CAREER LENS
A Publication of the
Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities
5th Floor, West Block, Confederation Building, P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NF A1B 4J6
Telephone: 709-729-5881 • Fax: 709-729-5446 • TTY: 709-729-5441 • Toll Free: 1-800-950-4414
Email: openingdoors@gov.nl.ca Web Site: http://www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/pss/disability_supports/index.html
Gail Day
I learned of the Opening Doors program several years before I actually filled out the application and sent it to the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities as I was a little nervous about the process. When I did submit my application, I anxiously awaited their reply and was thrilled to be informed that I was now registered as a client of the Office.
In February 2009, I had an orientation of the Office’s programs and services with Denise Hann-Hicks, their Intake Officer, who provided me with loads of information and prepared me for what to expect in the coming weeks. I was sent home to revamp my résumé, with an appointment arranged to come back two weeks later for a mock interview and much needed discussion. During the next two weeks, I buckled down and took a good hard look at myself and my many accomplishments over the years, many of which I had forgotten to include in my original résumé.
Upon my return, I was introduced to Krista Legge, their Career Counsellor, who proved to be a tremendous help and a delight to work with. She told me I did a great job with improving my résumé, preparing myself for finding a suitable position, and returning to the work force, but there were still improvements to be made. Through Krista’s encouragement and support, I felt great about what I had accomplished in such a short time. My résumé looked great and I had my old confidence back. I felt much more optimistic than when I first started and there was no stopping me now! I was told not to be too anxious, as it often takes some time for an appropriate position to come along. I tried to be patient and, sure enough, a few months later I received a call to come in for an interview. I accepted the interview, but was not the successful candidate. Needless to say, I was disappointed but I was given feedback as to how I handled the interview and was encouraged not to give up.
Next thing I knew, I was called for another interview for the position of Information Officer with the Labour Standards Division of the Labour Relations Agency. This was the position I wanted. After all, I had worked as a fundraiser for nine and a half years. If anyone could talk, it was me. I worked hard to prepare myself for this interview, gathering all the information on labour standards that I could find. I was nervous but felt I had a good interview. Much to my delight, on November 17, 2009, I started my new contractual job placement with Labour Standards as an Information Officer. I loved it. The knowledge I gained about the labour laws in NL and, indeed, across Canada, has been tremendous.
I knew I eventually had to apply for other government positions, as my position was contractual. So, I started applying for both temporary and permanent positions throughout government, knowing that the day could come when I might have to leave the Labour Relations Agency. As luck would have it, that did not happen. In March of this year, I was offered a 13-week temporary position as a Clerk Typist III with the Agency and before this time was up, I was offered a permanent Clerk Typist III position with the same department. Needless to say, I am thrilled. The management and co-workers in the Labour Relations Agency are, and have always been, tremendous in helping me fit in and making me feel at home. I really appreciate their support.
But most of all, I have to say a big thank you to the wonderful people from the Office of Employment Equity for Persons with Disabilities. Without their support and encouragement, none of this would have been possible. I can say without a doubt that I would encourage anyone with a disability to avail of this tremendous opportunity and the services they offer. I did and I couldn’t be happier.
Joby Fleming is the Office’s new Management Analyst.
Joby comes to us with a strong background in working with people with disabilities and his work experience with a number of community organizations is certainly an asset to our Office.
Welcome aboard Joby!
When client information is up-to-date, the Office can better market clients to potential employers within the Provincial Government. If client information is not readily available, or is outdated, valuable time and possible employment opportunities can be lost.
The Office is currently in the process of updating our client files. All clients will be contacted for any new contact information and educational documentation, and an updated résumé.
In the meantime, please advise the Office whenever there are changes with your employment status, contact information, and résumé. You can also use the online Employment Status Form available on our website at: www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/pss/disability_supports
When you are using email to job search, it’s important that all your communications are as professional as they would be if you were writing an old-fashioned paper letter. In general, your email messages should include words, not acronyms or slang, full sentences, paragraphs, and detailed information on who you are and why you are sending the email.
Your Email Account
Make sure you have an email account name that is appropriate for business use i.e.
firstname.lastname@gmail.com. There are a variety of free web-based email accounts, like Gmail
and Yahoo, which you can use. It also makes sense to set up an email account just for job
searching, so your professional email doesn’t get mixed in with your personal mail.
Where to Send Your Email Message
When possible, send your email to a contact person, rather than a general email box. Send a copy
to yourself, so you have a record of the emails you have sent and the jobs you have applied to.
Email Subject Line
Your email message needs a Subject Line. If it’s blank it’s probably going to end up in a Spam
mailbox or being deleted. Make sure you list the position you are applying for in the Subject
Line of your email message, so the employer is clear as to what job you are applying for.
Email Message Content
If you have a contact person, address your email to Dear Mr./Ms. LastName. If you don’t, address
your email to Dear Hiring Manager or simply start with the first paragraph of your message.
When you’re applying for a job via email, copy and paste your cover letter into the email message or write your cover letter in the body of an email message. If the job posting asks you to send your résumé as an attachment, send your résumé as a PDF or a Word document.
When you’re inquiring about available positions or networking, be clear about why you are writing and the purpose of your email message.
Include an Email Signature
Include an email signature with your contact information, so it will be easy for the hiring
manager to get in touch with you.
Double Check Your Email Message
Make sure you spell check and check your grammar and capitalization. They are just as important
in an email cover letter as in paper cover letters.
Send a Test Message
Before you actually send your email, send the message to yourself first to test that the
formatting works. If everything looks good, resend to the employer.
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchtips/a/jobsearchemail.htm
The Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program (PWIP) offers a wide variety of employment services for persons with disabilities who are seeking meaningful employment opportunities. The program was developed by the Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) and is funded by the Opportunities Fund, Government of Canada. Working together with employers and community organizations, this innovative project is dedicated to enhancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, while providing employers with qualified candidates to meet their hiring needs. The project provides necessary employment supports with access to information for employers and participants in one convenient location.
Need pre-employment skills? PWIP can assist you with skills you need to obtain meaningful employment.
Once you are job-ready, PWIP will develop a comprehensive vocational plan, provide you with an occupational therapy assessment if needed, and access to a range of job opportunities.
Do you qualify?
Go get that job!
Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program (PWIP)
31 Peet Street, Suite 225, St. John’s, NL A1B 3W8
Tel: 709 754 4941
Fax: 709 754 5941
www.ccrw.org
www.workink.com
Next Issue Fall 2011
ALTERNATE FORMAT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST