How To Get a Job and Make More Money in 8 Easy Steps

Finding a job can be difficult, but if you follow the 8-step process below, you will be well on your way to a great career and more money.

1. Write down what kind of job(s) you are looking for and in what industry

For example, are you seeking a job in construction, manufacturing, retail, information technology, medical, or the financial industry?
Be flexible, so list any work areas that suit you.
Be realistic, though; for example, you are not likely to get a job as an electrical engineer if you have had no training or experience.

2. Start working on your resume 

Almost every position will require you to submit a resume.  Don’t worry about formatting at this stage.  Write down any training, experience, and skills that you have that apply to the main jobs you listed in part 1.  For example, WHMIS training, basic occupational health and safety awareness training, Transportation of Dangerous Goods training, bookkeeping experience, or drywall finishing.

Many companies can help you build a great-looking resume, but we are not there yet. This will be discussed later.

3. Look online and in local newspapers for jobs similar to what you are looking for

Write down the requirements they are asking for that you already have and those you will have to obtain.
Several sites to find job opportunities are listed below. We didn’t list every provincial job bank, but it will be easy to find the site for your province if it is not listed below. Some websites allow you to sign up to get an email every day with the latest jobs that meet your requirements.

Resources for Student Job Seekers
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/student.html

Government of Canada Job Bank
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/opportunities/student.html

Jobs and Employment Alberta
https://www.alberta.ca/jobs-and-employment.aspx

British Columbia – WorkBC
https://www.workbc.ca/

New Brunswick Jobs
https://www.nbjobs.ca/

Employment Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario

Québec Emploi – Online Employment Service
https://www.quebec.ca/en/employment/job-offers/available-job-offers/quebec-emploi-online-employment-service

Indeed is the #1 job site in the world
https://ca.indeed.com/

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network on the internet.
https://www.linkedin.com/

4. Communicate with your friends, relatives, and former colleagues and let them know you’re looking for a job

This is not the time to be shy. Friends and relatives will likely offer valuable referrals to open positions and advice for your job search. Prepare a 30-second pitch that outlines what you are looking for and why you would be valuable to an employer. It may be hard to admit you are unemployed, but most people have been out of a job at least once and will be eager to help you. Next, revisit your resume.

5. Finish up your resume

Most of the government websites listed above offer advice on creating an effective résumé. You can also hire a professional résumé-writing service, which may be a worthwhile investment. ChatGPT and other AI-powered résumé builders can help you draft and refine your résumé. However, AI tools can make mistakes, so review their work carefully. Also ask several people to check your résumé for errors and ensure it presents you effectively. Above all, emphasize the value you can bring to a prospective employer.

Some useful websites are listed below.

Government of Canada Resume Builder
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resume-builder

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services https://www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Docs/OPSCoverLetterandResumeWritingGuide.pdf

CNET Best Resume Builder
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-resume-builder/

6. Build a cover letter

Write a cover letter and then customize it for each job you apply for. You are trying to sell yourself to the company. The cover letter should highlight the education, skills, and experience listed in the job description and explain why you would be great at the job. Make sure the cover letter includes the three things listed below.

1. How your experience meets job requirements.
2. How your work skills meet job requirements.
3. Why you want to work at the organization.

Many different websites have information on cover letters. Some are listed below.

Balance Careers
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-to-include-in-a-cover-letter-for-a-job-2060315

Glassdoor
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/how-to-write-a-cover-letter/

Youth Central Australia
https://www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au/jobs-and-careers/applying-for-a-job/what-is-a-cover-letter/how-to-write-a-cover-letter

7. Continuously work at getting the job

Keep researching jobs on the websites listed in step 3, and submit applications every day. Finding a job is your job right now.  People often send hundreds of resumes and cover letters before getting invited to interview. Look for volunteer opportunities that will help you get the experience you need. Don’t get discouraged when your dream job doesn’t come through right away. Keep working at it. The opportunity will come.

8. Get ready for the interview

Most companies will do a phone interview, then at least one in-person interview. If you get this far, you have a good chance at the job. Prepare, prepare, prepare. Being well-prepared will substantially increase your chances. Because the interview matters so much, we will cover it in an upcoming post.
Please share your tricks or tips for getting a job in the comments below.