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Update your skills from home — where to find low cost and free online courses

Happy male smiling at laptop, Working from home

Right now, while we are unexpectedly stuck at home, job seekers are starting to wonder what to tell future employers about what they have been doing over this time. I have tried to reassure my clients that it’s unlikely that employers will ask — most people understand that in these “unprecedented times” (as the press keeps telling us) people are dealing with a many unexpected pressures. But now that many of us have found some kind of daily routine, as stressful and unsettled as it may be, some are  looking for something to do that is positive and future-oriented which might advance their careers or give them a competitive edge when they resume their job search.

Considering what so many people are going through as they try to balance the role of parent, teacher, homekeeper, cook, shopper, and caregiver — job search is understandably hardly a priority for some. Of course, self care and day to day survival should to be our first priority, and the added pressure of taking on additional responsibilities might not be the right thing to do right now.

However, the option to take courses online is available for those who feel the need (and have the opportunity) to do something for their resume. Taking a course can also be a useful distraction, a way to gain a sense of control and do something for yourself. 

Finding online training courses that are credible and accessible isn’t an easy task. While Googling “online 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 a selection of quality resources to learn new skills and boost your employability.

Public Libraries: 

Across many locations, public libraries are offering online learning opportunities to card holding members, including IT options such application software, web site development, JavaScript and Python, CISCO networking, opportunities for certification and examination preparation, as well as opportunities to learn programs such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Office.

Libraries also offer access to a wide range of online courses for free, such as

  • Lynda — access to thousands of video tutorial courses in  technology, software development, business skills, project management as well as creative skills like animation and video editing
  • Transparent Language — learn a new language
  • Practice for the Ontario G1 driving test — with practice tests and a G1 test simulator based on the MTO Driver’s Handbook and the same method of grading and questions on the real test
  • TV Ontario Education — links to the Independent Learning Center, Homework Help, and resources for adults looking to complete their GED
  • Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU) — a non-profit organization that facilitates equitable learning beyond institutional walls
  • Other free educational platforms such as the Khan Academy

Find the Public libraries websites in your city for more information. You will need a library card to access these programs (If you do not have a library card, check the website of your local public library – some have temporarily introduced online registration options to access some resources. Libraries in the GTA include:

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. Online courses are available at Ontario Learn.

In recent months, universities have begun to advertise more online courses for people who don’t necessarily want to do an entire degree, under the category of Continuing Education, such as University of Toronto, Ryerson and York University

Private Colleges:

Many private colleges offer a wide range of training opportunities, an increasing number of which are available online. The provincial government registers and oversees all these schools to ensure quality, though they do vary widely in their standards.

Candidates should keep in mind that many of these schools might not necessarily approved by the certifying professional bodies (e.g. Pharmacy Assistant candidates have to refer to this list to ensure the course is approved by the CCAPP, the Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy programs), so it is important to check first before registering to make sure that the course and school are approved.

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:

Also — remember that non profit organizations such as JVS Toronto are offering a range of free expert webinars for job seekers, so check those out as well.

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

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Navigating Your Way Through Virtual Job Fairs: Tips for Job Seekers

 

Register to attend JVS Toronto’s Virtual Job Fair, July 23, 2020.

Despite having sent out hundreds of resumes, you still haven’t received a response. You know connections are important to land a job, however you are new to the country and find it difficult to reach out to employers.

Job fairs offer a rare opportunity to make a good first impression on potential employers and let them know the skills you have to offer. As virtual job fairs become more popular, we are sharing tips to help job seekers make the best of this event. Virtual job fairs are solely online and are similar to regular job fairs except communication with employers is done in writing via an instant messaging platform rather than in person. 

Since the job fair is not in person, it isn’t necessary to wear a suit or other formal office wear, however being too comfortable can also have its pitfalls. Participating in the job fair in a comfortable environment might lead you to communicate in an informal manner. Imagine the kind of answers you might give if you were talking to employers while wearing a bathrobe, lying in bed and eating chips. Also, remember mood and attitude can be apparent in your writing so it’s very important to maintain a positive attitude. To ensure you are in the right frame of mind, take yourself out of the space you are in by showering, getting dressed in presentable clothes and sitting at a table.

Here are some tips to make the most of the virtual job fair experience: 

Before the Job Fair

Employers want to know that you are interested in working for them and the job they are hiring for. Virtual job fairs can bring in hundreds of job seekers so showing genuine interest is more likely to make you stand out from the crowd and convince the employer that you might be the right fit for the position. For this reason, it’s important to research and only approach employers you are really interested in. 

A job fair is just like an interview, so prepare accordingly. Prepare some short and direct answers to standard questions such as “Tell me about yourself”, “Why do you want to work here?” and “What skills do you have?” It’s also very important to create an elevator pitch to introduce yourself. As this is a virtual job fair, you will be communicating in writing so make sure you chose your words carefully because once they have been sent they can’t be taken back.

  • Place yourself in a quiet place with no distractions
  • Research the employers you want to speak with
  • Review job descriptions for each position you plan to apply for
  • Have your resume ready
  • Prepare a very short introduction (a few sentences) targeted at each company that you will use when you first connect
  • Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions to ask the employer. These questions should be about the position or the organization and not about benefits like vacation and salary.
  • Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and that it accurately describes you professionally
  • Check your digital footprint and make sure you look good online

During the Job Fair

  • Use spell checkers – try https://www.grammarly.com/
  • Keep it short and to the point – long blocks of text can be intimidating
  • Avoid redundancy – do not repeat information
  • Keep a professional tone – spell out all your words (for example: “You”, not “u”)
  • Write the same way you would speak in an in-person interview
  • Do not use all caps and emojis
  • Your enthusiasm and positive attitude must be conveyed through your writing. The best way to show enthusiasm is to research the company well and prepare reasons for wanting to work for the employer beyond just their reputation in the industry. Note: exclamation points are not an effective way to demonstrate enthusiasm in this scenario.
  • If you are uncertain about what is being asked, ask for clarification and/or paraphrase the question
  • After each conversation, be sure to thank the interviewers
  • Express strong interest and enthusiasm for the job but don’t overdo it. You can say something, like “I really like what I heard today and I am really interested in this position.”
  • Ask about next steps, if it’s okay to follow up with them and if so, when

After the Job Fair

  • Send a brief thank-you email to employers after the job fair, on the same day
  • Write down some of the questions you were asked in order to reflect and learn from them
  • Follow-up with employers, if appropriate, after the deadline set by the employer. Do not contact them more than once. 

Register to attend JVS Toronto’s Virtual Job Fair, July 23, 2020.

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How Finding Work is Like Finding Love

https://www.flickr.com/photos/entrospeck

A few years ago, I had the privilege of speaking with Dan Ariely, author and Duke University Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Economics, at his book launch. In the book, he mentioned the challenges that people face finding love on online dating sites. It got me thinking about the parallels between the struggles finding work and finding love, and the fact that we have still not succeeded in creating particularly effective systems to connect job seekers and job openings (or people to one another). AI is smart, but not smart enough to figure out what makes people “click” with each other.

While there are qualified job seekers and suitable jobs out there, somehow it is exceedingly difficult to connect the two; the question is what works?

Based on my experience as an employment expert, I have concluded that there are real parallels between what works for finding work and love. To test this theory, I decided to research “how to find love”, which yielded a lovely, common-sense Wikihow post that demonstrates my theory pretty well. It recommends 10 steps to help “find love”, most of which can be neatly applied to job search. It divides the 10 steps into 3 main parts:

  1. Know Yourself
  2. Reach Out
  3. Make Moves

Employment counsellors also typically advise job seekers to:

  1. Know their strengths, weaknesses and assets, and share them in resumes, LinkedIn, and in information and job interviews.
  2. Reach out to network contacts and potential employers.
  3. Make moves to meet in person with potential employers and network contacts.

 

PART ONE: KNOW YOURSELF

1. “Understand what you have to offer.”

Consider what you bring to a relationship:

  • Your best qualities — what are your strengths or unique assets?
  • Your interests — what areas of work do you specialize in?
  • your weaknesses — what would you like to improve in yourself as an employee? What parts of your job make you feel uncomfortable?  

For job seekers, this is excellent advice: identify your assets, professional interests and weaknesses; understand them and be willing to discuss them openly (obviously, only as they relate to your ability to do the job).        

2. “Build confidence”

Identify your strengths, and practice being able to talk about them confidently.

“Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, a hilarious crowd pleaser or a very kind friend, be confident about what you have to offer”.

Know what you have and own it. Confidence comes from understanding what makes you a strong candidate, and being able to back that up with examples from your experience.

3. “Know what you are looking for.” 

All relationships benefit from clarity of purpose. Do you know what you are looking for in a job? Have you thought through and evaluated your priorities?

Write down what you consider most important characteristics for your next job, such as salary, status, keeping busy, social connections, a chance to build your career, or learning new skills. Try to not being too specific or too superficial in your preferences; if you are too selective, you might narrow your options too much and miss out on opportunities which you might regret later.

It may also be helpful to write down a list of definite “NOs.” What won’t you compromise on?

 

PART TWO: REACH OUT

4. “Meet people.” 

“One of the best ways to do this is to start by making friends. It is always said that making friends is the surest way to finding love, and that’s because it’s true; it’s a great way to build a mutual relationship based on caring and trust.”

The same can be said for job search – make sure to reach out to people. Avoid hiding behind your computer screen. You are mostly likely to find work (especially work that meets your unique needs and skills) through networking. Networking starts with meeting people.

Don’t be quick to reject an opportunity based on superficial criteria – love at first sight is a rare and often unsustainable thing. Look beyond your notion of what your ideal employer might be like – avoid restricting yourself based on superficial criteria such as location, travel time, company size, brand, job title. Think about your long-term goals; consider whether this opportunity might move you in the right direction.

Expect success to take time. Commit resources, effort and time to finding the right opportunity. Be patient.

To find love, “accept invitations to parties, sporting events, and concerts. If you aren’t much of a joiner, ask a few people out for lunch or coffee. The point is to create a lot of situations that give you the chance to get to know people – and it’s hard to do that from home”. This applies to job search just as well: stretch yourself beyond you natural tendency for independence and self-sufficiency – reach out. Go to workshops and conferences, volunteer and do what it takes to meet new people.

5. “Present yourself as someone who is available.” 

Let people know that you are looking for work. Send out resumes to those who might know someone. Mention it to friends and former colleagues. (Careful not to overdo it though – no one wants a desperate person.)

Make sure you have an easy-to-find online presence. Sites such as LinkedIn provide good opportunities to showcase your skills. Be aware of how you appear to others, online (Google yourself!) a in terms of professional dress (no perfume – this is job search, after all.)

When meeting with network contacts, practice active listening. Be attentive, make yet contact and ask curious questions. Thank people afterwards for the meeting and stay in touch. When you meet them next, or reach out again, try to follow up by recalling something he or she said and mentioning it at the beginning of the conversation. Show people you are paying attention.

Be honest and genuine. Your ability to talk about your strengths and weaknesses with confidence is, as the article suggests “an act of courage, and that’s attractive”.

6. “Try dating services.”

I suppose we could describe LinkedIn, networking meetups, recruiting sites as “dating services” for job seekers and employers. Even volunteering in a place where you can meeting potential colleagues and employers might be a great place to find employment “love”. As the article states: “you might find it easier to get to know people in places that facilitate conversation.”

 

PART 3: MAKE MOVES

 7. “Ask people on dates” 

Reach out to people who might be able to help or support you, and take up any opportunity to meet face to face and have a conversation by phone. Informational interviews can be very beneficial for both you and a potential employer.

No need to make it complicated or formal. Take your contact out to coffee or meet them at their office and bring a cup (call/text before and ask: “I’m bringing coffee – what would you like?”). The format of the meeting doesn’t matter — just focus on having a good conversation and learning something new. Making a good impression is most important.

8. “Don’t be too pushy”

Remember that personal connections are stressful for both sides. The person you’re meeting might be concerned about your expectations from them, as well. Keep in mind that not everyone is in a position to refer you to a job, and keep expectations low key and relaxed.

9. “Be vulnerable.”

Talking about yourself in a genuine and self-critical way makes you more trustworthy and confident sounding. You do not have to be perfect to be interesting — employers want an employee who is open to criticism and learning.

10. “Know when to drop it and move on.”

Sometimes you are just not a good fit with a job. Sometimes a network contact just won’t want to meet. Know when to give up and move on to better opportunities. Do not let a negative experience put you off. Learn from any mistakes you might have made, dust yourself off and try again.

Staying motivated through the process can be difficult. An article in the Journal of Management quotes researchers who suggest that the most important thing a job seeker can do to find work is to stay motivated and focused — advice which could just as easily apply to those seeking love:

“Just keeping motivated. You know, that’s a tough one when day in and day out, doors are slamming in your face because, you know, you’re not the only person applying for a particular job or you’re not the only person reaching out to somebody. And, I think, trying to keep a smile on your face and staying motivated that it will happen when it’s meant to happen. That’s the ticket. I think that’s the toughest thing when you’ve been out of work for a long period of time.

What other rocks have you not turned over? And if you turned over every rock that you can and reached out to god knows how many people (…), and you’re not getting anywhere and the train is not moving down the tracks, it is very tough to put one foot in front of the other and say, okay, tomorrow’s going to be a better day. That sounds just so old-fashioned or cliched but it’s true.”

Bottom line:

Whether looking for love or trying to find work, human nature requires that we do certain things in order to be successful: we need to be self-aware, clear about our goals, and to plan and implement steps to reach out and to meet others face to face.

Most importantly, acknowledge that the process of meeting goals (whether it’s love or work) will most probably take more time, energy and motivation than we would like. And then, just keep going.

JVS Toronto Head Office

74 Tycos Drive
Toronto, ON
M6B 1V9

T: 416-787-1151
E: services@jvstoronto.org
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