The month of love, groundhogs, and your next new job!

It is definitely an interesting time for job seekers right now, and a challenging time for employers.  As the local labour market attempts to bounce back from the impacts of the pandemic, we are seeing changes to how employers are looking for staff.

The next time you are out in the community, pay attention to the return of this sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local employers are utilizing a variety of methods to advertise their positions, and you may have noticed the help wanted sign has made a significant comeback in popularity.  Online job advertisements are not bringing in the job seekers at the same pace as before the pandemic, so who better to ask if they are interested in a job than their customers.  The thought process being, if someone is interested in shopping at their store, perhaps they are interested in working there as well.

As a job seeker, you will want to keep a copy of your resume with you when you are out in the community.  Over the last few months, I have worked with several clients who have walked into a business, noticed a help wanted sign, and have asked to speak with a manager.  Quite a few are getting on-the-spot interviews, and some are even hired immediately.

The other trend I have noticed is the job seeker who takes the extra initiative in their job search, such as going into a business and asking if they are hiring, even if there is no “help wanted” sign posted. This has also resulted in positive responses.

For the most part, employers are always looking for talent.  You can create an opportunity to showcase your ability to be resourceful by asking to speak with the manager or owner, and it just may result in an interview or job offer!

 

Mich Roy
Employment Consultant

 

 

 

We all feel overwhelmed and stressed at times.  But with the current health crisis we are experiencing, those feelings might be even more exaggerated.  During uncertain times, it’s perfectly normal for fear and anxiety to creep in as well as thoughts of anger and sadness.  These feelings can leave you feeling helpless and discouraged.  They can even affect your physical health in ways such as sleeplessness, headaches, and fatigue. Now, more than ever, it’s important to recognize these feelings and allow yourself some “down time” to rest and recharge.  Practicing self-care is vital for your physical, emotional and mental well-being.  But often, people feel that self-care is selfish or indulgent.  Let’s explore some of these myths and understand the importance of self-care Myth #1: Self-care is selfish.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  When you take time for yourself and get sufficient rest and exercise, you feel more energetic and are less likely to lash out or project your negative feelings on others.  It’s actually one of the healthiest things you can do to recharge and connect with those around you. Myth #2: The effects of self-care are temporary.  In truth, self-care is so much more than just getting a massage or taking a short walk to relax.  True self-care is finding not only what helps you unwind, but what recharges you for more than the length of a bubble bath.  Not only is it important to find something specific that works for you, spending time being mindful during self-care activities will help increase the benefits. Myth #3: Self-care is just for women.  Women certainly have many challenges these days, but men are just as susceptible to stress and burnout.  Any adult, male or female can benefit from the practice of regular self-care. Myth #4: Self-care takes too much time.  We are all busy, but self-care does not require a huge chunk of time from your busy day.   However, instead of waiting to see if you have idle time on your hands, add some self-care time to your schedule and plan your day around it.  Make it a regular part of your routine instead of something you fit in if you have time. Myth #5:  Self-care is doing anything that soothes you.  It’s important that self-care is something you enjoy doing.  But overindulging on food, watching excessive amounts of TV, or drinking alcohol are the opposite of self-care.  Self-care should support and promote health and wellness and should not be addictive or harmful to your body. Myth #6:  Self-care is the same for everyone.  While we all have challenges and stressors in our lives, the way we each handle those issues is different.  The ways we unwind and recharge also vary from person to person. For some, scheduling a golf outing or hike might be the ticket.  For others, a yoga class or massage is what they need to get back on track.  Some people need to carve out time to meditate or just to take a nap.  Self-care is different for each person. Source: American Family Care (https://www.afcurgentcare.com/blog/debunking-the-myths-of-self-care )

During your job search, try to keep the above myths in mind as you:

• Create a Daily Schedule (Purpose & Momentum)
• Embrace Flexibility (I’m willing to…)
• Celebrate Successes (Small Steps)
• Get Outside! (Self-Care)
• Set Goals (Motivation)

“There are days I drop words of comfort on myself like falling leaves and remember that it is enough to be taken care of by myself.” ~Brian Andreas

How to Address an Employment Gap

Most people looking for employment have a gap in their employment history at some point for some reason.  When you are ready to get back into the workforce and begin submitting your resume to potential employers, it’s hard not to be a little worried about how the time gap might look on your resume.  As we know, the pandemic has disrupted many people’s lives and this may show up as an employment gap on a resume.  Likewise, you may have taken time out of the workforce while being a caregiver, relocating, upgrading your education, or for a medical or health issue.

Here are some helpful hints on how to proceed in your job search efforts despite having time gaps in your employment history:

• An employment gap that requires explanation is six months or more – try not to be too concerned over a few months as most employers will not see this as a “red flag” if the majority of your work history is consistent.

 

• It’s your option to list the gap with related activity on your resume – For example: 2015  –  2016         Fulltime Caregiving for family member  There is no need to mention if this was caring for your mother, child, spouse etc as this information is personal).  This demonstrates to a potential employer you are being straightforward about your circumstance and not simply trying to hide behind dates.   It is really important not to use false dates to hide a gap in employment.

 

• Discuss the gap in your cover letter – be honest about the time away from the workforce while remaining focused on how motivated you are to be applying for this position and how your skills align with the role,

 

• Be prepared to speak to the gap during the interview – think about how you would like to answer an employer’s questions about a period of unemployment should they ask. Many employers are not as concerned about an employment gap, especially those since March 2020.  Focus on any courses or skills you might have been updating, if you were volunteering or caregiving.  Make an effort to steer the conversation in the direction that you are now actively engaged in attaining employment.

Employment gaps in your resume don’t have to hold you back from securing future employment when you address them clearly and honestly during the application and interview process.  The most important way to minimize any potential focus on an employment gap is to emphasis the skills you have and highlight your qualities which suit the position and the organization.

 

Have you ever looked at a job posting and thought to yourself “I’m missing something they are looking for,” and then you do not apply?  This happens to many job seekers.

Think of your last employment.  Did you actually know everything you were going to do before you started the job?  Chances are incredibly high that you learned something on the job so think of that job posting as kind of a wish list from the employer.  Their ideal candidate will have all of the skills, education and knowledge required for the position.  In reality, they know that their perfect candidate does not exist but it never hurts to dream so they post a job description with their wish list.

So what do you do now?  You build your resume to sell the skills that you do have that they are looking for and you apply for that job.  Let the employer make the decision of whether they will interview you or not.  After all, you don’t get any of the jobs you don’t apply for.