How to: Look for a Job
So you’re ready to work, but you don’t know where to start. Maybe you don’t have a resume or you don’t know who’s hiring.
Here are some steps you can take for finding a job that’s right for you.
Step 1: Make a Resume and Cover Letter
A resume is a document that shows off your abilities and experience. It includes past work and volunteer experience, as well as your skills and interests.
A cover letter is a letter to your future employer telling them why you want to work there and why they should hire you. It’s not just about repeating the info on your resume, it’s about giving examples of what you did well!
Your resume and cover letter should be as professional as possible. There are lots of great resume building resources online to help you get started.
Need help? RaY’s Growing Opportunities team can help you build your resume. Click here for more info. [link]
Step 2: Search for Jobs
The next step is to figure out what companies are hiring. Here are some places to look for jobs:
- ca
- ca
- Facebook jobs
- Job fairs
- “For hire” signs in the windows of businesses
*check this with the Level Up! Team*
Step 3: Apply for Jobs
As you find jobs you’re interested in, fill out the application or submit your resume to the employer. Some job applications need you to fill out forms. Make sure you have your information with you, including address, phone number, and email address.
Step 4: Follow-up!
Not every job you apply for will let you know if you got it or not. It never hurts to follow-up and see if they’ve made a hiring decision. Here are some tips for following up in a good way:
- Wait at least a few days! If you contact them the next day, they won’t have had a chance to look at all the resumes they got.
- Be polite. They won’t want to hire you if you are rude to them when you’re following up.
- Let them know you’re following up because you’re really interested in the job!
- Ask questions. “When do you think a decision might be made?” or “Will you contact all applicants?” will give you an idea of what to expect.
- Don’t follow-up if they ask you not to! Some job postings specifically ask you not to phone. If that’s the case, don’t do it. It’s important to show that you can follow instructions.
Step 5: Continue to Apply for More Jobs
You might not get the first job you apply for. You might have to apply for lots of jobs before you get one. That’s ok, keep trying!
Step 6: Nail the Interview
So you’ve been invited for an interview. Congrats! Now is your time to shine.
Here are some tips for nailing the interview:
- Do your homework. Do some research about the company so that you know what they do before you go into the interview. Many interviewers ask “What do you know about our company?”
- You may practice answering questions alone in the mirror or you can get a friend to help you practice. That way, you won’t be as nervous in the interview.
- Dress nicely. You don’t have to wear a suit, but you should at least wear clean clothes with no rips in them. A collared shirt or blouse is a good start. Don’t have something to wear? RaY’s Basic Needs department can help you out.
Step 7: Sign your Contract
Congratulations, you’ve been offered a job! It’s time to sign your contract. You’ll need your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and probably your banking information.
If you are transitioning off EIA, don’t forget to sign your income declaration, otherwise you could end up owing money. For more information on EIA, contact the Growing Opportunities team.
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This is just a start on how you can look for work. For more information on job hunting or how to get more skills, click here.