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Get a Job by Kim SquiresSAMPLE NOT RELEASED FOR PUBLICATION QUESTION: My
job has been eliminated due to government cutbacks. I am devastated and now have
to consider "bumping" someone else.
I would like to suggest a work share situation as an alternative to
bumping. Could you shed more light
on this program and do you think it is a viable solution? A.D. ANSWER: Cutbacks
affect everyone in an organization those who lose their jobs and those that do
not. Often the attention is focused
solely on those that leave the organization. The jobs we do and the people we
work with become very central in our lives whether we work full-time or
part-time. Without
knowing the particulars of your collective agreement, you indicate that you have
the option to exercise bumping rights. Bumping another employee is always an
emotionally charged situation that employees agonize over. Let's face it, you
get to select a job that someone else is currently in and just as attached to as
you are to your position. Then that person has to bump someone and so on
(dependent on the specific language). The whole process causes great anxiety for
everyone on the seniority list. I
believe union and management are always looking for ways to minimize the effects
resulting from cutbacks so by all means suggest the idea of a work share
alternative. There may be someone
else in the organization who would welcome this idea. This could be a win-win
solution. Sometimes in these circumstances there are other alternatives as well,
so suggesting a work share gets the parties involved thinking about other
solutions. If your organization currently has alternative work arrangements in
place then the details may be very easy to work out. Whether
or not you are able to work out an alternative to bumping keep in mind that this
is your right based on your seniority. As hard as it is, you have to step back
and look at the positions available and make a choice that will be beneficial to
you just as the individual that you bump will have to do. Talk the situation
through with your human resources and/or union representative. QUESTION: Two
weeks ago I was informed that the job I have been doing as an addictions
therapist would not be renewed because I was undereducated.
The new position will require a Masters degree. I have been working in
this position since January 1990 and have obtained many certifications to
continue in my work, including a two-year program in Advanced Counselling and
Contemplative Psychotherapy. I currently have a small private practice,
certainly not large enough to sustain a living, and without a Masters degree in
psychology or social work it is difficult to obtain third party coverage. What
would you suggest as a way of either getting my practice large enough to sustain
myself or to reconnect with an established workplace? Surely my education, my
experience and my credentials are worth something? M.H. ANSWER: Your
education, experience and credentials are definitely valuable. You need to
explore all the options available. As
a starting point you should contact the Nova Scotia Association of Professional
Counsellors (NSAPC) P.O. Box 36138, Halifax, N.S., B3J 3S9 and the Canadian
Counselling Association at 404-383 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, Ont., K1Y 4R4 and ask
for guidance given your training and experience. I
would suggest that you take your training/experience and formalize it in a
Masters degree and continue in an area that you have obviously enjoyed over the
past 10 years. Acadia
University offers a well-respected Masters program. They encourage and are very
receptive to part-time studies. They offer classes in Halifax on Friday night
and Saturday. There is the possibility that your experience and training may
count toward some of the requirements for the degree, which could shorten the
actual time it takes to complete the degree. The admissions people at Acadia
could help with this. Nova
Scotia is following along the Canadian standards so it will be increasingly
difficult to practice as a counsellor without a Masters degree. The Nova Scotia
Association of Professional Counsellors are looking to certify people in the
counselling profession and this will require a Masters degree. Talk
with your current employer to try and find a solution that works for both of
you. Would your current employer be willing to employ you on a part-time basis
as you pursue your Masters part-time? You could make the case that your
experience would be beneficial to them (no learning curve). You
obviously believe in continuing education as you have taken courses over the
pass 10 years so why stop now. QUESTION: I
am looking for part time work. I have lots of experience that I have gained from
volunteer work and from these volunteer jobs I have gotten good references. I
was in Special-Ed when I was a kid. My only real learning problem is math. I
guess what I would like to know is how do I get an employer to see the potential
I have. I have come close a few times in getting a job but they did not work
out. B.D. ANSWER: Did
you follow up with those employers where you came close? Ask if they can provide
you with feedback. Ask why you were not the successful candidate and what could
you do differently. Then make any necessary adjustments. If
you have come close on several occasions then it would appear that your
resume/covering letter are well done and as a result you are getting past the
first step so you need to find out what has kept you from getting past the next
stage _ the interview. Demonstrate
to prospective employers your potential. Tailor your experience (paid and
volunteer) to the jobs you are applying for. Volunteer experience can be just as
valuable as paid experience. Not
all jobs require strong math skills. Identify your skills and abilities and
match these to jobs that you are interested in. Ensure your resume is clear and
concise. Practice the interview process with a friend. Are you selling yourself?
Ask someone to critique your resume, covering letter and interview style. For
an employer to see your potential you have to be able to effectively demonstrate
that potential through your resume/covering letter and during an interview.
Kim Squires, MBA, CHRP, is human resources manager and a part-time member of the management faculty at Saint Mary's University in Halifax. E-mail your questions to: syndication@columnist.com -30- Copyright
© 2000 Kim Squires |
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