There is no doubt that the pandemic has affected the job market around the globe and right here in Cochrane. Scott Evans who is a Career Advisor with Prospect Human Services – Rocky View Employment Services in Cochrane says, “The labour market has probably had about five years of changed compressed into about 18 months.”

Evans says, “There are a lot of jobs, but there are some who are saying, you know what, I’m going to wait until things are considered to be totally safe.” There is a job board up at Rocky View Employment Services and there are a lot of local food services places looking for full and part-time staff.

Evans believes that people should be getting back into the labour market now. However, there is still uncertainty of another potential lockdown. Evans does not think that the market will go backwards and feels that now is the time to get a foot in the door.

It is also a difficult and uncertain time for employers too Evans says, “Employers are having a hard time to really guarantee full time. They are not sure of what the shifts are going to be. It is a little bit harder on them because of what can I offer?”

So, what is the best strategy for applying for and obtaining jobs in the current market?

Some workers over the age of 40, want to walk in and introduce themselves and hand over their resume but, that is pretty much a way of the past. Employers want it all done online. The labour market has seen a big, big change in the past 18 months.

Evans says one of the problems people are having is that they handing out the wrong resume and adds, “If you have handed out the same resume twice, you are doing it wrong. So, there is an art to the job search so it’s not always the best that get hired, it’s the one’s that can best sell their skills.”

Two things that can help you particularly if you are interested in working in the service industry is the Pro Serve certificate and a food safety course. To serve alcohol, you must be 18 years of age and have your Pro-Serve certificate. It can be obtained for around $26. It is 35 questions that help you to know all the ins and out of how to serve alcohol.

Evan says, “The other one that is out there is a food safety course and a lot of the employers are asking for that. It is again something that you can take online through the Alberta Health Services.”

Something that employers are looking for even more than experience is the right attitude and that includes complete availability. If you are available at night and on weekends that will go a long way with an employer. Evans says, “The other thing too that has really come up is that employers are looking for the right fit. How will this person fit into our team? Even if you don’t think you have all of the skills when you are in the interview you want to be upbeat.” 

Prospect Human Services – Rocky View Employment Services in Cochrane is a free service in Cochrane that can provide all the tips and strategies to help you obtain employment in the job market of 2021.  To access the wealth of information and workshops you simply must register so that the service can then in turn bill the government. Once you are registered, there is a multitude of ways that Scott Evans and other Career Advisors can help you. There are online or in-person workshops, resume writing and mock interviews.

It is important to know that Prospect Human Services – Rocky View Employment Services in Cochrane has moved to:

 #2 312 5 Ave. W., in the Safeway mall.

Phone: 403.709.0010

For more information click HERE.