Discussions

Hello,  
 
I’m wondering if there is anyone on here whom I may have a conversation with (be it an employee, an employer, a manager, HR representative, etc) in regards to assisting me with acquiring a job in the administrative or clerical field, or casting tailored advice on my personal situation. I have years of administrative work, as well as customer service, and I volunteer as well, but through countless applications and tailor-made cv’s and cover letters, I have failed to be considered a candidate.  
 
I’m trying to pinpoint what it is that is failing me as a successful candidate in regards to acquiring a job in Brandon that is in this field with which I hope to stay with, respectively, as I feel like I must be doing -or possibly not doing- something or saying the wrong things to get into such positions.  
 
Truly, any assistance with this would be greatly appreciated as this is becoming both mentally and financially exhausting and frustrating...

I'm having the same issues. I'm thinking I'll have to try to find 2 part time jobs that somehow work around each other. Have you tried talking to anyone at west-can human resources? I know it's a very competitive career in the area. I couldn't tell you how many positions that I've applied for within the past 2 months, and I've only heard back from a few.  
 
Edited to add- it could be anything that's causing your problems. Employers generally pick the employee that's been at a job for years, and with the most relevant experience (example would be medical experience for a dental receptionist position). Have you been to post secondary school at all?  
 
Edited by Jen3030, 2020-02-19 16:44:54

I have a general business degree that I obtained from ACC.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. Unfortunately here in Brandon a large part of the hiring process is based off of whether or not you know someone doing the hiring. If you don't you are going to be fighting an uphill battle. It doesn't matter how qualified you are, it's about who you know. Sorry

That you've been to school. It should help. If it's any consolation, I have a bachelor's degree with a major in business admin and it isnt getting me anywhere. I would definitely give the people at west-can human resources a call/ email if you haven't already. They'll put your resume on file and then if there are positions they're recruiting for that you would be qualified for, they'll put you on the short list for the employer to look at.  
 
Depending on your job history would depend on how I order your resume. If you've held administrative positions for years at a time, I would list employment history first and then education. If you've held more term positions I would list education first.

I've lived in Brandon for 40 years and it's not what you know, but who you know for privately owned companies. For government run operations ie. provincial, federal, city, hospital etc. etc. it's the same plus they have a hiring criteria - minorities, disabilities, etc., and if you do not fall within one of those you are SOL. Not saying it's wrong, just the way it is.

Of people looking for work. We recently advertised for an office assistant and received over 230 applicants.  
 
Out of those 230, after a quick glance, most of them had the qualifications. We only interviewed 5 and picked those 5 from the first best 5 resumes we read.  
 
Out of 5, 3 we’re equal and we chose the one who could start the quickest.  
 
So basically, the number of resumes is what it boils down to.

To this as it’s completely accurate. I’m in the industry and my many years of experience had very little to do with getting hired. Actually because Brandon wages are kinda crappy, the more experience and schooling you have to some can be detrimental( you’ll want too much money). I got completely lucky and won them over with my personality, sadly the wage doesn’t compare to what I made elsewhere and doing less. It’s Brandon and with high immigration and people needing two or three jobs ( no full time) it makes it even harder. Wishing you lots of luck!!

Look on ebrandon and job bank! Everyday! They are always looking for receptionist, bookkeeper, clerk, admin assistant, etc. Apply at clinics, prairie mountain, west-can, MPI, hy-life, city of brandon, rm homes, grand valley, nutrition partners, etc

However, I think it should go without saying that this avenue of job searching (eBrandon.ca), along with indeed.ca, wowjobs.ca, and Manitoba Government jobs bank are all and have all been utilized up until this point.  
 
Searching for the positions or looking for them is not the issue, more so, how to stand out amongst the fellow contestants within this career or potentially highlight any unintentional deterrents I may be projecting through my cv, cover letter or personality.

Have you looked on the Prairie Mountain Health website? They are always looking for help. Even if you take a small part time position. You will be called to fill shifts. Then you can work your way up.

Even though PMH does go internally first for most jobs, I have found that sometimes people do not want a short term so your chances are greater! I see it all the time! Sometimes terms turn into longer extensions, also once you have your foot in the door it gives you more pull to the general public. I would also suggest once your in, to go to different departments and ask to be trained as a casual. They are always calling for shifts.

On their website as the are searching for an array of positions so I am hopeful that they may contact me.  
 
My dream job is to work with the government but it seems that I may need to go back to school. Unfortunately that is not feasible- financially, so I am stuck in a vicious circle of working my way up.

I think we all might have that dream, to work with the government haha. I certainly always keep my eyes open too for those jobs, and I've never gotten a call. About 30 years ago, if they like you and you could type we would have been a shoe in lol. - Good luck with your search, and I hope you find something fulfilling soon .