Executive Director Mike MacEachern outside the Angus FOCUS location.
Posting season can be challenging, not only for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, but for their spouses as well. Whether you’ve been away from the workforce for a time, are looking for new career challenges, or simply getting familiar with local opportunities, FOCUS Employment Services can help make sure that finding the right job is one less worry for military spouses.
From updating or building resumes from scratch, to interview prep and mock interview practice, from computer training to internet access and guidance on job searching online, FOCUS has you covered.
Most importantly, it’s all completely free.
“One-on-one support is really at the heart of what we do,” said Employment Services Program Supervisor Anne Myles of what FOCUS is all about. “If you don’t have a resume, that’s okay. If you haven’t worked in 20 years, that’s okay. And if you have a great resume already, there’s still support we can offer.”
Support typically starts with a one-on-one meeting, but many people return for several shorter appointments as they continue with their job search. There is no limit to the number of sessions, and absolutely no preparation required before you walk in the door. Service is also available in both English and French to better serve you in your language of choice.
With their community connections, they also do outreach to local businesses to find or create opportunities as unique as the people they serve. Job seekers with disabilities or other barriers, for example, might require accommodations that make them less likely to apply for certain job postings.
Today, most job recruiting happens online. But for people re-entering the job force after retirement, or time away, this can be a significant challenge. FOCUS offers one-day computer skills workshops to help people learn in small groups the basics needed for finding a job online. During the session they set up a Gmail account, learn how to use Indeed, an online job board, practice using Zoom for interviews and work on a resume using Microsoft Word. By the end of the day, the goal is that all participants have applied to at least one job online.
With locations in Angus and Alliston, FOCUS has served the Borden, Essa township, New Tecumseth and surrounding areas for over 35 years. That history plays a big part in the connections they can provide for job seekers and employers alike.
“A lot of our staff have been with FOCUS for a long time, and we live in the community ourselves,” said Myles. “We can help people make connections when they’re new to the area.”
Though the nature of the job market right now makes finding employment relatively easy, Myles says there is more to it than pairing employees with just any job opening.
“We don’t just help people get into a job, we help them find the right job, the right fit.”
Many of the FOCUS staff have experienced layoffs and career changes and know firsthand the challenges that a job hunt can involve.
To find your right job, contact FOCUS today.
By: Emily Nakeff, Editor
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