Current Students and Recent Graduates

Before applying for jobs, take time to reflect on your education, skills, experience, and achievements. This helps you understand your strengths and how to present them. Your resume is often the first impression you make. Knowing what you bring to the table helps you show that you are the right fit for the job.

Identify companies you want to work for and explore the types of jobs they offer. Look closely at job titles and read descriptions carefully to understand the skills and qualifications required.

Review the company website

Most companies have a website where you can learn about their mission, values, and goals. This helps you decide if the company’s values align with your own values. You can also explore their services and find internal job postings directly on their website.

Use the library

Resources like Scott’s, Fraser’s, and Vernon directories are available in the Career section of the Mohawk College Library and other libraries across Canada. These directories list companies in your field and provide useful details like what they do, their size, and key contacts. Reference books are a valuable tool when researching potential employers.

Your resume is a formal document that highlights your skills, education, training, achievements, and experience. It’s your first chance to make a strong impression on an employer. Show what you know, what you can do, and why you’re a great fit. Be proud to present your accomplishments clearly and confidently.

Your cover letter introduces you to the employer and gives context to your resume. It should highlight your interest in the position, show how your skills match the job, and encourage the employer to learn more about you. A well-written cover letter is clear, professional, and tailored to each job you apply for. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and show that you’re a serious and thoughtful candidate.

References support the claims you make in your resume and cover letter. If you say you have strong skills, you need someone who can confirm it based on their experience with you. Choose people who have seen your work, such as supervisors, instructors, co-workers, or mentors.

Types of references

Professional: related to your work, skills, or education
Character: related to your personal qualities

Choosing your references

How many should I have?
Aim for three references. If you have limited work experience, try to include at least two professional and one character reference.

Who should I ask?

Think about people who have seen you in action in school, jobs, volunteer roles, or team settings. Choose someone who can speak directly to your skills and experience.

How do I ask?

Always ask for permission before listing someone. Share your resume, confirm their contact details, and talk about what they feel comfortable discussing. If they are hard to reach, ask if they would prefer to write a letter of reference.

What else should I consider?

Let your references know if you are applying to multiple jobs or including their contact information with your resume. Make sure they are comfortable with that, since you are sharing their personal information.

Reference letters

Ask for a reference letter while you are still in contact with supervisors, instructors, or co-workers. Once you leave a job or program, it may be harder to reach them. You can include a reference letter with your resume if it supports the job you are applying for.

A professional portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and experience. It complements your resume and can be used during job applications, interviews, or performance reviews. A well-organized portfolio shows your professionalism and helps you present real examples of your work.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of documents that highlight your qualifications and achievements. It’s usually organized in a binder (8½ x 11 inches is most common) so you can easily add or remove pages.

Your portfolio might include:

• Resume and cover letter
• Certificates, awards, or transcripts
• Samples of your work or projects
• Letters of recommendation or reference
• Volunteer or extracurricular achievements 

The interview is your chance to make a good personal impression. You already impressed the employer with your resume. Now they want to meet you in person.

Basic interview tips

1. Arrive early: Get there at least 15 minutes before your interview. Plan for traffic, parking, and finding the right office. If you can, visit the location the day before.
2. Dress professionally: Wear business clothes, even if the job is casual. Choose something clean, neat, and conservative.
3. Bring what you need: Bring a folder containing a pen and paper, copies of your resume and references, a list of questions to ask, and samples of your work or a portfolio if relevant.
4. Learn about the company: Look up the company online. Know what they do, what they sell, and who their customers are.
5. Make a good first impression: Shake hands and make eye contact. Sit up straight and show that you are interested.
6. Practice your answers: Think about your skills and experiences. Practice answering questions out loud. Be ready to talk about challenges and what you learned from them. Have at least two examples of how you used skills that match the job.