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Archive for July, 2009

EI Soars to New Heights (Sadly)

Friday, July 31st, 2009

The news today isn’t good. A record number of Albertans are currently collecting Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. In fact, according to CBC, the number of Albertans collecting EI soared faster than any other province, with a stunning increase of 16.8 per cent to 57,000 in May 2009. 

While there may now be faint glimmers of hope for an economic recovery - and rebound in jobs - on the horizon, it is still in the distance. For those who are looking for work - and there are many people on the job hunt, here are a few tips to help out with your job search, relating directly to applying for jobs: 

  • Make yourself stand out - make sure your resume is well written and highlights your skills and experience; cover letters provide the opportunity to tell them something about yourself that the resume does not convey so make sure you tell them why you would be great for this job and how much you want it. 

  • Connect the dots for the person reviewing the applications - when you are reviewing stacks of resumes you don’t want to have to be digging to figure out if the person is suitable. Align your resume and cover letter with the specific requirements of the job to make sure they know what skills and experience you have in relation to their business needs. 

  • Prepare for that interview - make sure you have your story prepared of what you have to offer and why you want the job. You only have one opportunity to make a good impression so don’t blow it! 

  • Be enthusiastic - attitude goes a long ways towards impressing people.  

  • Follow up with a thank you card, e-mail or phone call following an interview. It shows you are interested.

Posted in Career building tips, Economy, Employment opportunities | 1 Comment »

Job Search 101 – Hot tips to help land that job

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Summer has not been kind to many young people looking for work to help pay for school, get some pocket money or gain valuable work experience. According to Calgary Herald, the unemployment rate for Alberta youth, ages 15 - 24, is 13.2 per cent, nearly double the provincial jobless rate of 6.8 per cent.

There is no doubt that it is tough going right now, and finding a job can take a lot of work - and patience. Thankfully, there are resources to tap into and our BOWEN recruiters offer the following job search tips:

  • Network with family and friends. They can provide introduction and let you know of opportunities. Let everyone you know that you are looking for work.
  • Do your research. There are lots of web sites with job postings, but you have to look around a lot. 
  • Be patient and keep the perspective that this is a short-term blip in a long-term career of employment.
  • Be willing to take a more junior job right now in order to get some experience and earn some money. 
  • Be flexible and consider taking a couple of part time jobs. 
  • Try volunteering to gain related experience or simply to keep yourself busy and motivated!
  • Take some classes to help further develop your skill set.

Check back for our tips on how to have a memorable interview. Remember, this is part of a cycle that will eventually move to an upswing. Continue to have a positive attitude that things will get better!

Posted in Career building tips, Economy, Employment opportunities | No Comments »

Boosting Morale After Downsizing

Friday, July 17th, 2009

In a struggling economy, downsizing is inevitable as some companies are under pressure to just keep afloat. But amongst the layoffs and salary freezes, it’s tough for employees to stay motivated, and loyal, according to poll results revealed by Ipsos Reid on July 14, 2009. It’s no surprise as to why. When an organization goes through layoffs, many of the remaining employees live in fear, wondering if they will be the next to go.

Unfortunately, not downsizing isn’t an option for many businesses. So how can a business watch its costs and do its best to keep their valued employees happy?

It comes down to involvement.

Take BOWEN for example. Like so many other companies, we have had to make some tough decisions on where to cut back. Involve your staff in the decision making process. Information leads to empowerment. In BOWEN’s case, our staff opted for job sharing over layoffs, which resulted in cost savings that rivaled, or even exceeded, layoffs and severance packages. Our costs are dropping, and our employees feel satisfied, valued and engaged.

Small steps can often result in big attitude changes. Consider some of these tips:

  1. Ask employees for their input on what can be done to improve on your business (this can even be done in confidence if employees would prefer not to openly meet about it).
  2. Help employees focus on what they can control. A positive focus brings positive results.
  3. Communicate, communicate, communicate - be open, even when it’s bad news! You are creating a culture of trust.
  4. Focus on things you haven’t had time for - build your team! 

And just remember, these times won’t last forever. It is better to find a way to retain skilled staff, than to scramble to find them again once things recover.

Posted in Economy, HR Management | No Comments »

Recessionista

Monday, July 13th, 2009

Budgets can be tight during a recession - and those usual “must-haves” start turning into “must-waits” as we watch our wallets and learn to say no to those non-necessities (as much as it pains us to turn our heads as we pass by those used-to-be-must-have killer red pumps at Towne Shoes). But how can we, as fashion-forward males and females, still look great at work- without breaking the bank?

The answer is to step into the shoes of the modern-day recessionista - who, according to the MacMillian Dictionary online, is “a person who is able to dress in a fashionable way even though they do not have a lot of money to spend on clothes.” Instead of splurging on those $200 shoes, a recessionista spent $20 on fixing up a pair from a couple seasons ago.
Try some of these cost-saving ideas:

  • Actually spend some time with your closet to see what’s there – letting inspiration strike! New ways to mix and match or layer clothes can create endless wardrobe possibilities.
  • Host a clothes-exchange party! Gather some friends (and a couple bottles of wine) and swap used clothes. Be sure to gather the leftover pieces and donate them to a local charity such as Women In Need (they will even pick up your gently-used clothing).
  • When you do shop, be a bargain-hunter. Check out outlet or consignment shops to pay a fraction of the price, or scope out some hot deals online. Sites like BeyondtheRack.com scout great sales from various designers and post them on their website.

Remember – just because we’re in a recession, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Get creative, and your wardrobe will remain wow-worthy!

Posted in Economy, General | No Comments »

A New Kind of Stampede

Monday, July 6th, 2009

One of the things that I am very passionate about is giving back to our community.  It’s been an honour for me to be personally involved with the United Way of Calgary and Area for many years. I am also very proud of our team at BOWEN, who are so committed to giving of their time and resources to many worthy charities in our community.

This year, an event that is near and dear to my heart, the Scott Smed Golf Invitational, is partnering with the United Way to help women and children in our community and around the world.

Calgary is a great place to live, work and play, and we need to make sure it’s a great city for everyone.  There are many outstanding organizations, like the United Way, that are making a difference in our city and helping those who need it most.

This past year has highlighted just how great the divide can be between those of us who have much, and those who have little. The faltering economy has had a huge impact on many in our community and the agencies who help those in need have been stretched to the limit.

As always, Calgarians are a generous bunch, and companies and individuals are stepping up to help. Like many organizations, BOWEN will not be hosting a Stampede event this year. Spending priorities change and we’ve had to make some tough choices. We are not alone. There are many companies who are either eliminating or scaling back their Stampede festivities, or finding a way to use that money for the community.

Several weeks ago, law firm Burnet, Duckworth&Palmer LLP cancelled its annual party, electing to donate $150,000 to the Calgary Food Bank instead. For those companies that are going ahead with their party plans, many also have a strong charitable component.

Stampede may be a little quieter this year, but it’s also a time for Calgarians to shine by showing how we care about those in our community and will come together to make a difference. That’s something that deserves a big “Yahoo”!

Posted in Community giving, Economy | No Comments »