Alexandra Drescher manages to keep smiling during her challenging job search in the South Okanagan.
Lyonel Doherty photo
She can’t help it, but Alexandra Drescher has “hire me” written all over her.
The bright young woman from Oliver has been rejected, ignored and passed over in the job market, but she still manages to keep her head up.
“It has been up and down like a roller coaster, but I’m learning to dress the part,” she told the Chronicle at last week’s job fair hosted by WorkBC at Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
As a lead-in to the job fair, Drescher attended the WorldHost training seminar taught by Tony Munday from the Oliver Tourism Association.
Drescher is looking for work in the telecommunications field or the customer service/sales sector. She has applied to The Source, Mark’s, Canadian Tire and some restaurants in town, but no prospects.
“I’ve applied online multiple times, but still no interviews,” she said with a sigh.
The 23-year-old operates a home-based business called “Cutco,” a quality cutlery and kitchenware enterprise. But she can’t live off that job.
Drescher has been actively seeking work for the past month. While she says cold-calling and showing up in person may soon be obsolete, she still prefers the old-fashioned way of meeting potential employers face to face. She believes that online job hunting is so impersonal, but that’s the way it’s going.
Needless to say, job hunting in today’s market can be a downer.
“It’s very frustrating, and you want to blame the world. I don’t know how I manage to stay positive,” Drescher said.
But things are looking up. For example, she had a job interview lined up with Telus, and another one with Watermark Beach Resort in Osoyoos.
Drescher admitted that Oliver doesn’t have many opportunities for young people.
“My mother says she came here to raise her children, but not for us to stay.”
She noted that Oliver caters to seniors, which is why a lot of younger people leave town.
“A lot of young families have left Oliver, and a lot of teachers have left for different jobs (elsewhere).”
Drescher said many of her former classmates have moved to Kelowna. “We’re fighting for jobs.”
Melanie Guza, site coordinator of WorkBC employment services, said they’re hoping they will be able to help with the hiring needs of the new Okanagan Correctional Centre.
“We’re hoping a lot of young people will find sustainable, year-round jobs here.”
Guza noted that a lot of wineries are currently looking for workers. She has also noticed a decline in the number of migrant fruit pickers and transients in the area (compared to last year at this time).
Guza acknowledged that many employers rely on the online application process, which prevents that “personal” connection from happening. But she encourages job seekers to be creative.
“I still think good old fashioned knocking on doors and phoning (is a good idea). It lets them know you’re really motivated and want to work.”
Guza said the WorkBC centre (Open Door Group) in Oliver offers one-on-one case management and workshops for people seeking employment.
Networking (talking to people) is the key to finding a job, she pointed out.
Leann Lees and Michelle Connors from Walnut Beach Resort in Osoyoos attended the job fair in hopes to recruit new staff. They were looking for bartenders, servers, a front desk associate and a banquet captain.
Lees said they recently hired someone with no experience because the person was so outgoing. She noted the qualities they look for include a desire to learn and the ability to multi-task.
Corylee Rutherford, human resources coordinator for Watermark Beach Resort, said they are looking for people to work in the culinary department, the wine bar and security.
Rutherford said they look for team players with great customer service.
“We want to make our guests feel like it’s their home.”
She noted they would definitely like to see more applications come in for these positions.
The Open Door Group is located in Unit D-291 Fairview Road. Call 250-498-2911 for more information on the type of service it offers.
Lyonel Doherty
Olive Chronicle
