YOUTH WEEK AND LOOKING FOR A SUMMER JOB

BC Youth Week is a provincial celebration of youth held annually during the first week of May. It is a week of fun filled interaction and a celebration intended to build a strong connection between youth and their communities. Because of this, we decided to focus our May 2023 Tip of the Month on our young people and student job seekers.

Tips for Looking for a Summer Job

Working a summer job can help you gain experience and earn money. Working can be highly rewarding but sometimes challenging to find the right fit. If you are looking for a summer job, it may be helpful to learn more about strategies and tips you can use to make your job search as effective as possible.

What kind of work do you want?

To find a job that best fits you, start with thinking about your interests and values. Even if the position is temporary, you want to enjoy what you are doing. Consider topics that you enjoy and how your interests and values can transform into a summer job.  For example: if you like sports, you might want to apply at a sporting goods store, if you like reading you might want to apply at a book store.

Get your references ready

Put together a list of three references. These can be former employers, but if you’ve never worked before, or have limited experience, you can use volunteer references, coaches, teachers, neighbours, former coworkers and acquaintances. Ensure you ask your references for permission first and be sure to get a phone number and an email address for your list.

Check out your social media with a sharp eye. What would a potential employer see if they were to look you up? Do you seem trustworthy and professional? Would you want to hire you to represent your business? How are your privacy settings? If you think no one is going to look, you’re probably wrong.

Write a Resume and Cover Letter

For most jobs, you will need a resume and cover letter to submit to the employer. MS Word has templates and a quick google search will reveal many more great examples. Always have two people proofread your documents before you start handing them out to employers. The Career Centre has an online resume and cover letter workshop https://learning.careercentre.org/ and resume examples on our website.

 Get Help with a Summer Job Search

The https://www.careercentre.org/find-a-job/  and https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth  are great places to start looking for work. Most employers in the Oceanside area post jobs on the Career Centre website. If you’re a student, check with your school Career Education office and ask how they can assist you.

 Check out Summer Youth Employment Programs

Many organizations have summer programs that run between June and August. They are typically city, provincial, or non-profit agencies. Finding these positions may require a little digging, but this is another instance where an online search is your friend. The City of Parksville and Chambers of Commerce are good examples of this in our community.

 Network, network, network!

Networking really does work! It is an excellent way to tap into the hidden job market and it’s not all that difficult. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Talk to family, friends, friends’ parents, teachers, coaches, anyone and everyone – and ask if they can help you or if they have any leads.

Networking is the best way to find a job and most people are glad to provide job leads and advice. For more information on the hidden job market, the Career Centre sends out news via JAM (Jobs and More), a bi-weekly resource containing up to date local information.

 Apply Online

Read application instructions carefully. You don’t want to be screened out because you submitted an application online without attaching your resume or showing up at the wrong time. Depending on the organization, you may need a resume and possibly a cover letter or there may just be an online application. Every employer has different criteria, be sure you know theirs.

Apply In-Person

Applying in-person allows you to make a personal connection and gives your potential employer a chance to chat with you. Some jobs require a resume, some require an application. Everyone could be different. Be sure to be neat, well groomed and appear “ready to work.” You may be interviewed on the spot!

 Good luck and happy hunting!

 

Learn about FREE training opportunities and loads of job postings! Don’t miss out on upcoming Information Sessions for our Pathway to Trades – a FREE program for youth interested in the electrical and carpentry trades! Click here for your JAM UPDATE for April 24th!

Lots of information to share including our NEW Pathway to Trades program for Youth! Click here for your JAM update for April 11th.

Coombs Country Campground

 

Tell us about your business/organization and what makes you stand out as an employer?

We think of our group as a team.  It takes team effort to continue the tradition of great customer service and making sure our guests are truly “happy campers.”  The owners and management value the staff and their contribution to the business.  As a result, we make every effort to accommodate, support and train our team.

How many employees do you have?

Currently, we have a fantastic and cohesive team of six people working in different capacities.

What do you look for in a new employee?

Working with us is dynamic as we are a people-centered operation striving to meet the expectations of our guests.  There is never a dull moment.  During the summer season we operate seven days a week, up to 12 hours a day.  Your shift could range from 4 – 8 hours.  We make every effort to accommodate the needs and availability of our staff.  We also look for dependability, honesty and people who like people.

What advice would you give someone who wants to work for your organization?

Working with us is dynamic.  Each day brings new people, new issues and challenges. There is never a dull moment.  Whether you work in the office, on the operations, housekeeping or security, review the website to learn of our policies and procedures.  Ask questions!  We are very happy to answer any questions and prefer lots or questions to guessing wrong.

Do you anticipate hiring in the next 6 months? If so, for what types of positions?

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to help us fill our summer positions. Two office/store positions, two housekeeping positions, one operations position and one security position.

 What is the best way for someone to apply if they are interested in working for your business?

Send resume to:  mgproperties01@gmail.com   If you would like to speak with us, please call, 250-248-9371.  If there is no answer, please leave a message as we return all calls within 24 hours.