As I look outside my window here in Manitoba, you would not think it’s April 25.
Yet it’s that time of year. The time for summer jobs.
Many of us look at summer jobs as only for students (university, college or high school). While many are geared towards students, most are really just entry level positions.
Summer jobs are a great way for people to gain experience and network. Especially if you:
- Are still learning English
- Don’t have specific training, degrees or certificates.
- Are a student.
Plus more than ever, Canada has jobs.
Statistics Canada states:
“In the fourth quarter of 2021, the number of job vacancies in Canada peaked at 915, 500.”
Statistics Canada
Why Get a Summer Job?
- Many people won’t apply as it’s not permanent. That means less people applying so a better chance you will get it.
- You get to “try out” different jobs. For many years I worked as a Lifeguard in the summers. One summer I decided I wanted to try out an office job. While it was a great experience, it was not for me. I wouldn’t have known that had I not tried it.
- You could be hired on after the summer. If you are a good employee, a company will do their best to keep you on, even after the season is finished.
- Many companies hire large groups of staff for the summer (restaurants, stores, camps, etc). Since they have to hire so many, they are open to hiring less qualified people than normal. This is a way to get in the door with less experience.
- Summer jobs give you way more skills than you realize. For example, working as a server at a restaurant you will develop skills in:
- Communication
- Organization
- Teamwork
- Technology
- Numeracy
- Problem solving/critical thinking
- Customer Service
- A chance to improve your language skills
Tips and Tricks for the Summer Job Search
- Get Help.
- Connect with local resources to assist with cover letters, resumes and interview preparation. If you are new to Canada, you need to understand the hidden “rules and expectations” of the Canadian job market.
- Be open to new experiences.
- I have had many jobs (server, lifeguard, farm worker, cashier, camp counsellor, cook, just to name a few). While none of these are related to my current field of work, they all gave me experiences that helped me to improve professionally.
- Just apply, and apply lots.
- Sometimes it is simply a numbers game. The more your resume gets out there the better chance you have of getting hired.
- If possible be open to moving for the summer or permanently.
- There are so many employers in Northern and rural parts of Canada that struggle to find staff. Like I said before, in many cases it’s just a numbers game, go where the numbers are low.
- Speak with people you know who are currently working.
- Are their any job openings at their workplace? Do they know the best way to apply? Can you use them as a reference? So many times it’s not what you know it’s who you know.
Your first job in Canada might not be your dream job. However, what’s important is to see it as a stepping stone to a better one. While you are in that first job make sure to keep:
- Networking
- Volunteering ( another great way to gain experience)
- Finding opportunities to expand your education.
- Improving your English skills.
Things take time, but gradually you’ll gain the experience, knowledge and networks that you need to provide you with the opportunities you want.
So get out there and start applying!
Resources
If you are in Manitoba here are some places to look for supports when applying for jobs (please note these are just a few, there are many others):
- Winnipeg
- Interlake and Eastman
- Southern Manitoba
- Northern Manitoba
- Parkland
- Westman
Good luck and as always please feel free to contact me!
