by Janet Kimmel, Employment Consultant

10. PAST METHODS OF FINDING WORK WILL NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE AS THEY ONCE WERE.The job market here is tight and highly competitive. As I sit at my computer, taking the occasional glance out the window at the natural splendor surrounding me, I tend to forget that I am part of a society which is undergoing a huge shift in the structure of the way we earn a living. The search for work requires new knowledge, new thinking, and an open mind. Becoming comfortable within this shifting structure is essential.

9. GET TO KNOW THE WORK/JOB MARKET. This is a district with little industry. It's a tourist and retirement destination. Opportunities abound in businesses that feed, host, entertain, and transport people. People in our community work in health care, child care, retail, education, legal and financial services, construction and housing. Many people work for, or own and operate small businesses. Researching the community is vital. Visit the local libraries, social service agencies, chambers of commerce, and municipal offices. Read newspapers, business directories, the yellow pages of the telephone book, and other local publications. Then research globally; learn current and future trends. Read economic and labour market publications. Books by Nuala Beck, Faith Popcorn, David Foot, and Jennifer James help us to prepare for what's been described as "the next wave".

8. CONSIDER OR RECONSIDER ENTRY-LEVEL POSITIONS. The statement "I can't live on such low wages" could perhaps be thought of in a different way. In school, we learn new skills and don't usually get any financial compensation for it. Think of time spent in a lower wage job as training. Positive outcomes from taking entry level work could include building self-confidence and esteem, expanding your repertoire of skills and your network of contacts. Most importantly, it is a "foot in the door" - an opportunity to show an employer what you can do. Temporary or contract work often evolves into something of a more permanent nature. You may decide to work two part time positions.

7. TAKE A PERSONAL INVENTORY. Assess your skills, strengths, and weaknesses. Take courses to gain or improve skills, while remaining enough of a generalist to become an indispensable worker. Learn to fill a variety of roles within a business; bookkeeper, public relations officer, marketer, trouble-shooter. Diversified and flexible are key attributes. Maybe this is the time to try types of work you hadn't considered before. For instance, can you see yourself in a sales career?

6. EMPLOYERS FILL 90% OF POSITIONS WITHOUT ADVERTISING. These jobs are in the "hidden" job market. Simply put, this means you must do three things. Begin by determining companies you would like to work for. Next, get your name in front of them through the use of written materials (resume, cover letters, personal business card). And finally, get your face in front of them frequently. Timing can play a crucial role: seeing employers earlier in the day is usually more effective than later on. Effective follow up techniques can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful job search. Build relationships using "hidden job" strategies, and sell the employer on the benefits of hiring you, before the vacant position is determined. Response to a recent advertisement for staff for a new grocery store in Parksville brought close to 2000 applications. Beat the odds!

5. DEVELOP WAYS TO MAKE YOURSELF STAND OUT FROM OTHERS. In cover letters and resumes, don't use clich phrases. List some quotations from employers, customers or clients about the quality of your work . Take the time to research companies before contacting employers or before the interview. Send thank you cards after meeting potential employers or other contacts.

4. YOU MAY HAVE TO USE RESOURCES IN THIS AREA TO RESEARCH OTHER GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. With the technological resources available, there is no excuse not to know about a place before moving to it. After weighing the pros and cons of all pertinent personal issues, consider relocating.

3. CREATE YOUR OWN JOB OR BUSINESS VENTURE. Numerous talented individuals have turned hobbies into successful businesses. Perhaps teaming up with a partner or group of people will suit your need for self-employment better than going it alone. There can be great tax and lifestyle advantages. Top areas of self-employment are in health and personal services, business and technical services.

2. THINK AND BEHAVE LIKE A SALES/MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE, AND THEN DEVELOP A PLAN TO MARKET THE PRODUCT: YOU. This requires being bold, outgoing, something that is not natural to everyone, but a competitive job market takes aggressive action. Offer "free samples" of your skills. Otherwise known as volunteering, this has been an incredibly successful tactic here. As well, join associations, clubs, sports teams. Looking for work is a contact sport. Talk to friends, relatives, neighbours, people you bowl with, people who care for your kids or your dog.

1. ENLIST HELP. Find a mentor advisor. Beyond that, know that our tax dollars pay for a wide range of services to assist you: The Career Centre, a non-profit society contracted by the government to help unemployed persons in the area should be among the first agencies to contact. Among the services are: job postings, "world wide" Internet access, one on one counselling, and workshops. Other potential sources of help include training centres of all kinds, church or support groups, and associations. Finding work in a tight market is complex; take advantage of all available help. What have you got to lose?

The Career Centre is located at 198 East Island Highway, Suite 110, Parksville, BC, phone number: (250) 248-3205, email: info@careercentre.org