Job Hunting in Alberta 2014 version...

We started off 2014, with the knowledge that my husband’s job was going to end within the year.   As a result, we have been diligently searching online, networking, contacting recruiters, buying a new suit and praying.  Unfortunately for us, he has yet to secure a job....(pickings have been few and far between)...however, lucky for us, his job has been extended until this current point.... although his job is currently contract in nature, it looks like it will hold out until the end of November.   We have felt extreme gratitude that it has lasted this long, and that we still have benefits for our family.   

However, the knowledge that we likely could be unemployed during the holiday season is hardly something to look forward to.  (Okay...maybe having my husband home full time for a while is a kind of appealing, but the no income is less than desirable.) 

The situation has been fairly stressful, but we are lucky in that we do have an emergency fund, as well as the fact that our monthly mortgage is a lot less than it would be to rent an apartment.

Because my husbands job is ending due to the company going into bankruptcy, we are in a position that my husband would be able to get unemployment insurance until he is able to secure a job.   I also could and would find employment during that time, although, then we need to make sure we have childcare available each time he has a job interview, meets with recruiters etc.  Either way...we have options, which is a blessing. 

I remember years ago moving to Southern Alberta  (almost 18 years ago) with no employment and desperately trying to find a job. It took a little bit of time, however, during that time I took a month long course from the Government, on job finding and resume building.  I remember learning there that looking for a job is a full time job.  We were taught that you needed to put in eight hour days, networking, finding, hunting, honing your interview skills (we did videos) and cold calling companies.  A lot has changed since then, but the desired end result is the same.

I thought it would be interesting to see the difference in job finding in 2014 in Alberta today, and starting from now will record to see how long it takes my husband to find a job.  Obviously, he has a full time job and can’t put in an eight hour day job hunting....but he does have a wife....who although I’m busy, am fully vested in him getting employment as soon as possible.

I will record the process we take.  Starting with LINKED IN.  I am still pretty unsure what purpose Linked in really has and how beneficial it actually is.  My husband is currently on there with his current resume....however...the profile picture he uses is one taken by a staff member when linked in first came out.  To say it hardly looks professional is an understatement.... in fact he may be a little warped looking.  Our goal for this week will be change his picture to something a little more professional looking to see if that makes any difference.

A job hunting we will go.......