I am about to graduate with a diploma in business administration, but I’m worried about finding a job. Do you have any tips to help me land my first job?

Dear Working Wise:

I am about to graduate with a diploma in business administration, but I’m worried about finding a job. Do you have any tips to help me land my first job? Signed, Eager Graduate

Dear Eager:

Congratulations on completing your program. Alberta is full of opportunity right now with the second-lowest unemployment rate in the country. Here are some tips to help you tap into the opportunities and put your education to good use.

Use your school

Ask the chair of your program for advice and suggestions about where to look for jobs. Put your school’s career services office to work for you. These offices usually provide help with resumés and job searches. Employers interested in hiring new graduates often post jobs on their job boards.

Polish your resumé

Is your resumé representing you as well as it should? Recruiters spend as little as 30 seconds glancing at your resumé—does yours scream “I’m perfect for this job”? Check out the resumé tips on the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) web site at http://bit.ly/ISpj0B. Always include a cover letter with your resumé and use it to quickly explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Want an expert opinion on your resumé? Use the free ALIS e-Resumé review service at http://alis.alberta.ca.

Attend job fairs

Did you know that there are job fairs happening all year long around the province? Check out upcoming job fairs near you at http://employment.alberta.ca/jobfairs.

Like your local Facebook jobs page

Get job opportunities and news of upcoming job fairs sent straight to your Facebook news feed by liking your local Alberta Works Facebook jobs page http://bit.ly/IGmZK4.

Network

Fewer than half of all jobs are advertised. Let your network of friends, family and teachers along with your former employers know that you are looking for a job. Networking is a great way to tap into the hidden job market. Send everyone you know an email letting them know what kind of job you’re looking for along with a quick summary of your skills, training and experience or a link to your Linked-In profile. And don’t forget to update, clean up, and use your social networking sites.

Expand your job search

Some grads make the mistake of limiting their job search to a specific occupation, industry, or organization type. Take inventory of your transferable skills—like organizational, computer, and time-management skills—and consider opportunities in related occupations and industries. Don’t forget to check out small businesses and not-for-profit organizations.

Register with recruitment agencies

Agencies will not look for a job for you, but they will call you if you are a good match for a position they are recruiting for. Registering with recruitment agencies is free, takes very little time, and is another great way to tap into the hidden job market. You can start by checking out http://alis.alberta.ca/js/ws/jp/jobpostings/ea.html.

Use ALIS Finding Work

Visit the Finding Work page on the ALIS web site at http://alis.alberta.ca/worksearch/finding-work.html for ideas on how to meet employers, use news stories to identify potential jobs, and use job-search websites to find opportunities.

Visit an Alberta Works Centre

Visit your nearest Alberta Works Centre http://employment.alberta.ca/offices and ask a Career & Employment Consultant for advice on your job search.

Good luck!

Do you have a work-related question? Send your questions to Working Wise, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Charles Strachey is a manager with Alberta Human Services. This column is provided for general information.

I keep hearing about Alberta’s looming labour shortage, but I’ve been looking for a job as an apprentice in one of these high-demand occupations for over six weeks and I can’t find anyone who will hire me. I have years of experience working in a car-repai

Dear Working Wise:

I keep hearing about Alberta’s looming labour shortage, but I’ve been looking for a job as an apprentice in one of these high-demand occupations for over six weeks and I can’t find anyone who will hire me. I have years of experience working in a car-repair shop plus a university degree. It’s confusing to hear that companies are hurting for workers, but none seem willing to take on apprentices. Do you have any advice? Signed, Frustrated

Dear Frustrated:

The hardest part of becoming a tradesperson is finding a company willing and able to hire a first-year apprentice.

Most companies recognize that they must hire and train apprentices today so they will have the journeymen they will need for tomorrow, but they need journeymen today to get the work done and train apprentices.

Here are some tips to help you in your search for an apprentice position.

Search the Canada-Alberta Job Bank using the search terms "apprentice" or "helper". Some companies will hire helpers or labourers first to see if they are a good fit before indenturing them. Employers want apprentices who have a good attitude, follow instructions, enjoy working with their hands, are comfortable working safely around tools, and are eager to learn and contribute.

I found more than 500 jobs when I searched the Job Bank (www.jobbank.gc.ca) using the key word “apprentice”. You can also use the Job Bank’s Job Alert feature to alert you when a new apprentice job is posted.

Other tips:

·         Prepare a professional-looking resumé and cover letter that clearly explains your career goal and related training or experience.

·         Visit businesses that hire tradespeople, drop off your resumé, and ask to speak to the supervisor. If they are not hiring, ask if they know someone who is hiring.

·         Dress your best when you go out to meet employers. Be courteous and grateful for any help or advice employers provide.

·         Attend job fairs and talk to employers who hire tradespeople. You can find out about upcoming job fairs at http://employment.alberta.ca/jobfairs.

·         LIKE your local Alberta Works Facebook page, which feature employers who are hiring plus upcoming job fairs and career events http://bit.ly/IGmZK4.

·         Talk to tradespeople you know and get their advice on finding an apprentice position. They might even know someone who is hiring.

·         Check out Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training's website: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca for more tips and information on Alberta’s 50 registered trades and how to become a tradesperson.

Some trades are in higher demand than others. A quick look at the Alberta Career and Industry Outlook http://alis.alberta.ca/pdf/cshop/careerindustry.pdf, and the job postings on the Job Bank, will give you an idea which trades hold the greatest opportunity.

If you would like more help with your job search:

·         Call or email the toll-free Career Information Hotline at 1-800-661-3753 (780-422-4266 in Edmonton),   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

·         Visit your nearest Alberta Works Centre and ask to speak to a Career & Employment Consultant. You can find the office nearest you at http://employment.alberta.ca/offices.

Do you have a work-related question? Send your questions to Working Wise, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Charles Strachey is a manager with Alberta Human Services. This column is provided for general information.