Job Search Tips
- Ontario Government Jobs and Employment links A portal of information for job seekers that includes programs and resources to help you plan your career, get training, or find a job. Employers will find resources for how to hire workers.
- Ontario Work Info NET A network of work-related resources, on career planning, skills upgrading, organizations helping particular groups.
- The Muse: Job Search Tips That Are So Basic People Forget Them
- Job-Hunt.org Award-winning resource edited by online job search expert Susan P. Joyce, this website of advice articles to guide job seekers to smarter job search techniques.
- Career, Learning, and Employment Information (ALIS) Created by Government of Alberta but relevant to all, this site contains downloadable books, with simple language, worksheets, and practical guides for first-time job seekers (young, newcomers to Canada) as well as older workers. Download and explore Work Search Basics and Easy Reading Find a Job.
Resume and Cover Letter Help, Job Search Assistance
In-Person
If you want in-person help, make an appointment with one of the Ottawa’s Employment Resource Centres.
Employment resource centres will help you develop your resume and cover letter, and meet with you for employment assistance. Some services address specific populations:
- Employment Ontario agencies serve Permanent Residents.
- Newcomers who are not Permanent Residents can use the services of a settlement agency for support in job searches.
Ottawa Public Library branches organize drop-ins provided by some of the Employment Ontario agencies, for job search help. Check the OPL Programs page under the Subject Jobs and Careers for program details.
Resume Writing Resources
- Ottawa Public Library’s list of books and websites to guide you in writing a resume.
- Grammarly Grammar and spell checker, with word choice suggestions, making sure what you type is mistake free.
Interviewing Skills and Preparation
Preparation and practice for an interview with the help of resources such as these will give you confidence and better chances of a successful interview.
- Prospects Interview tips.
- Novorésumé's 35+ Interview Questions and Answers
- Ottawa Public Library’s list of books and websites on Interview Skills
Upgrading Skills
Part of the job search can be preparing yourself with the skills required. These resources offer a chance to learn online.
- Learning Express Library (library card login required)
Learning Express Library allows you to improve writing, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, reading comprehension and math skills at the elementary (grade 4), secondary, college and university level. Practice and prepare for exams like the TOEFL, GED, SAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE and GMAT. This resource also contains tools and resources for career development, including job search and networking, resume writing, cover letters and interview techniques and tips.
- LinkedIn Learning (library card login required)
LinkedIn Learning is the place to go for learning technology, creative and business skills you can use today. Choose from over 4,000 in-depth video courses from top experts and learn online.
As a community-based organization, Contact North helps underserved Ontarians in 800 small, rural, remote, Indigeneous and Francophone communities get jobs by making it possible for them to access education and training without leaving their communities. Contact North also provides free access to free online learning through the eChannel Online Literacy and Basic Skills Program funded by Ontario's Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. This Employment Ontario program provides online courses to adults in Ontario.