October/November 2011
learn more ➧ GET THE Job
INSIDE How to end a job interview on the right note 6 Entrepreneur of the Year finalists’ success stories 7 CIOs reveal fourth-quarter technology hiring plans 12
expert advice Kelly M. asks: “Should I tailor my cover letter to the job opp?” 5
Premier unveils new jobs plan for B.C. 13
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It’s not just a job, it’s a mountain experience Whether you’re seeking a fullfledged career or just a part-time job on the slopes, ski hills are alive with the sound of hiring
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id you know that tourism is one of the world’s fastestgrowing industries? It’s true. In British Columbia, tourism is outpacing mining, agriculture and fishing as a leading industry for the province. Not surprisingly, it offers a diverse range of job and career opportunities, which means no matter what your interests, you can be sure to find a job in tourism that suits you to a T. This time of year, it would be hard to find a more dynamic working environment than at one of the province’s many ski hills and resorts. The snowsport sector offers a variety of stable career opportunities to suit your individual skills and interests. While the employment benefits are unique and exciting, getting started in the industry can be relatively easy because many positions don’t require specific education or training. Virtually every community throughout B.C. features skiing at or near its doorstep. Whether you prefer to live in bustling downtown Vancouver, a quaint town in the Kootenays or high up in the Rocky Mountains, a job in the snowsport sector is seldom far away. With almost 100 snowsport companies (including crosscountry, heli- and snow-cat skiing operations) providing thousands of jobs throughout the province, the sector offers diverse employment and lifestyle opportunities.
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Many job seekers are attracted to ski hills primarily because of the opportunity to work in the great outdoors; jobs in this area would include ski and snowboard instructors
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.
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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.
Auto industry shifts gears to attract new recruits 14 So whether you prefer majestic mountains to the concrete jungle, love skiing or the great outdoors or want to work alongside interesting colleagues while meeting active guests eager to experience nature as part of their recreation plans, this could be the ideal employment opportunity for you. Front-line positions tend to require good public relations skills and an outgoing, friendly personality, while technical skills are more important for many behindthe-scenes jobs. Whatever the position, a positive attitude and the ability to work as part of a team are essential in this business. Hiring for entry-level positions is based more on attitude than experience or education, as employers often provide on-the-job training. Post-secondary education will help to accelerate advancement into supervisory, management and technical positions. Of course, many job seekers are attracted to ski hills primarily because of the opportunity to work in the great outdoors. Jobs in this area would include ski and snowboard instructors, heli-ski guides, lift operators and terrain park staff. An outdoor education supervisor, for example, might co-ordinate a variety of recreation and educational snowshoe programs and supervise a team of guides. A base radio operator would be responsible for supporting efficient mountain communications through the use of the base VHF see page 4