Job Hunting

Now's the time where all of us students should start thinking about where we're going to work over the summer. Being a student, getting a summer job isn't really optional for most of us - school's expensive! What we do have a choice in is where we're going to work! I'm in the same boat as all of you guys, so I'm going to share some of my job hunting tips with you!

Start Early
This is one that I learned the hard was last year, when I almost ended up jobless for the summer. Make sure you start looking for a job early... aka. now. Yes it might seem early, but there's going to be so many people applying in the next few months it's better to be early than late. This way you know you won't miss deadlines to submit applications and you'll get pretty much first pick at jobs.

Be Willing To Get Certifications
A lot of jobs now require different certifications, whether it's your first aid, cpr, or getting something like your smart serve (in Ontario it's your qualification to serve alcohol). Even if you don't have the qualifications when you're applying or during your interview, make sure they know that you're willing to get these certifications and qualifications - it'll make you seem like you're willing to do what it takes to get the job.

Dress for the Occasion
When you're going in and handing resumes to places, you don't have to be dressed like you're going for an interview. With that being said, it's also not good to look like a slob. Depending on where you're working, try to tailor your outfit to more towards that, so you fit in.

Apply Everywhere
Even if you think the job is way out of your league, apply anyways! You never know, they could see something special in you.

Follow Up
Some employers are looking for people who seem dedicated and who really want the job. If you are really interested in a job and you've applied but haven't heard anything back, call them and follow up with it.

When In Doubt, Start In Fast Food
While no one really wants to flip burgers all summer long, fast food is a good place to start. My mom works in the office of a store, and sometimes helps with hiring - she said that immediately if they see places like McDonalds, Wendys, Tim Hortons and other places like that, those people go to the top of their list. Fast food shows that you're able to work fast and you can work under pressure. Even if you just work a month at one of these places, you're still getting experience, then while getting your experience there you can go look for a better job.

Physically Hand In A Resume
In a world that is full of electronics, sometimes they create more of a barrier than anything. If you have the choice between handing in your resume in person or emailing it in, do it in person! You could also do both - I got a job once because I applied several times and they figured that if I was persistent enough, then I must have really wanted it. Anyway, apply in person and be confident!

Try Looking Online
A lot of malls now have an employment section on their websites, and it'll show you what stores are hiring, what they're hiring for, and how to apply. That way you know what places to be sure not to miss! Also, you can check websites like kijiji. It may sound a little sketchy, but there are some legitimate job postings on it - just be really careful and do some research first! Lastly, just google something like "part time/summer jobs in ________" fill in whatever area you're looking at, and you should be presented with a plethora of websites that will show open jobs in your area.

Good luck on the job hunting everyone, and I hope you get your dream job!