Landing a summer job is about more than a firm handshake
It's time for students to begin preparations for applying for a summer job. The Pointe-Claire based youth employment centre is offering workshops on compiling a CV and preparing for a job interview.
Kathryn Greenaway • Montreal Gazette
Feb 28, 2018 • Last Updated March 3, 2018 • 3 minute read
Isabelle Dubreuil (left), head of services at Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de l'Ouest-de-l'Ile, said landing a summer job takes more than a firm handshake. Photo by Dave Sidaway /Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette
Getting that first summer job may seem like an insurmountable hurdle for a 16 year old with no previous work experience.
The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de l'Ouest-de-l'Île is offering workshops for 16 to 35 year olds on how to compile a curriculum vitae and how to prepare for a job interview.
The workshops, in French one day and in English the next, are booked to coincide with March break. The CJE Ouest-de-l'Île is also giving a workshop at the Beaconsfield Public Library, March 27.
Isabelle Dubreuil, head of services at the centre, said March is an important month because it is the deadline for applying for a number of jobs including municipal work, work at a day camp or employment at La Ronde.
"There is a lot of competition, so being well prepared is key," she said.
The West Island youth employment centre helped 150 students prepare for the job market between March and June of last year.
Students with no previous job experience learn how to flesh out the CV with other types of experience, such as volunteer work, engagement at school, involvement in sports, awards, babysitting experience and unpaid internships.
"All these elements involve transferable skills," Dubreuil said. "They demonstrate the student's ability to work with a team, for example. Employers know a 16 year old won't have 10 years of work experience, so they look beyond that. They are looking for someone who is efficient, reliable, punctual and can be a team player. An employer knows with a very few minutes whether or not the student will be a good fit."
Dubreuil, who has 20 years of experience in the youth-employment sector, said the youth market has a lot to offer.
"They are more responsible than people think," she said.
Letters of recommendation are part of the application process, so Dubreuil recommended a student with no previous work experience ask a coach or a teacher to write a letter.
A firm handshake and making direct eye contact are a very important, but do not stand alone. How you dress, introduce yourself and how you answer interview questions are all part of the process. And a smile can also go a long way in making a good first impression.
"Smiling when you greet the employer demonstrates a level of confidence," Dubreuil said. "It sends the message that you are self-assured."
A student should understand the nature of the job before applying and consider what type of employee the job would require.
"If you are applying to become a day camp monitor, the employer is looking for someone who comes across as dynamic and energetic," Dubreuil said. "Know what you want. If you are applying at a grocery store, for example, be clear from the beginning that you want to work as a cashier and not in the warehouse."
Learning something about the business or organization in question before the interview is also advised. The employer could ask questions to test your knowledge about what the business/organization does.
And Dubreuil said being bilingual opens doors.
"It's a reality of the market," she said.
The Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de l'Ouest-de-l'Île, 225F Hymus Blvd. in Pointe-Claire, offers workshops March 5 and 7 in French and March 6 and 8 in English. Start time is 1 p.m. The workshop at the Beaconsfield Public Library is March 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The workshops are free, but registration is required. For more information, call 514-782-0433, email info@cjeouestile.qc.ca or visit www.cjeouestile.qc.ca. CJE Ouest-de-l'Île also has a Facebook page.
kgreenaway@postmedia.com