Category: Job Seeker

Why routine is important to job seekers

Paul Wagenaar

The feeling of loss of purpose is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome for some people when they search for a new job. It can be difficult to find motivation. The fear of not finding what you need to live is ever-present. As well, the frustration of frequent rejection can all combine to make your job search so much more difficult.

Rediscovering your purpose can be helped by creating and using the “tool” of a daily routine. A routine to mirror your working day, a routine with blocks of time for job searching, performing useful task, getting out of your home, engaging with people, exercising, and engaging with your community. An evolving routine can help you build yourself back up and restore your purpose.

Why isn’t my job search working?

Paul Wagenaar

Job searching is harder than it used to be … it seems. How long should a job search take? It depends … mostly it depends on you. It depends on the decisions you make, the effort you put into it, and how determined you are in the face of disappointment and frustration. Here are 22 steps you can take, the more you do, the more likely you are to succeed. See what you think.

Illuminating frustrating places

Paul Wagenaar

We all have good intentions when it comes to most things, including looking for a first job, a replacement job, or any job. It sounds simple enough but for some and for people who live with barriers to employment it can be easier said than done. I have found the best way to eliminate an obstacle or navigate a path through a frustrating situation is illumination. Illumination and the breaking down of the obstacle until I can work with the pieces.

This is a brief guide for people who find the process difficult, frustrating, and even a dark, scary place to be.

Being Aware is always better …

Paul Wagenaar

How do you stand out in a interview? How do you keep from being too nervous? How do you convince the interviewer you are the right person for their team? How do you not trip up? The answers to these questions and more will just take a few minutes …

What is accessibility? Are we compliant or complicit – Accessibility in 2025?

Paul Wagenaar

We notice the ramps, the braille on some washroom signs, we all sometimes use the power door options when we have large items to get through doors, but do we notice the places that aren’t accessible?

More than 20 years legislation became law that guaranteed accessibility standards for people who live with barriers and disabilities. The law promised action. It has been hit or miss, there have been some improvements, but not enough. We need to ask ourselves are we compliant or are we complicit? We also need to advocate and take action.

How well do you read social cues?

Paul Wagenaar

As a career advisor who works with people who live with barriers it is interesting reversing perspectives about social cues. Most people who live with barriers have to learn to adapt to social cues that are not intrinsic to them, what are you doing to recognize and accommodate their social cues?

This post is a brief introduction to social cues that could add understanding and appreciation to our daily interaction with people who experience barriers. The more we support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness; the more opportunities for growth we all have.

Solving the puzzle …

Paul Wagenaar

I know what it feels like when you do everything right and things do not work out in your favour. Job searching can be like that. As a career advisor I see the frustration I have felt quite often. I encourage, support, and reinforce that success is achievable and will happen … as long as you continue to look at ways to solve your particular puzzle. Persistence, resilience, and hard work with an evolving employment plan will get you to where you want to be. These tips will help, they have worked for me, my job seekers, other people, and they will work for you.

Revisiting the 20 Things

Paul Wagenaar

The original “Twenty” was shared with me many years ago as a guide for excellence. Designed, initially for sales excellence, I have kept it close from job to job, sector to sector, and with some periodic updates, it continues to be my guide to achieving success. I am grateful to the friend who shared them with me and I hope you may find them to be as useful for you.

Connecting the dots …

Paul Wagenaar

Doing well in an interview is so much more than just showing up. From creating a resume that evolves for each opportunity to tailoring an equally directed cover letter to solve an employers staffing problem. To knowing how to follow-up professionally and preparing for each interview; your successful job search relies on you connecting all of these dots.

You are one person … what can you do?

Paul Wagenaar

This week I was asked, “What can you do, you are only one person?” Perhaps I am naive, perhaps I am too optimistic, I know I am tenacious, occasionally bordering on relentless; however, I do believe one person can make a difference … especially to someone who feels “stuck;” they feel they can’t go backward, they can’t backward, and they can’t stay where they are. More useful than mere words, this is how I believe, me, you, and anyone can make a difference to help unstick someone who is stuck.