This is a question I am asked frequently by both newcomers and long time residents who are looking for work. The response I give is everywhere and anywhere, rather than in one or two places. I have just reviewed my client activity for the past few weeks and it is great to say that there have been many successes.

A commercial diver, an electrician apprentice, an RV mechanic, a stonemason apprentice, a nursery worker, a baker trainee, and an aquaculture technician began new hands-on jobs this month. Three job seekers found work in human services, two as career counsellors and the third as a literacy project assistant. A records clerk, a cook, and a hairstylist are working in new jobs in health care facilities. A retail clerk and an administrative associate also joined the ranks of the employed in our district. Most of these jobs are with small businesses. Although diverse in many ways, these clients have one thing in common a positive attitude that carried them through to the final interview. They began by identifying work that is the right fit for them. Each of these people was successful because they kept going when the proverbial going got tough. They also helped themselves by using services available in our community, including The Career Centre.

You may not believe this; it's one of life's little ironies, but I took a phone call just as I was writing this article, and it was another client. She wanted me to write that she was an appreciative client calling to express her thanks. She is enjoying her new job as an administrative associate at a local financial institution. Other people I am supporting in their job search continue with proven job finding strategies that they learned at The Career Centre. Looking for work is a fulltime activity. It takes persistence and a period of time. I am confident that they will soon be calling to say, "I got a job"! They, too, are determined to keep going until they reach their goals.

I've often heard people say there are no jobs in this area. One of the advantages of my work is that I frequently hear of job openings. While there's no one answer to the popular question, Who's hiring? as business needs are ever changing, listed below are some recent examples of opportunities available to jobseekers in the Parksville/Qualicum area:

- bartender

- industrial sewing operator

- log peeler

- customer service rep

- gas station attendant

- landscaper

- carpenter

- construction labourer

- retail sales representative

- driver

I often hear employers say, I'm always looking for good people. So even though a job may not be posted at this time, remember that every contact you make is a potential networking opportunity for the future. This is a small town. Everyone you meet could be a potential employer. Be prepared. You never get a second chance to make a first impression!