Posted: 08 Jul 2010 09:05 AM PDT

JOB JAR

In order to get a summer job, you need to know where to look. Networking is one way 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 with whom you network, 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.

If you would like to find out more about networking, contact your local Service Canada Centre for Youth at 604-945-1777.

Job Jar is a column provided by the Coquitlam office of the Service Canada Centre for Youth (SCCY). If you need help with resume or interview skills, visit the Coquitlam SCCY weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 100-2963 Glen Dr.; call 604-945-1777. For information on Government of Canada summer work experience programs, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit servicecanada.ca/sccy.

Five Filters featured article: Headshot - Propaganda, State Religion and the Attack On the Gaza Peace Flotilla. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction.

Sussex woman ends job search be turning hobby into full-time job

Posted: 08 Jul 2010 03:50 PM PDT

Sarah Platt FOX 6 Reporter

4:02 PM CDT, July 8, 2010

WITI-TV, SUSSEX - An unemployed Sussex woman began taking time to turn her hobby into her dream just two months ago. Now, that dream has spawned an online store making enough money to end that woman's job search.

Two years ago Terri Fager started making doll clothing for her granddaughter, and in May her hobby became her full-time job. Fager and her daughter decided to team up and create Smiles-2-U-Doll Boutique. Fager says, "This is our time when we can both give it our full goal, with not having a job at the moment."

Fager sells her doll clothing online and at local craft fairs. She prides herself on making each dress unique, and selling her items at a reasonable price. "We keep our prices low, especially with today's, with the recession. It is something that people can still buy for their children that isn't going to cost a lot of money, but means something to them."

60-year-old Terri Fager says she never expected to become her own boss, but says she has no regrets. She now encourages others to take a risk and give their passion a try. "I would say if you do have that desire, just go for it. Start out small, and build it with that initial goal, and use your imagination."

Now that Fager has doll clothing mastered, she's expanding into doll furniture. Eventually Fager hopes to open a physical store instead of relying on e-commerce and craft fairs. "We really enjoy what we do, making little girls happy, especially when they're picking out the outfits themselves."

Take a look at the Smiles-2-U-Doll Ebay store.