Get a Job! A Podcast by Vancouver WorkBC

What does it take to navigate today's job market as a young person? In this episode of Get a Job!, we explore various topics, from the challenges of finding work to the opportunities that can help you get your foot in the door.Join host Alex Bell and guests Nina Chou, Senior Operations Manager at Career Zone, and Tarannom Asadi, WorkBC's Summer Student Placement Specialist, as they discuss:•  The biggest barriers youth face when looking for work•  How to build experience when you're just getting started•  Skills you already have that employers are looking for•  Where to find jobs, training, and paid work opportunities•  How networking and mentorship can open unexpected doors•  Simple ways to stand out and boost your confidence Whether you're searching for your first job or planning your next career move, you'll walk away with practical advice, useful resources, and inspiration to help you move forward.Links: Find your local WorkBC Centre:https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centres/workbc-centre-locationsUpcoming events hosted by WorkBC Centres (check regularly for updates):https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/workbc-centres-10873100626

What can your local Chamber of Commerce do for your job search? In this episode of Get a Job!, we uncover how local business chambers in Metro Vancouver can help you unlock hidden job opportunities and fast-track your career goals.Featuring Jennifer McKinnon (CEO, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce), Patrick Stafford-Smith (CEO, North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce), and guest co-host Shirin Sobhani (Career Advisor, WorkBC Centre Coquitlam), this lively conversation dives into:•  How local Chambers can help connect job seekers with local businesses and training opportunities•  Which industries are hiring more actively right now•  Why generic resumes fail – and how to stand out•  Smart networking that actually works •  Volunteering as a gateway to employment•  How to get involved with your local chamberWhether you are actively job hunting or just curious about how business networks can boost your prospects, this episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice and insider tips to help you along the way.Links:Find your local WorkBC Centre:https://www.workbc.ca/discover-employment-services/workbc-centres/workbc-centre-locations Upcoming events hosted by WorkBC Centres (check regularly for updates):https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/workbc-centres-10873100626 

Thinking about working past the age of 55 or re-entering the job market after retirement? In this episode of Get a Job!, we dive into the realities and opportunities of job seeking as an older individual in Metro Vancouver.Joined by BC Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt, Career Advisor Keith Goodwin from the YWCA’s Job Futures 55+ program, and senior job seeker (and former pro athlete!) Paul Portier, this conversation is packed with practical advice, from how to tailor your resume and build confidence to navigating ageism and understanding the latest work trends.You'll hear about:How to frame decades of experience effectivelyStrategies for building confidence after time away from the job marketResume and interview tips tailored to older job seekersInsights on part-time, full-time, and flexible work optionsResources available through WorkBC and beyondWhether you’re over 55 and looking for work, or simply want to stay active and purposeful in your next chapter, this episode offers guidance to help you succeed.Links:Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspxPreparing for Job Interviews Virtual Workshop: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1301424619069Indigenous Career Fair: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/127989598634

In honor of Disability Employment Month, we sit down with Jillian Bradley (she/her), Director of Employment Initiatives at Inclusion BC, to discuss some valuable supports and resources available to persons with disabilities who are interested in exploring their career options. This episode delves into the work of the Mentorability Project, which connects individuals with disabilities to mentors in their fields of interest. Jillian shares inspiring success stories, such as a young man transitioning into a dog grooming career and a cheerleading enthusiast living her dream with the BC Lions dance team. The episode also emphasizes early youth engagement in employment conversations, pandemic-driven virtual mentorship adaptations, and broad support for mature workers who have experienced a change in their health but want to continue in the workforce. Links: Find your local WorkBC CentreInclusion BCEmpowering Inclusion Panel - Sept 26, 2024Creating Effective Resumes Virtual Workshop - Sept 26, 2024Journey to Employment Hiring Fair - Oct 9

In this episode of "Get A Job!", we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the job application process and how to make these changes work for you! Guests Jabeen Boga (Regional Human Resources Business Partner at Rivera Inc.) and Ebru Pinar (Employment Facilitator at WorkBC Centre Vancouver Midtown) discuss the integration of AI in evaluating resumes and cover letters, and some of the best practices for tailoring your job applications with AI. If you're curious to find out what types of employers are likely to use AI, how their ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) work, what free tools (aside from ChatGPT) are available to job seekers, how to avoid common mistakes when using AI for job search, and more, then this episode is for you! Links: Find your local WorkBC CentrePreparing for Job Interviews (Free virtual workshop)

Looking to start or grow your career within a dynamic, inclusive, and flexible industry? Working for a local brewery may just be the right fit for you! In this episode, we sit down with Chris Backus of Brave Brewing Company and Gil Desaulniers of Mariner Brewing Company to chat about the diverse employment opportunities that exist within their industry. Both guests share what types of roles are available (including inclusive employment opportunities through a partnership with WorkBC), what skills & certifications you might need, how to stand out from the crowd when applying to work for a local brewery, and more. Don't miss this exciting episode about a fun and unique industry that has much to offer job seekers in and around Metro Vancouver! Links: Find your local WorkBC CentrePreparing for Job Interviews Workshop (Free virtual workshop on April 23rd)

Everything around us – from furniture to food products – is a result of manufacturing. It is an industry that includes a wide range of subsectors, including food and beverage manufacturing, wood manufacturing, transportation equipment manufacturing, and many more. Despite being a broad and necessary industry, the manufacturing sector can often be overlooked by many individuals deciding on a career path or simply looking for their next job.In this episode, we chat with David Munro, Manufacturing Consortium Manager at the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, to explore this diverse industry, particularly what job opportunities are available (you may be surprised!), what to expect when working in the industry, and what the future may hold for those considering a career in manufacturing.Links:Find your local WorkBC CentreExcellence in Manufacturing ConsortiumBC Youth in Manufacturing InitiativeWILWorks Post SecondaryWILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced ManufacturingPreparing for Job Interviews: A Free Virtual WorkshopDigitally Smart: Getting Employed Workshop Series

Based on current Indeed listings (as of October 2023), there are over 800 marketing-related positions in the Lower Mainland alone. Every business or organization carries out marketing activities, whether online (digital marketing) or through more traditional methods. While many of us may have an idea, what exactly IS marketing and what does a career in this field entail? Is it the right industry for YOU?In this episode, we chat with Stefanie Gajdecki, Founder of Hemera Growth Group and a Digital Marketing Instructor with over 25 years of experience, about the latest trends & developments in the marketing industry, plus useful tips and tools to help you get started. If you're a creative individual with a flair for analytics and are considering a career in marketing, then this episode is for you!Links:Find your local WorkBC Centre: https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspxHemera Growth Group (Stefanie's Vancouver-based Strategic Marketing Firm): https://www.hemeragrowthgroup.com/2023 Fall Hiring Fair hosted by Career Zone (November 8, 2023 in downtown Vancouver): https://2023fallhiringfair.eventbrite.ca/

September is Disability Employment month in BC, a great opportunity to highlight the significant role people with disabilities play in the workforce. In this episode, we chat with Emily Dietrich, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Program Manager at BCAA, about why her company - like many others - values inclusive hiring and how jobseekers with disabilities can connect with accessible employers like BCAA. We also discuss ideas, tips and resources to help jobseekers with disabilities succeed in the job search process.Links referenced in this episode:Find your local WorkBC Centre:https://www.workbc.ca/Employment-Services/WorkBC-Centres/Find-Your-WorkBC-Centre.aspxFree resume workshop on Sept 19th (virtual):https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/667920717847?aff=oddtdtcreator2023 North Shore Job Fair (in-person):https://2023northshorejobfair.eventbrite.ca/

While building a career can be a big challenge, Indigenous jobseekers often face unique barriers to securing and maintaining employment. In this episode, we chat with Christie Sparklingeyes, Indigenous Recruiter at Vancity, to discuss these challenges and what Indigenous job seekers can do to get on the right path with regards to career planning, landing a sustainable job, and connecting with inclusive employers in Vancouver. We’ll also look at what steps inclusive employers are taking and how organizations can tap into the Indigenous talent pool, beginning with building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities.Links:Find your local WorkBC CentreTraining & Funding: ACCESS - Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society and Native EducationFriendship Centre: Vancouver aboriginal friendship centre societyVancity Evergreen Posting: Career Opportunities for Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, Metis) at VancityChristie Sparklingeyes profile on LinkedInSummer Hiring Fair at Career Zone (July 5, 2023): register herePowerUp program: Register here.Find out about other YWCA Employment Programs