| By: Lucy D’Elia | June 20, 2022 |
Getting a job for the summer can be intimidating. How do you know where to look, what to write or what to say? Keep reading and hopefully some if not all of your questions will be answered!
Where to look for a job
Perhaps one of the hardest parts of finding a job is knowing where to look. Some people have connections and seem to just get offered jobs. Others aren’t so lucky and have to put in a little bit of effort. Luckily finding job postings is getting easier and easier with new sites such as Indeed popping up!
With Indeed you are able to search for specific types of jobs as well as adjust location parameters. You are also able to add filters such as language and salary of jobs. You can create an account and upload your resume to speed up the application process and allow employers to find you. You can also sign up for emails to be the first to let know of new job openings and opportunities. Check out Indeed at this link: https://ca.indeed.com/
Another option for finding job openings is the KSS job board created by our lovely Student Services team! The job board has a list of jobs along with the business with which they are affiliated, the job title, how to contact employers as well as a short description. The list is not all inclusive nor guaranteed positions, but it offers a great starting point for anyone’s job search! To view the KSS job board simply join the google classroom with code 6g4urt3!
KEYS Job Centre offers a similar job board to both that of KSS and of Indeed. You are able to add filters to your job search such as location and job category. You are also able to search by keywords and sort by date posted. All job postings are placed alongside the deadline for applications. Clicking on a specific listing will take you to a much more in-depth description of the job and its expectations. Finally you are able to apply directly through the page, save, print, or share the listing for another time. Click https://keys.ca/jobboard/search.php to check KEYS.
My final tip for your job search is to take a walk downtown or through the mall! You are sure to see multiple hiring signs. The signs themselves sometimes have application or job information. If not, just go inside and talk to the manager! It may involve actually leaving the comfort of your bed, but it’s the simplest way to find a job and make a good first impression.
Resumes!
Okay, you’ve found a job or jobs you’re interested in, now what? Now you have to submit a job application. One essential part of an application is your resume!
First of all, what is a resume? A resume is a business tool you use to promote yourself, your skills, and your experiences (work and otherwise) in order to move forward in your job application process.
Your resume should include your:
Contact information
Personal profile (name, address, age)
Objective statement
Education (most recent first)
Special Skills and Abilities
Work Experiences (including co-op experiences)
Volunteer Experiences
Achievements
Certifications you’ve earned (e.g. Bronze medallion)
Hobbies and Interests
References (always ask before putting someone down as a reference!)
Resume Tips:
Add short and direct sentences with action words to concisely describe activities (e.g. Compiled information and created a comprehensive database).
Tailor your resume for the job you are applying for, including only pertinent skills.
DO NOT PAD YOUR RESUME! Only add skills you actually have experience with. Be prepared to answer questions about your resume!
Make it clean and organized! Separate your information using headings to make it more readable and visually appealing.
Proofread!!! Spelling or grammar errors could make you appear unprofessional.
Keep it short! Your resume should only be around 1-2 pages in length.
Be professional! Your resume is a business document and should be perceived as such! (Try not to include colloquialisms or first person language).
All information on resumes was taken from myBlueprint. (https://core.myblueprint.ca/V5/Work/Resume )
Oh no, Interviews!
You’ve applied…now what? In most cases you will be asked to come in for an interview. I know this may seem intimidating, but don’t worry! Here are some tips to help you really nail that interview!
Preparing for the interview:
Research the company.
This will help you give more targeted responses to interview questions.
Practice common interview questions.
Preparing answers to questions such as tell me about yourself or what is your greatest strength/weakness will help you answer with more confidence.
Try using the STAR method!
Situation: describe a challenge from work or school
Task: explain your position in the situation
Action: Talk about the steps you took to address the situation
Result: conclude by talking about the outcome of the action you took.
This method helps you give more detailed answers to any questions interviewers may ask.
Pick out your interview outfit!
Choose the outfit in advance so you do not feel rushed or extra stressed before the interview.
Make sure the clothes are free of wrinkles or stains.
Remember this is a professional interview and so your clothing should reflect that.
Have copies of your resume and references
Bring multiple copies in case there are multiple interviewers
Keep them flat and unsmudged so as to remain professional
Come up with a list of questions to ask the interviewer
This will help you appear invested and engaged with the opportunity
During the interview:
Arrive early
Treat everyone with the utmost respect
Observe workplace dynamics and relationships
This will help you determine if you actually want to work in this environment!
Be mindful of your body language
Keep good posture and try to remain open instead of crossing your arms.
Keep your answers short!
Interviews are often limited in time so be sure to give direct, thoughtful, and concise answers.
Try to give positive answers
This helps demonstrate your positive attitude and your ability to overcome challenging situations
Remember to talk about your accomplishments!
Interviewers want to know what you will bring to the company!
Finally, keep in mind that interviewers want to hire you! They are not trying to trip you up or trick you. Give honest and straight-forward answers. Relax because interviewers will understand that this process can be stressful and will often give you time to gather your thoughts if need be.
All information on interviews was taken from Indeed. (https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/interview-tips)
Red Flags
While getting a job can seem like you are the one constantly on trial, that is not the case. Throughout the whole process you should be doing research and evaluating the company you are applying to work for. Here are a few things to look out for.
Time commitment: A part-time job is usually less than 30 hours a week. Doing more than that could cause a strain on your studies. In the end, time commitment should be your choice. Do not get pressured into taking on more hours at the expense of your mental health. Your supervisors should be respectful of your need to work less or more hours.
Minimum wage: Remember it is ILLEGAL to be paid less than student minimum or minimum wage (over 18) for any work you do, including training. This can be seen under the Ontario Labour Laws and Employment Standard Act. https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/hours-work
Current/past employees experience: There is no greater guide to the workplace environment than the experiences of other past and present employees. If other employees have only complaints about the job, maybe it isn’t the right place for you.
Remember your mental health always comes first, and you can always get a new job (especially with the current worker shortage in Kingston)!
Good luck and happy job hunting, KSS!
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