The September edition of O - The Oprah Magazine has some great job search tips for women (although the ideas certainly can apply to men too). Focusing on four different scenarios, the article “Hire Power” offers suggestions on how to go after that dream job. A few of the highlights include: Check out oprah.com/omagazine or pick up your copy today for more insights on career strategies and fashion advice for wherever you are in your job search.
Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category
Career Advice from Oprah
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010Labour shortage looming (really)
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010While it may not be reality right now, there is a labour shortage looming in the oilpatch. Two different reports, one by human resources consulting firm Mercer and one by the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada, are predicting a substantial shortfall of oilpatch employees as early as next year. It’s good news for potential employees, but not so good for oil and gas companies.
The key for employers is to be proactive today. Start to look at how to engage alternative labour pools, such as foreign workers, Aboriginals, women and disabled persons are all good alternatives that can provide skilled workers to the looming employee shortage. Employers need to look at what skills they need in order to effectively recruit and manage these potential employees NOW. Diversity training is a must and one that BOWEN can provide.
While a labour shortage may still feel like it is “sometime in the future”, it is actually must closer than we think. Employers who will be ahead of the curve are proactively planning for it now.
Hats off to everyone in the staffing industry!
Monday, June 7th, 2010This week is Staffing Week in Canada, and I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the incredible team of staffing professionals at BOWEN, as well as the employers who come to us seeking assistance for a wide variety of workforce needs, and to the job seekers who ask for our help with their careers.
I recently celebrated my 26th anniversary with BOWEN and can honestly say I still love coming to work each day. This is a dynamic and challenging industry, that is also very rewarding. There is such satisfaction in helping people find a job that will carry them along their career path and balance their work / life responsibilities! At the same time, I am honoured that so many of Canada’s top companies have trusted BOWEN’s experience and expertise, and invited us to essentially become part of their human resource and business teams.
The past few years have been particularly challenging for the staffing industry, as we were so directly impacted by the economic downturn and the effects on business. However, there is a positive shift happening and I know that regardless of what the future holds, we will continue to give our best to the employers and job seekers who want our help. Congratulations to all who are part of the staffing industry and enjoy the week!
The Scoop Behind the Stats
Tuesday, May 11th, 2010The latest Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey shows that unemployment is down across the country, with the national rate edging down to 8.1 per cent. More people are working and that is always good news! One anomaly to this trend is that in Calgary, unemployment is actually on the rise. What gives? Global Television Calgary invited BOWEN to comment on the somewhat puzzling trend and my colleague, Debbie Wershler did the interview. You can check it out here While we don’t fully understand why the number of jobs are down in Calgary overall, it’s important to keep everything in perspective. Let me share a few highlights of what we are seeing in our day-to-day business at BOWEN:
- We are not seeing major layoffs.
- Employers are still hiring and our economy is rebounding slowly.
- Employers are more willing to hire temporary or contract workers because they are cautious to not over-commit to employees with permanent jobs.
- We typically see the number of jobs increasing over the summer months due seasonal project work, and this should be reflected in May’s numbers.
- There are some big infrastructure projects in Calgary that are just ramping up and the employment impact may not yet be evident in the statistics.
- Investment is also happening in operating areas outside of Calgary, such as oil sands expansion projects in the north, and jobs are being created in Alberta, which means new opportunities for Calgary residents willing to relocate.
The Changing Face of the Corporate Workforce
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
It’s never to early to start your summer job search
Thursday, March 4th, 2010As the market has become tighter the need for applicants to have relevant experience is even more important. This also means the demand for summer student positions is even higher, so the earlier you start your search the better.
When considering your summer employment options and goals the wage you earn is important but building your resume towards your new career should rank higher. For college and university students many companies have openings specifically for you to gain experience. These jobs may seem basic but if they are within a company that operates in an industry that you are pursuing you will be exposed to many important aspects of daily work and may be giving opportunities beyond the job title.
This is your chance to get your foot in the door and if the job goes well you may be able to come back for future summer employment in progressing roles. The pay in some cases may not be as much as other opportunities but the experience is invaluable. That landscaping job may have a higher hourly wage that helps pay down your school debt quicker but unless you are planning a career in landscaping the experience and great tan you get over the summer will not help your career search.
Speak to your school, professors and other students to find out which companies may have a summer student program. Many students looking for jobs are also maximizing the power of social media by posting on their Facebook/Twitter pages that they’re looking for a job and could anyone help them out? This is a great tool as you can get in touch with people you may not have in your own network by being recommended by someone else.
While it may not look like it right now, summer is just around the corner and it is the right time to start your summer job search.
The value of Outsourced HR
Friday, February 19th, 2010A bad hire can cost companies a lot of money. However, for small- to medium-sized businesses, it is often difficult to manage the expense of a fulltime HR professional. Outsourcing Human Resources duties can make a lot of sense, both financially and from a staff resources perspective.
Outsourced HR can include services like pre-employment screening, reference checking, education verification, background checks and recruitment support. Whether it’s retaining the workforce you have, or building for the future, Outsourced HR can fill in the gaps with a company’s current HR team, or offer specific expertise for small companies without a designated HR person. Now that is good business!
It’s always important to understand the business you are in. Employing, managing and supporting our people is essential but it may not be critical that these expertise are held in-house. Do you need a compensation expert as part of your staff or only during salary reviews? More and more companies are looking for alternate solutions to manage costs and resources. As we consider demographic realities one might argue how we staff and currently see HR will likely have to change as we have so many retiring from the HR community and so few with similar expertise to replace them. Outsourcing may be a big part of a future solution. To get a sense of the quality of HR consultants in the market see our group of affiliates at HR Works.
Where is your blue sky?
Friday, February 5th, 2010I firmly believe that with every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and as we begin another year, many will use this time to think of their goals for the future. Regardless of your current reality – and even more importantly if you are in a difficult situation – it’s important to do some “blue sky” thinking.
Wiktionary.org defines blue sky thinking as “thinking that is not grounded or in touch in the realities of the present; open-minded thinking (i.e., as wide and clear as the blue sky)”.
Are you where you want to be in your career? If not, what can you do to get yourself moving in the direction of your dreams? Do you need to join a networking or professional group? Go back to school? Start looking at other opportunities? Find a mentor?
You are the person who can change your circumstances. It may not happen overnight but by taking those first steps in a new direction, you can create a different path.
Get out there! Job Seekers Tips!
Tuesday, January 26th, 2010
- Be reasonable in your expectations. Know what current salaries are for your profession. Salaries have gone through an adjustment in the past year. Don’t expect a big signing bonus - it’s not the climate for employers to be offering these as an incentive right now.
- Do your research. Know the company! The job market is very competitive with lots of skilled and experienced people looking for work. Research will help you shine and also shows your initiative and interest. And take some time to prepare some meaningful questions about the company to ask at the end of the interview.
- Make yourself stand out in the crowd. Shine the spotlight on how you have delivered results in previous roles. Take the time to match your previous skills to the specific needs in the job you are applying for. Make it clear what you have to offer.
- Be prepared to sell yourself. Now is not the time to be humble. You need to make it clear why you are the best candidate for the job.
Think of it as a sales opportunity! You are the product and your need to market yourself to open up new opportunities.
A New Year…A Fresh Start
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010I love New Year’s! It’s exciting to symbolically leave the previous year behind and look forward to all that the next 12 months has in store! For many, 2009 was an extremely challenging year with the declining economy, job loss and significant corporate cutbacks. Looking ahead to 2010, there is cautious optimism that job market will start to open up with new opportunities as the economy starts its slow recovery. Rebuilding takes time, but change is good.
Over the past few years, I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to various groups about change and thought it was very appropriate to share just a few of my favourite inspirational quotes as we look ahead to the new year with anticipation.
“Life isn’t just about what you can have; it’s about what you have to give. What kind of person do you want to be? Start asking these questions and thinking about the bigger picture-why you’re here, why the world needs what you have to offer. What I know for sure: You keep asking the right questions of yourself, and the universe and your own secrets will unfold in ways you never imagined.” - Oprah Winfrey
“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. “ - Maya Angelou
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandhi
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - President Barack Obama
Happy New Year!
