Students, start your engines.

The job search race has started and it could be a rocky ride.

Unemployment is on the rise across the country. Youth unemployment, which is typically twice that of the general population, is nearly 15 per cent.

This year, students will face stiff competition for fewer jobs, says youth employment specialist, Karen Schaffer.

“On the upside, student positions aren’t high paying and are shorter in duration so some employers needing seasonal help may prefer to hire students rather than people in search of full-time work.”

Schaffer is a career counsellor at St. Mary’s University in Halifax and the author of two books for young job seekers: Hire Power (Sentor Media, ISBN 978-1-896324-38-8) and The Job of Your Life (ISBN 978-1-896324-37-1).

I asked her to share her best advice for students looking for work now:

Don’t let dire news about today’s job market discourage you, she advises.

“The economy is still moving. And as long as businesses are open, there’s work to be done and junior jobs are still available.”

Nonetheless, Schaffer says, “be prepared to dig a bit more this year and perhaps even downgrade your expectations.

“If you had a job during previous summers and you’re wanted back, consider it carefully,” she suggests. “Unless there’s a pressing reason, like the job was toxic, it’s not a bad idea to go where you’re known.

“If you have to take the same job as last year, and want to start growing your experience, see if there’s a way to take some initiative,” she continues. “Start a newsletter, or create a social night for all the lifeguards; offer to do something new, even if you’re not being paid for it. It will enhance your resume.”

If you’re looking for an entirely new job, sharpen your search skills.

Schaffer advises. “Take advantage of any help you can get with your resume, to bring it above the pack. Be thoughtful about your presentation; think about the questions ahead of time and practice your replies.

“Don’t forget your contacts,” she adds. “It may not feel like you have a lot, but just let everyone you know that you’re looking. Try and give them a sense of what you’d like to do; that you’d like to work outdoors, or do something with computers, or work with people. It helps people think of you when a particular opportunity comes along.”

“And if you’ve only been looking online and getting discouraged, change your job search. You need to get out and shake hands, especially for retail jobs and restaurant jobs. (These employers) like to see your face. And they don’t advertise as much online.”

Opportunities are often found by knocking on doors with resume in hand, she points out.

As difficult as job hunting may be this spring, “keep your chin up,” Schaffer says. “This is part of the reality of the employment cycle. Every generation has gone through some version of this; it’s good training for the future.

“Great innovation can come out of dealing with difficult times.”

Additional resources for students:

Service Canada Centres for Youth. Call 1-800-622-6232, or visit www.youth.gc.ca

Youth Employment Services (YES) www.yes.on.ca

University and college career centres are open throughout the summer.

The Canadian Summer Job Directory (Sentor Media, ISBN 978-1-896324-33-3)

Good Work: A young person’s guide. Nancy Schaefer ( ISBN 0-9687-8403-8)

Copyright 2009 Janis Foord Kirk