Discussions

Your post is a little vague so I will just list some things that could be contributing factors.  
 
1) Are the places you are applying to actually hiring? Most businesses these days direct potential applicants to apply online. If the position isn't available online then it means that they aren't looking to hire someone.  
 
2) Are you meeting the qualifications of the place that you are applying to? Different banks/credit unions may seek different credentials that other people are meeting that you aren't, making the other applicants more desirable. It could be possible that they want someone with more experience.  
 
3) Is your resume in good shape? It could be worth going back and looking at it to see if there's any room for improvement.  
 
4) If you have been interviewed, consider whether or not you are interviewing well. Consider the questions that you have been asked and reflect on your answers. It's possible that you aren't answering to your best ability or someone performed better in the interview than you did.  
 
These are just to list a few for your consideration. Self-reflection is important and it's possible that you could be lacking somewhere other than just credentials.

Unfortunately one of the biggest issue I've seen in Brandon is that 9 times out of 10 the jobs go to those who are either friends of the owner, a child of a friend of the owner, or relative of the owner (or whoever is hiring). It sucks and completely unfair. In my personal opinion things would be 100% better if jobs were given to those with the best credentials (regardless of age, sex, race or social standing)... but unfortunately it is not so. Sorry I couldn't be of any more help. Maybe look for something out of Brandon?

At one time, these institutions would start u off as a teller. Don't know if this is still the case. Are u willing to start as a teller and then advance. Good luck

what great advice you gave this person

Every job I have ever had in this town was because I knew someone who worked there. Never even gotten an interview anywhere I applied myself.

to say and hear. Yes you can get plum jobs if you are related to someone or friends with someone.  
People get elected and then hire their friends leaving everyone else out. In this way Brandon is a small town. The cycle continues unfortunately.

But quite true.  
 
There's also far too much gossip enveloping the Brandon area, and HR managers will listen to the gossip over that of true references. The perfect candidate may be overlooked because "someone heard he/she did/said this..."  
 
Sadly I worked for a prominent employer in Westman and over heard some catty and unprofessional things when higher ups wold coffee talk about candidates who had the tact and guts to come into a place to apply.  
 
Good luck to the OP, make sure your online image is squeaky clean, and people aren't talking smack about you. Perhaps even consider moving to Winnipeg to begin your career to build un disputable skills and maybe move back to Brandon later?

Would you check your online image? In the UK during the nineties it was common to make three to four hundred applications for jobs before you may get hired. Also don’t be afraid to accept a menial position until you can find what you really want.

you mention that you have certificates and diplomas so I will assume that what you are missing is that you do not have a university degree from a reputable university. Thus you will be competing for jobs where applicants have at least a 4 year business administration or commerce degree. Highly specialized training along with some work or coop experience. If you have a diploma or certificate then that would mean your education is from a college (such as ACC) and you should expect to get into the job market in a bank at a teller level and then perhaps as you finish your degree then you can move up to selling mutual funds and financial advising.  
 
The constant complaint about "it's who you know in Brandon if you want to get a job" is really bogus. Yes it does happen but there are tons of jobs where it does not happen. I hire many people throughout the year and I have never hired a friend or family member and I know lots of other people who would say the same thing. It is a feeble excuse for a lack of education, poor experience, bad attitude, or poor interviewing skills. It is another example of how we blame others for our own destiny.

Check your social media postings, those are strong indicators as well. Do you personally represent yourself as a good worker/good person?  
 
Resumes and cover letters are very important, and self-confidence. Check your references.  
 
I was not from Brandon and I was always successful in the hiring process , I find Brandon likes positivity and willingness to learn. Start to by going to different charities in Brandon and show your support through the community. Usually people there are strongly respected.  
 
A good thing to do is get a reference letter either by an instructor or a previous employee or better yet both. That is a good judge of character from a professional aspect.  
 
Keep positive and never give up

are totally different from governmental organizations in Brandon. Unless you or a family member have worked for government you don't know the hiring practices and yes who you know or are related to makes a huge difference. We have even seen untrained/uneducated people get hired for a position because they are someone's son or daughter.

Is hard in this city. I’ve been looking for an office Administration job for 7 months. My resume is up to date and was professionally made by an employment company in town. I don’t even get called for an interview. I’ve been told several times about available jobs and then told “oh they hired their friends daughter, cousin, whatever”. It’s definitely a who you know city. So for now I keep applying and hoping to make more connections , so I can land something. Otherwise we will move back to the big city where jobs are much easier to get.