Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

At Ocean Trails Resort we strive to create a work place where all of our employees feel appreciated and valued as a member of the team.

How many employees do you have?

Currently we have 14 employees and many have been working with us for several seasons.

What do you look for in a new employee?

At Ocean Trails Resort we are always on the lookout for upbeat, energetic people to join our team. We are open to exploring all training options a new hire may need to enhance their skill set.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

We welcome you to come by the office, drop off a resume and fill out an application. We may be the fit you have been looking for!  We are always open to welcome new members to our teams.

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so, for what types of positions?

We are hiring now and have several positions open in our housekeeping department. These are full time, permanent positions. We also offer flexibility for those needing a shorter day or fewer days in a week. We do anticipate an opening in the office for a front desk clerk later in the summer.

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your business?

The best way is to come into the office in person with a resume and fill in an application. We can also accept resumes via email to accounts@ocean-trails.com.

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

Collins Custom Contracting Corp has been in business for 41 years. We are a General Contractor with our own in-house carpenters, high-end finishers, painters, etc. In addition we have a full-fledged in-house millwork shop and spraying facility.

A majority of our employees have been here long term, with some as long 25 years. We specialize in high-end custom homes with high-end finishes. We take a lot of pride in our work and stand behind it. We’ve never formally advertised. Most of our work is word of mouth. We work anywhere from Port Alberni to the Gulf Islands.

All staff members are all very easy going and great to work with. We are a great group of people to work with. Any new employee is treated fairly and with respect. Our wages tend to be towards the higher end for the most part.

How many employees do you have?

We can have anywhere from 15 – 25 employees, depending on the projects we having going on.

What do you look for in a new employee?

Strong work ethic. They show up on time, ready to work. Must show a willingness to learn especially if their experience is minimal. Also need to take direction well and accept some criticism if/when it happens.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Be ready and willing to work. Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn. Basically same as above with what we look for in a new employee. Be expected to commute to some jobs that may not be in the area you live in.

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so for what types of positions?

Yes. We will be doing a couple new home builds in the very near future and we have a  few high-end renovations coming up as well.

What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your organization?

Please email your resume and a cover letter to admin@borntobuild.ca.

Job Search 101

BC Youth Week is a provincial celebration of youth held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun filled interaction and a celebration intended to build a strong connection between youth and their communities. Because of this, we decided to focus our May 2021 Tip of the Month on our young people and student job seekers.

Summer is almost here and with summer comes the opportunity to secure a job, whether year-round or a seasonal position. There are many part-time and full-time jobs available in the Oceanside area and the sooner you start applying, the bigger the selection you will have.

Looking for work can be challenging when the sun is out and the beach is calling. Here are some points to consider when starting your job search:

1)  What kind of work do you want?

Look around at your favourite places and activities! Do you love mini-golf or go-carts? See if they have any openings! Do you have a friend that works at a really cool place? Ask if they’re hiring! Is being near the beach important to you? There are lots of businesses on the waterfront!

Summer employment is also a great way to “try on” different careers while you’re in school. Do you want to work in health care? Perhaps a facility in your town is hiring. Are you looking at an exciting career in hospitality and tourism? There may be positions available at that resort!

Decide what you want to do, where you want to work, and start contacting people!

2)  Get your references ready

Put together a list of three references. These can be former employers, but if you’ve never worked before, or have limited experience, you can use volunteer references, coaches, teachers, neighbours, former coworkers and acquaintances. Ensure you ask your references for permission first and be sure to get a phone number and an email address for your list.

While we’re here, check out your social media with a discerning eye. What would a potential employer see if they were to look you up? Do you seem trustworthy and professional? Would you want to hire you to represent your business? How are your privacy settings? If you think no one is going to look, you’re probably wrong.

3)  Write a Resume and Cover Letter

For most jobs, you will need a resume and cover letter to submit to the employer. There are many resources online but this one of our favourite sources.

MS Word has templates and a quick google search will reveal many more great examples. Pro Tip: If you can, have someone proofread your documents before you start handing them out to employers.

Don’t forget about us – check our website for upcoming Resume and Cover Letter workshops or use self-serve resources in our Resource Room.

4)  Get Help with a Summer Job Search

The careercentre.org is a great place to start looking for work. Most employers in the Oceanside area post jobs here.

If you’re a student, check with your school Career Education office and ask how they can assist you.

5)  Check out Summer Youth Employment Programs

Many organizations have summer programs that run between June and August. They are typically city, provincial, or non-profit agencies. Participants are matched with entry-level summer jobs where you may be provided with educational or career advice. Finding these positions may require a little digging, but, this is another instance where an online search is your friend.The City of Parksville and Chambers of Commerce are good examples of this in our community.

6)  Network, network, network!

Networking really does work! It is an excellent way to tap into the hidden job market and it’s not all that difficult. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Talk to family, friends, friends’ parents, teachers, coaches, anyone and everyone – and ask if they can help you or if they have any leads.

Networking is the best way to find a job and most people are glad to provide job leads and advice.

7)  Search Online for Summer Jobs

Use the search bar on your favourite websites for keywords, or if you want to, cast the net wide – just use your area/region/city.

8)  Apply Online

Read application instructions carefully. You don’t want to be screened out because you submitted an application online without attaching your resume or showing up at the wrong time. Depending on the organization, you may need a resume and possibly a cover letter or there may just be an online application. Every employer has different criteria, be sure you know theirs.

9)  Apply In-Person

Although a little more difficult during the pandemic, applying in-person allows you to make a personal connection and gives your potential employer a chance to chat with you. Some jobs require a resume, some require an application. Everyone could be different.

Be sure to be neat and well groomed and appear “ready to work.” You may be interviewed on the spot!

Good luck and happy hunting!

Click here for ISSUE 5

IN THIS ISSUE: Enhanced Wage Subsidy Program; WorkBC Wage Subsidy Info Sessions for Employers; Job Developers; Averaging Agreements; Workshop: The ABC’s of the ESA; Post Your Job for Free and more!