Work Search Basics

i Work Search Basics © Government of Alberta, Human Services
Work
Search
Basics
Identify your skills
Find job opportunities
Write a strong resumé
Succeed in interviews

ii Work Search Basics © Government of Alberta, Human Services
Catalogue Item # 761230
This publication is available to view or order online at
alis.alberta.ca/publications. Copies can also be ordered
from the Learning Resources Centre by telephone at
780-427-5775 or by fax at 780-422-9750.
For copyright information contact
Alberta Human Services
Career and Workplace Resources
Telephone 780-422-1794 Fax 780-422-5319
Email info@alis.gov.ab.ca
© 2013 Government of Alberta, Human Services
This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted
for non-commercial purposes. However, Crown copyright is to
be acknowledged. It is not to be used, reproduced, stored or
transmitted for commercial purposes without written permission
from the Government of Alberta, Human Services. This publication
is not for resale unless licensed with the Government of Alberta,
Human Services. Every reasonable effort has been made to identify
the owners of copyright material reproduced in this publication
and to comply with Canadian copyright law. The publisher would
welcome any information regarding errors or omissions.
Government of Alberta, Human Services publications may contain
or reference publications, trademark, patent or copyright held by
third parties (“third party material”), identified with a credit to the
source. This does not grant the user a licence or right to that third
party material. Users who wish to reproduce any third party material
in this publication should seek permission from that third party.
Information in this publication was accurate, to the best of our
knowledge, at the time of printing. However, legislation, labour
market information, websites and programs are subject to change,
and we encourage you to confirm with additional sources of
information when making career, education, employment and
business decisions.
The Province of Alberta is working in partnership with the
Government of Canada to provide employment support programs
and services.
Career Practitioners
Work Search Basics is for people who are looking for their first job or who have been
in the workforce but have limited experience searching for work. It helps them to do the following:
• identify their skills and accomplishments
• research occupations
• explore the skills used to find work—networking, gathering information and interviewing
• explore the tools used to find work—resumés, cover letters, portfolios and applications
• identify ways to stay positive and handle rejection
• connect with further information and resources
This book replaces A Guide for New Job Seekers: For Youth and Newcomers to the Workplace. Job seekers with
more work search experience or post-secondary education should refer to the publication Advanced Techniques for
Work Search. It provides more in-depth information and exercises on identifying skills, using the Internet to search for
work, developing a resumé, gathering information and preparing for an interview.
03/2013—102.5M
All photos in this booklet are for illustrative
purposes only. They are not actual photos of
any individuals mentioned.
ISBN 978-0-7785-8853-5

1Work Search Basics © Government of Alberta, Human Services
Is This
Book for You?
Work Search Basics is a step-by-step guide
to help you find work. Maybe you are looking
for your first job or your first job in Canada. Or
maybe you have considerable work experience,
but you haven’t looked for a job in a long time.
This guide will show you how to identify your
skills, target your work search, write resumés
and cover letters, practise interview skills and
stay positive during your work search.
If you have experience searching for work or
have post-secondary education or training in
your desired field, you may be more interested
in Advanced Techniques for Work Search. If
you were educated outside Canada, you can
also consult Working in Alberta: A Guide for
Internationally Trained and Educated Immigrants.
These guides are designed to help you improve
your work search strategies. Both are available at
alis.alberta.ca/publications.
Key terms
People often use the words work, job,
occupation and career to mean the same
thing, but they have different definitions.
Work: Work is an activity with specific
goals. It does not have to be paid
employment. Volunteering and things you
do to contribute to your household are also
types of work.
Job: A job is a position with clearly defined
duties. An example of a job would be
Grade 7 Language Arts teacher at Louis
St. Laurent School.
Occupation: An occupation is a category
of jobs that share the same basic skills and
knowledge. An example of an occupation
would be teacher.
Career: A career includes all of a person’s
life experience. It includes work, education,
hobbies and family activities.

2 Work Search Basics © Government of Alberta, Human Services
Table of Contents
Preparing for
Your Work Search 4
Get organized 5
Identify what you have to offer 6
Identify your needs and wants 12
Research occupations 13
Finding Work 15
Looking for opportunities 16
Networking 17
Contacting employers directly 18
Resumés 22
Information to include 23
Resumé tips 24
Resumé master 25
Resumé types 28
Chronological resumé outline 30
Sample chronological resumés 31
Functional resumé outline 33
Sample functional resumés 34
Combination resumé outline 36
Sample combination resumés 37
Plain text resumés 39

Cover Letters 40
Cover letter content 41
Cover letter outline 42
Sample cover letters 43
Other Tools 46
References 47
Portfolios 48
Application forms 48
Interviews 49
Before the interview 50
During the interview 56
After the interview 58
Staying Positive 59
Handling rejection 60
Taking care of yourself 61
Worksheets
My work-specific skills 7
My employability skills 9
My accomplishments 11
My work search plan and record 21
My resumé master 26
My answers to common 54
interview questions
Next Steps 62
Responding to a job offer 63
Wrapping up your work search 63
Where to get more help 64
Table of Contents

Your work search will be more efficient if you gather what you need
and know what kind of work you’re looking for before you begin.
This section will help you
• get organized
• identify your skills and accomplishments
• identify what you want and need in a job
• research types of occupations
Preparing for
Your Work Search

Getting organized means making sure you have
all the things you will need to find and start work
as soon as possible.
Equipment and supplies
If possible, find a place where you can keep
all the things you’ll need:
• a computer with a printer and access to
the Internet
• a phone with voice mail
• a desk or table with good lighting
• office supplies, such as pens, paper,
envelopes and a stapler
• this book
If you don’t have easy access to a computer, find
out where you can use one in your community.
Most communities in Alberta have public
computers available. Try a public library, an
educational institution (for example, a high school
or college) or an Alberta Works Centre. (To find
the nearest Alberta Works Centre, call the Alberta
Career Information Hotline at 780-422-4266 in
Edmonton or 1-800-661-3753 toll-free.)
Whether your work search area is a whole room
or a tabletop, try to keep it as organized and
pleasant to return to as possible.
Email account
You will need an email account that you can use
for your work search. If you already have a job,
it’s not a good idea to use your current work email
for this purpose. If possible, choose an email
address that is some version of your name, like
Firstname.Lastname@provider.ca. Avoid email
addresses that don’t communicate a professional
image.
For more information on setting up a work search
email account, see the tip sheet Using the Internet
for Work Search: Getting Started, available at
alis.alberta.ca/tips.
Voice mail
If you have voice mail, record a message that is
clear and professional. If other people might pick
up your phone, let them know that you may be
receiving business calls. Ask them to respond
politely and take down a clear message for you.
Social Insurance Number
To work in Canada, you must have a Social
Insurance Number. A SIN is a nine-digit number
that is a unique identifier. If you don’t already
have a SIN, you will need to get one from
Service Canada.
There are several ways to get more information:
• Call 1-800-206-7218.
• Go to servicecanada.gc.ca. Using the
A to Z Services Index, choose Social
Insurance Number.
• Visit a Service Canada Centre. To find the
nearest one, go to the Service Canada
website at servicecanada.gc.ca. Under
Find a Service Canada Office, enter your
postal code or province.
Preparing for Your Work Search
Get organized

Identifying your skills and accomplishments at the
beginning of your work search is useful because
it can help you figure out what kind of work you’ll
be good at. You’ll also need this information later
when you’re writing your resumé and preparing
for job interviews.
One of the best ways to show employers that you
have the skills they are looking for is to describe
situations in which you have used those skills.
For example, describing situations in which you
have shown you can work well with others is
much more convincing than simply calling yourself
a “team player.”
Work-specific skills
Work-specific skills are technical skills you use to
do a particular job. Driving a forklift, operating a
cash register and arranging flowers are examples
of work-specific skills.
Think about the work you have done before,
whether paid or unpaid, and the tasks involved
in that work. Have a look at the examples of
tasks and skills shown below. Then write the
tasks you have done in the space provided on
page 7. Beside each task, list the skills you
needed to complete that task.
If you’re not sure which skills to list, here are some
places to look for ideas:
• occupational profiles at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo
• resumé books
• job ads online or in the newspaper
• your previous job description (if you have one)
Identify what you have to offer
Volunteering
Do you lack work experience?
Consider doing volunteer work.
It’s a great way to gain experience and
develop the skills employers are looking
for. Volunteering can help you expand
your network, check out an occupation
or industry and build your confidence.
(To find volunteer opportunities in your
community, visit the Go Volunteer website
at govolunteer.ca. For more information on
volunteering, see the tip sheet Volunteering:
6 Ways Volunteering Can Boost Your
Career, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.)
Task Work-specific skill(s) involved
Repair auto bodies - Use frame machines to straighten bent frames
- Remove badly damaged sections of vehicles
- Weld torn metal
- Work out minor damage in panels, fenders and trim
Yard maintenance - Use lawn mower
- Use weed whacker
- Identify and dig weeds
- Water and fertilize plants
Examples

Task Work-specific skill(s) involved
Worksheet: My work-specific skills

Employability skills
Employability skills are more general skills that
can help you succeed in most work situations.
They include skills that let you work well with
others, communicate, work with numbers, solve
problems, be responsible and work safely.
Read through the examples of general
employability skills below. Then, in the space
provided on page 9, write down as many of
your own employability skills as you can. List
any skill that you are able to perform as well as
most people. You don’t have to be an expert at
something to add it to the list.
If you’re not sure which skills to put on your list,
these resources will give you some ideas:
• the Conference Board of Canada’s website
at www.conferenceboard.ca (search for
“Employability Skills 2000+” in the search box)
• Assessing You: The First Step in Career
Planning, available at alis.alberta.ca/
publications
• Workability: What You Need to Get and Keep
a Job, available at alis.alberta.ca/publications
Beside each skill you list, describe how you have
used that skill in the past. Be specific. What
needed doing and why? Where did you do it
and when? How did you contribute if it was a
teamwork situation?
Examples
Employability skill(s) When/how skill(s) were used
Co-operating
with others
- When working with classmates on a team science project, I suggested
that we take turns setting up experiments and recording results.
That way, everyone contributed equally and got to do both tasks.
Estimating,
budgeting
and tracking finances
- I manage the family budget to make sure that we are able to cover
our basic expenses and still enjoy a vacation together each year.

Employability skill(s) When/how skill(s) were used
Worksheet: My employability skills

Accomplishments
Employers will be even more impressed by your
skills if you describe the positive results you have
achieved. Accomplishments are the successes
you have had, large or small, in completing
activities or meeting goals. They can be work
related, or they can be successes you’ve had in
other parts of your life, such as at home, at school
or in your community. You will want to focus on
your accomplishments in your resumés and cover
letters, as well as in job interviews.
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.
What have you done that makes you proud? See
the examples of accomplishments shown below.
Then list your own accomplishments in the space
provided on page 11.
Here are some types of accomplishments:
• goals you have met or exceeded
• times you’ve taken on more responsibility than
you had to
• tight deadlines you’ve met
• activities or events you’ve organized
• achievements or recognition in school or
training
• leadership roles you’ve been asked to take on
• awards
• bonuses
Sometimes you might not even know when you
do something that other people think is important.
Ask your family and friends to describe your
accomplishments—you might be surprised by
some of the things they come up with.
For an exercise to help you identify your skills
and accomplishments, go to alis.alberta.ca/
skillsaccomplishments.
Examples
My accomplishments
- Achieved honours standing (above 80%) in four of my classes
- Promoted to foreman of road construction crew after only two months
- Organized an office fundraiser that earned $550 for a local charity

My accomplishments
Worksheet: My accomplishments

Now that you have identified what you have to
offer, think about what you need and want in a
job. Some of the things may be very important
to you, while others may just be nice to have. If
you have to decide between job options, keeping
your values and preferences in mind will help you
choose the one that is the best fit for you.
Think about these factors:
• time commitment. Are you looking for part-
time or full-time work? Are you available
to work evenings and weekends? During
weekdays? Only during the summer?
• location. Where does the job site need to be
for you to get to it easily?
• job security. How important is it to have a job
you know is secure for the long term?
• size of the organization. Would you like to
work for a large corporation? A small family-run
business? Something in between?
• working alone or with others. Do you prefer
to work by yourself or as part of a team?
• variety of the work. Do you feel most
comfortable with familiar, routine tasks?
Or do you get bored if a job is repetitive?
• opportunities to learn or advance. How
important is it to learn new things on the job?
Would you like a chance to be promoted within
the organization?
Do you need more help identifying your needs,
values and preferences? Look at the following
resources:
• the tip sheets Work Values and Find Work
That “Fits,” available at alis.alberta.ca/tips
• the quizzes in Know Yourself at alis.alberta.
ca/careerinsite (click Sign Up to create a
free profile and click Know Yourself to access
quizzes on your interests and abilities, work
values, preferred working conditions and more)
Identify your needs and wants
Employment standards for youth
If you are under 18, Alberta employment
standards legislation sets special rules
about the hours you can work and the
types of jobs you can do.
For more information, go to employment.
alberta.ca/es. Under Standards and
Definitions, click Employees Under
Age 18 or check out Your Rights and
Responsibilities at Work at

If you’re not sure which occupations are a good
fit for your skills and needs, you’ll want to do
some research to help you figure out what your
options are. That way, you’ll be able to focus your
work search on the most promising opportunities.
To learn about work options, you can read print
materials, use online resources and talk to people
with first-hand knowledge.
Even if you already know exactly what kind of
work you’re looking for, you may want to check
up-to-date information on topics like qualifications
and average wages before you contact employers.
Online and print resources
Here are some resources that can help you learn
about different occupations:
• OCCinfo—This database describes
typical duties, working conditions, salaries,
advancement and educational requirements
for more than 500 occupations. (Go to
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo.)
• WAGEinfo—Information on Alberta wages
and salaries for over 400 occupations.
(Go to alis.alberta.ca/wageinfo.)
• CAREERinsite—Log in and build a career
plan on this website. Explore work options and
make decisions so you can move toward your
goals. (Go to alis.alberta.ca/careerinsite.)
• occupational videos—This site has more
than 200 online video clips showing real people
in real jobs. Learn about the knowledge, skills
and attitudes needed to work in a specific
occupation. (Go to alis.alberta.ca/occvideo.)
• Alberta Works Centres—Alberta Works
Centres have many print and electronic
resources to help you learn about career
options and make decisions. (To find the centre
nearest you, go to humanservices.alberta.ca/
offices or call the Alberta Career Information
Hotline at 780-422-4266 in Edmonton or
1-800-661-3753 toll-free.)
• your local library—You can find a lot of
information about occupations in the reference,
periodicals and non-fiction sections of your
local library. Try checking business magazines,
newspaper articles, occupational profiles and
industry directories.
Information interviewing
Gather information by interviewing people who
work in fields, jobs or places that interest you. Ask
how they found work and where they suggest you
should look for work. It is not asking people for a
job! If they do happen to have a job opening and
are in a position to hire you, they will probably
tell you. Then you can decide whether or not to
pursue the opportunity.
Prepare for each interview by listing the questions
you want to ask. Before you meet with anyone,
do some Internet or library research. The more
you learn about work in your fields of interest, the
more specific your questions will become.
Most people will have a limited amount of time
to talk with you. Plan to ask your most important
questions first and make your questions as brief
as possible. Be businesslike and don’t take more
than 15 to 20 minutes of someone’s time.
Research occupations

• How did you find work in this occupation?
People love to talk about themselves,
so this question is usually a good
conversation opener. But don’t spend too
much time on it or you won’t have time to
ask other questions.
• How are people usually recruited, and
what work search methods are best?
Should I contact employers by dropping
in, phoning, sending an email message or
writing a letter?
Take notes. When you have conducted a
number of information interviews, it can be
difficult to remember specifics like names
and phone numbers. During or immediately
after each interview, write down the following
information:
• date
• name, phone number and email address
of the person you talked to
• what you learned from the person
• the names and phone numbers
of any referrals
Within a day or two, write a brief note
thanking the person for his or her time
and help.
• What is most challenging in this
occupation? What is most rewarding?
What are the current hot topics?
• Where would a person with my background
and skills fit in?
• Is there anyone else you would recommend
I talk to?
For more help thinking of questions for your
information interview, see the worksheet
Deciding what questions to ask in Advanced
Techniques for Work Search, available at
Follow up each information interview by
phoning two to three weeks later. A contact
may have heard about work opportunities in
the meantime or thought of something else
that might help you.
For more suggestions on information
interviewing, see the tip sheet Information
Interviewing for Career, Learning and Work
Options, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.
Questions to ask during the information interview
Following up on the information interview

Finding job opportunities takes detective work. Most opportunities
are not advertised. It is easier for employers to wait for a job seeker
to come to them or ask the people they know to recommend someone
who is looking for work.
This section provides information on
• where and how you can look for opportunities
• where and how to network
• contacting employers directly
• planning and keeping track of your work search activities
Finding Work

Finding Work
There are many ways to find employers who need
your skills:
• network in person by talking to friends and
acquaintances
• network online through email, blogs and social
and professional networking sites
• contact employers directly and ask about
job openings
• look at the employment sections of
company websites
• use job search engines and job search
websites (for more information on using the
Internet to look for job opportunities, see the
tip sheet Using the Internet for Work Search:
Finding Jobs and Work Opportunities, available
at alis.alberta.ca/tips)
• check online job banks (go to alis.alberta.ca/
jobpostings for a list of federal, provincial and
regional job banks, Alberta newspaper postings
and more)
• attend workshops, career and job fairs
and other learning opportunities (go to
humanservices.alberta.ca/regions to find the
services and events in your area)
• use social networking sites to check for job
postings (go to humanservices.alberta.ca/
socialmedia for a site directory)
• watch for “Now Hiring” signs in the windows of
local businesses
• read the advertisements in the classified and
career sections of local newspapers
• register with private employment or
placement agencies
• pay attention to news reports about new
projects and think about the types of work that
may become available and where
The best ways to tap into the “hidden job
market” are talking to people (or networking)
and contacting employers directly.
Looking for opportunities
Bigger is not always better!
In your work search, don’t overlook
organizations with fewer than 20
employees.
Small businesses create more new jobs
than large businesses. Another advantage
of contacting small businesses is that it
may be easier to get through to the person
who can hire you. In fact, it may be the
boss who answers the phone.

Finding Work
Networking is an organized way of asking the
people you know for information and to connect
you with the people they know. It lets you form
a “net” of personal contacts who can provide
support and information about careers and job
opportunities.
Networking in person
Start with the people you know best: friends and
family, neighbours, former teachers and mentors
or work supervisors. But don’t stop there—talk to
everyone you know! Your hairstylist’s brother may
do work that interests you. You’ll never know until
you ask.
People whose work involves a lot of contact
with other people can be particularly helpful. If
you know any teachers, social workers, religious
leaders or community leaders, for example, talk
to them about your skills and work search targets.
Start networking by making a list of people you
know and deciding which ones to contact first.
Then tell those people that you’re looking for
information and job opportunities. Tell them a bit
about your training and experience and the type
of work you’re looking for. Ask them to let you
know if they hear about any job leads or to refer
you to someone who might know of something.
You can also network in a more formal setting.
Form direct connections through activities and
events associated with the type of work you
want to do. These might include workshops and
conferences, industry association events and
clubs, union events and volunteer work.
Networking online
The Internet offers many opportunities to connect
with people you might not otherwise have a
chance to communicate with. Here are some ways
you can network online:
• email. Email is a convenient way to contact
people you know, as well as other people
in fields that interest you whose contact
information is public.
• professional networking sites. Sites like
LinkedIn let you make business-focused
connections with the people you know and the
people they know. You can also participate in
discussion groups on work-related topics.
• social networking sites. Sites like Facebook
let you tell your network of social connections
that you are looking for work. If you use
Facebook to look for work, always present
yourself in a professional manner.
• blogs and discussion groups in your field.
Following blogs and “mini-blogs” like Twitter
can help you stay up to date on the industries
you’re interested in. You may also meet people
who work in those industries.
• your own blog, website or Twitter account.
You can use your own website to post your
resumé. You can also use Twitter or a blog
to advertise your work search and participate
in conversations about topics related to the
work you would like to do. Always keep
it professional!
See these resources for more information:
• the tip sheets Networking, Networking Online
and Using Social Media for Work Search,
available at alis.alberta.ca/tips
• Alberta Work Search Online at
alis.alberta.ca/worksearch and
click Networking
Networking

Finding Work
Once you have identified employers you would
like to work for, contact them whether or not they
have posted a job. Remember, positions often
aren’t posted.
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.
Identify the person to contact
“Dear Sir/Madam” and “To whom it may concern”
approaches are not very effective. No matter what
method of contact you use—in person, by phone,
by email or by regular mail—address a specific
person:
• If you are contacting employers in person, call
before you go and ask who does the hiring for
the type of work you want. Find out when this
person may be available to speak to applicants
or whether you can make an appointment.
When you walk in, ask for the person by name.
• If you are contacting employers by phone,
ask the person who answers the phone for
the name of the person who does the hiring.
Either ask to be put through to that person or
call back another day and ask for him or her
by name.
• If you are contacting employers by letter or
email, address your messages to specific
people. You may be able to find the names and
addresses of company executives by checking
company websites or by networking (if calling
the company is not practical).
Record names and contact information in
an organized way. Give yourself room for notes
about when you contacted people and how they
responded. You will need this information to
follow up later. See page 21 for a worksheet you
can use to keep notes.
Choose a contact method
You can contact employers in person, over the
phone, by email or by regular mail. When you are
deciding which method(s) to use, consider your
personality and communication skills. Also think
about which method will work best for presenting
your qualifications.
For example, if you usually make a good first
impression when you meet people, contact
employers in person. If you sound pleasant and
confident on the phone (or could with practice),
call employers. If you can write a dynamite
business letter or email message, contact
employers in writing.
If your work history has gaps in it that are difficult
to explain briefly or in a positive way, contact
employers in person or by phone. Doing so is
probably better than sending email or letters. On
the other hand, if your qualifications look really
good on paper, a well-written cover letter and
resumé (or email) may get better results.
If you are applying for work in a community some
distance away from where you live, you may not
be able to drop in on employers or make lots of
phone calls. You may have to rely primarily on
email or letters.
Contacting employers directly

Finding Work
Follow up
Follow up your contact with an employer after a
reasonable length of time (about two weeks).
Be gently persistent. Here are some suggestions:
• If you meet employers in person and they have no
openings, leave a resumé anyway. Ask whether
and when you can check in with them again.
• On the phone, your goal is to get a job
interview. After a meeting, leave a resumé
and ask whether you can call back in a couple
of weeks.
• When you contact employers by mail or email,
ask for an interview in your closing paragraph.
If possible, give a date and time when you will
phone to arrange a convenient time. Then call
when you said you would!
Method Advantages Disadvantages
in person • is most effective if you are looking
for unskilled, semi-skilled or
sales-related work
• impresses employers who are looking
for outgoing people
• can create good first impressions
by your appearance and manner,
regardless of your qualifications
• requires self-confidence
• is time-consuming
• may require spending money
on transportation
• may bother employers who prefer
to meet by appointment
by phone • lets you contact many employers
in a short time
• is harder to ignore than an email
or letter
• can be effective for most types of work
• requires good phone skills
• gives you less than a minute to
convince an employer to talk to you
by email • emphasizes good qualifications
• is faster than and doesn’t cost as much
as mail or long distance calls
• must be well written
• requires you to check your email
often for responses
by mail • emphasizes good qualifications
• may impress employers more than
email because it requires more effort
• has a low response rate
(5 to 10 per cent of employers)
• is not as effective in competitive fields
• is time-consuming
• must be well written
• costs money for supplies and postage
Method of Contacting Employers—Advantages and Disadvantages

Finding Work
Create a work search plan
and record
Putting a work search plan in writing will help you
set goals and deadlines for your search. It will also
help you keep track of what you have done. Be
specific about what you will do, who you will
contact and when you will complete each activity.
The amount of time you spend on work search
activities should reflect your priorities. For
example, if networking is your number one
method, then most of your work search day
should be spent networking.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed, set manageable
tasks. If you can’t do anything on the list in less
than half an hour, break it into smaller tasks. Keep
adding to your plan as your search progresses.
Have a look at the sample work search plan
below. Then use the worksheet on page 21 to
create your own plan. Describe the activities you
Sample work search plan and record
Activity Deadline
Date
completed
Results of activity
Attend networking
evening
February 17 February 17 - Deb Chen, ABC Organization, said to
contact Fatima Rai at XYZ Company
Search job ads in the
newspaper and at
alis.alberta.ca/jobpostings
February 19 February 17 - Found ad for receptionist at Jim’s Garage
Contact Fatima Rai at
XYZ Company by phone
(780-000-0000)
February 20 February 19 - No positions currently available, but
Fatima said to try again in about
a month
Respond to ad for job at
Jim’s Garage
February 20 February 19 - Sent resume/cover letter, invited for
interview
Interview with Jim Fields
at Jim’s Garage
February 24
Follow up with Fatima Rai
(780-000-0000)
March 20
plan to complete and set a deadline for each. If the
activity involves contacting someone, write down
that person’s name and contact details. When you
have completed an activity, record the date and the
results of that activity.
You might prefer to complete your work search
plan electronically or need more space than is
provided on page 21. You can access an interactive
PDF version at alis.alberta.ca/wsrecord. Here
are some examples of activities you may want to
include in your plan:
• preparing resumés and cover letters
• networking and information interviewing
• contacting and following up with employers
• checking job postings on the Internet
• answering job ads in the newspaper
• registering with employment agencies
• attending workshops and job fairs
• attending interviews

Finding Work
Activity Deadline
Date
completed
Results of activity
Worksheet: My work search plan and record

Most employers will expect you to have a resumé. A resumé is a one-
or two-page summary of your qualifications. The purpose of a resumé
is to quickly draw an employer’s attention to your most relevant skills
and accomplishments. It is a tool designed to get you invited for an
interview. It should be short, interesting to look at and easy to read.
This section covers
• information to put on your resumé
• tips on writing your resumé
• creating a resumé master
Resumés
• different resumé types
• plain text resumés

• activities, hobbies and interests. If you don’t
have work experience related to the job but
your leisure activities, hobbies or interests
involve relevant skills or knowledge, you may
want to mention them to flesh out your resumé.
• volunteer activities and community
involvement. List the volunteer activities
and organizations (community, cultural,
professional, social) you are or have been
involved in, if you think they might be of
interest to a particular employer. Including
this information in your resumé can show
employers that you are a well-rounded person.
But use your judgment and avoid identifying
your religious or political memberships.
The information that you put on your resumé will
depend on your background and experience and
the job you are applying for. It will include some or
all of the following components:
• name and contact information. Mailing
address, email address, phone number (home
and/or cellular), fax (if you have one). You can
also include your website if it’s relevant and
appropriate for an employer to see.
• objective. A job objective statement briefly
states the type of work you want. Don’t include
a job objective statement if your goal is obvious
or can be stated in a cover letter.
• education and training. School name,
program (certificate, diploma), major areas of
study or training, year graduated or credits
earned. If you’re still at school, you can write
“in progress” or “estimated completion date”
instead of a graduation date.
• work history or experience. Job titles and
descriptions, employers, dates of employment,
responsibilities. You can include both paid and
volunteer experience.
• skills. Work-specific or employability skills
not mentioned in the work history or
experience section.
• languages. Languages you can speak, read,
or write, along with fluency level (fluent,
conversational, basic).
• awards and honours. Recognition you
have received in school, on the job or in
your community.
• school projects. In-class or extracurricular
school projects that show your skills
or initiative.
Information to include
References available
upon request?
You don’t need to include the line
“References available upon request”
on your resumé.
List your references on a separate piece
of paper and take it with you when you go
to an interview. For more information on
references and a sample reference list,
see page 47.
Resumés

Resumés
When you’re writing your resumé, keep these tips
in mind:
• Keep it simple and concise—most people do
not need more than two pages.
• Don’t sign or date your resumé, put the title
“resumé” at the top, attach a photograph of
yourself or include personal information such
as age, sex, height or ethnic background.
• Every time you apply for work, analyze the job
requirements before you submit a resumé.
If necessary, reorganize or rewrite your resumé
in a way that clearly shows you can satisfy
job requirements.
• List your strongest qualifications near the
beginning of your resumé so employers see
them first. If you have lots of work experience
that is related to the type of work you are
applying for, put it before your education/
training history. If you have more related
education than work experience, put the
education first.
• Emphasize your accomplishments and
achievements. Wherever possible, describe
how your work helped solve problems and
achieve goals.
• Use active, expressive words to describe what
you have done. To find descriptive words, see
the tip sheet Use Action Words to Get the Job,
available at alis.alberta.ca/tips. Don’t use “I”
and “filler” words such as “I was responsible
for...” or “My duties involved...”
• Be honest. Don’t exaggerate or misrepresent
yourself—most employers check. On the other
hand, don’t be too humble.
• Make sure there are no errors in spelling,
grammar or typing. Check and double-check!
• Use wide margins and put information in
point form to create lots of “white space”
on the page.
• Use bold to highlight information.
• Print on good-quality white or off-white
8½" x 11" paper. Use a printer that produces
a clean, clear copy.
Resumé tips
Revise, revise, revise!
Before you start sending your resumé
to employers, ask as many people as
possible to give you feedback on your
most recent draft(s).
You can also get feedback from career
advisors through the Alberta Career
Information Hotline’s e-Resumé Review
service. (Go to alis.alberta.ca/eresume to
submit your resumé.) It’s hard to proofread
your own work, so the more fresh eyes, the
better! Keep copies of your resumé drafts
for future reference.

Resumés
To create your resumé master, fill in the following
worksheet. If a section does not apply to you,
leave it blank. Refer to Information to include
on page 23 for more details on what you should
write in each section of the worksheet. To fill in
the sections on skills and accomplishments, look
back at the exercises on pages 7, 9 and 11.
If you would prefer to complete your resumé
master electronically or you need more space
than the following pages provide, you can access
an interactive PDF version at alis.alberta.ca/
resumemaster.
A resumé master is a place to collect all the
information that you might put on a resumé or
talk about in an interview. It helps you keep track
of details about your experience, education and
other activities so you don’t forget anything.
Your resumé master is a living document. If you
keep adding to it throughout your career, you will
always have a complete and up-to-date record of
everything you have done. Having these details at
your fingertips will make your future work search
activities easier.
You won’t include all the information in your
resumé master on every resumé you write.
When you send your resumé to an employer,
just pick out the information that is relevant to
that employer’s needs. You can leave out any
work experience that does not relate to the job
you are applying for.
Resumé master

Resumés
Worksheet: My resumé master
My contact information
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street address: __________________________________________________________________________________________
City, province, postal code: _________________________________________________________________________________
Phone number 1: __________ - __________ - _____________ Phone number 2: __________ - __________ - _____________
Email: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Education and training List your education in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
School: ______________________________________________________________ Year completed: ____________________
Program/credential (course, certificate, diploma): _________________________________________________________________
Professional development workshops and seminars, adult education and other courses:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Work history and experience List your experience in chronological order, beginning with the most recent.
Work title: ________________________________________ Work title: ___________________________________________
Organization: _____________________________________ Organization:_________________________________________
Dates: __________________________________________ Dates:______________________________________________
Responsibilities:____________________________________ Responsibilities:_______________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
Dates: __________________________________________ Dates:______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Resumés
Dates: __________________________________________ Dates:______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
Skills ________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Accomplishments ____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer activities and community involvement________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Languages _________________________________ Awards and honours ____________________________
____________________________________________ ________________________________________________
School projects _____________________________ Activities, hobbies and interests __________________
____________________________________________ ________________________________________________
References
Name: __________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________
Title: ____________________________________________ Title: _______________________________________________
Phone number: __________ - __________ - ____________ Phone number: __________ - __________ - ________________
Email: ___________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________
Name: __________________________________________ Name: ______________________________________________
Title: ____________________________________________ Title: _______________________________________________
Phone number: __________ - __________ - ____________ Phone number: __________ - __________ - ________________
Email: ___________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________
_______________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Resumés
There are three major types of resumé: chronological, functional and combination.
Resumé types
Resumé type Description Advantages
Chronological A chronological resumé lists your
work, education and training history
in chronological order from most
recent to oldest.
• highlights strong employment history
• format employers are most familiar with
• easier to write than other types of resumés
Functional A functional resumé highlights your
skills and capabilities, not work
history. It organizes information
about things you have done (on the
job, at school, as a volunteer) in skill
categories that are directly related
to the requirements of the work
you want.
• minimizes a lack of related experience or
gaps in employment history
Combination A combination resumé highlights your
skills by organizing information in
skill categories, then briefly outlines
your work history near the end of
the resumé.
• draws attention to what you can do while
also providing “where and when” information
• minimizes drawbacks, such as gaps in
employment and lack of directly related
experience
Likewise, if employers may not be familiar with the
location of your previous employers, include the
name of the city and province or country. If they are
probably familiar with the employers on your list,
you can leave addresses out.
The table above lists the advantages and
disadvantages of each resumé type to help you
choose the one that best fits your experience
and situation.
In each of the three resumé types, some sections
and information are optional. You can choose to
include them or not. For example, list job titles if
your experience is directly related to the type of
work you want. If the job titles don’t highlight the
skills you want to emphasize, leave them out.

Resumés
Disadvantages Use it if
• emphasizes a lack of related experience,
gaps in employment or frequent job
changes
• you have had a series of work assignments with increasing
levels of responsibility
• your experience is directly related to the work you are
applying for
• is not preferred by employers because
it does not include specific “where and
when” information
• is more difficult to write
• you don’t have directly related work experience
• you have changed jobs frequently
• you have been unemployed for long periods of time
• you are changing careers or industries
• you want to emphasize skills you have developed outside
paid work (for example, at school, as a homemaker, as
a volunteer)
• more difficult to organize and write
• puts less emphasis on specific
employment experience
• you want to highlight your skills but do not want to risk
making employers wonder about your work history
On the following pages, you’ll find an outline and
sample resumés for each resumé type:
• chronological resumés on pages 30–32
• functional resumés on pages 33–35
• combination resumés on pages 36–38
To see more resumé samples, go to
alis.alberta.ca/resumetypes.
The sample resumés show a few options for
basic resumé formatting. For your resumé, use a
format that you are comfortable with and that you
know how to create. The formatting in some of
the sample resumés may not work well if you are
submitting your resumé in the body of an email or
uploading it to a website. In these cases, see the
suggestions in the section Plain text resumés on
page 39 and Sample combination resumé #2 on
page 38.

Chronological Resumé Outline
Your Name
Street address or box number
City, province, postal code
Phone number(s)
Email address
Fax number (optional), website (optional)
Objective (optional)
Describe the type of work you are seeking. Include this section only if it is not obvious and not
described in your cover letter.
Experience
List any jobs you have done that are relevant to the type of work you are applying for. You don’t
have to stop at three. Describe what you did in each job that required skills similar to those you
would need in the new position. List other duties and responsibilities very briefly. Describe your
accomplishments—for example, consistently met or exceeded sales targets or service standards;
received good feedback from clients or customers. Start each item with active words—for example,
“Helped set up...” instead of “Responsible for helping to set up...”
Work title (optional) 20XX–20XX
Employer name (most recent first)
City, province (optional)
• Relevant responsibilities, skills, duties
and accomplishments (describe in a bulleted list)
Employer name (second-most recent)
Employer name (third-most recent)
Education
List any diploma or certificate programs you have taken. Also list short education, training and
professional development courses that relate to the type of work you are applying for.
Name of educational institution 20XX–20XX
Diploma, certificate or degree earned; focus of study or training (optional)
Name of training or professional development course Month 20XX
Other (optional)
Include sections for any other relevant information—for example, Languages, Awards and Honours,
or Hobbies and Interests.

Sample Chronological Resumés
Bradley Roy
80 Smalls Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 1M6
780-000-0000 bradley.roy@email.address
Certifications
Alberta-certified journeyman welder
WHMIS certification
Experience
Apprentice Welder 2009–2012
Smythe Manufacturing, Fort McMurray
• Read blueprints
• Laid out, cut and fitted materials for welds
• Inspected and identified faults in materials and equipment
• Set up and maintained machines and equipment, including sharpening
and tempering of tools
• Repaired equipment using lathe, drill press, milling and threading machines
• Used and maintained oxy-acetylene, electric arc and spot welding equipment,
as well as brazing and soldering equipment and brakes and shears
• Welded pipelines, machinery, equipment and automotive equipment
(brakes, hydraulic systems, transmissions, radiators, lights, etc.)
Labourer 2006–2009
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, and cleaned and piled
salvaged materials
Landscaping Assistant Summer 2006
City Turf, Grande Prairie
• Mowed, power-raked, edged and fertilized lawns
• Laid sod and planted trees
Gas Station Attendant 2005–2006
Bonaventure Gas, Grande Prairie
• Served customers and accepted payments
• Pumped gas and checked automotive fluids and tire pressure
• Filled propane vehicles and cylinders
• Closed store at end of shift
Education
Welder technical training, ABC College, Fort McMurray 2009–2012
Completed Grade 12, XYZ High School, Edmonton 2002–2005
Sample chronological resumé #1:
experienced tradesperson
See Bradley’s cover letter
on page 43.

Sample Chronological Resumés
TAYA OKITA
6908 Goldview Dr. NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B 3K9
Email: taya.okita@email.address
Tel: 403-000-0000
Objective
Manager position at Digital Worlds Games
Experience
Assistant Manager (part-time), Short Circuit Electronics 2011–2012
• Supervised six part-time employees
• Handled customer complaints
• Helped interview and train employees
• Helped plan monthly staff meetings
• Suggested changes to employee scheduling to better accommodate
their needs
Sales Associate (part-time), Short Circuit Electronics 2010–2011
• Answered customers’ questions and helped them choose electronics
• Processed sales and returns
Stock Clerk (part-time), Food World 2009–2010
• Stocked groceries
• Took inventory
• Helped shoppers find products
• Provided carry-out service
Education
ABC High School 2011
Languages
English (fluent), Japanese (conversational)
Awards and Honours
• Graduated with honours (85% average)
• Received Short Circuit sales associate of the month award twice
• Promoted to Short Circuit assistant manager after less than a year
Activities/Interests
• Active member of student council in Grades 10–12
• Avid video gamer
Sample chronological resumé #2:
high school graduate
with paid work experience
See Taya’s reference list
on page 47.

Your Name
Phone number(s)
Email address
Summary of Qualifications (optional)
Briefly describe what makes you a good fit for the job. For example, you might include an
overview of your experience, credentials, knowledge and availability.
Skill Title 1
Group your skills and characteristics (from three to six) under skill titles, listed separately. Include
skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as Communication, Customer
Service, Organizational or Troubleshooting.
Support each skill or characteristic with an example of how you’ve used it. Examples can come
from any area of your life, not just from jobs. For example, under Organizational, describe what
you organized and what the results were.
Avoid self-evaluation. For example, under Customer Service, instead of writing “provided
excellent service,” write “improved customer satisfaction ratings.” Even better, tell how much
the ratings improved or list any recognition (for example, employee of the week) you received.
Skill Title 2
Skill Title 3
Experience (optional)
Describe paid and volunteer experience with a focus on what you did rather than on where
and when you did the work.
Education and Training (optional)
Describe your formal and informal education with a focus on what you learned and accomplished.
Functional Resumé Outline

Sample Functional Resumés
Sample functional resumé #1:
high school student with
no paid work experience
See Sébastien’s cover letter
on page 44.
Sébastien Leblanc
324 Wildthorn Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta
T2J 1Z2
Phone: 403-000-0000
Summary of qualifications
Grade 10 student looking for page position with the Calgary Public Library. Enthusiastic reader
with three months of experience volunteering at the school library. Available to work after
school and on weekends.
Library knowledge
■■ Learned library processes and Dewey Decimal System volunteering at school library
■■ Expert user of PCs in a Windows environment
■■ Visit Calgary Public Library often, so am familiar with my local branch
and library programs
■■ Enjoy organizational tasks
Responsible and motivated
■■ Have perfect attendance and no lates at school
■■ Achieved honours in first semester of high school
■■ Always turn in homework on time
■■ Volunteered as assistant coach for kids’ soccer league for two years and attended
all games
■■ Have played the cello since the age of five and practise daily (placed second in
regional competition last year)
Communication skills
■■ Good at listening and following instructions
■■ As a soccer coach, had to be able to explain things clearly
■■ Speak and write English and French fluently
■■ Have taken two Spanish courses
Teamwork skills
■■ Play volleyball and used to play soccer, both games where teamwork is important
■■ Work well with people of all ages: coaching little kids, playing sports and doing school
projects with people my own age, and working with teachers and the school librarian

Sample Functional Resumés
Sample functional resumé #2:
recent immigrant with limited
skills and experience
Mariam Khoury
#2, 11925 McBain Road
Edmonton, Alberta
T6W 1K2
Phone: 587-000-0000
Email: mjkhoury@email.address
Summary
My goal is to find a position in a restaurant kitchen where I can help with cleaning and
food preparation. I have always loved to cook and would eventually like to become an
apprentice cook. I am available to work full time, including weekdays, evenings, weekends
and holidays.
Kitchen Skills
• Cleaning and chopping vegetables
• Preparing and measuring ingredients
• Storing food
• Following safety processes
Personal Characteristics
• Friendly and outgoing. I love meeting new people and am looking forward
to working as part of a team.
• Reliable and organized. As a mother of two young children, I keep our household
orderly and on schedule.
• Proactive and motivated. I like to keep busy and am good at finding ways to make
myself useful, such as offering to help neighbours with chores or babysitting.
Education
• Enrolled in an upcoming food safety course at ABC Technical College, Edmonton
• Currently taking classes to improve my reading and writing in English
• Washing dishes
• Putting away dishes and equipment
• Cleaning floors and countertops
• Disposing of garbage

Your Name
Phone number(s)
Email address
Summary of Qualifications (optional)
Briefly describe what makes you a good fit for the job. For example, you might include an overview
of your experience, credentials, knowledge and availability.
Skill Title 1
Group your skills and characteristics (from three to six) under skill titles, listed separately. Include
skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, such as Communication, Customer Service,
Organizational or Troubleshooting.
Support each skill or characteristic with an example of how you’ve used it. Examples can come
from any area of your life, not just from jobs. For example, under Organizational, describe what you
organized and what the results were.
Avoid self-evaluation. For example, under Customer Service, instead of writing “provided excellent
service,” write “improved customer satisfaction ratings.” Even better, tell how much the ratings
improved or list any recognition (for example, employee of the week) you received.
Skill Title 2
Skill Title 3
Experience
Position title (optional), 20XX–20XX
Employer name (most recent first)
Position title (optional), 20XX–20XX
Employer name (second-most recent)
Education
List any diploma or certificate programs you have taken. Also list short education, training and
professional development courses that relate to the type of work you are applying for.
Diploma, certificate or degree earned; focus of study or training (optional) 20XX–20XX
Name of educational institution, city, province (city and province are optional)
Name of training or professional development course Month 20XX
Other (optional)
Include sections for any other relevant information—for example, Languages, Awards and Honours,
or Hobbies and Interests.
Combination Resumé Outline

Sample Combination Resumés
ANN MCKINNEY
1456 Saylor Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 4X7
HOME: 403-000-0000 CELL: 403-999-9999
amckinney@email.address
SUMMARY 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
♦♦ Volunteer experience tabulating monies at community bingos and operating concession
booths for various charitable organizations
♦♦ Skilled at following procedures, adapting, being organized and performing repetitive
tasks (as an employee, homemaker and volunteer)
♦♦ Available to work flexible hours
SKILLS
Customer Service
♦♦ Greeted customers and presented menus
♦♦ Helped customers select menu items
♦♦ Placed orders with the kitchen
♦♦ Served food and beverages
Cash Handling
♦♦ Entered customer food orders on computerized cash register
♦♦ Prepared itemized bills
♦♦ Accepted payment and made change
Food Handling
♦♦ Assembled hospital patient food trays
♦♦ Delivered trays to patients
♦♦ Operated dishwasher
♦♦ Observed safe food handling procedures in all tasks
EXPERIENCE
Food and Beverage Server 2001–2006
Good Fortune Cafe, Calgary
Dietary Aid 1998–2001
General Hospital, Calgary
Server Summer 1997
B&G Fast Food, Calgary
Sample combination resumé #1:
experienced worker returning to
workforce after a long absence
See Ann’s cover letter
on page 45.

JOHN GREENBIRD
4607 50 St.
Ponoka, Alberta
T4J 1A1
Cell: 403-000-0000
greenbird.j@email.address
OBJECTIVE
Forklift driver / warehousing position
QUALIFICATIONS
* Worked as senior forklift operator for major manufacturer of gas line industry equipment
* Tracked shipments, loaded trucks and railcars, and supervised workers
* Handled large shipments of gas industry equipment using warehouse management software
(WMS), packaged shipments and helped track invoicing
* Maintained and repaired forklift equipment, kept all areas clean and acted as shift team
safety leader
SKILLS
* Operating a forklift
* Stacking and unstacking cargo in warehouses, shipping yards and various transport vehicles
* Maintaining and repairing forklifts and related equipment
* Shipping and receiving
* Using WMS and Inventory Shipping Receiving Picking (ISRP) inventory tracking systems
* Training and supervising workers
TRAINING
* WHMIS recertification (April 2010)
* Reach truck operator course (June 2009)
* Counterbalance forklift for experienced operators course (November 2008)
* WMS training (November 2006)
* Transportation and handling of dangerous goods course (January 2003)
EXPERIENCE
Dynamic Projects, Ponoka, Alberta
* Forklift Supervisor, 2008–2012
* Shipping Clerk, 2003–2008
Sample combination resumé #2:
experienced worker who
recently lost job
Example of a plain text resumé
suitable for emailing
Sample Combination Resumés

Resumés
Plain text resumés
Your resumé may need to look different depending
on whether you are giving it to someone in
person, emailing it, uploading it to an employer’s
website or using it to fill in an online application.
If you are printing your resumé or emailing it as a
Microsoft Word or PDF file, using formatting like
bold text, different font sizes, bullets and indenting
makes your resumé look nicer. But if you are
sending out your resumé in the body of an email
or submitting it through a website, the formatting
might be lost, making your resumé difficult to
read. For this reason, you may need to use a plain
text resumé (also called an ASCII resumé). This is
a resumé with little or no formatting.
To learn how to create and use a plain text
resumé, see the tip sheet Applying for Work
Online (section 2: “Uploading your resumé
to an employer website”), available at
Sample combination resumé #2 on page
38 is an example of a plain text resumé.

A cover letter is a businesslike way to introduce your resumé or
application form. It is your chance to get the employer’s attention
by explaining how your qualifications fit the employer’s needs. An
effective cover letter must highlight skills and accomplishments that
are relevant to the particular job you are applying for.
This section includes
• what to put in your cover letter
• a cover letter outline
• sample cover letters
Cover Letters

Cover Letters
• Check the letter carefully for any spelling,
punctuation, grammar or typing errors. Ask
a friend to check it too if you are not sure.
• Print on the same good-quality paper as
your resumé, with the same fonts. The
two documents should match and look
professional. Use a printer that produces
a clean, clear copy.
• If you promise to contact the employer to
follow up, do it!
On the following pages, you’ll find a cover letter
outline and sample letters:
• general outline on page 42
• cover letter for an advertised position
on page 43
• cover letter for a non-advertised position
on page 44
• cover letter for a referral-based position
on page 45
When you’re writing your cover letter, keep the
following in mind:
• Always tailor your letter to show how your skills
relate to a particular employer’s needs. Don’t
just send the same letter to every employer.
• If you’re responding to an ad that includes a job
reference number, include the number on your
cover letter.
• Make the letter brief and to the point.
Use simple and direct language.
• Show your awareness of the types of things the
company is doing and its objectives. Google
the employer or search the employer’s website
for information.
• Don’t just repeat the facts from your resumé.
Stress how the employer will benefit from
hiring you and how you think you will benefit by
becoming a part of the company. It is important
to anticipate the reader’s questions and provide
answers. Make it easy to see where you would
fit in.
• Personalize your letter. It should reflect your
personality. However, be careful to avoid
appearing pushy, overbearing or too familiar.
This is a business letter, so humour is generally
out of place here.
• Mention that you are available at the employer’s
convenience for an interview or to discuss
opportunities. Give a phone number (either
home or cell) where you can be reached.
• After your name, include the word “Enclosure,”
which means that your resumé is enclosed
or attached.
Cover letter content
Options for emailing your cover letter
If you are sending your resumé as an
email attachment, you can put your
cover letter in the body of the email,
include it in the same file as your resumé
or attach it as a separate file.
If you attach the cover letter to the email,
write a brief message in the body of the
email to say that your resumé and cover
letter are attached—don’t just leave the
email blank!

Your address
Date
Name of recipient
Recipient’s position title
Company name
Re: Position Title (Job Reference Number, if applicable)
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name
Address a specific person, not Sir/Madam. If you’re not sure whether the person is male or female,
don’t use Mr./Ms. and use the person’s full name instead—for example, Dear Pat Walker.
First paragraph
Explain your reason for writing. If you are applying for a specific job, say so and state how you heard
about the opportunity. If someone referred you to the employer, name that person—for example, Joe
Davis, your customer service manager, suggested I write to you. If you’re not applying for a specific
job, just say that you are interested in working for this organization.
Middle paragraph(s)
Explain what makes you a good fit for this position or type of work. Point out any key experience
(including volunteer or school experience) that qualifies you for the position. Keep your paragraphs
short. If you are responding to a job posting, explain how your skills and experience match those
described in the posting.
Last paragraph
State that a resumé or application is enclosed for more information. Offer to provide additional
information, if needed. Request an interview. If appropriate, let the reader know you will be checking
back to set up an appointment.
Sincerely,
Your Name
(If you’re sending your resumé in hard copy, leave three lines for your signature before your name.
If you’re sending it electronically, you don’t need to leave space before your name.)
Enclosure
Cover Letter Outline

Sample Cover Letters
Cover letter for an advertised
position—experienced
tradesperson
See Bradley’s chronological
resumé on page 31.
80 Smalls Avenue
Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 1M6
July 4, 2012
R.C. Jacobson
Construction Superintendent
Allied Construction
Box 2323
Grande Prairie, Alberta T5V 4Z3
Re: Journeyman Welder Position (Job Reference Number 999999)
Dear Mr. Jacobson:
I am interested in the journeyman welder position that you advertised this
week in the Daily Herald Tribune.
I recently completed my journeyman certification with Smythe Manufacturing
in Fort McMurray. I have experience in the construction industry as I
worked for three years on a variety of construction sites in Grande Prairie.
My schedule is flexible, so I am available to work morning, afternoon and
evening shifts as your ad describes. I also meet your requirement for
WHMIS certification.
My resumé is attached. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my
qualifications.
Sincerely,
Bradley Roy
Enclosure

Cover letter for a non-advertised
position—high school student
with no paid work experience
See Sébastien’s functional
resumé on page 34.
324 Wildthorn Drive SE
Calgary, Alberta T2J 1Z2
September 14, 2012
Ms. Hanna Brodyk
Human Resources
Calgary Public Library
Calgary, Alberta TIK 7G4
Dear Ms. Brodyk:
The next time the library has an opening for a student page, I would like to be considered
for the position.
Because I already have library experience from volunteering at the school library, I
will be able to learn the job quickly and work efficiently right from the start. My strong
academic record, volunteer work and dedication as a musician show that I’m responsible
and motivated, so you can count on me to arrive for shifts on time and do the work
carefully. I get along well with people of all different ages and backgrounds at school, on
sports teams and as a coach, and I will enjoy working with library customers and staff.
As a volleyball and soccer player, I’m also in great shape for lifting and shelving books!
My resumé and the completed application form that I downloaded from your website are
enclosed. I will call you next week to find out when it would be convenient to discuss my
qualifications.
Sincerely,
Sébastien LeBlanc
Enclosure

Cover letter for a referral-based
application—experienced worker
returning to workforce after
a long absence
See Ann’s combination
resumé on page 37.
1456 Saylor Drive
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 4X7
May 13, 2012
Mr. Li Cheng, Manager
Riteway Foods
456 Main Street
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7G4
Dear Mr. Cheng:
Rita Stobbe, my neighbour, suggested that I contact you. I would like to be
considered for a full-time cashier position.
My experience as a food and beverage server has taught me how to deal
pleasantly and efficiently with customers, even when working under pressure.
I take pride in being able to remember items and prices and handle cash with a
high degree of accuracy. The enclosed resumé briefly describes my experience.
I will call you on May 22 to arrange a meeting, if I have not heard from you by then.
Sincerely,
Ann McKinney
Enclosure

Reference lists, portfolios and application forms are
additional tools that you can use to market yourself to employers.
This section talks about
• types of references and how to present them to an employer
• what a portfolio is and why you might want one
• application forms
Other Tools

Other Tools
a letter if your reference has moved and can no
longer be reached by phone. If you ask one of
your references to write you a letter, try to give
that person as much notice as possible.
For more information on references, see the tip
sheet Requesting a Reference: Who and How to
Ask, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.
Most employers check references. Choose
references who know you well and can speak
clearly and enthusiastically about you. Your
references should also be objective—avoid
using a family member as a reference.
There are three main types of references:
• work-related references—past bosses,
co-workers or people you have done
volunteer work for
• academic references—teachers or
counsellors who can talk about your
performance at school or in training
• personal references—friends or neighbours
who know you personally and can tell an
employer that you would do a good job (only
use personal references if you don’t have
enough work-related or academic references)
Always ask your references for permission to use
their names and whether they feel comfortable
recommending you. The better informed your
references are, the better prepared they will be
when employers call them. Give them a copy of
your resumé and point out how your qualifications
relate to your work search targets. Tell them about
the type of work you will be applying for and the
skills you want to emphasize.
List your references on a separate sheet of paper.
Include their job titles, mailing addresses, email
addresses and phone numbers. Use the same
font and formatting on the reference list that you
used for your resumé and cover letter so that it
looks professional. Take the list with you when
you meet employers. (If you’re using someone as
a personal reference, you don’t need to include
that person’s job title.) Remember to put your own
name somewhere on your list of references, in
case it gets separated from your resumé.
Most employers will contact your references by
phone, but some may ask you to provide a letter
of recommendation. You may also need to use
References
TAYA OKITA
6908 Goldview Dr. NW
Calgary, Alberta T3B 3K9
Email: taya.okita@email.address
Tel: 403-000-0000
References
Mr. Joshua Singleton
Owner
Short Circuit Electronics
4805-14 Avenue NW
Calgary, AB T3B 0M7
403-000-0000
joshua@shortcircuit.com
Ms. Denise Rice
Manager
Food World
242 Butler Street SW
Calgary, AB T2T 3M9
403-000-0000
denise.rice@foodworld.ca
Dr. Cecilia Sanchez
Math 30 Teacher
ABC High School
38 River Valley Road
Calgary, AB T2P 4E4
403-000-0000
cmsanchez@abchighschool.com
References for a
high school student
See Taya’s
chronological
resumé on page 32.

Other Tools
For years, people in creative occupations have
used portfolios to show the quality and style
of their work. Employers have come to expect
photographers, graphic artists, writers, crafters,
broadcasters and others in creative fields to
submit copies of their best work when they
apply for a job.
But portfolios can also be a good way for students
and people in other occupations to show proof of
their skills during an interview.
Here are some examples of items you might
include in your portfolio:
• projects you completed on your own or with
others (for example, school assignments, work
reports or volunteer activities)
• documents from previous jobs (for example,
records of employment, job performance
evaluations, letters of recommendation or
letters of reference)
• thank-you cards from people who appreciated
something you did
Some employers require applicants to complete
an application form, either online or on paper,
instead of or in addition to submitting a resumé.
They find it easier to compare applicants’
qualifications if everyone has completed the same
form. Most of the information will be the same as
that on your resumé.
When you fill out an application form, follow the
employer’s instructions carefully. Use the format
and delivery method the employer prefers.
• items that show the results you have achieved
or the quality of your work (for example,
certificates, awards, award nomination papers,
safety records, sales figures, marketing plans or
technical drawings)
• posters or brochures about events you have
worked on
You can keep your portfolio in a binder, or you can
scan documents to create an electronic portfolio.
When you have an interview, bring your portfolio
with you. Ask the employer’s permission to show
the portfolio. Highlight only the items that are most
relevant to the job you are applying for. Some
employers may not want to see the portfolio, but
many will appreciate the time and energy that
went into creating it.
For more information on creating and using a
portfolio, see the tip sheets Portfolios: Document
Your Accomplishments and Portfolios: Showcase
Your Accomplishments, available at
For example, if the employer asks you to drop off
the application form in person, don’t send it by
email. If you’re not sure, ask.
For more advice on completing application
forms, see the tip sheet Filling Out Employment
Application Forms, available at
Portfolios
Application forms

A job interview is a business meeting. Both parties want to make a
deal: you have skills and the employer has work. Your first task is to
show that you have the skills to get the job done. Your second task
is to find out whether you are interested in the work.
This section discusses
• how you can prepare for the interview
• what you should do and say during the interview
• what you should do after the interview
• common interview questions and the best ways to answer them
Interviews

Interviews
Set the stage for a successful interview by doing
everything you can in advance to be ready,
confident and on time.
Setting up the interview
When an employer calls to set up an interview,
politely find out as much as you can. For example,
will the interview be an initial screening interview
(to determine whether you will be interviewed more
seriously later) or a selection interview (to make
a hiring decision)? Will there be one interviewer
or several? Ask for the interviewers' names and
position titles.
The caller will tell you where and when the
interview will be held. If you are not familiar with the
interview location, it might be a good idea to ask
about nearby transit stops or parking areas.
If you are applying for a job in another city, an
employer may want to interview you by phone.
Arrange to receive the call at a time and place
where you can speak comfortably. Then plan to
have your resumé and portfolio (if you have one),
a pen and some paper, and your list of questions
with you when you answer the phone. For more
advice, see the tip sheet Telephone Interviews,
available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.
Preparing for common
interview questions
One of the main steps in getting ready for an
interview is to review common interview questions
and prepare answers. This is particularly important
for questions you hope the employer won’t ask.
If you think the employer may see something as
a potential problem (for example, gaps in your
qualifications or work history, or other reasons you
might not seem suitable for the job) think about
how you can introduce the topic and explain why it
won’t be a problem. For advice on how to address
different kinds of situations and problems, see the
tip sheet Handling Challenges: Dealing With Things
You Can’t Change, available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.
Before the interview
Prepare your questions for the
interviewer
As you get ready for your interview,
prepare your questions too.
What do you want to know about the job and
the organization that you couldn’t find out
when doing your research beforehand? You
may want to ask about the company’s goals
and objectives, the working conditions, the
people you would be working with or how
much travel would be involved.
Always word your questions politely and
leave questions about pay and benefits until
after you have been offered the job.
You should also know what questions employers
are not allowed to ask. For example, they can’t
ask you about your age, racial origin or religious
beliefs. For more information, see the tip sheet
Human Rights and You: What Can Employers Ask?,
available at alis.alberta.ca/tips.
No matter how irrelevant or strange an interview
question may sound, it generally has a purpose.
For example, when interviewers ask questions like
“If you could be any vegetable, which vegetable
would you choose to be?” they are probably more
interested in how you handle the unexpected than
in the content of your answer.
Although no two interviewers will ask exactly the
same questions, most interview questions fall into
one of four categories:
• questions about you and your skills
• “what if” and “what did you do when” questions
• questions about your interest in the job
or organization
• questions about your expectations and plans
Each type of question has a different purpose.

Interviews
Purpose
Employers want to know what you can do
for them, what kind of person you are,
whether you will fit in well with other
employees and what makes you different
from other applicants.
Typical questions
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you the best person for this job?
• What is your greatest strength?
Your greatest weakness?
• What five words would you say describe
you best?
• What kind of working environment do
you prefer?
• Do you like…?
• Can you…?
• Why should we hire you?
How to answer
These questions are much easier to answer if
you have identified your skills and learned as
much as you can about the job or employer.
• Briefly describe your strongest
qualifications. If you are asked to describe
a personal weakness, choose one that will
not prevent you from doing a good job.
• Talk about your skills and characteristics
and where you have demonstrated
them. For example, if you know the
job requires patience (to deal with
dissatisfied customers) or persistence
(to solve problems), focus on situations
in which you have demonstrated those
characteristics.
• Be tactful but honest. When interviewers
ask about your preferences or ability to
cope with certain types of situations, the
job probably involves those situations.
Say you are willing to fulfil job requirements
(for example, work shifts, relocate or
retrain) if that’s true. But if you wouldn’t
accept shift work, are a student who can
only work evenings and weekends, or
would not be willing or able to relocate or
retrain, say so. There is no point in being
offered work you would not accept.
• Stay positive and upbeat. If you feel
nervous or find the questions difficult,
take a deep breath to calm yourself. Smile
and keep your head up, even if you think
the interview is not going well. If there
is something negative about your work
history, acknowledge the facts and briefly
describe any circumstances that were
beyond your control. Then quickly move
on to something positive. For example,
if you have been fired, describe the positive
things you learned from the experience.
Avoid saying anything negative about
previous jobs (for example, salary, working
conditions, supervisors or co-workers).
If you must say something negative,
back it up with facts that can be checked.
Otherwise, employers may see you as a
potential troublemaker.
Questions about you and your skills

Interviews
Purpose
Employers want to know how you will handle
situations that may arise on the job.
Typical questions
• What if a customer started yelling at you.
What would you do?
• What would you do if you saw a co-worker
doing something unsafe?
• Tell me about a time when someone
criticized you in public. What did you do?
• Describe a time when a teacher or boss
did something you didn’t like.
• Think of a time when you had a problem
working with someone. What did you do?
Purpose
Employers want to know if you are really
interested in the job and understand the goals
and needs of the organization.
Typical questions
• What interests you about our services/
products?
• What is your understanding of the nature
of the job and the company?
• What do you know about our company?
Our products?
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why did you apply for this position?
How to answer
“What if” questions are sometimes easier
to answer than “what did you do when”
questions, but they can both be challenging.
Be honest and briefly describe what you think
would be the best way to handle the situation.
Don’t blurt out the first answer that comes to
mind. Take a reasonable amount of time to
think through your answer. Interviewers will
usually follow up “what did you do when”
questions with more detailed questions about
exactly what you did and what happened as
a result. So describe real situations. Don’t
make up answers or try to gloss over having
handled a situation badly by describing how
you would handle a similar situation in the
future. Interviewers who ask behaviour-based
questions believe that how you reacted in the
past indicates how you will react in the future.
They may ignore “how I would do it differently
next time” types of responses.
How to answer
Summarize what you know about the
company and its goals, operations and
products. If you can answer this type of
question well, you will stand out from other
applicants. This is where it really pays off to
have done some research before the interview.
Then ask any questions you may have about
the organization’s goals and challenges. Show
interest in helping the organization overcome
its challenges and achieve its goals.
“What if” and “what did you do when” questions
Questions about your interest in the job/organization

Interviews
Purpose
Employers want to know whether your
expectations are realistic and whether you
will stick around long enough to make it
worthwhile to train you.
Sample questions
• Where do you see yourself one year from
now? Five years from now?
• Why have you changed jobs so
many times?
• What salary and benefits do you expect?
How to answer
• Let the employer know you won’t quit
after a short time. Talk about how the job
fits into your career plans, but be brief.
Interviewers are more interested in hearing
about what you can do for the organization
than what the organization can do for you.
• If you have changed jobs many times,
explain why you felt it was necessary.
Emphasize that you expect to stay longer
in this job (if that’s true).
• Avoid discussing salary and benefits
until after a job offer has been made.
Understandably, employers want to
find out what hiring you will cost them.
However, if you state a figure they
consider too high, you will not be seriously
considered for the position. If your figure is
low, that’s all you will be offered.
If the interviewer insists that you state
what salary you expect, give the typical
salary range for the type of work you
are discussing. Say that you expect
a reasonable salary for someone with
your qualifications. If appropriate, let the
employer know you are open to negotiation
depending on the benefits offered. If you
don’t already know the typical salary
range for the type of work you want you
could ask people in the field or look it up
on OCCinfo at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo or
WAGEinfo at alis.alberta.ca/wageinfo
before your interview.
It’s a good idea to write down your answers
to common interview questions before you
go to an interview. You may also want to ask
a friend or family member to play the role of
the interviewer so you can practise delivering
your answers.
Use the worksheet on the next page to help
you prepare for an interview. Start with the
questions provided. Then choose some typical
questions from the examples listed on the
preceding pages and write them down in
the space provided. If you like, you can also
write down other questions that you think the
interviewer might ask. In the Answer column,
make notes about what you would say if those
questions come up in the interview.
Questions about your plans and expectations

Interviews
Question Answer
Tell me about yourself.
What is your greatest
strength? Your greatest
weakness?
Think of a time when you
had a problem working with
someone. What did you do?
Where do you see
yourself one year from now?
Five years from now?
Worksheet: My answers to common interview questions

Interviews
Arriving at the interview
There are a few things you can do to get the
interview off to a good start:
• Decide in advance what to wear. You must be
clean, neat and well groomed. Dress the way
you expect the interviewer to dress.
• Allow plenty of time for the interview. If you are
not sure how long it will take to get from your
home to the interview location, make a test
run. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and briefly
let the receptionist know you have arrived. For
any number of reasons, the interview may take
longer than you expect it to. Don’t box yourself
in by planning to meet someone in an hour or
by paying for limited parking time.
• If you have to wait a few minutes, use the
time to take a few deep breaths and try to
look confident. Don’t be afraid to look at
people and smile.
• Don’t chew gum and try not to fidget.
• Don’t use your cellphone or other electronic
devices while you are waiting. Turn off your
cellphone ringer before you arrive and leave
it off until after you leave the interview.
Be pleasant, honest and sincere with everyone
in the office. Interviewers may ask other staff
members for their opinions.

Interviews
The interview begins as soon as you meet the
interviewer. What should you say and do to
make it go as smoothly as possible?
Making a good first impression
Most interviewers “size up” applicants in the first
minute or two. You want to do your best to create
a good first impression. Here are a few tips to
keep in mind:
• When you first meet the interviewer(s),
introduce yourself and repeat their name(s) as
you shake hands firmly and make eye contact.
• Remain standing until you are offered a chair,
and then sit up straight.
• Follow the interviewer’s lead. He or she may
spend a few moments making small talk. If so,
say something positive about the weather or
traffic, for example, but be prepared to move
quickly into the main part of the interview when
the interviewer is ready to do so.
Handling the main interview
When you get to the main part of an interview,
take every opportunity to talk about your skills,
knowledge and achievements. Emphasize what
you can contribute to the organization. Avoid
mentioning your needs until after a job offer
is made.
• Point out connections between your skills
and the employer’s needs, even if they seem
obvious to you.
• Avoid answering just “yes” and “no.” Try to
figure out what the interviewer really wants to
know and explain your answers fully.
• Ask questions based on your research and
listen carefully to the answers. If the interview
seems quite “structured” (all applicants are
asked the same questions in the same order
no matter how they answer), it is generally
best to save your questions until the end. If
the interviewer asks more “open” questions
(for example, “Why are you interested in this
position?”) and bases the next question on
your answer, you will have more opportunities
to ask questions and lead the conversation
toward your strongest qualifications. It’s OK to
write down your questions before and during
the interview so you can refer to them if you
need to.
• Use a pen and paper (not a laptop or
other electronic device) to take notes during
an interview.
During the interview

Interviews
• If you don’t understand a question, politely ask
the interviewer to rephrase the question. If you
don’t know the answer, say so.
• Take some time to think about difficult
questions before you say anything.
• If the interviewer raises an issue such as
“You’ve been out of the workforce a long time”
or “You don’t have experience directly related
to this job,” deal with the concern directly.
Explain why it would not be a problem. For
example, explain how you have kept your
knowledge up to date, or point out how the
skills you developed in school or previous work
relate to this job.
• Near the end of the interview, the interviewer
should tell you how and when the successful
candidate will be selected. Summarize your
skills, state that you are very interested in the
position (if you still are) and ask any remaining
questions you may have about the work.
• If you are comfortable doing so, ask whether
it would be acceptable for you to follow up
by calling the interviewer and, if so, when you
should call.
• Thank the interviewer, give a firm handshake if
he or she offers a hand and leave promptly.
Communicating
through 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
how interested and confident you are. Slouching
or being too laid back can make you seem
uninterested. On the other hand, sitting on the
edge of your chair can make you come across as
nervous or tense. It’s best to sit up straight or lean
forward slightly.
Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
• When you shake hands with the interviewer,
grip his or her full hand firmly.
• Smile and make eye contact with the
interviewer to show that you are friendly and
confident.
• When seated, keep your feet on the floor. Put
your hands in your lap or on the arms of your
chair, except when you gesture to emphasize
something you say. Do not cross your arms.
• Resist the urge to fidget or play with something
in your hands.

Interviews
With the tough part behind you, you can do a few
more things to improve your chances of getting the
job and to prepare yourself for future interviews.
Thanking the interviewer(s)
Regardless of the outcome of an interview, it is
a good idea to write a brief letter of thanks for
the interviewer’s time and consideration. It sets
you apart from other applicants and may remind
the interviewer about you and your strongest
qualifications. You can also use your note to
briefly supply additional information.
Like your resumé and cover letter, a thank-you
letter should be tailored to the particular employer,
so mention specifics of the interview. Here are
some guidelines:
• First paragraph: Thank the interviewer for his or
her time and for telling you about the company
and the position.
• Middle paragraph(s): Note what you learned
about the company during the interview. Remind
the interviewer of why you are a good fit for the
company’s needs and mention any qualifications
or experience that you didn’t have a chance to
talk about during the interview. If the interviewer
raised any concerns during the interview or
asked questions that you don’t think you
answered well, address them again here.
• Final paragraph: Confirm again that you are
interested in the position.
It is OK to send your thank-you letter by email so
the interviewer receives it as soon as possible after
the interview. You may also want to follow up by
sending a letter through regular mail. A handwritten
letter is acceptable if your writing is easy to read.
Reviewing how it went
Learn from each interview by asking yourself
the following questions:
• Did the interviewer ask questions that I was not
prepared for? If so, how can I prepare better for
future interviews?
• Did I forget to ask anything about the job
or organization?
• Did I emphasize the connection between my
skills and the skills required for the job?
• Was I pleasant, honest and sincere?
• Did I answer the interviewer’s underlying
concerns as well as the questions asked?
• Did I address the employer’s concerns in a
positive way?
• Did I sum up my skills, and then leave promptly
and politely at the end of the interview?
• What should I do differently next time?
Write down notes about the interview. Include
names, what was discussed, salary figures (if the
interviewer brought them up) and anything else you
might need to remember if you are offered the job.
Following up
If you promised to call the interviewer on a certain
date, put a reminder in your work search plan,
calendar or whatever other tool you use to track
your activities. If the employer said you should
expect a call by a certain date, note down the date
and call if you have not heard anything by then.
Don’t assume you have a job until an employer tells
you when to start. Keep looking and following up
on other opportunities, even after several interviews
have gone very well. If a job doesn’t come through,
you won’t have wasted time waiting.
If you receive several job offers, you can choose the
job you like best. You may want to ask for a written
offer so you know it is safe to turn down the others.
After the interview

Rejections and other disappointments happen in any work search.
Realistic expectations about how long the search will take,
a willingness to learn from your experiences and a healthy
lifestyle will help you stay positive through the search process.
This section will give you tips on
• dealing with rejection at different stages of the work search
• taking care of yourself physically and mentally
Staying Positive

When searching for work, everyone gets rejected
sometime. It is what you do with the rejection—
how you handle it and use it to your advantage—
that makes all the difference.
Here are some reasons for rejection and ways to
overcome them:
• You have not found many suitable job
openings. If you have found work easily in the
past, your expectations for this work search
may be unrealistic.
Be honest with yourself about how much
time and effort you have put into networking,
contacting employers and other methods of
finding work opportunities. If you can honestly
say you have researched the possibilities well,
you may have to broaden your work search
targets. Discuss your situation with a career
advisor or someone else whose judgment you
respect. Alberta Works Centres have career
advisors available to assist you with your job
search. (To find the centre nearest you, visit
humanservices.alberta.ca/offices.)
• Your applications usually don’t make it past
the screening stage—you have not been
invited for many interviews. There are a
number of possible reasons you haven’t been
invited for an interview. For example, you may
not have the required skills or education, your
skills may be out of date, other applicants may
have better qualifications or your application
may not have clearly communicated that you
are qualified.
If there is a good chance you haven’t
communicated your qualifications well on
paper, take another look at your resumé. Does
it tell employers clearly and concisely what
you can do and what sort of person you are?
If not, rewrite it. You can also get feedback on
your resumé from career advisors through the
Alberta Career Information Hotline’s e-Resumé
Review service. Just go to alis.alberta.ca/
resume to submit your resumé.
The most direct way to find out why you
haven’t been invited for an interview is to ask.
Call employers and explain that you are trying
to improve your work search skills and would
like some feedback on your application. You
have nothing to lose and you could get some
very valuable advice.
• You just had an interview and it didn’t go
very well. Why not follow up with the employer
and ask what you could have done better?
If you were not well prepared, decide what
you will do differently to be better prepared
next time. If you don’t have the required skills,
you may need to rethink your work search
targets or do more research about specific
work opportunities before you apply for them.
Otherwise, consider it a learning experience
and move on.
• You got an interview, it seemed to go well
and you have no idea why someone else
got the job. When there are many well-
qualified applicants applying for the same job,
employers have to make difficult decisions.
The differences between successful applicants
and unsuccessful ones may be hard to identify.
Some employers may chose the applicant they
feel would be the best fit with their other staff.
Again, why not follow up with the employer to
ask what you could have done better?
Handling rejection
Staying Postive

There are many things you can do to cope with
the ups and downs that everyone experiences
during a work search. Learning to handle rejection
constructively in a positive way is one. Some
other strategies are outlined below.
• Stay healthy. Eat well-balanced meals regularly
and get plenty of rest. Exercise and enjoy the
outdoors. Ten minutes on the move can make a
world of difference to how you feel. Make your
breaks short, but get away from work 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.
Try to keep your social life as normal as you
can. Let people help you by brainstorming
ideas with you, networking for you, and
reviewing draft applications, resumés and
cover letters.
• Set realistic short-term goals and reward
yourself when you achieve them. For
example, decide how many phone or email
contacts you should be able to make each
day. Then make a list of things that make you
feel good but don’t cost too much in time (for
example, a longer walk than usual). Use these
activities as rewards when you have achieved
the day’s objectives.
• Keep growing. Do lots of reading on current
trends and subjects related to your work or
areas of interest. Take short courses and attend
conferences and seminars. Read books on time
management, problem-solving, communication,
self-esteem, relaxation or positive thinking.
• Help others. Get perspective on your own
troubles by reaching out to help others.
Do volunteer work that will make use of
your skills, give you experience or allow
you to meet people who could be helpful
in your work search.
• If you are looking for a full-time job, take
temporary or part-time work to help
keep your spirits up, as well as provide
short-term income. If your employers are
impressed with your performance, they may
offer you full-time work or pass on information
about work opportunities they hear about.
(One disadvantage to this strategy is that it
decreases the amount of time and energy you
can devote to your work search. Only you
can decide if the advantages outweigh this
disadvantage.)
• Be kind to yourself. Looking for work is tough
for everyone. Don’t beat yourself up if it’s not
going well.
• Read every flattering thing (letter of praise,
recommendation, performance appraisal)
you have ever received. Keep them handy
and read them whenever you are feeling down.
• Get help from your support network.
Brainstorm solutions with a friend, family
member, teacher, career advisor or counsellor.
• Don’t lose your sense of humour. What
makes you laugh? Certain types of television
shows? Being with particular friends? Laughter
is a wonderful emotional release, so use it as
often as you can.
• Set a time limit on how long you will allow
yourself to feel “down,” preferably no more
than a few hours. Then start working your way
back up again.
See the book Positive Works II, available
at alis.alberta.ca/publications, for more
suggestions on coping with stress and
finding work.
Staying Postive
Taking care of yourself

During your work search, you should prepare yourself
for when your efforts pay off and you get a job offer.
You should be ready to
• decide whether or not to accept the offer,
and negotiate the terms
• wrap up your work search in a way
that will make your next one easier
Next Steps

When you have been looking for work for some
time and you finally get a job offer, it is tempting
to say yes right away! But hold on.
Take some time to consider the advantages and
disadvantages of accepting the job. Did you
like the feel of the place when you went for an
interview? Can you afford to wait for a better
opportunity? Will you be satisfied with the salary
and benefits the employer is offering?
If you have questions or concerns about the
hours, salary, benefits or other details, talk
them over with the employer before you accept
the position. You have no bargaining power if you
Wrap up your work search by letting others know
you have a new job:
• If you are currently employed, submit a polite
letter of resignation that gives your employer
notice. For information on how to write a
resignation letter and how much notice you
must give, see the tip sheet Parting Company
- Leaving a Job Without Burning Bridges,
available at alis.alberta.ca/tips. You may need
a letter of reference in the future, so stay on
good terms with your former employer.
• Let your references and contacts know that you
have accepted a position and thank them for
their help.
• Withdraw any other applications you have
submitted by letting employers know you have
accepted a position.
have already accepted the job. Make it clear that
you are interested in the job, then ask if there is
any room to negotiate. For example, if the salary
offer is lower than you expected, you may be
able to negotiate an increase in pay (starting now
or in a few months), health or dental insurance
coverage, or extra holiday time.
If you decide to turn down a job offer, be tactful
and express your appreciation for the offer.
If you decide to accept, show your enthusiasm.
If you have negotiated any special terms of
employment, ask for confirmation in writing.
Making your next
work search easier
It’s likely that you will change jobs a number
of times over the course of your career. Here
are some suggestions for making your next
transition easier:
• Keep your master resumé up to date and create
and maintain a work-related portfolio with notes
and things such as letters of appreciation and
performance appraisals. This way, tailoring your
resumé will be easier next time.
• Stay in touch with people who have been
supportive and helpful.
• Keep informed about new developments in
the fields or industries that interest you and
anticipate how changes are likely to affect
your work.
• Continue to learn and to update your skills.
Taking charge of your career by looking ahead
will give you a sense of confidence and freedom
that goes well beyond ordinary job security.
Responding to a job offer
Wrapping up your work search
Next Steps

Where to get more help
Next Steps
Alberta Learning Information
Service (ALIS) website
alis.alberta.ca
ALIS is Alberta’s online source for career,
education and jobs information, including
• Alberta Work Search Online—information,
examples and activities to make the most of
your work search using the Internet
• CAREERinsite—online activities to generate
occupational options and an action plan
• High School Students tab—information for
youth on how to research occupations and plan
your career and education
• Job Seekers tab—work search resources,
job banks, company and industry research
links, and information on work options
• OCCinfo—job descriptions, education
requirements, salary information and more for
over 500 occupations
• occupational videos—video clips providing
information about different occupations
• tip sheets—easy-to-read articles on topics
related to learning, employment and careers
• WAGEinfo—wage and salary information
by occupation, geographic area and industry
group
Alberta Human Services
Publications
You can download or order the following print
resources, free of charge, online through the ALIS
website at alis.alberta.ca/publications or pick up
copies at any Alberta Works Centre.
Advanced Techniques for Work Search
Assessing You: The First Step in Career Planning
Career Planner: Choosing an Occupation
My Choices, My Work, My Life
Positive Works II
Training for Work
Workability: What You Need to Get and Keep a Job
Working in Alberta: A Guide for Internationally
Trained and Educated Immigrants
Your Rights and Responsibilities at Work
Alberta Career Information Hotline
Phone: 780-422-4266 in Edmonton
Toll-free: 1-800-661-3753 in Alberta
Website: alis.alberta.ca/hotline
Call the hotline for answers to your questions about
• career planning
• eResumé Review service
• occupational descriptions
• educational options and funding
• work search skills
Alberta Works Centres
Alberta Works Centres across the province
provide information on occupations, career options,
education programs and funding, and finding
work. Many offices have computers, phones,
photocopiers and fax machines to use for your
work search. To locate a centre near you, call
the Alberta Career Information Hotline or visit
humanservices.alberta.ca/offices.
Employment Standards
Phone: 780-427-3731 in Edmonton
Toll-free: 1-877-427-3731 in Alberta
Website: humanservices.alberta.ca/es
Employment standards are minimum standards
of employment for employers and employees in
the workplace. You can get a free copy of the
Employment Standards Guide by phoning the office
or downloading it from the website.

Definitely. And wondering —
What do I want from my career?
What jobs are out there? Is continuing
my education and training the right
move for me? Find the answers at ALIS.
Your next steps are just a click away.
Thinking about
your future?

Work Search
Basics
If you are looking for your first job, have been
away from the workforce for a long time or
just aren’t sure where to start in your work
search, then this book can help you!
You’ll discover how to
• identify your skills
• find job opportunities
• develop an effective resumé
and cover letters
• network and do information
interviews
• prepare for an interview
• stay positive

Work Search Basics

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