It’s Never Too Late to Find a Summer Job: Expert
For young people who haven’t found a summer job — or worse, haven’t started looking for one yet — there is good news. There are still jobs available for high school students who are about to have two months of free time or for college students looking for extra income.
It’s a situation that Timothy Lang knows from several perspectives. Lang has been president and CEO of YES (Youth Employment Services) since 2015. YES is a Canadian charity that provides services such as free career advice, training, and job placement and helps employers connect with young people.
“Every Job Is a Good Job These Days”
Lang is also the father of a 19-year-old son who had to look for a job.
“My own son is in this age group and had difficulty finding work, eventually getting a part-time job as a dishwasher while also finding work at a stonemasonry and decking company,” Lang wrote in an email conversation.
“As many young people can only work part time, it’s normal to get two jobs like my son did. Sometimes not what people expect and certainly hard work, but it goes a long way in building one’s experience, CV, and most importantly self-esteem.”
“Every job is a good job these days and can lead to growth within the organization or in other areas,” Lang added.
Youth Unemployment Remains High
According to Statistics Canada’s May labor force survey, the overall unemployment rate in Canada fell to 6.6%, while the unemployment rate among youth aged 15 to 24 was 13.4%.
Lang advised young job seekers to stay positive.
“It’s always important to start your job search early, but if you start late, it’s never too late,” Lang wrote. “There are still openings and it’s important to cast a wide net, talk to your network or friends, and follow up on any online submissions to try to reach the hiring manager. And definitely take advantage of the free resources in every community in Canada, like ours.”
The technology available today has influenced the job search. Lang said most employers want candidates to apply online. While technology has also changed the types of jobs available — and Lang mentions that YES provides digital credentials in areas such as cloud, cyber, AI, and the green economy — he also confirmed that there are opportunities for traditional summer jobs in areas such as hospitality, retail, parks, and landscaping.
Use Your Local Contacts
Although online applications are widely used, job seekers should not consider them their only option.
A recent report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that 62% of small businesses hire through referrals and trusted networks.
“This highlights the importance of taking a holistic approach when looking for a summer job,” wrote Marie-Claude Chiasson, senior communications advisor at Employment and Social Development Canada, in an email conversation.
“Young people should be open to exploring multiple options by sharing their job search with friends and family, reaching out to employers they already know — for example, local businesses they frequent or contacts in the community — and actively using online tools and platforms.”
Take Advantage of Government Programs
The Federal Government Job Board website is an available resource. In addition, the federal government has a Canada Summer Jobs program where the government provides wage subsidies to eligible employers. It can be used by people between the ages of 15 and 30 who are eligible to work in Canada and are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or who have been officially granted refugee protection in Canada. Summer jobs will be posted on the Job Bank website by July 20th.
While the Ontario government has a Summer Company program that provides seed capital to start a new summer business and mentorship from local business leaders, applications for that program had to be submitted by May 15. Various programs associated with the City of Toronto are listed on the government’s website.
Be Your Own Boss
If a young job seeker realizes there is a need for a particular resource or service in their community, why not be bold and start a business? Whether it’s walking dogs, washing cars, working as a tech assistant for those who aren’t tech savvy, or something else, becoming your own boss is a viable option.
There Is Always the CNE
Those willing to work 18 consecutive days at the end of summer can apply for various positions at the Canadian National Exhibition at any time. If you wanted to be a costume character or an EXpress train driver, these and other jobs were still advertised.
And who knows what doors a CNE job could open? Canadian entertainer Samantha Bee’s resume includes performances as Sailor Moon at the CNE in 1996.
