Medicine Hat Career Expo (Photo by Ross Lavigne)

By Hayley Ferguson

Employers focussing on interpersonal skills at career expo

Oct 23, 2019 | 5:41 PM

Medicine Hat, AB – Over the past year, Stats Canada says that the city of Medicine Hat has seen a 5.2 per cent increase in the unemployment rate over the past year.

Despite that, there is some optimism. In the same time period, there have been 4,700 additional jobs created.

That optimism was felt at the Medicine Hat College’s career expo on Wednesday.

“Last year at the career expo we had 44 exhibitors and this year we have 61. So I would say that that is a really good indicator that there is still lots of amazing organizations looking for people. And a lot of them are really wanting to talk and connect with the public,” said Shelly Drefs, career services assistant with the college.

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Drefs says that what she is hearing from employers is that they want to see somebody with interpersonal skills that go beyond a resume.

Mark Morad, acting studio manager of Orangetheory Fitness agreed.

He says that when he is hiring he wants somebody who can make a strong impression.

“That’s the business we’re in. We’re not behind a computer, nothing against IT or online, but we are a personal business,” he explained.

Sherilynn BeBeau, with South Country Co-Op, agrees that she’s looking for something similar.

“We want them to be themselves. Absolutely be themselves and show that they are there and willing to help out other people,” she said. “Interpersonal skills. Somebody who is friendly, outgoing, and willing to go above and beyond.”

Another thing Morad is looking for is somebody who understands his business.

“The number one thing for me is have you done your research? Do you know that you’re going to be passionate about working for this business? If you’re not, don’t waste your time,” said Morad.

Drefs says that is a common theme among employers.

“I would really look and do some research on the job and company that you want to work for. And find out what it is that they’re looking for,” she continued. “And think about the skills and how you’ve learned different skills throughout your lifetime both in your schooling, in your education, and past work experiences. And different ways that they can connect to that employer.”

Drefs acknowledge that southern Alberta can be a tough market, but referred back to those new jobs.

“You know when you think of everything that the oil and gas employees they have so many skills that are so useful in other industries. So again it’s about making those connections and looking at those skills and how they adapt to the different markets out there,” she explained.

An industry that Drefs mentioned that those skills could be transferred over to is cannabis with both Aurora Cannabis and Folium Biosciences set to open their doors in Medicine Hat.

The college is recently launched two new courses geared towards the industry.

As well they will be hosting the Hemp & Cannabis Opportunities Conference in November which will talk about career opportunities and representatives from Aurora and Folium Biosciences.