Some common questions from our clients during COVID-19 pandemic
As answered by Karen Hoffmann-Zak, Times Change Employment Counsellor
DISCLAIMER: To the best of our knowledge, the information below is accurate, but we can’t guarantee this. Things are changing all the time, and it’s often important to verify the information for yourself, especially if something does not sound right to you.
1. Money is a big issue right now. I’m not working/or have been laid off from my job/or am in quarantine/ or need to stay home and look after my kids who no longer have school or daycare, or I’m sick or must look after someone else who is sick.
ANSWER: The Canadian government has put together an emergency benefit package to boost the incomes of people facing these situations. The Canada Employment Response Benefit (CERB) application portal is expected to be open in early April 2020. This means that in order to receive EI, you do not need to meet the usual criteria laid out by Service Canada. Additionally, if you are at home sick due to COVID19 or in quarantine you can immediately apply for EI Sick Benefits to determine your eligibility.
EI Sickness Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are for individuals who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. The benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and up to 55% of wages or a maximum of $573 per week. You can apply online at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
It’s very important that you apply for financial support immediately, or as soon as applications become available, as there may be processing delays. Don’t wait to gather all your necessary documents. You can send them later, according to Service Canada.
You can access Service Canada offices online or can call 1-800-O-Canada.
For more information, and how to apply go to the following links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html
EI Sickness Benefits
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are for individuals who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. The benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and up to 55% of wages or a maximum of $573 per week. You can apply online at https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness.html
It’s very important that you apply for financial support immediately, or as soon as applications become available, as there may be processing delays. Don’t wait to gather all your necessary documents. You can send them later, according to Service Canada.
You can access Service Canada offices online or can call 1-800-O-Canada.
For more information, and how to apply go to the following links:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html
2. Should I still look for work?
ANSWER: Yes, absolutely. While the health of you and your family, and all Canadians, comes first, there are still jobs, including jobs that have now gone online. As well, because many other people will now stop looking for work, you may have a better chance at getting work now or when things ease up. Here is a link to an article about employers, who are currently seeking employees: https://www.thestar.com/business/2020/03/19/some-canadian-companies-embarking-on-hiring-sprees-amid-covid-19-layoffs.html
As well, a casual look at the Indeed job search website for Toronto showed that even good jobs are still being advertised. There seems to be a very quick turn-around time between the date of the job posting and the deadline for your application, sometimes just a couple of days.
When looking for jobs online, you should keep the following information in mind:
Look at the date when the posting was advertised (on Indeed, it’s usually at the bottom of the job posting). This is good advice, always, but it’s especially pertinent now, because you can see whether employers want to hire someone, even though we are currently dealing with the Novel Coronavirus.
Try to be patient when waiting to hear back from employers. Employers are still working out what they need, who they need and the format in which the work will take place. For instance, will you be working at a specific location, or will the job be done remotely for now?
If you’re looking at a website like Indeed, keep clicking through the screens while looking at the date on which jobs were posted. New jobs are posted but they seem to be interspersed with jobs posted many days or weeks ago.
As well, a casual look at the Indeed job search website for Toronto showed that even good jobs are still being advertised. There seems to be a very quick turn-around time between the date of the job posting and the deadline for your application, sometimes just a couple of days.
When looking for jobs online, you should keep the following information in mind:
Look at the date when the posting was advertised (on Indeed, it’s usually at the bottom of the job posting). This is good advice, always, but it’s especially pertinent now, because you can see whether employers want to hire someone, even though we are currently dealing with the Novel Coronavirus.
Try to be patient when waiting to hear back from employers. Employers are still working out what they need, who they need and the format in which the work will take place. For instance, will you be working at a specific location, or will the job be done remotely for now?
If you’re looking at a website like Indeed, keep clicking through the screens while looking at the date on which jobs were posted. New jobs are posted but they seem to be interspersed with jobs posted many days or weeks ago.
3. I’ve been asked to do an online interview. Do you have any advice? I’ve never done this before!
ANSWER:There is a good chance that your interview will take place by phone or online. Be prepared for this. These articles will help you:
https://www.indeed.com/community/interview-tips/how-to-set-up-for-a-video-interview/m-p/2269513#M99145
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/online-job-interviews-2064216
https://www.indeed.com/community/interview-tips/how-to-set-up-for-a-video-interview/m-p/2269513#M99145
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/online-job-interviews-2064216
4. I’m feeling helpless because there just doesn’t seem to be any jobs suitable for me right now. What should I do?
ANSWER: If employers are not currently hiring for the kind of work you do, but you’re pretty sure they will be once the health crisis in Canada has subsided, look at what you may be able to do remotely (from home), using your transferable skills. And, of course, take this time to work on your tailored resume, cover letter, and on your interview skills. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out to your employment counsellor.
This may also be your chance to try a side gig that you’ve been thinking about doing, advertising your services online and trying out new approaches to get business. The essence of getting work is figuring out what problems you can solve for others, and although we have some staggering problems right now, there may still be services that you can offer. These services may be for existing employers, or things that can you do yourself as a self-employed person. No matter what, please follow the health and safety protocols laid out by the government. That’s the most important thing right now.
This may also be your chance to try a side gig that you’ve been thinking about doing, advertising your services online and trying out new approaches to get business. The essence of getting work is figuring out what problems you can solve for others, and although we have some staggering problems right now, there may still be services that you can offer. These services may be for existing employers, or things that can you do yourself as a self-employed person. No matter what, please follow the health and safety protocols laid out by the government. That’s the most important thing right now.
5. What do I need to know to work online or remotely from home?
ANSWER: This could be a fruitful time when it comes to getting work that you can do from home, whether as a self-employed person or as someone working for someone else. Here are some resources that you can turn to for help or ideas.
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/online-training/
(The above link takes you to free guidance and training on having your own business.)
Below is an article on possible jobs you can do from home. The article was published on Indeed and originates in the U.S. I believe the salaries mentioned in this article are much lower than they would be in Canada. As well, you need to make certain allowances, such as:a scopist (I have seen no evidence that job exists in Canada); travel agent (especially in these times, extremely unlikely!):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/online-jobs
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/
https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/training-support-for-business-start-ups/online-training/
(The above link takes you to free guidance and training on having your own business.)
Below is an article on possible jobs you can do from home. The article was published on Indeed and originates in the U.S. I believe the salaries mentioned in this article are much lower than they would be in Canada. As well, you need to make certain allowances, such as:a scopist (I have seen no evidence that job exists in Canada); travel agent (especially in these times, extremely unlikely!):
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/online-jobs
6. I’VE NEVER WORKED FROM HOME OR FOR MYSELF BEFORE. HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF AGAINST SCAMS?
ANSWER: As you search for online work, you need to be savvy. Yes, there are scams out there. For instance, if you are asked to pay someone for the privilege of doing this work or are asked to deposit large sums of money for someone else, run—don’t walk—away from your computer. The article below gives great tips on protecting yourself from scams. As well, you can always go to Google and Glassdoor and other sources to get reviews on a company. Bottom line: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Gut instinct cannot be overrated!
However, the following article warns against employers who will hire you without an in-person interview. Right now, it’s very unlikely that someone will want to interview you in person: interviews are more likely to take place by email, online or phone. Many freelancers, for instance, work for people whom they have never met.
Guidelines for Safe Job Search
However, the following article warns against employers who will hire you without an in-person interview. Right now, it’s very unlikely that someone will want to interview you in person: interviews are more likely to take place by email, online or phone. Many freelancers, for instance, work for people whom they have never met.
Guidelines for Safe Job Search
7. (new) I feel very low right now. I can’t find work no matter what I do. I’m also very lonely, depressed and anxious and can’t even go in to see my doctor. Sometimes I think this will last forever. I even think about suicide.
ANSWER: We’re so sorry that you’re feeling this way. Contact us anytime if you want help getting work, but please get help for your suicidal thoughts immediately. Things will get better again, and a whole community exists to support you. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, call 911, go to your nearest hospital, contact your doctor or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. You can also call your local Distress Centre at 416-408-4357, or Connex at 1-866-531-2600. Children and adults can also now call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6860. No matter what, you can also always dial 211 and get information and help on anything that’s bothering you, including depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, violence from a partner, how to get shelter, legal or financial help or more. You can reach all of these numbers at any hour of day or night, every day. There are lots of people out there who care about your health and well-being and want to help. You don't have to do it alone.
8. (new) How can I look for a job while I’m looking after my kids?
ANSWER: You’re right, looking after your children—even homeschooling them—can be a full-time job in itself. Playgrounds, libraries and play dates with friends are off limits. Grandparents, friends and babysitters can no longer pitch in and relieve you, and you need some uninterrupted time to focus. Many of you, we know, feel guilty about the many hours your children are spending in front of TV and video games, but these are extreme times. While nobody can tell you what’s right or wrong when raising your children, here are a few resources that may be helpful. And, if you take a few minutes to search online, you’ll find many more.
https://www.weareteachers.com/audible-covid-19-closures/
Free downloadable books for youth of all ages from the audiobook giant Audible. These books are available from now until the end of the pandemic:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx65Z2oa2F9uqKZxJJn-4Nynr
Numerous free drawing classes offered by Disney. From Anna in Frozen, to Winnie-the-Poo, to Spiderman, dozens of classes are offered on how to draw beloved characters.
https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/family_fitness/get-moving-indoors-10-exercise-apps-sites-for-kids/
https://gretchenrubin.com/2020/03/coping-with-covid-19-children-exercise
And to get children of all ages moving, here are some great sites packed with links to many free activities and classes, including karate, yoga, ballet, jazz and 30-minute exercise videos.
https://www.weareteachers.com/audible-covid-19-closures/
Free downloadable books for youth of all ages from the audiobook giant Audible. These books are available from now until the end of the pandemic:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLflf8xbnbx65Z2oa2F9uqKZxJJn-4Nynr
Numerous free drawing classes offered by Disney. From Anna in Frozen, to Winnie-the-Poo, to Spiderman, dozens of classes are offered on how to draw beloved characters.
https://helpwevegotkids.com/national/article/family_fitness/get-moving-indoors-10-exercise-apps-sites-for-kids/
https://gretchenrubin.com/2020/03/coping-with-covid-19-children-exercise
And to get children of all ages moving, here are some great sites packed with links to many free activities and classes, including karate, yoga, ballet, jazz and 30-minute exercise videos.