Ask the Expert

Photo of Steven Boucher Do you want to make a few extra bucks? If you’re looking for a summer job, we’re here to help you.

Youth employment counsellor Steven Boucher from Ottawa’s Youth Services Bureau has answered your questions.

Question:

I want to know if there's work suitable for me? I am 17 years old. I have a part-time job in KFC near in our apartment, but I am only a trainee there. I am looking for another job because I am having a hard time. Actually, in the Philippines, I completed my 1st year in college. I have a Bachelor of Science major in Accountancy. I also had a part time job as a clerk in an accounting firm. I was recording the receipts and also I was doing the book keeping. Can you help me to find a job?

Mae

Answer:

Hello. As in any organization, there are always entry level positions that someone with your experiences can take on. The best way to approach this is to contact the accounting/book keeping firms and let them know about your skills and that you are interested in an entry level position within their organization. You will need to do some research online and you may have to call ahead to get some names of HR managers, but this would be one of the best routes to take.

Question:

Hello. I'm looking for a summer job. What can you do to help me find a position that suits me?

Anonymous

Answer:

Hello. There are 2 potential programs that you are able to access depending if you have past work experience or not. There are specific program criteria for both programs, so please check with the service provider closest to you to see which program you are eligible for.

The first program is the Youth Opportunities Strategy, Summer Jobs For Youth program. Information on this program can be found on the site that you are currently on. This program is designed for 15 to 18 year old youth that have never worked in Canada before, so their first time job, and are residing within identified neighbourhoods. For specific neighbourhood information, you will need to contact the centre closest to you.

The second program is the Summer Jobs Service program by Employment Ontario. This program is designed for students that are 15 to 30 years old that are looking for a summer job and are returning to school in the fall. Information on the closest Employment Ontario office can be obtained by following: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/search.asp?chosen=26.

Question:

Hi, I am currently looking for a part time job for 2 months.

Jaswinder, Mississauga

Answer:

Hi Jaswinder, whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time employment, there are always a few options. First option would be to talk to your friends and family to see if there are any openings in their workplace. This is called Networking. Second option is to look through your local paper and the job banks online. One of the on-line job banks that we frequently refer to is www.jobbank.gc.ca and you can set your criteria for what you are looking for. The third option is to access the Employment Ontario Summer Jobs Service program. You can find your closest location by going to http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/search.asp?chosen=26 and filling in your city and/or postal code.

Question:

Hi. I was wondering, when in my cover letter what should I put as the recipient’s name?

Anonymous

Answer:

Hi, as in any job search, you should try and get the name of the hiring manager. This can be done a few different ways: You can research online; you can call or walk in to the company and ask who the hiring manager is. These would be the best routes to take. If you absolutely cannot find the name, you can put in “Dear Hiring Manager for (name of department)” as a substitute.

Question:

Hi, I'm interested in the Summer Jobs for Youth program during the summer. At the same time I will be taking an online credit course (e-class) during the month of July where my hours are flexible unless notified. Would this interfere with my training? Are there specific shifts where I can train and work?

Anonymous

Answer:

Hello, on-line courses are great and should not interfere with the Summer Jobs For Youth program. If there is a test that you must take for the course, all you need to do is let your worker and employer know that you will require the time off for it. Most employers are flexible when it comes to education.

Question:

I’ve been told that applying for a summer job in person rather than online seem to be the best route in clinching that needed edge over the competition. However, it seems like less and less employers are allowing face-to-face applications and are insisting applications be done online. What would your advice be for a student with entry-level work experience to have an outstanding online application?

Also, what would your advice be for a student with an educational background in science but with no experience in the field wanting to find work in the health/science sector?

Thank you.
A Frustrated Student

Answer:

We see the same thing here. Many of the large chain employers are going with an online registration. With that being said, there is usually a section where you can copy/type in a cover letter. In the cover letter, you want to highlight your skills, just enough to make the employer want to continue on with the rest of your application.

You also want to use key words that are highlighted in the job description. This works for both in person or online applications. Most online systems are programmed to scan through and pick out words that are in the job description, so when applying, make sure to read the description carefully and, as long as you have the skills, adapt your resume to meet them.

The best way to find employment in the hidden job markets or specific area of employment is to visit an Employment Ontario office that has the Summer Jobs Service program. This program is designed to assist students between the ages of 15 and 30 that are returning to school in the fall and reside in Ontario. They can assist you in marketing yourself to employers and have many inside contacts that you can gain access to. Further information on this program can be found at www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/jobseekers/sjs.html.

Question:

I don't have any job or volunteer experience. What should I put on my resume?

Anonymous

Answer:

Even without any experience, you can still have a full resume. You want to include an introductory paragraph (maybe 2 to 3 sentences) letting the employer know what you are looking for and your best personality traits . An example could be good computer skills, reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and willing to learn and open to change.

Now, job experience can be babysitting, yard work paper route… if you do have any of those experiences, those can be listed as well.

Next section can be your schooling and any awards that you may have received. You can touch base on how your work at school will benefit the employer.

List your extracurricular activities of a non-volunteer nature such as sports, church or youth groups, school committees, etc. If you have a position of authority in any of these groups make note of it and describe your duties as if they were a job.

When writing your first resume never pad it or make it longer than a page; employers aren’t expecting a long work history from a first time worker.

You may see a lot of things on this list that appear as “don’ts” on resume and job hunting websites but remember that this is your first resume and the rules change once you have some work experience or career oriented education.

Don’t lie and always be true to who you are. Any deception will be very obvious to an experienced interviewer and will cost you the job.

Question:

Hi Steven: I have never worked before but I wish to work this summer. How should I find a work? Should I contact employers in-person? I am not very confident due to a lack of experience, and I am nervous at the same time.

Thanks in advance,
Rick

Answer:

Hi Rick, if you are not confident in going out and job searching on your own, here are a few tips in addition to visiting your local Summer Jobs For Youth/ Summer Jobs Service office:

Evaluate your skills and the local job market
Make sure that you have a SIN card
Prepare a resume highlighting your skills
Spread the word to family and friends
Read the want ads
Visit your local employment offices
Call various companies and request an informational meeting
Network, network, Network
Go to any interview fully prepared
Stay positive, persevere!

Further clarification on these points can be obtained from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/brochure/summ-howto.html

Question:

What do employers look for in the person they are hiring?

Youssra

Answer:

Employers are looking for people that will fit in to the environment that already exists. Other than your hard skills they also look at your transferable skills…what will you be bringing to the company? How will the company benefit from hiring you? Make sure to read the job description and adapt your skills and experiences with what the employer is currently looking for.

Question:

What are the most important aspects I have to include in my resume?

Esteban,
Peterborough

Answer:

What’s IN a resume:

Personal up-to-date information (name, address, phone #, e-mail, etc.)
Skills and achievements: List technical and transferable skills
Work Experience: List in order starting from the most recent job
Try to use as many Action Words as possible
Career Objective: full time or part time; summer job, what field/industry

Here is the basic structure of a resume:

PERSONAL INFORMATION…
OBJECTIVE…
SKILLS…
EDUCATION…
EXPERIENCE…
REFERENCES…
Relevant INTERESTS…

Just remember that every resume is going to be unique and different…adapt each resume to the job that you are applying for.

Question:

Steven, is it better to include your references directly on the resume or wait until you've been granted an interview to disclose that information? Employers in this area (Thunder Bay) seem to feel that you should provide your references upfront, or else you're most likely "hiding" something. I don't want my references to become frustrated with me for handing out their personal information to "just anyone". Any advice?

Thanks a bunch,
Sarah, Thunder Bay

Answer:

Sarah,

Iin today’s job market it’s standard not to include references on your resume. It’s much better to use that space for important skills, experience and education. Therefore, you should create a separate sheet that lists your references and bring that to the interview in case the employer asks for them. You are not “hiding” something by not including them on your resume. You are being respectful to your references by not handing out their personal information.

Question:

I was told that I could work at the age of 14 but most program seem to only apply to 15-18 year olds. Are there summer employment programs available to responsible kids my age? If not do you have any other suggestions? Thank you.

Karissa
Overbrook

Answer:

Karissa,

Unfortunately, these programs are geared towards youth that are 15 and over. Most establishments such as offices, stores, arenas and restaurant bussing are available to 14 year old youth. The best way to apply is to go in person and ask for an application form. It is great to have a resume on hand when doing your job searching. If you need assistance with writing a resume, visit your local resource centre for assistance.