Job Search Guide

First of all think of your hobbies or interests. You can also use myblueprint to help you generate some occupation ideas. 

Wondering where to start? Look at the different sectors and get ideas about placements. 

Based on your occupation shortlist, think of key words that might be related to your choices (ex. hairdressing, woodworking, animals)

1. Using Google Maps, search your keyword(s) and adjust your map scale to the range you're able to travel for your placement. (ex. bodyshop Aurora)

2. Map your route: From the school (39 Dunning Ave), how far is your placement?  Use either your HOME or SCHOOL as your starting point, then use the direction button to find the distance to your placement.

3. Business hours:  Please check the hours the business is open.  You require a shift of approximately 3 hours in length to obtain the required hours.

4. Travel: How would you get to placement every day?  If the placement is far, do you have the means of transportation to reliably get to work every day?  If your placement is in the morning, are you leaving yourself enough time (lunch) to travel back to school? 

Create a list of 10 contacts from your search - company name, email, phone number, and if possible contact name. 10 contacts is your goal each class until you have secured a placement.

Good (morning/afternoon/evening), 

My name is ____. I am currently a [Full day / Half Day ]  co-op student at Dr. GW WIlliams Secondary School. I wish to gain work experience and I was wondering if you are willing to take a co-op student this semester? 

Thank you for your time and have a great day. 

• If yes, I was wondering if there is a day that I can come in for an interview? 

• If no, thank you for your time. 

Common questions: 

• Are there any legal requirements? 

  • My co-op teacher will provide all of the legal information when he speaks with you. 

• How long is the program for? 

  • Check the calendar  *(Morning people) Monday - Friday from 8-11am. *(Afternoon people) 12:00 - 3pm.

• How many hours per day? 

  • 12-15 hours per week - This can be split up for example Monday, Wednesday, Friday (5 hrs per day) 

• Is there a cost? 

  • There is no cost to you if you decide to take a co-op student. 

• Why do you want to do a placement with me?

  • It is close to my school and I can get there easily and be on time everyday. **(You may also add if you are interested in that partciular career/trade why)

• What are you looking for? 

  • I am a student looking for work experience and seeing if this is the right field for me. 

Voicemail?

• Hello. This message is for [their name].  
• My name is [name] and I’m a co-op student at [school].
• I’m calling to arrange an interview time with you for [date] is a designated co-op interview day at our school.
• Can you please call me back at [contact information].
• Once again, my name is [name].
• I look forward to your call. 

Special Questions to Ask

• If your potential placement is located in an office building, you may want to ask what floor they are on 

• If there is a specific entrance they would like you to come through

1. Draft an introductory email to your potential placement.  Don't forget, this is your first impression so take your time to craft this message.

2. Please ensure you:

   1. Use "Unpaid Co-op Placement" or "Unpaid Co-operative Education Placement" as the subject

   2. Introduce yourself.  Include your grade and school and that you're unpaid, earning credits for the work experience (to avoid confusion that you're applying for a paid job).

   3. Ask if they have previously hosted a Co-op student before.

   4. Mention that you are a full day or half day student.  If you are half day, state whether you are a morning or afternoon student and the hours you are available.

   5. Talk about courses you've taken that relate to your placement and what you're hoping to learn from this work experience, and how it will help you.

   6. Let them know that, if they are interested, you can send a copy of your resume, then follow-up with a phone call to arrange an interview.

   7. Thank them for their time.

Tip:  Use your existing cover letter to help craft your introductory email.  There's a good chance you won't need a cover letter later in the search,  once you get a positive response.

Sample Email

Sample #1 (Architecture)

Good afternoon,

I am [Student Name], a Grade 11 student from GW Williams. I have a deep passion for architecture and am reaching out to inquire about the possibility of an unpaid Co-op placement, working towards two high school credits. I am available for this placement on weekdays from 12:00-3:00.

At school, I've taken courses in Construction, Visual Arts, and Technological Design. These courses have provided me with foundational knowledge in architectural design principles, hands-on construction techniques, and the use of various design tools.

I'm keen to apply this knowledge in a real-world setting and hope to assist with basic drafting tasks and model-making, under supervision. If it would be helpful, I can provide my resume for a more comprehensive view of my academic achievements and skills. Alternatively, I would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,

[Student Name]

Sample #2 (Computer Programming)

Hello,

I am [Student Name], a Grade 11 student from GW Williams. My enthusiasm for computers and programming drives me to seek an unpaid Co-op placement, working towards two high school credits. I am available for this placement on weekdays from 12:00-3:00.

At school, I've taken courses in computer science, technology, and science. These courses have equipped me with foundational knowledge in coding, software development, and the principles of computer hardware.

I'm eager to apply this knowledge in a professional setting and hope to assist with basic coding tasks and software testing, under supervision. If it would be helpful, I can provide my resume for a detailed overview of my academic background. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the placement further, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

[Student Name]

Consult with your Co-op teacher to carefully review your introductory email before sending it.  A small spelling mistake could make a big difference!
 

Ensure you are personalizing each email to the placement you are contacting (i.e. business name and contact), then send out your ten messages (per day). 
 

1. If you do not receive a positive response back with one day, you may thank them for their time and consideration then move back to step 4 and send out another 10 introductory emails.

2. If you do receive a positive response:

   1. Would they like more information about the program? Inform your Co-op teacher right away, so they can follow up with the potential opportunity.

   2. Have they hosted a student before? Please inform your Co-op teacher, as we must ensure placement protocol is followed.

1. Prepare a draft email, thanking the potential employer for their interest and answering any specific questions they may have - don't send it yet!

2. Request an interview. Tip: Don't decline any promising leads until we have a firm commitment from a placement.

3. Share your email response with your Co-op teacher, so they can review before sending it.

4. Don't send it yet! We still need to look over your resume and attach it to this email.

Sample #1

Hello Mr/Ms. [name],

Thank you for your interest in potentially hosting me as your Co-op student this semester. Please find attached my cover letter and resume.

I will be following up with a phone call to arrange an interview later this week. Is there a convenient time to call?

I look forward to speaking with you soon. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Your full name

Sample #2

Dear Ms. (their name),

Thank you so much for the opportunity and for your response. In terms of placement requirements, I am a half day co-op student and my availability is Monday to Friday and my hours are from 1-4 p.m. My co-op teacher would need to complete a quick health and safety check before I start but ideally I would start next week if possible. The program runs from September to January.

If you have any questions about the program or specific expectation please feel free to reach out to my co-op teacher who I have CC'd on this email.

Thank you again for your time and consideration, I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,

(Your name)

Generally, employers ask for a resume at this point. Sometimes they will ask for a cover letter, but often your introductory email acts as your cover letter.

Learn more about resumes and cover letters.

1. Once you've finished your a draft of your resume and cover letter, have another student review it.

2. Before sending your resume and cover letter, it's important that you consult with your Co-op teacher to carefully review them.

1. Once your resume is up-to-date, cc your Co-op teacher in this email. We will follow up with the employer to see if they have any questions.

2. Attach your resume and cover letter.

3. Send email response - refer back to Step 11 for draft email to attach with resume.

1. Coordinate with your parents/guardians a time that you can go to your interview.  You are allowed to schedule your interview during Co-op time, but your Co-op teacher must be aware of all the details in order to track attendance. 

2. Arrange an interview time with the potential placement.  

The interview is a critical part of the process to secure a Co-op placement.  The interview is when you want to tell the employer about your strengths, skills, education, and experience. 

1. Before the interview

   1. Learn as much as you can about the company before the interview. Find out what services/products the company provides, how long they have been in business, the company’s mission statement, etc. 

   2. Think of two job-related questions you prepared for the interview.  An interviewer will be impressed that you have made an effort to learn about the company and have questions. 

   3. Know where you are going. Drive by the site of the interview a day or two before the interview. 

   4. Be prepared when you go to the interview. Bring extra copies of your resume, a notepad with some questions prepared for the interview, and a pen.

   5. Dress for Success! Hair should be clean and combed. Fingernails must be clean. Keep perfume, cologne and aftershave to a minimum. Brush your teeth and don’t forget deodorant. 

2. Interview 

   1. Please review "Preparing for the Job: Interview Questions"

   2. Should your interview be by phone, please review "Telephone Interview Skills"

   3. Arrive 5 - 15 minutes early the day of your interview.

   4. When you meet the interviewer(s), make eye contact, introduce yourself, smile, be confident and wait until you are offered a seat. 

   5. Let the interviewer(s) lead the interview. Speak clearly and express that you are happy to have the opportunity to meet. 

   6. Don't chew gum, curse, slouch, put your hands on items on the interviewer’s desk, fidget with  rings, pens, ties, change, or other things in your reach.

   7. Let the interviewer(s) know about the skills,  knowledge and experience that make you a qualified candidate.

   8. Ask the job-related questions you prepared for the interview. 

   9. At the end of the interview, ensure that you thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to interview for the position. 

Tip: While every interview is different, generally preparing for three questions sets students up for success:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. What do you know about the company?

3. Why do you want to work here?

Do:

• wear clean, neat clothing
• come prepared with an appropriate resume and cover letter
• come prepared with completed application and teacher references
• research the program and requirements
• have an idea of what you want out of the program
• shake hands
• make eye contact
• answer questions in clear and organized manner
• speak with confidence in yourself
• pay attention to personal hygiene
• prepare and practice
• have questions ready

Dont:

• miss your interview or arrive late
• wear ripped, dirty or inappropriate clothing
• come without a resume or cover letter
• come with a resume or cover letter addressed to the wrong person
• be interrupted by technology during an interview
• wear perfume or cologne
• chew gum
• mumble
• use slang terms or inappropriate language
• avoid eye contact

Framework

As you prepare for your interview, you can use the following framework to brainstorm your answers:

• Interview question: what the interviewer asks you
• Think about: what skills/experience do I have that meet what they are looking for in that question?
• Think about: what are they really asking me? What do they want to know?
• Your answer: Use your knowledge of your skills/experiences to formulate the best answer that highlights your qualifications. 

Sample Interview Questions:

• Why do you want to take Co-op? What do you hope to get out of the Program?

• What personal qualities or work skills or experience can you offer to your potential Co-op placement?

• Tell me about yourself.

• What is your greatest strength?

• What is your greatest weakness?

• If I were to look up your attendance record what would I see?

• Do you want to be part the SHSM programs at our school? If so, Why? If not, Why?

• How would OYAP help you in pursuing your post-secondary pathways?

• What are your plans after you leave high school?

• What experiences can you speak to that demonstrate your readiness for the Co-op program?

• When you encounter a problem or a challenge how do you react?