We envision that it will be only a short time before all Canadians
have access to immediate, personalized, online advice regarding
individual career or work goals.
Over the past few years, governments, non-profit
and private sector organizations have been experimenting with this
online service. Most often, the venue has been web-based, presenting
an assortment of “commonly-asked questions” with the related appropriate
researched responses.
Funded as a pilot project by the Office of Learning
Technologies at National HRDC, the Career Station Web Coaching project
examined the benefits of responding to each question with a personalized
answer, addressed specifically to the individual candidate.
Enquiries came in a personal email-style format,
to the Career Station web site, from individuals across the country
of all ages and backgrounds. Responses were generated according
to the career or work needs of each individual and replies made
directly to that person alone, rather than having the enquiry folded
into a grouped, standardized reply on the website for all web visitors
to view.
The result was that, by this personalized approach,
individuals sensed they were receiving a true one-on-one career
coaching experience, which engendered trust, and furthered the potential
for meaningful interaction and positive outcomes. Correspondents
consistently expressed appreciation for the personalized service,
welcoming reaching the “live” person at the other end of the internet
communication.
It is encouraging that as technology spreads farther
a-field into outlying communities there is potential for even greater
personalization, resulting in positive outcomes in employment and
job satisfaction.
