Employment Success Story with Julie Williams

Hi. My Name is Julie Williams. I am 35 years old. I started my job search a couple years ago, and discovered it was very difficult to find a job. When I began working with Gail at Ridge Meadows Community Living; she helped me with a new resume and job search. The help and advice I got was good when I felt like giving up. We gave out lots of resumes and sent lots of emails. Then Gail said I had an interview at a metal manufacturing place in Port Coquitlam. I was unsure about what it would be like there, but felt more prepared for new things. When we went to the interview, she came in with me, which helped me feel not so nervous. When I met Marg, the lady at Wesgar that interviewed me, I was happy that she was so nice. She took us on a tour and explained the job in their shipping department and introduced me to the other people in shipping. They were all so nice. After the tour, we went back to her office and she said I could start in a week! I was so happy and surprised.
I started working 3 days per week on December 16, 2013. At first I had a job coach to help me understand how things work and to help my co-workers & I work well together. When the job coach said she was not coming anymore, I felt a bit nervous – but then I told myself “I can do this – just do what she taught you.” I have done so well, then last week, the company asked me to start working 5 days a week!
My job is important to me. I feel like I have something to look forward to, and it has helped me to make better choices about my time and friends and what I do in the evenings. I love my job and I love the people I work with. I have something to look forward to, and I am excited to be saving for trips to New Zealand and Las Vegas. My parents are ecstatic for me and have said “your life has changed.” I feel like I have grown up in the past few months. I have lots of new friends and get along great with the other employees in the warehouse.
Each day, my duties include: order picking, packing orders for shipment, checking inventory, and any other help that is needed in our department. I have also been asked to get my Fork Lift Certificate, which I am very excited about.
If I could say anything to encourage other job-seekers, it would be “think positive and keep a good attitude. Thinking negative is not a way to get a job.” And, “when you do get hired, ask lots of questions so you can do a good job.”