April 24th, 2015
On April 20, 2015, nine employers took part in the Face to Face event at GT Hiring Solutions in Victoria. The employers included Winners, Walmart, Good Life Fitness, Maximum Furniture, Home Instead (Geriatric Care), University of Victoria, and a human resources consultant.
Face to Face was a one evening event, modeled on a program from Vancouver, where potential employees are able to meet directly with employers for mock interviews. The purpose of the event is to build awareness with employers about inclusive employment, and to give participants a chance to practice their skills for the job hunt.
In Victoria, 12 people CLBC serves participated in the event, with each person having the opportunity to be interviewed by three employers from different businesses. After the interviews took place, employers and potential employees had a chance to discuss what worked in the interviews and what didn’t. Some of the themes that came out of the discussion included:
- employers being more open to using alternative interview methods and communication tools
- people need to come to interviews prepared, including having done research into the business
- employers want to hear a person’s story; most employers at the event hire for attitude, not skills which can be taught
“One of the things I wonder about the most is how do I get employers to notice me when I come and apply for a job,” said one participant. “This event helped me to better understand how to approach employers so they are interested in hiring me.”
All employers at the event also remarked on the passion and commitment the potential employees brought to their interviews. The evening was rounded out with a hot dog and hamburger BBQ, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
The event was developed by GT Hiring Solutions, and CanAssist’s TeenWork, with support from service providers and CLBC. The goals of Face to Face support the work taking place through the Community Action Employment Plan to help 1,200 more people find and keep work.
