In order to get a summer job, you need to know where to look. Networking can help you to find job opportunities. Networking can be described as talking with people who can help you reach your career goals, and it can be formal or informal. An informal chat with a neighbour or a formal scheduled meeting with a company manager are both examples of networking.

You can learn to network effectively by following a few simple rules:

• Keep your visits brief;

• Appear enthusiastic about the information your contact is sharing;

• Never ask your contact to do your job search for you;

• View the meeting as an opportunity to gather information rather than as a job interview.

Some questions you might want to ask your contact are:

• How did you break into this field?

• Do you know of any companies that are expanding rapidly?

• Can I keep in touch with you?

The more people you network with, the better your chances are of finding a lead on a job. Everyone you have contact with can be part of your networking circle: family members, social acquaintances, co-workers or former co-workers, supervisors, graduates from your school, teachers and professors. Networking opportunities are endless.

Networking can help you find great jobs to match your interests and skills. Your contacts can help you learn what it is like to work in a particular industry. You can find out about different companies. Your contacts can help you research the training necessary for the job or career you want. This information and experience can be invaluable during a job search.

The casual labour program which the Service Canada Centres for Youth (SCCY) offers provides the perfect setting for networking, as it allows youth the opportunity to build connections as well as develop a strong résumé.

Until July 20, the Surrey SCCY will be in the community to promote the casual labour program at various venues such as the YMCA, Save-On Foods, Superstore and the Surrey Fusion Festival.

If you would like to find out more about networking or casual labour, please contact your local Service Canada Centre for Youth (SCCY). You can visit the office between 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7404 King George Hwy., call 604-590-3346, ext. 200, fax 604-590-5164, or e-mail gursharan.mahli@servicecanada.gc.ca. Job postings are available online at http://www.jobbank.gc.ca under “Student Job Search”, “BC”, “Fraser Valley”, and then “Surrey.”

Sharan Mahli is a youth services officer with the Surrey Service Canada Centres for Youth. E-mail her at gursharan.mahli@servicecanada.gc.ca