Career Exploration & Job Searching

CV and Cover Letter

Future employers will appreciate reading a C.V. and cover letter that are unique and tailored specifically to the position you are targeting. You must highlight your most impressive skills and accomplishments. Therefore, it is extremely important to take the time to properly structure your application so that it stands out and gets noticed! 

Having a well-written, appropriately-formatted C.V. can mean the difference between getting a job interview and not making the shortlist. Consult these guides to help you craft a standout application:

Find Jobs

There are many outlets available for job searches and you will find the importance of networking, especially at an early stage of your career, is highly important. Although online job listing databases and search engines are only one component of the job search process, they are nonetheless an excellent place to begin looking for employment opportunities. Here are some additional resources you can take advantage of:

MyFuture & Online Job Sites

McGill's Career Planning Service is proud to offer myFuture; a job search and career tool suite. This system provides you with an efficient and user-friendly way to search for full-time, part-time, and summer jobs during your studies and after you graduate. 

• View jobs and apply online (part-time, summer, permanent, etc.) 

• Upload documents (cover letters, résumés, transcripts, etc.)

• View employer profiles

• Register for events and workshops

• View announcements and alerts

CaPS has additional listings of job search sites, databases, search engines, and placement agencies, as well as listings by industry sector. You can also check out some of these useful job sites:

• TalentEgg (for new grads)
• Charity Village (for non-profit or community service careers)
• Indeed
• Job Bank (Canadian Government site)
• isempower (For international students starting careers in Canada)

Social Media

Regardless of what career sector you're exploring, LinkedIn is a social media site that's a known platform for showcasing your professional profile. It's also an excellent networking hub and job bank.

Facebook and Instagram can definitely help you to find jobs if you use them appropriately. Like and follow the ISA Facebook page and the ISA Instagram profile to see ongoing job posts from prospective employers who reached out to the office of Internships and Student Affairs.

If you would like to get an on-campus job, follow the pages of the units/offices/associations you are interested in. For example,  Campus Life and Engagement (CLE), Social Equity and Diversity in Education (SEDE) and CaPS are regularly looking for candidates and volunteers. 

Work-Study Program

McGill's Work Study Program offers students with financial need access to clerical, research, technical, library, or other jobs on campus or in some of the McGill-affiliated hospitals and organizations. The program not only helps students financially but can develop career-related skills and experience. A student's acceptance to the program is based primarily on financial need. 

Student Jobs & Summer Jobs

Most students need to find a job during school or in the summer to help finance themselves through their studies. These types of jobs not only can get you money but can also give you skills that can make you more marketable to employers after graduation.

Job Interviews

Interview Preparation

Once you have received a call about an interview, you must prepare. Many job applicants spend very little time preparing for an interview and, unsurprisingly, this often leads to poor results. Thorough preparation will increase your confidence and help you improve your performance and job prospects.

A good way to start is to ask yourself: what are the top five things I would like to tell the interviewer? List them and see what stories you can use to better illustrate this skill or experience. Don't forget to prepare an answer for the most asked question in a job interview: tell me a bit about yourself. Again, think about what you want to highlight about yourself and make connections with the job position you are being interviewed for. 

Many tips can be useful to know prior to a job interview. If you want to learn more, don't hesitate to book an appointment with the career.education [at] mcgill.ca (Education Career Advisor). 

Mock Interviews

Book a mock interview with your Education Career Advisor.

More Resources

CaPS Common Interview Questions - A list of questions you can expect in an interview.

See the CaPS website for more resources and contact the Education Career Advisor for more information on Education-related interview preparation and questions.

Workshops & Information Sessions

Career Workshops

The Education Career Advisor conducts workshops in various Education courses, as well as outside of class time. Each semester, our office offers a variety of workshops targeted specifically to Education students. Some topics include but are not limited to:

• CV and cover letter writing (in English and en français!)
• Interviewing and networking
• Education Career fair: strategies for success
• How to find a summer job
• Many more!

Recorded Workshops on YouTube

Information Sessions

A wide range of professionals come to campus to participate in events, as well as hold information sessions. These events are an excellent resource for exploring your career options and networking with professionals in your field. Some topics include:

• Grad School 101
• Substitute Teaching
• Alternative Careers in Education
• Teaching Abroad Opportunities
• Teaching in French
• Many more!