Posted on Wednesday March 20, 2019

5 steps to help you enter the labour market

It's starting to feel the spring, but also like university or college graduation. In the coming months, new graduates will have the delicate task of integrating, many for the first time, the labour market. Here are 5 steps to prepare for your first job or internship.
* Special collaboration with Xavier Gauvin, intern at UNI.

1- Search for jobs online... and elsewhere

Gone are the days of leaving copies of your resume at the reception of a company. Everything is online now! In New Brunswick, portals like Indeed, NBjobs, Jobboom, Jooble et Onbcanada, or the Acadie Nouvelle job portal are the most dynamic tools. Some, like Nbtechjobs for jobs in the sector of new technologies, specialize in a specific field.

I searched for jobs on multiple platforms to see as many offers as possible. I found my job at UNI Financial Cooperation on the site of the institution, under the "Join our team" tab.Xavier.

Not all job offers are posted on portals. Don't hesitate to let your environment, your networks and LinkedIn know about your availability. Also list the employers in your area that interest you and browse their website to see if they are looking for staff. Several companies have a "Careers" section on their website. You can even send your resume without directly responding to a posting. You never know!

2- Write a complete resume (that stands out!)

It all starts with the classic resume. Because you have just completed your training, it is normal for your professional experience to be summed up in a few lines. Describe your academic progress (diplomas obtained and institutions attended) by specifying what motivated you to choose this path. You can even build a portfolio of your school work that is relevant to the job you are looking for. Do not neglect any of your work experiences, even the short ones (summer jobs, part-time jobs, volunteer work), and explain the skills acquired in connection with the job sought. Eliminate the irrelevant elements, try to justify the periods of inactivity and avoid getting lost in an enumeration of your qualities.

In my resume, I use a little colour to catch the eye of the person who selects the candidates. I believe that a resume should be relatively simple, while portraying your knowledge and skills. Xavier.

3- Write a cover letter that makes people want to get to know you

A cover letter is more important than you think. Avoid putting too much in it and bet on honesty instead. Describe what motivates you in the job sought and how your professional and academic journey led you there (time for Storytelling...). Are you handy with a video camera? Prepare a short video in which you explain what motivates you to land the job. A little originality doesn't hurt!

The cover letter should also reflect your interest in the coveted company. In addition to sending my resume with my cover letter, I expressed my interest with my acquaintances who already worked in the organization. Xavier.

Regularly update your LinkedIn profile and online image

A step that is now essential for the transition to professional life: updating online profiles. Your Facebook or Instagram profile may say more than you think! Eliminate what does not fit the image you want to portray and consider making private what should be; employers may want to take a look at it. It's also time to create or improve your LinkedIn profile. This social network focused on work is increasingly consulted. Make sure your profile reflects your interest in the job you are seeking. Finally, search for your full name on Google. This will allow you to see if there is any inappropriate content associated with one of your profiles.

Prepare your interview as best as you can

The goal is to be able to show your personality in a short amount of time. The employer must want to get to know you in order to want to work with you. Get as much information as possible about the company's activities to show your interest. Prepare yourself to answer technical questions related to the job. As for your personal presentation (clothing, make-up, etc.), choose an outfit fit for the job and avoid being flashy.

My interview at UNI Financial Cooperation was over the phone, and those who know me know that the phone is in some way my Achilles heel. I did my best... and I got the job! I think a lucky star was watching over me that day. Xavier.

After the interview, do not hesitate to follow up with the employer. In case of rejection, you can even ask them to explain what made them choose another candidate. The answer will be very useful for the rest of your search, and remember, the employer could consider your application for other positions.

Our intern at UNI summarizes his experience as follows:

The atmosphere as well as the open-mindedness and collaboration of the entire team are undoubtedly the strengths of my experience with the UNI team. Despite my status as an intern, my ideas have always been taken into account, and I have always been well mentored. Xavier

Happy hunting!