As many individuals and companies worldwide are gravitating to online learning courses, professional development webinars and online meetings; cybersecurity becomes an important consideration in maintaining personal privacy. The platform Zoom has increased its audience during COVID-19, quickly becoming the front-runner for connecting learners and professionals growing from 10 million users to over 200 million users in three months. As we maintain physical distancing, you may now have more time and opportunities to access free online training courses that can enhance your skills, knowledge and resume.

As Canadians we brace ourselves annually for the frigid winter months. When employed or in training, we force ourselves to bundle up and forge on. However, when unemployed; it may be a little more difficult to muster up the energy and motivation to face the elements especially given that the result could possibly be a rejection. If minus 40 degrees is not your thing, there are many activities you can still pursue to keep you in the zone while keeping warm as well.

At this time of year, many people are gearing down from other activities as they prepare for the holidays. “I will get back on track in the new year” is a common phrase used by many. Yet the holiday season can provide excellent opportunities for networking as we attend events where we may not have seen people for a very long time. This gives us the opportunity to have a conversation in a more relaxed setting.

To say that there has been a dramatic change in the world of work would be an understatement. From full time, permanent employment with benefits and job security to part-time, contract, virtual jobs in a gig economy, it can be difficult to know how to carve out a career in this new landscape. If you are a job seeker, career changer or lifelong learner with varied skills sets and a diverse knowledge base, self-employment may be just what you are looking for. The trick is having a solid idea for your business and knowing how to get started. In the Peterborough community, we are fortunate to have a variety of resources that provide an array of services and opportunities. Today we will be highlighting the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster, a dynamic and unique organization that provide access to programs, professional partners and self-employment workshops for both physical and virtual clients.

Tips for Staying Current with Digital Recruitment

The process of job search used to be so simple. A hand-delivered resume, brief meeting with a hiring manager and completion of a hard-copy application form has now been replaced with digital resumes, online application forms and the development of a professional brand on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Not surprisingly, job seekers of all ages are frustrated wondering how to keep up, fit in and compete in today’s market. While the challenges are very real and understandable, there are strategies for dealing with this transition. Hopefully, the following list will help you develop an understanding and techniques for addressing the challenges associated with digital recruitment.

We are routinely asked by clients if a cover letter is necessary when applying for a job. Let’s face it, no one enjoys writing cover letters and while it may appear to be repetitive, as your relevant information is already on your resume, a cover letter is a very useful to tool to help you further highlight your ‘fit’ for both the position and the company. Being specific regarding the department or position you wish to pursue, your unique qualifications, and attributes that complement the position can help you get one step closer to obtaining the job.
When trying to determine the value of pairing a cover letter with a resume, we suggest you follow these tips.

Your resume is one of the tools that tells your story, highlights your suitability for a prospective job, and has the potential to set you apart from your competition. With this in mind, a resume should be regularly reviewed and revised to ensure that the most current and suitable information is provided to recruiters. We have devised 10 resume writing tips to cross-reference before you submit your next application.

Job searching is difficult during normal times. With the added stress of COVID 19, staying healthy and motivated can be challenging. Our Employment Counsellors have developed a list of tips to help you stay safe and look after yourself during this difficult time.