1. Finding a Co-op Job
Performing a self-directed job search

2. In this presentation we will show you how to tap into this hidden job market by:
- Networking
- Selling yourself to employers
- Cold calling
- Gaining informational interviews

3. Where to start
Your own network
Family Former managers
Friends Acquaintances
Colleagues Sports teams
Contacting employers …. Cold calling

4. Before you pick up the phone
You need to know yourself, your goals, and where this all fits in for a
potential employer.
Knowing yourself:
What do I know and what do I do well?
What skills have I identified myself as having?
What do I like to do?
What are my accomplishments?
What are my qualifications?
What are my top transferrable skills/strengths?
What evidence to I have to support these things?

5. Before you pick up the phone
Knowing what you want:
Where do you want to go for your work term? (location)
Where do you want to work? (Size of company? Industry?
Government? Non-profit?
What do you want to learn on your work term?
Would you like to experience? Field work? Data handling? Report writing?
Project management?
Where this fits in for the employer
What is their mission?
What products/services do they offer?
What is their work culture like?
How do your skills/experiences fit in with this?

6. Your “sales pitch”
Now that you know exactly what you want, what you have to offer, and how this
fits with the employer, you need to work out how you are going to sell yourself.
Your conversations may end up being very short - 25-30 seconds
Need to sell yourself quickly, accurately, and concisely
Show who you are, what you are looking for, and what you can offer
Elevator pitch….think about trying to sell yourself to an employer while
riding an elevator….this gives you an idea of how concise you should be
You will most likely have to sell them on the benefits of hiring Co-op students in
general:
- Hire individuals with with fresh ideas & cutting-edge training
- Can hire to cover short-term staffing shortages
- Can hire to cover special short-term projects
- Can save on future recruitment costs

7. Making the calls
Start with the “warm” calls – the people you already know
“Cold” calls – contacts that you find through:
- Yellow pages
- Web searches
- Industry/professional associations
- Reference librarians can often help with searches of business directories
Bypassing the “gatekeeper”
- Often you will speak to a receptionist/PA/HR representative who will
dismiss your request without much thought
- Try to find a contact who is in charge of hiring decisions/is in charge of
a department/project/team
- More likely that your request will be seriously considered

8. Making the calls
Cold calling is the most efficient way of contacting potential employers.
5 organizations X 5 days = 25 potential employers reached
Try and make sure your “pitch” is delivered to the right person (avoiding the “gatekeeper”)
Keep your resume in front of to help you answer any questions
If they seem interested, ask if you can meet for 10-15 minutes
If not, make a judgment whether it is appropriate to ask:
If there will be any opportunities in the future
If they know of any opportunities/contacts elsewhere
Ask if it’s okay to forward a resume

9. Informational interviews
A meeting with a potential employer to find out information about the
company/industry and where your skills would fit in
Sometimes it can be easy to ask for an informational interview rather than a job
Employers often willing to help as it is an opportunity for them to network
Treat it like an interview – be on time, dressed formally, and conduct yourself in a
professional manner
Do not overstay your welcome
Bring any information that you think will be relevant and ask if you can leave a
resume
Ask for contacts
Follow up afterwards and keep in touch

10. Informational interview…some useful
questions to ask
• What is your job like?
• How did you find your job? What jobs and experiences have led you
to your present position?
• Can you suggest some ways a student could obtain this necessary
experience?
• What other jobs could you pursue with the same background?
• What are the various jobs in this field or organization?
• How does your company differ from its competitors?

11. Summary
• Think about who you are, what you want, and what you’re good at before making
any calls
• Know what you can offer the employer
• Use this information to develop a sales pitch for your product – you!
• Try and find the right person to speak to
• Be professional – you are representing Dal as well as yourself
• Keep track of who you’ve spoken to and the outcome
• Follow up as appropriate