COMPASS

COMPASS ~ Getting the Job You Want

Finding your way...

in the world of work!

MCC BC Employment & Community Development (ECD) was established in 1990. Its purpose is to enable people and communities toward economic self-reliance by empowering them to discover their gifts, develop their abilities, and mobilize resources to find sustainable work.

MCC Employment & Community Development department offers career exploration, job search programs (and more) in the Central Fraser Valley, in Richmond and in Vancouver.

More information here: www.findingyourway.ca

Steady employment growth expected in the new year

TORONTO, December 28, 2011 – For the third year in a row, an increased number of employers plan to add full-time, permanent headcount with a continued emphasis on hiring in technology and revenue-producing fields. Information Technology was the top functional area employers said they will be recruiting for in 2012 as they focus on innovation. Thirty-seven per cent plan to add IT positions in the New Year.

The top ten functional areas for recruitment include: >>more

The Resume of the Future | Online College Tips - Online Colleges

The Resume of the Future | Online College Tips - Online Colleges.

Sun survey shows most do plan to work past 65

Sun survey shows most do plan to work past 65.

Working beyond the age of 65 the new 'retirement' reality: poll

Working beyond the age of 65 the new 'retirement' reality: poll.

Opinion: Retirement dreams slipping away

Opinion: Retirement dreams slipping away.

The Top Eight Rules of Networking

Networking is a critical part of any job hunt, yet it's probably the easiest thing to get wrong. Using living, breathing connections works better than blindly sending out resumes over the Internet, but for many, approaching people they don't know for help finding or getting a job is uncomfortable and nerve wracking.

Knowing a few etiquette guidelines can help you keep your conduct aboveboard, and perhaps ease a few fears about putting yourself in front of the well-connected.  Source.

Dealing with Under-Employment

It certainly can be frustrating not to be able to find a position relevant to your training and interests. However, with a good job search plan, there can certainly be hope of landing in a more satisfying role. Consider some challenges and some suggestions…Source.

Generation unlucky

Landing that first career position has never been easy. But the labour force's youngest cohort seems to have some legitimate grievances....Source.

Reinventing a career pays off

Going back to school after spending several years in the workforce can be intimidating for anybody, no matter what you're background... but once you decide on a clear direction - just do it...Source

Disturbing Job Ads: 'The Unemployed Will Not Be Considered'

Still waiting for a response to the 300 resumés you sent out last month? Bad news: Some companies are ignoring all unemployed applicants.  Source

NOC 2011

Statistics Canada has just released the new National Occupational Classification 2011.  Click here for details.

Five keys to dealing with conflict

Conflict doesn't have to be a part of your daily life - and can actually help resolve long-standing issues.

Tim Scudder, author of Have a Nice Conflict and a workplace consultant, says the secret is understanding the five keys to conflict and how to resolve them...Source.

Canada’s Love Affair with Online Social Networking Continues | Ipsos

Canada’s Love Affair with Online Social Networking Continues | Ipsos.

Low-literacy adults to increase 25% by 2031: report

By 2031, more than 15 million Canadian adults — three million more than today — will have low literacy levels, the Canadian Council on Learning says in the report released Wednesday....Source.

Youth Keep Working, Abbotsford

The YKW group is working through the Essential Skills Online Training program this week. Congratulations to Chris, David, Kelsey, Christen, Chelsea, Matt, and Nick.

BC Newsroom

BC Newsroom.

Canadian CEOs more likely to eye older workers as potential recruits

Canadian CEOs more likely to eye older workers as potential recruits.

New Career Explorer on hrcouncil.ca

Today we’re pleased to announce the launch of a new tool on hrcouncil.ca that isn’t designed for managers, executive directors or board members who are already in the sector (although they may find it useful). It’s a Career Explorer for people who are considering making their first (or next) career move in the nonprofit sector.  Source...

Canada Post workers could strike at midnight - Canada - CBC News

Canada Post workers could strike at midnight - Canada - CBC News.

6 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Commute

6 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Commute.

6 Ways to Make the Most Out of Your Commute

Job Interview Tips for 50+ Workers

PLANNING Your Job Search!

PLANNING Your Job Search!.

Targeting Companies vs. Job Boards For Your Job Search!!!

Targeting Companies vs. Job Boards For Your Job Search!!!.

5 Job Search Tasks to Do TODAY!

5 Job Search Tasks to Do TODAY!.

When a university degree just isn’t enough

The bachelor of arts was once a distinction that opened the gates to myriad options and rewarding jobs. But the BA’s sheen has worn away, to the point where even many of those who choose to complete one see it only as a stepping stone to the degree they really need.  Source.

Find a Career in Search Engine Optimization

Looking to buy an MP3 player? Need to do research for your term paper on Egyptian pyramids? Hunting for a summer job? Whatever the case, the first place you'll probably turn to is the web.

But scrolling through endless pages of hits isn't practical. Most of us go through the top 10 listings, maybe the top 20. So in the last few years, companies have started competing to show up at the top of search engine results to get your attention and your business...Source

7 Ways To Ask For The Job At Interview's End

What do you do at the end of an interview?

Everyone tells you to ask for the job … but few people will tell you how to ask for it.

Many job seekers take a passive approach and just don’t ask for the job. There are not many situations where a passive approach works well and is often interpreted in a lack of interest in the job.

Read more on the Simply Hired Blog: http://blog.simplyhired.com/2011/03/7-ways-to-ask-for-the-job-at-interviews-end.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mar22#ixzz1MXERAAIZ

Age Of The Unretired | Baby Boomers Retirement | BCBusiness

Age Of The Unretired | Baby Boomers Retirement | BCBusiness.

Older Workers Turning Age Into Sage | Baby Boomers in the Workplace | BCBusiness

Older Workers Turning Age Into Sage | Baby Boomers in the Workplace | BCBusiness.

Shifting focus a lot at work could wreck your diet

People who continually change gears to do different tasks may find it reduces their concentration and self-control in other areas of their lives.  Source.

Creating a Workplace Play Policy | Google's 20 Per Cent Time | BCBusiness

Creating a Workplace Play Policy | Google's 20 Per Cent Time | BCBusiness.

Employees say show us the green, and the commitment to green

A new survey finds that more than 6 in 10 full-time workers think an employer’s impact on the environment is vital when evaluating whether to work there. That’s about the same percentage of people who think looking at their profit margin is important.  Source.

Your work wardrobe 101 : The Work Buzz

Your work wardrobe 101 : The Work Buzz.

7 secrets for a smarter job search : The Work Buzz

7 secrets for a smarter job search : The Work Buzz.

How to Welcome New Employees | Recruiting and Employee Management | BCBusiness

How to Welcome New Employees | Recruiting and Employee Management | BCBusiness.

Steal these ideas to become a great employer

Here’s how to know if you are a great employer (or how to become one if you are not)...Source

Travel Agents in the Internet Age

Nowadays, it just takes a few clicks to book that all-inclusive tropical vacation or that relaxing weekend getaway. But even with the conveniences of online travel booking, more and more consumers are trekking back to traditional travel agents.  Source

Integrate generations at workplace: Expert

Bridging the different values between Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials has become a priority among managers who fear fault lines are threatening productivity and undermining growth. Most of the literature recommends we harmonize strengths and mitigate weaknesses and create an environment of understanding. This sounds good, but there might be another way to look at this.  Source

Feeling unmotivated? HR managers say it’s the boss’s fault

If employees aren’t motivated, it’s poor management that is to blame, a new survey suggests.  Source

Service Business Opportunities for Baby Boomer and Elderly

Canada's baby boomer population is ranked third in the world in population and therefore provides a large market for products and services that need to be filled over the next 18 years. This group's health, mobility, and increasing average life trend are factors for a growing market.

According to Small Business BC's Research Analyst, Mark Eversfield, some of the business types that serve the boomer generation include: fitness, cuisine, and health related businesses like vision care, orthotics, and treatments for mobility issues such as arthritis. Because of their financial resources and the flexibility that comes with retirement, he also mentions that travel tour services are of interest to this demographic.  Source.

My dad says he's looking for work, but he plays computer games all day

My dad got laid off from work almost a year ago. He says he’s been looking for a job, but all he seems to do is play on the computer with my mom for upwards of 15 hours a day.

I’m more stressed about their retirement than they are. I’m scared they’re relying on me to bail them out but my wife and I aren’t willing or financially able to help them when the hammer falls. What can I say to snap them out of this?  Source.

Shaw cutting 500 jobs

Shaw Communications Inc. (SJR.B-T20.34-0.30-1.45%), the Calgary-based cable giant, is slashing more than 500 jobs across its operations as it tries to maintain its profit margins in the face of fierce competition -- from the VP level all the way down to a call centre in Saskatoon...Source

Bad job worse for health than no job: study

A low-paid short-term job can be as harmful to a person's mental health as no job at all, researchers in Canberra, Australia, have found. Source.

Confronting Workforce Scarcity

Confronting Workforce Scarcity.

Confronting Workforce Scarcity

How to help the older worker left behind in the recovery?

While the economic recovery has succeeded in creating jobs and lowering the overall unemployment rate in Canada, the prospects for unemployed older workers remain bleak...Source

In Today's Economy, Change Must Be Embraced

Stepping into change takes a huge shift in thinking.  Most people admit to not knowing how to effectively handle unsettling events that cause change in their workplaces...Source.

Identify Your Future in Biometrics

Biometrics is more than 20 years old. However, new technology and security issues have brought it to the forefront...Source.

Do Forest and Lumber Workers Have a Sustainable Future?

Just as forests go through cycles -- old trees die and new ones grow -- so do the jobs that keep forests alive and thriving. During the recent economic slump, the forest and lumber industry was hit hard. And that could be scary news if you're interested in entering the field.   But experts say a downturn is actually a good time to consider a job in this field...Source.

Opportunities in Hazardous Waste Removal

Few kids dream of working in hazardous waste removal. It's a dirty job, but someone's got to do it. And the industry is hoping more kids will want to. Source...