Finding a Job Much Easier at the Y's Job Centre

Caring Matters
Published Thursday January 17th, 2008
Appeared on page C8

Are you unemployed? Are you looking for work? Are you uncertain if your resume or your interview skills are up to date?

Why not give the Y Employment Services team a call?

Yes, you read that correctly; the Fredericton YMCA has a program to help unemployed people with their job search.

The Y's employment services program is funded by the federal government and the provincial government through the Canada New Brunswick Labour Market Development Agreement.

Finding employment can be a daunting task, even for the most knowledgeable, well-researched person. There are thousands of websites offering current job-search strategies. A quick run through any bookstore will inundate you with books of advice on Job Search for Dummies or other such titles. But often, there is more to finding employment than merely submitting your current resume. How do you tap into the hidden job market? How do you contact employers? What questions should you ask them?

All these important tips are available at the employment services centre. It offers job seekers a variety of options. There are experienced job search directors who meet each individual and make an assessment of their individual needs. Each person is then offered the opportunity to participate in a week-long workshop. The workshop has a dual purpose. First, it allows job seekers to network and realize they are not alone in their efforts to find work. Secondly, the workshop offers all the strategies to find employment in this job market. Many recommended resources may work in one environment but not in another. This workshop provides a local perspective.

The structure provides resume tips, networking opportunities, interview skills and even a mock interview to test your new-found knowledge. It is an interactive workshop where the participants are actively involved in developing their own strategy to find employment in their specific field. The question might be asked, what about job searching could possibly take a week to learn? Believe me when I tell you that the first week will get you started, but the actual process will begin once you finish the workshop and begin your search. It is a very thorough and valuable workshop.

The next question often posed is, does it work? Well, to date between 70 and 75 per cent of clients have found gainful employment.

Not for you? No worries, there is also a self-serve option if you feel you don't need the full program.

The Y also operates the Career Information Centre at 633 Queen St. This centre provides resources to clients who are job searching on their own, including tips from career information specialists. The centre makes available computers, job postings, printers, newspapers and telephones. Since last April, the centre has provided assistance to more than 1,500 clients.

If you think you have more challenges to finding employment than just writing your resume and polishing your interview skills, not to worry. The Y has it covered. If you are a youth and having trouble tapping into the job market, the federal public sector youth internship program can help. If you need a more intense program, check into the Work in Progress program also offered through the Y.

It's great to know there are people to help anyone interested in finding meaningful work. A job search can be stressful, and it's great to know you don't have to do it alone. Check out their services at the Y website at www.ymcafredericton.nb.ca or by calling 462-3090.

Cindy Sheppard is the executive director of the Fredericton Community Foundation.