Job Hunting: How to Start

Probably one of the most discouraging activities a high school graduate gets involved in is seeking a job. The comments you might hear from an employer, such as "Sorry, you don't have any work experience," or "We are not taking any more applications at this time," will make you feel discouraged and unemployable. There are some things you can do to make the job search more rewarding:

Job Hunting Basics:

There are two basic approaches you can choose as you look for your first job: walk into businesses cold and ask for work, or follow leads to places that are likely to have openings. Newspaper advertisements are examples of leads. Some people find jobs by answering the ads; however, many jobs advertised in the paper are filled before the ad ever reaches print. Actually, most job openings are never advertised. "Word-of-mouth" is the predominant means by which job openings are found. Ask everyone! Talk to relatives, friends, teachers, counselors, etc. Let everyone know that you are looking and ask them for leads or suggestions.

Walking in cold is a tough way to go because there is a greater chance of discouraging rejections. Statistics show, however, that more people land jobs by making direct contact with an employer than by any other method. That contact may be in person, by phone, or by letter.

Where can you find leads?

  1. The yellow pages of the phone book is an excellent starting point for your job search. If you have an idea of what type of job you are seeking, the yellow pages can give you a listing of companies that are in the area.

  2. The Canada Employment Centre. They maintain a listing of jobs as well as employment counsellors are available to assist you in your job search.

  3. Student Employment Centres. These centres are available through your Canada Employment Centre.

  4. Want ads of local newspapers can be helpful.

  5. As mentioned above, talk to EVERYONE!

  6. Private employment agencies.

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