A Guide

for
NEW JOB SEEKERS
For youth and
newcomers to the
workplace
Catalogue Item # 755290

This publication is available to view or order online at © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 Government of Alberta,
alis.alberta.ca/publications. Copies can also be ordered Alberta Employment and Immigration
from the Learning Resources Centre by telephone at
This material may be used, reproduced, stored or
780-427-5775 or by fax at 780-422-9750.
transmitted for non-commercial purposes. However,
Crown copyright is to be acknowledged. It is not to be
Career Practitioners used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for commercial
A Guide for New Job Seekers (formerly the Job Seeker’s purposes without written permission from the
Handbook) is for people who are looking for their first Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and
job or who have been away from the workforce for a long Immigration. This publication is not for resale unless
time. It provides job seekers the basics about finding a licensed with Government of Alberta, Alberta
job and helps them to: Employment and Immigration. Every reasonable effort
has been made to identify the owners of copyright
• identify their employability skills
material reproduced in this publication and to comply
• explore the tools used to find work — job applications, with Canadian copyright law. The publisher would
resumés, cover letters and portfolios welcome any information regarding errors or omissions.
• explore the skills used to find work — networking,
Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and
information interviewing and interview skills
Immigration publications may contain or reference
• identify ways to stay positive and handle rejection publications, trademark, patent or copyright held by third
• connect with further information and resources. parties (“third party material”), identified with a credit to
Check out the publication Advanced Techniques for Work the source. This does not grant the user a licence or right
Search for job seekers with experience and/or post- to that third party material. Users who wish to reproduce
secondary education. This publication provides any third party material in this publication should seek
information and exercises on identifying skills, using the permission from that third party.
Internet for job search, resumé development, Information in this publication was accurate, to the
information interviewing and preparing for an interview. best of our knowledge, at the time of printing. However,
Also, check out the many job search tip articles on the legislation, labour market information, websites and
ALIS website at alis.alberta.ca. Here you will find articles programs are subject to change, and we encourage
covering topics such as portfolios, resumés and cover you to confirm with additional sources of information
letters, job application forms, preparing for an interview when making career, education, employment and
and much more. business decisions.

For copyright information, contact: The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the
Government of Canada to provide employment support
Alberta Employment and Immigration programs and services. These benefits and measures are
Career and Workplace Resources funded, in whole or in part, by the Government of Canada
Telephone: 780-422-1794 from the Employment Insurance Account.
Fax: 780-422-5319
Email: [email protected] ISBN 978-0-7785-7318-0
02/2002 - 75M 12/2005 - 75M
01/2003 - 75M 07/2007 - 75M
07/2004 - 75M 01/2010 - 110M

All photos in this booklet are for illustrative purposes

only. They are not actual photos of any individuals
mentioned.
Table of Contents
Read This First 2

1. Getting Started 3

Getting Organized 3

What Employers Want and You Have 4

Finding Out Where Your Skills Are Needed 9

2. Finding Work 12

Ways to Find Work 12

Networking and Information Interviewing 13

Contacting Employers Directly 15

Your Personal Work Search Plan 19

3. Marketing Your Skills 20

Portfolios 20

Resumés 22

Cover Letters 31

Examples: Tracey, Brad and Ann 32

Application Forms 47

Interviews 50

4. Going The Distance 57

Handling Rejection 57

Staying Positive 58

Looking Ahead 60

Where To Get More Help 61

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 1

 The best jobs don’t
necessarily go to the most
qualified applicants; they go
READ THIS FIRST to the best job seekers.

IS THIS THE BOOK FOR YOU? • Consider the possibility of accepting temporary or
part-time work, or doing project work on a contract
A Guide for New Job Seekers is a basic, step-by-step basis. It will give you a chance to show employers
guide to help you find entry-level work. It will answer what you can do. Later, if your employer creates a
your questions about the complete job search process. permanent position, you will have a big advantage
If you are looking for your first job, your first job in a over other applicants because the employer already
long time or your first job in Canada, this guide will knows you. (Unless, by then you have decided to
show you how to assess your skills, target your work continue working on a project basis because you
search, write resumés and cover letters and practice enjoy the variety and challenge of working for
interview skills. several employers at the same time and/or changing
But, if you have already been in the workforce for a projects frequently.)
long time or have post-secondary education or training Building a successful job search is like building a
in your desired field, you may be more interested in house. If the foundation is poor, the whole structure
Advanced Techniques for Work Search. It is a guide is weak. To build a strong work search foundation,
designed to help you improve your work search follow these steps:
strategies and is available at places listed under Where
To Get More Help at the end of this book. 1. Get started by getting organized, identifying your
skills, and deciding what types of work you are
A FEW WORDS ON THE JOB MARKET looking for (Chapter 1).

More and more employers are hiring temporary, part- 2. Find suitable work opportunities by using work
time and contract workers, and using computers to search methods that fit your circumstances and the
screen applicants. You’ll have greater success finding kind of work you want (Chapter 2).
work if you keep two things in mind while you’re 3. Market your skills by presenting them effectively via
looking — be current and be flexible. portfolios, resumés, cover letters and application
• Use current work search methods. The most effective forms, and by talking to employers (Chapter 3).
work search methods take time, organization and 4. Maintain a positive attitude (Chapter 4) by:
hard work. The answer-a-few-ads-and-see-what- • making sure your expectations are realistic
happens approach generally doesn’t work very well,
if at all. To find work, you have to be willing to work • learning from your experiences
as hard at finding • taking good care of yourself
work as you would • wrapping up your work search properly
on the job. If you Nowadays, work comes • keeping your eyes open and planning ahead.
are currently
in many forms. It may If you have been looking for work for some time
unemployed and
looking for full-time not always be packaged already and are feeling discouraged, you may want to
work, that means read Chapter 4: Going the Distance first.
in neat little bundles
you should be Learning how to look for work is much the same as
spending 40 hours a called “jobs”, so the
learning any other skill. First you learn the basics, then
week on your work words, “work” and “jobs” you practice. The best way to use this guide is to read
search. it once, and then review each section more carefully as
are used interchangeably
you put work search strategies into practice.
throughout this book.

2 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Writing a resumé should
not be your first step.

GETTING STARTED Before you can write a

really effective resumé, you
need to know what skills
A job search is like any other kind of search. If you job seekers who
know what you are looking for and where to look, you do not have employers are looking for,
are more likely to find it. If your search is well access to voice which ones you have and
organized, your chances are even better. So, it makes mail messaging
sense to get started by: or an answering where they are needed.
1. getting organized machine. If
necessary,
2. finding out what employers want and what you
arrange for a
can provide
trusted friend to take messages for you when you are
3. finding out where someone like you is needed. away from a phone.
Whether it is a whole room or a tabletop, try to keep
Getting Organized your work search area as organized and pleasant to
return to as possible.
Getting organized means more than making sure you
have all the things you will need to find and start work
as soon as possible. It also means using your time and
Social Insurance Number
energy efficiently and effectively. To work in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance
Number (SIN). If you don’t already have one, go to a
Equipment and supplies Service Canada office and apply in writing. You will
need to provide one original document that proves
If possible, find a place where you can keep all the your identity and status in Canada, such as a Birth
things you’ll need together: Certificate or Certificate of Canadian Citizenship.
• a desk or table with good lighting
If the name on this document is different from the
• office supplies such as pens, paper, envelopes, stapler name you currently use, you will also need to provide
• a telephone and answering machine one original supporting document, such as a Certificate
(or voice mail service) of Marriage or Change-of-name Certificate.
• a computer with a laser printer and access to For more information:
the Internet
• this book. • Call 1-800-206-7218 and press 3 for information
about Social Insurance Numbers.
If you don’t have easy access to a computer or answering
machine, rent one or find out where related services are • Go to the Service Canada website at
offered in your community. Most communities in servicecanada.gc.ca. Click on Find a Service
Alberta have at least one public access computer located Canada Centre Near You.
in an educational institution (e.g. a high school or • Go to servicecanada.gc.ca. Using the A to Z
college), a public library, an Alberta Employment and Services Index, choose Social Insurance Number.
Immigration service centre (see
“Where To Get More Help” at the
back of this book for a list of phone
numbers) and/or other service Looking for work
agencies. Ask around — some
agencies will also take messages for is a full-time job.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 3

 Putting off getting started? If so, start small.
Make a list of the things you have to do. If you
can’t do anything on the list in less than a half
hour, break down the tasks on your list into
smaller “bite-size” things to do. For example,
if one of the tasks on your list is to get a Social
Insurance Number (SIN), you might break the
work involved down as follows:
• Find the nearest Service Canada Centre under What Employers
Goernment of Canada in the phone book.
• Call to find out about office hours and
Want and You Have
procedures for applying for a SIN. Employers are looking for people who:
• Figure out how to get there. • are honest, positive, responsible, adaptable,
• Go and fill out the forms. willing to learn and safety-conscious
• work productively in a team environment
Time management • can solve problems (in particular, problems the
employer is currently facing or will
If you are unemployed, you owe it to yourself to put face in the near future).
as much time and energy into your job search as you
would into working. If you are employed, your work The problems employers need solved may be relatively
search may take longer because you have less time simple (e.g. we need someone to stuff envelopes) or
available to devote to your job search on a daily basis. extremely complex (e.g. we need a team of people to
Either way, drawing up a work search schedule will help design a space station).
to keep you motivated and on track. Even if you have little or no paid work experience, you
You will use your time most efficiently if you: already have some of the skills employers need. The key to
work search success is to identify your strongest skills and
• schedule short breaks as often as you need them to
where they are needed. The following exercises will help
refresh yourself and keep up a steady pace
you get started.
• make lists of things you have to do and check tasks
off as you complete them What do you have to offer?
• do similar things at the same time (e.g. make all of
your telephone calls at one time instead of returning Make a few photocopies of the following checklist of
to the phone to make calls several times a day) employability skills and show it to people who know
you well and will be honest with you (family members,
• change from one type of activity to another at regular friends, teachers, former co-workers or employers).
intervals (e.g. spend an hour making telephone calls, Ask them to check off the statements they think apply
then go to the library to do some research before to you. At the same time, do the exercise yourself. Then
returning home to work on your resumé). compare what you checked off to what they checked off,
If people expect you to be available to do other things and talk about why you/they checked off some items
when you should be looking for work, talk to them and not others.
about your plans and describe your schedule. Ask for When you are doing this exercise, check off the skills
their understanding and co-operation. at which you are competent. Competent means you are
If your friends and family are willing to help you with able to perform the activity as well as most people
your job search, let them! They can be a big help in (e.g., check off “plan and manage time” if you do that as
well as most people). You don’t have to be an expert at it
identifying your skills, targeting your job search and
to check off a skill.
finding employment opportunities.
When you talk to others about this exercise, ask them to
check off things you do as well as most people.

4 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Ask your references to help
you with this exercise.
PERSONAL SKILLS
Positive attitudes and behaviours
❏ feeling good about yourself – confident that you ❏ being innovative and resourceful (identifying
can make a positive contribution in work, school, and suggesting different ways to get work done)
family and leisure situations ❏ accepting change and using it to your advantage
❏ maintaining high ethical standards – dealing with ❏ accepting feedback and learning from your mistakes
people, problems and situations honestly ❏ coping with uncertainty (making decisions when
❏ giving credit where credit is due – recognizing you are not sure what the outcome will be)
your own and other people’s good efforts Learn continuously
❏ taking care of your health – eating a balanced ❏ always learning and growing
diet, getting enough rest and exercise, etc.
❏ being aware of your personal strengths, and areas
❏ managing addictions – admitting to any that need improvement or development
addictions you have, and getting help or treatment
❏ setting your own learning goals instead of waiting
❏ showing interest and initiative by getting involved for someone else to tell you what you should learn
in existing activities or starting new ones
❏ identifying and using learning opportunities and
Responsible sources of learning
❏ organizing your work site – keeping your work ❏ planning for and achieving learning goals
area neat and clean; taking care of tools, materials Work safely
and equipment
❏ planning and managing your time to achieve goals ❏ being aware of personal and group health and
safety practices and procedures, and acting
❏ anticipating future financial needs, setting accordingly
financial goals and deciding how you will manage
your money (e.g. paying off credit cards at the ❏ managing stress – knowing the causes of personal
end of each month; saving/investing) and professional stress, and coping with demands
and pressures
❏ setting goals and priorities to balance your work
and personal life TEAMWORK SKILLS
❏ following through with time and financial plans,
and making adjustments when necessary Work with others
❏ risking, when appropriate – assessing, weighing and ❏ getting along – demonstrating respect and caring
managing physical, emotional and financial risk about the feelings of others; being considerate
❏ accepting responsibility for your actions and the ❏ using tact – being discrete and diplomatic,
actions of your group particularly when dealing with sensitive issues
❏ being socially responsible and contributing to ❏ supporting – helping others with their problems;
your community (e.g. obeying laws, volunteering) supporting others’ decisions and initiatives
Adaptable ❏ accepting authority – being able to work under
supervision
❏ working alone or as part of a team
❏ respecting differences – appreciating diversity;
❏ working on several tasks or projects at the accepting the uniqueness of individuals
same time
❏ co-operating with others to accomplish shared goals

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 5

 ❏ clarifying the group’s goals and objectives ❏ adapting to changing requirements and
when necessary information
❏ being flexible – respecting and being open to ❏ keeping track of how well projects/tasks are
others’ opinions and contributions progressing and looking for ways to improve
❏ stating opinions – having the confidence and
assertiveness to say what you think FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS
❏ accepting feedback without becoming angry Communication skills
or overly defensive
❏ reading – getting information from written
❏ contributing by sharing information and expertise materials; following written instructions
❏ leading, or supporting when appropriate, by ❏ reading and understanding information
motivating others to perform well presented in nonverbal formats (e.g. graphs,
❏ confronting – telling others things they may not charts, diagrams)
want to hear about their behaviour, habits, etc. ❏ writing – using good grammar to write clear
Participate in projects and tasks sentences and paragraphs; being able to express
yourself/explain things in writing
❏ doing your part – working to acceptable standards
❏ talking – being able to provide information
❏ being timely – completing work on time to meet effectively in ordinary settings
project deadlines; arriving at meetings on time;
❏ public speaking – being able to keep the
responding to messages reasonably quickly
audience’s attention while delivering a speech
❏ determining priorities – deciding what is most
❏ listening – paying attention to what other people
important and doing that first
say to understand and appreciate their points of
❏ scheduling – predicting how much time tasks will view, and responding appropriately
take; setting time frames for activities
❏ questioning – asking the right questions to obtain
❏ initiating – taking the first step; getting things started useful information, or to help others gain insight
❏ planning – developing projects or ideas through ❏ explaining – being careful and clear in what you
systematic preparation, and deciding in which tell people, so they understand quickly and easily
order and at what time events will occur
❏ resolving conflicts – bringing conflicts to
❏ organizing – co-ordinating the people and successful conclusions
resources necessary to put a plan into effect
❏ persuading – convincing others to do what
❏ coaching – providing one-to-one or small group you want
assistance to help others achieve a goal
❏ negotiating – bargaining with others to solve a
❏ providing feedback – accurately describing an problem or reach an agreement
individual’s work, behaviour, appearance, etc. in
❏ teaching – understanding group dynamics and
a helpful and considerate way
instructing others
❏ making decisions – choosing a course of action
and accepting responsibility for the consequences
❏ carrying out projects/tasks from start to finish
The skills checklist is based on The
with a clear idea of what you want to achieve
❏ selecting and using appropriate tools and technology Conference Board of Canada profile of
❏ reviewing how time has been used and making Employability Skills 2000+. For more
changes that will increase efficiency information, check out their website at
www.conferenceboard.ca/education

6 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

❏ chairing meetings – presiding over a group of ❏ deciding what needs to be measured or calculated
people who come together for a purpose; ❏ observing and recording data, using appropriate
listening, speaking, encouraging discussion, and methods, tools and technology
following an agenda
Thinking and problem-solving skills
❏ sharing information by using information and
communications technologies (e.g. email, voice mail) ❏ assessing situations and identifying problems
Information management skills ❏ seeking different points of view and evaluating
them based on facts
❏ following directions – completing tasks as directed
❏ recognizing that there are often several aspects
❏ maintaining records of inventory, budgets or to problems (e.g. human, technical, scientific)
other information
❏ investigating – gathering information in an
❏ recording – using planners such as calendars and organized way to determine facts or principles
appointment books to keep track of activities
❏ analyzing – breaking concepts/problems into
❏ organizing information – keeping orderly records parts so each part can be examined
(e.g. files, binders of information)
❏ being creative and innovative in exploring
❏ filing – sorting information into an organized system possible solutions
❏ scheduling – keeping track of projects, ❏ using scientific, technological and mathematical
timetables, itineraries, etc. ways of thinking to gain and share knowledge,
❏ researching – locating and gathering information, solve problems and make decisions
using appropriate technology and information ❏ evaluating solutions to make recommendations
systems (e.g. computers, library classification or decisions
systems, Internet search engines)
❏ synthesizing – putting facts and ideas together in
❏ analyzing information – breaking it down to new and creative ways; finding new ways to look
basic elements at problems and do things
❏ applying knowledge and skills from one or more ❏ acting on your conclusions
disciplines (e.g. arts, languages, science,
❏ checking to see if a solution works, and taking
technology, math, social sciences, humanities)
opportunities to improve on it
Numerical Skills
❏ counting – determining how many items there
are in a group
❏ calculating – using basic arithmetic: adding,
subtracting, multiplying and dividing
❏ measuring – using tools or equipment to
determine length, angle, volume or weight
❏ estimating – judging the cost or size of things;
predicting the outcome of an arithmetic problem
before it is calculated; forecasting the cost of
products and services
❏ budgeting – planning how you will spend money;
deciding what to buy and how much to spend, or
how to get work done the most cost-effectively

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 7

 Did you check off “feeling good about
yourself”? If not, employers will pick up on
your lack of confidence and doubt your
abilities too. Read Chapter 4: Going the

If you ask your references to help you with this Distance, and talk to someone you trust.
exercise, they will be better prepared to answer Career advisors and employment counsellors
questions about you. Keep in mind that your are available to help with your work search by
references should be people in positions of authority
(e.g. supervisors, teachers, group leaders) who can phone and in person (see “Where To Get More
confirm that you did what you say you did. Help” at the back of this book).

If you ask others to complete this exercise too, you may

find that they think you have more employability skills 1. At the top of separate pages (paper or electronic), list
than you give yourself credit for. Or, you may find that each of the employability skills you identified in the
they do not see you as having some of the skills you “What do you have to offer?” exercise.
think you have. In either case, don't argue. Listen to their
2. Under each skill, briefly describe three situations in
reasons as objectively as you can – what you learn about
which you have used the skill.
how you are perceived by others could greatly improve
your chances of finding work and staying employed. Be specific. What needed doing and why? What did
you do? How did you contribute if it was a teamwork
Which personal management, teamwork and
situation? Where did you do it and when? How? Name
fundamental employability skills are your strongest
the tools you used (e.g. computer programs), describe
skills? Which ones do you want to use and develop?
the types of people you consulted (e.g. teachers,
These are the skills you should focus on in the
co-workers, experts), the tasks/steps involved, the
next exercise.
problems you encountered and how you dealt with
them, and what happened as a result.
Where and when have you
If you need more help identifying and describing
used your skills? your skills:
One of the most effective ways to let employers know
• Talk to someone at one of the places listed under
that you have the skills they are looking for is to
“Where to Get More Help” at the end of this book
describe situations in which you have used those skills.
and ask for a copy of Advanced Techniques for
For example, describing situations in which you have
Work Search.
shown you can work well with others is much more
convincing than simply calling yourself a “team player.” • Visit your local public library or book store and
check out some of their career planning and job
Employers will be even more impressed if you
search lists.
describe the positive results you have achieved. For
example, describe what happened after you took
responsibility for a task, or how other people’s
behaviour changed as a result of your efforts to
motivate them. Or, tell employers about an award you
received for good attendance or a good safety record.
Better yet, show them the award or other evidence.

8 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Finding Out Where Telephone directory exercise
Your Skills Are Needed 1. Glance through the yellow pages index of your
telephone directory to get an overview of the
If the types of employers who need your skills are categories. The index is usually located at the front or
obvious (e.g. you just graduated from a training back of the directory. If the index is quite long, divide
program for a particular type of work), you can skip it into sections and work on one section at a time.
to the “Researching Work Options” section. If not,
the following exercises will help you decide where you If you are interested in government work, use the
are most likely to find employers who need someone government office listings that are often in a “blue
like you. pages” section. The blue pages list federal,
provincial and municipal government offices.
You’d be good at… 2. Go through the listings title by title. Ask yourself
the following question(s) for each title.
1. As quickly as you can, list all of the kinds of work
you can think of that you could do well now or Am I interested in this field?
could learn on the job.
If not, move on to the next title.
2. Ask your family and friends to think of different
If so, ask yourself the next question.
types of work you would be good at, and add any
new ideas to your list. Do I need special knowledge or experience to
Don’t argue if someone suggests something you qualify for work in this field?
think is out of the question. Sometimes, ideas that If not, check off the title.
don’t seem to have much merit at first can spark
more interesting ideas later on. If you don’t know, check off the title —
you can find out for sure later.
Have fun — get a group of people together and
brainstorm ideas. If you have friends who are If so, ask yourself the next question.
looking for work too, you can bounce some ideas Do I have the necessary knowledge or experience,
around about what they would be good at. or would I be willing to get it?
3. Group the ideas you have gathered by employment If not, move on to the next title.
field or industry.
If so, check off the title.
3. From the ones you checked off, choose the
employment fields that look the most interesting
Knowing you have skills to offer to you. For a list of local employers in each field,
simply turn to the page number beside the title in
helps build confidence. the index.
As you go through the yellow pages index or the blue
pages of your directory, you may find that you are
checking off too many titles (more than 30). If so, you
can afford to be more selective. If you are checking off
very few titles and are not willing to move to another

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 9

 community to seek work, you may have to be less SEARCH THE INTERNET
selective.
Much information on careers and employment is
If you are having other difficulties with this exercise, available on the Internet. If you don’t have easy access
talk to a trusted friend or counsellor about your to the Internet, use the public access computers in
expectations and the local employment situation. public libraries, cyber cafes, and Alberta Employment
and Immigration service centres.
Researching work options The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS)
There are basically three ways to learn about work website (alis.alberta.ca) is an Internet gateway to all
options: read print materials, search the Internet, and sorts of career, learning and employment information.
talk to people who have first-hand knowledge. • Click on the Career Explorers tab to get to
OCCinfo, a database of Occupational Profiles that
READ ABOUT EMPLOYMENT FIELDS describes more than 500 different types of work.
A lot of information about employment fields can be • Click on the Job Seekers tab to get to Alberta Work
found in the reference, periodicals and non-fiction Search Online, a guide to finding work
sections of your local library. Business magazines, on the Internet.
newspaper articles, occupational profiles and industry
directories contain a wealth of information for job TALK TO PEOPLE WHO KNOW
seekers.
People employed in a specific employment field or
If you know very little about an industry or industry can give you information you may not be
employment field, look for basic information about: able to find in print or on the Internet. For example,
• primary products or services they can tell you:
• how products or services are marketed and the • what job titles are usually used in their industry
level of competition in the industry for the type of work you want
• research and development activities • where people who do that type of work are
• the challenges employers are facing employed
• which companies are growing. • how most people find work in the industry.

Introduce yourself to the reference librarian and They can confirm what you learn from reading, and
explain what you are looking for. Librarians can answer any questions your library and Internet
be very helpful if you clearly describe the types research left unanswered.
of information you need. If you know people who work in some of the fields
Alberta Employment and Immigration service centres that interest you, ask them if they would be willing to
are another good source of work search information spend some time with you discussing their industry.
(see Where To Get More Help at the back of this book). Talk to more than one person — you are more likely
to get a balanced picture that way.

10 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

If you don’t know anyone working
in fields that interest you, ask your Do any of the following statements
friends, relatives and acquaintances
to introduce you to people they reflect your thinking right now?
know in those fields. You may also
be able to obtain information and
referrals from related professional
I don’t like to bother other people.
associations or unions.
People like to help. It makes them feel good
Tell the people you talk to that you are looking about themselves. Let people know that
for information. Describe the types of jobs and they can help by simply taking a few
employment fields that interest you. Ask for minutes to talk about their employment field.
referrals to people who may have additional Most people wouldn’t consider it a
information. “bother” at all!
If you research several different fields of I don’t know many people.
employment before you start looking for specific
job opportunities, you will be much better You don’t have to know many people. If you
prepared to follow up suitable job leads when know one or two people, ask them to refer
you to people they know who work in the
you find them.
employment fields that interest you. They
may even be willing to introduce you to
these people.

I don’t like to admit that

I am unemployed.
Many valuable workers find themselves
temporarily out of work through no fault
of their own. Don’t shut yourself off from
people who can help provide information
and support!

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 11

 Recipe for job search success:
work hard, work smart, and use a

FINDING WORK variety of work search methods.

Finding work opportunities takes detective work.

You are looking for information about potential ❏ Paying attention to news reports about new
employers, and who is hiring now or might be hiring projects, and thinking about the types of work that
in the near future. will be generated and where.
Finding work would be much easier if the term “job ❏ Reading the job ads in trade magazines.
market” actually referred to a place where employers ❏ Meeting people in fields that interest you by doing
and job seekers meet and make mutually beneficial volunteer work.
deals. Unfortunately, no such marketplace exists. Both ❏ Placing “employment wanted” ads in newspapers,
job seekers and employers must use a variety of trade magazines or on the Internet.
methods to find one another. ❏ Searching career sites, bulletin boards, and
companies’ home pages on the Internet.
Ways to Find Work ❏ Consulting a career or employment consultant.

There are many ways to find employers who need your If you chose “hearing about work opportunities
skills. From the following list, choose the two methods through friends and acquaintances” as generally the
you think are the most effective in most most effective method and “approaching employers
circumstances. directly” as the second most effective method, you
are right.
❏ Attending workshops and taking other learning
opportunities. Although different methods of finding work are more
❏ Registering with private employment/placement effective in different circumstances, more successful
agencies. job seekers find work through personal contacts
(networking) and approaching employers directly
❏ Frequently checking job postings at Canada-Alberta than through all other job search methods combined!
Job Order Bank Services (JOBS) kiosks, visiting That’s because most employment opportunities are
their website at www.jobbank.gc.ca. never advertised or posted electronically. They are in
❏ Hearing about work opportunities through friends the “hidden job market.”
and acquaintances.
Also, many new types of work are constantly emerging.
❏ Contacting executive search firms. If you have some of the required skills, you might be
❏ Posting your resumé on employment-related able to learn the rest on the job. If not, you might be
websites. able to acquire the necessary technical skills through
❏ Reading the advertisements in the Classified and short training programs. However, if you do not realize
Career sections of local newspapers. that you are qualified to apply, these opportunities are
❏ Using the services of the placement office at a post- also hidden from you.
secondary education institution you have attended. So how do you find out which employers are looking
❏ Watching for “job available” signs in the windows for workers, and which new work opportunities you
of local businesses. might qualify for? By using a combination of the work
❏ Approaching employers directly and asking about search methods listed previously, but concentrating on
job openings. networking and contacting employers directly.
❏ Attending career and job fairs

12 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Writing a resumé should not be your first step.
Before you can write a really effective resumé, you
need to know what skills employers are looking for,
which ones you have and where they are needed.

Networking and Through friends, acquaintances and advice-givers, you

Information Interviewing can eventually reach just about anyone you would like
to interview. One person can put you in contact with
NETWORKING is an organized way to make links several others, who can put you in contact with many
from the people you know to the people they know. more people.
It is a process of linking contacts together to form a
“net” of personal contacts who can provide support Who should you talk to?
and information.
Everyone! Your hairstylist’s brother may work in an
INFORMATION INTERVIEWING is talking to industry that interests you. Or your neighbour may
people who work in fields that interest you about how know someone you should talk to. You’ll never know
they found work and where they suggest you should until you ask.
look for work. It is not asking people for a job! You are People whose work involves a lot of contact with other
looking for advice, not putting people on the spot by people can be particularly helpful. If you know any
asking them to hire you. If they do happen to have a job teachers, social workers, religious leaders or
opening and are in a position to hire you, they will community leaders, for example, be sure to talk to
probably tell you. Then you can decide whether to them about your skills and work search targets.
pursue the opportunity right away or not. If you don’t
have a good overview of opportunities and hiring Start networking by making a list of people you know,
practices in your target employment fields yet, it might and deciding which ones to contact first.
be a good idea not to apply right away.
SHOULD YOU HAVE A BUSINESS CARD,
EVEN IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY UNEMPLOYED?
Why are most work
opportunities never advertised? Yes. The people you talk to may ask for your telephone
number or email address, so they can let you know
Put yourself in the shoes of a busy employer.
If you advertise a position, you will
when they hear about work opportunities.
have to spend a lot of time reading You can print business
applications and interviewing people. cards quite cheaply on
It is much easier to: computers by using
If you are looking for computer-
• wait for a motivated job seeker special card stock
to come to you related work, it makes sense to surf available from office
• ask your employees and colleagues the Internet to find work supply stores. Or, you
if they know of a qualified, reliable can pay a printer to
opportunities. But don’t spend all make more
person who is looking for work.
your time surfing! Networking and professional-looking
If you can find someone suitable cards with your name
this way, why bother advertising contacting employers directly are
and telephone number,
the position? still more effective work search and a fax number or
methods than posting your resumé email address if you
have one. If you wish,
on the Internet.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 13

 Jones
Jessicagae Designer
Web P
-0000
h o n e : 780-000 ddress
Telep mail.a
il: jjones@e itute
you can also include em a
lti-Me dia Inst When you are telephoning
u
your occupation or ate of M igns people you have never met, plan
• Gradu e, custom des
field of work under a t iv your call so you will be as brief
• Innov l expertise
your name and up to h n ica and to the point as possible.
• Tec
three bullets that Your goal is to set up a meeting with the
highlight your best person, and get answers to some of your questions (or
qualifications. at least get another referral).
Here’s an example. 1. Introduce yourself.
2. Explain who referred you, if
How should you appropriate, and why you are
Being assertive means
contact people? calling. (Remember, you are
expressing yourself in a looking for information, not
Talk to the people you meet in the course of
your daily routine about your job search. straightforward way that asking for a job.)
Telephone or arrange to meet people you have shows self-respect and 3. Ask for a short meeting or, if
met before. Depending on how confident you appropriate, ask your questions.
respect for others.
feel and how much time you have, you may
When people agree to meet with
arrange to be introduced to the people you are
you, arrange a time and place
referred to, or you can call them yourself.
that is convenient for them.
If people refuse your request,
What should you say politely ask if there is someone else you should talk to.
when you contact people? Be assertive, not aggressive.
When you are talking to people you know personally: Sometimes, the people you call may be willing to
• Tell them about your work search plan and describe answer a few questions on the phone, but not meet
the types of work you are looking for. with you in person. Briefly describe your background
and work search targets, and ask if the person knows
• Tell them how your training and experience relate any employers looking for someone like you. If you do
to the type of work you want. If appropriate, offer get a job lead, ask for the name and position title of
to give them a copy of your resumé. the person you should contact about it.
• Ask if they are aware of suitable employment Remember, your purpose in networking is to meet
opportunities. people who can give you valuable advice and
• Ask them to refer you to others who might know information. Some of the people you meet may be
about work opportunities. employers. Interview them in the same way you would
interview anyone else. If they have a job opening and
• Ask if they would be willing to introduce you to you make a favourable impression, they may decide to
these people, or ask for permission to mention their turn your information interview into a job interview.
name when you contact the people they refer you If they don’t have any openings and you make a
to. Strangers will probably be more helpful if you favourable impression, they may tell you about
start out by saying that someone you both know suitable opportunities with other employers and/or
suggested you call. keep you in mind for future job openings.

14 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Look your best whenever you go out.
Be polite and treat everyone you meet
with respect.
What should you ask when
you meet with people?
Before you meet with anyone, do some library or
Internet research. Then you will be better prepared Take notes. When you have conducted a number
to get the most out of your information interviews. of information interviews, it is hard to remember
specifics like names and telephone numbers. During
Prepare for each interview by listing the questions you or immediately after each interview, write down the
want to ask. The more you learn about work in your following information:
fields of interest, the more specific your questions will
• name of the person you talked to
become.
• date
Most people will have a limited amount of time to talk
• what you learned from the person
with you. Plan to ask your most important questions
first, and make your questions as brief as possible. Be • the names and telephone numbers of any referrals.
businesslike and don’t take more than 15 to 20 minutes Within a day or two, write a brief note thanking the
of a stranger’s time. person for his or her time and help.
In general, ask: Follow up each information interview by phoning two
• How people found work in their employment field. to three weeks later. A contact may have heard about
People love to talk about themselves, so this is work opportunities in the meantime, or thought of
usually a good conversation opener. However, don’t something else that might help you.
spend too much time on this or you won’t have
time to ask other questions.
Contacting
• How people are usually recruited and the work search
methods that work best. For example, should you Employers Directly
contact employers directly by dropping in, phoning, There are five basic steps involved in contacting
sending an email message, or writing a letter? employers directly:
• About key issues and challenges. What is most 1. Identify potential employers.
rewarding/challenging about their employment
field? What are the current hot topics in their field? 2. Choose appropriate ways to contact them.

• Where a person with your background and skills 3. Identify the specific person you should contact.
might fit in. When appropriate, ask for details 4. Make contact.
about the types of work mentioned.
5. Follow up.
• If there is someone else the person would
recommend you talk to.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 15

 Contacting employers to get a job interview
is not the same thing as information interviewing.
This time, your objective is to convince employers
that they should hire you.

1. Identify potential employers methods that will work best for

you. For example, if you usually
The yellow pages list local employers, but there are other make a good first impression
resources that may contain more information about them. when you meet people, contact
For example, most medium-size and large employers have employers in person. If you
websites that describe their products and services. These sound pleasant and confident
websites may also include information about company on the telephone (or could
structure and hiring practices. with practice), phone
Business directories provide overviews of company employers. If you can
activities as well as addresses and phone numbers. write a dynamite
Regional and national directories may be available in the business letter or email
reference section of your local library, Labour Market message, contact
Information Centre (located in Alberta Employment employers in writing.
and Immigration service centres), or provincial
economic development office. YOUR WORK HISTORY
If you are interested in working in the public sector, If your work history has
detailed directories may be available for different levels gaps in it that are difficult to
of government in your area. explain briefly or in a positive
way, contacting employers in
2. Choose appropriate person or by phone is probably a better approach
ways to contact employers than sending letters or emails. On the other
hand, if your qualifications look really good on
You can contact employers in person, over the phone, paper, a well-
by mail or email. There are several factors to consider written cover
when you are deciding which method(s) to use: letter and
Tailor your work search plan to fit resumé (or
THE TYPE OF WORK YOU WANT your particular circumstances. The email) may get
Employers use different hiring practices for different better the fit, the more likely you are
better results.
types of work. For example, they may use employment to find suitable employment.
or placement agencies or campus placement offices to
fill some positions, but not others.
To find work as quickly as possible, you need to know
how most employers hire people for the type of work you
YOUR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES
want. You can find out by reading about the occupation
and industry, and by information interviewing. If you are applying for work in a community some
distance away from where you live, you may not be able
YOUR PERSONALITY AND SKILLS to drop in on employers or make lots of telephone calls.
You may have to rely primarily on a letter campaign
If any method of contacting employers is generally
or email.
acceptable for the type of work you want, choose the

16 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Method of Contacting Employers — Advantages and Disadvantages

Method Advantages Disadvantages

in person • most effective for unskilled, some • requires self-confidence
semi-skilled and some sales-related work • time-consuming
• impresses employers who are looking for • may require spending money on
outgoing people transportation
• favourable first impressions can be created • some employers might resent people
by your appearance and manner, regardless walking in and taking up their time
of your qualifications

by phone • can contact many employers in a short time • requires good telephone skills
• harder to ignore than a letter • you have less than a minute to
• can be effective for most types of work convince an employer to talk to you

by mail • emphasizes good qualifications • not many employers will respond

• may be the most practical method if you (five to 10 per cent)
are currently employed • not as effective in competitive fields
• time-consuming
• waste of time if not well written
• cost of supplies and postage

by email • demonstrates your computer skills • requires a personal email address

• faster and doesn’t cost as much as mail or • waste of time if not well written
long distance calls • requires reformatting your resumé

3. Identify • If you are contacting employers in person, call ahead

the person to contact of your visit and ask who has hiring authority for
the type of work you want. Find out when this
“Dear Sir/Madam” and “To whom it may concern” types person may be available to speak to applicants.
of approaches are not very effective. No matter what When you walk in, ask for the person by name.
method of contact you use, address a specific person.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 17

 • If you are contacting employers Your request for a job
by phone, ask the person who If the thought of contacting employers interview will be turned
answers the phone for the name down many times. But, if
directly scares you, ask yourself, “What
of the person who has hiring you persist, you will get a
authority. Then, if that person is is the worst/best that could happen?” number of interviews this
reluctant to put your call through If an employer does not have a current way. Don’t give up! Keep
to the appropriate person, call refining your script, and
opening, you are no worse off than you
back another day and ask for the contacting more
hiring authority by name. would be if you had not asked. If the employers.
• If you are contacting employers employer does have a job opening, you Don’t overlook
by letter or email, it is absolutely have a lead you might not have found organizations with fewer
essential to address your messages than 20 employees. Small
to specific people. You may be any other way. businesses create more new
able to find the names and jobs than large businesses.
addresses of company executives Another advantage in
by checking company websites or local business contacting small businesses is that it may be easier to
directories, or by networking (if calling the get through to the person who has hiring authority.
organization is not practical). In fact, it may be the boss who answers the phone.
Record names and contact information in an
organized way that gives you room for notes about 5. Follow up
when you contacted people and how they responded. Follow up your contact with an employer after a
You will need this information to follow up later. reasonable length of time (about two weeks).
Be gently persistent.
4. Make contact If you meet employers in person and they have no
Visit, phone, send letters and emails. The more openings, leave a resumé or your business card
experienced you become at contacting employers, anyway. Ask if and when it would be appropriate to
the easier it gets. (Yes, really!) check in with them again.
If you are not comfortable meeting employers or On the phone, your objective is to get a job interview.
talking to them on the phone, practice ahead of time. After a meeting, leave a resumé (if appropriate) and
Write a short script that takes less than one minute to ask if it would be acceptable to call back in a couple
say and sounds upbeat. State your name, describe your of weeks.
background and the type of position you are looking
When you contact employers by mail or email, ask for
for, and ask for a job interview.
an interview in your closing paragraph. If possible,
If you still feel uncomfortable, try role-playing your give a date and time when you will phone to arrange
script with a friend. Then contact the employers that a convenient time. Then be sure to call when you said
interest you the least. That way, you’ll be more you would!
experienced and confident by the time you get to
more interesting employers.

18 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Your Personal Other method(s) listed below.
____________________________________________
Work Search Plan
____________________________________________
Most work opportunities are not advertised, so your
job search plan should include networking and some ____________________________________________
type of direct contact with employers. Your choice of
____________________________________________
other work search methods should be based on your
knowledge of how most employers hire people for the ____________________________________________
type of work you want. Which work search method will you spend most time
on? Put a #1 beside that method.
Which work search
Which one is next important? Put a #2 next to it.
methods will you use?
Assign a priority to each of the methods you
Check off the methods that will be the most effective
have chosen.
for you.
❏ Networking and information interviewing. The amount of time you spend on work search
activities should reflect your priorities. For example,
❏ Contacting employers in person.
if networking is your number one method, then most
❏ Contacting employers by telephone. of your job search day should be spent networking.
❏ Contacting employers by mail.
❏ Contacting employers by email.
❏ Answering job ads in the newspaper and/or
on the Internet.
❏ Using the services of the placement office at a
post-secondary institution you have attended.
❏ Joining a “job club” or some other support network
for job seekers.
❏ Registering with employment/placement agencies.
❏ Frequently checking job postings on
Canada-Alberta JOBS kiosks or on the Internet
(www.jobbank.gc.ca).
❏ Using creative methods of attracting attention such
as designing your resumé to look like a brochure.
❏ Attending career and job fairs.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 19

 MARKETING YOUR SKILLS
Marketing your skills is much the same Portfolios
as marketing any other type of product.
You have to: For years, people in creative
A skill is a learned ability occupations have used portfolios
• be familiar with your product
(your skills – see Chapter 1) to do something well. to show the quality of their work.
Employers have come to expect
• identify potential buyers Communicating effectively is
photographers, graphic artists,
(employers – see Chapter 2) a skill, just as operating a writers, crafters, broadcasters and
• present your skills in a way that piece of equipment is a skill. others in creative fields to submit
will attract attention and make copies of their best work when
a good impression. they apply for work.
Portfolios, resumés, cover letters, email People in other types of
messages, application forms and interviews occupations are
are marketing tools. They should A portfolio is a collection beginning to discover
present the benefits that hiring you of items that shows what the advantages of
would bring to an employer. having a portfolio too.
you have done.
Both content and “packaging” are important. If your For example, teachers
resumé, cover letter and email look well-organized and might show prospective
interesting, employers will probably start to read them. employers copies of
Quality content is required to keep their attention. items that illustrate
their teaching style, philosophy and ability (e.g.
Your marketing tools should reflect both the type photographs of creative classroom displays or students
of work you are applying for and your personality. working on an innovative project, sample lesson plans,
If you are applying for work in a conservative industry practicum evaluations or letters from supervising
like banking, your application should follow all the teachers, students and parents). Applicants who bring
standard guidelines for application forms, cover letters portfolios of such items to interviews are often much
and resumés. However, if you are applying for work in more impressive than applicants who do not.
a creative industry like advertising, your marketing
tools will be more effective if their formats demonstrate Creating a portfolio will help you market your skills by:
your creative abilities. • reminding you of things you have done well
A resumé you write yourself is bound to reflect your • providing evidence of your skills
personality better than a resumé written for you by a • helping you write a much more effective resumé
friend or resumé service. Most employers see a lot of • helping you prepare for job interviews.
standard-looking resumés. If you can create a unique
style that is informative, interesting and draws You can also use your portfolio for:
attention to your strongest skills, your resumé will
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL
certainly stand out.
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
As your work search progresses, keep improving
your tools. Take note of what seems to impress If your portfolio does not include evidence that you
employers and what does not, and use this knowledge have all of the skills employers in your field are looking
to refine your marketing strategies. for (e.g. communication skills, computer skills,

20 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 No matter what type of work you are looking
for, creating a portfolio can give you a
competitive edge.

teamwork skills), look for ways to develop or • items that show the results you have achieved or the
demonstrate the skills that are missing. quality of your work (e.g. certificates, awards, award
nomination papers, safety records, sales figures,
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENTS marketing plans, technical drawings)
Post-secondary institutions sometimes admit • copies of computer documents or programs
applicants who do not meet standard admission you have developed
requirements (e.g. the applicant does not have a • posters or brochures about events you have
required credential). When appropriate, institutions worked on
conduct prior learning assessments to evaluate • newspaper or magazine articles about you or
applicants’ abilities to succeed in a program. If your quoting you, or about projects you have been
portfolio includes evidence that you have succeeded in involved with.
similar learning situations, it can be a great asset.
The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to
SCHOLARSHIP, AWARD AND start collecting, keep these items together, and add to
your collection as you acquire more experience. Over
CERTIFICATION/LICENSING APPLICATIONS
time, it is easy to forget some of the things you have
When you are applying for certification, licensing, done, especially if you work many temporary
scholarships or other awards, use your portfolio in assignments or on contract.
much the same you would when applying for work.
You probably already have the beginnings of a Organize your collection
portfolio in a folder or shoebox somewhere. If you Organizing your collection makes selecting appropriate
don’t, it is never too late to start. Here’s how. items much easier when you are contacting employers
in person and getting ready for job interviews.
Go through your papers, The best way to organize your collection depends on
photographs, closets, etc. your skills and the types of items you have gathered. Use
Gather together evidence of everything you have done whatever methods and categories make sense to you.
on the job, at school and during your leisure time that • If most of your items are paper-based (e.g. letters,
required work-related skills (see Chapter 1). Your photographs), you can organize them in a three-
collection might include: ring binder with dividers to separate evidence of
• projects you completed on your own or with others different types of skills or work. Or, you can copy,
(e.g. school assignments, work reports, volunteer enlarge, shrink and laminate documents and
activities) photographs, and put them in a scrapbook.
• photographs or models of project activities • If you are looking for computer-related work, scan
• documents from previous jobs (e.g. records of documents and create an electronic portfolio.
employment, job performance evaluations, letters Be creative in the way you display, organize and store
of recommendation, letters of reference) your collection. But make sure you can easily take
• thank-you cards from people who appreciated your portfolio apart to add new items or take things
something you did out to show employers.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 21

 Employers want to know if you are honest,
positive, responsible, adaptable, willing to learn,
safety-conscious, and can work productively
in a team environment.

Decide what to show of the samples you select and the time, energy
and skill that went into creating your portfolio.
to which employers
Here are some tips about using your portfolio in
When you are getting ready to approach an employer
an interview.
in person or go to a scheduled interview, try to figure
out which skills will interest the employer most. Then • Present only samples that are relevant to the
select items from your portfolio that show you have questions employers ask.
those skills. If you have any education documents
• Don’t just read the material. Talk about what you did.
(certificates, diplomas, degrees) that relate to job
requirements, put them at the front. • Practice your stories before
you go. Friends and relatives
For example, if you know the work you are
can provide useful feedback.
applying for involves creating professional-
looking documents, take along a copy of a People are more likely to • Never complain about
report you produced by inserting graphics remember what they have problems you had with a
or charts in a word-processed document. project. Talk about how you
It doesn’t matter if you created the report seen and heard, than what solved problems and worked
at work, for a school they have only heard. with others.
assignment or as a • Take copies of items to
volunteer activity – it interviews, not originals. If
is concrete evidence employers don’t have time to
of your ability to use look through your portfolio while you are
a word processing there, offer to leave it for them to look at later.
Effective resumés take time to
program effectively.
develop … but get results.
Quality is important!
The whole point is to Resumés
impress employers Most employers will expect you to have a
with the quality of resumé (a one-page or two-page summary of
your work, your your qualifications). Some employers may ask
organizational skills and your presentation. If you you to fill out an application form as well. When that
don’t have time to do a good job, leave your portfolio happens, all you have to do is copy information from
at home. Even when you are sure you have done a your resumé on to the form.
good job, ask someone else to review it and proofread
documents for mistakes. The purpose of a resumé is to quickly draw an
employer’s attention to your most relevant skills and
How to use your portfolio accomplishments. It is a marketing tool designed to
get you invited for an interview. It should be short,
Review your portfolio before meeting with an interesting to look at and easy to read.
employer. It will remind you of stories you can tell
that illustrate your skills. Many books have been written about how to write an
effective resumé. Unfortunately, they don’t always agree.
Employers may not want to look through your whole
portfolio, but they will be impressed with the quality

22 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 References
Most employers check references, so make sure
your references are able to speak clearly and
enthusiastically about you.
Always ask your references for permission to use
their names and ask if they feel comfortable about
• Some authors emphasize the need for a “job recommending your work. If they don’t, they
objective” statement near the beginning of a won’t give you a strong recommendation.
resumé. A job objective statement very briefly states Give your references a copy of your resumé and
the type of work you want and your strongest point out how your qualifications relate to your
qualification(s) for that type of work. Other work search targets. Tell them about the type of
authors argue that you don’t need to include a job work you will be applying for and the skills you
objective statement, especially if your goal is want to emphasize. The better informed your
obvious or can be stated in a cover letter. references are, the better prepared they will be
when employers call them.
• Some authors recommend listing your references
If you decide not to list your references on your
and their contact information at the end of your
resumé, list them on a separate sheet of paper
resumé. Others suggest ending your resumé with a and take it with you when you meet employers.
statement such as “References available upon Remember to put your own name somewhere on
request” or “References available from supervisors your list of references, in case it gets separated
listed above.” Still others suggest not mentioning from your resumé.
references at all because employers generally
assume that you will bring a list of references with
you to an interview.
You have to decide what will market your skills most 1. Gather information
effectively for the type of work you want. If you are not together
sure, write a draft resumé. Then show it to people who The first step is to gather facts about your employment
work in your target industry, and an employment and education history, and do some work on identifying
counsellor or two. Ask them to suggest improvements your skills and accomplishments. If you have already
and accept their comments without argument. Chances completed the exercises in Chapter 1, or collected items
are, you will get a variety of opinions. Do what you together for a portfolio, you are well on your way.
think will work best.
Create a “fact sheet” by listing the following
Despite varied opinions about some aspects of resumé information:
writing, most experts agree on the following steps:
• work history including dates of employment, job
1. Gather together information about your skills, work titles and descriptions, names, addresses and
history, education and training. telephone numbers of former employers, names of
2. Decide what information to include in your resumé. supervisors, your skills and situations in which you
3. Choose a format or combination of formats. have demonstrated those skills
4. Write a draft. • education/training history including names and
5. Get feedback on your draft and keep editing it until addresses of education/training institutions,
it is as impressive as you can make it. programs completed, dates, major areas of study
or training, and any awards or recognitions you
6. Tailor your resumé to fit the needs of specific work
received
opportunities.
• volunteer experience, hobbies, other activities and
7. Choose the most effective method(s) of delivering
memberships that show you have knowledge or
your resumé.
experience related to the type of work you want, or

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 23

 show you have positive characteristics (e.g. you are 3. Choose a format or
honest, positive, responsible, adaptable, willing to combination of formats
learn, safety-conscious)
• the names, addresses and telephone numbers of The third step is to decide how to organize and
your references, preferably people who have present your information. Different resumé formats
supervised your activities in the past, whether on are appropriate in different circumstances.
the job, at school or for volunteer activities. Make
sure their contact information is up to date! CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉS
If you have had a series of work assignments with
2. Decide what to include increasing levels of responsibility and your experience
The second step is to sort through the facts you have is directly related to your work search target, use a
gathered and compare your qualifications to the chronological format. In other words, list your work
requirements of the work you want. Decide which are and education/training history in chronological order
your strongest qualifications and list them near the from most recent to least recent.
beginning of your resumé, so employers see them first. Chronological resumés highlight a steady employment
• If you have lots of work experience that is related to record and emphasize career growth and development.
the type of work you are applying for, information Employers are most familiar with this format, and a
about your work history should appear before your chronological resumé is easier to write than other types
education/training history. of resumés.
• If you have more related education than work
experience, information about your FUNCTIONAL RESUMÉS
education/training should be near the beginning. If you don’t have directly related work experience, or
• If you have strong qualifications in several have changed jobs frequently or been unemployed for
categories, briefly list them in a “Qualifications long periods of time, you can use a functional resumé
Summary” section at the beginning and provide format to minimize these drawbacks. Organize
more information later in your resumé. information about things you have done (on the job, at
school, as a volunteer) in skill categories that are directly
The first thing employers want to know is whether or related to the requirements of the work you want.
not you have the required qualifications. If you do, the
next thing they want to know is how well you would Functional resumés highlight skills, not work history,
“fit” in their work environment. You never know what but generally are not recommended. Many employers
clues will indicate to a particular employer that you view functional resumés with suspicion because they
would fit in. So, if you have room (your resumé do not include specific “where and when” information.
should be one page if you don’t have much education For more information on functional resumés, see the
or experience; two, at most, if you do), include some tip sheet The Functional Resumé–Focus on What You
information about your interests and leisure activities. Can Do, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.

COMBINATION RESUMÉS
If you want to highlight your skills but do not want to
take the risk of making employers suspicious,
use a combination resumé. Organize information about
things you have done in skill categories and briefly
outline your work history near the end of your resumé.

24 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Tracey Kozuchowski
Box 359
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
T9A 2G6
[email protected]
780-555-4266

EDUCATION
2007 – 2009 Police and Security Diploma
Community College, Edmonton
• courses included Securing a Crime Scene, Traffic Enforcement, Forensic Science,
wski Enforcement Techniques, and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law.
Kozucho
Tracey
• refined my observation, communication, enforcement and report writing skills
Box 359 in, Alberta
during six months (16 hours/week) of field placement experience with the City of
Wetaskiw
A 2G 6 ail.ca Edmonton Police Service.
T9
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tkozucho 2004 – 2007 High School Diploma
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Plain text resumés are
SCANNABLE RESUMÉS chronological, functional
If you will be applying for work in organizations that or combination resumés
probably receive hundreds of resumés each year, use a that have little or no
scannable resumé format. More and more organizations formatting. They are not as
are using electronic resumé tracking systems to select interesting to look at, but can be sent to employers
resumés for consideration. Managers list keywords very quickly and inexpensively.
related to the skills and knowledge required for the
position, and a computer selects resumés that contain ILLUSTRATIONS OF RESUMÉ FORMATS
those keywords. In the following illustrations, some items are optional.
Scannable resumés are chronological, functional or You can choose to include them or not, depending on
combination resumés that increase the chances of your your particular circumstances. For example, list job titles
resumé being electronically selected. They may or may if they tell readers that your experience is directly related
not include a keyword list near the beginning or end of to your work search targets. If they don’t highlight the
the resumé. Keywords are nouns that are not the same, skills you want to emphasize, leave them out.
but mean the same thing, as words used in other parts Likewise, if employers may not be familiar with the
of the resumé. For example, if you want to become location of your previous employers, include the name
a salesperson, your keyword list should include of the community and province. If they are probably
“salesperson” (if that word is not already used in a job familiar with the employers on your list, you can leave
objective statement or former job title) as well as addresses out.
synonyms such as “sales associate”, “sales representative”
and “marketer”. Then, your resumé will pop up
whenever employers search for resumés containing any
of those words.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 25

 ILLUSTRATION OF SCANNABLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ

Your Full Name

Your Street Address or Box Number
Community, Province
Postal Code
Email address
(Area code) Telephone number

Objective: Describe the type of work you are seeking and your most relevant qualifications
(optional section).

Experience:
20XX – 20XX Position Title (optional)
Company Name of Your Most Recent Employer
Name of Community, Province (optional)
• what you did in this job that required skills similar to those needed for the type
of work you are applying for.
• your accomplishments (e.g. consistently met or exceeded sales targets or
service standards; received good feedback from clients or customers).
• start each item with active words. For example, “participated in establishing...”
instead of “responsible for helping to set up...”
20XX – 20XX Position Title (optional)
Company Name of Your Second-Last Employer
Name of Community, Province (optional)
• use expressive nouns to describe responsibilities, duties and accomplishments
that are relevant to your objective.
• list other duties and responsibilities very briefly.
20XX- 20XX Position Title (optional)
Company Name of Your Third-Last Employer
Name of community, Province (optional)
• skills, duties, responsibilities and accomplishments.
• shorter descriptions of experience that is less relevant to your objective.

26 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Education:
19XX- 20XX Name of Educational Institution
Community, Province (optional)
Diploma, certificate or degree earned; major and minor fields of study or training.
Summer 19XX Also list short education, training and professional development courses that
relate to the type of work you are applying for.

Activities Choose a title for this section that reflects the additional information you want to
include. This section could include:
Skills • volunteer experience and hobbies, particularly those that relate to the type of
work you are applying for.
Interests • recognitions or awards you have received that provide evidence of strong
personal skills and/or good citizenship.
Community Involvement • interests you have in common with many people in the type of work you are
applying for.
• skills not already mentioned that relate to the job (for example, your ability to
communicate in a second language).
• memberships in professional organizations.
If this information includes some of your strongest qualifications for the position,
call this section “Skills” or “Highlights of Qualifications” or something else
appropriate and put it at the beginning of your resumé.

Keywords List List alternate names and abbreviations for position titles, education programs,
tools, skills and other key information that employers might scan for and you have
not used elsewhere in your resumé. Use commas or periods to separate words
and phrases.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 27

 ILLUSTRATION OF A SCANNABLE COMBINATION RESUMÉ

YOUR NAME
Street Address or Box Number
Community, Province, Postal Code
Email Address
(Area Code) Telephone Number(s)

OBJECTIVE Describe the type of work you are seeking and your most relevant qualification
(optional section).

EXPERIENCE
Skill Title Group your skills under two or three (no more than five) skill titles (e.g. Customer Service,
Community Relations, Project Management).
The skill titles you use should reflect the types of skills required for your objective.
Skill Title Concisely describe how you have demonstrated each type of skill and where.
Under Organizational Skills, for example, say what you have organized and how,
and the results you have achieved.
Use expressive words and nouns that employers will probably use to scan and select
appropriate resumés.
Skill Title Avoid self-evaluations. For example, under “Customer Service Skills” replace “provided
excellent service” with “improved customer satisfaction ratings.” Even better, state how
much customer satisfaction ratings improved, or any recognitions you received
(e.g. employee of the week).

WORK HISTORY Position title (or a phrase describing the type of work you did), name of employer, address
(optional), and dates of employment.
List the name of your employer first if it is more impressive than your position title.
Or, put the dates of employment in the left margin as you would in a chronological resumé.

EDUCATION List your high school or post-secondary education, the names and locations of the
institutions you attended, and the dates you attended.
Highlight diplomas, licenses, etc. and any awards or recognitions.
Include other relevant training (e.g. seminars, short courses, training for volunteer work).

INTERESTS/ACTIVITIES/MEMBERSHIPS
The title of this section should fit your circumstances. Include information that gives the
reader an idea of your personal strengths and involvements.
If you are applying for work that has physical requirements, include information such as
“excellent health” under the title “Personal” or “Personal Data.”
Or, you can leave this section out altogether.

KEYWORDS List alternate names and abbreviations for position titles, education programs, tools, skills
and other key information that employers might scan for and you have not used
elsewhere in your resumé. Use punctuation to separate words and phrases.

28 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

ILLUSTRATION OF A PLAIN TEXT RESUMÉ

YOUR NAME
Street Address or Box Number
Community, Province, Postal Code
(Area Code) Telephone Number(s)
Email Address
OBJECTIVE:
Create a plain text resumé by saving a copy of your chronological or
combination resumé as a text (.txt) file. This will remove any formatting
(e.g. bold, font sizes, bullets, indenting) you have used to make your resumé
look professional.
EDUCATION:
* Highlight and separate titles and subtitles by using the Enter key and
Space Bar to create white space. Do not use the Tab key.
* Start each new item in a list with an asterisk (*),hyphen (-) or plus sign
(+).
* If you have a choice of fonts, choose a fixed-width font such as this one
(Courier) so your resumé will scan better.
EXPERIENCE:
* Make sure each line is less than 65 characters long and ends with a hard
return (use “Enter”).
* If you allow lines to wrap the way they do automatically in your email
program, employers’ systems will wrap them differently, often with
unattractive results.
* Check to see how your email will look on other systems by copying your
plain text resumé into the body of an email message, and sending it to
several friends. Ask your friends to send the message back to you so you
can see how their systems display it.
KEYWORDS:
Employers who ask applicants to apply by email may use electronic resumé tracking
systems, so make sure you include as many relevant keywords as you can.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 29

 4. Write a draft • Use a simple layout — no columns, lines (vertical
or horizontal), or graphic elements such as boxes
The fourth step is to write a draft (or two if you are or shading.
not sure which format will work better for you).
• Put only your name on the first line, and use a
• Keep it simple and clear — two pages at most. standard address format on the next line.
• List a telephone number where you can be reached • State your qualifications in as many different ways
during the day. Or, list two telephone numbers, one as you can.
where messages can be left during the day and an
evening number. • Use lots of descriptive nouns (name your field of
work, your strongest skills, the types of equipment
• Emphasize your accomplishments and and computer programs you know how to use). You
achievements. Wherever possible, describe how can use industry jargon and abbreviations if you are
your work helped employers solve problems and sure everyone reading your resumé will understand
achieve their goals. them (including Human Resources people who do
• Use active, expressive words to describe what you not have a technical background). If you use
have done. You can use a thesaurus to find abbreviations, write the words out at least once,
descriptive words, or check out books that have lots preferably near the beginning of your resumé.
of sample resumés at your local library or bookstore. • If you have not used all of the keywords and
Don’t use “I” and inexpressive words such as “I was abbreviations that might be used to describe your
responsible for...” or “My duties involved...” field and skills, list the ones you have not used in a
• Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent “Keyword Summary” section near the beginning or
yourself — most employers check. On the other end of your resumé.
hand, don’t sell yourself short by being humble.
Check out the resumés on the following pages to see
• Use good quality, white or off-white, 8 1/2" x 11" how Tracey, Brad and Ann have written their
paper and a laser printer that produces clean, clear scannable chronological and combination resumés.
copy. Add to the professional look of your resumé Then develop your own style and content — your
by using wide margins and using point form to resumé won’t attract much attention if it looks exactly
create lots of “white space” on the page. Use bold the same as a lot of other people’s resumés!
to highlight information.
• Make sure there are no errors in spelling, grammar 5. Keep rewriting your resumé
or typing. Check and double-check!
The fifth step is to get some feedback on your draft(s),
• Don’t sign or date your resumé, put the title
and edit until your skills are presented as concisely
“resumé” at the top, attach a photograph of
and impressively as possible. This is much easier if you
yourself, or include personal information such as
use a computer to create and edit your draft. Keep a
age, sex, height, weight or ethnic background.
copy on a disk so you can edit and revise your resumé
If your resumé should be scannable, follow these as necessary in the future.
guidelines as well.
Before you start sending your resumé to employers,
• Use a standard font type (letters should not touch ask as many people as possible to give you feedback
one another, so a fixed-width or sans serif font is on your most recent draft(s). You need to find out if
safest) and font size (anywhere from 11 point to 14 your resumé gives a clear and appealing picture of
point size). Don’t use italics or underline text. your best qualifications.

30 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 When you have found
Keep copies of your resumé work, continue to update
drafts for future reference.
your portfolio and resumé
regularly.

After you have started using your resumé, review it example, send a
from time to time. Keep refining it as your work clean paper copy
search progresses and you learn more about by regular mail if you have faxed or emailed your
employers’ needs and expectations. resumé unless the employer has indicated otherwise. It
doesn’t hurt for employers to see your resumé more than
After completing each draft, ask yourself (and others)
once, and a paper copy will make better photocopies for
the following questions:
a review panel.
• Is it attractive and easy to read?
• Do key points and headings stand out?
• Is it concise (no unnecessary words or sentences)?
Cover Letters
• Is all the information relevant and positive? A cover letter is a businesslike way to introduce your
resumé or application form. It creates an important
• Does every statement emphasize a skill or ability?
first impression of your qualifications. Some
• Are there any errors in spelling or grammar? employers automatically discard any applications they
Show employers your resumé only when you can receive that do not include a cover letter.
confidently answer “Yes” to all of these questions. To be most effective, your letter must:
• get the employer’s attention by appealing to the
6. Tailor your resumé employer’s interests and needs
If you are applying for different types of work, you • highlight your skills and accomplishments
will probably need more than one version of your
• provide information that is relevant to the
resumé. For example, for work requiring specific
particular job you are applying for
credentials, the “Education” section should be near the
beginning of your resumé. For other types of work, it • convince the employer to read your resumé or
may be to your advantage to highlight other application form.
qualifications by putting them first.
Every time you apply for work, analyse the job
Checklist for writing
requirements before you submit a resumé. If necessary, a cover letter
reorganize or rewrite your resumé in a way that clearly ❏ Make it brief and to the point. Your letter should
shows you can satisfy job requirements. be short, and typewritten on good quality paper —
a standard business-style letter. Use simple and
7. Deliver your resumé direct language.
The last step is to get your resumé and cover letter ❏ Link yourself to the employer by naming your referral
to employers. You have several options: if possible (for example, Joe Davis, your Manager of
Customer Service, suggested I write to you). If you are
• deliver your resumé in person responding to a newspaper advertisement, refer to the
• mail it ad. Show your awareness of the types of things the
• fax it company is doing and its objectives.
• email it. ❏ “Personalize” your letter. It should reflect your
personality. However, be careful to avoid appearing
However you choose to deliver your resumé, it is a good
pushy, overbearing or too familiar. This is a business
idea to follow up to make sure it has been received. For
letter so humour is generally out of place here.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 31

 ILLUSTRATION
OF A COVER LETTER

ddress
Return A Province
ity,
Commun
ode
❏ Tailor your letter to Postal C
the requirements of
Date
the job. It must show e
r’s Nam
how your skills relate to Employe
Title
this particular Position
y Name ber
employer’s needs. Compan s s o r Box Num
dd re
Photocopies and “form” Street A ince
o m m u n ity, Prov adam)
letters are not acceptable. C
C o d e e rs o n , not Sir/M e reader k
now
s tal ic p et th
❏ Stress how the employer P o spe c if hy. L to the
s .: (a ddress a th is jo b and w s , b u t g et right
rested in n
will benefit from hiring you, Dear M
r./M operatio nity.
th a t y o u are inte nization and its o rk opportu
and how you think you will re a d e r e o rg a ut th e w key
Tell the fa m il ia r with th yo u h e ard abo r k . P o int out any
benefit by becoming a part of ar e ow wo r the
that you o p r ia te , state h itio n o r type of u a lifi e s you fo
app r s q
the company. It is important
point. If r this po ce) that
to anticipate the reader’s a re ap plying fo
s c h o o l experien
why you nteer or on is
questions and provide answers. Explain n c lu d ing volu h o rt. é o r applicati
ce (i ph s s
that a re
su m ded.
Make it easy to see where you experien p y o u r paragra y. S ta te r m a tion, if nee
. Kee r fo
position ork histo itional in
would fit in.
e r im portant w r to p ro vide add l be chec
king
n y o th . O ffe o u w il
❏ Mention that you are available at ea formatio
n
er know
y
Describ
se d fo r more in te , le t the read
the employer’s convenience for enclo appropr
ia
an interview or to discuss n in te r view. If n t.
a
Request pointme
opportunities, and give a to s et up an ap
back
telephone number where you can
ly,
be reached during the day. Sincere
❏ Check the letter carefully for any me
Your Na
spelling, punctuation, grammar, or
Encl.
typing errors. Ask a friend to check
it too if you are not sure.
TRACEY
Examples: Tracey, Tracey is 20 years old, single and a recent graduate of a
two-year Police and Security program at a local college.
Brad and Ann She would like to become a police officer in the RCMP or
Tracey, Brad and Ann represent three job search in a municipal police department in Alberta. However,
situations. Tracey realizes that there are a limited number of places
to apply and that she may not get a job immediately.
• Tracey is a recent post-secondary graduate looking Therefore, she has decided to apply for “loss prevention”
for work in her field. (security) positions with major retailers as well.
• Brad is unemployed and looking for an To begin preparing resumés for her two job objectives,
apprenticeship position. Tracey analyzed the skills she has developed through
• Ann’s family circumstances have changed and she her training and previous work experience. Following
needs to earn more money than she has in the past. is a breakdown of the skills and knowledge Tracey had
to use in two of her past activities.

32 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Corporal in the Militia Police and Security Program
Activities Skills and Knowledge Activities Skills and Knowledge
Basic Training working as part of a team Subjects Covered securing a crime scene
tolerating discomfort in the Program gathering evidence
physically fit conducting security surveys
disciplined enforcing traffic laws
responsible dealing with young offenders
self-reliant dealing with the mentally
Artillery Trades operating computerized equipment challenged
Training acting quickly and decisively federal and provincial statutes
handling weapons safely forensic science
administering first aid enforcement techniques
observing closely police administration
following procedures computers
calculating physical fitness
tolerating discomfort Field Placement observing enforcement and
working under pressure Experience court procedures and
accepting feedback and techniques
learning from mistakes establishing good working
demonstrating self-control relationships
using caution writing reports
being precise
taking risks
remaining alert
taking pride in performance
Leadership making decisions
Training directing/supervising
confronting (when appropriate)
organizing
explaining
teaching/training
speaking in public
confident

Tracey has decided to use a chronological resumé The sample cover letter is one she used when
when applying for police officer positions. She has not contacting an employer directly to find work
included a job objective statement in this resumé opportunities in the loss prevention field.
because her cover letter clearly states her objective.
Tracey chose to major in police work, not security, so
she will use a combination resumé to apply for loss
prevention positions. In this resumé, she includes a
job objective statement and highlights her security-
related experience.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 33

 TRACEY’S CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ

Tracey Kozuchowski
Box 359
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
T9A 2G6
[email protected]
780-555-4266

EDUCATION
2007 – 2009 Police and Security Diploma
Community College, Edmonton
• courses included Securing a Crime Scene, Traffic Enforcement, Forensic Science,
Enforcement Techniques, and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law.
• refined my observation, communication, enforcement and report writing skills
during six months (16 hours/week) of field placement experience with the City of
Edmonton Police Service.
2004 – 2007 High School Diploma
Alexander Composite High School, Wetaskiwin

WORK EXPERIENCE
2006 – 2009 Corporal, 15th Field Battery R.C.A., Edmonton
Summer and Part-time • completed basic training, artillery trades training, and junior leadership training
in the militia.
• demonstrated an ability to work with a variety of people at all levels, take charge when
required, handle weapons, and deal with emergencies.
• achieved rank of Corporal.
Summer 2005 Customer Service, Vivid Video Shop, Wetaskiwin
• monitored in-house goods and facilities security system.
• served customers with courtesy and respect, accepted payments and operated cash
register, stocked shelves, and took inventory.
2004 – 2005 Part-time Parking Attendant, Wetaskiwin General Hospital
• supervised hospital parking lot.
• enforced safety and hospital regulations, issued time cards and accepted customer
payments.
• reported incidents of theft, property damage and vehicle abandonment.

PERSONAL Excellent health, bondable, valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Captain of my high school basketball team.
Coach little league baseball.

REFERENCES Available upon request.

34 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

TRACEY’S COMBINATION RESUMÉ

Tracey Kozuchowski
Box 359
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
T9A 2G6
[email protected]
780-555-4266

OBJECTIVE A loss prevention position related to my training in security and safety/first aid.

EDUCATION
Police and Security Diploma
Community College, 2009 • Courses included Security Survey, Security Emergency Planning, Computers,
Young Persons in Conflict with the Law, and Securing Crime Scenes.
• Achieved an overall 3.1 grade point average (out of 4).
High School Diploma
Alexander Composite High School, Wetaskiwin, 2007

EXPERIENCE
Security • Enforced safety and hospital regulations with tact and courtesy while employed as a
parking lot attendant.
• Monitored in-house goods and facilities security system in a retail outlet.
• Learned self-defense and weapons handling techniques while in the militia.
• Observed law enforcement and courtroom activities of Edmonton police officers
during six-month field placement (16 hours/week).
Safety and First Aid • Followed safety procedures and administered first aid as required in the militia.
• Instructed artillerymen in weapons handling and safety procedures.
• Hold a valid Standard First Aid Certificate.
Working With People • Commended by employer for serving customers well and maintaining productive
work relationships while employed in a video store.
• Worked co-operatively with a variety of people, dealt with mock emergency
situations, and assumed a leadership role as required while in the militia.
• Captain of my high school basketball team and coach for community league baseball.
Report Writing • Used word processing software to write reports both in the militia and during field
placement with the City of Edmonton Police Service.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 35

 Tracey Kozuchowski 780-555-4266 Page 2 of 2

WORK HISTORY
Corporal, 15th Field Battery R.C.A., Edmonton, summer/part-time from 2006 to 2009
Customer Service, Vivid Video Shop, Wetaskiwin, summer 2005
Parking Attendant, Wetaskiwin General Hospital, summer 2004 and part-time 2004-2005

PERSONAL INFORMATION
• Excellent health
• Bondable
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Captain of my high school basketball team
• Coach little league baseball

REFERENCES
Bryan Lee, Instructor Sgt. Gordon Kimball
Police and Security Program 15th Field Battery R.C.A.
Community College Box 526
Edmonton, Alberta Edmonton, Alberta
T5P 2P7 T5K 5Z4
780-555-1234 780-555-1794

Ms. Mona Mottershead Mrs. E. Rudyk, Principal

Vivid Video Shop Alexander Composite High School
509 Main Street Wetaskiwin, Alberta
Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 7N3
T9A 5X2 780-555-5319
780-555-5283

36 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

TRACEY’S SCANNABLE CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ

Tracey Kozuchowski
Box 359
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
T9A 2G6
780-555-4266
[email protected]

EDUCATION
2007 – 2009 Police and Security Diploma
Community College, Edmonton
• courses included Securing a Crime Scene, Traffic Enforcement, Forensic Science,
Enforcement Techniques, and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law.
• refined my observation, communication, enforcement and report writing skills during six months
(16 hours per week) of field placement experience with the City of Edmonton Police Force.
• achieved an overall 3.1 grade point average (out of 4).
2004 – 2007 High School Diploma
Alexander Composite High School, Wetaskiwin

WORK EXPERIENCE
2006 – 2009
Summer and Part-time Corporal, 15th Field Battery R.C.A., Edmonton
• completed basic training, artillery trades training, and junior leadership training in the militia.
• demonstrated an ability to work with a variety of people at all levels, take charge when
required, handle weapons, and deal with emergencies.
• achieved rank of Corporal.
Summer 2005 Customer Service, Vivid Video Shop, Wetaskiwin
• monitored in-house goods and facilities security system.
• served customers with courtesy and respect, accepted payments and operated cash
register, stocked shelves, and took inventory.
2004 – 2005
Part-time Parking Attendant, Wetaskiwin General Hospital
• supervised hospital parking lot.
• enforced safety and hospital regulations, issued time cards and accepted customer payments.
• reported incidents of theft, property damage and vehicle abandonment.

PERSONAL Excellent health, bondable, valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
Captain of my high school basketball team.
Coach little league baseball.

KEYWORDS Law enforcement, electronic security systems, surveillance, retail, military, self-defense,
emergency procedures, crime prevention, conflict resolution, customer service, safety
procedures, firearms, weapon handling, marksman, instructor, clean abstract, own vehicle, First
Aid Certificate, leader, MS Word.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 37

 TRACEY’S COVER LETTER

Box 359
Wetaskiwin, Alberta
T9A 2G6

June 28, 2009

Mr. William Dickson, Supervisor
Loss Prevention
Big B Department Store
Red Deer, Alberta
T4N 3K2
Dear Mr. Dickson:
As a recent graduate of the Police and Security Diploma program at a community college in Edmonton, I was very
interested in reading a recent article about your firm in the Enforcement newsletter. Your approach to loss prevention
sounds both innovative and practical.
I am writing to ask for your advice and assistance in my search for a full-time position in the loss prevention field. If you are
aware of positions that are currently available or may become available in the near future, I would certainly appreciate
hearing about them. Central Alberta would be my preferred location, but I am willing to relocate anywhere in Alberta.
My training included an extensive field placement with the City of Edmonton Police Service. My work experience includes
two and half years in the militia where I learned to work effectively with a variety of people, to defend myself, and to deal
with emergency situations and administer first aid. I have enclosed my resumé to give you a more complete picture of my
background.
I will be in Red Deer in two weeks time and will call you then. Any information you can provide about current or future job
openings would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,

Tracey Kozuchowski
Encl.

38 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

BRAD • work well with others
Brad has had three • are productive with little supervision
unskilled and semi- • have the strength required to work all day with
skilled jobs since he heavy metal components
graduated from high • are willing to work outdoors on construction sites
school. He enjoyed or in oil fields.
working as a
Brad has all of these qualifications. His work
construction labourer
experience is not directly related to welding, so he
and has decided he
knows a chronological format probably won’t be the
wants to become a
best format for him. However, he has decided to start
welder. That means he
by organizing information about his work history in
needs to convince a
the form of a standard chronological resumé.
qualified employer to
hire and train him as an To develop a more impressive combination resumé,
apprentice. Brad asked himself the following questions:
Brad found a short description • Which of the required qualifications have
of what welders do and the I demonstrated in my previous jobs?
Alberta apprenticeship
• Where else have I demonstrated those qualities?
requirements on the Internet
(alis.alberta.ca/occinfo). • What other employability skills do I have that
He has also talked to some employers might be looking for? (See Chapter 1)
welders at work. From this Brad will be applying for work in companies
information, he has gathered of all sizes, so he chose to use a scannable
that employers are looking for combination format.
prospective apprentices who:
• are hard workers
• have a positive attitude
• are interested in welding and able to learn
• are safety-conscious
• have good eye-hand co-ordination and manual
dexterity
• have good vision
• are able to concentrate on detailed work
• are patient

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 39

 BRAD’S CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ

Bradley Roy
16532 – 101 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 4M7
780-555-8778

Objective: Apprentice welder position.

Experience:
2006 – 2009 Labourer
M & M Construction, Grande Prairie
• loaded, unloaded and moved construction materials, tools and equipment.
• shovelled and raked earth to excavate and backfill.
• shovelled cement and other materials into cement mixers, and mixed,
poured and spread concrete.
• assembled and dismantled scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and
barricades.
• demolished buildings, sorted and removed debris, cleaned and piled
salvaged materials.
Summer 2006 Landscaping Assistant
City Turf, Grande Prairie
• mowed, power-raked, edged and fertilized lawns.
• laid sod and planted trees.
• helped install brick patios, walkways, tree rings and fire pits.
2005 – 2006 Gas Station Attendant
Bonaventure Gas, Grande Prairie
• served customers and accepted payments.
• pumped gas, checked automotive fluids, checked tire pressure.
• filled propane vehicles and cylinders.
• closed store at end of shift.

Education:
2002 – 2005 Completed Grade 12 at Allendale High School

Activities/Interests:
• Hockey, baseball and skateboarding
• Making and flying model airplanes

40 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

BRAD’S SCANNABLE COMBINATION RESUMÉ

BRADLEY ROY
16532 – 101 Street
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T8V 4M7
780-555-8778

OBJECTIVE Apprentice welder position

SUMMARY Hard worker, fast learner, safety-conscious, strong and physically fit, good vision,
eye-hand co-ordination and manual dexterity, enjoy detailed work requiring patience,
enjoy working outdoors, require little supervision.

EXPERIENCE
Constructing • assembled and dismantled scaffolding, ramps, catwalks, shoring and barricades
working for M & M Construction for the past three years.
• helped build brick patios, walkways, tree rings and fire pits while employed by
City Turf.
• build and fly model airplanes, requiring attention to detail, precision, a steady
hand and good co-ordination.
Heavy Lifting • helped load, unload and move construction materials, tools and equipment; shovel
and rake earth to excavate and backfill; shovel cement and other materials into
cement mixers, and mix, pour and spread concrete; and demolish buildings, sort
and remove debris, clean and pile salvaged materials for M & M Construction.
• broke up existing walkways, laid sod and planted trees for City Turf.
Working with Others • have worked co-operatively and safely with journeymen and others on M & M
construction sites for the past three years.
• worked with a team of landscape workers for City Turf.
• play hockey and baseball in Grande Prairie men’s leagues.

WORK HISTORY Labourer, 2006 – 2009

M & M Construction, Grande Prairie
Landscaping Helper, Summer 2006
City Turf, Grande Prairie
Gas Station Attendant, 2005 – 2006
Bonaventure Gas, Grande Prairie

EDUCATION High School Diploma, 2005

Allendale High School, Grande Prairie
Construction Site Safety 2006
Standard First Aid 2008

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 41

 BRAD’S LETTER
TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER

16532 – 101 Street

Grande Prairie, Alberta
T5V 4M7

July 4, 2009

R.C. Jacobson
Construction Superintendent
Allied Construction
Box 2323
Grande Prairie, Alberta
T5V 4Z3

Dear Mr. Jacobson:

Are you looking for a responsible young person for a welder apprentice position? If so, I would like to be considered for the
position.
I have enjoyed working on a variety of construction sites over the past three years, and would like to begin working
towards journeyman certification. Welding particularly interests me because I enjoy building things to precise
specifications.
My resumé is enclosed. I will call you next week to find out when it would be convenient to meet and discuss my
qualifications.
Sincerely,

Bradley Roy

Encl.

42 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

ANN
After the birth of her first child, Ann took a part-time A friend who works at a local supermarket told her
job as a food and beverage server in a local diner. that the manager is looking for a full-time cashier to
It worked out well because she enjoyed serving work weekdays when most of the part-time personnel
customers, her husband could usually care for the are not available. Ann has begun preparing to apply by
baby while she worked evenings and weekends, and taking stock of her skills. She has listed her work-
she often earned a fair amount in tips. related experiences, both paid and unpaid, and
identified the skills she used and developed through
Just before her oldest started school, Ann’s husband
each experience. Following is a list of the skills she
got a new job and they moved from Calgary to
identified for two of her experiences.
Lethbridge. Ann applied for and got a part-time job at
a day care, so she could work during the day and be Ann knows from experience buying groceries that
near her younger children at the same time. cashiers in supermarkets must be able to serve the
public courteously and work efficiently at the same
Now, Ann’s children are all in school during the day
time. These are skills she has and therefore wants to
and she wants to earn more money. She knows that
highlight.
she enjoys serving people and is good at it.

Paid Employment as a Server Working as a Homemaker

Activities Skills and Knowledge Activities Skills and Knowledge
Greeting, assisting and responsible Setting up and keep records/calculate
being courteous to adaptable and flexible managing the estimate
customers work co-operatively with family budget plan
others investigate/research
show interest in customers budget
read body language well
Planning and plan
tactful
preparing meals follow procedures
Taking food orders attend to details improvise
memorize orders experiment
follow procedures adapt
Serving food and remember be efficient
beverages co-ordinate tasks Doing routine sort
attend to details cleaning and laundry organize
serve customers perform repetitive tasks
work well under pressure persistent
energetic/alert
Planning family negotiate
efficient
activities plan
Placing orders and work co-operatively organize
working with other organized
General home build/construct
employees
maintenance operate
Accepting payments follow procedures adjust
and making change calculate in my head fix/repair
accurate
Home decorating plan
demonstrate integrity
visualize/imagine
design/display

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 43

 ANN’S CHRONOLOGICAL RESUMÉ

Ann McKinney
1458 Taylor Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta
TIK 4X7
Telephone: 403-555-9393

OBJECTIVE Supermarket cashier position.

WORK EXPERIENCE
2006 – Present
Part-time Day Care Worker
Alicia’s Day Care, Lethbridge
• Greet children and parents as they arrive, supervise free play, serve lunch and
snacks, and clean up.
• Plan, organize and supervise games, crafts and other learning activities as part of
a team responsible for 40 children ages 2 to 4.
Part-time Food and Beverage Server
2001 – 2006 Good Fortune Cafe, Calgary
• Greeted customers and presented menus, helped customers select menu items,
and placed orders with the kitchen.
• Served food and beverages for up to 12 tables at a time.
• Prepared itemized bills and accepted payment.
1998 – 2001 Dietary Aide
General Hospital, Calgary
• Assembled patient food trays, delivered trays to wards, and operated dishwasher.
Summer Server
1997 B&G Fast Food, Calgary
• Entered customer food orders on computerized cash register, assembled food
orders, accepted payment and made change.

EDUCATION High school diploma

Coronation High School, Calgary, 1998
• Courses included English 33, Typing 20 and Business Procedures 10.

PERSONAL Excellent health, available to work flexible hours.

Active member of the Hillcrest Community League and the Southside Bowling Club.

44 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

ANN’S COMBINATION RESUMÉ

Ann McKinney
1458 Taylor Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 4X7
Phone: 403-555-9393

HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
• Five years of experience serving food and beverages in a busy restaurant.
Efficiently and courteously served up to 12 tables at a time.
• Six years of experience supervising children and responding to parental concerns
in a day care setting.
• Grade 12 education, including Typing 20 and Business Procedures 10.
• Volunteer experience tabulating monies at community bingos and operating
concession booths for various charitable organizations.

WORK HISTORY
Day Care Worker, • Greet children and parents as they arrive, supervise free play, serve lunch and
Alicia’s Day Care, Lethbridge snacks, and clean up.
2006 to the present, part-time • Plan, organize and supervise games, crafts and other learning activities as part
of a team responsible for 40 children ages 2 to 4.

Food and Beverage Server, • Greeted customers and presented menus, helped customers select menu items,
Good Fortune Cafe, Calgary and placed orders with the kitchen.
2001 – 2006, part-time • Served food and beverages.
• Prepared itemized bills and accepted payment.

Dietary Aid, • Assembled patient food trays, delivered trays to wards, and operated dishwasher.
General Hospital, Calgary
1998 – 2001

Server, • Entered customer food orders on computerized cash register, assembled food
B&G Fast Food, Calgary orders, accepted payment and made change.
Summer 1997

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 45

 ANN’S COVER LETTER

1458 Taylor Drive

Lethbridge, Alberta
TIK 4X7
May 13, 2009
Mr. Don Cameron, Manager
Riteway Foods
456 Main Street
Lethbridge, Alberta
TIK 7G4
Dear Mr. Cameron:
idered for a
that I contact you. I would like to be cons
Rita Stobbe, my neighbour, suggested
full-time cashier position.
santly and
server has taught me how to deal plea
My experience as a food and beverage pride in being able to
working under pressure. I take
efficiently with customers, even when . The enclosed
le cash with a high degree of accuracy
remember items and prices, and hand
and education.
resumé briefly describes my experience
.
ting, if I have not heard from you by then
I will call you on May 22 to arrange a mee
Sincerely,

Ann McKinney Ann chose to send her

Encl. combination resumé with this

letter because it highlights her
qualifications for this job better
than her chronological resumé.

46 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Fill out every application
form as carefully and
completely as you do the
first one.

Application Forms List your most recent employer first

and work back when you are
Some employers require applicants to
complete an application form instead completing the work experience
of submitting a resumé. They find it easier to compare section of the form. Include start and finish dates,
applicants’ qualifications if everyone has completed names of companies, job titles and duties, and the
the same form. positive contributions you made while you worked
for that employer.
Tips for Completing Write something positive such as “left to pursue
Application Forms other opportunities” in a “Reason For Leaving Past
Employment” section. If you say something negative
Take copies of your resumé and list of references with about a former employer or something like “personal
you when you are applying for work. When you have reasons,” recruiters may get the impression that you
to fill out an application form, you can copy names, have a poor attitude or are not reliable.
addresses, telephone numbers, and start/finish dates
instead of relying on your memory. In the education and training area of the form,
provide specific information such as dates you
Ask for two copies of the application form and, if attended, names of schools, certificates or diplomas
possible, take them home. Then you can take as much you earned. If you have taken training courses or have
time as you need to fill out the form neatly and earned special awards that relate to the work you are
correctly. Use the second copy if you need to redo the applying for, list them as well.
application to improve it.
Fill in the “Additional Comments” section if there is
Bring your own good quality pens in case you can’t one. It is the one place on the form where you can
take forms home. Using erasable pens makes expand on the unique combination of skills and
correcting errors much easier and neater. interests you would bring to the work environment.
Read the instructions on application forms carefully. Don’t put down an expected salary figure unless you
If a question does not apply to you put a dash in the are sure of the standard salary range for this type of
blank or write N/A for “not applicable.” Don’t use work. State that you are “open to negotiation.”
short cuts like “see resumé.”
Deliver a clean, crisp-looking form. Do not fold the
Be honest. It is almost impossible to repair the application form many times or let it get dog-eared.
damage if you are caught in a lie. If your response to a
question might be seen as a reason not to interview If you can show samples of your work, bring a
you, you can write, “will explain in the interview” or portfolio with you. However, don’t attach copies of
counterbalance the negative aspects of your answer your marks, performance appraisals or letters of
with more positive information. You can attach a sheet recommendation to your application form unless you
of paper if you need more room. are asked to do so. All of your important qualifications
should be outlined on the application form — don’t
Be specific about the type of job you are applying for. expect employers to read attachments to find them.
Ask the person who gives you the application form
about the correct position title for the type of work Make personal contact with the employer, if possible,
you want. when you deliver the application form. Be businesslike
and ready to answer any questions the employer
may have.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 47

 A TYPICAL APPLICATION FORM

Personal Data
Name (last) (first) (middle)
Phone No. Home Phone No. Message
Address (street)
(city) (province) (postal code)
Date Available
Position Applied For Salary Expectation
Are you legally entitled to work in Canada? Yes No
Would you be willing to work? Full Time Part Time Shifts Weekends On-Call
Are you willing to relocate? Yes No Are you bondable? Yes No
Work History
Present or Last Employer From To Salary
Address Telephone
Supervisor’s Name
Position Held Supervisor’s Title
Duties
Reason for Leaving
May we contact the employer? Yes No
Present or Last Employer From To Salary
Address Telephone
Supervisor’s Name
Position Held Supervisor’s Title
Duties
Reason for Leaving
May we contact the employer? Yes No
Present or Last Employer From To Salary
Address Telephone
Supervisor’s Name
Position Held Supervisor’s Title

48 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Duties
Reason for Leaving
May we contact the employer? Yes No
Education
Name and Location Course/Program Credits Diploma/Degree Dates
Elementary
Secondary
Vocational/Trade
College/University
Post Graduate/Other
Special Courses
Skill Profile
Typing wpm Data Entry Shorthand Speedwriting Other
Do you have a valid driver’s license? Yes No Class
Other Information

References
Give names of three persons not related to you.
Name Phone Number Occupation/Business Address

I hereby declare that the foregoing information is true and complete to my knowledge. I understand that a false statement may
disqualify me from employment, or cause dismissal.

Signature Date

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 49

 Your Rights employment or education to do reference checks.
In Alberta, the Human Rights, Citizenship When an application form has an inappropriate
and Multiculturalism Act makes it illegal question or an employer asks an inappropriate
for employers to ask you: question in an interview, you can respond in a
number of ways.
• for information specific to gender or marital
status (e.g. your plans for marriage or child care) • If you are willing to supply the information
and don’t mind working in an environment
• for your maiden name, “Christian” name
where this type of information is considered
or the origin of your name
important, answer the question. Once you
• for age or date of birth are hired and have established a good
working relationship with the employer,
• for place of birth, or racial origin
look for opportunities to talk to the employer
• for height or weight about Alberta’s Human Rights, Citizenship and
Multiculturalism Act.
• for a photograph (it would reveal race,
gender, etc.) • If you are willing to risk putting yourself out of
the running for the job, put a dash in the blank
• about memberships that would indicate race,
or write N/A (for “not applicable”). Or, tactfully
religious beliefs, ancestry or place of origin
let the employer know that the question is
• about present or previous health problems, inappropriate.
Workers’ Compensation claims, or any absence
• If you think the employer might simply be
due to stress or mental illness
unaware of the law and you really want the job
• about citizenship other than Canadian, or (but would be uncomfortable working in an
languages not required for the position environment where this type of information is
considered important), you may decide to
• about military service outside of Canada
answer the question but bring the issue up
• for previous addresses outside of Canada. when you are offered the position.
Employers are allowed to ask applicants about If you point out that a question is inappropriate
their ability to satisfy work-related requirements and are not satisfied with an employer’s response,
(e.g. ability to work shifts, travel or lift heavy you can make a complaint with the Alberta
items if the job requires it). Employers can also Human Rights and Citizenship Commission.
ask for the name used in previous

Treat each job interview

Interviews as an opportunity to learn
interviewer gets a clear
picture of how your skills fit
A job interview is a business meeting. Both something and improve your the requirements of the job.
parties want to make a deal: you have skills and
the employer has work. Your first task is to interview skills.
Before
show you have the skills the employer needs to
get the job done. Your second task is to find out
interviews
if you are interested in the work. In other words, you When an employer or a receptionist calls to set up an
should be prepared to ask questions as well as answer interview, politely find out as much as you can.
questions. • Ask for the names and position titles of the people
Some employers are better at interviewing than others. who will be conducting the interview.
Skilled interviewers are good at putting you at ease, and • Try to find out what you should expect. For
getting down to the business of discovering what you example, will the interview be an initial screening
have to offer each other. Not-so-skilled interviewers may interview (to determine whether you will be
ramble or bluster. If that happens, you may have to interviewed more seriously later) or a selection
guide the conversation yourself to ensure that the interview (to make a hiring decision)? Will there be

50 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 Realistic expectations and
thorough preparation are the keys
to reducing anxiety and doing
well in a job interview.
iew
Rev te
1. pa
tici
An
2. re
one interviewer or re
pa Interviewers may be reluctant to ask
P
several? 3. e about sensitive areas. Mention them
ur
Ens yourself if you think the employer
• The caller will tell you 4.
low may see something as a potential
where and when the Al
5.
interview will be held. If problem (e.g. a disability,
you are not familiar with the qualifications, gaps in your work
interview location, it might be history, appearance, etc.). Explain why it
a good idea to ask about nearby would not be a problem, so the employer is
bus stops or parking areas. not left in doubt.
• Ask if the caller would be willing to fax Review the sample interview questions in the
or email a job description to you so you following section. Prepare answers that respond to
can prepare for the interview. the underlying question as well as the stated question.
Practice your answers in front of a mirror or record
If you are applying for a job in another community, an
yourself and play it back, or get a friend to role-play
employer may want to interview you by telephone.
an interview situation with you. Then you can
Arrange to receive the call where you can speak
improve both your verbal and nonverbal
comfortably. Then have your resumé and portfolio (if
communication skills. Your posture, facial
you have one), a pen and some paper, and your list of
expressions and gestures should communicate a
questions with you when you answer the phone.
positive attitude, not fear or frustration.
Job interview If you don’t know the typical salary range for the
type of work you want, check out occupational
preparation checklist descriptions on the Internet such as the Occupational
❏ Review your resumé and the information you have Profiles on the Alberta Learning Information Service
gathered about the employer and the work. If you have website (alis.alberta.ca/occinfo).
not already researched the job and the employer, do ❏ Prepare your questions.
so! For help, see Chapter 2.
What do you want to know about the job and the
Put yourself in the employer’s shoes: what organization? You may want to ask questions about
qualifications would you be looking for? Look for the company’s goals and objectives, the working
clues in the wording of the work description or the conditions, the people you would be working with,
job advertisement. Then identify things you have or how much travel would be involved.
done that show you have those skills.
Be sure to word your questions tactfully, and leave
❏ Anticipate potential interview questions and questions about pay and benefits until after you
prepare answers. have been offered the job.
This is particularly important for questions you hope
the employer won’t ask! If negative things have
happened in your past, be ready to answer questions
about them in a positive way. For example, if you
made a mistake, briefly admit it and quickly move on
to explaining what you have learned from it.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 51

 The key to effectively
answering a question is
to understand the purpose
of the question.
❏ Ensure a good QUESTIONS ABOUT YOU AND YOUR SKILLS
first impression by
Purpose
deciding what you
will wear and Employers want to know what you can do for them,
planning ahead so what kind of person you are, and what makes you
you will get to the interview ten to fifteen minutes different from other applicants.
early. You must look neat, clean and well groomed.
Typical Questions
Dress the way you expect the interviewer to dress.
Tell me about yourself.
If you are not sure how long it will take to get from
your home to the interview location, make a test What is your greatest strength? your greatest
run. When you are there, take note of how the weakness?
people working there are dressed. What five words would you say describe you best?
❏ Allow plenty of time for the interview. For any What kind of working environment do you prefer?
number of reasons, the interview may take longer
than you expect it to. Don’t box yourself in by Do you like … ?
planning to meet someone in an hour or by paying Can you … ?
for limited parking time.
Why should we hire you?
Interview questions These questions are much easier to answer if you have
No matter how irrelevant or ridiculous an interview identified your skills (see Chapter 1) and learned as much
question may sound, it generally has a purpose. For as you can about the job/employer (see Chapter 2).
example, when interviewers ask questions like “If you Briefly describe your strongest qualifications. If you
could be any vegetable, which vegetable would you are asked to describe a personal weakness, choose one
choose to be?” they aren’t really interested in the that will not prevent you from doing a good job.
content of your answer. They want to see how you
Talk about your skills and characteristics, and where
handle the unexpected.
you have demonstrated them. For example, if you
Although no two interviewers will ask the exactly know the job requires patience (to deal with
same questions, most interview questions fall into one dissatisfied customers) or persistence (to solve
of four categories: problems), focus on situations in which you have
1. questions about you and your skills demonstrated those characteristics.

2. “what if ” and “what did you do when” questions Be tactful but honest. When interviewers ask about
your preferences or ability to cope with certain types of
3. questions about your interest in the situations, the job probably involves those situations.
job/organization Say you are willing to fulfill job requirements (e.g.
4. questions about your expectations and plans. work shifts, relocate, retrain) if that’s true. But if you
wouldn’t accept shift work, or would not be willing to
Each type of question has a different purpose. relocate or retrain, say so. There is no point in being
offered work you would not accept.

52 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Stay positive and upbeat. If there is something “What if ” questions are sometimes easier to answer
negative about your work history, acknowledge the than “what did you do when” questions, but they can
facts and briefly describe any circumstances that were both be challenging. Skilled interviewers won’t give
beyond your control. Then quickly move on to you any clues to let you know what they think your
something positive. For example, if you have been answer to a “what if ” should be. Be honest and briefly
fired, describe the positive things you learned from the describe what you think would be the best way to
experience. Avoid saying anything negative about handle the situation.
previous jobs (e.g. salary, working conditions,
Don’t blurt out the first answer that comes to mind.
supervisors, co-workers). If you must say something
Take a reasonable amount of time to think through
negative, back it up with facts that can be checked.
your answer. Interviewers will usually follow up
Otherwise, employers may see you as a potential
“describe a time when you had to deal with a problem”
troublemaker.
questions with more detailed questions about exactly
Avoid getting emotional. Take a deep breath to calm what you did and what happened as a result. So
yourself, if necessary (sometimes, interviewers say describe real situations that you dealt with effectively.
nasty things just to find out how you will handle the Don’t make up answers or try to gloss over having
situation, especially if the job involves dealing with handled a situation badly by describing how you would
difficult people). Smile and keep your head up, even handle a similar situation in the future. Interviewers
if you think the interview is not going well. who ask behaviour-based questions believe that how
you reacted in the past is the best predictor of how you
“WHAT IF” AND “WHAT DID YOU DO will react in the future. They may ignore “how I would
WHEN” QUESTIONS.
do it differently next time” types of answers.

Purpose QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR INTEREST IN

Employers want to know how you will handle THE JOB/ORGANIZATION
situations that may arise on the job.
Purpose
Typical Questions
Employers want to know if you are really interested in
What if a customer started yelling at you. What would the job and understand the goals and needs of the
you do? organization.
What would you do if you saw a co-worker doing Typical Questions
something unsafe?
What interests you about our services/products?
Tell me about a time when someone criticized you in
What is your understanding of the nature of the job
public. What did you do?
and the company?
Describe a time when a teacher or boss did something
What do you know about our company? our
you didn’t like.
products?
Think of a time when you had a problem working
Why do you want to work here?
with someone on a project. What did you do?
Why did you apply for this position?

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 53

 Body Language
Your mannerisms, gestures, body movements,
posture, tone of voice, and expressions
communicate just as much as your words do.
For example, the position of your body while
you are speaking and listening says a lot about
You will certainly stand out from other applicants if how interested you are. Slouching or being too
you can answer this type of question well! This is laid back destroys a positive image, so sit up
where it really pays off to have done some research straight or lean forward slightly.
before the interview.
Cultural background determines how body
Summarize what you know about the company and its language is interpreted.
goals, operations and products. Then ask any questions
Eye contact is a good example. In some cultures,
you may have about the organization’s goals and making eye contact is considered disrespectful.
challenges. Show interest in helping the organization However, most Canadian interviewers will think
overcome its challenges and achieve its goals. you are trying to hide something if you don’t
make eye contact in a job interview.
QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR PLANS Watch the interviewer’s body language for
AND EXPECTATIONS clues about how well you are doing.
Purpose If the interviewer appears confused, ask if he or
she would like you to explain something further.
Employers want to know if your expectations are
realistic, and you will stick around long enough to If the interviewer looks bored, change gears
make it worthwhile to train you. and show more energy, or take the hint that
the interview is near an end.
Sample Questions
What are your long range goals? Are you thinking of
Avoid discussing salary and benefits until after a job
going back to school or college?
offer has been made. Understandably, employers want
Why have you changed jobs so many times? Don’t you to find out what hiring you will cost them. However,
think you are overqualified for this job? if you state a figure they consider too high, you will
What salary and benefits do you expect? not be seriously considered for the position. If your
figure is low, that’s all you will be offered.
Let the employer know you won’t quit after a short
time. Talk about how the job fits into your career If the interviewer persists, state the typical salary range for
plans, but be brief. Interviewers are more interested in the type of work you are discussing and that you expect a
hearing about what you can do for the organization, reasonable salary for someone with your qualifications. If
than what the organization can do for you. appropriate, let the employer know you are open to
negotiation depending on the benefits offered.
If you have changed jobs many times, explain why you
felt it was necessary and emphasize that you expect to If you don’t know the typical salary range, say that you
stay longer in this job (if that’s true). would like to research the pay and benefits for similar
jobs before you commit yourself.
If you are overqualified for the position, stress your
adaptability and flexibility, and your willingness to
assume more responsibility.

54 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Handling • Remain standing until
interviews you are offered a chair,
then sit up straight.
Having a general idea of what to
expect in an interview goes a • Follow the
long way to improving your interviewer’s lead. The
confidence. Well-run interviews interviewer may spend a few moments
have three stages: making small talk. If so, say something positive
about the weather, traffic or whatever, but be
1. a short introduction prepared to move quickly into the main part of the
2. an exchange of information (both you and the interview when the interviewer is ready to do so.
interviewer ask and answer questions) When you get to the main part of an interview, take
3. a closing that wraps up the interview. every opportunity you are given to talk about your
skills, knowledge and achievements. Emphasize what
Most interviewers “size up” applicants in the first you can contribute to the organization. Avoid
minute or two. If their first impression is negative, you mentioning your needs until after a job offer is made.
have an uphill battle to turn that impression around.
Therefore, pay attention to how you appear and what • Point out connections between your capabilities
you do when you first arrive. You want to do your best and the employer’s needs, even if they seem obvious
to create a good first impression. to you.

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early, and briefly let the • Avoid “yes” and “no” answers. Answer the employer’s
receptionist know you have arrived. underlying question as well as the stated question.

• If you have to wait a few minutes, use the time to • Follow the interviewer’s lead. If the interview seems
take a few deep breaths and try to look confident. quite “structured” (each applicant is asked the same
Don’t be afraid to look at people and smile. questions in the same order regardless of their
answers), it is generally best to save your questions
• If other job applicants are waiting in the reception until the end.
area too, and you imagine that they all have better
qualifications than you do, DON’T GIVE UP. • If the interviewer asks more “open” questions (for
Remember that employers are looking for personal example, “Why are you interested in this position?”)
teamwork and fundamental skills as well as and bases the next question on your answer, you
technical (specialized) skills. You may have just the will have more opportunities to ask questions and
combination the employer is looking for. lead the conversation toward a discussion of your
strongest qualifications.
• Don’t smoke, chew gum or drink coffee, and try not
to fidget. • Show your interest in the job by looking interested
(posture, facial expressions and other body
• Be pleasant, honest and sincere with everyone in language), by asking informed questions, and by
the office. Interviewers may ask other staff listening carefully to the answers.
members for their opinions.
• If you don’t understand a question, politely ask the
• When you first meet the interviewer(s), introduce interviewer to rephrase the question. If you don’t
yourself, shake hands firmly and make eye contact. know the answer, say so.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 55

 Don’t be too hard
on yourself.
You will get better
with practice!
• Take the time you need to think about difficult • Did the interviewer
questions. Don’t think out loud. ask questions that I
was not prepared
• Cheerfully agree with appropriate requests (e.g. to
for? If so, how can I
fill out application forms or supply references).
prepare better for future interviews?
• If the employer raises an issue such as “you’ve been
• Did I forget to ask anything about the
out of the workforce a long time” or “you’ve always
job/organization?
worked in the same type of environment,” deal with
the employer’s concern directly. Explain why it • Did I emphasize the connection between my skills
would not be a problem. For example, tell the and the skills required for the job?
employer how you have kept up to date, or draw
• Was I pleasant, honest and sincere?
the employer’s attention to how the skills you
developed in your previous jobs relate to this job. • Did I answer the interviewer’s underlying concerns
as well as the questions asked?
Near the end of the interview, the interviewer should
tell you about how and when the successful candidate • Did I address the employer’s concerns in a
will be selected. Summarize your skills, state that you positive way?
are very interested in the position (if you still are), • Did I sum up my skills, then leave promptly and
and ask any remaining questions you may have about politely at the end of the interview?
the work.
Take note of what you want to do differently next time.
If you are comfortable doing so, ask if it would be
acceptable for you to follow up by calling the Briefly record your impressions of the interview and
interviewer and, if so, when you should call. recommendations for improvement in future
interviews. Include names, what was discussed, salary
Thank the interviewer(s), give the interviewer a firm figures and anything else you might need to remember
handshake if the interviewer offers a hand, and leave if you are offered the job.
promptly in a positive manner.
If you promised to call the interviewer on a certain
After interviews date, make sure to put a reminder on your calendar. If
the employer said you should expect a call by a certain
Regardless of the outcome of an interview, it is a good date, note the date on your calendar and call if you
idea to write a brief letter of thanks for the interviewer’s have not heard anything by then.
time and consideration. It sets you apart from other
applicants, and may remind the interviewer about you Don’t assume you have a job until an employer tells
and your strongest qualifications. You can also use your you when to start. Keep looking and following up
letter to briefly supply additional information. other opportunities, even after several interviews have
gone very well. If a job you thought was going to come
A handwritten letter or note is acceptable if your through does not, you won’t be so disappointed or
writing is easy to read. Write the letter while the have wasted time waiting.
interview is still fresh in your mind.
If you receive several job offers, you can choose the
Learn from each interview by asking yourself the job you like best. You may want to ask your employer
following questions. of choice for a written offer letter so you know it is
safe to turn down the others.

56 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 GOING THE DISTANCE
Rejection letters and other disappointments happen in Every mistake presents and concisely
any job search. Realistic expectations about how long what you can do
an opportunity to learn.
the search will take, a willingness to learn from your and what sort of
experiences, and a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help person you are? If
you stay positive and handle rejection constructively. not, rewrite it.
When you receive a rejection letter, read it carefully to The most direct
see if it contains any clues about why you didn’t get way to find out
the job. If it does, you can learn from it. Everyone gets why you haven’t been invited for an interview is to
rejected sometime. It is what you do with the rejection ask. Call employers and explain that you are trying
— how you handle it and use it to your advantage — to improve your job search skills and would like
that makes all the difference. some feedback on your application. You have
nothing to lose and you could get some very
valuable advice.
Handling Rejection If an employer seems to think you don’t have the
If you are feeling rejected, check the statements that qualifications required, don’t argue. Show your
describe your thoughts right now. resumés and cover letters to people you respect,
❏ You hoped you would find work a lot faster, and including at least one employment counsellor
without doing the preparatory work described in (see Where To Get More Help at the end of this
Chapters 1 and 2. chapter). Ask for suggestions about how you can
communicate your qualifications more effectively.
If you have found work relatively easily in the past,
your expectations for this job search may be ❏ You have not found many suitable job openings.
unrealistic. Fortunately, it is never too late to put There are two possibilities you should consider:
some serious effort into identifying your skills
1. There are very few jobs that satisfy your work
(Chapter 1) and finding suitable work
objective.
opportunities (Chapter 2).
2. You need to put more effort into finding
❏ Your applications usually don’t make it past the
suitable opportunities.
“paper screening” stage — you have not been
invited for many interviews. Before you assume that the first possibility is the
case, be honest with yourself about how much time
There are a number of possible reasons you haven’t
and effort you have put into networking, contacting
been invited for an interview. For example, you may
employers and other methods of finding work
not have the required skills or education, your skills
opportunities. If you can honestly say you have
may be out of date, other applicants may have better
researched the possibilities well, you may have to
qualifications, or your application did not clearly
broaden your work search targets or be willing to
communicate that you are qualified.
move. Discuss your situation with a career or
If there is a good chance you haven’t communicated employment counsellor, or someone whose
your qualifications very well on paper, take another judgement you respect.
look at your resumé. Does it tell employers clearly

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 57

 ❏ You really thought you had a job in the bag ❏ You are fed up and
so you stopped looking for other leads. ready to give up.
No matter how sure you are, don’t stop Frustration and
looking for other possibilities until you discouragement will sabotage
have an offer on paper. There are too any work search. Read the
many things that can go wrong following section on staying
between a tentative verbal offer and positive. If you are still feeling
an official written offer. discouraged and can’t seem to
shake the feeling, talk to a
If you have learned this tough
professional counsellor. Contact
lesson the hard way, don’t waste
the nearest Alberta Employment
any more of your precious time. Get
and Immigration service centre
back to work looking for work as quickly as
(see Where To Get More Help) or
you can.
Canadian Mental Health Association
❏ You got an interview, it seemed to go well, and you office. Or, look in the yellow pages under
have no idea why someone else got the job. “Employment Counselling” to find other agencies
When there are a number of well-qualified that may be able to help you.
applicants applying for the same job, employers
have to make some very difficult decisions. The
differences between successful applicants and
Staying Positive
unsuccessful ones may be hard to identify. There are a variety of things you can do to cope with
the ups and downs that everyone experiences during a
Unfortunately, all the preparation in the world
work search. Learning to handle rejection constructively
won’t get you a job if the “chemistry” between you
is one. Several other strategies are outlined below. If you
and the interviewer just isn’t right. When this
can think of other methods of coping that have helped
happens, talk to an understanding friend about it.
you through stressful times in the past, add them to the
Expressing your frustration can help you to put the
list and use them this time too.
experience behind you, and move on.
❏ You just had an interview, and it didn’t go very well. Tips for staying positive
If you were not well prepared, decide what you will Take good care of yourself. Eat well-balanced meals
do differently to be better prepared next time. If regularly, and get plenty of rest. Exercise and enjoy the
you don’t have the required skills, you may need to outdoors. Ten minutes on the move can make a world
rethink your work search targets or do more of difference to how you feel.
research about specific work opportunities before
Schedule regular breaks in your day and take them.
you apply for them. Otherwise, chalk it up to
Make your breaks short, but get away from work
experience and move on.
search activities completely.
Seek out people who can give you emotional support.
Tell family members and friends about what you are
doing and how things are going. They may be worried
about how the changes in your life will affect them.

58 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

Keeping lines of communication experience, or allow
open will help them too. you to meet people
If your family members or friends who could be
are interested, let them help you helpful in your job
We all need a little help from our friends search.
by brainstorming ideas with you,
networking for you, and reviewing from time to time — looking
Take temporary
draft applications and resumés. for work is often one of those times. or part-time work
You may have to cut back on your to help keep your
expenses, but try to keep your spirits up, as well
social life as normal as you can. as provide short-
Contact the nearest Alberta term income. If
Employment and Immigration your employers are
service centre. Ask about workshops and job clubs impressed with your performance, they may offer you
operating in your area. Or, make an appointment to full-time work or pass on information about work
speak with a career and employment consultant. opportunities they hear about.
Set realistic short-term goals, and reward yourself A major disadvantage to taking temporary or part-
when you achieve them. For example, decide how time work is that it decreases the amount of time and
many direct contacts (in person, over the telephone, energy you can devote to your job search. Only you
by mail) you should be able to make each day. can decide if the advantages outweigh this
disadvantage in your case.
Make a list of things that make you feel good, but don’t
cost too much in time or preparation (for example, a Be kind to yourself. Watch out for negative thoughts.
longer walk than usual). Use these activities as rewards If you catch yourself thinking “I can’t...,” “I’m no good
when you have achieved the day’s objectives. at...,” “It’s impossible...,” STOP. Try to reframe and
think in more positive terms. For example, “I can learn
Set a time limit on how long you will allow yourself to
from this mistake” instead of “I’m such a fool.”
feel “down,” preferably no more than a few hours.
Then start working your way back up again. Read every flattering thing (letter of praise,
recommendation, performance appraisal) you have
Keep growing. Do lots of reading on current
ever received. Keep them handy and read them
technological trends, and subjects related to your work
whenever you are feeling down.
or areas of interest. Take short courses, and attend
conferences and seminars. If they might be helpful to Make a list of the things that worry you and
you, read books or attend workshops on time brainstorm solutions with a friend or counsellor.
management, problem-solving, communication, self-
Don’t lose your sense of humour. What makes you
esteem, relaxation, or positive thinking.
laugh? Cartoons? Recordings of comedians? Certain
Help others. Get a better perspective on your own types of television shows? Being with certain friends?
troubles by reaching out to help others. Do volunteer Laughter is a wonderful emotional release, so use it as
work that will make use of your skills, give you needed often as you can.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 59

 Looking Ahead Wrap up your work search by letting others know you
have a new job.
Be ready to: • If you are currently employed, submit a tactfully
• negotiate when employers offer you work worded letter of resignation that gives your
• wrap up your work search in a way that will make employer reasonable notice (at least two weeks).
your next one easier. You may need a letter of reference in the future, so
don’t burn any bridges behind you!
When you have been looking for work for some time
and you finally get a job offer, it is tempting to jump • Let your references and contacts know that you have
and shout YES. But hold on. accepted a position, and thank them for their help.
• Withdraw any other applications you have in the
Take some time to consider the advantages and
works by letting employers know you have accepted
disadvantages of accepting the job, and negotiate the
a position.
best possible terms of employment (hours, salary,
benefits). Did you like the feel of the place when you
went for an interview? Can you afford to wait for a Make your next work
better opportunity? Will you be satisfied with the search easier
salary and benefits the employer is offering? Odds are, you will change jobs a number of times over
If you have questions or concerns about the terms of the course of your career. Make your next transition
employment, talk them over with the employer before easier by:
you accept the position. (You have no bargaining • creating and maintaining a work-related portfolio.
power if you have already accepted the job.) Make it Keep adding notes and things like letters of
clear you are interested in the job, then ask if there is appreciation and performance appraisals, so
any room to negotiate salary and/or benefits. For updating your resumé will be much easier next time
example, if the salary offer is lower than you expected, • staying in touch with people who have been
you may be able to negotiate an increase in pay supportive and helpful
(starting now or in a few months), health and/or
• keeping informed about new developments in your
dental insurance coverage, an extra week of holiday
field/industry, reading/watching news articles about
time, a parking stall, or whatever else you want
changes in the labour market, and anticipating how
(within reason, of course!).
changes are likely to affect your work
If you decide to turn a job offer down, be tactful and • paying attention to your feelings and looking for
express your appreciation for the offer. ways to make your work life as meaningful and
If you decide to accept, show your enthusiasm. If you rewarding as possible.
have negotiated any special terms of employment, Taking charge of your career by looking ahead will
make sure they are included in the written job offer give you a sense of confidence and freedom that goes
and confirm them in your letter of acceptance. well beyond ordinary job security.

60 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 WHERE TO GET MORE HELP
Resources
ALBERTA LEARNING INFORMATION SERVICE Creating a New Future: The job-loss workbook
(ALIS) WEBSITE Positive Works II
alis.alberta.ca About changing negative attitudes and beliefs
into positive ones.
Alberta’s leading online source for career, learning and
employment information. Here you will find the Time to Choose…a post-secondary
resources you need for making the most of your future. education program

CAREER AND WORKPLACE RESOURCES Training for Work

You can obtain the following print resources online About alternatives to traditional full-time
through the ALIS website at alis.alberta.ca/ classroom training.
publications, or view copies at any Alberta
Workability: What you need to get & keep a job
Employment and Immigration service centre.
About the skills and attitudes you need to find
Publications are available free of charge to Alberta,
and keep work.
Northwest Territories and Nunavut residents.

Adult Back to School Planner

Advanced Techniques for Work Search

Assessing You: The first step in career planning

Change and Transitions: The path from A to B

Help for people making changes.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 61

 Services ALBERTA ADULT AND CHILD
HEALTH BENEFITS
ALBERTA CAREER INFORMATION HOTLINE Phone: 780-427-6848 in Edmonton
Phone: 780-422-4266 in Edmonton Toll-free: 1-877-469-5437 in Alberta
Toll-free: 1-800-661-3753 in Alberta Website: employmentalberta.ca
Website: alis.alberta.ca/hotline (click on Family Supports, then Health Benefits)
Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Alberta Adult and Child Health Benefits helps with
Call the Hotline for answers to your questions about: health care needs of families with limited incomes.
• career planning
ALBERTA CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
• job search skills
Toll-free: 310-0000 in Alberta. Ask to be connected
• educational options to the local Child Support Services office in your area.
• occupational descriptions Website: employment.alberta.ca/css

• educational funding Alberta parents with low incomes can contact Alberta
Child Support Services for help to arrange court orders
• referrals and family maintenance.
• resumé review service
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
ALBERTA EMPLOYMENT AND IMMIGRATION Phone: 780-427-3731 in Edmonton
Alberta Employment and Immigration service centres Toll-free: 1-877-427-3731 in Alberta.
are located throughout the province. They have Website: employment.alberta.ca/
information on occupations, career options, education employmentstandards
programs and funding, and finding work. Many Employment standards are minimum standards of
offices have a career resource centre with books, employment for employers and employees in the
newspapers, magazines, software and audiovisual workplace. You can get a free copy of the Employment
materials. They also may have computers for Internet Standards Guide by phoning the office or
use and word processing, and phones, photocopiers downloading it from the website.
and fax machines to use with your work search. You
can also talk to a career and employment consultant.
These services may be offered by other agencies in
your community. Call the Alberta Career Information
Hotline for the office closest to you.

62 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Phone: 780-415-8690 in Edmonton
Toll-free: 1-866-415-8690 in Alberta
Deaf and hard of hearing callers with TTY units
call 780-427-9999 in Edmonton or 1-800-232-7215
in other Alberta locations.
Website: employment.alberta.ca/whs
Call the Workplace Health and Safety Contact Centre
for information about:
• the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation
and Code
• unsafe work practices and workplaces
• workplace hazards, including chemical
contaminants, noise, asbestos, machinery, and fall
protection
• publications and resources to assist your health and
safety planning.
There is a 24-hour access for reporting serious
incidents and workplace fatalities.

YOUTH CONNECTIONS
Youth Connections offices provide career and
employment service for people between the ages of
16 and 24. Offices are located in communities across
Alberta. Contact the Career Information Hotline for
the location nearest you. You can also check out the
Youth Connections web link at
employment.alberta.ca/youthconnections.

© Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration 63

64 © Government of Alberta, Employment and Immigration
© Government of Alberta, Employment and Immigration 65
 NOTES

66 © Government of Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration

 A Guide for
New Job Seekers
For youth and newcomers to the workplace
If you are looking for your first job or you’ve been away
from the workforce for a long time then this book can help you !
You’ll discover how to:
• identify your skills • network and do
• complete job applications information interviews
• develop effective • prepare for an
resumé, cover letters interview
and portfolio • stay positive!