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Jobbank.gc.ca (hrdc job bank) - Job Bank is Canada’s one-stop job listing web site. Each year the site help hundreds of thousands of Canadian workers, job seekers and employers connect online, and free of any service charges.

During its establishment in the late 1960’s, Canadians have come to know and trust Job Bank as an easy to use, free job listing and recruitment service that has benefited employers, businesses and job seekers alike.
 

Jobbank.gc.ca's popular and innovative online tools are available to help you find that perfect job. The Job Search tool allows you to search current job openings from coast to coast, or register with Job Bank to make use of Job Match, Job Alert, the Resume Builder and the Career Navigator.

CHANGING JOBS?

Maybe you've been watching the clock more often and counting the hours until the end of the workday. Perhaps you're feeling the sting of losing a promotion, or wondering whether your superiors are taking your hard work for granted. Or maybe you're just hungry for a new challenge.

Whatever the situation, changing jobs-whether moving to another department, company or profession-is a reality of the modern workplace. Labor statistics show that young people entering the workforce today will likely change jobs seven to 10 times in their careers.

But before you rush into a voluntary job change, take some time to develop a strategy to help make sure you land a better job than your current one.

Be Prepared

Good luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparation. Whether you might be changing jobs in the next six months or the next six years, keeping your skills up-to-date works to your advantage. Even if you're not planning on leaving your job, an opportunity may come up that you'd want to pursue-such as a chance for job promotion or a job across town that sounds like it was made for you. And keeping on top of your profession keeps you sharp for whatever you're doing today.

Perhaps there's a computer program you could learn. Maybe a business writing course or public speaking seminar could enhance your communication skills. Would a second language or management training make you more valuable in your field?

Also, pay attention to what's happening in your company and industry. The economy, the community, employment trends and competition can affect your job and you. Ideally, you want to be able to identify and recognize career opportunities as well as obstacles. Here are some questions to help assess how secure you and your employee are:

• Where do I see myself, with my present employer, in one year?

• Do other companies offer positions comparable to mine?

• What qualifications are employers asking of recruits for positions similar to mine?

• Does my boss, and his or her position, seem secure within the organization?

• Have there been recent changes in the top management of my company?

• Is my company involved in a merger or acquisition?

• How is my company doing financially?

• How is my company doing in comparison to the competition?

• Have I received any oral or written warnings on the job?

Sizing Up Your Job

If you are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with your job, what's the reason? You'll want to answer that question before starting a search for new employment. Otherwise, you could end up in a situation with similar problems but without the familiarity of a long-standing position. To help clarify your satisfaction with your professional situation, ask yourself these questions:

• Am I happy with my work?

• Am I challenged by my work?

• Is there opportunity for me to advance?

• Am I satisfied with my benefits?

• How do I feel about my office location, hours of work and co-workers?

• Am I paid fairly?

• Is my job too stressful?

Once you've answered these questions honestly and thoroughly, ask yourself whether you're willing to try to make the current situation work. What can you do to contribute to the solution? If you're unhappy or unchallenged, could you work with your supervisor to re-align some of your duties? Could a seminar or class at a community college give you new ways to think about the job?

If you're concerned about advancement, are there classes you could take within your company on management training or job diversification? Could you volunteer for extra projects to show you can handle the responsibility?

If pay, benefits, or both are an issue, perhaps a frank but polite talk with your supervisor is in order.

If stress is affecting your life both on and off the job, perhaps a stress-reduction class at your local hospital or a few private sessions with a qualified counselor could help you put the situation in perspective.

If, after some soul-searching, you decide you need to make a break from your current situation, proceed with caution. In most cases, you're better off quietly beginning the job search while still enjoying the pay and benefits of your existing job. The fact that you've decided to move on-and that you're looking at your current situation as temporary-might make the workplace more bearable until you're ready to leave.

Sources: Wikipedia, Jobbank.gc.ca and other government websites.

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