A positive attitude makes all the difference in job search

"If you want to make good use of your time, you've got to know what's most important and then give it all you've got."

Lee Iacocca

Cristian Opazo, a Jobs Caledon participant, is living proof of what Iacocca meant with this statement.

Cristian was recommended to Jobs Caledon by VPI, an employment case management program, both located in Bolton. Upon crossing the threshold of Jobs Caledon, Cristian immediately registered for the Keys to Employment Success certificate workshop series, designed to increase participants' job search skills.

The keys are working for Cristian because Cristian is working the keys.

"I spend four out of five days a week at Jobs Caledon and appreciate the multifunctional environment and the dynamic team I've found here. It's great to have a professional place to go, rather than job searching on my own at home.

"I've taken the workshops and had help with my resume. I've been called back, with two interviews scheduled. I use the high speed Internet and large selection of daily newspapers and job postings. The

added bonus is the friendships I've begun with other job seekers.

"I'm looking for employment in food trading, particularly companies that are exporting to Spanish speaking countries. I'm tri-lingual and feel my language skills, combined with my food engineering and marketing skills will be of benefit to just the right organization."

The staff at Jobs Caledon is quick to note the positive attitude Cristian displays as he continues his job search.

"There are two things that make a huge difference in your employment success, attitude and dedication, both of which we see in Cristian," said Maureen Tymkow, Jobs Caledon employment facilitator.

Cristian isn't a typical Caledon job-seeker, even though he does share a common

denominator with others, the fact that life doesn't always go as planned.

"What is really amazing about Cristian's story is how he's maintained his positive attitude through all the changes he, his wife and children (ages 7 and 10), have undergone since arriving in Montreal from Chile in April 2005," Maureen added.

"We were unable to speak a word of French but settled in Montreal, believing job opportunities would present themselves. The entire family was committed to learning French and we became fluent during our first year in Canada," noted Cristian.

The Opazo family enjoyed the multiculturalism of Quebec, however, at the end of the first year in Canada, Cristian's wife was offered a job in her area of

expertise, but the offer was in Caledon, forcing the family to make the decision to relocate for the second time in a year. Knowing their English skills needed improvement, they resolved to move to Ontario.

Having moved to Caledon just eight short weeks ago, Cristian pushes forward every day determined to find his new place of employment. His English has improved at an accelerated rate.

"Cristian comes in and works his employment searching plan on a daily basis and that's what will make a huge impact to his success. If you want to move your career forward, you can't just dabble at your search, you have to make the time and take the appropriate steps in order to realize accomplishments," said Heidi Philips, Jobs Caledon workshop facilitator.

"We wish Cristian good luck on his search, but it won't be luck that makes it happen for him. It's his commitment that will make the difference. Based on what I've seen happen here at Jobs Caledon, it's only a matter of time and he will be successfully employed. We'll miss Cristian's positive influence, but we take great satisfaction in knowing other people will be benefiting from it."

Jobs Caledon is located in Caledon Community Services at 18 King St. East, in Bolton, and Caledon East, Tuesday afternoons beside the fire hall and Inglewood, Highway 10 Claude Church Wednesday afternoons. Jobs Caledon is a project funded by the government of Canada. Visit www.caledoncommunityservices. org.