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Student Employment
By Luc F. Theriault
Summer Employment...
If you're in school, it's that time again, time to find a summer job.
Now that might seem easier than it really is. You might be looking for something specific.
Or maybe you just want any job you can get so you can make some cash this summer. Either
way, this article should help you out.
There are the traditional ways of finding a job... walking around the mall looking for a
"Help Wanted" sign. And that's a great way- I see them every time I go out for a
walk. But there are other ways, too, both online and off.
Where to start...
The first stop is to look at the government. Nah, not for one of those 9-to-5 office jobs,
but to find student summer jobs.
A good place to have a look is in the blue pages, under "Employment" or under
Government of Canada's "Human Resources Development Canada" - depending on which
province you're in, they're sorted differently.
If there's a number there for the student employment centre, great! Give them a call and
find out where they are. If not, give the regular HRDC number a call and ask them where
the student employment centre is in your city or town.
Once you know where it is, get out on the bike, on the blades, walk, get a lift, take a
bus... what I'm getting to here is find a way to get there. And look around the centre.
There are tons of student jobs, ranging from lawnmowing for a day, to eight-week student
summer placements in the field of work you're interested in.
When you're at home, a good online stop is the Human Resources Development Canada's Job
Bank. Search for Job Bank on the main Job Bus page. The HRDC site will show you jobs in
your area, either for students or the general public. Either way, look for work you can do
and apply.
I don't have the experience, man!
Now you're saying "Wow, slow down there head honcho... how am I going to get a job? I
don't even have experience!"
Well, if this is your first job, you're only partly right. You might not have any work
experience but you've got experience employers are looking for. Employers, especially in
companies who work regularly with students, are used to seeing people applying who haven't
worked anywhere else before.
It seems like a catch-22 - no one wants to hire someone without experience, but you can't
get experience without having a job!
Well, when you think about it, if you needed experience for any job, they would never have
found someone to walk on the moon. They would have waited quite a while to find someone
who already had that experience.
The skills you have right now...
But what about the experience you do have already. You're reading this on the computer
right? So that means you've got computer experience. You've got experience with the
Internet, too, right? And e-mail? That's three things. Are there other computer programs
you know? Do you learn how to use new software quickly?
Those are all skills that would be of interest to employers. These days, computers are
used in just about any business. From a radio station, to the local gas station, they're
all using computers for one thing or another. If you can learn to use the software they
use, you've got experience.
What about school projects? Are you in any clubs? Have you written for the school
newspaper? Think back at all of the things you did last year. Is there something that
might be interesting for an employer?
Attitude check...
Do you have a great attitude? That could help you get the job. You know, anyone can learn
to use a cash register, but being a nice, happy "people person" can't be
taught... And employers are happy to find someone with a positive attitude, that makes
their company look good.
So, sit there for a few minutes and think - what experience do you have? Not just work
experience - but what would make someone hire you? I'm sure you'll find that you have a
lot more experience thank you thought!
Have a look around here...
Have a look through the employers listed on the Job Bus. And have a look at our Resources:Youth category.
They'll all help you find places to apply...
Oh, and have a look at the other articles on this site. If cash isn't your priority, but
getting experience is, volunteering is a great way to get
started. Don't know what to include in a resume? One of the articles
is all about that. Oh, and if you have a job interview, have a look at the article about preparing for a job interview.
Patience...
Patience is important. You may not get the first job you apply for - but if you keep
trying, you'll find something eventually.
And, if you try and try, and you don't find a job... just appreciate your summer... many
people who are working all the time would love to have a full summer vacation. Might be
worth taking advantage of that while you can!
Good luck - and if you get the job, you'll remember us, won't you? Will you visit us
again? Will you think about us? We hope you will! Now get out there and land that perfect
job!
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