Where to Look For a Job

Where are you looking for a job? Talking to friends? Contacting local businesses? Scanning job ads? Surfing the Internet? With so many possibilities, you may need some strategies to improve and focus your search.

The Basics:

  • Be aware of the hidden job market: employers may not advertise the jobs that they need to fill. You may find one of these jobs by calling or visiting employers.
  • It may be useful to create a job search network by letting all of your friends and family know that you are looking for a job. They, or their contacts, may know someone who is hiring. They might even put in a good word for you!
  • Prepare your job search by listing all of your work experiences, skills, education and interests on your resume. This will help you figure out what you have to offer employers. Ask a friend, parent or former employer to review your resume and give you feedback.
  • The Internet can be used to research employers in your area. Find out what they do and how to contact them. They may even list job openings on their sites.
  • When you surf Internet job sites, try to do it strategically. Be selective: there are lots of job sites out there, but only some will feature jobs where you live, that you want to do and for which you might be qualified.
  • Review government employment programs.
  • Contact your local city, town or municipal parks and recreation departments. They often hire youth and students, especially in the summer.

Helpful Web Sites:

  • Use Service Canada's various job search tools to help you find a job, create a resume, choose a career and assess your skills.
  • Consider a career with the Public Service of Canada! Find out what the Public Service has to offer and how to apply for jobs across Canada at the Jobs.gc.ca Web site.
  • Review thousands of job listings from across Canada and learn more about how to find a job and plan your career by visiting Service Canada's Job Bank and Student Job Bank Web sites.
  • Use the Job Match section of the Job Bank Web site to create and manage 1-3 job profiles that can be advertised to employers using Job Bank and/or matched against existing job advertisements in Job Bank.
  • With help from the Job Search Tips Web site, you can improve your job search strategy by learning about marketing your skills, locating unadvertised jobs, wage subsidy programs and employment programs and services.