, since many of their projects require precise measurements and a steady hand.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Career Trek Episode

Construction Electrician

An Electricians main duties involve assembling, installing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment that provide heat, light, power, or control in residential and commercial buildings. Essentially, they ensure that the electrical systems and apparatuses at home or in businesses are safe to operate and in proper working order. Although the type of work will vary between jobs, most electricians will read and interpret building plans and wire installations, cut and assemble conduits and electrical fittings, splice and join wire, position and install control equipment like fuse enclosures or circuit breaker panel boards, and test electrical circuits. Electricians will need good reading skills to interpret plans and electrical code, and the ability to distinguish colours to work with colour-coded wiring, as well as good mechanical skills to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Career Trek Episode

Ironworker

Ironworkers erect structural steel components, reinforce steel, install conveyors and robotic equipment, and reconstruct existing buildings and bridges. They generally read drawings and specifications, unload and stack steel units, erect scaffolding and crane derricks, assemble rigging, and position steel units so bolt holes can be aligned and joined. Many ironworkers are also involved in the demolition of structures and salvage, and the planning and coordination of equipment and materials. Ironworkers need to be versatile and adaptable, as they are required to perform many tasks. They also need to be comfortable with heights and have good balance and agility to avoid injury, since much of the work takes place on high scaffolding or structures.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Ironworker Profile Video on JobsTVNews

Plumber

A plumber’s job includes the planning, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems, fixtures, and equipment controls in both residential and commercial buildings. The type of plumbing a plumber does will vary dramatically depending on whether they work in a residential or commercial outfit. In a residential setting a plumber will typically do the “roughing in” after the frame of the building is in place, and then return when the drywall and tile has been set to do the “finishing” work, which may include the installation of sinks, dishwashers, and toilets. A commercial plumber may work in restaurant kitchens, swimming pools, sewage treatment plants, or other public water systems. Plumbers may also work with natural gas systems as well as various mechanisms related to heating/cooling. In general plumbers cut, shape, and join pipes and elbow joints, and test for leaks in new and repaired systems. They also install many types of appliances, sprinkler systems, and water containment units. So if you’re comfortable working with blueprints and sketches, and have good manual dexterity then perhaps a job in the plumbing trade may interest you.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Plumbing Profile Video on JobsTVNews

For more information about getting started in these careers please visit the BC Construction Industry Training Organization.

For a list of Training Providers please click here.

We want to hear from you! If you work in construction or if you are interested in the trades, please share your experiences or thoughts below! What is your favourite trade in this industry? Are the job prospects good or bad according to your personal experiences? Please share your opinion!

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JobFest is Moving South!

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:25:35 PDT

JobFest is just about to kick off again so we thought we would showcase this fantastic event for those of you who haven’t had the chance to check it out. So what is JobFest? JobFest is essentially a traveling show that helps celebrate all of the amazing career opportunities available for young people in BC. Its purpose is to engage with youth across the province and get them excited about future career opportunities through a number of different exploration tools developed by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

Beginning August 3, 2012 in Abbotsford, JobFest will be touring southern BC. At each stop visitors to our inflatable-amplifier tents will be introduced to exciting career choices through face-to-face discussions, guest speakers, interactive computer games and tools, and career-related handouts. Each stop will also treat visitors to free entertainment from local rock bands and performers. Our headlining acts for the southern portion of the tour will include Bend Sinister, Halfway to Hollywood, Oh No! Yoko, and Acres of Lions. Moreover, each stop will see all kinds of cool giveaways ranging from t-shirts to DVDs. Guests can also visit the tattoo parlour for their own temporary career tattoo.

If you’re a parent or youth looking to explore the many career options in BC then JobFest is a great place to start. Please visit JobFest 2012 for more information and to discover tour dates and locations. Also, be sure to keep an eye out on our Twitter and Facebook feeds to ensure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to come and see what all the fuss is about!

Have you been to JobFest yet? Please comment below to fill us in on your experience!

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Got a Knack for Fixing Cars? Why not Explore Your Career Options in an Automotive Trade?

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:53:25 PDT

The automotive industry plays an important role in BC’s economy, employing approximately 35,000 people; and within this thriving industry lays the automotive repair and service sector, where the majority of people are employed as Automotive Service Technicians, Motor Vehicle Body Repairers, and Automotive Refinishing Technicians. The various locations of employment for these positions range from automobile dealerships (foreign and domestic), gasoline service stations, trucking companies, motor vehicle manufacturers, public transit commissions, and automotive and auto parts manufacturers. Most of the jobs in this industry have a large occupation size, decent wage, and excellent job stability making it a fantastic employment option. It is also an industry that will constantly change and grow as we proceed into the future and adopt new technology. Therefore, if you enjoy a challenge, new technology, and like to work with your hands then this may be a trade you’ll want to consider as a career choice.

Here are a number of jobs in the industry that may be of interest:

Motor Vehicle Body Repairer

As an Automotive Collision Repair Technician you will prepare and review motor vehicle estimate reports to determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be fixed/replaced. During the repair process you will hammer out dents or buckles, remove damaged fenders, panels, grills, and straighten bent frames. You will also have to replace large automotive parts ranging from doors to hoods, as well as interior components and instrument panels. You may also be responsible for applying putty, welding, and sanding exterior parts in order to prepare them for painting.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Career Profile Video

BCIT Training Program

Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician

As a Refinishing Prep Technician you will remove parts, mask, perform chemical cleaning, apply putty, sand, prime, and prepare vehicles for the Automotive Refinishing Technician. This position will involve working in an area with a large amount of dust and potentially harmful materials, so ensuring that the proper safety measures are acted out is an important part of this job.

Career Profile Video

Okanagan College Training Program

Automotive Refinishing Technician (Painter)

In this position you’ll paint and refinish various motor vehicles (buses, cars, trucks, or heavy duty construction equipment). These vehicles may have been involved in a collision or they could be undergoing a restoration. As an Automotive Refinishing Technician you’ll be responsible for calculating the amount of paint needed for the job, mixing paints and chemicals to match existing colours and codes, and blending paints to an appropriate thickness. Your primary tool will be a spray gun, which is used to apply coats of primer, paint, and clear coating. In this position you will need a keen eye for detail, fast reflexes, and good coordination. You will also have to keep up-to-date on new processes and products and maintain clear logs of the materials you used.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Career Profile Video

BCIT Training Program

Automotive Service Technician

As an Automotive Service Technician you will be responsible for testing, maintaining, and repairing the parts and systems of cars and light-duty trucks. Due to many advances in vehicle technology, a large amount of work will involve the utilization of computerized diagnostic tools to test the working order of vehicle components, including engines, braking systems, vehicle suspensions, and complex electrical systems. Due to yearly changes in vehicle technology and design you will be responsible for keeping up-to-date with new systems and components, and ensuring that all repairs meet the manufacturer’s standards. This position will also require excellent customer service skills, as you will be advising and informing customers on the type of work needed or completed.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Career Profile Video on CareerTrek

BCIT Training Program (must be a registered apprentice)

Parts and Warehousing Person

If you’re an expert organizer and interested in automobile parts and inventory control then perhaps a career as a Parts & Warehousing Person may interest you. This position is responsible for helping organize and distribute parts and accessories for various automotive industries, commercial transports, heavy duty equipment companies, and various marine outfitters. A large portion of your job will comprise of ordering parts from manufacturers and ensuring that such parts are tracked, documented, and processed in a timely and organized manner to ensure customer satisfaction. This position will require a keen eye for detail and good organizational skills, as well as excellent customer service skills.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Thompson Rivers University Training Program

Automotive Glass Technician

In this position you will remove, install, and repair all types of stationary and moveable glass in motor vehicles ranging from your typical car to larger industrial equipment. You will be trained to use a variety of automotive glass tools, and how to properly assess and repair the damage.

Career Profile on WorkBC

Vancouver Community College Training Program

For more information about the Automotive Trade Industry and various apprenticeship programs visit the Automotive Training Standards Organization.

If you work in any of these positions we'd be grateful if you provided some inside information that would benefit people who might be interested in working in this field. If you have any tips or advice please comment below.

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Applying for Work? Refine Your Online Profiles to Make Yourself Stand Out.

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 12:22:58 PDT

A large majority of Canadians have a social network profile of some sort, and, as far as job searching goes, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, in some cases, having a searchable online profile can actually be a good thing. For instance, by now most of us should know that when you apply for a job there is a good chance that a potential employer will run a Google search on your name after they’ve reviewed your resume. Obviously, if this employer sees photos of you acting wild at a party this will reflect poorly on their overall impression of you. Moreover, if your profile is relatively clean, but full of poor grammar or obnoxious status updates, this too can be a nail in your coffin. Therefore, it is always a good idea to clean up or at least block whatever social network accounts you have before you start applying for work.

That being said, instead of merely cleaning up your profile or blocking access to the public, another option is to improve your social-network profiles to make yourself stand out. Uploading a new, professional-looking photo, updating your skills and accomplishments, removing irrelevant information, and tidying up personal details are just some of the things you can do to make yourself stand out in a positive way. If you have a LinkedIn account you can go even further and update your career goals, personal description, education, and any other out-of-date information. Or, if you’re really keen, you can even research the company you’re applying for and check out the company culture or vibe and try to edit your profile to match their values. If the company sponsors a number of soccer teams you may want to post some photos of you playing soccer or express your interest in the sport. Of course, don’t attempt to match a company’s values if you yourself do not value the same things or it could come back and hurt your chances down the road.

Visit WiseBread’s post on the 6 Crucial Job Searching Steps Most People Skip to discover some more tips to help your online presence stand out from the crowd.

If you have a social network profile we’d love to hear what you do when you are searching for jobs. Do you make it available for public viewing at all times or do you lock it down so it’s not searchable? Please share your thoughts below!

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Exploring Career Options in the Resource Sector

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:12:48 PDT

When you’re thinking about a career in the trades there are so many options available that it’s often difficult to know where to start. We would like to make things easier for you by highlighting certain trade industries and their respective careers to help you get started. In this post we’ll look at trade jobs related to British Columbia's natural resources.

Resource Trade Industries:

Oil and Gas

When we think of the oil and gas industry we usually assume that all the jobs are located in Alberta’s tar sands. However, BC’s oil and gas industry is steadily growing and offers a promising future for those who want to work in this field and stay in BC. One benefit of working in this industry is the flexibility that most of the jobs offer. Because workers operate on a two-week shift rotation, most will not have to relocate (unless they want to experience the many benefits of life in northern BC), since the rotation allows them enough time to return home and spend time with their families. So in addition to the higher wages this industry typically pays, workers will also receive a healthy amount of time off to recuperate from the demands of the jobs.

Possible Careers:

Industrial Electrician

Metal Fabricator

Rig Technician

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Welder A

Mining & Smelting

The mining industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Canada, and the potential for a job in BC is great. Due to advances in exploration technology, the amount of mining and smelting in the province has significantly increased, which is good news for the provincial economy and potential job seekers. Just like the oil and gas industry there are really good wages to be had, so if you’re interested in minerals and metals or cutting-edge technology, a career in mining may be right up your alley.

Possible Careers:

Mine Manager

Industrial Instrumentation Mechanic

Welder B

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Industrial Electrician

Solid Wood

BC’s wood industry is an excellent place to build a career. When we think of BC we typically think of our lush forests, and for good reason. Not only do they provide us with some of the most fantastic landscapes in Canada, but they also contribute to approximately 15% of the province’s economy through our pulp and paper and solid wood industries. With some of the most unique softwoods for construction grade timbers, and improved processes for transforming softwood chips into papermaking pulps, the BC wood industry has many opportunities for future tradespersons.

Possible Careers:

Planer Mill Maintenance Tech

Lumber Industry Benchperson

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Sawmill Operator

Lumber Industry Sawfiler

Welder C

Pulp & Paper

The forest sector in BC is huge, accounting for approximately 1 out of every 5 jobs. According to the Resource Training Organization, the Council of Forest Industries has 100 production facilities throughout BC in over 60 communities. And with new upcoming technology like beetlecrete (a new material made from pine-beetle-killed wood that has the strength of concrete but the look of wood) and new government funding, the forest sector is a great place to look for future employment.

Possible Careers:

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)

Mill Worker

Shipbuilding & Repair

With an expanding cruise ship market, ferry construction, barge construction, and a growing yacht market, the shipbuilding industry is a great place to be in BC. BC is home to the largest share of shipbuilding establishments in Canada, and with Seaspan’s recently awarded contract of $8 billion, many new jobs will be available. So whether you’re helping repair, maintain, build, or refit our many ships, know that you’re in an industry with lots of opportunity and unique positions for tradespersons.

Possible Careers:

Shipwright

Steamfitter/Pipefitter

Marine Fitter

Welder A

Industrial Electrician

Utilities

People will always need power, and so the utilities industry is a safe place to find work. Electrical power companies or contractors, as well as public utility companies, are always in need of new employees to help distribute and maintain power throughout BC. It can be a physically demanding industry, but most technicians make a good wage for their above-average skills. So if you are interested in natural gas, electricity, or new means of energy, then perhaps the utilities sector is where you’ll want to be in the future.

Possible Careers:

Industrial Electrician

Powerline Technician

Welder B

Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Please visit Trades Rock for more information!

If you currently work in any of these industries and know of any unique jobs or opportunities please comment below and share your knowledge with upcoming tradespersons.

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Advice from our WorkBC Employment Services Centres (Part II)

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:36:32 PDT

Job-Seeking Advice from a Prince George WorkBC Employment Service Centre!

To help you with your job search we asked Ken at a Prince George Centre for some tips to find work.

What are important issues in regards to finding work for job seekers in your area?

The majority of the job seekers that I speak with cite the availability of local, well paid jobs as very important. They have worked out of town for a long time, and even though the wages are higher when they work out of town, they would like the ability to work a regular shift at a local employer, as long as they pay a decent wage.

What are the key job finding tips in your area?

Using the hidden job market and having good networking skills are two key job finding tips for this close-knit community. Also, the job seeker should always apply to the company posting the job rather than applying to the job itself. In other words, do your research prior to applying.

Are the job prospects good or bad?

Good.

Any information you’re willing to share for our readers?

Impress upon the job seeker that when they are applying to a posted job they need to explain in their cover letter why the company should hire them specifically, i.e. What does the job seeker bring to the table that other job seekers do not bring.

Is education (or lack thereof) a real barrier for people looking for work?

Academic education is not necessarily a barrier, however, actual job skills are, i.e. skilled trades. Another item employers seem to be looking for, or at least talking to us about because it seems to be lacking, is the right attitude or work ethic. Many times skills can be taught to someone who exhibits the right “can do” attitude.

Has the amount of mature workers grown? What kinds of barriers do they face?

From my observation there are more mature job seekers in the marketplace nowadays; however, this could also just be part of the natural bio-rhythm of the local economy. The barriers they face include local, well paid job availability, their inability to work long hours, and essential certification that years ago may only have been desirable but is now considered a requirement.

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Beginning a Trade: Apprenticeship 101

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 11:55:17 PDT

If you’re looking for a new career in the Trades, you may be wondering how you get started in an apprenticeship. Since it can be a confusing process, we’ve decided to write a short guide to help you get started.

What is an apprenticeship?

In the most basic sense, an apprenticeship is the gateway to learning a trade. As an apprentice you will make a wage and receive on-the-job training. You’ll also receive technical training during each level of the program to complement the training you receive in the workplace. Each time you complete a level you’ll see an increase in your pay, and, eventually, once you’ve completed all the requirements for the program, you’ll earn journeyperson status.

How do I get started?

Before you even think about becoming an apprentice you’ll have to choose a trade. Visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA) for a list of BC apprenticeship programs.

Once you’ve decided on a trade there are essentially three ways to become an apprentice:

The most common method is to find an employer to sponsor you and register with the ITA (the provincial agency that manages B.C.’s industry training system).
Another method is to start an apprenticeship in high school through the Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (Ace IT) or Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA). Both programs will give you high school credits to put towards your diploma and give you a head start in your training.
The final way to become an apprentice is to take a foundation program. A foundation program will help prepare you with the basic skills and knowledge needed to become employed in a particular trade. Basically, the purpose of the foundation program is to help people without prior trades experience to find employment and prepare for apprenticeship.

Is there any financial assistance?

Yes. Apprentices who are engaged in eligible apprenticeship programs can receive tax credits from the Training Tax Credit Program. There is also a Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction that some apprentices can claim if they’re eligible. Additionally, there are two grants that apprentices can apply for, which are designed to make a career in the trades more attractive. The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is available for apprentices who have finished their first or second year. It is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year up to a maximum of $2,000. The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is another cash grant of $2,000 that is available to apprentices who have successfully completed their apprenticeship training. Lastly, while apprentices are at school for technical training, they may apply for employment insurance through Service Canada—provided they qualify.

For a far more in-depth guide please visit the Apprenticeship Toolkit! Please comment if you have any more information that you'd like to share regarding apprenticeship training.

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Advice from our WorkBC Employment Services Centres (Part I)

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:35:18 PDT

We know how difficult it can be to find work, which is why, in addition to our many online resources, we offer individualized in-person help at our WorkBC Employment Services Centres. If you are eligible to work in B.C. then you can visit a WorkBC Centre for information, services, and programs to help you start—and succeed—in your job search. Each centre also offers special resources for new Canadians, people who speak English as a second language, First Nations people, people with disabilities, and people living in rural or remote areas. So if you would like some help with your job search make an appointment at a centre near you!

Job-Seeking Advice from a Vancouver Island WorkBC Employment Services Centre!

To help you with your job search we asked Garth at an Employment Services Centre for some tips to find work.

What are important issues in regards to finding work for job seekers in your area?

Discovering the major employers in their sector and how their skills and education match the needs of those employers.
Having a clear understanding of who their target employers are.

What are the key job finding tips in your area?

Research your target companies, especially contact names and the best resume drop-off times.
Have a great presentation when you do reach out to employers: targeted resume, cover letter, and 30 second ad.
Expand your personal network. Speak with those you know and utilize your networking skills.

Are the job prospects good or bad?

Reasonable to good; although, it depends on the sector, time of year, and how well you have researched and prepared for your job search.

Any information you’re willing to share with our readers?

Research your company’s "well" (in terms of culture, skill requirements, products, and history) before you apply, and do not underestimate the power of eye contact and a good handshake.

Is education (or lack thereof) a real barrier for people looking for work?

Yes. For example, jobs in the trades are asking for tickets whereas restaurants are asking for grade 12. In a tight job market employers tend to use one’s education level to screen clients. Basic computer skills are very important in almost all sectors.

Has the amount of mature workers grown? What kinds of barriers do they face?

Yes. The number of unemployed mature workers has seen an increase, particularly laid off middle-management. The number of employed mature workers has also grown because many more 65+ people are continuing to work.

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Thinking about a new Career? Why not Aquaculture?

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:02:40 PDT

If you currently live on Vancouver Island and are thinking about your future career choice, or if you’re thinking of a career change, you may want to consider aquaculture. According to Don McRae, the Minister of Agriculture, aquaculture is a half-billion dollar industry in British Columbia, and it is anticipated that this sector will see continued growth as we move into the future, which translates into future opportunities for skilled individuals.

So what exactly is aquaculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of fish, aquatic plants, molluscs, and crustaceans in controlled environments of fresh or salt water. These products are grown in earthen pods, freshwater lakes and bays, or in the open ocean, where they are fed and cared for to ensure that they are of a fine quality and healthy. The fish or plants are monitored to ensure they reach an appropriate size after which they are harvested, processed, and shipped to market.

I’m interested, but how do I start?

If you’d like to get started in an aquaculture program, your best bet would be to contact Excel Career College, and sign up for their 25-week Aquaculture Technician Diploma Program. According to their website, 100% of their graduates from this program have been hired. The program is currently being offered in Port Alberni, Port Hardy, and Campbell River. During this intensive program, participants will be placed within local aquaculture companies for a two-week practicum, and upon graduation they will be assisted with their job search activities. So if this sounds like a program you’d be interested in joining, please contact Excel Career College and sign up! If you don’t live near the above locations Vancouver Island University also offers a 2 year diploma program in Fisheries and Aquaculture, which, if you’re really keen on the subject, can be used towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Aquaculture. BC Salmon Farmers Association also lists a couple more programs at North Island College and UBC.

Is there any Government Assistance?

Just recently our government sponsored a new program through the Labour Market Sector Solutions project and the BC Salmon Farmers Association. This program was designed to help participants secure employment in the aquaculture industry, as well as help local employers fill the demand for labour. Sixty people are now enrolled in the program and are on their way to becoming aquaculture technicians. There are currently two separate intakes into this program so you still have an opportunity to apply. If you’d like to know more about this program please visit the BC Newsroom, Excel Career College, or contact your local WorkBC centre.

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Writing a Strong Resume

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:04:58 PDT

Writing a resume is no easy task, but with this guide we hope to give you some pointers to transform your resume into a clearer and more concise document that will help you land that all-important interview.

Although a resume on its own won’t get you a job, it is the most common work search tool used to help individuals market themselves to employers. Its basic purpose is to introduce you to an employer and highlight your qualifications and skills for a specific job or field of work. Even though there are many different types of resume formats, the most common are the chronological, functional, and combination resume.

The Chronological resume:

This is the most common type of resume, and, depending on who you talk to, it is also the type of resume most preferred by employers. Essentially, a chronological resume will begin with your contact information, objective, and education, followed by a chronological list of your work experience, listing your competencies and accomplishments in each position, beginning with your most recent job. At the end of this resume you will list two or three references.

Click here to see an example from Uvic!

The Functional resume:

The functional resume still lists your work experience and competencies, but it separates the two and organizes them into groups. For example, if the job you’re applying for requires excellent research skills, you can create a group under a heading titled “research” where you will list your competencies and accomplishments from any prior job related to researching. Typically, a functional resume will be arranged in the following order: contact information, objective, education, competencies or relevant skills, work experience, community involvement, and references.

Click here to see an example from Uvic!

The Combination resume:

Combination resumes are the most difficult to create of the three, but they can be useful if you’d like to highlight a large number of responsibilities and accomplishments in a limited space. It will look almost exactly like a functional resume, except for the fact that under each job in your work experience section you’ll include a couple accomplishment statements specific to that job. Refer to the functional resume section above for a quick overview of the layout of this resume.

Click here to see an example from Uvic!

What kind of information should my resume include?

Personal Contact Information / Education

Every resume should begin with your contact information, which should include your name, address, phone numbers, and email. If your email is something like snoopy56726@hotmail.com you may want to consider changing it to a more professional sounding address. The education section is an important one, as this is one section that can help distinguish you from the competition. Make sure you list all of your education credentials, including the name of your degree/certificate/diploma, the institution you attended, and the year of your graduation. If you’re still in school include your anticipated graduation date. Also, it is usually a good idea to remove your secondary school diploma if you have begun a university degree, as it’s assumed you have completed high school.

Work Experience

The work experience section is arguably the most important section of your resume. In this section you’ll want to list your work experiences beginning with your most recent. Make sure to include the position title, the name and location of the company, and the start and end dates of your employment. If you haven't been at your job very long (3 months or less) it is sometimes a good idea to just list the year, rather than the year and the month. If you’re just beginning your career make sure to include as much work experience as possible, whereas if you’re in the later stages of your career it’s a good idea to only go back eight to ten years. Also, if you’ve had many jobs it’s not a bad idea to only include the positions most relevant to the job you’re applying for—providing that you don’t leave large gaps of time in your work history.

Competencies

The competency section will look different depending on what style of resume you choose. However, what is most important is that your competencies closely match the ones the employer is looking for. Begin by examining the competencies listed on the job description and start thinking of any experiences in your past when you used such skills in a fashion that demonstrates that you are competent in such areas. For example, if an employer is looking for excellent team-work skills make sure your competency statement reflects that you possess such skills. Do not use statements that describe your duties: “I worked with a large team to produce a short documentary.” Instead, describe an achievement or behaviour that shows your effectiveness in such a field: “Successfully marketed a short documentary through effective collaboration between two production companies.” It’s a good idea to start each competency statement with an action verb to quickly capture the attention of the person reviewing your resume.

References

The reference section should be a quick and easy section to complete. Your references will typically be former supervisors, professors, co-workers, or coaches, but make sure that you do not include friends or family. Typically, it’s always a better idea to use a workplace reference rather than a former teacher or coach, as your employer will be more interested in how you performed in the workplace. Make sure you get permission from your references before you include them on your resume, and make sure you let them know that they may be getting phones calls or emails. For each reference include their name, title, organization, location, phone, and email. If you’ve been job searching for a while it’s not a bad idea to check if the phone or email of your references has changed. The reference section can be left off of some resumes if you don’t want to circulate this information, but it’s easier for employers to process your application if this information is included.

Optional Sections

If you have the space on your resume you can always include more sections to help showcase your achievements. For instance, you can include an objective, a professional summary or profile, volunteer experience or community involvement, memberships, professional licenses, awards and honours, technical training or expertise, and interests (use only if you don’t have much work experience).

I need more help!

Okay. Here are a few more pointers:

Don’t put your photograph on your resume! Also, you should never include your birth date, social insurance number, or your marital status.
Be clear and to the point. Most people will only briefly scan your resume for about 20 seconds so if your responses are long-winded your resume may be looked over (Update: New research suggests the 20 second number is actually closer to 6).
Spend a lot of time organizing your resume so it doesn’t appear cluttered. Use bullet points, bold text, italics, or tables to help make it look clean and polished.
Write more than one resume. Ideally, you should have a separate resume for each job you apply for, since every job will be slightly different. You don’t have to re-write the entire thing each time you start, but make sure you change your competencies to reflect the job posting requirements.
Use a professional looking font (12pt. Times New Roman is always a safe option). Don’t use comic-sans or goofy looking fonts that look childish or bubbly.
Don’t make the font on your resume too small or too large. If a person has to squint to read your document then it’s going to be passed over really quickly.
Proof read your resume multiple times. If there’s a lot of people applying for a position, a single typo could put your resume out of contention. Get your family and friends to read your resume over and make sure you read it out loud to yourself.
Look at as many examples as you can to get an idea of what a resume should look like and pick out parts that you like and use them on your own. Don’t plagiarize content, but if you like the formatting of a resume feel free to copy the layout.
Do not lie on your resume. If you get caught in a lie by an employer it will mean the end of your chances for employment with that company.
Limit your resume to two pages max! Many employers simply do not have the time to read resumes that go longer than two pages. There are some exceptions, but for most people this rule will apply.

Here are some more tips from other institutions (if any links become broken please let us know):

WorkBC

University of British Columbia

Simon Fraser University

Thompson Rivers University

Royal Roads University

Trinity Western University

University of Victoria

If you have any tips of your own that you think would be useful to people looking for work then please submit a comment below because we'd love to hear from you!

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Writing a Great Cover Letter

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:40:59 PDT

The job application process can often be an arduous trial that tests your mental endurance. It can be really discouraging to apply for multiple jobs and not hear back from any employers; however, don’t despair because we’re here to help! In today’s economy human resource managers can receive an abundance of applications for a single position, so it’s important to make sure that your resume and cover letter stand out. In today’s post we’ll give you some tips on writing a great cover letter.

When do I need to write a cover letter?

A cover letter is always needed if you’re applying for a posting that specifically asks for one or if you’re submitting a resume to an organization that isn’t currently hiring. If a job posting doesn’t specifically ask for a letter it’s never a bad idea to include one (unless they explicitly state “No Cover Letters” in the posting), because you can use a cover letter to include things that you can’t fit in your resume, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job.

What should a cover letter include?

When you’re thinking of what to put in a cover letter the best place to start is the job description. Read over the description and write down keywords, credentials, or competencies that are repeated or appear vital to the job itself, and make sure that your cover letter demonstrates that you possess such skills. For example, if a job requires excellent communication skills, it is important that your letter addresses this requirement by describing how your experience or training has provided you with such skills, and how your abilities will benefit the organization. Additionally, always identify the organization and position that you’re applying for, and try your best to track down the specific individual who is in charge of the hiring and address them at the beginning of your letter. Call the company and ask them who is in charge of the hiring if the posting doesn’t list a specific person. A cover letter should also briefly discuss your interest in the position and why you would be an asset to the company.

How should a cover letter be organized?

Although there are many ways to organize a cover letter I prefer the three paragraph model. Start your letter with an introductory paragraph that states your purpose or interest and why you are applying. In this paragraph include the job title and organization name, and explain why you’d be a great addition to the company and what credentials you possess.

In the middle paragraph, group your information around the job requirements or competencies and give solid examples of your past experiences, demonstrating how your experience has provided you with the necessary skills required for the job.

The final paragraph should thank the company for their time, and cover any small requirements that are needed (driver’s license, typing speed, etc.). In the closing sentences it is a good idea to restate your interest in the position and express an interest in an interview, while summarizing why you’d be an excellent addition to their team.

Any final pointers?

Make sure you don’t write just one generic cover letter that attempts to cover everything. Cater each letter to every single position you apply for and be really specific to the job requirements.
Read your letter multiple times and out loud at different times during the day. It’s amazing how many mistakes you will catch by doing this.
Give your letter to friends and family to proofread. Just one spelling mistake could be the difference between you getting the job or being looked over.
Don’t repeat what is on your resume. Use your cover letter to add new experiences or skills that you have not previously mentioned.
Don’t make your cover letter longer than one page. It takes a lot of time to read through stacks of resumes and letters so human resource managers will often pass over the long-winded ones.

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Looking for summer work? Why not put your skills to work in the Tourism Industry.

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:06:29 PDT

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to start looking for a job in the tourism and hospitality industry. According to the 2012 BC Tourism Labour Market Strategy, British Columbia’s tourism industry is in an enviable position. It is predicted that the number of jobs in the industry is set to increase from 255,860 in 2010 to 300,080 by 2020. That being said, with an estimated 17,943 tourism-related businesses currently operating in B.C., and steady economic growth across all five tourism sectors, it’s definitely a promising industry to find work in.

The Five Sectors of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry:

Accomodation
Food and Beverage Services
Recreation and Entertainment
Transportation
Travel Services

Where do I start?

If you’re hoping to work in the tourism industry one of the best things you can do to make yourself stand out from the competition is to have proper training. Programs such as FOODSAFE, SuperHost®, emerit, Serving it Right, WHMIS, or First Aid Certification can help distinguish you from other job seekers, and provide you with valuable skills that are sought after in the industry. Baker, Meatcutter, and Professional Cook apprenticeships are also valuable credentials to have on your resume if you’re interested in Food & Beverage Services jobs (the largest employment sector of the five). Since a large portion of visitors to B.C. are international visitors, knowing a second language is another great way to market yourself to potential employers, especially in the Recreation and Entertainment sector.

Are there any government programs?

Absolutely. In fact, over 4.2 million was recently invested by our government through the BC Jobs Plan to provide a new Workplace Training Program for people involved in the retail and tourism sectors. The purpose of this program is to help build and develop the skills of employees currently working in these sectors. For example, cashiers, servers, hosts, sales associates, and bartenders are just some of the occupations that the curricula is directed towards. So if you’re currently working in one of these positions and want to upgrade your skills then contact your employer and tell them you’d like to be considered for the program. Your employer will have to contact your local college to see if the program is available in your area. To participate in this program you do need to be eligible for Labour Market Agreement funding. Click here for more information.

What next?

Once you have the proper training and skills, it’s time to start looking for work. Tourism job boards are an excellent resource for job seekers. In particular the go2 Job Board has hundreds of opportunities posted by a variety of tourism-related businesses ranging from Vineyards to Hotels. And, of course, WorkBC is a growing resource for the job seeker with over a thousand jobs posted between June 01 and 14. Lastly, because not all jobs are advertised, it is always a good idea to tell relatives, friends, and neighbours that you are looking for work in the tourism and hospitality industry. They may know someone who is hiring or, at least, someone who can help you get started. If you have any tips or ideas for finding work in the tourism industry feel free to post your own comments below, because we’d love to hear from you!

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The Job-Seeker Account

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 16:09:42 PDT

Let’s face it, searching for work is difficult. Not only do you have to conduct multiple searches, for a multitude of jobs, but you also have to keep track of your searches, monitor employer postings, and remember what positions you’ve applied for. Thankfully, here at WorkBC, we’ve tried to simplify this process for job seekers, making it easier and more efficient to manage your job search by creating a Workspace that allows you to save and monitor your searches, and compare interesting career options. For example, when you first create a Job-Seeker Account on WorkBC you’ll automatically be taken to your Workspace. Your Workspace functions like a database, allowing you to store and track your favourite jobs, employers, and job searches. It also enables you to setup an automatic notifier, alerting you when interesting career opportunities become available. For instance, if your dream is to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse, you can create an email alert that will notify you when new job postings become available, saving you valuable time, and ensuring you don’t miss exciting job prospects.

The Workspace also allows you to save your favourite employers so you can easily see when they post new positions or update their profile. You can even write notes for yourself next to each employer with human resource contacts, interview tips, or titbits to help you stay organized. After all, staying organized is really important when you’re looking for work, because you don’t want to apply for the same job twice, nor do you want to waste time searching through jobs you’ve already looked at. Thankfully, our Job-Seeker Workspace is designed so you can save your favourite jobs and job searches to help you stay organized. You can even create multiple folders to store and track jobs that have piqued your interest or expired.

Additionally, having a Job-Seeker Account makes career browsing a breeze. On your Workspace you will have access to hundreds of career profiles that you can search through and compare. If you want to see how much a Chef makes you can search for this profile and store it in your Workspace for easy retrieval. You can even save your career comparisons so when you’re searching for work you can quickly recall the differences between a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Practical Nurse.

As you can see, a Job-Seeker Account is designed to make your life easier as a job seeker. We know how frustrating and how difficult job searching can be, and so we’ve tried to design our site to help you manage your job search more effectively and efficiently. Just remember that you can’t take advantages of these services unless you sign up and create an account. So what are you waiting for?

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Falling Through the Cracks – Are you at Risk?

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 14:57:26 PDT

One of the most common questions that are asked by job seekers is “What if I am not on Employment Insurance? Are there still programs for me to find work in BC?”

The answer is simple – yes indeed.

There are a number of programs to help anyone of any background or skill level get the tools needed to find employment. All you need to do is find a program and contact the organization to obtain further information.

The most important thing is, you are not alone in this. There are so many specialized programs for persons who are not on EI that it is a great time to be looking for a program to further whatever area is required to strengthen your job prospects. What is even better is the fact that the WorkBC site has a great feature called the “B.C. Labour Market Programs Inventory” to help you find the right program.

At the top of Programs page there is a “Search Services” function, as well as the “Search Locations” function. If you are looking to find out more information regarding learning a new trade for example, you just type “trades” in the “Search Services” function, then type in the “Search Locations” where you live. The programs that are available in your area will come up. It is fantastic what programs appear before your eyes!

The best part of this feature, you just click on the program that is of interest to you, and all the information regarding that program is right there.

If you are just wanting to find out the different programs which are offered, you can also scroll down and look through the lists on the Programs page. So easy...

An amazing program called Job Options is also a very useful tool to use when you are a job seeker. This program offers so much – life skills to help you through your job search, help with job search and skills training if required, as well as an option to participate in a part of a job club which is an amazing resource to learn new tools from others and to network. It is also a great way meet new people. This program is comprehensive, and will certainly take you in the right direction.

Whatever the case may be and whatever challenges you are facing...just know that you don’t fall through the cracks…and if you are unemployed, and not collecting Employment Insurance. you too have the ability to access programs and services.

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Job Finding Tip – Strength in Numbers

Wed, 30 May 2012 09:11:58 PDT

It can feel isolating being a job seeker. You are looking day-in, day-out for a job…it is literally a full-time job looking for work.

On a more positive note however, statistics show 80% of the jobs out there are not advertised, and in some regions, that percentage is higher. Because of this, there are a number of great ways a job seeker can feel less isolated, as well as get the word out that they are looking for work. Strength in numbers and networking is a VERY important aspect of finding work, as the more you tell people in your social circle that you are looking for a job, the more they will tell friends, who tell friends, etc…

No one ever wants to advertise the fact that they are looking for work, and when I was actively job-seeking I asked myself why? If a person is looking for work it certainly does not mean that they are not talented in what they do…it just means they aren’t working or they are looking for something more fitting: so why are we hesitant to tell people this fact?

Get it out there that you are looking for work, as this is networking. Tell as many people as possible by using these ideas below and get your networking groove on!

Great ways of networking are:

Volunteer while you are looking for work – This is a key way of finding prospective employers, or someone who knows someone. Once they see how you are in a work-type of environment, you are bound to get noticed. Possibly even the organization in which you are volunteering for will become your new employer.

Join a job club – Sometimes these kinds of clubs are online on different meetup groups, or possibly will have advertisements in the paper or at the library. If you are a part of a WorkBC Employment Centre, they are guaranteed to have a job club. These groups are great, as you find out quickly you are not alone and you can find out what kind of job search methods are working for people and which ones aren't. They are also a fantastic resource for finding jobs as once again…people know people. Who knows…maybe one of the people in the job club has a relative looking for a landscaper, and that is exactly what you do? One never knows where the next opportunity will be.

Find groups in your area(s) of interest to participate in - Getting into a new group can be great both socially and job-search wise. If you are into computers and love Linux, find a Linux user group to be a part of. The people you hit it off with in these new groups will get to know you and your background. The camaraderie builds, and It is surprising how easy it is to mentioned to someone you are looking for work in your field. What is equally surprising is how many people want to help you find that job after you have mentioned this to them.

It is generally quite easy to find groups in your area who are interested in the same things as you. Google is a great source. For this example on how to search Google, we will use Linux for the area of interest and Penticton for the location. Type in the search bar of Google "linux user group Penticton" and see what comes up!

Tell community groups you are already involved in – Even an organization you are already a part of will have many members you can get the word out to. A number of members will already know you well, so let them know you are looking for work. Once again, this is not easy, but these people know your worth. Many group members would be happy to help a job seeker find work in their field.

Social media networking – There is great importance in social media these days. The discussion boards on websites like LinkedIn are a HUGE resource, and a great place to find that prospective employer. Even on Twitter there are specific hashtags for finding work, as well as numerous amounts of job boards for your geographical area. I have even seen people posting on their Facebook page about their son or husband looking for work, and because of the community of people they have exposure to, their family member soon has a job because of someone knowing someone.

Attending Job Fairs - This is a great resource to talk to people who are looking to find workers and even if the company is not one that is looking for someone with your background, it is always good to talk to them and ask if they know of anyone looking for someone with your skills and abilities - HR people will know other HR people, and with your skills and attribuites, they would be happy to pass your resume on, or keep it for themselves for future positions in your area of expertise. Being pro-active is a great selling point for any HR person!

Remember - always thank the people who have given you advice either via email or by mailing them a note. Show them you have appreciated their time, as networking is all about building relationships.

Here is a great article about networking, so check it out. Realize that it generally takes more than just one person to obtain a job…trust that the community around you cares, and are willing to help.

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Job Finding Tip – The Importance of Research

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:44:42 PDT

Doing research when looking for work is key. There are so many aspects of research that are necessary for job seeking.

Research is important even for the creation of cover letters or when calling organizations about talking to someone about an informational interview. You want to know the person’s name you are asking for and what they do for the company…not just ask for the manager of sales.

Research is also key in regards to finding job prospects - What kind of jobs will be in demand in a few years? Could it be a job that I would be interested in? The current type of job that I am looking for…will this still be in demand in 5 years? What other jobs are out there where I can transfer my skills? These are questions we need to ask ourselves about our job search.

For doing research on job prospects and statistics, what was so surprising to me when I saw the new WorkBC website was the amount of really important information a job seeker needs to help them with their job search in one place. In the Career Profiles section, you can input into the search function what line of work that interests you, and it will give you all the information as to what is required, and you can even compare careers to figure out what is truly the best fit for you.

If you are at a crossroads in regards to what you want to do, there is also another fantastic website called Career Trek. It is a fully interactive website, and has key information about what careers are in demand now, and what aptitudes are best suited for those kinds of jobs, as well as the hosts of the videos actually talk to people in that industry and ask them questions directly.

Needless to say, with research and planning your job search will go a long way.

Knowledge is power - and with regards to finding work, this could not be more true!

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Looking for Work Outdoors - An Ode to Victoria Day Weekend

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:01:30 PDT

Ah yes...it is Victoria Day weekend!

The Victoria Day weekend is all about being outside and enjoying time with family and friends, and realizing that British Columbia is a great place to live.

This got us thinking about doing work in these great outdoors of ours here in B.C. - have you ever thought of working for a provincial or national park? What about parks and recreation in your area or in the forestry industry? These sectors are ideal to look for work in, and the Victoria Day weekend has inspired us to look into these sectors, as there are a lot of ideal job opportunities out there.

To be honest - wherever you look you seem to find work in the open air – whether it is in landscaping, parks and recreation or forestry...there are so many options to choose from.

In the parks and recreation sector alone, there is a wide range of jobs including a student programs, as well as regular job posts for national parks. There is also the British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association which is a good source of job advertisements.

Never forget about looking at our B.C. Industry Association job boards. The Association of BC Forest Professionals job board is on this list, and is also a great resource. The Forestry sector has additional job posts that are of great interest for someone looking for a job in this field.

You can also check out the WorkBC Job Search for any other kind of job you are looking for where you are not stuck behind a desk all day. Needless to say, you look around enough for a job that is out in the great open, you will most certainly find them.

Enjoy this great long weekend everyone, and enjoy the great outdoors!

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Job Finding Tip: Informational Interviews

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:27:55 PDT

I placed this information on the WorkBC Twitter and Facebook pages a few weeks back, and boy oh boy…did we receive a response!

The tip: Use informational interviews as an effective tool to find work, or to research what kind of work you really want to do.

What is an informational interview you ask? Well, this is a way for you to contact companies/organizations that you are interested in working for, or want to learn more about.

When I was looking for work I found out about this tip and to be honest, I was sceptical. The statistics about informational interviews don’t lie…a person will receive a job offer one in twelve times performing informational interviews, as compared to a job offer one in two hundred times by simply submitting a resume.

Yes…this is a VERY effective way to get a job in these competitive times, and to find out if that job you thought would be perfect, is indeed just that, or for that matter - is not...

I performed a number of informational interviews to find out about different industries I was looking into for a new career. This was the best way for me to find out this information, as well as get the information needed on which companies were known as the “good ones to work for” which was so helpful.

One of the items you are to do in an informational interview is to ask the person you are interviewing who else they can refer you to about work in your area of interest…so the network grows, and the best part of it all is, you get to tweak your ideas and figure out which career path you want to take while at the same time you are getting your name out there. Let me tell you…they listen and pass the word along you are interested!

A lot of people are afraid of informational interviews, as they feel it is a shameless way of getting into the industry they want to work for, or fear they will be rejected right at the get-go for asking to meet. I have to let you know this rarely happens - who does not like to talk about their work, and explain the processes of their industry? This is a great way for anyone to get a taste of what is out there, and why not make connections at the same time?

I wanted to let you know about this tool, as it is a great one to have, and you won’t be disappointed with the information gained, or the contacts you make! There is a lot of great information about informational interviews for you to look at. Try out the informational interview technique. You will be glad you did!

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Diaries of a Job Seeker

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:33:19 PDT

So you are wondering who is behind these blog posts? Do they know what it is like to look for work? Oh yes…I have plenty of experience with this!

For over a year I was looking for permanent work. Sure felt I had a lot to offer an employer – lots of experience, good disposition, great with people, strong work ethic…looks great on paper, but I soon realized that in this economy…so much more is expected as a prospective employee.

As the workplace dynamic changes as well as to what the employer is looking for, sometimes you start feeling more and more overwhelmed as to what you can offer an employer. You also start to wonder if the kind of work you have been looking for is what you really want to do? We inevitable start to ask the question…”Am I good enough?”

You need to know that indeed, you are good enough. The issue is, there is so much competition out there, and how to find the tools in order to land that job…

The new WorkBC site has amazing resources under the Jobs Tab, there is so much to offer like the the Job Search Tools page. This page has expansive resources for someone to look for work all on one page, including other job search sites other than WorkBC job search. There is even a section on how to write your resume, as well as interviewing tips.

There is also a page with BC Industry Association Job Boards…this is a great resource for anyone looking for work in a specific Industry, all on one page.

You can also create a job seeker profile which will give you alerts when posts matching your job description come up; or use the toolkit feature to save ideal job posts and make them easier to manage.

Last, but certainly not least, is the finding WorkBC Centres section. This is a great way to find a WorkBC Employment Centre that is closest to you, as well as find out if you are eligible.

All I can say is, it is so much easier that all of this information is under the Jobs tab on the WorkBC website and please look around at all of the resources the site has to offer.

Remember one more thing…you are not alone in this search, and with research and lots of perserverance…the job search will feel less frustrating.

Please stay tuned for further blog posts on different tips to get your foot in the door to get that job…

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What Resources Can The WorkBC Site Offer For Small Businesses in BC??

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:33:16 PDT

For all of you out there who are small business owners, I applaud you! Owning and growing a business in this economy is a daunting task, but I know it can certainly happen…

A good friend of mine started her business in 2009…and while it has been a struggle for her, I have seen her business flourish – this is all because of the strategic thinking that one needs to be a business owner.

I wanted to find out if the new WorkBC resources for small business owners was comprehensive enough, so I asked my friend to take a look at the different resourceson the new WorkBC site, including the Workplaces Resources section.

She sure wished there had been this website around when she first started her business here in BC! For you however, you have this opportunity to use these resources, as there are a number of different items to look at depending on what stage of the business creation process you are in:

If you are a thinking at starting a new business, there are a few great pages with VERY valuable information. These pages are about how to Be Your Own Boss, or explore the Find Business Planning Resources page as well for even more information.

Are you an unemployed youth looking at becoming an entrepreneur? Check out the Youth Skills BC - Entrepeneurship Pilot Program – this program helps youth learn and create a business plan to go out there and create their own business.

If you are already a small business owner, and want to explore resources on the WorkBC site to grow your business, then check out the Business Growth page. This page has a lot of statistical information to help you figure out what is the right path to take to grow your business.

There is also the Business Supports page, which talks about the resources for a small business, and the programs available to help support your initiative to become an active and thriving business owner.

We also welcome you to take a look at the Small Business BC website. This is a fantastic website that helps the small businesses in BC with a wide variety of even more resources!

BC is an amazing place to live, work, and grow as a business owner. If you would be interested in telling us about your success story, we would love to hear from you! Who knows…you could be a part of the entrepeneurial success stories throughout BC!

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Summer Work for Students…Still Looking for Work?

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:29:41 PDT

Even though it does not feel like it so far, summer is going to be here soon.

For the student, this is a great time as it means that exams are completed…but it also means the tedius task of looking for work has approached.

Now, it is said that for summer work, you should start looking as early as January...thankfully for some, they have done this. For the select few however who simply could not do this, here are some resources to help you find a number of student job sites to see what is currently out there.

As of May 7 2012, the Summer Student program from the Federal Government started. This means that as of right now, employers are looking for students, just as much as students are looking for employment.

It is still tough to find a job, especially if you are looking to be employed only for a limited number of months, but the jobs are certainly out there.

We have a few tips and resources to get the word out there that you are looking for work, as well as job search websites specifically for student workers for the summer.

Good luck out there, and keep us posted on how it goes!

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There are SO MANY ways to connect with WorkBC!

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:31:04 PDT

WorkBC has created a number of ways to keep you updated on the latest and greatest in the world of jobs in BC.

Twitter: Follow us on Twitter – we are following a number of organizations with fantastic job postings for any person looking for work, as well as daily information and updates on how to find work and resources you might not know about to find that job.

Facebook: Facebook is a great tool for the different apps WorkBC has for any job seeker. It is also great, as you are a part of a network of people who share the same interests.

We are always updating the newest of the different WorkBC initiatives, and happy when we hear from you!

RSS Feed: This is a great function for anyone to know the latest and greatest on our blog, link onto the RSS feed, and you will get the latest posts! Easy!

You Tube: Our WorkBC Channel is one that has a lot of great videos on many different items - including instructional videos on how to use the WorkBC website, informational videos, JobFest Tour videos, and so much more...

We would love you to be an active part of WorkBC!\. Come and join our community...we would be thrilled if you did!

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If you are a youth/young person in BC, bring out your friends and family and join us for JobFest!

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:48:32 PDT

Check out all the dates and locations on the JobFest website, and when JobFest comes into your town or city, come and explore career opportunities through face-to-face discussions with event presenters and guest speakers. We are also having workshops, mini-career days plus a whole lot more...

We have so many great items for you to look forward to! Events such as live rock bands and performers, both local and headliners acts that provide entertainment on stage throughout the day; as well as great giveaways such as t-shirts, DVDs, and loads of other JobFest related gear for souvenirs for this fun and unique event!

We will also be showcasing six career exploration tools developed by the Jobs, Tourism & Innovation Ministry so it is even easier to find jobs within your geographical location. Tools such as interactive games, and other career-related information.

We want to see you have a great time and get excited about finding work in British Columbia!

Visit the JobFest2012 website today...

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Wondering Where JobFest Will Be?

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:56:50 PDT

We have been having an amazing time meeting so many people, and enjoying great music from our headliner band, as well as local talents in the different areas we have visited.

People are enjoying getting "tattoos", and getting their hands on the free stash, as well as finding out about work in their area! The next 4 stops for JobFest will be:

Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh) Nass Valley - May 7, 2012

Kitwanga - May 9, 2012

Iskut - May 12, 2012

Dease Lake BC - May 15, 2012

You can always check out the JobFest website to get more info!

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JobFest is Making Over 50 Stops All Over BC

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:44:50 PDT

Check out all the dates and locations on the JobFest website, and when

JobFest comes into your town or city, come and explore career opportunities through face-to-face discussions with event presenters and guest speakers. We are also having workshops, mini-career days plus a whole lot more...

We want to see you have a great time and get excited about finding work in British Columbia! For more information about JobFest, please visit the JobFest website

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Welcome To WorkBC!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:36:58 PDT

We are so excited to have you be a part of our new website!

Looking for work? Browse through our job postings, research careers and compare job statistics. You can also find the resources necessary to get back into the workforce...

If you are an employer, creating an account and posting a job is easier than ever. You can also create a “profile page” where you can supply marketing material about your company. This means greater business exposure - what can be better than that?

We welcome you to take a tour of our new site. If you have any questions, there is a LiveChat option to contact us, or look on the FAQ to see further resources.

Thanks for visiting us, and we look forward to being a part of your job finding/creating process!

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