Job Seeker Articles
At Kootenay Career Development Society, we are dedicated to helping you get what you need to find employment. Whether that is helping you figure out careers that fit for you, finding the resources for the skills you need, or developing the most effective work search plan, we want to share the best of the best ideas.
Job Seeker Articles is a practical collection of articles about you finding work. Here you will find interviews with local people who share what they have learned from their work. There are job search tips and ideas about the world of work – all from the job seeker perspective.
Check out our archive of articles.
Cool Career – Broadcast Journalist
Monday, October 24, 2011
Bob Keating has been in broadcasting for 25 years. For the better part of the last 10 years, he has kept the pulse on what is happening in the Kootenays for CBC. In this article, Keating describes the life of a broadcast journalist. Read this Article
Cool Careers – Forensic Psychiatric Services
Monday, September 26, 2011
Forensic is a word that we most frequently hear on television shows like CSI. What does it mean really and does such a career exist in a community like Nelson? Read this Article
Launching a Business in the Kootenays – Part 2
Friday, September 23, 2011
What is involved in starting a business? What do you have to know? In this two-part series, KCDS interviews two individuals who participated in the Community Futures self employment program. In this article, Mandy Lawson talks about her journey into self employment Read this Article
Launching a Business in the Kootenays – Part 1
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
What is involved in starting a business? What do you have to know? In this two-part series, KCDS interviews two individuals who participated in the Community Futures self employment program. In this article, Timo Suomi talks about his journey into self employment. Read this Article
Getting Physical: Work as a Construction Labourer
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
When people begin working in the building trades, many of them begin as construction labourers. In some provinces in Canada, this type of work is recognized as a Trade and the occupation is called Construction Craft Labourer. In BC, emphasis on the skilled, professional aspect is undertaken through the Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union. In general, this article explores what it is to be a Construction Craft Labourer in the Kootenays and specifically, how a union assists the workers. Read this Article
The Entrepreneurial Realities Of A Music Career
Thursday, August 18, 2011
"In other words, though this may ring ironic to many artists, in order to be a successful musician, you need to be a shrewd business person." Read this Article
Ask the Career Expert: Barbara’s Story
Monday, June 13, 2011
In this article, the Career Expert offers Barbara tips as she considers returning to the workforce after spending 7 years raising her children. Read this Article
What is career decision making?
Friday, March 25, 2011
What is career decision making? In this article, read about the choices we make on our journey. Read this Article
Hot Jobs – Firefighters
Friday, November 26, 2010
Firefighters. Our heroes. In times of emergencies, that's who we call. But what is it that they really do? In this article, local Nelson firefighter, Martin Ouellette gives an insider's peek. Read this Article
How to Look for Work: A Different Approach
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Looking for work often begins with looking at the want ads. But is this really the most effective? This article examines strategies that gets results. Read this Article
Lifestyle Career – High School Teacher
Friday, September 24, 2010
A Lifestyle Career is one that might begin as a calling, a desire to do work that makes a difference in others' lives. It is also about doing work outside the box, away from the 9 to 5 work world. In this article, a high school teacher talks about her lifestyle career choice. Read this Article
So, you want to work in the Green Economy?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Everyone's talking green these days. We have seen how it is changing the world around us, but how is it changing the work scene? Are there jobs? In this article, find out where to find information if you want to work in the green economy. Read this Article
Cool Career – Barista
Friday, September 10, 2010
Espresso. Americano. Latte. Cappuccino. Crema. This is the lingo in the gourmet coffee house world. In this article, read about one of the newest professions - a barista. Read this Article
Ask the Career Expert – Career Portfolios
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
This article is third in a series of questions to our Career Expert. Read this Article
Cool Career – Coffee Roaster
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Being true to yourself and loving what you do are cornerstone statements from successful people. This is the spirit behind the vision of Oso Negro, a Nelson hotspot. Coffee Roaster Jon Meyer talks about the work and what it takes to be one. Read this Article
Cool Career – Creatologist
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Nelsonites are a creative bunch. In this article, local Brad Steele illustrates his career as a graphic artist and so much more. Read this Article
Cool Career – Brewmaster
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The cool factor in finding work has one primary element: it makes you excited to get up in the morning. In this article, we head to Nelson's microbrewery to see what a brewmaster does. Read this Article
Unusual Jobs – Geneticist
Friday, June 11, 2010
If you have an interest in biology, an eye for detail, and a curiosity about how things work, a career as a geneticist might be your fit. In this article, find out more about where the genetics of wildlife is happening right here in the Kootenays. Read this Article
Ask the Career Expert – Melanie’s Story
Monday, June 7, 2010
This is the second in the series of letters to our career expert answering specific questions about work search, career exploration, and job guidance. Read more about Melanie and her experience of being new to Nelson. Read this Article
Unusual Jobs – Inventor
Friday, May 28, 2010
What does it take to be an inventor? Can you be an inventor and live in the Kootenays? In this article, Kaj Gyr shows how his practical approach has led to creations that have made life better for himself and others. Read this Article
Seasonal Summer Jobs
Friday, May 28, 2010
Are you looking for summer employment? Where are the opportunities in the Kootenays, Okanagan, and across Canada? This article offers a spectrum of what is available, and general information to have a great experience. Read this Article
Unusual Jobs – Forestry Worker
Thursday, May 27, 2010
In the Kootenays, working as Silviculture and Forest Worker has had a long history. So what is unusual about this work? In this article, here is one forest worker's take on what it means to be involved in the management of our forests. Read this Article
Careers in the Trades – Addressing the Skills Shortage in the Kootenays
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wondering about a career in the trades? In this article, we look at what help there is for people who are thinking of the trades. Read this Article
Ask the Career Expert – Gina’s Story
Friday, May 14, 2010
In this series, our career expert will answer specific questions that people may have about their work/career/job search. Read more about Gina's story.... Read this Article
Unusual Jobs – Carnival Ride Operator
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Thinking of combining travel with work? Here is a snapshot of one woman's launch into carnival life. Read this Article
Unusual Jobs
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
What is an unusual job? And can you really get paid to do it? Read this article for some interesting ways of making a living. Read this Article
Job Search Myths
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Finding work in the 21st century is a complex matter. With complexities come a lot of ideas that permeate our efforts. Myths abound. Read this Article
Let Your Strengths Be Your Guide
Monday, April 12, 2010
Marcus Buckingham, author of Go Put Your Strengths to Work, offers a new spin on strengths. Find out more about how your strengths can guide you. Read this Article
Fresh Wages and Benefits
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What are the wages and benefits of top occupations in BC? Where can you get this information? Read this Article
Informational Interviews
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
How do you tap into the hidden job market? How do you make sure that the career you choose will fit for you? Informational interviews are the ideal way to amp up your job search or career exploration! Read this Article
What is the best way to look for work?
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
According to Richard Nelson Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute, there are 18 ways to look for work. The good news is that work search methods have been studied and a success rate calculated for each one. What is the best way to look for work? Read this Article
