Student Support Services

Be cautious of job ads that:

• Offer unusually high pay for minimal work
• Offer a job without being interviewed
• Ask for money up front or personal information (banking information, SIN, driver’s license, etc.)
• Use general email address (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo) instead of company domains
• Have vague job descriptions and no clear company information

If you’re unsure, contact us at careerservices@algonquincollege.com to verify the legitimacy of the posting.

If you suspect a job scam, act quickly to protect yourself:

• Stop all communication with the scammer
• Secure your information. If you shared sensitive information (including your SIN, ID, or banking formation), contact the appropriate authorities:
  • Service Canada for SIN-related concerns
  • Bank or Credit Card Company to monitor or freeze accounts
  • Credit Bureaus to place fraud alerts
• Document everything including emails, job postings, and messages
• Report the scam:
  • Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (If you have not lost money)
  • Ottawa Police Organized Fraud Section (if you have lost money)

Only share personal details after you’ve confirmed the employer and job are legitimate.

• Safe to share: Resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile
• Not safe to share: SIN, banking info, personal ID – until you’ve received a formal job offer and verified the employer

A written offer or contract:

• Confirms your job title, pay, start date and responsibilities
• Protects you legally if expectations change
• Helps you understand your rights and obligations

Always ask for a written offer before accepting a job.

3-6 months is a common range for most graduates to secure a job.

Length of job search can vary greatly based on multiple factors:

• Industry demand
• Location
• Experience
• Job search strategy and readiness

To improve your chances of finding a job sooner:

• Start the job search early.Networking is an important strategy throughout your college program. Your targeted job search for post-graduate opportunities should begin during the final semester of your program.
• Be open to different paths. Stay flexible and explore roles that align with your strengths, even if they’re outside your original plan
• Focus on growth, not perfection. You don’t need to meet 100% of a job’s requirements to apply. Employers value potential, attitude, and willingness to learn
• Connect with Career Development Services for personalized support

Job searching can be challenging, especially when results take time. Here are some ways to stay positive and focused:

• Set small achievable goals – break your search into manageable tasks e.g. updating your resume, applying to two jobs per week, or attending one networking event
• Track your progress – keep a job search spreadsheet to record applications, follow-sup and feedback. Seeing your efforts can boost motivation
• Lean on support – talk to friends, mentors or Career Development Services staff. Sharing your experience helps reduce stress and opens up new ideas.
• Celebrate small wins – every interview, call back, or new networking connection is progress. Acknowledge and celebrate these small steps.
• Keep learning – use downtime to build skills through online courses, workshops, or volunteering. Growth keeps you engaged and improves your resume.

Remember, you’re not alone. Most students and graduates go through ups and downs in job search. Career Development Services is here to support you every step of the way.

Knowing where the opportunities are can help you make informed career decisions. Here’s how to explore in-demand fields:

• Use Labour Market Information (LMI) Tools: View job trends, salary ranges, and employment outlooks:
  • Job Bank Canada: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/
  • Ontario Labour Market: https://www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market
  • My Career Journey: Explore in-demand careers | ontario.ca
• Check Job Boards regularly: Use sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and TalentEgg to see roles that are frequently advertised.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Conduct information interviews to gain real-world insight into roles and skills that are in demand
• Follow Industry News: Stay updated on trends in your field including emerging technologies, policy changes, and economic shifts that can impact job availability

Connect with us at Career Development Services to help you interpret labour market data and connect it to your program or interests.

No, it’s never okay to lie or exaggerate on a job application. Employers value honesty and integrity, and false information can lead to serious consequences including losing a job offer or being dismissed later. Focus instead on highlighting your real strengths, experiences, and willingness to learn. If you’re unsure how to present your qualifications effectively, reach out to a career advisor for guidance.

• Co-op & Career Centre
• ASPIRE AC
• Academic Upgrading at Algonquin College
• Preparation for Health Sciences
• Test Centre
• HPAT- Health Programs Admissions Test
• Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition
• Transfer Credits
• AC Pathways
• Registrar’s Office and Financial Aid
• International Education Centre
• International Education Centre Events
• Experienced Worker Centre
• Linkedin Learning
• AC Volunteer Centre
• Entrepreneurship Centre
• Student Learning Centre (SLC) – ESL Coaching
• International Education Centre – Global Opportunities

Newcomer Supports

• Foreign credential assessments can be done through ICAS or WES.
• OCISO – Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
• Internationally Trained Professionals Mentorship Program
• LASI World Skills

Labour Market Information

• Federal Government of Canada Job Outlooks
• Federal Government of Canada Job Reports
• Ottawa/Carleton Your Next Job
• Government of Ontario

Apprenticeship Resources

• General Apprenticeship Information – steps to becoming an apprentice etc.

Apprenticeship resources for searching for an apprenticeship

• Trade Search: https://apprenticesearch.com/cas
• CLAC: https://www.clac.ca/apprenticeship

Trades and apprenticeship information in Ontario

• Apprenticeship in Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apprenticeship-ontario
• Skilled Trades Ontario: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/

Financial Support

• Better Jobs Ontario
• Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
• Ontario Disability Support Program

Upgrading/Adult High School programs in Ottawa

• OCDSB Adult Highschool
• OCDSB Night School
• St. Nicks
• ILC is virtual Ontario High School Credits

Training Programs

• Free Career-Focused Training Programs
• LinkedIn Learning through the Ottawa Public Library

Volunteer Work

• Volunteer Ottawa – You can search for different volunteer opportunities.

Entrepreneurship

• Business Development Bank of Canada
• Futurpreneur
• Invest Ottawa
• Ottawa Community Loan Fund
• Start-up Canada

Disability and Accessibility

• Acclaim Ability
• Causeway Work Centre
• Employment Accessibility Resource Network
• March of Dimes
• Neil Squire

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Ottawa Public Library – English Language Learning Resources
• Ottawa Carleton District School Board – Continuing Education – English as a Second Language (ESL)/Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC)
• Ottawa Chinese Community Services – Language Training
• English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community (ELTOC)

Study or Work Abroad

• My World Abroad
• Study and Go Abroad
• SWAP Working Holidays
• International Experience Canada
• GVI Canada
• Scotia Personnel Ltd

Counselling

• Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region
• eMentalHealth
• Ottawa Hospital – Mental Health
• Ottawa Walk-In Counselling Clinic

Employment Supports

• Employment Ontario
• Ontario WorkInfoNet