JVS Toronto

DONATE
  • About
    • Our Leadership
    • Our Funders & Donors
    • Annual Reports & Financials
    • Service Interruption Notices
    • FAQs
  • Find a Job
    • Career Development and Job Search Support
    • Disability Services
      • RiseAbility
    • Jewish Community Services
    • Newcomer Services
    • Youth Services
    • Job Search Resources
  • Workshops
  • Employers
  • Pre-Arrival
  • Give Back
    • Donate
    • Send an E-Card
    • Volunteering and Mentoring
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Donate

July 28, 2014 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Should I look for The Perfect Job?

Business people shaking handsDear Joanna,

I am looking for work and although I have not had any luck so far, I insist on waiting for the perfect job that I know will provide me with happiness, a sufficient income and satisfaction. My friends, family and Employment Counsellor disagree with me. Based on their experiences, there is no such beast as a perfect job.

Is it a mistake to want the perfect job?

Signed: Waiting for Perfection


Dear Waiting,

In an informative article on this issue, Folker Wrage, an advertising consultant, suggested that “most of us keep looking for the perfect job for almost all of our careers, and never find it.”, suggesting that if we are set on such a position, perhaps we need to create that job or business ourselves. Gwen Knowles covers this topic as well, stressing a need to take action, open up your options and “dip in before you chose which route to pursue”.

Do not limit your search for that perfect job or career that closely match your skills and experience, advises Knowles; instead, she advises to aim for companies who might hire you, and not companies where you’d love to work.

Knowles presents four suggestions that will hopefully help you change your thinking and be more successful in your job search:

1. Embrace Exploration.

Instead of picking a single career path, why not sample a few? Consider this your invitation to the career ‘buffet’, where you can have a taste of an assortment of options available.

2. Try new things.

Take a risk rather than feel like your choices are all or nothing. Often job seekers have a feeling that they shouldn’t explore a career option unless they are sure it’s the right one, because they don’t want to make another mistake. This pressure can stop you before you start. The opposite is true. You aren’t committing to anything yet; you’re just exploring for a while, in a new direction (or ten!). What roles would you love to explore? What would be really fun to find out about? Some actions to consider might be job shadowing, create a basic website if you have an idea for a new business, and use friends as tester customers; participate in a relevant workshop or course to see if you really enjoy it; volunteer or conduct an information interview.

3. Don’t be afraid and learn from your failures.

There is tremendous pressure that you put on yourself to find that perfect job, especially when you aren’t sure what “right” looks like. Does the fear of failure hold you back from experimenting? Treat your career search as an experiment or creative project. Give yourself permission to try new things and delve into new areas.

4. Explore your passion and values.

Identify those hidden values, passions and skills. What are your hidden values, passions and skills that drive you? You’ll know them as the urges you have had throughout your life; fascination with a field of work, a desire to build particular skills, or a sense of joy at the thought of following a certain path. Your unique personal values stay with you throughout your life. Ask this question: If you give yourself permission to explore your heart’s desires, what fields of work would you be looking at now? What are the roles that you are really drawn to, no matter how far they are from your previous training and experience?

Allowing yourself to explore work that matches who you crave being inside is a huge leap towards finding work that fulfills you, instead of focusing on that perfect job.

Joanna

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: creative job search, explore careers, find work, job search, learn from failures, perfect job, picky job seeker

July 21, 2014 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Am I owed annual wage increases?

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"

Dear Employment Specialist,

I have been at the same job for seven years and have received a wage increase only once. Is it mandated or am I entitled to have an annual wage increase to match inflation rates for permanent positions?

Please help me to understand my rights as an employee.

Signed: Wage Increase Rights (WIR)


[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: negotiating salary, on the job, ontario labour standards, Rodney Employment Law, salary, wage, wage increases

June 30, 2014 1 Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Job Scams

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"Dear Joanna,

This is a true story. I applied for a job posting on Craigslist for the position of customer service representative. I immediately received an email from the owner of the company with an employment contract attached for me to complete, sign and return by email. The form requested all of my personal details, including my social insurance number. I admit that I was excited to be offered a job, after a year of rejection and frustration with my hundreds of job applications. However, I am concerned about providing my personal details to a total stranger without an interview at least.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Signed: Fraud Alert (FA)


Dear FA,

I’m so glad you contacted me with this question. Do not email anyone your Social Insurance Number or personal details if you have no real evidence that the organization and person are for real. The question of how to determine if you are experiencing a job posting scam or a real job is important. Steffen Allen, Senior Recruiter at Brainhunter, provides some important warning signs and techniques to determine if the employment opportunity is legitimate or not:

1. Be very careful.

This is the first step when you are applying for jobs online, or even in person. There is no shortage of identity-theft, scams, rip-offs and illegitimate companies and job postings in the city and on the internet. It’s impossible to police so many people and places. I would always check out your concerns or the actual job posting with your mentor, job developer and/or employment counsellor before you apply, so you can prevent anything bad happening. You can learn about a standard job application process through our agency.

Allen warns never to NEVER EVER provide a social insurance number until a job offer is given, accepted and the company is verified. Companies will never send a job offer before an interview or phone conversation at the very minimal.

2. Research research research.

Is there a website for the company advertising their position? Can you Google the company and owner? If not, then it might be a scam. I only apply for jobs with legitimate and comprehensive websites with full disclosure of their company name, location, telephone, emails, and contact people lists. I would also Google the address to make sure it’s real. Look for any reports of negative news and reputations.

3. Analyze the job details.

Again, it’s important that the job description be transparent, clear and informative, with an idea of the compensation package. An actual amount might not be listed, but you should have an idea of the payment structure. For example, does the posting indicate a base and commission with the customer service role, or is it an hourly wage?

4. Asking for money and more.

The website Scam Warmers presents the following red flags that confirm that the job and company are frauds. DO NOT PAY A PENNY TO ANY EMPLOYER before getting the job. Avoid jobs that ask you to use your personal bank account, to open a new bank account, to use your credit card, mail, cash a check or money.

5. Check the company’s references.

You have every right to ask the company or employer for references. Request a list of other employees or customers. Then, contact the references to ask about the company. If the company refuses to provide references, then stay away from this opportunity.

6. Beware of quick rich fixes.

Any job that promises getting rich fast or guarantees tons of money is one that you should stay away from. Nothing happens by magic or quickly, whether it’s a job offer or losing weight. This all takes time and is a process.

I really hope that I have saved you from this scammer. You deserve to work for a legitimate and transparent company with fair compensation and a healthy workplace.

Joanna

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: find work, fraud, job scams, job search, job search risks, scams

June 16, 2014 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Stay-at-home Mom Returning to Work

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"Dear Joanna,

I have been a stay-at-home mom for around 20 years. My five children are finally out of the house, and I would like to go back to work. I’m in my mid-40s and ambitious. Throughout these years of raising my family, I have been active in the community, in my children’s school, and volunteered on several boards and committees.

The question I ask myself is what kind of work do I want to do? What career path should I take? I’m bored, confused and unhappy. Please guide me in the right direction.

Signed: Battling Back to Work (BTW)


[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: adult career change, get job, going back to work, re-entering the workforce, returning to work, stay at home mother

June 9, 2014 Leave a Comment

Ask the Employment Specialist: Do I Tell my Manager that I’m Looking for Work?

man conducting a job search onlineDear Joanna,

I am looking for another job. I have mentioned this in my social media profiles, especially LinkedIn. I feel like I have reached a glass ceiling in my current position and am looking for better and bigger opportunities to make more money and continue to grow in my career.

Should I tell my boss that I am trying to get another job?

Signed: Share The Search (STS)


[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog Tagged With: boss, find work, job search, job search while working, tell manager

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • Next Page »
Jump-start Your Job Search

Sign up now to connect with a JVS Toronto employment expert.

Jump-start Your Job Search - Sidebar

JVS Toronto

For general inquiries, contact:
T: 416-787-1151
E: services@jvstoronto.org

Find a Location

More Information

  • Careers at JVS Toronto
  • Customer Service Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility at JVS Toronto
  • Terms of Use
  • JVS Insider Login

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • youtube
Imagine Canada Trustmark JVS Toronto is accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program dedicated to operational excellence.
Imagine Canada Trustmark

Copyright © 2025 · JVS Toronto

Youth Career Launch Program

Youth Career Launch Program Registration Form

Because you are employed full-time, you are not eligible for this service.

Recruitment for Equity, Accessibility and Diversity (READY)

READY Webpage Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

International Skills Applied for Geriatrics (ISAGE)

ISAGE Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Newcomer Youth: Connections for Success (NYCS)

NYCS
Are you a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee? *
Are you between 15 and 18 years old? *

Newcomer Youth: Connections for Success (NYCS)

NYCS
Are you a Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee? *
Are you between 15 and 18 years old? *

Job Search Workshop for Newcomers

JSW
What kind of program would you like to attend?
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Since you are located outside Ontario, you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Due to your Citizenship Status you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Youth Reach

YouthReach Contact Form
Are you currently in enrolled in school? *

Professional Engagement for Access to Careers (PEAC)

PEAC Contact Us

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades
First
Last
Citizenship Status: *

Newcomer Pathways into Skilled Trades

Eligibility:

  • Open to Permanent residents, convention refugees, and protected refugees
  • Must have work experience outside Canada
  • Must meet the requirements to be licensed in Ontario
  • No CLB required

Road to Employment for Immigrant Women

Road to Employment for Immigrant Women
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Since you are located outside Ontario, you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Due to your Citizenship Status you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN)

Application for Immigrant Professionals Leveraging Architectural Knowledge for New Opportunities (IPLAN)
First
Last
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Request Student placement application assistance

Please select a valid form.

Apply to be a volunteer

Application for Apply to be a volunteer
First
Last

Request Assistance Making a donation

Application for Request Assistance Making a donation
First
Last

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

Application for Canada-Ontario Job Grant
First
Last

Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)

Application for Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)
First
Last

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership

Application for TRIEC Mentoring Partnership
First
Last
So you currently live in Ontario? *

Building Unbiased and Inclusive Workplaces Leveraging Diversity (BUILD)

Building Unbiased and Inclusive Workplaces Leveraging Diversity (BUILD)
First
Last
Do you currently live in Onatrio? *

Canadian Workplace Communication

Canadian Workplace Communication
First
Last
Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Youth – Our Future Initiative (YOFI)

Application for Youth – Our Future Initiative (YOFI)
First
Last

Disability Services

Please select a valid form.
IPLAN PRACTICE Eligibility Requirements
  • Open to Permanent Residents, Canadian Citizens, or Convention Refugees
  • High level of English-language proficiency (CLB 7/8). Enhanced language training is available to applicants, if needed, prior to starting the program
  • Degree in architecture from a university outside Canada
  • OAA Intern Architects eligible to write the Examination for Architects in Canada (ExAC)**

 

*Note:

  • The practice of architecture in Ontario is governed by the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA). All individuals who are internationally trained in the field of architecture, or who have held the status of architect in another jurisdiction must contact the OAA or visit the OAA website at www.oaa.on.ca for current information about licensing requirements and the licensing process in Ontario.
  • JVS Toronto is not a licensing body in Ontario.
  • The Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB) is the sole organization recognized by the architectural profession in Canada to:
    • Assess the educational qualifications of architecture graduates;
    • Accredit professional degree Programs in architecture offered by Canadian Universities; and
    • Certify the professional qualifications of Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects.
  • Architectural services may only be offered through a Certificate of Practice issued by the OAA.

**The content of this program has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Committee for the Examination for Architects in Canada (CExAC). The ExAC is an experience based exam. It is the practical application of knowledge acquired through education and readings that will support examination success. Taking this program without applying the knowledge gained through practice may not result in examination success.

TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Eligibility Requirements

You should sign up for the program if you:

  • Have 2+ years of international experience in your professional field
  • Have lived in Canada for less than five years
  • Are unemployed or underemployed and looking to use your professional skills in Canada