How Do I Find A Job?
Where would I work?
- in public and private elementary and secondary schools
- in special schools and treatment centres
- in community centres
- in tutoring centres
Finding Advertised Jobs
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
Professional Associations' Career Resources
Finding “Hidden Jobs”
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 schools and other educational organizations. Contact them directly to find out if they’re hiring teacher assistants.
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 “schools”** and click SEARCH.
- Select the appropriate headings.
- Lower down, select the Province, choose the cities, and click the “View Results” button.
**You can also try searching on “private schools” or “religious schools” or “tutoring”.
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).
Networking, Volunteering and Temporary Agencies
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.
Volunteer in Public Institutions: Schools and Recreation Centres
Many public institutions accept volunteers; consider volunteering for your school district, your local neighbourhood school or your local recreation centre.
- School Districts/Boards:
Go to your school district’s website or your local school’s website and search for ‘volunteer’ - 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’
Volunteer opportunities: