Job Search and Networking

Job searching is a process. Check out the following resources below to help you move forward in your job search journey. Are you…

Job Search Tips

Target your job search! Use Getting Started on Your Job Search to identify your interests, skills, and values to find employment that is meaningful for you.
Where are jobs most commonly found? Check 4 Stages of a Job Posting and the Job Seeking Hiring Pyramid.
Did you know that most jobs are not posted online? Contact us to learn more about The Hidden Job Market!
Check out the City of Ottawa e-Blue Book which provides a list of services in the city to help you identify places you may be interested in.

Alternative Ways to Get Experience

Learn how Volunteering can kickstart your career.
Curious about being your own boss? Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship can be an extremely rewarding way to make a living!
Take the Entrepreneurial Potential Self-Assessment by Business Development Canada (BDC).

Did you know that 80-85% of jobs are not advertised?

Learn more by checking out our networking resources below or ask us in person.

Summer Employment

There are many options when exploring summer employment. Check out our Summer Employment Programs Guide.

In addition to exploring postings on mySuccess and attending job fairs, you may be eligible to participate in various summer employment programs, including:

Build your Connections:

Networking

Get started with learning What is Networking? and why it’s important.
Dispel common Networking Myths.
Read Make the Most of Networking Events to prepare for events such as career fairs, networking nights and employer recruitment sessions!
Organize your connections using the Networking Timeline.
Use the Writing an Approach Email template to connect with industry professionals and potential contacts.

Information Interviews

Connect with professionals and learn about your career options by conducting Information Interviews.
Prepare and get ideas using the Sample Questions for an Information Interview.

Use online AI tools to assist with preparing for information interviews with professionals. Here are a few examples of prompts:

“I am looking to network with professionals in the _______ industry. What should I include in my LinkedIn message to grab their attention?”
“Suggest some questions for an information interview with an [position] at [company].”

Learn more about AI and your job search.

Career Fairs, Networking Nights and Other Career Services Events

Prepare for the Fair! Get tips for before, during, and after the fair with Career Fair Preparation
Make a great first impression by creating your own professional Networking Cards to use when connecting with employers at events!
Want to stay up-to-date on upcoming events? Check out our Events page or view our Calendar on mySuccess!

LinkedIn Profile Checklist and Tip Sheet provides an overview of the basics of a LinkedIn profile and what to include.
Use LinkedIn as a networking tool to build your professional connections Networking Effectively Using LinkedIn.
Find more resources such as additional tip sheets and videos at LinkedIn for Students.
Download the LinkedIn Students app for iOS or Android to get a head start on exploring your career options.

Information for International Students

Looking for work in Canada? Check out this Guide for International Students.
Visit our International Students page to find information on our workshops, programs and services specially designed for international students!

Working in Government

Do you want to work in the government/public service? Check out our guide for Public Service Recruitment!
GovJobs | Government of Canada Job Bank | Federal Public Service | Ontario Public Service

Using Technology Tools (such as AI) for Your Job Search

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human cognitive abilities. As AI becomes more popular, we are seeing increased usage of AI models, such as Microsoft Copilot (which Carleton students can access), in students’ career exploration and job search processes.

Although AI can be a powerful and useful tool, it has limitations. Understanding the appropriate and inappropriate use of these tools is essential to make sure they are actually helping your job search, instead of costing you opportunities.

Appropriate and Effective Use	Inappropriate and Ineffective Use	AI Limitations
Exploring career paths – asking AI about potential career options based on your major or interests, adding in details that can help tailor the response (e.g., “What are some career options for a psychology major in Canada who is interested in working with youth?” or “What skills should I be focusing on in my final two years of university if I want a career in UX design? What skills may set me apart from other candidates with similar experience?”)	Relying on AI for 100% accurate career advice without verifying information through research, advisors, or professionals in your field of interest	AI generates responses based on patterns, so accuracy depends on the quality of your input and the data it was trained on
Optimizing resumes and cover letters – using AI to identify relevant keywords and themes from a job posting to tailor your application, and identifying holes in your skills and experiences that you can work towards gaining	Letting AI write your entire resume and cover letter without proofreading, customizing for the employer or your experience, or ensuring authenticity	AI may generate generic content for a role that doesn’t reflect your unique experiences or skills
Discovering new job titles and industries – asking AI to suggest related job titles or industries based on your skills and interests to assist navigating online job boards (you can list examples of job boards you’ve looked at or roles you’re interested in and ask for additional suggestions or insights into similar roles you may not have considered)	Using AI to apply for jobs on your behalf without reviewing job descriptions, qualifications, or organization fit	AI cannot evaluate whether a job is a good match for you beyond surface-level details
Preparing for networking and interviews – using AI to generate potential questions to ask in information interviews or job interviews to help you get answers to questions about the job, industry, organization, or culture that matter to you	Relying on AI to draft all communication with professionals without adding a personal touch (details such as where you met or topics you discussed)	AI-generated messages can sound robotic or impersonal, making it obvious they weren’t written by you, which can be off-putting to employers
Practicing for interviews – using AI-powered mock interview tools to practice answering common questions and receive feedback	Using AI to exaggerate or fabricate qualifications in applications or interviews	Employers may flag applications that seem AI-generated, and misrepresenting skills can backfire in interviews

Don’t let these mistakes cost you the job! Get a better understanding of:

Common AI Misuse in Job Searching

AI Red Flags for Employers that can Cost You the Job

Dos and Don’ts of API Software in Job Hunting

Additional Job Search & Networking Resources

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network which helps you stay connected with your peers and colleagues, stay informed on opportunities at your favourite companies, as well as follow industry and career trends.
Ten Thousand Coffees provides you with the opportunity to browse your community by industry, organization and location and connect with individuals or groups for insights and advice over a cup of coffee.

Visit Career Services in 401 Tory!

For in-person support, visit the Career Centre in 401 Tory Building Monday to Friday, from 1p.m. to 4p.m (last check in at 3:30 p.m.). To book an appointment, either virtual or in-person, please contact us via email (career@carleton.ca), phone (613-520-6611), or live chat.