Overview of Job Search MethodsOverview of Job Search Methods

Home » How-To-Guide » Section 5: Linking People with Opportunities » Some Special Considerations – and Case Studies
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Job Search Method About this Method Comments
Personal contacts Many jobs are never advertised – a phenomenon commonly called the “hidden job market.”

This can be accessed by talking to:

  • Friends and family with links to construction industry.
  • Neighbours and acquaintances.
  • Trainers and former co-workers.
  • Others  (networking is key).
School career planning and placement offices High school and college placement services help their students and alumni find jobs

They often:

  • Invite Recruiters to organize job fairs using their facilities.
  • Provide job openings and alerts.
  • Provide career counselling and testing.
  • Provide resume writing, mock interviews and so on.
Employers Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful means of job hunting.
  1. Through the library or an Internet search, develop a list of potential employers in the construction field.
  2. Check websites for job opportunities.
  3. If no opening is advertised, don’t hesitate to call the employers - you never know when a job might become available.
  4. Consider visiting construction sites with safety gear and talking to a foreperson, construction supervisor, or owner.
  5. Consider asking for an informational interview1 with people working in the construction career you want to learn more about.
Classified ad The "Help Wanted" ads in newspapers and on the Internet list numerous jobs - many people find work by responding to these ads. But when using classified ads, keep the following in mind: follow all leads to find a job; do not rely solely on the classifieds.
  • Answer ads promptly, because openings may be filled quickly, even before the ad stops appearing in the paper.
  • Read the ads every day, particularly the Sunday edition, which usually includes the most listings.
  • Keep a record of all ads to which you have responded, including the specific skills, educational background, and personal qualifications required for the position. You may want to follow up on your initial inquiry.
Internet resources The Internet includes many job hunting websites with job listings. Some job boards provide national listings of all kinds; others are local. Some relate to a specific type of work; others are general.
  • Use Keywords related to the job, e.g. “carpenter”, “ironworker” “interior finisher”; using “Aboriginal” in front will direct to Aboriginal initiatives, etc.
  • Search websites of related professional associations see Section 3, Table 1 Provincial Construction Organizations.(create link)
  • Check message boards or forums specific to your profession to post questions and messages and read about professional experiences of people in your field.
Professional associations Many professions have associations that offer their members employment information, including career planning, educational programs, job listings, and job placement.

Obtain information directly from Organizations via:

  • Internet
  • Phone
  • Mail
Labour groups Labour groups provide various employment services to members and potential members, including apprenticeship programs that teach a specific trade or skill. Contact labour union or provincial apprenticeship offices http://www.apprenticetrades.ca/en/ for more information.
Federal Government The Government of Canada has a centralized website for advertising job openings. Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available from the Federal Government Website http://jobs-emplois.gc.ca/
Aboriginal agencies Many Aboriginal agencies offer support to Aboriginal people looking for work in the construction sector. Through counselling, recruitment, referral and pre-employment support.

Examples of these include:

ACCESS, Grand River Employment and Training, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Industry Training, Red Deer Aboriginal Employment Service, the Inclusion Works Network, etc. to mention a few.
Private employment agencies and career consultants Private agencies can save you time and they will contact employers who otherwise might be difficult to locate. Such agencies may be called recruiters, head hunters, or employment placement agencies. These agencies may charge for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, charging a percentage of the first-year salary paid to a successful applicant. You or the hiring company will pay the fee Search for “recruiters”, “head hunters”, or “employment placement agencies” in your area.
Internships Many people find jobs with businesses and organizations with whom they have interned or volunteered. Some internships and long-term volunteer position come with stipends, and all provided experience and chance to meet employers and expand contacts

Best places to check:

  • Job boards
  • School career centres
  • Company and association websites
  • Community service organizations
  • Volunteer opportunities databases

 

  • 1. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. In addition to giving you career information, they may be able to put you in contact with other employers who may be hiring, and they can keep you in mind if a position opens up.