Career Professionals of Canada News Feed
Most career practitioners have had this experience. A session that started reasonably well begins to feel awkward. The client grows quieter, or becomes vague, or oddly compliant. The practitioner works harder — explaining more, encouraging more, offering more options. By the end, both people are tired, and progress feels less certain than it did at the start. Without anyone doing anything wrong, something shifted. It is worth understanding why. The System Sets the Stage In 1980, I was a financial assistance worker with the BC Government. My first client was…
As career development professionals, we are trained to empower clients to move forward: align a résumé to a job, activate the network to identify opportunities, and prepare for interviews with impact. But for many clients, job loss is not simply a transition to navigate. It is a loss to process. This distinction is important to recognize. When grief is present (whether acknowledged or not), it can significantly shape a client’s ability to engage in job search activities. Without space to process the loss, even the most well-designed strategies can bump…
Michelle Schafer is an ICF-certified career and leadership coach, a certified grief companion, author, and facilitator who helps professionals navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose After experiencing two unexpected restructurings early in her career, Michelle discovered her true path: supporting people to move from job-search frustration into work that energizes them. As founder of Michelle Schafer Coaching, she partners with clients across federal and municipal government, high tech, financial services, and not-for-profit sectors, helping them clarify career direction, craft compelling personal brands, and land roles where their values align…
Every year, on the Wednesday of the last full week in April, we recognize the immense contributions made by administrative professionals by celebrating Administrative Professionals Day. This day reminds us to pause and recognize the people who keep our workplaces running smoothly. Administrative professionals are often the quiet but essential backbone of an organization. They have skills in many areas of the business. But their contributions go far beyond organizing and record-keeping. They are problem-solvers, anticipating issues before they arise and stepping in with practical solutions. They are relationship-builders, creating welcoming…
In the 2026 labour market, we know that the traditional “find a job and stay forever” model has largely disappeared. Careers are now more fluid, characterized by hybrid work, non-linear paths, multiple roles, work-life choices, and evolving worker expectations. During “The Great Resignation” of 2021 and 2022, employee retention took a hit. People were voluntarily leaving their jobs to seek employment that more closely aligned with their values, goals, needs, and purpose. But times have changed. In 2025, the unemployment rate in Canada trended upward to reach a high of…
Janice Richardson is a Career Transition Associate and Career Coach, and is certified through CPC as a Career Strategist, Employment Strategist, and Interview Strategist. She works with AccessHR in Calgary, AB, supporting professionals who have recently been laid off by guiding them with clarity, strategy, and renewed confidence as they pursue their next opportunity. Through her own practice, she also works with individuals at every stage of their job or career search. Janice values the variety her work brings. She helps clients identify their strengths and transferable skills, gain clarity…