Still Jobs in Toronto as U.S. Posts Worst Job Losses in 16 Years

The U.S. Labour department reported Friday that more than half a million Americans lost their jobs in December, while this was not quite as bad as expected, it is still the worst decline in 16 years.

Reuters quotes, Richard Yamarone, chief economist at Argus Research in New York as saying "The job situation is ugly and is going to get uglier. There's no reason to expect hiring anytime in the next three to six months. We are not going to see any hiring until the government steps in and acts. Talk doesn't work," said .

The stunning job losses were predominantly in the service-business sector.

Here in Toronto we are seeing certain industries pushed to the brink. However, there are jobs to be found. TorontoJobClassifieds.com continues to receive a good flow of job postings as well as job fair announcements throughout the GTA, indicating there is still a great deal of hiring going on.

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Attention GTA Students: Summer Jobs for 2009 up for Grabs!

Rise and shine sleepy heads! It is January 5th and that means most of my young friends are back to school after their winter holiday break.

So shake the cobwebs from your brains kids... Time to hit the books!

This is also your wake-up call to start looking for your summer job. Yes, your education comes first and foremost, but hey, if you are paying tuition or will be heading of to college of university in the fall you are going to need a decent summer job. There is a lot of doom and gloom out there with respect to the economy, don't wait until spring to compete for the few remaining Toronto area jobs that may be available.

Deadlines are fast approaching for some of the Greater Toronto Area's top municipal summer employers, including:

City of Mississauga: accepting online applications until January 15, 2009

City of Toronto: Deadline for Summer jobs February 14, 2009 - jobs broken down by regions of Etobicoke York, North York, Toronto East York (includes downtown), and Scarborough

City of Vaughan: Currently accepting applications from College and University students for Office Workers, Labourers and Tech Support jobs. Also check out jobs with the Vaughan Recreation and Culture Department which should also be open to high school students. (City of Vaughan includes Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinberg, Concord, and part of Thornhill)

Town of Markham: Promising to update their website with Summer job opportunities by January 2009 -- keep checking, they should be there soon!!!

Town of Richmond Hill: Don't seem to have the jobs on their site yet, but you can be proactive and send in an application for summer employment with the Town of Richmond Hill

Town of Oakville: Deadline for Summer Applications is February 8, 2009

City of Burlington: Deadline for application for Student Labourers is January 15, 2009. Students interested in aquatics programme jobs in Burlington should email aquatics@burlington.ca More summer jobs will be posted on this page and students are encouraged to check back soon.

City of Pickering: Applications due Monday, January 12 by 4pm

Town of Newmarket: Started posting summer position early in December, get them before they are gone!!

Barrie: Summer Student job deadlines for parks and recreation jobs and jobs in the Operations department currently accepting applications. Deadline for both is by the end of January.

City of Orillia: Summer Parks and Rec jobs are accepting applications, deadline is March 2, 2009 at 4:30pm

Okay, so there is a start for you, but this is by no means a comprehensive list! Don't forget to check out the other big seasonal employers, Canada's Wonderland, Ontario Place and many other seasonal attractions, golf courses and private sports facilities as well as corporations offering summer employment. Check TorontoJobClassifieds.com's Job Fair page frequently for updates.

Attention Seasonal Employers!! Contact TorontoJobClassifieds.com to let us know about your seasonal and summer student job openings. You may post your summer job fairs for free by emailing us at editor@torontojobclassifieds.com or post free GTA employment ads on the site using our easy online form.

Jobs to Consider: Window Film Installer

When you hear the term window film installer, you may think of the automotive tinting industry. However, there is a growing market in the Greater Toronto Area for architectural window films, generating a great opportunity for window film installers to get in on the ground floor of a booming industry.

Architectural window films are self-adhesive polyester films applied to existing glass to provide a wide variety of benefits. Like automotive films, tints can provide daytime privacy. There are a number of solar control window films in varieties from tinted to clear which keep interiors cooler and help balance heat in sunny window throughout the year. Low-emissivity films do a similar job, with the added benefit that they keep heat in during the winter--both are a great way to conserve energy and save money for home and business owners alike.

Safety and Security window films hold glass together to prevent injury from flying glass when broken and are a significant detterent to break and enter. Great for homes, because they are invisible barriers. Also being used by highly targetted retail establishments, like drug stores and LCBOs.

Decorative films can be used for privacy or to enhance decor. Films are avaialable in simple, elegant frosts to a wide variety of colours and patterns.

The good news is, installation methods for all of these films is very similar. While some do-it-yourselfers install their own, most window film manufacturers will only honour their warranty if installed by approved professionals. Window film installers work on either salaried or contract basis in Toronto. Most window film dealers are willing to train the 'right' person for the job. Who is the right person? The job requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Windows must be spotlessly cleaned, films carefully cut and applied with meticulous accuracy. Window film installers may be required to work flexible hours to accommodate client needs. Because window film installers may be working in occupied homes, they must be very discreet and respectful of people and property.

For more information about window films and jobs for window film installers in the GTA visit www.ApexFilms.ca

Advertising to Job Seekers and Employers

In advertising, the best spent dollars are on ads that reach your target demographic. If your target demographic is Greater Toronto Area job seekers, there is no better value than advertising on TorontoJobClassifieds.com.

Our popularity as a Toronto job site has sky-rocketed over the past few months. Site hits increase every day, as we know that the internet has become an indispensable tool for job seekers throughout Canada.

The last time I picked-up a job paper from one of those boxes at the bus stop, I was baffled to see that there were almost no jobs! Only ads for employment agencies, training schools and colleges. If your target demographic is job seekers, you need to advertise where the jobs are! Because TorontoJobClassifieds.com offers free employment ads, there are always lots of fresh jobs listings, this draws job seekers to our site - YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE.

If your target demographic is Employers, we get lots of them as well. Lots of recruiters and employers visit our site to post jobs daily. We can direct you to the best pages to reach employers, job seekers or both.

Unbelievable as it may seem, TorontoJobClassifieds.com offers 3 month ad packages for as little as $25 (depending upon the size of your ad, the page and its location). At that price, you really have nothing to lose!

Visit us at www.TorontoJobClassifieds.com to learn more.

The Big "R"

Well they are finally saying it out loud "recession" we're in it... Fortunately we haven't felt the effects on the Toronto job market at this point.

I just came across this article by success coach Ed Sykes on 'recession-proofing' your job and thought it was worth sharing.

How to Recession Proof Your Job - Ten Job Secrets for Career Suc

How to Recession Proof Your Job - Ten Job Secrets for Career Success
By Ed Sykes

Economic times constantly change and organizations adapt to these changes. For you to find career success, you must be pro-active about your job. What are the career secrets of those who soar to the top in their careers no matter what the economic environment is in the world?

The following are ten career secrets you can use to "recession proof" yourself and find career success no matter what the situation is:

1. Find Out What Your Organization Needs for Career Success
   Invest the time to investigate and understand your organization's mission, goals, and values. Your organization may be facing challenges and the person who can tune into what the organization needs to be successful and provide the solution can write his/her own career success ticket.
   

   Remember, to get what you want in your career, you must help your organization, your department, your manager succeed. Focus on what is important to your manager and provide the solution. If customer service is important, speak with your manager in terms of creating customer solutions. If your manager is a numbers person, quantify all your results, etc.
   

2. Be a Change Agent for Career Success

   Organizational change will change the way you do your job. There is no escaping the changes that are happening around us all the time. Learn to embrace these changes so that you can learn how to take advantage of the career opportunities available from being a change agent.

   How do you do this? Be pro-active and ask questions about the change. How does it affect the organization? What challenges will there be implementing the changes? How will these changes affect the way you do your job? And the most important question, "What can you do to help implement the changes?"

   Once you receive the answers to these questions, and are able to act on the answers, you are way ahead of the "change curve" and will be looked at as someone who can "make things happen" within the organization. This will lead to countless career opportunities.

3. Be the Master of Your Job for Career Success

   Invest the time to learn as much as there is to know about your job. Many times, employees will become complacent and master only the few tasks that they do 80% of the time. Then when a career opportunity comes up, this employee doesn't have the skill set to take advantage of a promotion or raise.

   Take the time to read trade journals, go on the Internet to job related sites, and ask questions to master the understanding of your job. With the wealth of information there is in the 21st century, there is no excuse for "not knowing."

4. Volunteer to Make a Difference for Career Success

   Volunteer for assignments that expose your skills. Look for especially challenging projects that other people have declined.

   Also volunteer to mentor others within your organization. This will show and develop your leadership, management, and interpersonal skills. Keep management posted on your challenges and how you are working with the person you are mentoring to overcome these challenges.

   Volunteer to write a department or organizational newsletter. This is another way to benefit a large group, while showcasing your skills and ideas.

5. Be a Solution Creator and Not a Problem Maker for Career Success

   Anybody can find problems within organizations. My experience is that you don't need to find them...they will find you. Some people have a special skill for finding problems and reporting them.

   Develop the skill of looking at these problems as "opportunities for advancement," step back and analyze the opportunity, and develop ideas for overcoming the problem. Make sure you communicate these solutions during meetings, e-mails, memos, and conversations with management. You will soon be looked upon by management as someone who can overcome obstacles and make things happen within the organization.

6. Handle the Next Level at This Level for Career Success

   If you are a manager and want to become a vice president, then start working like a vice president. Find a vice president that is open to mentoring you for the next level. Remember, that vice president will not be promoted to the next level unless the organization sees that the vice president has developed someone to take his/her spot. It might as well be you. Plus, you can lighten the vice president's work load.

   Explain to the vice president what you want to accomplish so that everyone has a clear understanding and that this is a win-win situation for all involved.

   I hear, "I'm too busy already to do this." Well, let me ask you, "How badly do you want the promotion?" We are all busy. It's up to you to enhance your time management and delegation skills so that you can take on these tasks that will prepare you for the next job level.

   Note: Dress as if you are already at the next career level. When you dress for the next level, this makes it easier for the decision makers because they can already envision you at the next career level.

7. Announce That You Want It!

   Many times employees miss out on promotions because the decision makers and career influencers do not know they are interested in being promoted.

   Announce that you want to go to the next career level!

8. Network and Join Groups to Accelerate Career Success

   Join and be active in committees within your organization for career success. This shows management that you care enough to make a difference. It also allows a larger assortment of managers to experience your skill set outside of your normal duties.

   Also join professional groups and associations for career success. Professional groups and associations are a perfect way to let influencers outside your organization become aware of your skills. Remember, these influencers most likely work for other organizations and may be in positions to hire new employees. Don't just join, participant in the association's activities to show your creativity, teamwork, and other skills.

   Join and let your organization know you've joined these groups. This will show your organization that you are an employee who is taking action to stay ahead of the "career success curve" and can contribute to the organization.

9. Tell Your Job Story for Career Success

   Let as many people within your organization and outside your organization know what you do and how well you do it. Make sure you tell your job story at meetings, company conferences, and retreats and to customers. Make sure you tell them with passion! Many people are shy about telling their career story in a group setting. Because of this fear, you may miss out on the one opportunity to let other people know what you know. One of the most important groups that you could ever join to overcome this fear is Toastmasters. This is a worldwide organization with over 175,000 members dedicated to helping members improve their public speaking, evaluation, think-on-your-feet, and leadership skills. The main reasons you should join Toastmasters are the following:

   • Toastmasters can give you the confidence to approach any opportunity with confidence.

   • Toastmasters can give you the speaking skills to stand up in front of a group and present your point in a persuasive manner, while others may shy away from this opportunity.

   • You develop your leadership skills by learning how to do effective, positive, and encouraging feedback and evaluations, while learning how to empower the receiver to do better.

   • You have the opportunity to develop your leadership skills by volunteering for positions at the club, area, state, regional, and international level. I always say if you can't get the skills at your organization, you can get it at Toastmasters.

10. Build a Nest Egg for Career Success

    One of the biggest barriers to creating career success is not building a financial nest egg. When you are at a financial disadvantage, you are less likely to pursue job opportunities, invest in educational opportunities to increase your skills; and, most importantly, you may develop an overwhelming fear of losing your job while in your present position.

    Eliminate your debts so that you can freely pursue any career opportunities that present themselves. It's no fun knowing that you wanted a certain job but couldn't pursue it because of financial obligations.
    

I challenge you to apply these ten career techniques today! You will see immediate job results and go to the next career level no matter what the economic environment may be.

Ed Sykes is a highly sought after leadership, motivation, stress management, customer service, and team building expert, success coach, professional speaker, and author of
Jumpstart Your Greatness. You can e-mail him at mailto:esykes@thesykesgrp.com, or call him at (757) 427-7032. Go to his web site, http://www.thesykesgrp.com, and signup for the free success newsletter, OnPoint.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ed_Sykes
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Recession-Proof-Your-Job---Ten-Job-Secrets-for-Career-Success&id=1062482

Resources for Toronto Job Seekers

If you are looking for a job, or planning to look for a job, chances are you've been working on your resume. If you haven't, you had better start! Having an effective resume is your first foot in the door with an employer. Today, with all of the resources available to job seekers to help create great resumes and cover letters, it is imperative that your resume looks professional and contain pertinent information for the recruiter or employer reviewing the document.

You have a choice to make: Create the resume yourself or pay for a professional resume.

If you wish to create your own resume there are lots of online and offline resources available to you. If you aren't sure what you are doing you really should check some of these out. For example the Toronto Job Seeker Resources Page provides links to many online sources of information. For those of you in the GTA who are unemployed there are many government funded services you can access for resume and job search help, you can search them out at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/search.html

I recently came across a resume writing service website that offers some interesting free resources. Best Choice 4 Resumes is based in Waterloo, ON and offers solid free resume examples on their website. If you are new to writing resumes (or never really understood what you were doing when you prepared your last one) they also offer some good, straight-forward articles you can read on their site. Best Choice also offer a free resume critique and a free newsletter which you may subscribe to. I haven't used the service, but I like the website and suggest taking a look.

If you have come across any valuable websites you would like to recommend, let me know.

March Break Job Fairs in Full Swing

Attention students and seasonal workers, don't miss out on this week's spring break job fairs.

Greater Toronto Area employers hosting job fairs this week include:

Canada's Wonderland - Vaughan
Costi Employment Services, Concord

Lots more in the next week or two, so check out our GTA Job Fair Listings often.