CONTENTS

E M P L O Y E RC O R N E R

A S K A C A S EM A N A G E R

L O C A L A D M I NJ O B S

AUGUST 13, 2015

the LEAD Sheet

NEXT ISSUE:AUGUST 27, 2015

2

7

3

4 KEYSTO WORKING

IN HOSPITALITY

By Kate Wiley

Tourist season is in full swing — a factimmediately evident to anyone cruising

Victoria’s inner harbour. Bustling restaurantsand hotels mean a surge in hiring. But beforetaking to the streets with your resume, con-sider the following key skills.

1 . F L E X I B I L I T YAbove all, landing a job in hospitality takes

flexibility. You must be open to anything,even cleaning toilets. Most of the openingsdon’t require a degree in hotel management.Look beyond the front desk and you’ll discov-er a whole range of less visible services suchas maintenance and ground keeping, security,fitness, administration and finance, and mar-keting.

With a few exceptions, most hospitalityroles require a person to work evenings andweekends. While they are rarely referred toas graveyard shifts anymore, euphemisms like“shift work” are common in this industry. Thenine-to-five jobs are out there, but you’llneed to pay your dues first.

With 535 people on staff, The FairmontEmpress is one of Victoria’s top employers.The hotel hires between 20 and 25 newhousekeepers a year, according to Glen Merx,the hotel’s Human Resources Advisor. Thoughphysically demanding and not quite as glam-orous as serving tea, cleaning rooms is an ex-cellent way to get your foot in the door. Infact, Glen got his start at The Empress as ahouseperson, moving from there to the frontdesk, and six years later, into the Human Re-sources department.

(Continued on page 5)

Image credit: missy on flickr.com

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 2August 13, 2015

By Kate Wiley

There’s a new Holiday Inn Express & Suites going up in Col-wood. We caught up with General Manager Jauline Matkin tofind out how the staffing process is coming along.

1. Where are you in the hiring process for the newhotel? We are currently in the construction phase and sched-uled to open for November 02, 2015. At this time we are ac-tively recruiting for an Executive Housekeeper and a FrontOffice Manager. I expect that we will be actively recruitingfor entry level positions in mid to late September.

2. What do you look for in an employee? I am delight-ed that you asked! As with most businesses, finding the rightpeople is essential, as our employees are our greatest asset.In hospitality personality is key! There are a wide variety ofskills that can be taught — personality is not one of them.Our ideal candidates will demonstrate the following personal-ity traits:

BrandHearted – put the Holiday Inn Express brand at theheart of everything they do. They live our brand and demon-strate our Make Every Interaction Count service behaviorswith guests and the team. Organization skills – use time ef-fectively and efficiently. They focus on important prioritiesand can effectively handle several tasks at once. Works wellwith others – have a flexible and inclusive work style toachieve results together. Work with both peers and managerssupportively and cooperatively. Outgoing – approach all rela-tionships in an open, courteous and friendly manner. Theyare energetic, self-confident, and approachable. Problemsolving skills – help guests and their team promptly withoutbeing asked. Follow up and follow through to be sure thatproblems are solved and guests are satisfied. Communicatein a way that is open, direct, and easily understood – Askquestions and actively listen to understand the concerns ofothers. Proactively share ideas and information.

3. What sort of education or job experience is help-ful? For Management positions we look for proven success inleadership within a hotel environment. A minimum of 2 years

hotel supervisory or management experience is required. Forline level positions such as Front Desk Agent, HousekeepingRoom Attendant and Breakfast Bar Host, we do prefer someworking knowledge of the hospitality industry, but as men-tioned previously, we can train people to perform a wide va-riety of duties but we cannot train on personality. As such,we will consider applicants without experience if they havecomplimentary personality traits and display a willingness tolearn and grow within our company.

4. How does a job applicant make a lasting impressionon you? That is an excellent question. The lasting impressionbegins with the resume. Usually when we post an employ-ment opportunity we provide specific instructions as to whatwe are looking for. Applicants who follow these instructionsare more likely to get to the interview stage. For example, ifI ask for a handwritten cover letter with daily availability,that is exactly what I want. Providing these things show usthat the applicant thoroughly read the posting and followsdirection. In the interview, the people that tend to makethemselves most memorable are those that display an up-beat, jovial attitude, arrive on time with references in handand dress in a fashion that enables us to envision them in ourhotel.

5. What kind of background checks do you do? Crimi-nal record check and a verbal reference from 3 sources.

6. What makes the Holiday Inn a great place to work?So many things! The Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Victoria-Colwood, will offer a competitive wages and benefits packageas well as opportunities to learn new skills and grow your ca-reer. Applicants will not only join one of the fastest growinghotel brands in its market place, but also a multi-skilled teamwhere everyone can be themselves and, at the same time,constantly find smart ways to make work fun.

(Continued on page 3)

“We can train people toperform a wide variety of

duties but we cannot train onpersonality.”

– Jauline Matkin, General Manager,Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Victoria-Colwood

3worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caAugust 13, 2015

7. What misconceptions do people have about work-ing in hospitality? The number one misconception is that it’seasy. It is not always easy. Hospitality is hard work, it can bechallenging and it is also very rewarding!

8. What goals do you have as a business in the next 5years? Simply put, we strive to be #1 in all that we do! Welook forward to becoming a leader in excellence in the eyesof the brand, our valued guests and our local community. We

feel that our commitment to our guests and employees iscomplimented by our involvement in our local community. Tosum up, our goal is to operate a great hotel that guests lovewhile not only meeting, but exceeding the financial targets ofour investors. We would like to be presented with a Torch-bearer Award from the IHG Brand within our first 5 years ofoperation. Torchbearer is the highest award of distinctionwithin the IHG Brand.

Got a story to share? Email kwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

(Continued from page 2)

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 4August 13, 2015

Selkirk Place is looking to hire part-time RehabilitationAssistants to work in its Therapy Services Department.Completion of a recognized Rehabilitation Assistant Pro-gram and two years recent related experience required;long-term care setting preferred. For more information,go to workbc.ca or submit resume and cover letter toHRmgr@selkirkplace.ca.

Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society seeks to fill upto 2 casual Group Facilitator positions for its Family Ser-vices programs. Qualifications include post-secondary edu-cation completion/courses in related field such as ECE,child and youth care, counselling, social work and/or acombination of equivalent experience. Details atbcjobs.ca/jobs. Closes Sept. 2.

Canadian Sitter Incorporated dba Child Care Advantageseeks a full-time Early Childhood Educator for a Three toFive Program. Must possess a BC ECE licenced to practiceand work experience in a licenced group daycare. Find the

complete posting at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 27.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul is hiring a full-time Com-munity Support Worker to serve adults living with a men-tal or physical disability. Qualifications includepost-secondary certification as a CSW or HCA. A full jobdescription is available at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 26.

Revera is recruiting casual Registered Care Aids/HomeCare Aids to work at its Glenwarren Lodge. Must be agraduate of a recognized Care Aid program (or provincialequivalent certificate program) and possess experienceworking with seniors in a community health services set-ting. Apply online at jobs.reveraliving.com.

BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial HealthServices Authority is hiring General Duty StaffNurse/Brachytherapy - RT Program. Must be a graduateof an accredited School of Nursing. For more information,go to careers.phsa.ca. Open until filled.

SOCIAL & HEALTH JOBS

Eurosa Farms in Brentwood Bay is looking for two sea-sonal Greenhouse Workers. No experience necessary.Application details at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 31.

Island Health is hiring a full-time, temporary Mainte-nance Worker for a project at Gorge Road Hospital. Qual-ifications include a Grade 10 education and two years’recent, related experience, or an equivalent combinationof education, training and experience. Valid Class 5 vehi-cle license required. More information at viha.ca/careers.

G.E.M. Cleaning Services is looking for a part-timeCleaner. Candidate must be physically fit and enjoy work-ing hard. Previous cleaning experience a plus. Search thecomplete job posting at usedvictoria.com.

Compass Group Canada is recruiting part-time, eveningOffice Cleaners & Day Porters. This position requires

working 4-6 hours per shifts. High school diploma required;previous cleaning experience in office building is an asset.Apply at smartrecruiters.com/CompassGroupCanada.

Slegg Building Materials is filling several openings for part-and full-time Yard and Warehouse Labourers in Saanich-ton. A broad knowledge of building supplies is necessary;forklift experience considered beneficial. More informa-tion at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 31.

WIS International, a data collection business, has open-ings for Inventory Associates in Victoria. No experiencenecessary. Go to wisintl.com > Careers.

The Magnolia Hotel & Spa in Victoria is hiring a part-time Housekeeping Room Attendant. Must be available towork all shifts, including weekends. Search the completejob posting at usedvictoria.com.

MANUFACTURING & FACILITIES JOBS

5worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caAugust 13, 2015

2 . P U T T I N GP E O P L E F I R S T

If you don’t like beingnice to people, then you’llwant to look elsewherefor work. This field re-quires putting others first,even those who don’ttreat you with the utmostrespect. Your job is tomake sure the guest ordiner feels special and that means saying “yes” to everythingwithin your power, even replacing a perfectly good steak.

Getting a job at The Empress is as much about attitude asit is about your skill set, says Glen. “We are looking for peo-ple with a warm and engaging personality. Our mission state-ment is ‘Turning moments into memories for our guests,’ andanyone from dishwasher to front desk attendant should havea similar helping nature.”

3 . A T T E N T I O N T O D E T A I LMaking a guest’s experience extraordinary requires atten-

tion to detail. Chocolates on the pillow, a freshly pressed uni-form — these are the kind of touches that set certain hotelsand restaurants apart. As a job applicant, you too can standout by using your resume and cover letter to highlight yourability to focus on details.

Lots of details require the ability to multitask. Whethersimultaneously preparing for multiple events or waiting on aroomful of tables, hospitality jobs force you to think on yourfeet. It’s not only the client that you aim to please; managerskeep a watchful eye to ensure nothing — and no one — slipsthrough the cracks. A person who can roll with shifting re-sponsibilities is more likely to move up the ladder.

If you’ve got your sightsset on management, keepan eye out for ways to takeon more responsibility. Howcan the guest’s experiencebe improved? With a littleinitiative, you may find asolution to the long queueat the reception desk or thelogjam in the kitchen. Worksmart — and work hard. “Wewatch for a solid work eth-

ic,” says Glen of new hires at The Empress. “If someone iscalling in sick a lot during the probationary period, that per-son might not be a good match.”

4 . A R E A D Y S M I L EAs is the case in most places of work, first impressions are

crucial. Glen recommends showing up to an interview in abusiness suit — even if it’s a dishwashing job you are applyingfor. And, as any mother will remind you, everyone’s appear-ance improves with a smile.

Hotel staff are often an international bunch. Like the peo-ple you are serving, your colleagues are likely to be fond oftravelling. You may not speak the same language as the bus-boy from Germany, but a smile will go a long way toward es-tablishing a good professional relationship.

Smiles should be a readily available commodity in this in-dustry. After all, one of the greatest perks of a job in hospi-tality is the fun atmosphere. People on vacation are generallya happy bunch — approach the work with the right attitude,and you can join the crowd.

Kate Wiley is editor of the Lead Sheet. Contact her atkwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

(Continued from page 1)

Whether simultaneouslypreparing for multiple events orwaiting on a roomful of tables,hospitality jobs force you to

think on your feet.

worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.ca 6August 13, 2015

TECHNOLOGY JOBS

TRADES JOBS

Custom Pro Exteriors is filling eight vacancies for full-time Building Envelope Installers - Siding/Flashing. Pre-vious work history with sheet metal flashings in buildingenvelope system is required. More information atworkbc.ca. Expires Oct. 30.

Suburban Motors in Victoria has an opening for a Jour-neyperson Technician. Previous Ford experience wouldbe considered an asset. Go to suburbanmotors.com >About Us > Employment Opportunities to apply.

CanWest Concrete Cutting & Coring is looking for expe-rienced Cutters & Supervisors to join its Vancouver Islandteam. Proficiency required in any of the following: wallsaw, slab saw, core drill, hand saws, G.P.R. Scanning andconcrete removal. Must be willing to work evenings andweekends. Find the complete listing atvictoria.craigslist.ca.

Parker Johnston Industries in Saanichton is hiring anApprentice/Journeyman - Flat Roofing. Other vacantpositions: Apprentice/Journeyman Metal Roofing,Apprentice/Journeyman Cladding, Residential Roofers.Apply online at parkerjohnston.com > About Us > Employ-ment.

Rain Coast Contracting Services is looking for a Painter.A season of experience with another paint company is re-quired. Access to a cell phone is preferred. A vehicle is anasset, but not critical. Search the complete listing atvictoria.craigslist.ca.

Stone Trends in Sidney is hiring a full-time Machine Op-erator with flexible hours. Preference will be given toapplicants with knowledge of granite, marble, and quartzfabrication and experience using CNC machines and CAD.Application details at usedvictoria.com.

Microserve in Victoria is looking for a Printer Techni-cian to service and repair printers and other multifunc-tional peripherals. Qualifications include 1-3 years'experience in the service and repair of printers/MFP de-vices. Find out more at microserve.ca/careers.

Fujitsu seeks a Middle-Tier Web Administrator in Vic-toria. Qualifications include 7+ years’ experience in Linuxapplication tier support and development, supportingphysical and logical Linux and Microsoft environments,analyzing functional specifications, designing, document-ing and developing technical specifications. Apply onlineat fujitsu.com › Home › About Fujitsu.

Quartech Systems requires a senior Developer with Ja-va and WebSphere experience for a Victoria-based con-

tract opportunity. Minimum qualifications include 7+ yearsof development experience in Java. More information atquartech.com.

The Province’s Information Management Branch seeks atemporary Programmer/Analyst. Qualifications include acertificate in the computer science field plus one yearrelated experience or equivalent. Search the listing atwww2.gov.bc.ca. Closes Aug. 20.

BC Pension Corporation is hiring a Senior Data Archi-tect. Qualifications include a university degree in Informa-tion Technology, Computing Science or similar field andfour years related experience; equivalent education andexperience will be considered. More information atpensionsbc.ca > Careers. Closes Aug. 27.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

— Wayne Dyer

7worklink.bc.ca • gthiringsolutions.ca • beaconcs.caAugust 13, 2015

PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE JOBS

The Moda Salon Group is looking to hire a full-time Re-ceptionist. This is a family-owned business with three lo-cations in Tillicum Mall, Mayfair Mall, and Hillside Mall.Must be able to work flexible hours. Application details atworkbc.ca. Expires Sept. 5.

Slegg Building Materials in Langford requires a full-timeDoor and Window Salesperson. A broad knowledge ofbuilding supplies is necessary, as well as sales experience.More information at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 31.

Westland Insurance is growing and has a new opportuni-ty for an Insurance Advisor – Personal Lines in Victoria.Must possess Insurance Broker Level 1; at least 6 monthsexperience preferred. Find out more atwestlandinsurance.ca > Join Our Team.

WCG Services has an opening in one of its divisions for aClaims Specialist. This is a clerical position serving Cana-dian Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Degreeor diploma in a business related field is preferred. Findthe complete job description at wcgservices.com > CareerOpportunities.

Expedia CruiseShipCenters is recruiting an AssistantManager for a busy travel agency in Victoria. This positionis ideal for a Senior Travel Consultant looking for a promo-tion or an Assistant Manager looking for a change. Moreinformation at jobfind.findem.ca. No close date provided.

The Province’s Corporate Services for Natural Resourcesseeks an Accounts Receivable Clerk to serve the 6 Minis-tries of the Natural Resource Sector and maintain the sec-tor’s accounts receivable and collection activities.Secondary school graduation, plus completion of the firstyear of a Business Administration diploma or degree, or

equivalent courses, are required. Search the listing atwww2.gov.bc.ca. Closes Aug. 20.

TSSI, a subsidiary of TELUS Corporation, is hiring a HRAdmin. Qualifications include 1-3 years’ experience. Apost-secondary diploma/certification in Human Resourcesor the equivalent experience demonstrated by progressiveresponsibilities is an asset. For more information, go toabout.telus.com > Careers.

WorkLink is hiring a part-time AdministrativeClerk/Receptionist. The number of hours per week forthis position will vary but may be up to 20. Qualificationsinclude experience using multi line phones and operatingoffice equipment, as well as experience working with thepublic. Details at worklink.bc.ca.

Durwest Construction Management is seeking a full-timeAdministrative Assistant. Solid Microsoft Word, Excel andOutlook skills are essential. Preferred additional experi-ence would include a construction office background andbasic bookkeeping experience, but training happily provid-ed to the right candidate. Find the complete listing atvictoria.craigslist.ca.

Agropur in Victoria has an opening for an Administra-tive Assistant with 5 years’ experience in a similar admin-istrative position. Solid knowledge of computers andcomputer applications is required; French language is anasset. More information at agropur.com > Careers. Noclose date provided.

Abigail's Hotel is hiring a part-time Night Auditor.Knowledge of computers and basic accounting is required.Must be willing to work, weekends, nights and graveyards.Search the complete listing at go2hr.ca.

Feedback? Send your comments to kwiley@worklink.bc.ca.

BC Transit has an opening for a Community Transit Op-erator in Victoria. Must possess a valid driver’s licencewith a record indicating safe and responsible vehicle oper-ation over the past 5 years; candidates will also demon-strate an ability to deal effectively with the public. Moreinformation at bctransit.com > Current Opportunities.

Sears Victoria is filling two positions: Sales Floor Asso-ciate - Jewellery and Sales Floor Associate - Children'sFurniture. Qualifications include a secondary school di-ploma and a minimum of 3 months of previous work expe-rience. Find the postings at sears.ca/content/careers.

Country Grocer seeks a Senior Grocery Clerk for itsRoyal Oak store. A minimum of 2-3 years grocery experi-ence is required. Apply online at countrygrocer.com >About Us > Careers. Closes Aug. 21.

Slegg Building Materials in Langford requires a full-timeRe-Buyer. A broad knowledge of building supplies is nec-essary, as well as superior customer service skills andknowledge of computer ordering processes. More informa-tion at workbc.ca. Expires Aug. 31.

Cheap Tickets and Travel in Royal Oak is hiring a TravelAgent. Applicants should have training in a travel schoolor experience working in a travel agency. Find the com-plete job posting at usedvictoria.com.

View Royal Casino seeks a part-time, permanent CasinoServer. One year of serving experience is required, aswell as general knowledge of alcoholic beverages. Candi-dates must be willing to work a flexible schedule, includ-ing evenings and weekends. More information atviewroyalcasino.com > Careers. Expires Aug. 21.

Walmart Langford is hiring a part-time Produce Associ-ate. An ability to prioritize work assignments and com-

plete duties while responding to requests from customersis essential. Apply online at walmartcanada.ca/careers.

Amica at Douglas, a retirement facility, seeks a part-time Dining Room Server with 2 years’ experience in avariety of dining environments. Flexibility to work a vari-ety of shifts is required, as well as superior communica-tion and interpersonal skills. Details atcareersen-amica.icims.com/jobs. Open until filled.

The Home Depot in Langford is hiring a part-time Elec-trical Sales Associate with an ability to work a flexibleschedule including evenings and weekends. Find out moreat jobs.homedepotjobs.ca. Closes Aug. 21.

Le Château at Mayfair Shopping Centre seeks a SalesAssociate with at least 6 months of prior customer serviceexperience. Apply online at lechateau.com > About Us >Careers.

Charmaine's Past and Present, located on Fort St. inVictoria, is accepting applications for a part-time Custom-er Service position. Training is available for the right per-son. Apply in person.

Sephora Beauty in Victoria has an opening for a BeautyAdvisor. Education and product experience in skincare,colour and fragrance is desirable but not a must. Searchthe complete job posting at eluta.ca.

The Bottle Depot in Downtown Victoria has full- andpart-time Customer Service positions available. Apply inperson or online at bottledepot.ca > Employment.

The Wine Maker in View Royal is filling an opening inCustomer Service and Wine Production. Work 20-40hours/week, Tuesday through Saturday. Details can befound in the classifieds at usedvictoria.com.

HOSPITALITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS

JOB FAIR

Are you energetic, have excellent communication skills,value working as part of a team and are passionate about guest services?

If so, Tim Hortons may be the Right Fit for you!

Hiring 30+ staff, all positions, all hours for a new restaurant at Borden& McKenzie scheduled to open on September 28, 2015

Proudly supported by

Friday, August 28, 2015, 10:00 AM  2:00 PMGT Hiring Solutions WorkBC Employment Services Centre201  3962 Borden Street (at McKenzie)

Bring your resume along with references andbe prepared to be interviewed on the spot!

Register with your WorkBC Employment Services AdvisorOR email Sue at s.naylor@gthiringsolutions.ca