The Job Search Process: Where are all the jobs?
Posted Jobs
Online job banks, classified ads (Kijiji, newspapers), company websites and posted ads in an employer's place of business are all great places to find advertised opportunities for employment.
Check out some of these links:
Student Employment Initiatives
The Government of Canada has employment programs for summer students but they often have very specific criteria you have to meet. One program is SEED (Student Employment Experience Development).
You can find out more about the program and how to apply by clicking the website link below.
The "Hidden Job Market"- Jobs that are NOT posted
It has been documented that as much as 70% of the available jobs are not even advertised!
This is because many employers prefer to hire poeple they know or people that their staff may recommend. Also, with so many people looking for work, employers know that the poeple who are the most skilled and motivated to be a good employee will seek them out without having to post a job ad.
Your chance of getting a job that you like and don't have to compete with as many people (because not many people might know about an unadvertised position) is greatly improved by knowing how to navigate the "hidden' job market.
How to use the "hidden" job market to your advantage:
- Create a list of all the companies you would like to work for in the region. Use the phone book or business directories in the Saint John Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce in your town/village.
- Have your cover letter, resume and pitch (this is where your pitch is REALLY important) ready.
- Visit employers in person as much as possible and ask if you can follow up with them in a week about any possible job opportunities. Make sure you do the follow-ups!
- Let your social network know you are looking for work so they can help drum up leads for you. Your social network are your family, friends, teachers, former employers, coaches, etc.
Resources for Students
Everything you need to land a summer job!
This website contains the resources you need to be successful in your summer job search. If you require assistance preparing for your job search (resumes, cover letters, etc) or you are having difficulty in finding employment, feel free to consult with a Work Room Coordinator! Don't forget that the services are free!
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The Interview: Tips on how to impress an employer.
Be prepared
The most important thing you can do is prepare for the interview. It will boost your confidence and dramtically increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Research
- Visit the company website to find out what they are all about
- Talk to current/former employeees about what it's like to work for the employer
- Go to the actual place of business to get a feel for what it may be like to work there
Practice
- Try a few practice mock interviews with friends/family to make sure you are comfortable with the process
- Review commonly asked interview questions, so you don't blank if you are asked a question you didn't expect.
- Write down a couple of short examples of experiences you had where you;
1. acted as a leader 2. dealt with a difficult situation and resolved it successfully 3. overcame a weakness or improved your skills at something
Rehearse these examples until you know then very well. Most interviewers will ask you one or more questions that require these examples.
Presentation
Dress professionally. No matter what type of job you are applying for, make sure you were professional, business clothing to your interview. This also boosts your confidence and an employer is going to be more inpressed if you took the time to get dressed up and demonstrate that you are really interested in working for their company.
Exposed tattoos, piercings, clothing that is too revealing and wild hair styles can kill your chances almost immediately. Play it conservative for your interview and once you land the job you can discuss what the employer is ok with in terms of you expressing your unique style.
Never underestimate the power of a firm handshake and looking an employer in the eyes while you are talking to them. This shows confidence and provides an example of your customer service skills.
Turn off your cellphones, mp3 players and any other technology that could interrupt your interview.
Ask questions
This is an INTERVIEW, not an INTERROGATION. It's ok to ask the employer to clarify their question if you didn't understand what they were asking. Have a couple of questions prepared for the employer such as;
"Are there opportunities for advancement within your organization"?"Do you support professional development training or have programs to encouarge staff to continue their education"?
Don't forget to ask the employer if you can follow-up after the interview on when they may be making a hiring decision.
Here is a great resource where you can review commonly
asked interview questions complete with suggested
answers!
Check out the interview techniques used in the video
(to the right) as well.
Note:
You must have Windows Media Player to view video.
Click video to enlarge, "X" to exit.
Good luck on your summer job search! Contact the Work Room if you need any help.
Job Search Preparation: Cover letter, resume and your "pitch".
Cover Letter
This introduction letter not only personalizes the resume
but it also allows you to emphasize, and expand on, the
relevant skills and qualifications that you possess for
the particular position or company to which you are
applying. Unless the employer indicates otherwise, your
resume should ALWAYS have a cover letter.
Resume
Your resume provides the evidence that you have the skills
required for a job. You may not have a lot of job experience
so it is ok to list volunteer postitions as your work history.
DO NOT include things like;
- your school marks
- Social Insurance Number
- age
- photos
- a non-professional looking email address
- custom graphics, colors, fonts or unique paper to
make your resume "stand out".
Pitch
An effective way to initiate cold calls, begin interviews and meet people who may be in a position to hire you would be to establish a great introduction to describe your employment objective, skills that fit that objective and a request to discuss your qualifications further.
For example;
“Hi, my name is John Doe. I am contacting you because I am interested in working for the summer as a sales representative within your organization. I believe I would be an excellent candidate for this position as I enjoy working with people and I have the following skill sets; teamwork, as I play on a couple of sports teams and leadership, since I am a member of my high school leadership team. I have also experience in an employment setting as last summer I worked in a fast food restaurant and I currently have a paper route. I wonder if I could set up a meeting with you to discuss this opportunity further?”
Fill in the gray, highlighted sections with your own information and try to create a very professional and polished pitch that is 30 seconds long. This is also a great confidence booster because it allows you to talk about yourself very easily and "breaks the ice" if you are nervous about meeting with potential employers.
