Quote of the Week

Job Find Club - April

Job Finding Club April 8^th -26^th 

Pre-session for Wed. April 3^rd at 9:30am 

Book into this introductory workshop no later than Tues. April 2^nd by 2pm. 

Day of Mourning: Remember the Dead, Commit to Prevention

ONE MONTH TO THE DAY OF MOURNING FOR WORKERS INJURED OR KILLED IN THE WORKPLACE Remembering lives lost or injured in the workplace In 2011, 919 workers in Canada lost their lives to a disease or injury they incurred from work-related causes. Even more disturbing, is that eight of those who died were teenagers; twenty-six were between the ages of twenty and twenty-four years. There are close to three work-related deaths each day in Canada - each one leaving a trail of pain for the families impacted by the loss of a husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son or daughter. And most - if not all - are fatalities that could have been prevented. To honour those workers across the country whose lives have been lost, who have been injured or disabled on the job, or suffer from occupational diseases, April 28th has been set aside as the National Day of Mourning. The Day of Mourning is an opportunity not only to remember, but also for employees and employers to publicly renew their commitment to preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths and making workplaces safe and healthy for all. This day of observance was established when the Workers Mourning Day Act was passed in December 1990. Since that time, various events are organized each year by labour organizations across the country to express remembrance for the family, friends, and colleagues who have suffered in carrying out workplace duties. The Canadian flag on Parliament Hill will fly at half-mast. Workers will light candles, don ribbons and black armbands, and observe moments of silence. Over the years, the day of observance known in most other countries as the Workers' Memorial Day, has spread to over 75 countries and is now an international day of remembrance of workers killed in incidents at work, or by diseases caused by work. In addition, the International Labour Organization (ILO) celebrates the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28th to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. Up close and personal Statistics can be impersonal and cold. But the stories of real life people who have suffered the loss of a limb or a loved one from a work-related injury bring the statistics to life and put faces to the numbers. To this end, CCOHS has recorded podcasts with two victims of workplace tragedies who share their personal journeys. Bill Bowman lost his arm as a young worker. Now, decades later he shares his story of loss and how he and his family were impacted by this life altering injury. Listen to this nine-minute podcast: Workplace Injuries: A Personal Story. Shirley Hickman's life changed forever when her son Tim was killed on the job just shy of his twenty-first birthday. Shirley shares her painful journey and what inspired her to create the Threads of Life organization, which supports workers and their families who are affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths. Listen to this nine-minute podcast: Shirley Hickman - A Mother's Story. The CCOHS website has more information about the National Day of Mourning. For further statistical information, visit AWCBC National Work Injuries Statistics Program. Update your Facebook page with the free Day of Mourning cover images. Find a Steps for Life walk in your community. SOURCE: http://www.ccohs.ca/newsletters/hsreport/issues/2013/03/ezine.html

Good Friday and Easter Monday

We are closed Friday, March 29, 2013 and Monday, April 1, 2013.

We will re-open on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 8:30 am.

Keyboards

From the Employment and Learning Computer Lab:

Though rarely discussed, it is actually somewhat important to remember that all keyboards are different. Whatever the brand name of the computer, or whether it’s a desktop or a laptop keyboard, the spacing and shape of the keys are proprietary to the company, so there will be changes in each one. For example, on desktop computers, the keys are more raised, so it takes an extra touch to press them than on the laptops. Also, laptop keys tend to be closer together and on some, may not have the number keypad on the right side, so you have to rely on the number keys on the top row.

But it is not just the spacing between the keys that is different, it is also the placement of them. On most desktop computers, for example, the main text and number keys are separate by a gap from the function keys at the right (Insert, Home, Delete, etc.), and then the numeric keypad.  However, on the laptop, the configuration can be different, with the keys all crammed together.

The reason to mention this is that keyboards take some getting used to, even if you are comfortable on your own. When taking a typing test at a job interview, it is a good idea to use the opportunity to practise before you take the test, so you can feel more comfortable, and make fewer errors.

Speaking of typing test errors, note that it is better to leave the mistake and continue going than to correct it. In the time it takes to make the change to a mistake that will be one keystroke deducted from the final tally, you could have possibly typed more than the one letter.

Quote of the Week

Informational Interviews

Informational Interviews are an excellent way for the job seeker to learn about a job or profession and an important step in the process of getting hired.

Informational interviews differ from job interviews, because you are in charge.  You are the one asking the questions; as such you need to be prepared.  You need a goal and you need a plan.  Your ultimate goal might be to find a job, but you might also have smaller or short term goal of finding out about the job or the employer to see if you are interested in doing the job.  Informational interviews can also help you develop a network of professional contacts and they can help you develop confidence when you have actual job interviews. 

You should conduct each informational interview as the professional appointment it is.  You should dress accordingly, you should be polite, respectful and on time.  And most importantly, you should be prepared.  In order to assist you in preparing here are ten very general questions you may wish to ask:

1.      How do people get into this field?

2.      What do you like or not like about your job?
3.      How did you get into the field?
4.      What degree or certificate do employers look for?
5.      What kind of work/internship/volunteer experience would employers look for in a job applicant?
6.      What are the most important personal characteristics and values a person needs to be successful in the field?
7.      What are some related occupations?
8.      What are the important "key words" or "buzz words" to include in a resume or cover letter when job hunting in the field?
9.      Do you have any advice for someone entering the field?
10.  Do you know anyone else I could interview regarding the field?

After the informational interview go home and do the following things:

1.      Take notes and/ or review your notes and write up a summary of your findings, including who you might also interview.
2.      Thank the interviewer for his time and insight in writing (hand written or email).