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.

Online Job Postings:

Many job vacancies are not advertised. The resources below will 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 companies that are more likely to employ salespeople. 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 "wholesalers”, or the specific industry in which you want to be employed, 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).

Since most company directories are industry-specific, it may be helpful to target your search to a particular type of employer. This is especially true if you have the background education and experience needed to become a technical sales specialist in a field like engineering or pharmaceuticals. Even if you don’t have a specialized background, you may still benefit from narrowing your search to a specific industry in which you have a personal interest or to one that is currently in high-demand.
There are many industry-specific directories available online as well as in print at the Library. You can look to the Industry Profiles and Employment Guides on our website for suggested directories.

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.