Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Using E-Folios In Your Job Search


 
If you have ever had the chance to look at an online portfolio for a graphic designer you probably would have been amazed at what you saw. Seeing what someone can do is tangible and often excites us more than hearing about what someone can do. Online portfolios (e-folios) can help you showcase sample of your work in the form of pictures, blogs you have written, links to websites and social media. Essentially an online portfolio is your own personalized website, and a way to market yourself competitively in the employment market. A local employer Brenda Manion from Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes stated “we enjoy having a competency based portfolio because it can provide the information that an interview not always can.”

When you have an online portfolio and you apply for a job you can easily copy the link to that online portfolio directly on your cover letter. This allows the recruiter for the position the availability to review your online portfolio if they wish to see samples of your work. In the interview stage you could also refer to your online portfolio outlining that samples of work completed can be seen online. Not only does the recruiter get to see what you can do but it also showcases your ability to create an online portfolio, determination in the employment market and your marketing savvy approach to job search.

The online portfolio website many job seekers have used in the past is www.weebly.com which is a free source. There is a pay for service option on Weebly however; payment is not required to create a basic e-folio.

For guidance on creating an e-folio please contact Amanda Middleton at VCCS Employment Services 705-328-0180 ext. 253 amiddleton@careerservices.org

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Is Second Career For You?

Have you been laid off recently?  

Have you ever thought about returning to school to enhance your skills? 

Then wondered how would you determine what type of training to take?  
How much will it cost?  

How would I pay for school?

Have you ever hear of  “Second Career”?  

Second Career is a great opportunity for those individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.  Second Career is a chance for a laid off worker to look at updating/increasing skills for a successful return to the labour market.   The Second Career initiative funded by the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities provides funding to unemployed individuals who demonstrate that they need to update their skills to access sustainable employment.
Did you know there is a whole network of employment service providers across Canada to help you look at your training options?  Yes there is a process to go through but it may be the right time to check out to see if you are eligible to apply for funding.

There are a wide variety of career training programs that are appropriate and meet the requirements for funding.   Want to know more??  Visit this website.  http://www.secondcareerontario.com/web/second_career/