Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1986-11-12, Page 3NEWS AND FEATURES THE HURON EXPOSITOR, NOVEMBER 12 1986 A3 Job searching a skill in itself BY SHEILEY McPH EE -II AIST Remember the scene from the movies where a young girl goes to the big city in search of a wonderful, new career? She spots a Help W anted sign in the window, presents it to the drug store owner, is immediately hired for the job, and, goes on to live happily ever after. That situation may be suitable for after- noon matinee movie fare, but it does not realistically portray job searching in the 1980s, Kim Coulter, a career counsellor for Womanpower in London says, "We're not born with the knowledge to job search. It's a skill, it's something you learn. It's important not be hard on yourself. Job searching can be discouraging, but you're going to be rejected, that's part of job search." A group of women, from all walks of life and interests took part in a job search seminar held as part of the Women At Work Conference in Goderich recently, The half-day seminar was led by Ms. Coulter from W amen power; a career counsel- ling centre for women. W omanpower oper- ates in London as an outreach project funded by Employment and immigration Canada. It has been running for more than 12 years and provides free vocational counselling and career resources, rather, than direct job placement. Womanpower offers group counselling on self-assessment, resume writing, job inter- views, job search and non-traditional jobs and training. All of these aspects come into play in job searching. Tom Jackson, author and Manpower consultant, says, "It's not the best qualified people who get the best jobs, it's those who are the most skilled job seekers." Job searching in the 1980s has gone beyond the limits of using a bit of luck to get a job, and the "who you know" connections. Today, job searching requires education and training, experience and time. As one woman participating in the seminar noted, "Job searching can be a•fulltime job. You almost need to quit your present job to look for another." Ms. Coulter outlined a three phase plan as part of the job search strategy. PREPARING FOR THE JOB SEARCH Phase one of the plan looks at self-assess- ment and initial preparation for job search- ing. Self-assessment addresses four major points - know yourself and what you want; learn to dommunicate infu-riation about yourself; identify barriers in you, job search; have your resume prepared. "Your self-assessment means being clear about to offer," Ms. Coulter "Knhatow whau t you have to offer, be prepared and communicate this to your employer." Perhaps one of the most difficult exercises in this phase in communicating personal strengths, achievements and goals to another person, in this case an interviewer. Ms. Coulter emphasized, "You must learn to talk about your positive skills in a positive way without feeling like you're bragging or feeling embarrassment." "The way you handle yourself is as important as the information on your resume." She noted that many women have been raised to believe that self -promotion is wrong, that it is unattractive and unqualified. Many people are reluctant. to evaluate themselves and communicate both their strengths and weakness in a face-to-face situation with another person. However in an interview situation, many employers will test your ability to communicate by asking questions like "Would you like tell me a little about the jobs you have held, how they were obtained and why you left?" Interviews may also present more challenging questions like - "What is your major weakness?" Interviewers may also ask questions that you may not be comfortable with, questions in particular which infringe on personal privacy - such as marital status, dependents, age, sex, race, religion, social insurance number. While it is illegal to ask these questions that does not mean that employ- ers will not ask them in interviews. Ms. Coulter suggests, "Be prepared for these kind of questions and answer without saying `it's none of your business' or blurting out your entire personal life." She suggests answering these by posing questions to the interviewer, asking, for instance, how the employer thinks that marital status or age would effect job performance. The way you handle yourself in an interview is as important as the information you present on your resume. Ms. Coulter stresses, "know what you have to offer, be prepared and communicate this to your employer." Job searching can be a difficult task, bringing with it more than its share of rejections and disappointments. Ms. Coulter says that the average job search takes at least six to eight months. Facing barriers in the job search and overcoming them is an important part of th e three phase plan. Barriers include a wide assortment of personal problems, prejudices and opinions. They include age, the labor market, lack of confidence, lack of qualifications, sex, lack of money, lack of transportation, appearance and fear. "Fear," Ms. Coulter said, "is the underlying barrier for everyone. IL means fear of rejection, of failure. W e don't like change and we fear the risk." The effects of these obstacles include feelings of inadequacy, depression, anger, loneliness, intimidation. As Ms. Coulter noted, "it's pretty hard to get up for job searching. You may think it easier to keep your present job, or just to stay at home." However, there are solutions. Feelings of inadequacy can be overcome by recognizing past successes. Lack of confidence can be re-inforced by a keener sense of self-assess- ment and self -presentation. Many barriers can be overcome by attitude, adaptability and compromise, with yourself and with the employer. Ms. Coulter said, "You must be clear on this and what your needs are, You can't change your age, you can't change your family circumstance, if you feel that these are hurting your chances of getting a job, you'll feel that way as soon as you walk through the door and into the interview. But, you can change your attitude and you can work to prove your employer wrong." As an example, Ms. Coulter suggests telling the job interviewer something like this, "I'm competent, willing to work and I hope you don't think my age will interfere." Self -presentation is perhaps one of the most important aspects of a job interview. It is here that the employer makes his first judgement. As well, a best effort interview made on behalf of the job searcher help relieve any feelings of rejection that may occur. Ms. Coulter said, "Doing your best makes you feel that you've done everything you could. Personal power won't guarantee you a job, but it will make you feel that you did the best you could." HOW TO FIND JOBS Phase two of the job search plan looks at the labor market, the availability of work and where to find the jobs. Basically there are five main resources at hand to help in the job search. Jobs may be found through word of mouth, through newspaper ads, from the Canada Employ- ment Centre, by cold contact with businesses and by private employment agencies. Two of the five sources, word of mouth and cold contact, account for more than 75 per cent of job search success. The hidden job market" provides an ongoing daily source of employment oppor- tunities, most of which are filled by word of mouth and by direct contact from people who are seeking work. "Newspapers and the Canada Employ- ment Centre can help," Ms. Coulter explained, "but it's your responsibility to be actively looking by seeking out companies, by handing, out resumes, by talking to people and by following up on resumes." Ms. Coulter urges job seekers to "get your name and face in front of them again" in meeting with employers. She further suggests doing some home- work in preparation for job searching, by seeking out information on the businesses who you plan to contact, by making yourself fully aware of the employment possibilities and the operation of the business. "Reading and talking to people is a good way to begin your job search," Ms. Coulter noted, information may be gathered by talking with other workers, or by dealing directly with the employer. Ms. Coulter suggested, WOMEN AT WORK Kim Coulter of Womanpower In London was one of the more than half dozen speakers to take part In the Women At Work Conference held In Goderlch. The conference addressed women's employment Issues In Huron County. Ms. Coulter, co-ordinator of Womanpower, spoke on job searching skills. (McPhee-Halat Photo) "Ask for an information interview. Meet with the employer and discuss what job opportuni- ties may be available at their place. It's a good way to make contact with an employer. You gain information, experience, perhaps even a job opportunity," However. she warned, "It's not a tricky way to get a job interview. You must be up front with the employer and explain that you're job searching and seeking informa- tion. Ms. Coulter also strongly endorses the concept of networking. Through the people you know, and the people they know, your pb search may be made easier. As well, networking provides excellent support and new ideas. "You want to know as much as you can. Networking gives you psychological benefits through the support and feedback you receive." She further noted, ••Some people fear that networking means using people to get a job. but networking works as a two way street with people helping people " Ms. Coulter also suggests that 'job searchers can network amongst themselves, by building a support group of people that can share information, help prepare and compare resumes and give each other moral support CONTACTING EM PLO YF R.S How many times have you encountered the illusive boss • the employer who never returns his phone calls. the department head who is never in his office•'' How Homy tunes have you sent resumes to large busmesse+ only to find that resume never gets to the Continued on Page A 14 Rev. Simmons gets new appointment Rev. Gordon John Joseph Simmons will leave the Anglican parish of St. Paul's Church, Clinton and St. Thomas' Church, Seaforth to become rector of Canon Davis Memorial Church, Sarnia, effective Decem- ber I, 1986. Born in England. Rev. Simmons came to Canada at an early age. receiving his early education at Burgessville (near Woodstock) and Norwich. He worked in manufacturing production planning and control before entering University of Western Ontario. graduating in 1972. He was made deacon in 1975 following graduation tmm Huron College and appoint- ed assistant curate at the Church of St. John the Evangelist. Kitchener, Ordered priest in 1976. Rev. Simmons HELPING HAND — Marianne Moylan and Susy Dinsmore are both part of the Junior Volunteer program In effect at the Seaforth Community Hospital and enjoy the time they spend working at the hospital. As junior volunteers they are responsible for a large range of duties, Including general visitation with patients Ilke Velma Fischer. Mcllwraith photo Junior volunteers an alternative Continued from Page Al basis by Yvonne Kitchen, the hospital's director of nursing. They then are assigned with 8 more experienced volunteer. All lard and can be volunteers are assessed job rsuspended if they perform their careless- ly. "Unless people have a kid in the program or have been a patient in the hospital they don't even krtaw the program exists," said Mrs. Teatero. The volunteers themselves would like to see the misconception about junior volun- teers change. "Td like to see people change their minds. Td like to see them do something to help the community - not necessarily what we do - maybe even to walk down the street and pick up stuff they normally would just pass by," said Susy. • "I dont think we respect other people," said Patricia, aF pedally the older people. i think when thiyreaci a certain age, people just say, why became rector at the parish of Tyrconnell, Hospital. He has also served as padre for the Burwell Park. Dutton. West Larne and Port Royal Canadian legion. Itranch 140, Clinton Stanley in 1977. Two years later Christ For the Diocese of ilumn. Rev Simmons Church. Port Stanley became a separate has been lreurer of South Saugeen Great parish and in 1983, he moved to Clinton. Chapter. secretary of the Mumma Anglican Rev Simmons was the charter president of Clergy Credit Union. a member of the Huron uron the "Survival ThmughFriendship House"in Ilungor Fund Task Force and Anglican Goderich, or victims of fancily violence and is representative for the Southwestern ()mann a member of the Huron County Family Coalition for Development ICEI7)' Violence Task Force. Rev Sirnmons and his wife Beth. a teacher He is also president of the Huron Council with experience in curriculum development. for Action on Alcohol and Other Drugs. en have two daughters. Mary Eluaheth. a. and interagency body that operates assessment Pamela Ann. 5 They will reside in the rectory and referral services as well as providing on Russell Street. Sarnia education on these topior Rev Sirnmons The former rector. Canon W illiarlc A Jones helped to establish the inter -denominational who served at Canon Davis Memorial (*hunch chaplaincy progm.m at Clinton Public Hospi- for 27,y'ears, and his wife. Helen. have (-fnxsrn tal and has been chaplain at the Seaforth London as their retircmetd home Catholic board votes down class bother with them?" Amanda had a different attitude. While she admitted she'd like to see people change, she said right now she really didn't care if they understood her motives for doing what she is doing, or not. "i don't care if they understand. It doesn't matter to me what they think. It makes me feel good. Maybe I'm greedy but I figure if more people pin it takes away from me, and i like what rm doing," she said. "There are very few people who give their time for nothing, come in and look after a baby that has just thrown up on them, and still go home•smiling. And these kids are still smiling at the end of the day. They are very special," said Mrs. Teatero. "And the program is good for them. I 've had kids come in who are shy and on the quiet side and rve seen them grow more confident as a person. I've watched a lot of young gitys and girls become mature men and women." Anyone who would like to be a junior volunteer can call Mrs. Teatero at 527-1979. The establishment of a Beginners Class at Precious Blood School in Exeter was turned down by the Huron -Perth County Roman Catholic Separate School Board Monday in a vote of three to ten. The proposal to establish the class was made at the last board meeting on October 27 by the school's principal, Margaret Medve on the basis of ten inquiries by parents to have the children registered who will have their birthdays between January 1. 1987 and July 1 and would be eligible to be admitted to school on the first day of school Ministry following ow Sptember according rY Edu- cation regulations. Mrs. Medve said the children would be registered now to attend the present Kindergarten class of nine pupils the first of January. She said there was adequate space and equipment and adequate accommodation available on present buses. Before the vote on the Beginners Class effective January 1. 1987 to June 30 for the purpose of field testing and assessing the impact of such classes, the trustees question- ed the need of such a class or whether the children would be better off at home. They questioned whether it would be a disadvan- . tage for the younger children to be put in with Kindergarten children who had been in school for four months and they questioned whether the Kindergarten children would be held back by these beginnets. They wonder- ed if next year they would be beseiged by parents wanting a Beginners Class started in their area. TO THE EDITOR Dome Public When Chairman Ron Marcy called for the SERVICE Mall ACRD vote, only three voted yes. Tao, the board approved that the exi_stmg The board appmved a recommendation of transportation service to St Columban its Board Accommodation Review Committee School be replaced, commencing September that 5t. Columban School and St. Patrick's 1. 1987, with independent buses servicing SI School, Dublin, be reorganized commencing Columban and St. Patrick's schools only September 1987 with primary grades from Currently Grades Kindergarten to Grade 8. both schools being housed al St. Columban including Kindergarten pupils from St School (Kindergarten to Grade 3) and the Columban, attend St. Patrick's School in Junior and intermediate grades (Grade 4 to 8) Dublin while St. Columban School has pupils from both schools being accommodated at St. in Grade 1 to 8 Patrick's School Continued on Page Al t COMMUNITY NITY C ENDAR Wed. November 12 1.3 p.ms Moms and Tots Skating 1:30-4 p.m. Senior Shuffleboard 4:30-510 p.rn. Tween Ringette 5:30-4:30 p m. Atom Practice 6:30-7:30 p.m Centenaire Practice 8-9 p.m. Fitness is Fin 8-10 p m. Volleyball at High School 8-9 p.m. Minor Bmomball 9-11:30 p.m. Ladies B'oomball 5-5:30 - Dance r3-5 years) 5:30-6:30 - Dance (6-10 years 6:30-7:30 - Dance (11 years and up) 6:15 p.m. Seaforth Horticultural Society potluck supper and annual meeting, Seaforth Public School. Please bring plate and cutlery and potluck dish. Guest speaker Mr. Harrower, Blyth. Topic: window greenhouses. Everyone welcnrne. Thursday, November 13 9:30-10:30 a.m. -Fitness is Furl 4:15-5:15 p.m. Atom ii Practice 5.15-6.13 p.m. Bantam Ptactiee 6:30-7:30 p.m. Minor Broomball 7-9 p.m. Typing at High School 7:30-12 p.rn. Mens Rronmball Friday, November 14 4-5 p.m. Senior Houseleague 5-6 p.m. Junior Houseleague 6-7 p.m. Novice Practice 7-8 p.m. Ringette (Jr. Belies) 8-11 p.m Centenaires vs Lncan Saturday, November 15 71041:30 a m. North Stars vS Bruins 810-9:30 a.m. oilers vs Canadians 9:3040-10 a.ni, liths vs flyers 10:30-11:30 a.m. Penguins vs .lets 11:30-12:30 p.m. Flame's vs Whaler - 112•:10 -1 .30 p.m. Mites having reunion To all former students and teachers of Dome Public School. We are attempting to contact all former Dome Public School students and teachers. W e are having a reunion on July 31, August 1 and 2. 1987. If you have attended the school or know of the whereabouts of anyone who has, please contact our committee: Dome Public School Reunion, P.O. Box 220, South Porcupine, Ontario, F'ON 1HO. Yours truly, Fred Baraba9 Chairman Reunion Committee Saturday cont'd 1:30-210 p m Story Hour at the library 2 p m Anglican Church Samar al Parish Hall 1 30.2 30 p m Petite Ringette vs Fleeter 2 h44 4 p m Public Skating 4 p m Jungle Alive with Toronto Nature Cent re at Seeforth library Ages 7 and u'p Free admission 4.5 p m Novice vs Clinton 5-6 p m Atom 11 vs Zurich 61 5-8 p in Pee Wee vs Clinton Sunday, November 16 110-4:30 p.m ('entenaires vs Mt Rrydges 5-6 p m Tween Ringette vs F=eeler 6-7 p m Jr. Belles Ringette vs Goderich 7 8 30 p m. Canadians vs Bruins 810-10 p. in. Rangers v ,Flyers Monday, November 17 410-8:30 p m. Figure Skating 8::30-9.10 p.m. Midget Practice 7:30-910 p rn. Wood Refinishing ai High Schonl 710-9 30 p.m. Calligraphy at High School Tuesday, November 18 910.10:30 a.m Fitness is Fun 5-30-6:30 p.m. Pee Wee Practice 6.0-8 p m. Bantam vs Mitchell 8.11 p m. Centenaires vs Exeter Wed. November 19 1.3 p.m. Moms and Tots Skating 110-4 p.m. Senior Shuffleboard 2 p m. Rebekahs Euchre 410-5:30 p.m Tween Ringette p in. 3-5 years Dance • o p M. 6-10 years Dance ,) p m. 11 years and up Dance a