SfC In The News
workopolis.com
July 2001
Which job-search strategy is right for you?
By Barbara Simmons
©Workopolis, July 1, 2001
Jemima Sabapathy (Program Coordinator, Evening Job Search Workshops)Why is it some people are successful in getting and thriving in jobs they love, while others falter along the way? Can individuals learn from each other how to be creative, strategic, and resourceful in their efforts? Meet Roberto, Jemima and Steve, and you be the judge!
 
Roberto Ver took a few career detours before being chosen as the on-air host of The Chatroom, CTV's interactive, live talk-show with an in-your-living-room ambience.
 
Before venturing into television, Ver spent time as a wrought-iron furniture maker and an assistant high school teacher in Italy but neither held a promise of longevity.
 
``I envisioned television as a good medium for me because it has a built-in practical outlet for my interests and abilities and I learned that media is very forgiving of one's background yet appreciative of people from various disciplines.''
 
Although it was never his intention to go on-air, Roberto used his interests in pop culture, current events and a degree in history and political science to segue into working in TV.
 
Honing his skills first as a segment producer scheduling guests for Citytv's Breakfast Television and then as creative director for Telelatino, Ver's opportunity to prove his on-air merit and talent came within two years. A colleague gave his
name to the producers who were putting The Chatroom together.
 
``They called and within two weeks, I submitted a test video, had two auditions (the latter to ensure that the first audition wasn't just luck or a good day) and got the job.''
 
Ver was flattered and shocked that he was tapped for on-air, as he adds with humour and humility, ``I have a face for radio.''
 
He encourages others that ``television is not such a hard medium to break into if one is creative, hard-working, and has precise communication and powerful observation skills.''
 
Jemima Sabapathy is the program coordinator of the evening job search workshops for newcomers at Skills for Change. But only three years ago, she herself was a newcomer from Sri Lanka needing a job. ``Although my prior experience included coordinating the teaching of English in 150 schools and training teachers, I faced many roadblocks here. Denied Ontario equivalency for my prior education and experience, I was beginning to feel pessimistic, losing my self-confidence, and worrying about dwindling finances.
 
``Then, armed with my parents' words of encouragement not to give up, that I was capable of doing whatever I wanted if I tried, I drew upon my creativity and common sense to confront my obstacles.
 
``I started by looking for free employment counselling and training resources listed in the Yellow Pages. I spotted the YWCA, a name I respected and soon I was registered for their career assessment program, Working Skills for Women.
``The counselling and self-assessment exercises helped me to identify my skills, options and set goals, and I eagerly registered for several college computer and agency training courses.''
 
Through a work search course for newcomers at Job Start she developed contacts and demonstrated her work ethic. Job Start offered Sabapathy a part-time administrative position - her first job in Canada.
 
``Within a year, while researching employer Web sites, I saw my current position advertised. In my interview, I highlighted transferable skills and experience from my home country. Today, I like to share what I experienced as a newcomer to motivate my clients like my parents encouraged and motivated me.''
 
Steve Daly was recruited in his final year of university by a major accounting firm. But, when faced with the decision whether or not to pursue his chartered accountancy designation, he refocused his career plans by looking at his natural abilities to negotiate, explain and sell ideas.
 
``Though I had little sales experience, I loved the idea of creating business by generating sales. Accounting gave me a great financial background for that complement to exist.''
 
Daly started investigating all opportunities presented to him, even in California. ``I didn't want to leave any stone unturned because maybe there was a diamond under one.''
 
Back in Toronto, Daly continued networking. At a barbecue, he told a friend of his interest in sales and the conversation led to a contact at Xerox.
 
``Soon, I was referred to their recruiter who thoroughly assessed my interest, character and personality before accepting me as a candidate. Ironically, a position came up immediately for a financial accounts manager. I went through seven interviews for that position.
 
``Two days after my final interview, I called and said, `I don't want to be a bother, but I am very interested in this position.' My interviewer said, `I was waiting for your call and wondering if you lost interest.' I told her `I really want this job.' And she said, `Come in tomorrow.'
 
``That was in 1998 and I am now the national accounts manager responsible for developing strategic partnerships between Xerox Canada and the Big 5 accounting firms.''
 
Daly is clear about why he is successful. ``I have learned to be blatantly honest in all my dealings. If I make a mistake, or if things are not going well, I own up to it. I believe in delivering on what I promise. That brings a customer back.''
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