Job preparation

Employers spend approximately six seconds the first time they look at your resumé. We can help you create effective, tailored documents to help you grab employers' attention in that short period of time.

Top five resumé and cover letter tips

1. Consider which skills you have to offer an employer.
   
   
2. Review job descriptions carefully to see what the individual employer is seeking.
   
   
3. Use a resumé format that best links your skills to the needs of employers using evidence-based statements.
   
   
4. Tailor each resumé and cover letter.
   
   
5. Check, double-check and triple-check your documents to make sure there are no spelling, grammatical or typographical errors.

Online resources

• Check the Student Life Portal for our online resumé and cover letter workshops.
• Review our tip sheets.
• Use this resumé rubric to see if you are on track.

One-on-one appointments

Are you looking for one-on-one feedback on a resumé or cover letter you’ve created? You can log in to the Student Life Portal and set up an appointment with an employment advisor or co-op co-ordinator. Please bring a copy of your resumé or cover letter and a copy of a job description (if you have one). Appointments are currently offered in-person, online or over the phone.

Start now

Job searching takes time and effort. By putting it off, you might miss out on a potential opportunity. Start now and get a head start on your competition.

Consider your priorities

Setting your priorities will help you organize your job search. Priorities can include:

• Balancing your schoolwork with your job (deciding how many hours/week can you work)
• Developing skills
• Gaining experience
• Having fun
• Making money
• Meeting people in a field of interest

Think about what you have to offer an employer

Employers are looking for evidence that you can do the job. Your qualifications come from your education, paid and unpaid experience, extra-curricular activities, hobbies and interests. Use our skills inventory to put together your list of skills.

Consider how your job search fits in with your career goals

You can research career areas online by logging into the portal and using Career Cruising and TypeFocus Careers. Review our tip sheets on what you can do with your degree. You can also meet with a career counsellor to discuss your goals.

Spread the word

It is estimated that 70 to 80 per cent of positions are never advertised. Talk to your friends, family, professors, teachers, previous employers, neighbours and others about your job search. Conduct information interviews to research your career and develop your network.

Search job listings

Check out the job listings in the Student Life Portal.  Job listings change frequently; we recommend checking the listings at least twice per week.

Update your resumé and cover letter

Did you know that, on average, employers spend less than 20 seconds reviewing your applications? As a result, resumés and cover letters need to be tailored for each position. Check out our online resumé and cover letter workshops, use our resumé rubric and have your documents critiqued by an employment advisor by visiting the Student Life Portal.

Work on your interview skills

To stand out at the interview, you need to be well-prepared. Check out our online interview workshop and interview resources on the Student Life Portal. You can also practise your interview skills and have a mock interview with an employment advisor.

Review and update your online presence

Did you know that, according to a recent survey from Jobvite, 78 per cent of recruiters have made a hire through social media and 93 per cent are likely to look at a candidate’s social media profile? Keep your profile up-to-date and professional. Check out our online job-search resources.

Know your rights

All job searchers in Ontario are protected by various employment laws, including:

• Employment Standards Act: View a short video describing the act.

• Ontario Human Rights Code: States that every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination or harassment because of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.

• Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act: Learn more about Health and Safety for Young Workers.

Set concrete and realistic goals

Think about how much time you can spend on your job search. If you are currently in school, you will be balancing your job search with your studies. Remember to check in and see how you are doing so you can adjust your plan. You can meet with an employment advisor to review your progress. Set up an appointment on the Student Life Portal.

Are you looking for one-on-one feedback on a resumé or cover letter you’ve created? You can log in to the Student Life Portal and set up an appointment with an employment advisor or co-op coordinator, or contact the Career Centre by phone at 905.721.8668 ext. 3824 or by email at careercentre@ontariotechu.ca.