Our Services

 

 
     
 
 
 

 

Services

Training

 

What We Teach

 

Communication Styles

 

Strategies to effectively communicate with others to achieve results. This training is designed to offer a foundation and framework in healthy communication skills to support participants towards building healthy work and personal relationships.

 

Job Search Club

 

A supportive weekly network in which to share job leads, community resources (training opportunities, housing, food and clothing resources) – Practice interview techniques and develop leads list for cold calling. Learn how to approach employers and discuss your strengths and abilities.

 

Components of Job Search Club Include:

 

* Exploring Career and Employment Options

* Identifying Your Learning Style

* Utilizing & Applying Transferable Skills

* Motivational Strategies & Goal Planning

* Job Retention Skills – AKA: “Setting Yourself Up for   Success”

* Resume Development & Cover Letter Writing

* Effective Interview Techniques, Practice & Evaluation

* Networking Strategies, Volunteering & Informational Interviews

* Selling Your Skills, Talents & Abilities: “The Personal Commercial”

* Job Search for Success – accessing the hidden job market and COLD CALLING!!!!

* Introduction to Labour Standards Act & Human Rights Act

* Self Esteem Building Techniques


Maximizing a Limited Budget

 

An informative workshop you don’t want to miss!

This workshop provides information on a variety of community resources available to those on a limited income. The workshop includes information on: housing options and supports, where to find free food, clothing and household items –Free entertainment and fitness resources for singles or families – How to manage a simple budget – plus you get to spend the afternoon sharing and exchanging resources and ideas with others!

Healthy Living and Crock Pot Cooking

Learn healthy ways to manage stress using breathing and focusing techniques. Learn how to prepare simple, cost effective and nutritious meals, enjoy a hot lunch and make a dessert to take home and bake. Participants leave with a recipe book and Crockpot

This workshop will not disappoint – I guarantee it!!

Food for Thought”

If you like movies, popcorn and learning ways to stay positive and motivated then sign up!

Watch movies that send a message of inspiration and hope and provoke positive thought and action. Many of the movies are based on true stories of people making a difference in the world by conquering seemingly insurmountable odds. Techniques for adapting a balanced and healthy lifestyle are introduced

 

Computer Technology Training

 

* Keyboarding Basics

* Setting up email Accounts and emailing resumes and cover letters to employers


Non-Violent Communication

 

Learn the tools necessary to communicate clearly, respectfully and calmly by applying 4 simple steps. Participants will learn to recognize how their own biases, judgments and emotions maybe preventing them from having their feelings, thought and requests acknowledged and understood by the other party. Participants are given ample time to practice their newly acquired skills and of course to ask questions.

 

Resumes

It has been said that "you have one chance to make a good first impression." When writing a resume consider design layout, font style, wording and most importantly the job you are applying for. In order to achieve the desired result, obtaining an interview and landing the job, you must tailor your resume specifically to the job you are applying for. Contact us and we will help you write that resume that will get you noticed

 

Resume & Cover Letter Development

 

 

Consider this when designing your resume….

 

First Impressions

Is the layout easy to read with ample whitespace?

Is it professionally designed?

Did you include a Qualifications Summary highlighting key skills, experience, education and accomplishments relevant to the targeted job?

Is the length appropriate 1-2 pages?

Is the font style and size consistent throughout the resume?

 

Accomplishments & Recognition

 

Are accomplishments listed utilizing strong and varied action words

Examples:

“Outstanding record in recruiting, training and motivating employees”

(MANAGEMENT)

 

“Received safety award for accident prevention and workplace safety”

(CONSTRUCTION)

 

“Consistently ranked among the top 5 Sales Reps in the company”

(SALES)

.

“Assisted with reorganizing filing system, resulting in increased efficiency for all staff”

 (ADMINISTRATION)

.

Are acknowledgments from previous employers addressed?

Examples:

.

“Recognized by management for being a natural caregiver”

(RCA)

 

“Acknowledged for perfect work attendance”

(COOK)

 

“Promoted to key-holder within 3 months of employment”

(SALES)

.

Choose between a Chronological, Functional or Combination Resume

The Chronological Resume lists your previous work experience and works backwards throughout your employment history. The Chronological resume usually covers approximately ten years of work history, highlighting skills and experience acquired from each position held. This is the most traditional resume used and often the one employers prefer. If you are applying for a similar position from the ones you have previously held then go with this resume type.

 

The Functional Resume lists skills and achievements without mention of work history. If you have a very limited work history and or large gaps in employment you may choose to use this resume format.

 

The Combination Resume is most often used for those seeking a career change from what they have previously done in the past. The combination resume highlights skills and experience pertinent to the position being applied to and also lists previous employment history.

For a more detailed description of the three resume types and to see examples please click on this link:

.

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumes/p/resumetypes.htm

.

Cover Letters

.

5 Reasons to include a cover letter with your application package:

 .

1)    Great first impression – indicates to employers that you have put thought into the company and position you are applying for

2)    Summarizes key skills, experience and accomplishments that are related to the qualifications noted in the job posting

3)    Provides an opportunity for you to showcase what you know about the company and position you are applying for.

4)    Allows you to state your personal attributes and explain why you would be a good fit

5)    It’s that little extra that just may be the deciding force that puts your application into the YES pile!

.

Cover Letter Format

.

Opening Paragraph: State clearly the position you are applying for and provide one or two sentences indicating your interest in the position

 

Body- Paragraph 1: Describe how you match all the qualifications in the position posted – provide examples as the where you demonstrated those skills in your previous employment history

 

Body- Paragraph 2: Explain why you would like to work for this particular organization and what personal qualities or attributes make you an ideal candidate for the job

 

Closing- State your interest in meeting with the employer; list your contact information and most importantly ask for the interview.

 

Sample letter

 

Nov 20, 2010

Jane Smith

Hiring Manager

ABC Collections Company.

300 -270 Riverside Drive

Victoria, BC V9T 2A3

 

Re: Collections Officer

 

Dear Ms. Smith

 

Please accept this letter and attached resume as my application for the position of Collections Officer. I have reviewed the qualifications for the position and believe my clear and direct communication style would be an asset for this position.

 

I have demonstrated strengths in communicating well with both co-workers and the general public. While employed at The Fix It Store, I was often called to the customer service desk to address customer concerns and dissatisfactions. My supervisors frequently acknowledged my exceptional ability to calm difficult and irate customers. Recently I received my Microsoft Office certification at Camosun College and have consistently demonstrated my proficient knowledge of Word, Excel and Access throughout my employment history.

 

It would be a pleasure to work for ABC Collections, a company so dedicated to environmental practices and who recently received an award for implementing a minimal paper policy. I am a highly energetic person who enjoys cycling to work and who thrives in a busy and dynamic work environment.

 

I am very interested in expanding my knowledge and skills set and look forward to contributing to the continued success of your organization. I can be contacted at 250 778-9000 to arrange an interview.

 

 

Thank you,

Sincerely,

 

Sally Sakora

 

 

 

Coaching

 

Job Development

 

We offer professional Job Development Services – Our expert coaches support our clients with professional and personal development resources and strategies. Our expert coaches are well connected to the business community and have developed relationships with employers across all industries including:


Healthcare

Computer/IT

Communications

Administration

Service & Hospitality

Trades & Labour

Education


We work side by side with our clients to develop action plans and coaching strategies specifically tailored to personal and professional goals.


Services Include:


Career exploration for those in career transition

Personal learning assessments to determine best learning strategies

Information on government and public funded training programs

Professional Cover letter and Resume development

Business Card development

Assistance with uploading online application packages and formatting documents for email

Facilitation of networking opportunities – (We are a member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce)

Generating lists of employers & businesses to contact

Interview skills coaching & assistance with preparing for the interview

Portfolio development assistance

Ongoing encouragement and support – we are an email or phone call away- even on the weekends!

Cutting edge coaching strategies on planning, goal setting and confidence building

Assistance with filling out application forms

 

Coaching

 

We provide on the job support, training and most importantly encouragement to those who have been unsuccessful in maintaining / finding employment or who are re-entering the workforce after an extended absence due to injury or disability. We provide job placement opportunities, constructive feedback, and support a smooth and successful transition back to work.

 

Additional Services

 

Depending on the specific needs of the client, our services can be tailored to best support a successful outcome

On the job coaching to ensure a successful transition into employment

Mapping bus routes

Wake up calls

Online training

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

~ Wayne Gretzky