1. Summer Job Search Level 1 Students

2. Why is a summer job valuable? Any work experience will make you a more competitive candidate in the future, for co-op jobs ▫Develop transferable skills  Teamwork, yet being able to work independently (interpersonal)  Time management and organizational skills  Problem solving and decision making skills  Communication skills: verbal AND written  Multitasking Focus on getting any type of job ~ then determine if it can be used as a co-op work term

3. Job Search Methods Search for APPLICATION opportunities (e.g., job postings) – not necessarily “a” job Networking Company/employer websites OSCARplus Job posting websites

4. Networking & Personal Branding Family, friends, faculty – EVERYONE Employer events: ▫Career fairs ▫Company information sessions ▫Search “Events” in OSCARplus

5. Networking (continued) Eng/tech related professional and student societies ▫PEOPEO ▫OSPEOSPE ▫Mac Eng societies and clubsMac Eng societies and clubs ▫McMaster societiesMcMaster societies

6. Networking (continued) Online networking sites ▫LinkedInLinkedIn  Employers expect student candidates to have an account ▫Facebook, Twitter  Follow ECCS for announcements, information, etc  Personal vs. career/professional accounts

7. Employers/Companies Apply directly through company websites Create a personalized list – sources: ▫Industry CanadaIndustry Canada ▫OSPE Engineering Blue BookOSPE Engineering Blue Book ▫Chambers of Commerce ▫Permanent (“full-time”) job postings  Job posting websites  OSCARplus  Newspaper classifieds (online)

8. Employers/Companies (continued) Tips ▫Completing a “profile” – even if there are no open positions  Complete entire profile ▫Application opportunities may be listed under different sections of employer websites ▫Start checking in the fall term, and continue through the winter and spring months

9. OSCARplus Three modules ▫Internships & Co-op  Access granted upon completion of ENG 1EE0  “Pre-screened” co-op postings ▫Job Postings (Student Success Centre)  Summer Employment ▫Workstudy

10. Job Search Websites Student job postings (including co-op and internship) ▫The Lime Network (individuals with disabilities)The Lime Network ▫TalentEggTalentEgg ▫WorkopolisWorkopolis Additional websites ▫Career Options articleCareer Options article

11. De-coding Job Postings Critically evaluate co-op postings ▫Too little information  Hiring for “fit” – employer research is even more important ▫Too much information  Company may have “recycled” a full- time/permanent posting; may be a “screening method”

12. De-coding Job Postings (continued) Decision-making process ▫Time management: tailoring of cover letter AND resume ▫If you are interested in the job/company, you should apply  Let the employer make the decision as to whether or not you will be interviewed

13. Co-op Work Term Criteria Related to your degree program ▫Job title is not a concern – focus on the responsibilities, and knowledge/skills to be gained Minimum of 35 hours per week Minimum of 12 weeks (three months) for a summer position No restrictions on companies, industries, or locations

14. Questions?