What can your local Chamber of Commerce do for your job search? In this episode of Get a Job!, we uncover how local business chambers in Metro Vancouver can help you unlock hidden job opportunities and fast-track your career goals.

Featuring Jennifer McKinnon (CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce), Patrick Stafford-Smith (CEO, North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce), and guest co-host Shirin Sobhani (Career Advisor, WorkBC Centre Coquitlam), this lively conversation dives into:

•  How local Chambers can help connect job seekers with local businesses and training opportunities
•  Which industries are hiring more actively right now
•  Why generic resumes fail – and how to stand out
•  Smart networking that actually works 
•  Volunteering as a gateway to employment
•  How to get involved with your local chamber

Whether you are actively job hunting or just curious about how business networks can boost your prospects, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice and insider tips to help you along the way.

Links:

Find your local WorkBC Centre:
https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centres/workbc-centre-locations 

Upcoming events hosted by WorkBC Centres (check regularly for updates):
https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/workbc-centres-10873100626 

Thinking about working past the age of 55 or re-entering the job market after retirement? In this episode of Get a Job!, we dive into the realities and opportunities of job seeking as an older individual in Metro Vancouver.Joined by BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, Career Advisor Keith Goodwin from the YWCA’s Job Futures 55+ program, and senior job seeker (and former pro athlete!) Paul Portier, this conversation is packed with practical advice, from how to tailor your resume and build confidence to navigating ageism and understanding the latest work trends.You'll hear about:

• How to frame decades of experience effectively
• Strategies for building confidence after time away from the job market
• Resume and interview tips tailored to older job seekers
• Insights on part-time, full-time, and flexible work options
• Resources available through WorkBC and beyond

Whether you’re over 55 and looking for work, or simply want to stay active and purposeful in your next chapter, this episode offers guidance to help you succeed.

Links:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx
• Preparing for Job Interviews Virtual Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301424619069
• Indigenous Career Fair: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/127989598634

In honor of Disability Employment Month, we sit down with Jillian Bradley (she/her), Director of Employment Initiatives at Inclusion BC, to discuss some valuable supports and resources available to persons with disabilities who are interested in exploring their career options. This episode delves into the work of the Mentorability Project, which connects individuals with disabilities to mentors in their fields of interest. Jillian shares inspiring success stories, such as a young man transitioning into a dog grooming career and a cheerleading enthusiast living her dream with the BC Lions dance team. The episode also emphasizes early youth engagement in employment conversations, pandemic-driven virtual mentorship adaptations, and broad support for mature workers who have experienced a change in their health but want to continue in the workforce. 

Links: 

• Find your local WorkBC Centre
• Inclusion BC
• Empowering Inclusion Panel - Sept 26, 2024
• Creating Effective Resumes Virtual Workshop - Sept 26, 2024
• Journey to Employment Hiring Fair - Oct 9

In this episode of "Get A Job!", we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the job application process and how to make these changes work for you! Guests Jabeen Boga (Regional Human Resources Business Partner at Rivera Inc.) and Ebru Pinar (Employment Facilitator at WorkBC Centre Vancouver Midtown) discuss the integration of AI in evaluating resumes and cover letters, and some of the best practices for tailoring your job applications with AI. If you're curious to find out what types of employers are likely to use AI, how their ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) work, what free tools (aside from ChatGPT) are available to job seekers, how to avoid common mistakes when using AI for job search, and more, then this episode is for you! 

Links:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre
• Preparing for Job Interviews (Free virtual workshop)

Looking to start or grow your career within a dynamic, inclusive, and flexible industry? Working for a local brewery may just be the right fit for you! In this episode, we sit down with Chris Backus of Brave Brewing Company and Gil Desaulniers of Mariner Brewing Company to chat about the diverse employment opportunities that exist within their industry. Both guests share what types of roles are available (including inclusive employment opportunities through a partnership with WorkBC), what skills & certifications you might need, how to stand out from the crowd when applying to work for a local brewery, and more. Don't miss this exciting episode about a fun and unique industry that has much to offer job seekers in and around Metro Vancouver! 

Links: 

• Find your local WorkBC Centre
• Preparing for Job Interviews Workshop (Free virtual workshop on April 23rd)

Everything around us – from furniture to food products – is a result of manufacturing. It is an industry that includes a wide range of subsectors, including food and beverage manufacturing, wood manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, and many more. Despite being a broad and necessary industry, the manufacturing sector can often be overlooked by many individuals deciding on a career path or simply looking for their next job.In this episode, we chat with David Munro, Manufacturing Consortium Manager at the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, to explore this diverse industry, particularly what job opportunities are available (you may be surprised!), what to expect when working in the industry, and what the future may hold for those considering a career in manufacturing.

Links:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre
• Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
• BC Youth in Manufacturing Initiative
• WILWorks Post Secondary
• WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
• Preparing for Job Interviews: A Free Virtual Workshop
• Digitally Smart: Getting Employed Workshop Series

Based on current Indeed listings (as of October 2023), there are over 800 marketing-related positions in the Lower Mainland alone. Every business or organization carries out marketing activities, whether online (digital marketing) or through more traditional methods. While many of us may have an idea, what exactly IS marketing and what does a career in this field entail? Is it the right industry for YOU?

In this episode, we chat with Stefanie Gajdecki, Founder of Hemera Growth Group and a Digital Marketing Instructor with over 25 years of experience, about the latest trends & developments in the marketing industry, plus useful tips and tools to help you get started. If you're a creative individual with a flair for analytics and are considering a career in marketing, then this episode is for you!

Links:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx
• Hemera Growth Group (Stefanie's Vancouver-based Strategic Marketing Firm): https://www.hemeragrowthgroup.com/
• 2023 Fall Hiring Fair hosted by Career Zone (November 8, 2023 in downtown Vancouver): https://2023fallhiringfair.eventbrite.ca/

September is Disability Employment month in BC, a great opportunity to highlight the significant role people with disabilities play in the workforce. In this episode, we chat with Emily Dietrich, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager at BCAA, about why her company - like many others - values inclusive hiring and how jobseekers with disabilities can connect with accessible employers like BCAA. We also discuss ideas, tips and resources to help jobseekers with disabilities succeed in the job search process.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre:
  https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx
• Free resume workshop on Sept 19th (virtual):
  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/667920717847?aff=oddtdtcreator
• 2023 North Shore Job Fair (in-person):
  https://2023northshorejobfair.eventbrite.ca/

While building a career can be a big challenge, Indigenous jobseekers often face unique barriers to securing and maintaining employment.

In this episode, we chat with Christie Sparklingeyes, Indigenous Recruiter at Vancity, to discuss these challenges and what Indigenous job seekers can do to get on the right path with regards to career planning, landing a sustainable job, and connecting with inclusive employers in Vancouver. We’ll also look at what steps inclusive employers are taking and how organizations can tap into the Indigenous talent pool, beginning with building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.


Links:

• Find your local WorkBC Centre
• Training & Funding: ACCESS - Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society and Native Education
• Friendship Centre: Vancouver aboriginal friendship centre society
• Vancity Evergreen Posting: Career Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) at Vancity
• Christie Sparklingeyes profile on LinkedIn
• Summer Hiring Fair at Career Zone (July 5, 2023): register here
• PowerUp program: Register here.
• Find out about other YWCA Employment Programs

Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person hiring fairs and networking events are back in full swing. In Metro Vancouver alone, the past couple of months have been filled with various career fairs taking place almost every week. But what has changed, and what exactly can you expect when attending an in-person career fair these days?

In this episode, we chat with Ayesha Hirji, a recruiter at a post-secondary institution in Metro Vancouver with over five years of HR experience, and Chris Pollitt, an Employment Facilitator at WorkBC Midtown East with ten years of career coaching experience. Both guests share their insights, strategies, and best tips to help job seekers make the most out of attending in-person job fairs and networking events post-pandemic.

Links:

• Career Zone Spring Hiring Fair (April 5th from 1pm-4pm in Career Zone, downtown Vancouver): https://spring-hiring-fair.eventbrite.ca/
• Diverse Abilities Hiring Fair (April 20th from 10am-4pm in Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam): https://dahf2023-tricities.eventbrite.ca
• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

If you’re looking for a rewarding and recession-proof career in Metro Vancouver, a job in healthcare might be right for you! Over the last few years, there have been many changes in the industry, from the types of roles that have become in demand to the pathways you can take to your ideal healthcare job.

In this episode, we chat with Victoria Sapp, Senior Administrative Liaison of the Health Career Access Program (HCAP) at Fraser Health, to discuss the challenges and opportunities of entering the industry, the vital role of Health Care Aids and Community Health Workers, alternative pathways to careers in healthcare, and more!

Links:

• Contact Victoria Sapp for more info about HCAP at Fraser Health: victoria.sapp@fraserhealth.ca
• Diverse Abilities Hiring Fair (February 16th from 10am-4pm in The Pipe Shop, North Vancouver): https://dahf2023-northvan.eventbrite.ca
• Diverse Abilities Hiring Fair (March 16th from 10am-4pm in Killarney Community Centre): https://dahf2023-southvan.eventbrite.ca
• Diverse Abilities Hiring Fair (April 20th from 10am-4pm in Evergreen Cultural Centre): https://dahf2023-tricities.eventbrite.ca
• YWCA Discover Employment Program: https://ywcavan.org/ywca-discover
• YWCA Breaking Changing Gears: https://ywcavan.org/changing-gears
• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

Did you know that more than 545,100 British Columbians over the age of 15 identify as having a disability? September is Disability Employment month in B.C., and this episode is all about the importance of inclusive hiring and employment for people with disabilities. Our guest Yat Li (Senior Accessibility Consultant, Presidents Group) shares about his lived experience with a disability and navigating the job market, as well as the current labour landscape, how to disclose a disability to a potential employer, tips for finding an inclusive employer and more.

Links:

• Presidents Group: https://accessibleemployers.ca/
• Disability Inclusive Employer Self-Assessment: https://accessibleemployers.ca/resource/disability-inclusive-employer-self-assessment/
• Creating Effective Resumes - A Free Virtual Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/creating-effective-resumes-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-343319928147
• 2022 Inclusive Workplace Panel: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2022-inclusive-workplace-panel-tickets-408248782097
• PARQ x WorkBC Vancouver In-person Hiring Fair: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/parq-x-workbc-vancouver-in-person-hiring-fair-tickets-405455286677?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
• WorkBC Centre Vancouver South: https://www.workbc.ca/WorkBC-Centres/Mainland-Southwest/Vancouver-Cambie.aspx
• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

Whether you get laid off or are fired, losing a job can be a devastating time for individuals - both financially and emotionally. In this episode, we chat with Christine Campbell Rapin, CEO, Business Coach and International Best Selling Author, to discuss what steps you can take if you ever find yourself in this situation. We cover everything from self-care to how to navigate tricky questions in job interview relating to your previous position, moving forward and more.

Links:

• Preparing for Job Interviews - A Free Virtual Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preparing-for-job-interviews-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-343171684747
• PICS Surrey Mega Job Fair: https://megajobfair.ca/
• Christine Campbell Rapin: https://christinecampbellrapin.com/about
• WorkBC Vancouver Midtown East: https://www.workbccentre-vancouvermidtown-east.ca/
• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

You may have heard that Vancouver is a major film production hub, with employment opportunities in many departments behind the scenes; art, locations, camera, post-production and more. But how do you get your foot in the door? In this episode, we chat to Bob Woolsey (Administrative & Production Manager, Vancouver Film School) to demystify jobs in Vancouver’s film industry – we discuss the industry at large, the kinds of roles available, how to get started, and more.

Links:

• Creating Effective Resumes: A Free Virtual Workshop - June 21: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/creating-effective-resumes-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-275125496767
• North Vancouver Summer Hiring Fair - June 22:
• https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/summer-hiring-fair-north-vancouver-tickets-354703526797

Film Industry Resources:

• Creative BC Website: https://www.creativebc.com/services/provincial-film-commission/production-community-relations/careers-education/
• IATSE Local 891: https://www.iatse.com/membership/membership.aspx
• Vancouver Film Cooperative Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2312487970

Other links:

• WorkBC Centre North Vancouver: https://www.workbc.ca/workbc-centres/mainland-southwest/north-vancouver.aspx | 604-988-3766 | centre-northvancouver@workbc.ca
• Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

COVID-19 has impacted so much, and the job market is no exception. From new opportunities in remote work to changes in the recruiting process, there are many things that are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic times. For example, studies show that 17% of companies have already integrated AI-based technology into their HR practices and another 30% plan to do so in 2022. These HR departments are using digital technology to handle everything from screening applicants to conducting virtual interviews. In this episode, we speak to Lisa McAteer, a recruiter with over a decade of experience, and currently the Manager of Employee Engagement with Impact Recruitment. We discuss the trends she’s seeing in recruitment, and how job seekers can adapt and prepare.

Links:

Preparing for Job Interviews: A Free Virtual Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preparing-for-job-interviews-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-275135647127

MOSAIC Annual Job Fair: https://app.brazenconnect.com/a/mosaicbc/e/21kNjFy

YWCA Axis: https://ywcavan.org/axis

Many people dream about being their own boss, opening up their own business and being self-employed. A recent survey actually found that 30% of “traditionally employed” Canadians expect to transition to self-employment in the next two years. But where do you start? There’s so much to know about starting your own business and making it successful. What many people don’t know is that if you are unemployed or underemployed, there are various programs and resources you can access in BC - self-employment support is one of them. In this episode, we chat with Lynne Brisdon (Manager, Self Employment Program at YMCA of Greater Vancouver), Mike Plumb (Owner at Dusk N Dawn Adventure Co and WorkBC Centre alumni) and Andrea Welling (Regional Director BC at Futurpreneur Canada) about self employment and entrepreneurship in Vancouver, and where you can go to get help getting your business off the ground.


Links and Resources:

Who’s Hiring? Animal Logic: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/whos-hiring-animal-logic-tickets-246837295997

Who’s Hiring? Vancouver School Board: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/whos-hiring-vancouver-school-board-tickets-260625757657

2022 Vancouver Job Fair: https://app.brazenconnect.com/events/nOm9K?utm_medium=workbc-podcast&utm_source=shownotes-selfemploymentepisode&utm_campaign=2022-vancouver-jobfair7

YMCA of Greater Vancouver Employment Services, including WorkBC Self Employment Program, Self Employment for Newcomers & Youth Mean Business: https://www.gv.ymca.ca/employment-services

Futurepreneur Canada: https://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/

The Grand Connection: https://grandconnection.ca/

Immigrant Services Society of BC - Explore Entrepreneurship: https://issbc.org/service-types/explore_entrepreneurship

DiverseCity Immigrant Entrepreneur Program: https://www.dcrs.ca/our-services/employment-programs/immigrant-entrepreneur-program/

Mike’s businesses: www.duskndawn.com | Instagram: @duskndawnadventure
www.levelupdate.ca

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: www.boardoftrade.com

Greater Vancouver Food Bank: https://foodbank.bc.ca/

WorkBC Centre Midtown East: https://www.workbccentre-vancouvermidtown-east.ca/

WorkBC Centres map: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

You might have heard that COVID-19 has led to what some are referring to as the “great resignation”. Tens of thousands of people have resigned from their jobs, but this doesn’t mean they’re removing themselves from the workforce - many are taking this time to re-evaluate their work and careers. This is where training comes in. A change in career or an opportunity for career advancement often requires additional training. But what does this actually mean, and where can you go to get the training that best meets your needs? In this episode, we talk to Torfeh Jahan and Sheri Brown from WorkBC about training and what supports are available in Metro Vancouver.

- Canadian Armed Forces Virtual Job Fair: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/canadian-armed-forces-virtual-job-fair-tickets-224846851987
- Skills for Succeeding in the Workplace Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/skills-for-succeeding-in-the-workplace-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-215826572087
- Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

*** Eligibility criteria applies for WorkBC training.

It’s not uncommon for job seekers to overlook opportunities in the hospitality, tourism and/or seasonal work industries, because they believe they’re not long-term, lack stability or are thankless in nature. But how true is this? In this episode, we dispel some myths around working in these sectors, explore the advantages, the likelihood of it leading to permanent positions, what kinds of people these sectors are looking for and the jobs that are available. Niki LaFemina, Director, Talent & Culture at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, joins us.

Links referenced in this episode:

Tourism & Hospitality Hiring Fair, November 25: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tourism-and-hospitality-hiring-fair-tickets-177357219217?fbclid=IwAR0nYGcSuBaJoTmaQINffOXoS6KmNVOCQVYfXBLC0HJaWavgNY-KHvttg3g

TechLink Info Session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ywca-techlink-info-session-nov-19-23-26-free-work-experience-program-tickets-203431478027

Creating Effective Resumes Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/creating-effective-resumes-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-168150449521

Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, by the time we reach 40, half of us will have had or will develop a mental health problem. About 17% of British Columbians – somewhere around 800, 000 people – are experiencing a mental illness or substance use issue today, and the climate around COVID-19 has exacerbated the problem. This episode is all about how mental health and mental illness can impact a job search and employment sustainability, how you can recognize signs of mental health challenges and the resources you can turn to. We speak to Tareq Almughrabi (Employment Placement Specialist, WorkBC Centre) and Carly McDonell, PsyD Student at Adler University.

Links referenced in this episode:

- City of Vancouver Hiring Info Session: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/whos-hiring-city-of-vancouver-tickets-177585512047

- Preparing for Job Interviews Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/preparing-for-job-interviews-a-free-virtual-workshop-tickets-168147013243

- Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx

Did you know that more than 926,100 British Columbians aged 15 to 64 years identify as having a disability? September is Disability Employment month in B.C., and this episode is all about the importance of inclusive hiring and employment for people with disabilities.

Our guests Yat Li (Senior Accessibility Consultant, Presidents Group) and Klaudine Go (Customized Employment Specialist, WorkBC) shed light on common myths about hiring people with disabilities, and share their tips for successful employment for job seekers who have a disability.

Links referenced in this episode:

Workplace Accessibility Grant through Small Businesses BC: https://smallbusinessbc.ca/accessibility-resources

Presidents Group: https://accessibleemployers.ca/

Hiring Job Seekers with Disabilities: A free virtual panel event for Vancouver business owners/HR staff looking to diversify their hiring | Sept 21 1pm: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/hiring-job-seekers-with-disabilities-a-panel-event-for-employers-tickets-167501594779

Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspx