Agenda for the day:

-job search: collecting and applying for jobs (55 min)

-give presentation marks (15 min)

 

You’ve got a résumé, now what!?  Start applying! But how? (Should we watch the Mr Dodds job search song again?)

Your task: find three job postings that meet the following criteria:

1. They’re suitable for your skills, experience, qualifications (you don’t yet have a high school diploma, so don’t apply to jobs that require one 🙂
2. They’re summer jobs (June – September) preferably
3. You’re able to travel to them (don’t apply to a farm in Chilliwack if you can’t get there)
4. They’re not self-employed salesperson (commission – based) jobs. We’ll talk about some of these jobs in class.

How do I job search? Try googling “Student jobs vancouver” or try these sites:

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/van/fbh  (food and beverage hospitality)

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/search/van/ret (retail shop jobs)

Summer camp jobs: http://www.camppage.com/summer-camp-jobs/british_columbia-camp-jobs.htm

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/job_search_results.do?cty=39070&fjsf=1&pcd=BC&wid=px&sort=D

http://www.jobpostings.ca/student-jobs/british-columbia/vancouver

http://ca.indeed.com/jobs?q=student&l=Vancouver%2C+BC

References: 

Most jobs ask you to supply two references to verify your skills, experience, and character. References should NOT be from family members or friends. You may use Mr Robson as a reference but you must ask him (and your other reference) BEFORE you apply to jobs.

Okay, I’m ready to apply!

Next steps:

1. Make sure to add some personal formatting flair to your résumé so it looks different from other applicants (many people use Google résumé templates nowadays 🙂
2. Save your résumé as a PDF file. View that PDF: does the formatting look good? Or is it different? Go back into Google Docs and try to fix any formatting issues. Alternatively, try using a résumé builder: https://www.livecareer.com/resume-builder
3. Find out who to address your application to. “To whom this may concern” isn’t good enough! Also, ensure you have salutations correct: confusing “Mr.” rather than “Ms.” can mean your application goes in the garbage.
4. Write a cover letter (see tips below). Mr Kam will work on cover letters with you next week. 
5. Clean up after yourself online: Are your Facebook settings open so that potential employers who Google you can see embarrassing or distasteful material? The same goes for Twitter, Insta, etc. Clean up what you can. A good place to find all the dirt on yourself is Pipl.com. Un-tag yourself from unflattering photos and think twice before tweeting. Only then should you apply!

 

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a formal letter that accompanies your résumé. Use it to introduce yourself to potential employers, and to convince them that you’re the right person for the job.

Your cover letter doesn’t simply re-state your résumé—it offers some new information, and it highlights the skills you have that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Important information to include in your cover letter

 

The three main objectives of your cover letter are to:

1. introduce yourself, identify the position you are applying for, and explain how you found out about the position
2. explain how you are qualified for the position and why you would be a great fit for the job
3. request an interview and thank the employer

Here’s a tip: Writing a few good cover letters for jobs that you really want is a better strategy than blanketing the world with generic applications.

In your cover letter for an advertised job, mention how you heard about the position—whether you heard from a job posting, a newspaper article, or from someone in your network of contacts.

Identify the position you’re interested in. If there’s a competition or job number, include it in your cover letter.

Review the qualifications or job description and describe why you would be a good fit for the job, based on your skills and experience.

1. Do your homework. Learn what you can about the company or organization you’re applying to, so you can tailor your cover letter and really show the employer that you could be a good fit.
2. Follow instructions. Be sure to include any information that was requested in the job posting. If the posting asked for the amount of hours a week you are available to work, be sure to answer that question in the cover letter.
3. Don’t just restate your résumé. Use your letter as an opportunity to make a great first impression. Most employers read the cover letter first, so you want to catch their attention by describing your impressive skills. That way, they are more likely to read your full résumé.
4. Personalize your letter. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Use their name and title, and make sure the spelling of the name is correct.
5. Tailor your letter to the job. Make sure the skills and experience you highlight in your cover letter are clearly connected to the job you’re applying for.
6. Presentation counts. Use a font that’s easy to read, like 12-point Times New Roman or Arial. Using 8.5 x 11-inch white paper is usually a smart choice.
7. Break it down. Make your cover letter easier to read by breaking the text down into short paragraphs.
8. Use a professional tone. Be sure to use professional and respectful language when writing your cover letter.
9. Be brief. Your cover letter should be no more than one page long—the best strategy is to keep it short and to the point.
10. Proofread. Review your cover letter several times; don’t just rely on spell-check. Ask someone else to proofread it as well.