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August 2, 2024 Leave a Comment

Grant Results in Structural Repairs and a Bountiful Harvest

JVS Toronto’s clients taking part in a gardening project as part of our Disability Services programming.

JVS Toronto’s head office, located at 74 Tycos Drive, is home to our Disability Employment & Inclusion Services which provides crucial support for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These highly specialized services include a variety of programs that help build life skills, employment and job search skills, and provide meaning volunteer opportunities throughout the community that promote inclusion and self-sufficiency.

Recently, JVS Toronto received a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) as part of the Resilient Communities Fund. The grant received funded improvements to the exterior of the Tycos building. These improvements included structural repairs and metal cladding which improve the heating and cooling of the space and will extend the life of the building so that we can continue to provide this critical programming to the community.

In addition, upgrades were made to the rear exit of the building, making it more accessible for individuals with mobility issues. As a result, the Developing Work Connections and Youth Community Choices for Success programs were able to access outdoor spaces for a cross-program group gardening project. Participants prepared garden beds and tended to the vegetables and herbs they planted.

The gardening project thrived and participants had a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, cucumbers, kale, peppers, and herbs that were used during cooking workshops throughout the summer.

The OTF mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, OTF seeks to support diverse communities and underrepresented populations in order to positively impact individuals experiencing barriers such as socio-economic, geographic, cultural, gender, abilities and/or racial.

On behalf of JVS Toronto and the populations we serve, we thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation for their continued support.

Our Mission

JVS Toronto is a non-profit leader in career and employment services for jobseekers and employers. It is our mission to empower people from diverse backgrounds and communities to achieve their employment potential and partners with employers to develop a strong and inclusive workforce.

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: News & Highlights

July 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

Impress Job Interviewers with the Best Questions

Smiling in a job interviewWhen consulting to job seekers to help prepare them for upcoming job interviews, I often hear concerns about how to answer interviewer questions, choosing suitable interview attire, as well as where to find company information. While these are all very important, I have noticed that candidates often forget to think through which questions that they will ask in an interview, often treating this aspect of interviewing as an afterthought. An otherwise good interview can be undermined by a candidate who sounds unprepared, or who asks questions that come across as selfish, greedy or disinterested.

WHY ask questions in an interview?

Many candidates ask questions in interviews simply because they are expected to do so by the interviewer(s). However, keeping in mind that interviews are a two-way process in which both employer and candidate have a decision to make, this opportunity can be very useful for interviewees.

Interviewee questions can be useful for the candidate to:

  • learn about the job and company
  • learn more about the job and its challenges
  • gain information about the culture of the company
  • gain insight into the expectations of the employer from the person in that position
  • showcase their interests and expertise, to further impress the employer about their suitability for the position

WHAT are the best questions to ask?

To make a strong impression, candidates might choose questions about:

1. the position (that were not covered in the job posting), such as :

  • What personality would be ideal for this position?
  • What are the challenges facing this position right now?

2. the company (that were not covered on the website or posting):

  • How would you describe the company culture?
  • What are the primary priorities for the company right now?

3. the candidate’s suitability for the position:

  • How do my qualifications compare to the ideal requirements for this position?
  • What do you think is missing from my resume for this position?

4. the hiring process:

  • What is the next step in the interview process?
  • When can I expect to hear from you?

Additional sample questions can be found in this post on this topic at the About Job Search site.

NOTE: not all questions are harmless — some questions can really undermine the credibility of a candidate, such as those that make the interviewer feel that the candidate is asking only out of a sense of obligation (such as questions to which the answers are easy to find on the company website) or questions that sound selfish or greedy (such as questions about benefits).

HOW to prepare the questions

I recommend to candidates that, before a job interview, they:

  1. prepare a number of questions which they could ask (approximately five questions, from which they can pick the most suitable 2-3 at the interview)
  2. type out and bring the questions to the interview, in a folder where it can easily be found (no need to struggle to memorize the questions — it just adds to the stress of an interview)
  3. have paper and pen ready, to take any notes that seem necessary

WHEN to ask the questions?

Candidates need not necessarily wait to be prompted to ask questions. Candidates who are able to initiate asking questions during the interview skillfully can come across as assertive, confident and able to take initiative.

To sum up..

Interviewees who ask questions that are carefully chosen, well-informed and appropriately timed can have a competitive advantage in an interview, leaving a solid and positive impression, which can go a long way to influencing the final decision of a potential employer.

By Karin Lewis Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog, News & Highlights Tagged With: ask questions, best questions, find work, interviews, job interview questions, job interviews, job search, karin lewis

July 25, 2024 1 Comment

Industry Experts Talk: The Future of Jobs in Banking

Portrait of happy business partners looking at camera

Industry Experts Talk is a weekly webinar series where job seekers can get expert insight and up-to-date information from industry-leading experts. You will learn about market trends, the skills and qualifications employers are looking, their recruitment processes, and how to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

On June 14 2020, Rajeev Chib, Pan Asia Regional Head, Client Development and Business Management, Citibank, joined our panel of industry experts to advise job seekers on navigating the labour market, including topics like:

  • Re-engineering the recruitment process – Supercharging the digitization of doing business
  • Navigating the “New Normal” in the Finance Industry
  • As educational institutions rethink their business models; leverage online learning

[Read more…]

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog, News & Highlights

July 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

Annual Report 2022-2023

We are thrilled to announce the release of JVS Toronto’s Annual Report for the year 2022-2023, titled “Innovate & Elevate: Transforming Lives through Collaboration.” This report illuminates the combined efforts of our Agency, donors, and community partners as we serve our community by empowering individuals to forge paths toward brighter futures. 

Within the report, we proudly showcase glimpses of the profound impact our work has had on the lives of our clients. Their inspirational stories serve as a testament to the dedication and passion that propel our organization forward. Additionally, we highlight the stories of several of our dedicated staff members who are deeply committed to effecting positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Our accomplishments would not have been possible without the support of our dedicated staff, generous donors, and the rest of our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued belief in and support of our mission. Together, we are creating opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds across Toronto to realize their full potential.

View Our Annual Report

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: News & Highlights

July 25, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Art of Reinventing Ourselves Throughout Our Career

Diverse business people cheeringIn today’s world, the only certainty we have about the job market and the professional world, in general, is the need for change. Throughout our careers, we will face various challenges and changes that will demand adaptability and often creativity. We reside in a fast-paced society where everything moves quickly, and there’s pressure from all directions. How can we then reinvent ourselves professionally to stand out amid competition and stay in tune with market changes? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of continuous learning and fostering a creative mindset in creating opportunities in a highly competitive job market.

THE POWER OF CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Continuous learning is the key to reinventing yourself professionally. Knowledge gives you the freedom and wisdom to lead your career, make assertive decisions and keep up with changes in a fast-paced professional world.

Learning new skills and keeping up with industry trends ensures you remain relevant and in demand. You might discover entirely new career paths or find innovative ways to apply your knowledge. The business world is full of surprises, from economic shifts to technological advancements. Continuous learning helps you adapt to these changes, making you more resilient in the face of uncertainty.

CULTIVATING A CREATIVE MINDSET

A creative mindset is about approaching problems with new perspectives and thinking outside the box.

It can be an asset in your career, regardless of your profession. Creativity can help you find innovative solutions to problems, come up with fresh ideas, and stand out in a competitive job market.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH SPECIALIZATION

Specialization is another cornerstone of career development. It’s about identifying niches where your unique skills and expertise can shine. Becoming a specialist in your field is crucial for career advancement as it offers in-depth knowledge, credibility, and trustworthiness. Specialists are often highly valued in the job market, enjoying better job opportunities and higher salaries.

A PASSION FOR EMPOWERING OTHERS

For some, career fulfillment extends beyond personal success; it’s about helping others thrive. I share a deep passion for assisting individuals in developing their careers. Guiding them through their professional growth, sharing knowledge, and watching them prosper is an immensely gratifying experience. Always consider carrying out meaningful work that will have positive impacts on other people and society.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Entrepreneurship is the picture of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It’s about taking calculated risks, pursuing innovative ventures, and driving change. Whether it’s starting a new business or launching a groundbreaking project within your organization, entrepreneurship is amazing for personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, the art of reinventing yourself throughout a career is a journey of continuous learning, adopting a creative mindset, specialization, a passion for empowering others and possibly embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. It allows us to succeed in a competitive job market. It’s about realizing that our potential is limitless, and our careers are waiting for our next steps. So, let’s embark on this journey together and reinvent ourselves daily in search of our professional growth.


LinkedIn LogoWritten for LinkedIn by Juliana Barros, Career Specialist | Job Developer | Learning & Development | LinkedIn Learning Champion | Workforce Specialist at JVS Toronto

By Donna Chabot Filed Under: Career Voice: Blog, News & Highlights Tagged With: career advice, career development, empowerment, learning, self awareness, skills

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