As Canadian citizens, we are protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which allows us to live in a free and democratic society.  Along with these rights and freedoms, however, come certain responsibilities, one of which is helping others in the community.  The Government of Canada website has this to say on the subject:

“Millions of volunteers freely donate their time to help others without pay—helping people in need, assisting at your child’s school, volunteering at a food bank or other charity, or encouraging newcomers to integrate. Volunteering is an excellent way to gain useful skills and develop friends and contacts.”

I know this because, although not born in Canada, I have been through the process of ‘naturalization’ (don’t worry, it wasn’t painful).  A few years ago I was honoured to be accepted as one of your own - despite my preference for driving on the left - and in turn now have two of my own who think I speak funny and mock me for drinking excessive amounts of tea.

During the citizenship ceremony I was thus reminded that as a Canadian citizen I have a responsibility to be an active member of my community, although how those who do not go through this naturalization process know this I am not sure; perhaps it is assumed to be common sense?  I remember it well because I was very proud that I was entering into a society that places so much emphasis on ‘paying it forward’.  There were about sixty people in the ceremony that day, and each year about two hundred thousand more immigrants like me are granted the privilege of Canadian citizenship.  And yet so often, when ferrying the entourage between scouting events, baseball games, school barbecues and charity fundraisers, it is the same people in charge, taking fees, cooking burgers and setting up tents.  It is no secret that in today’s self indulgent society, full of personal gadgetry, we are becoming more secluded and less social.  The community, in essence, is struggling to survive, and is being propped up by a minority who give their time freely and without any expectation.

Some spiritual leaders suggest that the keys to happiness include doing things for others and connecting with the people and world around us.  None align with the principle that personal contentment resides within our ‘My-phones’ and ‘My-pads’.  This is not a guilt trip; there is a time and a place for everything.  But it is important for our own well-being that we try as hard as we can to do some small thing, anything, to help strengthen our community and build our own sense of self worth; spend a few hours picking up litter, help an elderly neighbour rake the leaves, volunteer for a local service.  Even such a simple thing as looking up and saying ‘hi’ to a passer-by can make a difference. 

Often though, and I myself know it all too well (for I am no saint), it is the first step that is so very hard.  Moving out of your comfort zone requires a monumental effort, and preparing to do anything out of the ordinary is a burden better put off until tomorrow – we are, by nature, animals who prefer the path of least resistance (coined ‘The Principle of Least Effort’).  Why waste valuable resources needed for survival on pursuits that instinctively gain us nothing?  Personally, I prefer sitting on the couch watching golf (sorry, I mean conserving energy) rather than going for a run or preparing a soccer coaching plan.  But once the ball starts rolling, it is much easier to keep it rolling; and once it begins to roll collectively, we will reap the benefits in so many ways, ironically not the least of which will be a selfish sense of fulfillment which will add to the ball’s momentum.  Other benefits include meeting new people, having things to look forward to, and the feeling of being part of a bigger picture (otherwise, what is the point of all this?).  In turn, our communities will become safer, happier places because more of us will be aware of our surroundings and the individuals, families and children within them.

If you already contribute to the community, my family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the effort you put in.  If you feel you could do more, why not take some time to sit down and think where you could contribute, be it at your child’s evening activity (perfect if you don’t have much time) or somewhere else - www.volunteerottawa.ca is a great place to start.  Everyone needs to pay it forward in a small way; don’t do it because the government says you should do it.  Do it for your own benefit.  We owe it to ourselves to be better citizens.

Whether unhappy in your present position, or currently “between opportunities”, you owe it to yourself to find the job that's right for you; one where you can be your best, and which in turn will reward you appropriately for your efforts.

Done correctly, the process is not as complicated as you might expect.  If you have a job already, it can help relieve any stress by providing focus; and if you don't have a job, you do now.

Step 1 - Networking

First and foremost – never send your résumé to a company as they will rarely respond, because the truth is they usually have someone in mind already. Networking is key; it’s not what you know, but who you know. To go about it correctly, you must talk to people face to face.

Start by thinking of all the people you know who might know someone in the particular industry you are interested in; friends, trustworthy work colleagues, family members, teachers, waiters etc. Keep a list of the people they suggest and get their permission to call those people. This is your contacts list and will grow with time.

Step 2 - The Call

Pick someone from your contacts list, and make a call. Practise on a friend first if you’re nervous.  When you speak to the contact, introduce yourself and tell them who gave you their name.  Say that you're interested in researching companies in your specific industry to broaden your horizons, and that their company is of interest to you.

Then request a lunch meeting for an hour maximum so it won't disrupt their workday too much (you pay of course), to ask them some questions about their role and their business. Be positive and confident; the worst they can say is no, but most people will give time to an interested, enthusiastic person, if only to relieve their own tedium at work. If they do insist on not meeting you, ask if they know anyone else who could give you insight.  And so your contacts list grows.

Step 3 - The Meeting

Be prepared.  When you go to the meeting, have questions about the individual’s role and the business they’re in. Be engaging, talk about yourself where appropriate, but don't overdo it.

It is imperative that you are genuinely interested in the company by doing your research, just as you would for an interview.  Bring a few résumés in your bag just in case you are asked (but don’t hand them out), and dress smartly to maintain a level of professionalism.  The goal is to make a good enough first impression so that when a position becomes available, they will think of you first.  Occasionally, when the impression is very good, a position might appear that fits your skills even when one is not currently open.

At the end of the meeting, pay the bill, thank them for their time, and ask if they know of anyone who might be able to speak to you about other companies.  And so your contacts list grows.

Step 4 - Follow Up

Make sure after a couple of days you follow up. Write a thank you email or call to say how much you appreciated their time, and ask again if they can think of anyone else that might be interested in talking to you. All of these dates and timelines should be noted in your contacts list - how the meeting went, what you thought of the company and the person, who else they recommended.

Step 5 - Repeat

Now move to the next contact on your list. Challenge yourself to find alternative avenues to build contacts. Take pleasure in meeting new people while at the same time learning about your career needs. In no time you will be presented with employment opportunities that you will have to give careful consideration to.  Ultimately it is not simply about an employer finding another body or you taking the first opportunity, but about the development of a mutual respect between employer and employee which will reward both parties to the fullest potential in their working relationship.

 I would wish you the best of luck, but honestly, I know you won’t need it.

William Humphries likes to write, and has been unemployed before. He is trained as a mechanical engineer and is currently working in the aerospace industry. He found his current job and his two previous jobs using the techniques described above. He has also edited a book about one room schoolhouses for local author Joy Forbes, and builds websites as a hobby. You can see some of his work at www.oneroomschoolhouses.ca, www.hardycoaching.com and his own editing website, www.willpoweredediting.com