Get a jump start on your summer job search this March break. If you’re thinking about a job this summer, don’t wait for the weather to change to get started. Employers who are planning to hire summer staff can start making summer hires as early as March! Don’t wait until all of the best summer jobs are already gone. Here are 3 ways to make the most of your March break by preparing for your summer job search.
1. Work on your resume
March break is the perfect time to work on your resume. Since you don’t have to worry about your classes, you have some time to review and reflect on your resume. You can either make changes based on anything that may have happened in the last year. Or, if you don’t have a resume you can start putting one together.
Especially if it’s your first job search, one of the most difficult parts of writing a resume is figuring out if you’re doing it “right”. How do you know if you’re using the right format or words? How do you know what will get your resume noticed? If you’re wondering what you can do to make sure you have your best possible resume this March break, book a free appointment with one of our Student Job Specialists.
All March break we’re running 1:1 Job Search Support sessions. Get specific, customized tips about improving your resume from experts who have seen hundreds of resumes and know all of the mistakes you should avoid and the tricks you can use to get your resume to the top of the pile.
Can’t make it to an event? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
2. Research your local Labour Market
If you’re already confident that you have your best possible resume, then it’s time to start researching your local labour market. You may have a good idea about what kind of summer job you’re looking for. But you should also do some research and find out what jobs are available in your area. You may have to adjust your expectations to match the reality of your local labour market. You may also find out that there are some jobs in your area that you hadn’t thought of but you would like to apply to.
One of the easiest ways to research the jobs that are available in your area is through job boards. There are several online job boards that focus on local area, industry or type of work. You can find a list of some of the top job boards on our Online Resources page. You can also check out the VPI job board to find a job in your area.
If you can’t find something that works for you, don’t forget to keep checking. Although some employers will start making their summer hires soon, others positions will become available as we get closer to the warmer weather.
3. Youth Job Connection Summer Program
Getting your job search started can be the hardest part. If you know you want to have a job this summer, but you’re not sure where to start, consider the Youth Job Connection (YJC) Summer program. YJC Summer is a government-funded program designed to to help students between the ages of 15-18 find summer jobs. It is completely free for participants and includes 20 hours of PAID pre-employment workshops. These workshops will help you prepare for your job search and provide tips for making the most of your summer job. Once you complete your workshops, you’ll also receive a job placement with a local employer who is looking to make summer hires.
Throughout March break, we’re running the YJC Summer program in Ajax, Etobicoke, Georgetown, Oshawa and Walkerton. Participation in the YJC Summer program is free for qualified youth. But space is limited and an assessment is required to find out if you qualify. To book an assessment, schedule an appointment.
Need help with your summer job search? Contact us today.