General Job Search Q & A

Q: What will I need to find a job?
A: Here are the basics:

• A Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• A reliable phone number and answering machine
• References
• Time set aside for job searching
• A positive attitude
• A nice set of clothes
• Help if you want it, from YES.

Q: How long will my job-search take? 
A: Sometimes only a few days but it might take weeks or even months – so stick with it. Have a positive attitude: You will get that job! Rejection is normal; it happens to everyone. The important thing is to get going right away. 
   
Q: How much time should I spend looking for work? 
A: You’ll often hear people say “it’s a full time job getting a job” because it can take a lot of time. The more time you spend on your job search, the better your chances of finding a job sooner.
   
Q: When do I get a chance to talk to someone? 
A: People looking for a first job commonly have to submit 20 résumés for every interview they get. Actually getting a job may take several interviews. So don’t be discouraged. 
   
Q: So are most of my résumés wasted? 
A: No. Employers can keep them “on file” for future job openings and get back to you weeks, even months later. So keep a list of all the places you’ve applied, where they are located and who you talked to there.
   
Q: How can I keep from getting discouraged?  
A: Think: I will get a job. Stay at it and try your best. It will happen. Everyone was once in the same position as you are now. They made it and you will too. 
   
Q: What if I can’t wait to find a job? 
A: If you need a full-time job today because you are desperate for money to pay rent or buy food, contact YES Toronto or your local youth employment centre. We can help. Call today.
   
Q: What if I don’t have an address or phone number right now? 
A: You still have options. YES Toronto can often get you a free voice mail box and phone number to use while you are looking for work. We can also help you get connected to housing services and social assistance.
   
Q: How much will a job search cost me? 
A: Job searching costs some money. YES Toronto and other employment centres can help with free services – including Internet access, faxing and newspapers. YES Toronto often arranges free transportation too – and even clothes for interviews. 

Q: Where’s the best place to look for jobs?  
A: Many jobs are not advertised. You can tap into this “hidden job market” by:

• networking
• knocking on doors
• seeking out free employment programs and services
• searching on the Internet
• attending job fairs
• visiting job banks
• conducting information interviews
• self-advertising
• cold-calling

Q: What is networking? 
A: Networking is simply telling everyone you know that you are looking for a job, and asking them to tell people they know. It’s important since most young people get their first few jobs through connections — relatives, teachers, coaches, friends and parents of friends. 
   
Q: How do I network? 
A: Take a few hours to call everyone you can think of. The more people you tell, the better your chances will be. Tell them the kind of job you are looking for and the special skills you have to offer. 
   
Q: How do I ask about networking? 
A: Say something like this: “Hi it’s (your name). I just wanted to give you a quick call. I’m looking for a (summer/part time time/full time) job. So I’m calling everyone I can to let them know I’m looking. I’m interested in (types of jobs). If you hear of anything at all can you let me know? I’d really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks very much.”
   
Q: What if networking isn’t done in my culture? 
A: In Canada people use networking to find all kinds of things apart from jobs: an apartment, a used car, a restaurant — even a dentist. If networking is frowned upon in your culture, you should explain this to family and friends who are newer to Canada and don’t understand why you are asking them to help you look for a job.