For decades career counselling and testing has provided students, job seekers and career changers with guidance in choosing their appropriate career path. As with every other industry, technology plays a role in changing the way we do business. Thanks to Up360inc, EPC is now able to provide the opportunity to “try out” an occupation using virtual reality. Their goal is to design software that will allow individuals to “learn by doing in a realistic and immersive environment, overcome fears and anxieties related to on-the-job learning, develop confidence, develop transferable skills, find meaningful employment and prepare for their future”.

As an agency, EPC is fortunate to have good working relationships with so many local employers. When asked to sit on an Employer Panel for Career Week, we were able to have representatives from the social service, hospitality, technical support, security, and skilled trades sectors attend. Their candid comments on what to include in a resume, what skill sets and employee characteristics to highlight, and their hiring practices will undoubtedly help with your future job search efforts.

With LinkedIn being an online networking platform for professionals, it may seem premature for high school students to register. Void of post-secondary education and varied work experience, teens are more limited in the amount of information that can be added to their profile. However, there a wealth of information that can be added to each section and an endless supply of labour market and career planning information that can be accessed. Here is a list of tips outlining how this platform can assist with opening doors to both employment, academic, and scholarship opportunities for high school students.

It has become much more commonplace for large employers to host a Job Fair when conducting a mass hire. This time efficient, cost efficient process allows them to meet multiple candidates, in a short period of time, and form a viable first impression.

For months we have talked about COVID…the potential impact on our health, months of social isolation from loved ones, restrictions on non-essential travel, and long-term unemployment. While many of us thought in March it would only last a few weeks, here we are 5 months later with still many restrictions in place. With long-term uncertainty and the various stages of businesses reopening, it has been challenging both supporting and advising job seekers on how to cope with the pandemic. Here are the things we know for sure:

Going through the application process to find employment can be stressful; then finally it happens. You get a job offer. No more handing out resumes, completing online applications, or answering tough interview questions. Hurray! Following the excitement and anticipation, comes the reality check. You are starting a brand new job – with people you don’t know, in a business you are unfamiliar with, completing tasks that may be new to you.

It is no secret that the majority of employers have deemed a high school diploma to be a minimum requirement for even the most entry level jobs. While this proves to be an issue for some, there are viable options to make sure that you are able to readily compete in today’s market. One of those options is to obtain the General Educational Development Certificate, otherwise known as the GED. There is a testing site in Peterborough where both the GED Final can be written as well as the preparation assessment otherwise known as the pre-test. The Pre-test can be taken in the evening or during the daytime. The Ministry Final is scheduled on weekends providing access for those who are working full time.

Sometimes it is difficult trying to figure out what employers are looking for. How often should they be contacted? What information are they looking for? What factors will make me look like the most suitable candidate? We have highlighted a list of the recommendations, taken directly from our Career Week 2017 Employer Panel, to help address some of the common questions.