Top 6 steps to successfully job search on PEI

Looking for work is not just a matter of checking job ads. You also need to think about your career interests and about managing your employment future. Job Postings will tell you about jobs available now, but only about 15 percent of the available jobs out there are posted.

Consider the following methods to find career options that never get advertised and to stand out in a competitive job market.

---

1. Consider your talents, interests, education, training, and what work you have done in the past.

List the top five occupations or jobs of interest to you.

To explore your occupational interests, drop in or contact agencies such as Career Development Services:

• Montague | 902-838-5453
• Souris | 902-687-1526
• Charlottetown | 902-626-2014
• Bloomfield | 902-859-2776
• Summerside | 902-436-0706

Visit cdspei.ca

---

2. Make a list of employers you are considering working for. When you decide what type of work you are interested in, list the employers on PEI who offer this type of work. There are a number of ways to gather this information:

• Talk to people who work in this field and get information about their employer.
• Visit employmentjourney.com and click Industries to explore companies that interest you.
• Go to job posting sites to learn about companies that are hiring, click here
• Check out PEI Chamber of Commerce websites and research their members and look for networking opportunities:
  • Greater Charlottetown Area | charlottetownchamber.com
  • Greater Summerside | summersidechamber.com
  • South Shore | southshorechamberpei.ca
  • Kensington & Area | kensingtonchamber.ca
  • Eastern Prince Edward Island | epeicc.ca
  • Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce | rdeeipe.net/ccaflipe
  • West Prince Chamber of Commerce |westprincechamber.com

---

3. Prepare an effective resumé that will get noticed.

Preparing an effective resumé is an important first step to introduce yourself to a prospective employer. Hiring managers spend very little time scanning each resumé, so it needs to stand out and be easy to read. It should clearly show how your education, abilities, and experience fit the open position.

For more about resumés, click here

22 Resume Tips for 2022

---

4. Call or email employers to request a meeting.

Call or email and ask to meet with them. This is called an Informational Interview and this method works. It is a chance to find out more about the company, to give the employer your resumé in person, and to find out when they tend to hire and the qualifications they look for. Often, people get hired on the spot because they connected  at the right time.

For more about Informational Interviews, click here.

---

5. It is a full-time job to look for a job. Keep a record of everyone you contact and interview. When you meet with employers, they may tell you about other companies that are hiring, so be sure to follow your leads.

---

6. Job search tools and supports you need:

• Develop a list of references and ask each one for permission to mention their names. Most of the references should be past employers or supervisors.
• Find out about the supports that help employers hire staff such as the programs available through SkillsPEI. Set up a meeting with SkillsPEI to see what programs you are eligible for because you will want to share this information with employers.
• Register at workpei.ca as a job seeker. As a WorkPEI member, your online resumé will be available to many PEI employers searching the database.
• Be aware of all PEI Resources & Services that help job seekers find work and help employers find the right staff.
• For helpful tips and direction, and to get your foot in the door, click here. 
• Job seeking can be a very challenging and stressful experience. Look for people who will encourage you, and be sure to encourage others who are looking for work.

For more job search leads, ideas, and information to help you take your next step, follow the Employment Journey on PEI and WorkPEI websites continuously.

Search