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 ‘Employment opportunities’ 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.
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.
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.
Making the transition back to the workforce
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010I am often asked by stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce how to begin looking for a job, especially if they’ve been at home for a number of years with small children. First of all, I must say that for anyone who thinks that staying at home with young kids is “not working” is dead wrong! As a mother of two active young girls, I know how much energy, resourcefulness and wisdom is required to be at home with children. Stay-at-home parents are amazing (as are working parents who are also doing a juggling act)!
Here are a few tips that can help get you started:
- Try to reconnect with former colleagues. They can become your new network.
- Join a professional association related to your career so that you make new contacts and get on top of industry trends and issues.
- Update your resume! Don’t forget to look at the volunteer work you may have been doing and how these skills can transfer to valuable experience.
- Register with an agency like BOWEN and talk to a recruiter about any additional training you may require to be current in your field.
- Frequently search online. There are a wealth of job postings on-line. Target companies that you are interested in, check out professional associations and job boards too.
- Tell people you are looking for a job because you just don’t know who might know someone who is looking to hire.
Most of all, believe in yourself and what you have to offer. Don’t apologize for taking time off to raise a family. Be proud of this accomplishment and be honest about why you are going back to work.
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.
The story behind the stats
Monday, December 14th, 2009In my last entry, I wrote about how our economy may be in a slow recovery and how welcome this good news is for both candidates and clients. After hiring and growth ground to a halt for most of 2009, there are several indicators suggesting that things may be starting to rebound a bit.
One interesting trend we saw at BOWEN this year was despite the slowdown in activity levels and layoffs from the beginning of the year, we were not seeing an increase in the number of candidates coming through our doors, looking for work.
At first, we found this trend somewhat puzzling, but as we started to analyze information further, and from what we have heard and surmised, many candidates were taking a break before starting the job search again in the fall.
Some also received severance packages and may have chosen to use this time to explore new career options, spend some time with family or pursue further education.
What I do know is that BOWEN is here to help candidates find suitable employment and we are a valuable partner in your job search. If you haven’t registered with us, I do encourage you to call or e-mail for more information. It’s that time of year when we start making plans and resolutions for the new year, and if finding a new career is one your list, please consider how our talented and experienced recruiters may be able to help you. It’s worth checking into!
What is happening out there?
Monday, December 7th, 2009The latest Labour Force Survey, released by Stats Canada on December 4, 2009, shows that Canada’s unemployment rate is declining, with 79,000 new jobs being added nationally in November.
This is good news, especially because Alberta is one of the provinces showing the strongest gains. According to the release, “employment in Alberta rose by 13,000 in November, the largest monthly increase in the province since October 2008″.
The slight upward trend is certainly reflective of what we are seeing at BOWEN as well. Temporary orders doubled from July to October and our Professional division has 13 open orders, the highest number we’ve seen this year. We have also had 42 new or reactivated accounts since the beginning of January.
More good news comes in the form of discussions about start-up projects in the northern Alberta oils and and some companies are starting to hire to manage construction.
On the flip side, energy trust rules change next year and there is significant speculation the 26 major players will merge and acquire down to four or five. There is still much uncertainty about the destiny of many companies. With South American and Asian interest showing up in our market. Who will be bought?
Experts are saying we will stabilize at $75 oil and that figure makes getting it out of the ground and to market a viable business again. The same people say gas is still a year away from recovery.
The moral is that there are industries hiring and doing well in this economy. If people are looking for a job or to want to make a change, it’s about getting smarter on where to apply. Listen to the media, study the trade publications, keep networking and do your research. Candidates still need to be proactive, but at least there are more options than there were a few months ago.
After this year, I’ll certainly take any good news I can get, won’t you?
