Career Services
Launch Your Career with Career Services
Ready to take the next step in your career? At Columbia College, our Career Services team is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. We offer personalized career advising tailored to your strengths, interests, and aspirations, ensuring you’re on the path to success.
Career Advising
Columbia College Career Services offers a variety of employment services to our students and graduates. All learners are encouraged to meet with a career advisor to clarify their career direction or to determine occupations of interest. Career Advisors will initiate discussions around strengths, personal interests and career aspirations. From these conversations, the learner and career advisor will work together to develop a career plan.
Please note: All in-person appointments have been suspended at this time. We are offering services remotely. To book a Microsoft Teams video appointment or telephone, please email careerservices@columbia.ca or call 403-235-9300.
Stay Connected After Graduation
Career Services is the first stop for job search support. As a Columbia College graduate, you have access to career readiness support and resources for up to 1 year after graduation. We provide the tools necessary to make meaningful connections with employers and increase your employability skills.
One month after graduating, a Career Advisor follows up with our graduates to inquire about employment and/or further education. Unemployed graduates are offered individualized job readiness supports to assist them secure meaningful employment in their field of study.
Explore Job Opportunities
The Columbia College Career Services team is committed to assisting our learners and graduates develop their job search skills to secure meaningful employment within their field of training. Our services don’t end with advising.
We offer a range of tools to boost your job search:
- Resume and Cover Letter Reviews: Get personalized feedback to make your application stand out.
- Interview Preparation. Practice makes perfect. We’ll help you prepare for interviews with confidence by practicing the STAR or SHARE technique, ensuring you’re ready to nail your next interview.
- Access to the Columbia College Job Board and LinkedIn page: Our job board is updated weekly with part-time and full-time opportunities, connecting you directly to employers looking for talent.
Boost Your Job Search with Expert Tips
A strong resume is key to securing an interview. At Columbia College, we understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to creating the perfect resume. That’s why we provide tailored advice to help you craft a resume highlighting your skills, education, and experience in a way that resonates with potential employers.
Quick Links
Connect with an Advisor
403-235-9300
Why Choose Us?
Ongoing Support
After you graduate, we’re here for you. Enjoy access to our expert support and resources for up to one-year post-graduation.
Personalized Career Planning
We work with you one-on-one to craft a customized career plan, guiding you toward your dream job or further education.
Meaningful Connections
We don’t just help you find a job—we help you build a career. Our extensive network and employability skills training will connect you with the right opportunities.
Guide to Crafting a Standout Resume & Cover Letter
It’s essential to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. By aligning your resume with the job posting, you significantly increase your chances of getting noticed and securing that interview. Generic applications are a thing of the past—targeted resumes and cover letters are the future of successful job applications.
Resume Writing Tips
Appearance (Formatting and Style)
First impressions matter. A clean, organized resume can make all the difference. Here’s how to make yours shine:
- Keep It Concise and Consistent: Stick to a maximum of 2 pages. Use the same font style, size, and spacing throughout. Choose a readable font and keep the size to 12 pt for a polished look.
- Embrace White Space and Balance: Keep margins between 0.5-1 inch and use bullets instead of paragraphs for a clean layout. Balance bullet points across sections for a professional look.
Content That Gets You Noticed
Your resume should be as unique as you are.
- Target, Target, Target: Customize your resume for each job, focusing on how your skills align with each job advertisement.
- Highlight Your Accomplishments: Use specific numbers, percentages, and action verbs to showcase your achievements. Here are three examples of how:
- Assisted 2 dentists with examinations, restorations, root canals, and extractions daily.
- Delivered compassionate care to 30 patients daily during clinical rotations.
- Increased repeat business and positive customer feedback by 20% during my tenure by delivering exceptional service
Beating the ATS
Did you know that 75% of resumes are filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? Here’s how to make sure yours isn’t one of them:
- Keep It Simple: Avoid fancy templates and use relevant industry keywords.
- Upload your resume in Word or Plain text format for better ATS readability, aiming to match at least 80% of your resume to the job posting.
Cover Letter Writing Tips
Your cover letter is your chance to make a memorable first impression. Here’s how to craft one that gets noticed:
Keep It Short and Personal: Address your cover letter to a specific person (this often means doing research) and spell their name correctly. Keep it under one page and focus on how your skills match the job. Avoid repeating resume information. Be original and show genuine interest in the role.
Reference Sheet Writing Tips
Your references deserve to shine just as much as your resume. Here’s how to organize them:
- Professional is Best: Choose three strong professional references and get their permission before listing them. Ensure your reference sheet matches the style of your resume and cover letter (font, space, style, etc.) Together, these documents should have a cohesive, professional appearance.
Job Search Tips
Kickstart your job search with a mix of strategies:
- Diversify Your Search: Limit online job searching to 1-2 hours per day and engage in networking, volunteering, and career fairs.
- Stay Organized: Track your applications and follow up with the employers to show your interest. Avoid a passive job search by actively engaging with potential employers and seeking out new opportunities regularly.
After the Interview
Did you know that over 40% of Canadian managers value receiving a thank you after an interview?
- Follow up: Send a thank-you note within 24 hours to reinforce your interest and leave a positive, lasting impression. Don’t miss this crucial gesture
FAQ's
How Do I Make an Appointment with a Career Advisor?
Booking an appointment is easy. Please email us at careerservices@columbia.ca or call us at 403-235-9300.
Will Career Services Write My Resume?
We provide personalized advice to help you craft a resume that effectively highlights your skills, education, and experience. Our goal is to ensure your resume aligns with job postings and stands out to potential employers.
How Can I Prepare for Job Interviews?
We provide mock interviews, interview preparation workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help you develop strong interview skills and build confidence.
Will Career Services Find Me a Job?
We can connect students and graduates with employers, current job postings, and opportunities such as career fairs, job search boot camps, and informational interviews. Our targeted support helps you find a meaningful role in your field of study.
Check out the Columbia College Job Board to connect directly to employers with part-time and full-time opportunities.
Will Career Services Find Me a Practicum?
Career Services is dedicated to helping students connect with potential employers. While we are enthusiastic about facilitating these connections, we encourage students to take an active role in this partnership. This means being proactive in your search and utilizing the resources and coaching we provide to maximize your chances of securing a practicum.
Can I Access Career Services Support After Graduation?
Yes, graduates can access our support for up to one year after graduation.
Can I Get Help with Networking?
Creating meaningful connections is important to a successful job search. Our Career Services team offers various networking training opportunities, including workshops, information sessions, and alumni events. Our active LinkedIn Page ensures you stay informed and connected with the latest opportunities.
Speak to an Advisor Today
Are you ready to advance your skills, exceed your ambitions, and discover success? Join us, and let’s craft your success story together.
