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As a career practitioner serving six rural high schools in southwestern Alberta, the opportunities I regularly share with students include field trips to explore potential post-secondary institutions, environmental/agricultural youth summits and a wide range of volunteer, educational and gap year/personal growth possibilities as well as helping them navigate the simple yet daunting task of gaining their first part-time or summer job.
Recently, a Grade 11 student came to me for help with a job search that was going nowhere fast. She expressed frustration that not one of the 25 applications she had delivered in her small Alberta town had resulted in an interview. When I asked her where she hoped to work, she responded, “Literally anywhere. I just need a job.”
Her response made me think about the importance of preparation and targeting in a job search, as well as the value of self-knowledge and confidence-building activities. I asked this student to choose two distinct places where she would most like to work. I proceeded to call both places and set up interviews for her the following week. My student was offered one of the jobs on the spot and started her first shift within days of that first meeting. The match had been made easily this time. I wondered if it could have been that simple from the beginning? Was my student on the verge of gaining employment without my help, or did these employers feel more confident in choosing her because of my phone call, merely to arrange a meeting? Do employers need and appreciate the same level of support I offer to my student clients?
This article is part of a themed CareerWise series exploring “Youth career readiness.” Read more:
- Youth career barriers post-pandemic – and where to go from here
- 5 AI tools for student career exploration
- Resources to support youth career readiness in a changing world
Understanding youth and employer challenges
Recently I asked a number of youth what they felt were their biggest barriers to finding and maintaining part-time employment. Here is what they said:
“My last employer wanted me to work more hours than I really should as a student. I don’t think they know or care about employment laws.”
“I applied, and they never called me back.”
“I think they discriminated against me because of my lip piercing.”
When I talk to the adults who employ youth, their comments to me have included:
“Students don’t want to work, they just want a paycheque.”
“I can’t get people to stay with the company – they just stop coming to work. I can’t rely on them.”
Our knowledge and contributions as career development professionals to the problems of youth unemployment and job maintenance should not be underestimated. It is important for us to understand the needs and concerns of both jobseekers and employers in order to play a pivotal role in assisting with that “matching” process.
I have compiled a shortlist of tried-and-true job search methods that I hope you will share with the teens you know who are striving to match themselves to an ideal first job.
Be specific about the position you want and where you want to work
Take time to do some research about the opportunities in your area, ask family and friends for recommendations and even visit the potential worksite as a customer before applying to get a feel for the “vibe” there.
When you say “I’ll do anything,” that is simply not true! There are many jobs you won’t be qualified to do, and there are lots of opportunities that won’t interest you. Taking the time to scope out a workplace and consider whether a position will be a good fit for you can help prevent an unfortunate situation in the future.
Personalize your job search
We know that employers like to hire “good” people, ideally people they know or who come with a recommendation from a trusted source. Jobseekers should always try to obtain the name of the person who has the power to hire them (check the company website and LinkedIn) and ask for them specifically.
Avoid the “drop and dash” resume routine that inexperienced jobseekers often use with limited success. Instead, make a quick phone call to introduce yourself and schedule a time to meet in person. Even if no job vacancy exists at the moment, explain to employers that you are interested to learn more about potential opportunities and how to prepare for them. Often, what is initially considered an “information interview” evolves into a “job interview” when the employer recognizes your potential and wants to bring you onto the team.
“Avoid the ‘drop and dash’ resume routine that inexperienced jobseekers often use with limited success.”
Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that we are unlikely to receive an interview from each job we apply to, or even to receive a rejection letter after submitting a resume. These negative experiences should not deter us from taking the opportunity to reach out directly to employers for follow-up.
Try to say “yes” to new opportunities as often as you can!
These experiences enable you to meet new people who share your interests or to learn different skills, which can lead to greater self-awareness and confidence.
Although job searching is your main goal, why not consider a volunteer opportunity that fits your schedule? Volunteering can help you develop valuable skills for the workplace and gain references to help you find future work. Volunteering can also help you to feel great about contributing to your community (and can certainly come in handy when applying for post-secondary scholarships).
One of my students volunteered at a nursing home, serving coffee on Saturday afternoons and helping with crafts and social activities. She is now a paid staff member working in the kitchen and serving meals to residents. Volunteering in the home helped her feel more comfortable in the work environment and with several of the residents. This is a great example of the right volunteer opportunity providing contacts and confidence, while leading to a paid position.
Attend school or community-based volunteer/job fairs …
… to meet with motivated employers/volunteer co-ordinators. Be prepared to answer questions about your previous volunteer experience and involvement in school activities. I was fortunate enough to attend job fairs when I was a university student and was often able to secure great summer jobs from those events. If your school doesn’t have a fair, perhaps your student leadership group and a school staff member could invite a small group of area employers and non-profit organizations to your school to connect with students. Most employers and volunteer groups are happy to share information about their organizations.
These ideas offer a starting point to clarify what is truly important for youth striving to connect with their first paid “gig,” despite the obvious challenges they face. Overall, being more focused, prepared and dedicated to controlling what they can in the process can go a long way to helping youth secure satisfying employment. As an added benefit to experiencing the job search process, youth will acquire greater self-knowledge relevant to their experiences in the world of work, leading to greater job satisfaction and maintenance. Armed with improved self-awareness and confidence, students can prove their worth to employers, resulting in lower onboarding costs and frustration levels for employers who seek to employ youth entering the workforce.
