CONTENTS

A C E Y O U RI N T E R V I E W

A S K A C A S EM A N A G E R

D I G I T A LG A T E K E E P E R S

OCTOBER 8, 2015

the LEAD Sheet

NEXT ISSUE:OCTOBER 22, 2015

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By Kate Wiley

As we gather round the table this timeof year, our thoughts often turn to

people less fortunate, particularly those inour midst. Emergency shelters experience aspike in donations and volunteer contribu-tions. Yet despite the seasonal surge in empa-thy, homelessness comes with a heavy helpingof social stigma. Many in society perceivepeople who are homeless as too lazy, too ill,or too addicted to find work.

“Research shows about half of people expe-riencing homelessness have mental health orsubstance challenges,” says Kelsi Stiles, Act-ing Executive Director of the Greater VictoriaCoalition to End Homelessness. “In reality,the primary challenge is poverty, the inabilityto afford housing while on social assistance orexperiencing a temporary crisis.”

Kelsi points out that a lot of people in shel-ters have had injuries that prevent themfrom doing the jobs they were trained to do.

(Continued on page 6)

WILL WORK

TO END HOMELESSNESS

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 2October 8, 2015

Reprinted with permission from Freshgigs.ca

When you’re job hunting, it’s only natural to want toappear eager to win over potential employers and

land a new gig. But if you don’t invest the time to ensurethat a company is the right fit for you, that new job canquickly become a nightmare.

You can learn a lot about an organization by researchingonline, asking the opinions of people who have worked thereand through the interviewprocess itself. However, asurefire way to get the infor-mation you need to decidewhether a company is right foryou, is to come to the inter-view prepared with purposefulquestions. We canvassed fivetalent and recruitment profes-sionals to share some of thebest questions former candi-dates have asked.

Leaders often ask this ques-tion to candidates to test competency on empathy, team-work, and the ability to tie it back to positive performanceoutcomes. I think it is a great question to reciprocate as po-tential employees as you are of course looking for the samethings from your leaders themselves. It also adds an opportu-nity for humanizing storytelling and style approaches whichare great alignment insights for you to walk away with.

If you are more on the investigative side of the role andculture, you’ll get a strong sense of how the leader (of theteam you are considering) deals with stressful situations andrecognizes achievement. The answer should give you a strongglimpse of culture without asking “can you please describethe culture here?”

— Submitted by Peter Reek, Owner and President at Smart,Savvy + Associates

If I could only ask onequestion during an interview,it would be this one. It notonly indicates that I am in-terested in the goals of theorganization, it also providesme an idea of where I fitwithin the department, howmuch thought went into therole, if the opportunity alignswith my career goals, and itmay give me an understand-ing of growth opportunitiesand why the position is va-cant.

As an aside, one of my least recommended questions is “isthere opportunity for growth?” More often than not employ-ers see it as an indication that a candidate is already thinkingabout what’s next, rather than the position at hand.

— Submitted by Laura Milne, Founder of CandHR

(Continued on page 3)

“If I could only ask onequestion during an interview,it would be this one. It not

only indicates that I aminterested in the goals of theorganization, it may give mean understanding of growthopportunities and why the

position is vacant.”

— Submitted by Ambrosia Vertesi, Global VP Human Re-sources Leader at Hootsuite

3worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caOctober 8, 2015

I ask that question because it gets peo-ple talking about multiple things such asthe work environment, organization struc-ture, practices, culture, team, manage-ment style, etc. By the way they answerthe question, you can tell what’s impor-tant to them and how they operate on aday-to-day.

— Submitted by Jasmin Kesmez, HRGeneralist at PlentyOfFish Media Inc.

If a hiring team is really interested inyou, this engages in meaningful conversa-tion, telling you as the candidate thatthey’ve put thought into exactly whatthey’re looking for, what type of valuesthey uphold, and that they’re thinkingabout each candidate uniquely — not justtrying to fill a position. If the answer isgeneric (ie. You have 5+ years in customersuccess, and we need someone with expe-rience), or if they have to get back to me,it shows that they’re not looking for some-one as passionate as I am about deeplyrooted values between an employee andemployer.

— Submitted by Kendra Moroz, Directorof Customer Engagement at 7Geese

FreshGigs.ca specializes in Marketing, Com-

munications and Creative jobs in Canada.

Got a story to share? Your success could in-

spire others. Email kwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

(Continued from page 2)

Sales, Services 190

Get employment support inyour community

WorkBC Employment Services Centres offer arange of services that support job seekers to find

and maintain employment.To find the WorkBC Centre near you, visit workbccentres.ca

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 4October 8, 2015

Once the Internet became an important business tool,there was a brief window of time where a tech-savvy

job seeker could make some hay. Company web sites that hadcareer sections, job postings and sometimes even a list ofmanagers was all a dedicated person needed in order to goabout building networks and applying for jobs.

Sure, there was no social media — no twitter feeds orLinkedIn profiles — but it wasn’t required. Somebody whowas motivated and had a little bit of technological under-standing could use the Internet to research a company and toconnect with decision makers.

But it wasn’t long before companies, large and small, real-ized that they could use the evolving Internet and the powerof online databases and forms to turn the recruiting and hir-ing process into one that relied less on humans and more onautomated processes fed by algorithms and keywords.

In the process, HR departments have shrunk making it evenmore difficult to connect with somebody who can offer direc-tion and advice.

There are many companies and organizations that require ajob seeker to apply online. There is no option to mail, dropoff or even email a resume. There is no turning back on this.Employers managed to streamline an imperfect process. Theway hiring takes place now is not improved though — it’s justsignificantly different.

There are two obvious ways that a job seeker can note this

trend in action. The first is through an online applicationform which supplants a paper one. After providing basic in-formation and an employment history, job seekers can beasked dozens of questions that cover work attitudes and be-haviours. The same question can be asked in 3 or 4 differentways to look for inconsistencies. Sometimes these tests aretimed. Doing an anonymous practice run before completingthis type of application would be a good approach.

Another way this trend manifests itself is when an organiza-tion has an online application process that requires the jobseeker to register for an account before uploading a resume. Ihave known people who registered with companies who dothis and applied for countless jobs they were well-qualifiedfor, but never had an interview. It can be a mystery as to whosees our resume (if anybody) after one applies in this way.

Oddly enough, the way for a job seeker to fight this changein the hiring process is through the use of more technology.Even though a company may claim that all of the hiring pro-cess takes place through the transfer of digital information,this is not always the case. Relationship building will alwaysplay an important role when it comes to who gets a job offerand who doesn’t.

Networking, whether it is done in person or through socialmedia has become even more important. Establishing thatonline presence and building and fostering a brand can leadto that cup of coffee or that informational interview withsomeone within an organization who can go to bat for us.

Since companies are forcing job seekers to forgo attemptsat human contact and just apply online, it can be temptingfor people to simply take the path of least resistance andcontinue to fire off resumes, one after the other, into theblack hole of the digital realm. The path of least resistancehowever is seldom the one that offers the most potentiallearning opportunities.

For links to resources and an archive of this column checkout worklink.bc.ca/category/tech-tips

By Tony Abbis

TECHNOLOGY JOBS

Reliable Controls has an opening for a Quality Assur-ance Analyst in Victoria. Qualifications include testingexperience of embedded products and software and aComputer Science, Software or Computer Engineering de-gree. Find this job and more like it at viatec.ca/jobs.

Go2mobi is looking for a Junior Developer. Experiencewith PHP, MySQL, HTML, JavaScript and CSS is required.Candidate must be comfortable with working in a fast-paced, startup environment and ready to commit to 40hrs/week. Details at go2mobi.com/careers.

5worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caOctober 8, 2015

SOCIAL & HEALTH JOBS

Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoriaseeks a Grounds Helper. The success-ful candidate will have the ability toperform physical work outdoors invaried weather conditions. Previousexperience with grounds keeping andgeneral duty cleaning is an asset. Ap-ply online at indeed.ca.

SPUD.com is looking for a Packerat its Victoria location to work 6am -2pm, Tuesday - Friday, starting im-mediately. Ability to lift up to 50 lbsand work in a cooler is required. Ex-perience in a warehouse setting ispreferred. FoodSafe Level 1 mandato-ry. Apply online at indeed.ca.

Sea Cider Farm Ciderhouse in Sid-ney is hiring a Cider OperationsTechnician. Five years’ operational

experience in winemaking, cidermak-ing, brewing, orcharding, farming,horticulture, lands is required. Moreinformation at indeed.ca.

Pacifica Housing Advisory Associa-tion seeks a Maintenance Workerwith the ability to perform basicbuilding maintenance including elec-trical, plumbing and carpentry. Musthold (or be willing to obtain) a basicFirst Aid certificate. View the full jobdescription at pacificahousing.ca >Join Our Team.

Slegg Building Materials has open-ings for Receiver and an experiencedForklift Operator. Qualifications in-clude a broad knowledge of buildingsupplies. Application details atworkbc.ca. Expires Oct. 31.

Westshore Towing has an opening for a full-time, con-tract Driver. Candidate should have Class 1 or 3 BCDL withair. Must have experience in light duty, medium dutywrecker and deck truck. Must reside in Colwood or Lang-ford or have accommodations while on duty. Search theclassifieds at usedvictoria.com. Expires Oct. 31.

Proline Roofing & Gutters seeks a Construction Laborer(Assistant). The ideal candidate has a vehicle and personaltools (ie. belt, hammer, knife, gloves, steel toed foot-wear, etc.) as well as valid fall protection and first aid,and is comfortable working at heights as required. Searchthe classifieds at usedvictoria.com. Expires Oct. 31.

Best Buy Victoria is hiring an InHome Repair TV & Appliance Tech-nician with 3+ years’ experience indiagnosis and repair of multi brandappliances. Qualifications include aConsumer Electronics Diploma /Cer-tificate from a recognized institu-tion. Go to bestbuy.ca > Careers.

Sushi Field Restaurant in Victoriais looking for a Sushi Cook withmore than 3 years of commercialcooking experience. Japanese foodcooking experience is an asset butnot an essential requirement forthis position. More information atworkbc.ca.

Islands West Produce is hiring aDelivery Driver - Class 3 with airbrakes. Food Safe Level 1 required.More information at workbc.ca. Ex-pires Oct. 24.

Beacon Community Services has an opening for Employ-ment Services & Supports Team Lead/Lead Facilitator.Qualifications include a post-secondary education in relat-ed field and/or combination of education and experience(Adult Education or Career Counselor Certification pre-ferred) and a minimum of 5 years’ experience workingwith individuals with barriers to employment. BeaconCommunity Services is also hiring a full-time Licensed

Practical Nurse. More information at beaconcs.ca > Em-ployment. Open until filled.

North Douglas Preschool is hiring a full-time Early Child-hood Educator. Must be a certified and Licensed as anEarly Childhood Educator in British Columbia with 2-3years of work experience as an ECE. Application detailscan be found at workbc.ca.

TRADES JOBS

MANUFACTURING & FACILITIES JOBS

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 6October 8, 2015

Re-training and finding work will take alot longer for someone coping with adisability and homelessness. BlaineSparvie is on disability but has re-mained employed as a casual workerfor more than a decade thanks to theCommunity Casual Labour Pool, a not-for-profit employment referral serviceaffiliated with the Victoria Cool AidSociety. He considers himself a “movingspecialist” but has worked a wide vari-ety of jobs, from warehousing to demo-lition.

“No matter what the job, I’m doing

the best I can, which is my priority,”

says Blaine, who is frequently called

back to the site for more work after a job well-done. He en-

joys the diversity of the tasks and the flexible schedule. Some

workers use the Labour Pool to supplement a primary income

or to connect with employers in a field where they seek more

experience, such as construction. And because the workers

are paid in cash, they have immediate access to the earned

money and can buy provisions for lunch or pay for a shower

once the shift ends.

Wendy Stone, the Labour Pool’s Program Coordinator, esti-

mates about a quarter of people accessing the Cool Aid shel-

ters are employed at least part time. “The majority of the

people we help are trying to do more with their lives,” says

Wendy. “It’s really challenging to work successfully without

having housing, but people do it.”

“Housing is the critical piece,” says Kelsi. “Once a person

has a house, then they are able to focus on all those other

elements — physical and mental health and employment.”

Making a good impression at an interview requires a decent

night’s rest, a shower, suitable clothes, and a full stomach,

all of which are in short supply when you’re living on the

streets. Then there is the added challenge of applying to jobs

online, when access to computers is limited to the business

hours kept by libraries and resources centres.

During its 15+ years in operation, the Cool Aid’s CommunityCasual Labour Pool has helped hundreds of workers find op-portunities to earn income. With the work, which is largelytemporary, comes additional experience, skills, employmentreferences and the confidence to pursue regular employment.“Employment is an incredible tool for a person to realize theyare part of a community, to feel validated,” explains Wendy.

“It also builds self-esteem by allowing that person to makechoices about what to purchase; it’s very empowering.”

Some 170 employers utilized the Labour Pool last year, andWendy says many are repeat clients. Often they’ll retainworkers for years after the initial contact is made. A wide

range of jobs can be filled by the Labour Pool workers, in-cluding farm help, carpentry, cleaning services and data en-try. To make a request, call 250-388-9296 or emaillabour@CoolAid.org. More information can be found atcoolaid.org.

October 11 to 17 is Homelessness Action Week and TheGreater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness is asking resi-dents to donate much needed winter items and everyday es-sentials. For more information and a list of drop-off locations,visit victoriahomelessness.ca.

Kate Wiley is editor of the Lead Sheet. Contact her atkwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

(Continued from page 1)

Community Casual Labour PoolA Community Casual Labour Pool worker does landscaping and yard work. Local contrac-tors and businesses use the Labour Pool to hire general and skilled labourers.

“Employment is anincredible tool for a person

to realize they are partof a community,

to feel validated.”– Wendy Stone, Program Coordinator

Community Casual Labour Pool

7worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caOctober 8, 2015

PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE JOBS

Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce seeks an Ac-count Representative. The role demands an above aver-age understanding of the needs of small business, thepressures they face and how best The Chamber can assistthem. Go to victoriachamber.ca > Chamber > Job Oppor-tunities. Deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Chandler Assisted Living in Victoria has an opening for afull-time Data Entry Operator. Successful candidates willbe asked to undertake a typing test to assess typing speedand accuracy. On the job training will be provided. Applyonline at indeed.ca.

StarFish Medical is hiring a Logistics Coordinator withexperience in international shipping. FEDEX Manager /UPSWorld Ship systems experience required. More informationat starfishmedical.com/jobs.

Konica Minolta is recruiting an Account Executive inVictoria with some sales experience in a B2B environment.A university or college degree in Business is an asset. Ap-ply online at careers.konicaminolta.ca.

Agropur Cooperative is looking for an AdministrativeAssistant. Qualifications include five years’ experience ina similar administrative position and solid knowledge ofcomputers and computer applications. Find the completejob listing at bcjobs.com.

Beacon Community Services is filling a one-year positionfor a full-time Scheduling Manager position. Qualifica-tions include a level of education, training and experienceequivalent to a two year diploma in Business, Administra-tion, Human Resources, or Health Information, or relateddiscipline. Find out more at beaconcs.ca > Employment.

Better Choice Staffing is recruiting a Dental Reception-ist. Must have previous experience working in a dentaloffice, as well as knowledge of dental terminology, proce-dures and diagnosis. Details at workbc.ca.

Sooke PocketNews is building its Sales Team. Work on apart-time basis from home. Experience creating animatedgifs and previous cold-calling sales experience preferred.More information at sooke.pocketnews.ca > Jobs.

Fantan Group is looking for a Finance and Administra-tion Coordinator. Prior experience with an accountingsoftware (preferably QuickBooks) and an understanding ofbookkeeping principles are an asset. Find the completelisting at workbc.ca. Expires Oct. 15.

StarFish Medical has an opening for a Principal Mechan-ical Engineer with Bachelor, Masters or PhD in Engineer-ing, Applied Science or Science. Five-15 years of technicalexperience in Product Development would be an asset.More information at starfishmedical.com/jobs.

Megson FitzPatrick is hiring full-time Autoplan Agents.Preference will be given to candidates with fundamentalsof Insurance and/or Level 1 insurance license. An openingalso exists for a Personal Lines Account Manager. Learnmore at bcjobs.com.

Wood Travel and Cruise in Sooke seeks a Receptionist/Junior Travel Consultant. Application details atsooke.pocketnews.ca > Jobs.

Better Choice Staffing is looking to recruit an OfficeManager for one of its clients in Victoria. Learn more atworkbc.ca. Expires Oct. 30.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distanthills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again.

— Hal Borland

Staples is hiring a full-time Retail Manager. Three yearsof retail management experience is required with directaccountability for achieving sales and service targets. Suc-cessful completion of high school is preferred. Find thecomplete job requirements at globalcareers.staples.ca.

Sooke’s new pub-style restaurant, Route 14, is lookingfor a full-time/part-time Server with experience. Servingit right certificate is required. Foodsafe Level 1 is a bo-nus. Go to sooke.pocketnews.ca > Jobs.

Forbes Pharmacy on Fort St. seeks a part-time FrontStore Cashier/Stock person. Retail experience is an asset.Must be available to work days, evening, and weekends.Find the complete job posting at indeed.ca.

Bell is looking for a Sales Consultant with previous re-tail sales or customer service experience. Must commit toa minimum 20 hours per week and be flexible to work eve-nings, weekends and holidays. Details at jobs.bce.ca.

The Aveda Institute requires a Guest Services TeamMember to answer incoming calls, schedule appointmentsand process payments. Qualifications include a high schooldiploma, plus 2 years’ customer service experience. Appli-cation details at usedvictoria.com in the Classifieds. Ex-pires Oct. 31.

Howard Johnson Hotel Victoria seeks a full-time NightAuditor (Night Receptionist). One year front desk experi-ence required. Must be keen to work night shifts. Applyonline at indeed.ca.

Save-On-Foods at Westside Village has openings for Gro-cery Clerks. Receive training in various departments likeCustomer Service, Bakery, Deli, Grocery and Fresh Foods.Positive, customer-focused individuals are invited to ap-ply. More information at saveonfoodsjobs.com.

Canadian Tire View Royal is hiring a full-time CustomerService/Sales Associate. Major requirements and compe-tencies for this job are basic computer and math skills,one year customer service experience, and an ability towork evenings and weekends as required. More informa-tion at indeed.ca.

The Butchart Gardens is looking for an individual to fillthe position of Buyer for its Seed & Gift Store. Qualifica-tions include merchandising skills with an understandingof the importance of display in influencing sales and expe-rience in building product ranges. Details atbutchartgardens.com/employment. Deadline to apply isOct. 18.

Shoppers Drugmart on Hillside Ave. in Victoria seeks apart-time, experienced Pharmacy Assistant. Proficientcomputer/data/entry skills required. Some evenings andweekends required. Go to jobs.shoppersdrugmart.ca.

Walmart Langford has an opening for a Second ShiftInstock Associate. This associate frequently is required tobend, twist, or squat, and must regularly lift and/or moveup to 18 kg (40 lbs.) and occasionally lift and/or move upto 36 kg (80 lbs.) Shift is 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Apply online atwalmartcanada.ca/careers.

Shaw is hiring a Loyalty Care/Customer Retention Rep-resentative with previous sales skills and abilities. Thesuccessful candidate will be required to work variousshifts including evenings, weekends and statutory holi-days. Application details at shaw.ca/corporate/careers.

Better Choice Staffing is recruiting a Customer ServiceRepresentative. The ideal candidate will have a highschool diploma or GED and possess a minimum typingspeed of 40 WPM, subject to standardized testing. Callcentre experience preferred. Details at indeed.ca.

HOSPITALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS

Feedback? Send your comments to kwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

West Coast winter approaches.Help us help those in needstay warm and dry.Oct 11-17 is Homelessness Action Week. The GreaterCoalition to End Homelessness is organizing events togather various winter clothing items to help thosewith less stay warm and dry this season.

In light of this event, we at the Westshore Chamberof Commerce and at WorkLink Employment Societyhope that you will consider contributing an item or 2to generously offer warmth to those struggling inpoverty within our communities.

How you can help:We will be collecting new or lightly used andlaundered winter items at the next WestshoreChamber of Commerce Mixer, October 14, 2015from 5-7pm at Darcy’s Pub in the Westshore.

Hats, gloves, scarves, socks andcoats

If you are a member of the Westshore Chamber,please consider bringing along one of these items atthe Mixer. If you are not a member and would liketo donate, contact Jen Harrison at 250 216 8389 orjharrison@worklink.bc.ca for how to contribute. Alldonations will go to the Goldstream Foodbank anditems will be circulated back to those in need in ourcommunity.

A first step with a job seeker is to ensure that their basicneeds are met and that they are able to access localresources. Winter clothing is a basic need and it can beexpensive.  If  basic  needs  aren’t  met,  job  search  isincredibly difficult and almost unrealistic. Everycontribution helps ease the stress level of those seekingemployment.

Hannah Green, Employment Counsellor, WorkLinkEmployment Society

The strength of community comesfrom the heart of those peoplethat take action.

Eligibility for STARTLooking for Work?

· Are you from 15-30 years old?· Are you a recent grad?· Are you looking for work?· Are you not getting interviews?· Have you had interviews but not

got the job?· Do you lack experience?· Do you want to make a change?· START is a job search program for

eligible people under 30 years oldwho want to becomeindependent and find a job orcareer that will be sustainable.

· If you are not on EI, not in schoolthis may be the program for you!

START Program OffersSTART Program Offers

· 6 weeks of facilitated group work withfollow up support

· Training and living allowances up to 6weeks of group work

· Preparation for employment includingindustry specific short term trainingcertificates to enhance labour marketparticipation (Food Safe, First Aid,Customer Service)

· 13 week work experience and potentiallyaccess a wage subsidy

· Opportunity to work with a JobDeveloper

11worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caOctober 8, 2015

JOB FAIR

Proudly supported by

Thursday, October 15th 11:00 - 2:00GT Hiring Solutions WorkBC Employment Services Centre102-415 Gorge Road E (between Bridge and Jutland)

Register with your WorkBC Employment Service AdvisorOR Email Sue at s.naylor@gthiringsolutions.ca

Bring your resume and come dressed for an interview!

Would you like meaningful work with competitive pay,benefits and recognition where community, theenvironment and diversity are valued?Full time and Part time jobs

Chosen  as  one  of  British  Columbia’s  top  employers  for2015…  If  you  work at one of BC-based Overwaitea FoodGroup’s  (OFG)  supermarkets,  you  may  start  for  theflexible hours and fun environment, but you will stay forthe career.Hiring for all areas of the store

Working at Epicure means being passionate about whatyou do. Be part of an amazing team, in an extraordinaryplace, with a very exciting future. Join us. Make yourjourney count while you continue to build a great career.Positions ranging from Customer Reps to accountingclerks to Director of Supply Chain