u/ValorFenix

Sharing this for anyone looking, I'd been contracting at the same place for 4 years when economic pressures hit. About a month ago, my hours got cut from 5 to 4 days, doubts about renewal. My manager had also turned toxic, framing "upskilling" like a favor I owed just to be "considered" by the incoming department head. To make a good impression for them.

I checked in with my network to gauge the market. Everyone said the same thing: slow. Not encouraging or reassuring.

I decided I wanted to leave on my own terms instead of waiting it out and I was stressed. I'd known about Hiring Cafe since its inception, however, never used it. So two weeks ago I finally did. Found 4 roles there that fit, applied alongside a few LinkedIn listings on a Monday night, and didn't expect much. I also chatted with the Account Manager from my current agency that placed me.

The next day, I was surprised, one of the Hiring Cafe applications turned into an interview and the account manager also wanted to get me placed at one of his clients. That first interview came, then a request for a second round the day after. Offer call from HR the day after that. One week, start to finish, full-time, great benefits, WFH. I start this new role on the first week in August.

I know my situation isn't the same as folks searching 12+ months with no income cushion. I was still working while I looked. But the market isn't uniformly bad, and sometimes it's just the right listing landing at the right time. If your search has been longer, I hope this is a small sign things can be positive, hang in there.

Thanks to the Hiring Cafe team for building something that actually works.

EDIT: One more thing, I know a lot of people say they only look for roles posted very recently, however, this role had been posted for over 2 weeks before I applied, for some more niche roles, sometimes it doesn't hurt to look farther out. As mentioned below, this was a PM role in the health field. When asked during the interview, they specifically mentioned that they found people that had a background in the health field end up to be their more successful candidates.

Haven't seen this posted yet for anyone interested:

Exclusive Season Ticket Member Access: 8:00AM - 9:30AM General Public Access: 9:30AM - 1:00PM

 The Calgary Flames Authentic Equipment Sale is back! Join us at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday, June 13 for your chance to purchase game used equipment and various retail merchandise at a great price!

As a valued Season Ticket Member, we are pleased to provide you with early access into our equipment sale before the general public. Your exclusive time-slot runs between 8:00AM-9:30AM at the CGY Team Store location inside the Scotiabank Saddledome (NE side of the building in-front of section 212).

Please note: Season Ticket Members are required to scan their event ticket for entry during their early access time slot. Tickets to this event have been added into your Flames Account Manager.   Game-used and new equipment available, including sticks, skates, gloves, helmets, goalie equipment and more

All Flames, Hitmen, Roughnecks and Wranglers merchandise will be 35 – 50% off (excluding collectibles and equipment).

Flames Locker Room Apparel available for as low as $10 Sale will be held at the CGY Team Store location inside the Scotiabank Saddledome near section 212 (Northeast entrance).

Free Parking in Lot A (via Agricultural Trail)

The Scotiabank Saddledome is a cashless venue – only credit card and debit payments are accepted.

Date flaked out a few days ago and couldn't sell it through regular channels. And everyone else I know can't do it on short notice.

If you want to go see it with a stranger, leave me a message.

CLAIMED