JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
expert advice
INSIDE
Richard W. asks: “What questions should I ask post-interview?” 9
Five things that recruiters seek 2 Entrepreneurs: Doing business in Dragon’s Den can be tough 4
Ask AN employment Expert
for YoUR chance to
win
Send your query to next@biv.com and it could be answered by an expert in a future issue of the Next. Plus, we’ll randomly draw the winner of a $50 dinner gift certificate from all entries received by January 31, 2012.
50
$
dinner gift certificate
Jumbo new ski resort in B.C. could mean jobs 5
LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB
How to beat the job-search blues 6 eBay home biz 9
The rules of recruitment How partnering with an employment agency can help you succeed in your work search BY NOA GLOUBERMAN
I
n your hunt for a job, going it alone can be tough. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Recruitment agencies, also called employment or staffing firms, are experts at matching the right candidates to the right job opportunities, and could be your key to success. “There are a number of companies that will only use recruitment agencies for any new hiring they do, because they know we’re the experts and a lot of top candidates go through our agency,” explained Andrew d’Eça, vice-president and general manager of Angus One, which offers permanent, executive, contract and temporary staffing services across the Lower Mainland, in a past interview. In addition, d’Eça said that “90% of the job market these days is hidden, meaning most jobs are never advertised but, rather, filled through referrals, networking and, of course, employment agencies.” “Recruiters have access to jobs that, in many cases, aren’t even posted on the company’s own website,” agreed Jamesie Bower, owner of Vancouver-based Staff Systems Inc. “When a new position comes in, we refer to our ‘hotlist’ [of candi-
LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB
Recruitment agencies, also called employment or staffing firms, are experts at matching the right candidates to the right job opportunities, and could be your key to success
dates] to find a great match. Those candidates have the opportunity to get put forward for a role they would have otherwise never come across on their own.” Besides granting you access to a “hidden vault” of jobs, recruiters “offer a certain sense of perspective
to a job seeker, be it an accurate description of the current job market, salary expectations or simply putting them in touch with the kinds of companies they want to work for,” said Darcia Bower, managing director of boutique staffing firm Expert Recruiters Inc.
Community Mental Health and Addictions Worker diploma program It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is. – Hermann Hesse In partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, this unique curriculum has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Based on the input received from these industry partners, this program has been specifically designed to prepare students – philosophically, mentally/intellectually, emotionally, and experientially – for a successful career with longevity and the potential for advancement.
Apply for a full tuition scholarship
Change your life today!
In partnership with:
Call today: 604-580-2772 · www.stenbergcollege.com Over 94% of our grads are employed in their field of study within 6 months of graduation.
“In this competitive market it often makes sense to work with a recruiter, as they can be your ambassador [and] often have certain ins with companies where your resumé can get overlooked and lost.” Raymond To, senior partner
at Vancouver’s Go Recruitment, agrees. “Recruiters stay current on market conditions and news, and even are involved in staff planning. Job seekers are wise to build a relationship with recruiters in the event a new position should arise.” On the salary front, “a recruitment firm or recruiter can be key in helping you navigate compensation issues,” said David Litherland, managing partner for Summit Search Group. “They can help you properly translate the fine print on contracts to ensure that your needs will be met and your goals and compensation is fair and attainable.” But since some staffing firms specialize in a particular field or industry, choosing the right one can make a big difference to your success. Summit, for one, specializes in recruitment for sales positions. “This specialization grants us the ability to really focus in and understand the inner workings of sales positions, so we can be certain we know the landscape,” Litherland explained. “Looking for a recruiter that specializes may help you get the best possible results and ensure you’re working with a group that see page 3
2
JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
The inside scoop Recruiter divulges the five things that matter most about a candidate
COMPANY LOYALTY (DON’T BE A “JUMPER”) In my experience, this is the number 1 factor that clients look for. Typically a minimum of three years in each company that you have worked for is best – however, even longer is better. Why? This speaks volumes about you in one quick fact – you are loyal to your company, you are likely good at what you do and you are probably a likable person, so you are the ideal candidate. Most clients (and therefore recruiters) will avoid job hoppers that move from company to company after a year or so – you may not love your job, but sometimes it’s better to stick it out for a
SPECIALIZATION OR DEVELOPED SKILL SET (A.K.A. EXPERIENCE) Unfortunately, recruiters typically work with experienced, senior and/or specialized candidates simply because they are difficult for clients to find and will pay them for this type of top talent. That being said, if you are just starting out or it’s early in your career, talking with a recruiter can always help give you direction in your search or advice in the industry you are trying to break into.
Talking with a recruiter can always help give you direction in your search or advice in the industry you are trying to break into Be proactive and act as your own recruiter. Promote
If you went on mat leave, took some time off to care for an aging parent or returned to school to upgrade your skills – highlight this in your cover letter or resumé as they are completely valid reasons for a gap in your work experience
yourself by meeting as many people as you can and getting your resumé out there. Your go-getting attitude is sure to impress a company that is hiring, and may give you the break you are looking for.
REWARDING CAREERS ARE NEVER HANDED TO YOU. AT CDI COLLEGE, WE’LL HELP YOU EARN ONE. CDI College has been helping people like you launch successful careers for more than four decades. Choose from over 50 market-driven programs in Business, Art & Design, Technology and Health Care. A new career can be in the palm of your hand. Call CDI College today! ems yst S k wor eer any Net Engin of m ds in iPa one ust o use oom J sr s t ram e clas g o pr th
Canada’s Leading Career Training Provider.
To get started today, visit study.cdicollege.ca or call 1.888.654.4181
CANADIAN/INDUSTRYRELEVANT EXPERIENCE This is key if you are looking for work in Canada. Sometimes this can be a catch-22 – if you are a new immigrant to Canada, how are you expected to get Canadian ex-
MINIMIZED EMPLOYMENT GAPS (OR, BETTER YET, NONE) While gaps sometimes happen (life isn’t always perfect), being unemployed for a significant period of time typically signals that a candidate was laid-off or fired. However, there are always exceptions. If you are one of the exceptions, try to proactively answer this question in your cover letter when reaching out to companies or talking with recruiters. If you went on mat leave, took some time off to care for an aging parent or returned to school to upgrade your skills – highlight this as they are completely valid reasons for the gap.
DETAILS! DETAILS! Many senior people that I come across sometimes fail to highlight and go into detail about their consulting and/or project experience. There is no hard and fast rule to how long or short your resumé should be, however, the old “one-page rule” does not always apply. If you have 20 years’ experience, show it. Seven- to eight-page resumés are typical for senior- and technical-level candidates that I work with. These points are just some general principles that recruiters look for in a resumé. If this isn’t you, DON’T PANIC. Just knowing these guidelines can help guide you moving forward – and don’t forget that a friendly, outgoing personality and a positive attitude can go a long way. • Adrienne Dohle is a search associate specializing in civil engineering for Western Canada at York Search Group. Originally published on the Workopolis Blog at www.blog.workopolis.com.
New year, New career Y youtube.com/CDICareerCollege
s a professional recruiter, I know what most people in my industry (and our clients) often look for when evaluating a candidate or a resumé. Here are five factors that can make or break your chances at landing the job.
perience if no one will hire you? There are not-for-profit agencies that specialize in this kind dilemma and would be happy to help. Volunteering can be another great option for gaining Canadian connections and experience.
t twitter.com/CDICollege
A
while if you can before making your next career move.
f facebook.com/CDICollege
BY ADRIENNE DOHLE
from enrollment to employment
AT CANADIAN TOURISM COLLEGE! Turn your passion for travelling into a long-lasting and exciting career. Travel, Tourism and Hospitality career training at CTC prepares students for work in airlines, hotels, travel companies and cruise lines around the world. Explore the world with a career in travel and tourism! Surrey Campus
Vancouver Campus
P: 604.582.1122 Toll Free: 1.800.668.9301
P: 604.736.8000 Toll Free: 1.877.731.9810
the first o t y r a s 00 bur to a $1,000. who register in ! nts 10 stude program at CTC fy! diploma to quali d a s i h t Bring in
w w w. T O U R I S M C O L L E G E . C O M
january 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
3
ASK AN EMPLOYMENT EXPERT
LANA BRADSHAW Richard W. asks: “What are some effective questions to ask the employer at the end of an interview?”
A
n interview is a twoway street and, though it’s often overlooked, questions you should ask as a candidate are just as important as a good resumé and a power suit. Toward the end of your meeting, the interviewer will likely ask if you have any questions. If not, speak up and ask if he or she would mind if you took a few moments to ensure a full understanding of the role and responsibilities. This shows
you’re engaged, enthusiastic and interested. Having no questions prepared could send the message that you lack leadership, are ill-prepared, not interested – or some disastrous combination of them all. Common questions that impress recruiters and hiring managers alike are: • What training is in place to assist me in getting settled in the role and to ensure I’ve got all the tools needed to succeed?
• Are there any skills or experience that you feel may be lacking from my resumé, which may prevent me from getting the job? (This will allow you to know where you stand; if the response is something like lack of Word experience, you can take free online training or, if it’s experience, you can often volunteer to gain more exposure.) • Do you believe in promoting from within? What would your succession plan
be once I’ve proven myself and have appropriate tenure? (Be careful not to focus too much on this point though; you don’t want the decision maker thinking you’re only using this role as a stepping stone.) • What’s the company’s five-year plan? Will you be growing, moving, reorganizing, opening new divisions or brands? To show you’ve taken the time to learn about the organization and role, ask
a question such as this: “I understand your company participates in the annual trade show for our industry; would this be a typical opportunity for me to get involved in, and are there any other organizations/memberships that you would encourage I join?” Don’t forget to ask what his or her preferred postinterview follow-up procedure is, and when he or she anticipates making a hiring decision. Be mindful that you’re not asking too many questions (or questions that are easily located on the company’s website!). If all goes well, you’ll have plenty of
time to present all your queries in the second/third interviews. In addition, it’s crucial not to focus too much on promotions, relocations, salary, education subsidies or other perks. You should know the majority of this information before the interview anyway and, if not, you haven’t done your research (or this role isn’t for you) – so don’t waste your own or the interviewer’s time! •
ing on” in the job market, a recruiter can help you take your career to the next level – even if you are already gainfully employed. “I have seen many examples where careers accelerate because of the proverbial ‘at the right place at the right time,’” he explained. “When you are working, you are too busy to shake hands and talk to hir-
ing managers, stay current on job postings, volunteer and negotiate compensation packages. All of these activities are what recruiters do in the background, so, if you stay in touch with a good recruiter, he or she will be able to alert you of good career moves – even when you are not actively looking to make a change.” •
Lana Brad shaw i s the Branch Manager of recruitment firm Holloway Schulz and Partners. Visit www. hollowayschulz.ca for more information.
Fee-free: Licensed recruiters don’t charge a candidate fee from page 1
will be more accurately aware of your needs and potential.” If you’re seeking employment in finance or accounting you may choose a firm like Mercer Bradley Inc., which specializes in placing those types of professionals. According to director of operations Zoya Kanto, “A recruiter can help anyone find a job specific to what the recruitment organization specializes in.” Rather than focus on an industry, generalist agencies like Angus One aim to place all types of job seekers with employers across a number of sectors. “We look at what our client, the employer, needs and what our candidates, the job seekers, want to come up with a natural match,” d’Eça explained. “We ultimately present job seekers with what they’re after, which is a good career match.” But with so many recruitment agencies to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? “Asking for referrals from friends, family and colleagues is one way of finding the right recruiter,” said Jackie Burns, vice-president, Western Canada, at Hays Specialist Recruitment (Canada) Inc. “Researching companies that are advertising a variety of positions … will also help to see who’s being proactive.” “A job seeker should research the recruiting firm’s area of expertise prior to presenting their candidature,” agreed Randstad Canada Vancouver branch manager Emilie McIver. “Wordof-mouth and referrals are often a great indication of a recruiter’s success and area
of expertise.” One thing all job seekers need to know is that there should never be a fee associated with recruitment. “Charging a fee to help a candidate is illegal and against the code of ethics that recruiters follow,” stressed Kanto. “Employment agencies are required to have a licence to operate … in British Columbia. Employment agency licences are issued for one year and must be renewed annually,” added Burns. “When renewing, we’re asked to provide names of employees we’ve placed and the employers we’ve placed them with. A person must not operate an employment agency … unless the person is licensed under the BC Employment Standards Act.” After ensuring the agency is properly licensed and that you won’t be charged a fee, To suggested that every job seeker ask a set of questions before agreeing to work with any staffing firm. “How many years has the recruiter been in business? How many placements have they placed with a specific employer? Does the recruiter ask good questions?” he said. “Ask the recruiter about their fall-off rate and ask how they keep abreast of industry trends.” In terms of working with more than one recruiter at a time, To had this advice: “I recommend that a job seeker only work with a maximum of three recruiters, who have been well screened.” Dennis Wolff, past IT and tech talent conductor at McNeill Nakamoto Recruitment Group and a current recruiter with Korn/Ferry Futurestep, agreed, adding that “every recruitment company has a different network
of companies. It’s definitely advisable to work with a few selected recruiters to broaden your chances.” Wolff, who also recommended “open and honest disclosure” when working with multiple recruiters, went on to suggest that, in approaching an employment agency, it’s best to “ask your friends and network who they have worked with in the past and who they can recommend. That way you can contact a recruiter directly, which is often more effective than registering online.” Added To: “Don’t consume too much of their time, but taking a recruiter out to lunch may be a good starting point. Like most servicebased business, it’s about building a relationship.” Once you’ve signed on with an agency, however, don’t abandon your own job search believing the recruiter will take care of you, our experts warned. “A job seeker needs to be actively network ing and looking on their own,” stressed Kanto. “Agencies are an aid to assist the candidate with the job search. If a recruiter feels they can place you within a few days in an ideal role, they may ask you for a few days exclusivity. This is fantastic for you as a candidate, knowing that you’re being actively marketed or considered for a role very quickly.” “I would say not to rely solely on the recruiter [to find you a job],” echoed To. “If you had 10 hours to spend on a job search, I’d spend two hours reaching out to recruiters and explaining your skills and goals. The other eight hours, I’d be networking with past co-workers, bosses, alumni, community
and friends.” “Looking for work is a full-time job in itself and should be treated as one,” Jamesie Bower concluded. “It is not the responsibility of a recruiter to find someone a job. It is one avenue of your job search and therefore, a job seeker should never stop looking on their own.” According to To, “as your eyes and ears to what is go-
nglouberman@biv.com
Vancouver School Board
Building Service Worker Diploma
A full time program designed for those who wish to enter the building service industry. Training includes all aspects of sanitation and cleaning operation of equipment, correct application of chemicals, WHMIS, operating your own cleaning business and two weeks of on-the-job training with industry professionals. Topics also include: stripping and buffing floors, waxing, wall washing, washroom and window cleaning, fire prevention, carpet cleaning and equipment training.
Next Program begins Monday, January 16, 2012 To obtain information or to pre-register for a FREE INFORMATION SESSION, please call: 604-713-4500 or visit: www.continuinged.ca
4
JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
Dragons’ Den a tough place to do business
CHAWEL
CBC Television
B.C.-based entrepreneurs experience highs and lows on successful television series
Renaat Marchand (right) with his son Arno on the set of Dragons’ Den: “I felt well-prepared and I knew why I was doing this – to create some security for my family” BY BO GEMBARSKY, BIV
I
t’s one thing to come up with what you think is a good idea for your own business; it’s another to have retailers and consumers buy into it. It’s a more daunting proposition when you’re trying to get a dragon to believe in you. Now in its sixth season, Dragons’ Den has become
a ratings monster for CBCTV. The show is estimated to average 1.6 million viewers, with each episode holding the promise of helping entrepreneurs who are willing to stand up and pitch amid the hot lights, unflinching stares and pointed questions of the so-called dragons. Dan Plante was one of the successful entrepreneurs this season, garnering a lu-
crative deal with the dragons. The Richmond resident came up with the “change anywhere, anytime” Chawel in 2001 while working as a lifeguard. On the pool decks and on the beach, Plante would see mothers having to hold a towel around their children as they changed in and out of their bathing suits, chasing them around and trying to
Red Cross First Aid & CPR
Training Partner
Now AvAilAble iN A commuNity ceNter NeAr you!!!!
Standard First Aid and CPR C + AED Feb 4-5, Strathcona Centre. Register: 604-713-1838
Emergency First Aid and CPR C + AED Jan 14, West End Centre. Register: 604-257-8333 Jan 20, Creekside Centre. Register: 604-257-3050 Jan 22, Roundhouse Centre. Register: 604-713-1800 Jan 28, Falls Creek Centre. Register: 604-257-8195
Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR Jan 28, West End Centre. Register: 604-257-8333
Certificate valid for 3 years Visit our website:
communitycarefirstaid.com
for more details about courses in your area
SIMPLY ACCOUNTING LEVEL 1 & 2 Duration: 30 hours per level. Fee: $380 per level or $700 when registering for both levels at the same time. Textbook and Training Software for home practice are available for purchase on the first day of class at $50.00. After completing level 1 & 2 with us, students receive a course completion certificate, and will also be eligible to write the Certificate in Simply Accounting for FREE. The official Certificate in Simply Accounting will be issued by Sage Software, who developed Simply Accounting. Next Class Starts: Jan 21 for 5 weeks from 9:30 am to 3:30pm. For more information or to register for a course please call 604-597-3448.
202 – 7380 – 137th Street, Surrey, BC | www.dcrs.ca
The Chawel – a portable change room developed in Richmond – was one of the successful product pitches made on CBC’s Dragons’ Den this season
keep them warm. He saw a need for a portable change room and created the Chawel, a combination towel and change room that caught all the dragons’ attention. Initial sales and interest had spurred Plante with his production, but he wanted to move his efforts to the next level. Development takes money, so he tried out for the Dragon’s Den to see if he could cut a deal. Plante got his family and friends to help him focus his preparation on the dragon perceived as the toughest of all: hedge-fund manager Kevin O’Leary. Plante also had to be prepared for rejection. “Even if you have the right answers, [if] you’re not quick they’ll tear you apart. So don’t get rattled by that.” While both O’Leary and fellow dragons Robert Herjavec and Arlene Dickinson offered Plante a deal, Dickinson gave him exactly what he had asked for: $100,000 for 35% of the company. Plante was happy to do business with Dickinson because of her marketing expertise and her promise to let him retain control and make an informercial for the product. After the show, according to CBC, Plante received two inquiries for international distribution – one in the United Kingdom and one in Australia. Plante’s advice for entrepreneurs considering an audition: know your numbers, prepare for as many contin-
gencies as you can, try not to look foolish and be ready to have the agreement change – or fall through entirely. Jamie Beuthin and Patrick Levesque have run MASC on Davie Street in Yaletown since December 2007. The store and website sell skincare and grooming products specifically targeting men, along with “carefully selected brands,” which cater to both sexes. Their pitch was seen in November on the Den. Sales amount to a minimum $250,000 each year, so funding wasn’t the primary motivator for auditioning. “The money would [be] nice,” Beuthin told Business in Vancouver, “but it was more for the expertise that comes with a strategic alliance with a suitable dragon, as well as for the exposure that we get.” They asked for $100,000 for 20% of MASC, but the dragons insisted on half the company for that price. The partners turned them down; Beuthin has no regrets. “The fact that we went there and they made us offers is basically an endorsement of the business as viable. As long as they’re making you an offer, it means that they believe in your business.” Renaat Marchand did need the money. The Vancouver Island artist realized that his skills weren’t paying the bills and he needed to come up with a “rescue plan.” Marchand reached back into his Belgian heritage, deciding that making waffles
was the way to make some dough. Wannawafel was born, but it needed funding. That’s when he hit on the idea to try his hand in the Dragons’ Den. “It was very stressful, but my main message was that I had positive stuff on my mind. ... I felt well-prepared and I knew why I was doing this – to create some security for my family.” Ma rcha nd wa nted $100,000 for 25% of Wannawafel, and the deal was struck with the television show’s resident food expert, Boston Pizza mogul Jim Treliving. “The overall experience was incredible. Jim … hopped off his chair three times to come help us out with the cart, and he was so enthusiastic. The other dragons loved the product and loved our presentation.” In the weeks following the appearance in September 2010 Marchand received more than 4,000 emails, some asking for franchising information. He did not want to lose the momentum that built from the appearance on the show while waiting for the deal to clear the due diligence stage, so an agreement was reached and Marchand found himself in control again. It has worked out so far: 11 carts have been built and 10 franchisees are located across Canada, including a Wannawafel store that, at last word, was slated to open in Grande Prairie, Alberta, in December 2011. • next@biv.com
january 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
Jumbo ski scrap looms
Recruiter Profile
Dulay Burke Financial Recruitment
ACHIM PURSCHWITZ
B.C. government to make final decision on approval of major new ski resort; proponents push jobs and local economic benefits
A new $450 million ski resort on Jumbo Mountain in B.C.’s East Kootenays could create hundreds of jobs – if the project is approved BY GLEN KORSTROM, BIV
T
he B.C. government appears poised to approve a controversial proposal to build a $450 million ski resort on Jumbo Mountain in B.C.’s East Kootenays, despite opposition from the Ktunaxa Nation, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and celebrity critics like former National Hockey League (NHL) star Scott Niedermayer. The opposition comes as international visitor counts to B.C. have plunged, fuelling criticism that the project has a weak business model. International visitors to B.C. fell 11.2% between 2006 and 2010, despite 2010 being the year the province hosted the Winter Olympic Games. During that time, visitors from the U.S. fell 14.5%; Japan fell 41%; and the U.K. fell 9.9%. But Jumbo developer Glacier Resorts Ltd.’s senior vice-president Grant Costello countered critics who claim his resort will hurt established B.C. ski destinations, arguing that many said the same thing when Blackcomb Mountain opened near Whistler in 1980. Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson told Business in Vancouver in a statement that he will
decide “soon” whether to approve the Jumbo proposal just as duelling between supporters and opponents has intensified. Thomson said his priority is to “make sure that the process is done in an open, fair and transparent manner.” Meantime, Costello’s convinced Glacier’s met every government requirement. More evidence the Liberals will support the Jumbo proposal is that Liberal MLA Bill Bennett, who represents the nearby East Kootenay riding, has been tweeting to show his support for the project. JOB GENERATOR “People need jobs,” Bennett told a media scrum in November. “This is a viable opportunity to create several hundred jobs for many, many years and to create an icon, a tourism icon, an attraction that really isn’t matched anywhere else in North America.” Costello believes Thomson should approve the Jumbo proposal because it: •adds to B.C.’s cluster of ski resorts and raises its ski destination profile internationally; •offers the prospect of yearround skiing and 6,000foot vertical drops – something unavailable currently
in B.C.; and • has cleared all obstacles, including a nine-and-a-halfyear environmental review, during the more than 20 years that it has been on the drawing board. The Ktunaxa oppose the development mainly because in would be on the site of what they consider to be sacred land and the spiritual home of the grizzly bear. But Costello and Bennett have hinted that the Ktunaxa are hypocritical in that stance because band members operate a hunters’ outfitting business 35 kilometres from the proposed Jumbo ski resort site. “They support the killing of grizzlies 35 kilometres downstream from Jumbo,” Costello said. “Out of the 700,000 square kilometres that they claim, they’re saying that the Jumbo Valley, which is only a few square kilometres, is the only place where the grizzly bear spirit resides. Draw your own conclusion.” Costello believes the Ktunaxa don’t want to have large private developments on their ancestral land before their land claim is settled. Government has extensively consulted the Ktunaxa, which is all that Victoria is legally required to do. The Ktunaxa do not legally
have a veto over the project, and Costello believes it could set a dangerous precedent if Victoria backs down from approving a project that meets requirements simply because a native band is opposed. He called the Ktunaxa’s November 15 news conference, which featured Cranbrook-raised Niedermayer, an “intimidation” tactic. NDP tourism critic Spencer Chandra Herbert told BIV that his opposition to the Jumbo proposal stems as much from economic reasons as from a desire to respect the Ktunaxa’s position. He said B.C. should not be blinded to economic realities by a developer that is
“This is a viable opportunity to create
5
D
ulay Burke financial recruiters specialize in placing all levels of accounting and finance professionals at leading organizations. The company’s highly qualified recruiters have extensive industry experience and have successfully guided the careers of prospects seeking accounting and finance positions since 1995. Looking for work? Tina Burke, a recruiter for over 15 years and a financial recruiter with Dulay Burke for 10 years, has some sound advice for job seekers. Q: What is the proper dress code for a job interview? I always say to wear your “Sunday best suit” – a full suit and tie for men and a business suit with either skirt or pants for women. If you walk into the interview and everyone else is in jeans, just casually hang your jacket over the back of your chair. Even if
you know ahead of time that the environment is very casual, it’s still very important to dress professionally and let the potential employer know you are taking this interview seriously. Q: Should my resumé be limited to one page? That depends entirely on your work history. I generally say go back three jobs or 10 years. I never like to see more than two pages for a resumé. Q: Should I include photocopies of my diplomas, certificates and licences with my resumé? No, just make sure you have them with you when you go in for the interview. • For more information, visit Dulay Burke at its new location at 1488 West Hastings Street, Vancouver; phone 604-692-2572 or email recruit@dulayburke.com.
several hundred jobs for many, many years” – Liberal MLA Bill Bennett
willing to pump $100 million into building ski lifts and other infrastructure. “It’s public land. Jumbo is owned by everyone in B.C. It needs to make sense for the economy, the environment and society.” Chandra Herbert pointed to an economic assessment of the Jumbo proposal that academic and Marvin Shaffer & Associates Ltd. principal Marvin Shaffer prepared for the Ktunaxa in May. Shaffer, who previously served as an adviser to former NDP premier Glen Clark, challenged Glacier’s claims that the resort will draw tourists, stimulate economic activity and create generate tax revenue and jobs for government. • gkorstrom@biv.com
This article from Business in Vancouver – November 29December 5; issue 1153.
Volunteer Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver is a nonprofit community-based children’s charity that has been operating in the Lower Mainland since 1957. We offer a range of friendship-based mentoring programs for boys and girls and provide volunteer opportunities for men and women. Time commitments range from one to four hours per week and we ask all our volunteers to make a minimum commitment of one year. To find out more, please visit www. bigbrothersvancouver.com or call 604-876-2447 x 236. Parent Support Service Society of BC seeks compassionate volunteers to co-facilitate Mandarin, Filipino, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren circles in Vancouver; Farsi in Port Moody; English circles in Ladner and Langley; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
circles in Surrey and Delta; and English & Latin American circles in Richmond. We offer intensive initial training and opportunities to attend regional workshops for further skill development. As a facilitator, you will make new discoveries about yourself and others, form social bonds, strengthen your community and find personal achievement. You will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of others. If you have good listening and interpersonal skills, basic understanding of child development and parenting issues, would like to work with parents to improve their relationships and are able to commit for a minimum of a year, for an average of five hours a week, please contact Bella Cenezero at 604669-1616 or visit www. parentsupportbc.ca.
EmErgEncy communications opErators E-Comm 9-1-1, the emergency communications centre for southwest British Columbia is hiring Emergency Communications Operators.
As the first point of contact between emergency services and the public, you will focus your energy and talent to receive emergency calls and information from public, and make decisions on the required services. In addition to a high school diploma, you have experience working in an emergency services environment; fast and accurate computer/keyboarding skills as well as exceptional listening, comprehension,
memory, prioritizing and multi-tasking capabilities in a fast-paced and changing environment. Visit our website at www.ecomm911.ca for more information and to apply.
6
JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
Beating the job-search blues Five tips to make looking for work more interesting ... and more successful called “One Role, With 10,00 Variations.” The article, written by an actress who had been in the same off-Broadway play for 25 years, discussed how anyone doing a repetitive job can always make it more interesting. It’s true; the mundane – with a little twist – can be amazing (and hopefully land you a job). It’s all a matter of perspective – and switching things up a bit. Changing your perspective can change your The mundane – with mood about the search, and it always seems like when you a little twist – can be change your approach things start falling into place. amazing (and hopefully Just before starting what might have been a very rantland you a job) y blog, I created my new plan and outlined my goals. The It is possible to turn it all plan didn’t have concrete around and feel like you’re deadlines like get a new job progressing in your job by this date. I refrained from search, even on the days you those types of requirements may think to yourself, “This in case that date came and went without a new job offer. is never going to end.” Job searching is a job, and I didn’t want my new plan doing some of the same tasks to set me up for failure. The day in and day out can get a point of this was to approach bit dry. Recently I re-read an the search with a new and positive perspective. article in the New York Times vcc_HealthCare_Next.pdf 1 12/29/2011 12:02:50 PM sumés.” Just for kicks, I thought I’d post the jobs I’d applied to and chronicle what seemed like a long and arduous process. Before publicly detailing my woes, I decided to try a new approach to searching: creating a plan with achievable goals. This was a highly productive decision, and I found that what once seemed monotonous and discouraging was no longer so boring.
It is possible to turn it all around and feel like you’re progressing in your job search, even on the days you may think to yourself, “This is never going to end” BY JENNA CHARLTON
I
s looking for a job getting boring? Going through job descriptions that ask for everything under the sun,
adjusting your resumé so you are everything an employer is asking for, always writing a new and “exciting” cover letter – after a couple of weeks it can feel monoton-
ous, especially if you have yet to receive a call back. I know this feeling well. Out of job-searching frustration I was once going to start a blog called “80 Re-
So my plan included goals like: • contact a certain number of people a week or every other week; • set up a certain number of information interviews per month; • collect more contacts from people you’ve met; • apply to a certain number of posting a week or every other week, if you do in fact fit the bill; and • write cover letters that you’d like to read, while highlighting your appropriate qualifications. Once it was mapped out I was able track my progress, and it actually became fun. It also helped give my search some direction; I could look back on what I’d accomplished last week and tweak my approach to keep things a little more interesting. One job search, five new steps and the mundane was transformed into (almost) amazing. • Originally published on the Workopolis Blog at www. blog.workopolis.com.
ITTI
Immigrant Trades Training Initiativ Initiative Assisting immigrants towards their trade certification in B.C.
Find your Trade Route to a Better Future
Thinking About a Ca re
er in Health
Are you: • Permanent Resident of Canada? • Unemployed and ineligible for Employment Insurance? • Currently employed but lacking • Local credentials, or • Full-time hours, or • Essential skills? If your answer is “YES” to any one of these questions, this project might be for you!
Contact: Bruce Ratcliffe Email: bruce.ratcliffe@success.bc.ca Cell: 604.218.5162 Office: 604.517.0884 Fax: 604.517.517.1918 Website: www.success.bc.ca/itti
Funding provided by the Industry Training Authority, through the Labour Market Agreement between the Governments of British Columbia and Canada
Care? There’s no shortage of demand for well-t rained health care pr If you’re ready to laun ofessionals. ch a rewarding care er and start making difference in the lives a real of others, a diploma from Vancouver Care may be the secret to er College your success. Choose from:
· Pharmacy Assistant · Medical Records Clerk · Co · Practical Nursing mmunity Health · Rehabilitation Assistant · Health Care Assistant Care Worker · Registered Massage · Medical Office As sistant Therapy · An d M or e CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO
}
CALL: 1.866-573-3087
/VancouverCareerCollege
VISIT: bc.VCCollege.ca
/VCCollege
/VCCollege
january 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
7
Online gaffes that cost jobs How employers are screening you on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pass out. If your friends tag you in inappropriate pics, untag yourself. Even better: snap shots of yourself doing things that make you look awesome, like volunteering, winning spelling bees or running marathons. Inappropriate com-
“i definately dont need to tellu that spelling&gramr mite be impotent on fb do i?”
Don’t get caught with your pants down on sites like Facebook; 91% of hiring professionals have checked out a candidate’s profile on a social network as part of the screening process BY ELIZABETH BROMSTEIN
W
e’ve all heard tales of people getting canned for writing something stupid on Facebook. Your online presence also has a big impact on how you are perceived by potential employers. Social media monitoring
service Reppler surveyed over 300 hiring professionals to determine how recruiters are screening job candidates on different social networks. The study found that 91% of hiring professionals have checked out a candidate’s profile on a social network as part of the screening process; 69% said they have
rejected a candidate based on content found on a profile and 68% said they have hired a candidate based on the same. Let’s discuss some of the more grievous social media faux pas. Inappropriate photos: Keep your pants on and try not to look like you’re about to puke on your shoes or
ments: People use the web to complain about their bosses and life in general. I’ve also seen folks joking about the lies they’re about to tell at a job interview, certain that their privacy settings will save them. But you better make sure you haven’t set your posts to be viewable to “friends of friends” and/or that the interviewer isn’t one of those. And if your Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and other networks are connected, you need to be aware of
the impression you’re making at all times. Also bad: swearing and insulting people, even celebrities that people seem to think are fair game. I once saw someone tweet that Justin Bieber should “be shot.” Idiot. Lying: It’s a wise idea to make sure your online profiles and paper resumé match up. This obviously means your education and previous work experience. Also, if you’ve said you’re a master of the English language, don’t have grammar mistakes and typos all over your page. If you’ve claimed to know how to code or perform surgery, don’t be publicly asking for advice on how to write a web page or remove a splinter. Better yet, don’t lie. Demonstrating poor communication skills: Look, dawg, i definately dont need to tellu that spelling&gramr mite be impotent on fb do i? But communication isn’t just spelling and grammar. Potential employers might look at the way you interact online; fighting with friends on your Facebook page is a very bad idea.
Posting content about drinking and drugs: Don’t tell everyone how drunk you got last night, no matter how tempted you are to seek the comfort and counsel of your online community when you’re sitting at home with a heart full of regret, wondering what happened to your pants and trying to piece the previous evening together. Politics: I’m always surprised at the amount of vehement political opinion shared on Facebook. If you’re job seeking, this might not be a good idea. Don’t assume everyone agrees with you, even if your close circle of 872 online friends appears to. Maybe you feel your principles are more important than a job, or you work in a sector you’re sure is populated by likeminded people. In those cases, share away. Otherwise, understand that a potential employer may be put off by your opinions and means of sharing them. • Originally published on the Workopolis Blog at www. blog.workopolis.com.
Shift Your New Career into firSt Gear! In under 1 year you can be trained and working in the Automotive Industry! Grade 12 and Driver's License not required. Program: Automotive Service Technician Auto Body & Refinishing Technician Auto Body Technician Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician Business Manager Collision Estimator
Duration: Potential Wages 42 weeks $100k/yr 42 weeks $80k/yr 24 weeks $80k/yr 24 weeks $80k/yr 2 weeks $50-$100k/yr 13 weeks $36-60k/yr
Start Earning What You Deserve!
Program: Service Advisor Parts & Warehousing Auto Detailing Sales & Leasing Dispatching and Transportation Operations
Duration: Potential Wages 13 weeks $36-$60k/yr 6 weeks $32-$48k/yr 2 weeks $15-$20/hr 1 week $36-$75k/yr
NEW
25 weeks
$36-65k/yr
Most programs are eligible for funding. Call for more information. A worksAfe PArtner
WORTH SWITCHING CAREERS FOR
Visit our Campus at 12160-88th Ave in Surrey 604-635-2226 • www.lovecars.ca
JAnuary 2012
CAREER SERVICES
8
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
PACT EMPLOYMENT Are you looking for a Job? Do you have Depression, Anxiety or other Mental Health Issues?
We can Help! FREE & CONFIDENTIAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CALL NOW
AIM FOR WHAT YOU WANT Do you have a disability or barrier to employment? AIM can help! • • • •
Individualized career plans Employment counselors Resource Centres Community connections
• • •
Cover letter, resume, and interview techniques Accommodations and supports Job search workshops
604-877-0033 www.pactemployment.com pactemployment@coastmentalhealth.com
NO COST TO ELIGIBLE PARTICIPANTS
Contact Open Door Group today to get started! Burnaby office: 210-5066 Kingsway 604 434-0770
Funded in whole or part through the Canada- British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
Richmond office: 415-5900 No. 3 Road 604 247-0770
OPENDOORGROUP.ORG
“Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement”.
Need a Job?
STOP
Call 604.244.9262 290-3631 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
Personalized Employment Coaching & Job Search Support FREE ConvEniEnt 1/2 Day WoRkshops
Start here ... RICHMOND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE
Adult EmploymEnt progrAm Workshop sEriEs
SOUTH DELTA EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRE Call 604.946.0324 4899 Delta Street, Ladner, BC
Monday–Friday / 9am–5pm www.bgccs.bc.ca
• Targeted Resumes • Interview Strategies • Strategies for the Older Worker
• Cover Letter Creation • Intro to MS Word & Internet • Hidden Jobs & Labour Market Trends
Gordon neighbourhood house
“Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement”
1019 Broughton St, Vancouver (West End)
604-683-2335
Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
Skills Connect for Immigrants SkillsConnect Connectfor forImmigrants Immigrants Skills
Skills Connect for Immigrants
Helping skilled immigrants launch their careers in BC Helping launch their careers in BC Helpingskilled skilledimmigrants immigrants launch their careers in BC Helping skilled immigrants launch their careers in BC Skills Connect for Immigrants provides:
Skills Connect provides: Skills Connectfor forImmigrants Immigrants provides: n Partial funding for qualifications upgrading and credential evaluation
Skills Connect Immigrants provides: Partial funding for for qualifications upgrading and credential evaluation n Partial funding for qualifications upgrading and credential evaluation n
Soft skills training to help you succeed in the Partial funding for qualifications upgrading and credential evaluation Soft training toto help youyou succeed in the Softskills skills training help succeed in the Canadian workplace Canadian workplace Canadian workplace n Soft skills training to help you succeed in the n Personalized one-on-one coaching with an n Personalized one-on-one coaching with an Canadian workplace n experienced Personalizedemployment one-on-one coaching with an counsellor experienced employment counsellor experienced employment counsellor n Personalized one-on-one coaching with an n Free innovative workshops to help you take n Free innovative workshops to help you take experienced employment counsellor n charge Free innovative workshops of your job search to help you take charge of your job search n
nn
n
n
charge of your job search to help you take Free innovative workshops
charge of your job search
Findout outmore: more: Find Find out more:
E-MAIL: skillsconnect@issbc.org skillsconnect@issbc.org E-MAIL: Find out more: WEB: www.issbc.org/skillsconnect E-MAIL:www.issbc.org/skillsconnect skillsconnect@issbc.org WEB:
PHONE: 604-684-2561 (ext. 2123) WEB: 604-684-2561 www.issbc.org/skillsconnect PHONE: (ext. 2123) E-MAIL: skillsconnect@issbc.org (Vancouver, New Westminster, (Vancouver, New Westminster, PHONE: 604-684-2561 (ext. 2123) WEB: www.issbc.org/skillsconnect Coquitlam and Richmond) Coquitlam and Richmond) (Vancouver, New Westminster,
PHONE: 604-590-4021 604-684-2561 (ext. 2123) 604-590-4021 Coquitlam and Richmond) (Vancouver, New Westminster, (Surrey) (Surrey)
604-590-4021 Coquitlam and Richmond) (Surrey)
604-590-4021 (Surrey)
This ofof WelcomeBC, a suite of programs Thisprogram programisispart part WelcomeBC, a suite of programs funded by the Government of Canada and the Province funded by the Government of Canada and the Province
This program is part of WelcomeBC, a suite of programs
of helps newcomers settle, ofBritish BritishColumbia. Columbia.WelcomeBC WelcomeBC helps newcomers settle, funded by the Government of Canada and the Province integrate and find in their new communities. This program is employment part of WelcomeBC, a suite of programs integrate and find employment in their new communities.
of British Columbia. WelcomeBC helps newcomers settle, funded by the Government of Canada and the Province integrate and find employment in their new communities. of British Columbia. WelcomeBC helps newcomers settle,
www.issbc.org/skillsconnect www.issbc.org/skillsconnect
integrate and find employment in their new communities.
Looking For Work? We can heLp! Free Services for Job Seekers Vancouver east employment resource centre 300 - 1638 East Broadway (at Commercial) 604-434-0367 press 4 Vancouver Downtown employment resource centre 200 - 1033 Davie St. (at Burrard) 604-434-0367 press 5
Funded in whole or part through the Canada- British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
january 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
9
How to eBay your way into a booming home business Taking tutorials, listing seasonal items at the right time and selling worldwide key to success BY ALAN ZISMAN
W
hat’s a Vancouver Grizzlies foam finger worth? Much more than the $8.95 Richmond resident Jennifer Torrance asked for when she listed the item on her eBay store – Heavenly Sent Treasures – last June. For Torrance the finger, plus hundreds of other items on “display” in her online store, gives her and her husband the ability to work from home, spending more time with their five children. Torrance, who got started with eBay in 2008 as a way to turn surplus gifts from the previous Christmas into cash, realized she could take her online selling activities further after a Disney ornament (with a chipped ear, no less) sold for $95. Selling a used pair of Hermes shoes she’d bought for $3 to a German buyer who paid $232 didn’t hurt either. By 2010, Torrance was
working full time from home and had set herself up as an eBay store; her husband joined her in 2011. The couple buys most of what they post for sale at estate sales; their online store often lists a lot of 1980s vintage snapback hats, along with buttons, antique postcards, china and more. With millions of items up for auction on eBay, Torrance tries to make her store stand out with research and boutique service. She believes “each item has its own history” and that taking the time to learn this history and communicate it to buyers translates to higher bids at auction-end. (She noted that it takes time to become expert in new categories; last summer she was busy brushing up on silverware.) Many of her auction listings embed relevant YouTube clips. Videos made at home often feature her kids demonstrating the items. Her 13-yearold son helped her learn how
to add custom HTML code to her listings. For Torrance, attention to customer service includes fast shipping and offering to hold items, which encourages buyers to bid on multiple items from her listings to save on shipping costs. She also has this advice: • take time to go through the eBay tutorials; • check YouTube for tutorials on anything else you have questions about; • learn about your market by finding out, for example, what price similar items have sold for; • list seasonal items at the right time (Christmas items in November, not January); • sell worldwide (find out the cost of shipping beyond Canada or the U.S.); and • learn what can’t be sold in different countries. Ivory items can be problematic, for instance, and Torrance had a listing for a knife rest removed because it’s illegal
Career resolutions to avoid C
areer resolutions made for the new year are often forgotten by February.
Avoid
This is especially true of resolutions that are vague or overly ambitious. Up your chan-
Selling items on eBay could lead to a lucrative home-based business … if you do it right
to ship knives to the U.K. (A “knife-rest” is not a knife, but try telling that to an automated algorithm!) Each of the items listed at www.heavenlysenttreasures. com will result in personal contact with a buyer. Torrance sees this as an opportunity to meet people, saying, “It’s like being Santa all year
long.” By focusing on a small number of product areas, she’s seeing repeat customers and making personal connections worldwide. Torrance credits eBay with letting her build a business without needing to invest large amounts of capital, one that lets her work from home
while home-schooling her children. As she put it, “eBay gave us the flexibility to be able to follow our dreams.” • Alan Zisman (www.zisman. ca) is a Vancouver educator and computer specialist. This article from Business in Vancouver – June 7-13, 2011; issue 1128.
ONE STOP CAREER SHOP
ces of landing a job and sticking to your vows by avoiding these common pitfalls:
Instead
1. Overly lofty resolutions that can be Establish a realistic goal and create action steps to help you achieve overwhelming (e.g., I will update all of it. You might pick a specific skill that you would like to acquire and my skills) vow to take an online course. 2. Vague resolutions (e.g., I will network Be specific. You might commit to joining one new professional more frequently) association or enhancing your LinkedIn profile. 3. Resolutions that are beyond your Choose action items you can control. If a bigger paycheque is your control (e.g., I will get a raise) goal, vow to research average pay rates for your position in your city and discuss with your boss the actions needed to land a raise and/ or promotion.
New Year New Career Located near the Seabus at: 15 Chesterfield Place, Suite A North Vancouver BC V7M 3K3 tel 604 988 3766 ywcajobseeker.org/onestop
FREE career services and employment resources on the North Shore
Resume > Workshops > Computers > Advice If you are 15-30 years old, call to register!
Follow us on: Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
Courtesy of professional staffing services firm Robert Half International; www.rhi.com.
Adults, students and job seekers interested in further learning and upgrading their skills to advance their career prospects use Next as a resource and a career guide.
Suite 608 - 409 Granville St. (at Hastings), Vancouver
LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB
Business in Vancouver Media Group, publishers of NEXT, offers post-secondary schools, career colleges, service providers a unique advertising vehicle to market full and part-time programs. Visit us at www.nextcareerguide.com for more information. You can help make NEXT the best carer training resource. Send your comments and suggestions to the editor Noa Glouberman - nglouberman@biv.com
LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB Publisher Cheryl Carter Editor Noa Glouberman Sales Manager Kim De Wildt
Graphics & Production Soraya Romão Manager: Reader Sales and Service Deborah Hamilton Accounting/Administration Angela Foster
Members
102 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver B.C., V5T 1G2 Phone: (604) 688-8828 ➧ Fax: (604) 669-2154 E-mail: next@biv.com ➧ www.nextcareerguide.com
• Pre-Screening • LD Assessment • Career Decision Making • Skills enhancement • Resume Renewal • Job and Trades placement help
In-Depth Employment Assistance Services
Call: 604-683-5554 For anyone unemployed! FREE, Confidential & One-on-One!
Funded in part or whole through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement
10
JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
What not to study
The 20 highest unemployment rates by degree Clinical psychology
19.5%
Miscellaneous fine arts
16.2%
In deciding what to study, consider popularity of the degree and earning potential
U.S. history
15.1%
Library science
15%
Educational psychology/Military technologies (tied)
10.9%
BY ELIZABETH BROMSTEIN
Architecture
10.6%
Industrial and organizational psychology
10.4%
W
Miscellaneous psychology
10.3%
Linguistics and comparative language and literature
10.2%
Computer administration management and security
9.5%
Visual and performing arts/Engineering and industrial management (tied)
9.2%
Social psychology
8.8%
International business
8.5%
Humanities/Electrical and mechanic repairs and technologies (tied)
8.4%
General social sciences
8.2%
Commercial art and graphic design
8.1%
Studio arts
8%
Pre-law and legal studies
7.9%
Material engineering and materials science/Composition and speech (tied)
7.7%
Liberal arts
7.6%
hat’s your university degree in? I just ended that sentence with a preposition, so you might be able to guess that I don’t have one. If I did, it might be in English literature, but I dropped out, which is just as well, since people used to joke that Concordia’s English lit department has its graduation ceremony in the unemployment office. (I later went back and studied history and musicology at the University of Toronto, but I didn’t get those degrees either. Maybe one day.)
Education of just about any kind is a pretty sure bet English is one of the more proverbially useless degrees, but it’s not the most useless – not in terms of unemployment rates, anyway. No, that honour goes to clinical psychology. This is according to the Wall Street Journal, which recently looked at how 173 college majors fare on the job market in terms of employment and pay, based on 2010 U.S. census data. Psychology in general is a pretty terrible idea, as are
The 20 lowest unemployment rates by degree Your choice of degree affects your employment, so be sure to consider its popularity and earning potential
visual, performing and fine arts – pretty much any art, really. You probably could have guessed that. But some of the others surprised me. I guess I assumed, for example, that a degree in neuroscience would be specialized enough to give you a good chance at a job. I assumed wrong. On the other hand, education of just about any kind is a pretty sure bet. Obviously, your choice of degree affects your employ-
ability. There are other factors to consider, such as the popularity of the degree and the earning potential. Adjacent are the 20 highest and lowest unemployment rates by degree. See where yours fits in. Or, if you’re thinking of getting (another) one, perhaps this will influence your choice of discipline. • Originally published on the Workopolis Blog at www. blog.workopolis.com.
ACCent ReduCtion CouRSe - Join our new Accent Reduction course at DIVERSEcity and improve the way you speak in business, professional and personal settings. This program focuses solely on mastering pronunciation techniques that will help you sound like a native English speaker. There are many barriers to employment such as the lack of appropriate skills and knowledge, and problems with transferability and acceptance of foreign credentials. Another barrier may also be an employer’s perception of your ability to communicate with customers, staff and management. DIVERSEcity’s Accent Reduction program assists general employment seekers, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, and qualified professionals to present themselves in clear non-accented English. next class: January 26, 27 from 9am to 3:30 pm. Cost: $180.00
For more information or to register for a course please call 604-597-3448.
202 – 7380 – 137th Street, Surrey, BC | www.dcrs.ca BANK TELLER TRAINING PROGRAM - Course fee $300. The Bank Teller Training Program sets the foundation to start acareer in the banking industry in Canada. By learning the basics of being a Teller, you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to enter this exciting field. The course covers customer service, product sales, security, Canadian banking procedures and policies, and application process and employment opportunities with different banks. Next class starts dates: January 21, 28 and February 4 for 3 Saturday sessions from 9am to 4pm. For more information or to register for a course please call 604-597-3448.
202 – 7380 – 137th Street, Surrey, BC | www.dcrs.ca
Actuarial science/Pharmacology/Educational administration and supervision / School student counselling/Geological and geophysical engineering/ Astronomy and astrophysics (tied)
0%
Teacher education (multiple levels)
1.1%
Agricultural economics
1.3%
Medical technologies technicians
1.4%
Atmospheric sciences and meteorology
1.6%
Naval architecture and marine engineering
1.7%
Environmental engineering/Nursing/Public policy/Nuclear industrial radiology and biological technologies (tied)
2.2%
Physical sciences
2.5%
Treatment therapy professions
2.6%
Plant science and agronomy
2.7%
Medical assisting services
2.9%
Social sciences (or history teacher education)/Agricultural production and management/General agriculture (tied)
3%
Forestry/Industrial production technologies (tied)
3.1%
Pharmacy pharmaceutical sciences and administration/Geosciences (tied)
3.2%
Communication disorders sciences and services/Oceanography/ Miscellaneous health medical professions (tied)
3.3%
Mathematics teacher education
3.4%
Mathematics and computer science
3.5%
Elementary education/Aerospace engineering/Special needs education (tied)
3.6%
Miscellaneous education/Miscellaneous agriculture (tied)
3.7%
Secondary teacher education/Mechanical engineering/Chemical engineering (tied)
3.8%
Cashier Training & CusTomer serviCe - $275.00 Duration 18 hours. Become confident with operating a cash register & learn customer service, policies, procedures and laws that pertain to working in this field. next classes January 30, 31 and February 1 from 9am to 3:30pm. For more information or to register for a course please call 604-597-3448.
202 – 7380 – 137th street, surrey, BC | www.dcrs.ca
january 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
Come join our team We are hiring enthusiastic permanent part-time staff for our new store Alfie’s nofrills 1680 4th Avenue.
Part-time employment with days or evenings and weekends shifts available. Experience in grocery or retail is an asset. We will train.
Apply in person @ Pacific Coast Community College # 202 - 1338 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Jan 27 @ 10:00am – 7:00pm Jan 28 @ 10:00am – 2:00pm Apply online HR@SHOPNOFRILLS.CA Please bring your Social Insurance #, a void cheque or banking information. Interviews will be done on site.
Thank you for your interest in nofrills.
11
12
JAnuary 2012
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
You want a better life. Job satisfaction. Financial security. Respect. You want to help others.
Change your life today Cardiology Technologist
Practical Nursing
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has granted this program its highest accreditation status, a 6 year accreditation.
We offer Free Biology 12!
Community Mental Health & Addictions Worker
Psychiatric Nursing
In partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, the unique curriculum for this program has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Entry level wages range from $18.03 to $19.72/hr. Apply for a full tuition scholarship today.
There is an urgent need for more Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) in BC. The only program of its kind in BC, students can learn within their local communities via distance education, local and/or regional clinical placements, and some regional classroom delivery. Entry-level earnings start at $29/hr. This 23 month program is recognized by the CRPNBC.
Early Childhood Educator
Special Education Assistant
“The most important job in the world.” According to the 2008 ECE Registry Survey commissioned by the BC Ministry of Children & Family Development, the average wage for Early Childhood Educators in BC is $17.43/hr. Graduates may qualify for $3000 bursary though the BC Family Child Care Association.
Our program includes training and certification from the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders (POPARD). Two POPARD courses are offered in this program: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders & Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr.
Health Care Assistant (formerly Resident Care Attendant / Home Support) Make a difference in the lives of others! Graduates will be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry which will allow you to work in government funded health care facilities. The starting wage for Health Care Assistants is $17 - $21/hr.
Professional Studies for working healthcare professionals • Advanced Leadership Skills for LPNs • Immunization Skills Workshop • Phlebotomy Course
FREE College Preparatory program and ongoing ESL support.
Hospital Support Specialist Work in hospital and healthcare administration as an Admitting/Registration Clerk, Health Records Clerk, Diagnostic Imaging Clerk, Hospital Switchboard Operator, Medical Secretary and much more. Entry level wages from $18.16 - $21/hr.
You may be eligible for government student loans and funding.
Medical Laboratory Assistant This program has been reviewed and approved by British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science and exceeds their requirements in many areas. The wage range of Stenberg MLA grads working in their field of study is $18.04 - $23.70 per hour.
Medical Office Assistant Consider a rewarding career in healthcare administration or expand your career options as a Hospital Support Specialist (see above).
Nursing Unit Clerk Nursing Unit Clerks, originally known as ward clerks and sometimes referred to as Nursing Unit Coordinators, act as the anchors of patient care departments. The average wage for Stenberg grads is $20.77/hr. plus 12.2% in lieu of benefits.
“The teachers and staff at Stenberg were very supportive throughout my entire program … Working towards completion of this program requires a lot of hard work but because everyone in the class cooperates and encourages each other to succeed, it helped me a lot.”– Amanda P.
604-580-2772 · www.stenbergcollege.com Over 94% of our grads are employed in their field of study within 6 months of graduation.