Getting A Job.
CForrester
P0rk(h0p Join Date: 2002-10-05 Member: 1439Members, Constellation
P0rk(h0p Join Date: 2002-10-05 Member: 1439Members, Constellation
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">How? :/</div> Hey, I've recently turned 16 and I've decided that it's time I get a job. The problem is... I haven't got a clue how to start. I need a little bit of guidance on this.
Some information: I live in Canada. Quebec to be exact. I haven't got a social insurance card. I don't go to school, so I can work either part-time or full-time. Though I'm wondering if there's <i>any</i> place that would accept at 16-year old working full-time. I don't want to work "under the table", so I'll need information regarding how to get my social insurance card.
Here's the things I need guidance on:
1) How to get my social insurance card. What is the process? Where do I have to go, what forms do I have to fill out? Are there any fees? How long does it usually take? What are the requirements for applying?
2) Where can I find a job? Keep in mind that I'm a 16-year old without a high school diploma, and I can work pretty much any time of the day or night. (I'm going to work on getting my GED, rather than a high school diploma.)
3) What are typical dress codes for small jobs? (Like Blockbuster, EBGames, McDonalds, grocery stores, etc...)
4) What sort of jobs can I get that don't require me to be bilingual? (It's a requirement for dealing with customers, in Quebec, I think. You need to speak French and English.)
5) What is the process for getting hired? Do I need a resumé for a small job like the ones I mentioned? Have you got any tips for getting hired when I have absolutely no job experience?
6) Are there any programs or classes in Canada that are available to Montreal, Quebec that would help me to get my first job?
I'd really, really like to work at EBGames, and I think that they might need help, considering that a big rush is about to happen in November due to tons of new games being released. Do you think that this factor would help my chances?
Please, give only serious answers only. These are all serious questions. I figured that I would ask here, since you guys collectively know every fact in the world. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> So many of you come from different areas with different experiences, advice and methods, so anything at all would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Some information: I live in Canada. Quebec to be exact. I haven't got a social insurance card. I don't go to school, so I can work either part-time or full-time. Though I'm wondering if there's <i>any</i> place that would accept at 16-year old working full-time. I don't want to work "under the table", so I'll need information regarding how to get my social insurance card.
Here's the things I need guidance on:
1) How to get my social insurance card. What is the process? Where do I have to go, what forms do I have to fill out? Are there any fees? How long does it usually take? What are the requirements for applying?
2) Where can I find a job? Keep in mind that I'm a 16-year old without a high school diploma, and I can work pretty much any time of the day or night. (I'm going to work on getting my GED, rather than a high school diploma.)
3) What are typical dress codes for small jobs? (Like Blockbuster, EBGames, McDonalds, grocery stores, etc...)
4) What sort of jobs can I get that don't require me to be bilingual? (It's a requirement for dealing with customers, in Quebec, I think. You need to speak French and English.)
5) What is the process for getting hired? Do I need a resumé for a small job like the ones I mentioned? Have you got any tips for getting hired when I have absolutely no job experience?
6) Are there any programs or classes in Canada that are available to Montreal, Quebec that would help me to get my first job?
I'd really, really like to work at EBGames, and I think that they might need help, considering that a big rush is about to happen in November due to tons of new games being released. Do you think that this factor would help my chances?
Please, give only serious answers only. These are all serious questions. I figured that I would ask here, since you guys collectively know every fact in the world. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> So many of you come from different areas with different experiences, advice and methods, so anything at all would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Comments
1) No idea.
2) Just apply at lots of places.
3) They should provide you with a uniform of some sort. At least that's what I would expect.
4) No idea.
5) You shouldn't need a resume for the jobs you mentioned. With nothing to put on it really, it's not worth trying to create one, either. Here's some tips, though. Try to <b><u>talk with the manager</b></u> when you turn in your application; that way they actually remember a person when they look at the application. When you go in for the interview (hopefully it will get that far), <u><b>dress up</b></u> kind of nice. It can make a difference. The last thing is, <u><b>SMILE</b></u>. You will appear to be much more likable if you smile, and if the manager has a tough decision to make about who to hire, it really can make a difference. This information comes both from being interviewed, and from interviewing others.
6) No idea.
I hope that helps.
That's all can think off - I dunno if you need special grades to go to things like Animation Uni's in canada etc but check it out
EDIT: Don't get a job at places like macdonalds <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
There's nothing wrong with working at McDonalds at 16 years old. You earn some money, and you get some work experience to put on an application.
I left school when I was 16... depends on where you live... america is what 21? dunno just a guess
aye I suppose for a 16 year old
I am getting an education, just in a different way. See <b><a href='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=83490&view=findpost&p=1291916' target='_blank'>this</a></b> post. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
It doesn't really matter to me if I'm working a "crappy" job for the rest of my life. As long as I have enough money to live and enjoy myself once in a while, all will be fine. (Minimum wage is Quebec is CAD$7.45 an hour, $6.70 an hour if you receive tips and $8 if you're in the clothing industry. It's going up to $7.60 and $6.85 an hour in May 2005.)
Thanks for the tips so far, everyone!
[EDIT:] Another thing I've been thinking of... The convienience store that's not a block away from me... I've been going there for years, and they've recently switch owners, though I'm getting along well with them. They know my entire family pretty well so if they need extra help, I might be able to get a job there.
While you may think now, that working minimum wage or slightly higher isn't that bad. But trust me, when you want to get your own place, maybe get a car, 9.00 an hour ain't gunna cut it. Go back to school, go to colledge and get a job you enjoy, or make your own. instead of working for somebody else your entire life.
But I guess I should answer your real question:
If you are trying to get a job, do this. See if anybody you know has a job that is hiring, then have them put in the word for you. Or see if somebody you know knows somebody else whos job is hiring, etc. That's how I got my first job anyway.
While you may think now, that working minimum wage or slightly higher isn't that bad. But trust me, when you want to get your own place, maybe get a car, 9.00 an hour ain't gunna cut it. Go back to school, go to colledge and get a job you enjoy, or make your own. instead of working for somebody else your entire life. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Trust me, I've thought of all of this and I'm absolutely sure that it's what I want. It still is possible to get a job that I enjoy with my current plan. Nothing that anyone says here is going to convince me. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->But I guess I should answer your real question:
If you are trying to get a job, do this. See if anybody you know has a job that is hiring, then have them put in the word for you. Or see if somebody you know knows somebody else whos job is hiring, etc. That's how I got my first job anyway.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That's great advice! Thanks!
Self-Learning may seem like a great idea but employeers are initially looking for QUALIFICATIONS.
Knowing how to do something is great. But if the employeer cannot see what you can do then and there they <b><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>will not hire you!</b></span>
You may argue that in many of the more creative industies that its more about what you can make than what you are qualified in. This is true to a certain extent <b>but</b> the experience is also required. If the person hiring has two portfolios that are roughly the same the same quality he's going to go for the one with the qualifications.
Granted this may seem like a great way of learning but for gods sake make sure you've got some qualifications on a bit of paper to prove that you can do what you say you can do. Take a course in something like the Open University and still learn from home but get something out of it.
Oh and I take it at 16 your still living with your parents. Well start living on your own, buying food etc and you'll realise that it all becomes very very expensive. Believe me I've just started living away from home. And its hard.....
-EDIT- Ugh bad spelling.... -EDIT-
working a restaraunt as a busboy then working up to waiter is a decent way to get a decent job
1) How to get my social insurance card. What is the process? Where do I have to go, what forms do I have to fill out? Are there any fees? How long does it usually take? What are the requirements for applying?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<a href='http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=en/cs/sin/0200/0200_010.shtml&hs=sxn' target='_blank'>http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/asp/gateway.asp?hr=...10.shtml&hs=sxn</a>
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->2) Where can I find a job? Keep in mind that I'm a 16-year old without a high school diploma, and I can work pretty much any time of the day or night. (I'm going to work on getting my GED, rather than a high school diploma.)<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Apply to stuff like Depot management or stuff like that (go see question 4)
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->3) What are typical dress codes for small jobs? (Like Blockbuster, EBGames, McDonalds, grocery stores, etc...)<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
They furnish the clothing
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->4) What sort of jobs can I get that don't require me to be bilingual? (It's a requirement for dealing with customers, in Quebec, I think. You need to speak French and English.)<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
In Quebec, you MUST be bilangual. All the jobs you said (Blockbuster, EBGames, McDonalds, grocery stores) where you could have to deal directly with a client is a no-no and you will have trouble getting that sort of job. Because of the Law 101 on french, your employer can get in serious trouble if he hires peoples that don't speak french. So if you don't have contacts with clients you will be fine, but as soon as you have a risk of contact with clients... Good luck.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->5) What is the process for getting hired? Do I need a resumé for a small job like the ones I mentioned? Have you got any tips for getting hired when I have absolutely no job experience?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Yeah a Resume or a CV is good, It's almost required since it tells your employer in about 2 pages who you are. About the part about experience, you must be lucky to get a friendly manager who will think of hiring someone with no experience.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->6) Are there any programs or classes in Canada that are available to Montreal, Quebec that would help me to get my first job?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well Superior studies (CEGEP, Uni) are the best thing for jobs <!--emo&:)--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/smile-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='smile-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->. But there is a place where you go get your SIN where there is a database for jobs... check that.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I'd really, really like to work at EBGames, and I think that they might need help, considering that a big rush is about to happen in November due to tons of new games being released. Do you think that this factor would help my chances?<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
yes, but the fact you don't speak french... again... could lead to problem for your employer
PS: Yeah I am also from Quebec, just got my first job this summer and I enjoyed it. Luckily I speak 5 languages so peoples are always impressed by that on a CV <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->... Also about the experience part, if you find small jobs where you can volunteer, it adds tremendously on your experience problem.
In Quebec, you MUST be bilangual. All the jobs you said (Blockbuster, EBGames, McDonalds, grocery stores) where you could have to deal directly with a client is a no-no and you will have trouble getting that sort of job. Because of the Law 101 on french, your employer can get in serious trouble if he hires peoples that don't speak french. So if you don't have contacts with clients you will be fine, but as soon as you have a risk of contact with clients... Good luck. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thank you VERY MUCH for your help, VampMaster! <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> This is exactly what I needed!
In regards to being bilingual... I can speak basic French, but it's not my strong point. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> I can, of course, work on learning phrases and responses that would be used where I'm working.
Also, for places like EBGames, I was thinking more of a job like... Inventory, stocking shelves, putting the pricetags on things, etc...
Glad I could help <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
at 16 your best off getting a job in food service of some sort
Not here, I think. I checked a few years ago, and the minimum working age here is 14 if it's only part-time... But it's up to the company, in the end. The EBGames here said that their minimum age is 16.
Call atleast once a day and ask about the aplication you handed in. I don't know about any one else, but I've never written up a resume for a small job like EB or Blockbuster.. maybe if it's a serious job then yeah, but those places don't expect much out of their workers.
Talk to the manager who interviewed you (if you got one) and ask about your possition atleast once a day. Make it look like you want to do this job, smile occasionally in a conversation, stand tall, be friendly, and above all, have a good handshake.