News & Highlights

Highlights from our 72nd Annual General Meeting

I Am More Than...

At the 72^nd Annual General Meeting of JVS Toronto on September 25, we shared how complexity of needs is a growing trend among the individuals we are seeing throughout our employment centres and across our programs.

In this year’s annual report, our theme is: “I am more than”.

I am more than the neighbourhood I come from.
I am more than someone who didn’t finish high school.
I am more than my disability.
I am more than a newcomer to Canada.
I am more than an older worker.

This theme reflects the fact that when individuals come to us looking for help on their journey to employment, there is often more to their story than what we see on the surface. Individuals are juggling an array of personal circumstances, many of which are complex. We need to recognize that when they come through our doors they are more than just a person looking for work.

JVS Toronto is a multi service organization offering services to many client populations. While their stories and circumstances may be different, for all of these populations, there is usually more complexity to their situations than we see right away.

At JVS Toronto, our vision is that every individual has opportunities for employment. We can’t achieve this vision alone. We rely on the support of donors, government, funders, employers and community partners to create and deliver specialized programs and services that address the unique and complex needs of the clients we serve.

Recognizing client success, and the contributions of volunteers and employers, has been a staple each year at JVS Toronto’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On September 25, JVS Toronto presented its AGM Awards to six very deserving recipients.

“Our award winners all have one thing in common,” said Jonathan Kopman, Board of Directors Chair, when introducing the 2019 awards presentation, “they made a commitment to use our services. Whether they are a client or a volunteer, we honoured them for making that commitment to better their lives and the lives of others.”

Congratulations to our 2019 AGM Award winners.

Daniel Clarke, Louis Mensah, Nancy Freedman and her daughter

Louis Mensah – Freedman Family Award for Young Entrepreneurs

This award recognizes a young entrepreneur who has completed one of JVS Toronto’s youth entrepreneurship programs, and successfully operating a full-time or a part-time basis business.

Louis began the Youth Entrepreneurship Program when he was in the early stages of developing his photography business, Mensah Memories. Prior to the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Louis had a passion for film and photography, but he could not afford the very expensive equipment required to launch his own business.

After receiving funding from the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Louis was able to purchase his own photography gear to start his business. Louis was never afraid to do the work that was necessary to achieve his goals, and he worked tirelessly to break into an industry that is very tough to crack. In the first few months of launching Mensah Memories, Louis’s client list included professional athletes, entertainers, and large corporations. Louis epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit with a can-do attitude, and proves that hard work can go a long way.

Technology Month in Markham

July is Technology Month and we are offering Employment Workshops and Hiring Events for job seekers in IT and Innovation.

Featured Events
Cybersecurity for IT Professionals, July 3
This 6-week training course for Internationally-Educated Professionals with technical knowledge will prepare you for a SOC Cybersecurity Analyst job.

Canadian Workplace Communication for IT Professionals (Online)
This 6-week enhanced language training course for Internationally-Educated Professionals will improve your Information Technology communication skills. All classes and assignments are completed online.

RBC Networking Session, July 10
If you’re a newcomer to Canada with IT skills and experience, and interested in working with RBC, apply to participate in Newcomer to Canada: IT Careers event.

Networking Workshop, July 12
Focus on growing, strengthening, and activating your network in person and online in this hands-on workshop.

Technology & Innovation Job Fair, July 16
Employers include CIBC, MIIPE, IBM, PCM Canada, Robert Half, Team Recruiter, Randstad and more.

For more information or to register for these events, email MarkhamOnline@jvstoronto.org or call 905-470-9675.

*The Tailor Project, Toronto, 1947. Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre.*

Agency founder, Max Enkin, was part of a group of Jewish business leaders who started the agency in 1947 to provide employment and vocational services to Holocaust survivors and veterans of the Second World War. Between 1948 and 1949, he was also involved in bringing Jewish Holocaust survivors to Canada from Europe after the war as part of the Garment Workers Scheme, now known as The Tailor Project.

Read more here about The Tailor Project.

Recently, during Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah; JVS Toronto attended A Common Thread: Celebrating the Untold Stories of The Tailor Project at Holy Blossom Temple. The event honoured Max Enkin and others who were instrumental in bringing Jewish people to Canada from the deportation camps after World War II as part of The Tailor Project.

The success of this event and importance of The Tailor Project lead event participants, Larry Enkin (Max’s son) and Paul Klein, CEO and Founder of Impakt, to receive an invitation to appear on an episode of The Agenda with Steve Paikin. Larry Enkin and Paul Klein included Kim Coulter, President and CEO of JVS Toronto, in the interview to provide the perspective of connecting immigrants to jobs in Canada, then and now, to ensure they can lead self-sufficient, meaningful lives.

Watch us on The Agenda with Steve Paikin. Untold Stories of The Tailor Project.

Read more about JVS Toronto’s newcomer employment services here and Jewish community employment services here.

Watch the trailer of The Tailor Project documentary.

Join us in the fight against unemployment.

JVS Toronto is participating in Canada Helps' 5th Annual Great Canadian Giving Challenge; a national contest that benefits registered Canadian charities at a time when charitable giving is at its lowest.

For every $1 donated* by June 30, 2019, we will receive one ballot in a draw to win $10,000. More donations mean more chances to win!

Help us set a new record for the most donations received in the month of June!

With $10,000, we can:

Help unemployed individuals move toward financial stability;
Link at-risk youth to education, life skills and on-the-job training;
Offer specialized employment programs for individuals with disabilities at no cost;
Connect new immigrants to professional mentors, Canadian workplace language training, and online service delivery; and
Subsidize low-income families for assessments that diagnose learning and other disabilities to improve school performance.

Giving is easy.

Step 1: Click on the Donate button
Step 2: Complete the online donation form
Step 3: Share our message on social media and invite your family and friends to join our fight against unemployment.

Donate

* Minimum $3 donation required.

JVS Toronto is accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program.
With this achievement, we join a growing community of organizations dedicated to operational excellence.

The Standards Program Trademark is used under licence by JVS Toronto.

As Canadians, we are fortunate enough to live freely, but for many families living outside of Canada, political and economic instability threaten their traditions. Alper, a father of two, came to JVS Toronto for support when it became too dangerous to live as a Jewish family in Turkey. Alper feared for his family’s safety, and wanted his children to grow up in a better place. With no personal or professional connections and leaving his own business behind, Alper was overwhelmed by the prospect of job searching, and the risks he was taking to immigrate to Canada.

A referral to JVS Toronto’s EMETemployment program made the prospect of a better future for Alper and his family seem possible.

A New Future in Canada

Alper was inspired by the support offered through EMETemployment, JVS Toronto's Jewish Community employment program that works with employers and job seekers to provide online job postings, professional recruitment, and job support services. His Employment Counsellor helped him prepare his resume, and found positions tailored to his strengths and employment history. Alper is now happily employed, and excited about his future in Canada with his family:

“I am so thankful for my counsellors and everyone that helped me. It’s really emotional for me and I am so happy to be here in Canada with my family, and be a part of a Jewish community where it is safe and peaceful.”

Thank You

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, EMETemployment helps individuals like Alper, build self-sufficiency and provide a safe and secure life for their families. Your support helps JVS Toronto provide critical support and services to ensure Toronto’s Jewish Community can thrive.

Donate

JVS Toronto is accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program.
With this achievement, we join a growing community of organizations dedicated to operational excellence.

The Standards Program Trademark is used under licence by JVS Toronto.

Left: Michael Levitt - MP. Right: Prabhas Jha - Board of Directors at JVS Toronto, Michael Levitt - MP, Kim Coulter - CEO & President at JVS Toronto, Irene Vaksman - Director of Newcomer Services at JVS Toronto, and Sharvari Jois - Manager of Canada InfoNet at JVS Toronto.

On January 16, 2019, we were delighted to welcome Michael Levitt, Member of Parliament for the riding of York Centre in Toronto, to our Toronto North location to announce the federal government’s continuing commitment to the delivery of pre-arrival services for internationally trained professionals.

Over the past three years, thanks to funding from Immigration Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC), JVS Toronto’s Canada Infonet (formerly called CanPrep) program has supported over 4,000 individuals prior to their arrival in Canada. Working closely with partners across Canada this program provides on-line employment and mentoring services, as well as access to post arrival support to ensure seamless economic integration for internationally trained professionals.

Our Canada Infonet program works closely with partners including Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Network (TRIEC), OMETZ in Montreal, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO), Magnet, and the Ontario Tourism Employment Council (OTEC). We have also built a strong network of post-arrival partnerships across Canada with service providers and employers to ensure seamless, supported economic integration.

In his speech, MP Michael Levitt announced IRCC’s multi-year commitment of $4 million to JVS Toronto over five years to continue the delivery of pre-arrival services for newcomers to Canada. He began by saying, “If we didn’t have immigrants, employers would have trouble finding enough workers to fill available jobs. And as consumers, immigrants help to create more demand for small businesses in our communities, further strengthening our local economy.”

He went on to say that, “JVS Toronto is one of three organizations that will provide general employment services to immigrants before they arrive, like mentoring, online learning modules and other employment-related supports in both English and French.”

We are pleased to maintain our working relationship with IRCC and for their continuing commitment to pre-arrival services so newcomers gain knowledge about life in Canada and the job market, and for putting their trust in JVS Toronto as a service provider partner.

We were honoured to have MP Michael Levitt make this announcement, for his leadership in York Centre and acknowledge his commitment to his constituents, many of whom we serve at our Toronto North location.

Congratulations to our Canada Infonet program team – Irene Vaksman, Sharvari Jois, Farah Alizadehahi, Rahim Braksa, Anne Hu, Marlina Ramchandran, Lucy Sun and Iliana Tzekova – for their dedication to JVS Toronto and in welcoming immigrants to Canada every day.

JVS Toronto announces 2018 AGM Award Winners

Recognizing client success, and the contributions of volunteers and employers, has been a staple each year at JVS Toronto’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On October 3, 2018, JVS Toronto presented its AGM Awards to five very deserving recipients.

“Our award winners all have one thing in common,” said Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Immediate Past Chair when introducing the 2018 awards presentation, “they put their trust into JVS Toronto. Whether a client or employer committed to using our services, or a volunteer willing to contribute their time, I thank each of you for instilling your trust in us.”

Congratulations to our 2018 AGM Award winners.

L to R: Kim Coulter, Nicole Diamond, Bianca Johnson, Nancy Freedman

Bianca Johnson – Freedman Family Award for Young Entrepreneurs

This award recognizes a young entrepreneur who has completed one of JVS Toronto’s youth entrepreneurship programs, and successfully operating a full-time or a part-time basis business.

Bianca, a young entrepreneur and mother of two young children gained knowledge from JVS Toronto’s Summer Company program to start a business called Spike it Up offering alcohol-infused desserts. Challenged the rules and regulations to prepare her desserts in a commercial kitchen, Bianca rented time in a local commercial kitchen shuttling her equipment and ingredients to and from this kitchen every time she baked her stock. Undaunted, Bianca’s passion and hard work steadily grew Spike It Up. She recently opened her first retail location in Scarborough and arranged order delivery through UberEats and Skip the Dishes.

Dedicated friend and supporter

Barrie Rose, who served as Chair of the Board from 1967 to 1969 and later as an Honorary Director, passed away on July 15, 2018.

Over 50 years ago, thanks to a generous grant from Barrie, founded JVS Toronto’s Jewish Day School program in the Eitz Chaim Schools. His transformational gift led to the integration of JVS Toronto’s psychoeducational consultants into the Jewish Day Schools, who work daily with teachers and parents to identify issues, assess, diagnose and establish educational plans so students of all abilities can continue their Jewish and academic education. Today, through our Career, Education and Psychology Division at JVS Toronto, Barrie’s legacy continues to ensure that individuals of all abilities and income levels can access assessments to improve their success at school and work.

On behalf of the Board, staff and the entire JVS Toronto community, I express our appreciation to Barrie for his years of service to JVS Toronto, and acknowledge the important contributions he made to the Agency and throughout our community as a true philanthropic spirit. We extend our deepest sympathy to Barrie’s entire family.

Ken Backus, MPP Mike Colle, Adrien Backus, David Green, Daphne Wagner, Councillor James Pasternak, Mary Plevak, and Kim Coulter.

On October 18, 2017, JVS Toronto’s head office at 74 Tycos Drive showcased the newly renovated and relocated Al Green Resource Centre to dignitaries and longtime supporters of initiatives that connect individuals with disabilities with the greater community.

“Our Al Green Resource Centre is a true testament to the commitment of many donors and funders in providing opportunities for inclusion so individuals with disabilities can lead purposeful and fulfilled lives,” said Kim Coulter, President & CEO of JVS Toronto in her opening remarks to over 90 guests and dignitaries who attended the grand opening.

Opened in 2003 on Dufferin Street through the generosity of Al Green and his wife Malka Green, and David Green, his wife Daphne Wagner and their family, the Al Green Resource Centre has served as a lifeline and a critical source of meaningful activities for its participants with developmental disabilities to promote independence.

JVS Toronto announces 2017 award winners at AGM

Recognizing client success, and the contributions of volunteers and employers, has been a staple each year at JVS Toronto’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). On September 13, the JVS 2017 Toronto AGM Awards were presented to five very deserving recipients.

“Our award winners all have one thing in common,” said Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair when introducing the 2017 awards presentation, “they put their trust into JVS Toronto. Whether a client or employer committed to using our services, or a volunteer willing to contribute their time, I thank each of you for instilling your trust in us.”

Congratulations to our 2017 AGM Award winners.

L to R: Winner Talar Karageozian with Bill Skolnik, son of Betty and Bill Skolnik — L to R: Winner Talar Karageozian with Bill Skolnik, son of Betty and Joseph Skolnik

Talar Karageozian – Joseph Skolnik Award for New Canadians

This award is given to a JVS Toronto newcomer client who has successfully integrated into Canadian society.

Talar arrived to Canada with her family as a refugee after fleeing the horrors of Aleppo, Syria. An accountant in Syria, Talar thought her work experience would easily help her get a job. Not gaining any interviews, Talar’s optimism soon wore off. By accessing specialized newcomer employment programs at JVS Toronto, Talar improved her English, and learned Canadian and financial services terminology. After attending various workshops, Talar was able to optimize her job search to accounting firms. She secured a full-time financial services position and is now pursuing her professional designation in accounting.

Manny Mitchell, long-time friend and great supporter of JVS Toronto, passed away on February 10, 2017. Those who met and knew him were always inspired by Manny’s generous nature and commitment to supporting organizations that impact the most vulnerable in our community.

In 1996 Manny joined JVS Toronto’s Board of Directors and soon his contributions were helping to transform the agency.

Knowing the importance of demonstrating community support through volunteerism and charitable donations, Manny was instrumental in establishing JVS Toronto’s volunteer-led fundraising program. In 2000, he helped launch JVS Toronto’s first direct mail campaign and set JVS Toronto on the course of a more formal and coordinated approach to philanthropy.

By 2003, he actively developed and initiated as co-chair the agency’s signature fundraising event, Strictly Business; an annual awareness-building luncheon that continued for 12 years.

XBASE Technologies becomes 70th anniversary sponsor

L to R: Robin Chow, Kim Coulter, President & CEO, Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair, Stuart Demeter.

It was announced at JVS Toronto’s 70^th Annual General Meeting on September 13, 2017, that XBASE Technologies Inc. is the official sponsor of the agency’s 70^th anniversary events.

JVS Toronto turned 70 on June 16, 2017 and will be highlighting this milestone throughout the year. XBASE's Robin Chow, Founder and President, and Stuart Demeter, Managing Partner were both in attendance for a formal cheque presentation.

XBASE’s contributions to JVS Toronto, both as the agency’s IT managed services supplier and as a loyal and long-time supporter, have significantly impacted our delivery of services over the last number of years.

“On a daily basis, we see first-hand how dedicated the staff across all locations are, and how committed they are to ensuring client needs are met,” said Robin Chow,“We partner with JVS Toronto on a daily basis and are delighted to support the agency’s important work as anniversary sponsor. Congratulations on 70 years of remarkable work in the community.”

We thank XBASE Technologies Inc. for their generosity and support.

The power of employment over 70 years

L to R: Jeff Goldfarb, Board of Directors Chair, Kim Coulter, President & CEO, Norm Halpern, Larry Enkin, Robert Hall, Sandra Brown, Elliott Eisen, Gerald Epstein, Ruth Abrahamson, Peter Shenfield

Sewing a button hole was a lifeline to renewal and optimism in Canada for Holocaust survivors after World War II, and the spark that ignited the creation of JVS Toronto. On June 16, 2017, JVS Toronto celebrated 70 years serving the Jewish and greater community. Our roots and history – told below by former Board of Director Chairs who helped shape it – weave together a story of giving hope and building self-sufficiency by helping people facing restrictive hurdles in life gain employment.

Starting a seven decade journey

In post-war Europe, Holocaust survivors living in Displaced Persons Camps (DP Camps) waited for admittance into any country that would take them. Max Enkin was one of the businessmen instrumental in The Tailor Project that identified those in DP Camps as tailors if they could sew a button hole. As a result, 2,000 Jewish garment industry workers came to Canada in 1947.

This experience lead Max Enkin to establish Jewish Vocational Service of Metropolitan Toronto, now called JVS Toronto, to support Jewish immigrants, Holocaust survivors, and members of the Jewish community facing anti-Semitic hiring practices.

1940s

"I met one of the tailors who came through that program. When he saw my father, he recognized him as selecting him from a DP Camp. My father said, ‘Most who came here weren’t tailors. Why are you still in the industry?’ He replied, ‘Mr. Enkin, I was a tailor.’"

Larry Enkin, Son of JVS Toronto Founder, Max Enkin

JVS Toronto opens its doors on June 16, 1947 at 455 Spadina Avenue, fittingly in the Tip Top Tailor Building
$7,314 from the Jewish Welfare Fund of Toronto funds the agency
Founder Max Enkins becomes first Board of Directors Chair
Vocational counselling and job placement services are provided to newcomer clients
Agency becomes a member of what is now the United Way Toronto & York Region

JVS Toronto Board volunteers publicly recognized

Susan Fremes receives UJA Shem Tov Award

On June 7, 2017, Susan Fremes, Immediate Past Chair of JVS Toronto’s Board of Directors received the UJA Shem Tov Award that recognizes the highest levels of excellence in volunteer services in Toronto’s Jewish community.

A lawyer by profession with expertise in employment law, governance structures and designing and funding of pension and benefits arrangements, Susan has dedicated the last 10 years to JVS Toronto lending her skills and knowledge on a variety of Board committees, and as the Board Chair in 2014 – 2016. During her term as Board Chair, Susan led a Board matching fundraising campaign raising $100,000 over two months.

As a JVS Toronto ambassador, Susan participated in UJA Federation’s Social Planning Forum and their prestigious Joshua Institute, a program focusing on Jewish leadership and governance. Susan’s activity in Toronto’s Jewish community also includes volunteer leadership roles at JIAS Toronto, Beth Tzedec Synagogue and Baycrest.

JVS Toronto is proud to continue to have Susan’s support and passion to further JVS Toronto’s vision and mission and the values based on our Jewish heritage.

Ontario Volunteer Services Award Recipients

At a reception on June 5, 2017, the Honourable Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration presented the 2017 Ontario Volunteer Service Awards to five longstanding JVS Toronto Board and Board committee volunteers.

Sandy Brown: 30 years of service. Past Board Chair 1986-1988. Career, Education, & Psychology Committee Current Member.

Peter Shenfield: 20 years of service. Past Board Chair 1994-1996. Nominating Committee Past Member. Strategic Operational Review Past Member. Career, Education, & Psychology Committee Past Member.

Jonathan Kopman: 10 years of service. Past Board member. Finance Committee Current Member. Fundraising Committee Current Member. Investment Committee Past Chair.

Jacqueline Irvine: 5 years of service. Current Board Vice-Chair. Executive Committee Current Member. Governance Committees Current Member. Strategic Operational Review Past Member.

Elaine Pantel: 5 years of service. Former Board Treasurer. Finance Committee Current Member. Executive Committee Past Member.

This service award recognizes the important contributions that volunteers make in building a strong, inclusive and caring community. For 70 years, JVS Toronto has been shaped through the involvement of volunteers in Board governance, fundraising, connections to resources and spreading the word about the agency’s services and expertise.

September 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

Is “follow your passion” the best career advice?

Making a career decision is never easy. It’s a complicated process and there is no shortage of (often contradictory) advice. As job seekers, we are often told to “follow your passion” or “do what you love and the money will follow.” We hear these types of sentiments from celebrities, motivational speakers or in graduation speeches. It may sound simple and even inspirational, but following your passion is much more complicated than it sounds.

In his podcast series WorkLife, Organizational Psychologist Adam Grant explains the challenges faced when trying to follow your passion. In the episode “The Perils of Following Your Career Passion”, Grant suggests that following your passion might be some of the worst advice that you will ever get.

“The reality is that many people don’t know what they love to do—and even if you do, most passions don’t translate neatly into careers… For many people around the world, passion at work is a luxury, while income is a necessity.” He adds “Most of the time, our early passions are not the best guide to our later careers.”

For our employment specialists who work with both students looking for their career paths and adults who may want to change careers, these challenges sound very familiar.

Here are some of the challenges that make finding your passion so difficult:

1. You may not know what you are passionate about.

Angela Duckworth, author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, compares career decisions to choosing a life partner and suggests that decision makers need to “date” to try out different career options. “Career passion is rarely love at first sight…. When you’re considering career paths, you shouldn’t cling to your old ideas of what your passion is. Don’t pursue the job that your past self thought would make you happiest. Follow your curiosity into the job where you think you’ll learn the most, where you can gain mastery over useful skills, and build your passion over time.” In simple terms, keep an open mind.

2. You may have more than one passion.

Research shows that the search for a calling can be uncomfortable and confusing. People often get too focused on only one passion which can result in narrow tunnel vision where the decision maker fails to consider multiple interests or passions. Urging people to find their passion may lead them to put all their eggs in one career basket.

There also is evidence that being too focused on following a single passion means people are unprepared for challenges, more easily frustrated, and likely to give up when facing difficulties on the job; often assuming that since challenges exist, this must not be the right career path for them.

3. Passions evolve over time.

Passion isn’t something that is just waiting to be discovered — it’s something that takes time to figure out and develop. Grant says, “Passion is a consequence of effort,” pointing to studies following the career paths of entrepreneurs over time. Their passions became stronger the more time and effort they invested into their start-ups.

“Their passion grew as they made progress,” noted Grant. “So, the problem is, the advice to ‘follow your passion’ reflects a fixed mindset: it assumes that your interests are stable. So if you don’t immediately enjoy a field or a task, the writing is on the wall; this must not be your passion, but that’s a mistake. You don’t want to quit the moment you don’t like a job, because passion can grow over time.”

4. Career paths, like passions, require exploration.

In previous generations, workers seemed able to map out their careers early on and pursue a linear employment path. That isn’t true for the new economy. In fact, according to Workopolis, only 30 per cent of people stay in any one job for over four years. Job hopping is the new normal. In today’s job market, careers are much more fluid and workers are have to be flexible when responding to a fast-changing economy.

So instead of the old straight forward “plan-and-implement” strategy, it may be more effective to consider a “test-and-learn” approach. Think of yourself as a scientist running experiments on your career; you have a hypothesis that a job might be a good opportunity and you try it out to see if it’s a good fit.

5. You won’t always love everything about your work.

Expecting to love every aspect of your work can set you up for disappointment. You may be left wondering whether there’s something better out there which will leave you with dissatisfaction and, ultimately, regret. Chasing happiness can chase it away.

Grant points out that when you start a job at the bottom of the career ladder, you will be disappointed if you think it is going to be all fun — “most entry-level jobs aren’t designed to be fun.” If you start your career with realistic expectations, you are more likely to push through the more challenging aspects of your job and eventually move into more satisfying roles.

6. Sometimes it just isn’t realistic to expect to fulfill your passions at work.

Not everyone is going to find personal fulfillment at work. Many people have other callings—passions they pursue outside their careers. Some are perfectly content to follow their passions through volunteer work, side businesses or as hobbies in their leisure time.

“So when you’re thinking about your career,” advises Grant, “the best place to start is not to follow your passion.” Follow your curiosity into a job where you think you’ll learn the most, gain useful skills, and then build your passion over time.

Quoting some useful advice from Oprah Winfrey “Your job is not always going to fulfill you… and the number one lesson I could offer you where your work is concerned is this; Become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed.”

7. Consider some expert advice.

Career exploration services, such at those offered at JVS Toronto, can help you build a clear picture of what will make you feel happy and fulfilled in your career by identifying jobs that align with your interests, skills, personality and values.

Whether you’re still in school or already working, it’s never too late to put yourself on the path to a career you love.

To know if you could benefit from Career Exploration, contact us at 416-649-1600 or pave@jvstoronto.org.

August 26, 2019 4 Comments

How to Write Your Professional Bio

Whether you are looking for a new job, networking with colleagues, or giving a presentation, there will be many times throughout your professional life where you’ll be asked to “briefly introduce yourself.”

However, finding those few words to describe yourself isn’t an easy task. The challenge is to describe your professional skills, accomplishments, and personality in simple, yet compelling terms that will catch the attention of those who might be in a position to help you with your career goals. Your bio shouldn’t be just be a list of job experiences; that’s what your resume is for. Instead, it should show the person behind the accomplishments. [Read more…]

August 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

Top 5 Resources for Quality Training Courses in Toronto

Keeping your skills up-to-date is vital to every job seeker. Whether you are a newcomer to Canada, recently lost your job, a mature worker, trying to overcome a gap in your resume, or changing careers, enhancing your skills is a worthwhile investment of your time.

You may want to brush up on your programming or computer knowledge, language skills, management or any number of other skills that could improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

Finding training courses that are credible, affordable, and accessible isn’t an easy task. While Googling “courses in Toronto” will give you pages and pages of results, it can be difficult to determine which of these courses are worth your time (and money).

Here is our selection of quality resources to learn new skills and boost your employability.

1. The City of Toronto:

The City’s workshops and training programs are available to all Toronto residents – many at little or no cost.

Recipients of Ontario Works benefits may qualify for a variety of employment-related training programs in areas such as:

Administration
Industrial Skills
Travel and Tourism
Retail
Food Services
and more

The City also offers a training series for Community Frontline Workers who work with vulnerable youth. Workshops include Employment for Youth with Criminal Records, Conflict Resolution & De-escalation, and Outreach with MVP Youth.

Tip: Not in Toronto? Check your own city’s website for training courses and other educational opportunities.

2. Public School Boards:

Many public school boards offer adult education opportunities including Literacy and Language Training, Computer Skills, Personal Support Worker training, and other workshops for licensed professionals:

3. Public Libraries:

Across all locations, the Toronto Public Library offers training classes that can be accessed either in person or online:

TPL also offers free to access lynda.com – a leading online learning platform that helps anyone learn business, software, technology and creative skills to achieve personal and professional goals.

Tip: Markham residents can find JVS Toronto Employment Skills workshops at a variety of library locations. Check out our online calendar for more information.

4. Private Colleges:

Many Private Colleges offer a wide range of Continuing Education opportunities. However, for some job seekers, these classes can be prohibitively expensive. And for those who work full-time or have family obligations, attending in-person classes can be next to impossible.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of opportunities to study online which allows for greater flexibility and often lower (or no) costs. Some excellent online training sources include:

5. Public Universities and Colleges:

Publicly funded post-secondary schools also offer a wide range of Continuing Education opportunities both in-person and online; many of which are quite affordable. In addition, through Continuing Education departments at colleges and universities, job seekers can earn certificates in their area of study that will demonstrate their expertise when applying to jobs.

Whether you are looking for a certificate or just a few specific courses, check out the websites of Toronto’s colleges or universities for their continuing education course listings:

Humber
George Brown
Centennial
Seneca
York University
University of Toronto
Ryerson
Online courses are available at Ontario Learn and Canadian Virtual University Consortium

Tip: Whatever education or training you choose to pursue, remember to add your new skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Happy learning!

July 15, 2019 1 Comment

How to Write Emails That Get Noticed

For job seekers, email is still the most popular way to sent a resume for a job opening, ask for an information interview, or network with a potential employer. According to researchers at Carleton University, working people send and receive an average of 111 work-related emails a day. It’s no surprise that job seekers struggle to get their emails noticed amongst the volume of messages in an employers’ inbox.

What can you do to increase the chance that prospective employers read your email? Here are a few tips from our experts.

Consider each part of your message.

Subject line: Pay attention to what you write in the subject line. It should clearly summarize the main point of the email, such as, Application for Accounting Manager – Jane Smith or, Seeking information about real estate industry.

Most importantly, Hello is not a helpful subject heading!

Opening: Get to the point quickly. Introduce yourself by telling the reader only what they really need to know such as mentioning who referred you to the employer. Ensure you have an email signature set up to avoid the need to mention your name. More about that below.

Body: Be clear about why you are writing to the recipient up front. Keep it simple and focused. The reader is much more likely to respond if they know, at a glance, why you’re reaching out to them.

Closing: End with the details of what you are asking for such as dates, deadlines or the next steps. Make sure the reader knows exactly what’s they need to do.

Sign Off: Your closing line can vary depending on the formality of the email and the relationship between the sender and recipient:

Sincerely is formal and used in the business world, especially when communicating with new contacts.
Best regards/Regards is less formal and implies that the sender and recipient know each other in a business context.
Warm Regards/All the best/Have a good day is less formal, but might still suitable for a more casual/familiar business relationship.

Signature: Create a professional signature for your emails. Include your name, occupation, phone number and a link to your LinkedIn profile or your online portfolio/website, if applicable.

Email Dos and Don’ts.

Do keep the email short.

Focus the key points and convey key information. Each paragraph should be no more than three to five sentences. Don’t make the reader work too hard trying to figure out what you want.

Avoid phrases such as, I am writing this email to inform you that…, or In response to your job posting of January 15^th… Use the subject line is for this.

Do keep your resume easy-to-read.

Use italics, bold or highlighting sparingly. It can look messy and not all email applications are set up to read such complex formats.

Do watch your grammar.

Emails may be more conversational than other forms of correspondence, but try to maintain a professional tone. It is acceptable to use contractions such as I’ll, it’ll, we’ll, but avoid common “text” abbreviations such as plz, lol, thx, etc. And don’t use ALL CAPS or excessive exclamation marks!!!!!!

Don’t make jokes.

Jokes are don’t always read as intended. Written correspondence doesn’t convey sarcasm or tone well, so you might be misunderstood and end up looking unprofessional.

Do be polite.

If you are asking for assistance with your job search, remember to be courteous. Here are some terms you can use to make a request in a professional manner:

I am writing to request…
I wonder if I could…
I was wondering if…
Would it be possible to…

Remember to say thank you and express your appreciation. Never underestimate the power of gratitude!

Proof read your email before you send it.

Never send an email too hastily. Take time to proofread your message keeping the above tips in mind. Make sure that any relevant documentation is attached to your message before sending.

A well-written email that is thoughtful, spell-checked, and professional can go a long way when presenting yourself to a potential employer.

July 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

Lost Your Job? Here’s six steps to get you back to work

Finding yourself out of work can be a devastating experience. Unemployment is widely acknowledged as a significant stressor that directly affects physical and mental health. The Canadian Association for Mental Health states, “Unemployment can be, and often is, a shock to your whole system. You can experience some of the same feelings and stresses that you would if you were seriously injured, going through a divorce, or mourning the loss of a loved one.” As with other traumatic events, we rarely expect to be out of work and are often unprepared and overwhelmed by the road ahead. Common reactions when facing unemployment vary. You may find yourself struggling with denial, anger, and sadness, which can lead to avoidance and a sense of isolation.

Preparation will help you to overcome these emotions and return to the workforce as soon as possible.

Six Steps in Taking Control

Take stock of your finances.

Figure out how long you can afford to go without a new source of income and develop a plan. Many job seekers have had to compromise their choice of jobs when they found themselves strapped for cash. Ask yourself, “What can I do if I don’t have a job by my target date?” Consider what compromises you can make to speed up landing a job. This can include adjusting your job search to include a few types of positions, locations, and salary range.

Once you receive your Record of Employment, apply for Employment Insurance as soon as possible. Service Canada states, “If you delay filing your claim for benefits for more than four weeks after your last day of work, you may lose benefits.” When applying for Employment Insurance using the online service, you will need your employment start and end dates.

Keep in mind that finding a job often takes longer than expected.

Establish your goals.

Though you may not have been expecting it, this is an opportunity to reassess your employment goals. You may want to learn about other industries, consider a career change, or potentially go back to school.

If you wish to stay in your current industry, make a list of companies you would be interested in working at. Start with a minimum of five and focus your efforts there. LinkedIn company pages are a great tool that provides job seekers with access to detailed in-depth information about potential employers.

Revise your resume.

Update your resume with your work history details, and highlight the skills and experience most relevant to your employment goals. Search job postings online for the keywords and skills employers are looking for and include them in your resume. For those with long careers, include the last 10 years of employment with focus on key responsibilities and accomplishments.

Seek out free employment centres, such as JVS Toronto Employment Source, to help you with resume preparation, interview techniques and other job search tools. If you’re resume updating skills are rusty, try our free online resume writing clinic.

Update or learn new skills.

After updating your resume and looking at job postings, you may find that your skills are out of date, or you’ve come across a software program you don’t know that would open up other opportunities. You may want to brush up on your product or service knowledge, presentation skills or any number of other skills that could improve your chances of being selected for an interview.

Adding or enhancing skills is a worthwhile investment of your time. There are many resources offered online, such as Lynda.com with courses in software development, business, design, websites and more. Also check out the Continuing Education programs offered at your college or looks for classes at your local community centre or library that are low cost or free.

Reconnect with your network.

Job loss is something more and more people are facing in today’s economic climate. You are not alone in needing to find work. Reach out to your social and professional circles for job search tips and leads. Use social media to reconnect with friends, former colleagues or classmates during your job search. Not only will you gain information, identify skills you may need to improve and other resources, these connections will help with feelings of isolation often associated to those facing unemployment.

Consider making new connections by volunteering or attending industry or professional association events. You’ll meet people, hear about opportunities, and if volunteering, gain references and new work experiences to add to your resume. Use social media to make these connections.

Keep in mind that most jobs aren’t formally advertised. Employers use their trusted networks to find candidates for vacant positions.

Don’t do it alone.

All Employment Ontario-funded employment centres have free resource areas that provide those looking for work with computers, telephones, faxes and photocopiers, including JVS Toronto’s nine Employment Source locations. Conducting your job search in an employment centre like this reduces loneliness and provides you with direct access to various employment specialists, workshops and other services, all for free!

A little planning and effort can go a long way towards making the best of your situation and staying in control of a process, which can otherwise be daunting.

For those readers living in Toronto or York Region who need job search support, contact JVS Toronto at 416-787-1151 or at services@jvstoronto.org to access our free job search workshops, hiring events, and career exploration programs.