How Do I Find A Job?

Jobs are advertised in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines and online job sites.

Local Newspapers

You can look at the Vancouver Sun & The Province at Vancouver Public Library for free. Check the job postings daily, the careers section in the Vancouver Sun on Wednesdays and Saturdays and, in The Province on Sundays.

Also look for postings of ‘event planners/conference planners/event organizers’ in the ‘careers’ or ‘jobs’ section of websites for these industries:

• large hotels
• tourist destinations (e.g. Grouse Mountain, Whistler)
• conference centres (e.g. Vancouver Convention Centre, Anvil Centre, Whistler Convention Centre)
• large local sports teams (e.g. Vancouver Canucks)
• private clubs or golf & country clubs

Online Job Postings

Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below help you with finding jobs in this “hidden” job market.

Using Directories to Create a List of Potential Employers

You can use directories to produce lists of employers in this industry.  Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring.

Instructions for using Reference Canada (see link to external resource below):

• Click on “Start Search” beside Canadian Businesses, then select the “Advanced Search” button.
• Select both “Keyword/SIC/NAICS” under Business Type and “City” under Geography.
• In the top search box enter “event planning” and click SEARCH.
• Select the appropriate headings.
• Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.

NOTE: You can access this database from a Library computer. If you are using a computer from outside the Library, you will need a Vancouver Public Library card to login to this database. After clicking on the database name, you will be asked to enter your library card number and PIN (usually last four digits of your telephone number).

Many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. Networking, working as a volunteer or registering with a temporary employment agency are good ways of helping you find jobs and meet people in your industry.

Networking and the Hidden Job Market:

When looking for work, be sure to talk to friends, relatives and neighbours. They may know someone who is hiring! Working as a volunteer, attending events, and joining clubs and associations are good ways to gain “Canadian experience.” They are also good ways to meet people to learn about the local job market.

Many public community organizations and recreation centres sponsor or hold events  – contact your local community organization to see if they are accepting volunteers for events. You can start by looking for organizations in:

Public Recreation Centres and Parks
go to your local city/town website and search for ‘parks’ or ‘recreation’ or ‘community centre’; when you locate your local recreation centre, search for ‘volunteer’

Also check with local sports organizations to see if they need Tournament volunteers.