Help available to combat the job interview jitters, and more

Wading into the job market can often feel like a daunting and lonely task. The landscape can be unfamiliar and the prospect of putting yourself out there may seem uncomfortable.

Fortunately, for those calling the Sea to Sky (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton) corridor home, there is a free, job-seeking resource that not only comes with plenty of ways to help find work and training, but also heartfelt support and a reassuring smile.

All of this comes from the staff at the local WorkBC office located in downtown Squamish (302 - 37989 Cleveland Ave.).

“Basically, we are a one-stop centre to help people find jobs,” said Andrea Bischoff, Program Manager. “We can help people connect with employers and also post jobs for employers and do what we call job matching.”

If it’s the prospect of getting ready for that all-important, and sometimes nerve-wracking, job interview, WorkBC can help you feel confident.

“We help our clients with preparation and interview skills to make them feel comfortable with the process by breaking those barriers down, like feeling nervous,” Bischoff explained.

There’s also help if you require additional training to secure a job or support in setting up your own business.

“We offer a wide range of services, from helping new moms get back into the workforce, to a program with Douglas College for entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business,” Bischoff said.

“We get a lot of people coming into the centre and not realizing what we have to offer,” she added. “But we can help anyone who is looking for work.”

Much of that is the responsibility of WorkBC’s “career coach” or case manager, who is there to help you navigate the way to find a job that is right for them.

“While they can’t tell you what the best fit is, we can help gather information to better help you make those decisions,” Bischoff said.

There is also a program that can financially support a person while they are training.

An example of that was the assistance some clients received to fill the community’s need for those trained in the area of Early Childhood Education.

“That was directly correlated to the local labour market needs,” Bischoff said.

For more information about how WorkBC can help you, visit squamishesc.com or call 604-815-4550.