Are you looking for a new job or considering a new career? From looking at postings online to writing resumes and cover letters, and doing networking, job hunting can be an overwhelming (and even a depression-causing) process. But you don’t have to go through this alone. WoodGreen Employment Services has a team of employment advisors who are ready to help you to get your next job!
We recently chatted with two of our employment advisors (Duraj Mustafa and Zanetta Morgan-Dixon) about how they can assist job seekers and why they love their jobs so much. Here’s what they had to say.
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Zanetta Morgan-Dixon (left) and Duraj Mustafa (right) are employment advisors with WoodGreen Employment Services. They help their clients to be successful in their job searches.[/caption]
What does your job entail? What are some of your daily activities?
Duraj - We help job seekers to navigate their career pathways and to see their options. As an employment counsellor, I refer clients to resources inside and outside WoodGreen, and help them with their resumes and interview skills, and connect them with employers. The goal is to find full-time jobs for our clients.
Zanetta - We also talk with clients about their career goals; what they want to achieve in a job, their skills, what their capabilities are, and what kinds of jobs would be a match for them based on a career assessment. Retention is an important part of a job. We want to make sure people are employed for a longer time.
Why should someone reach out to an employment advisor for help?
Zanetta - A lot of times people search for jobs, but they don’t know what an employer is looking for. So, they are getting a lot of rejections and don’t know why. The employment advisor can help clients to navigate the job hunting process and to zero in on what types of jobs to apply for. Someone facing rejection can feel down about themselves. An employment advisor can be their cheerleader.
Duraj - We also know about employment trends and what the labour market looks like and how to get a job easily.
What is your top advice for job seekers?
Zanetta - You have to have a goal in mind. What is the job that you want? Do you have the skills and experience for the job? The next thing you want to do is target the employers you would like to work for. It can be helpful to get an informational interview with a hiring manager at the places you want to work. Also, network and know your brand and how you are marketing yourself. Finally, be strategic on how you are applying for jobs. When you look at a listing, ask yourself: “Is this something I really want to do? Can I grow and learn in this role?”
Do you have any success stories that you would like to share?
Duraj - Earlier this year, we recommended clients to work at the City of Toronto’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics. One of our clients was hired on a contract there and recently got a full-time job with the city.
Zanetta - Back in the spring, I met with a client who was a newcomer from China. Her English wasn’t the best. I met with her and did mock interviews with her in English, so she would feel more confident in a real interview. She went to an interview and the employer loved her and she was offered the job. She was so excited about it!
Why do you love your job so much?
Duraj - I love when a client is happy with our services and they get a job. I feel very accomplished when my clients say they got a job and say “thank you”. That motivates me every day.
Zanetta - My first love is the clients. There is joy when a client calls and says how a resume we worked on got them a job or that they are realizing their goals. It tells me that I am doing my job and that I am making an impact on clients.
Would you like to chat with one of our employment advisors? Contact us at (416) 645-6000 ext. 2900 to learn more.
