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Shopping for jobs

Michelle DaCruz
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 10/02) - Steve Norn is getting married June 1 and he is counting on HRDC's Hire A Student to help him make some extra money for his wedding.

Norn, 26, noticed the Hire A Student service on his way through Centre Square Mall, and decided to drop in, after his three-week job search was unsuccessful.

He just got back into town mid-April from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta where he studies chemistry.

"I have been looking for a job for three weeks. This is the longest I have every had to look. I was just walking through the mall and decided to give the service a try," said Norn.

Lucky in previous years, Norn said he has never had to use a student job placement service before.

Pat Coyne, senior student employment officer, advises Norn that he should supplement his current online search techniques, with in- person delivery of his resume to prospective employers.

Coyne, a student herself, had used the service many times before she began working for them.

"They hooked me up with a bunch of different jobs. Many through the casual work summer program where individuals or businesses employ a student for a few hours here or there," said Coyne. "The best part is they pay between $11 to $15."

Sarah Kalnay, 19, volunteered at the agency and also used the program last summer.

"It helped me to notice all the jobs out there. They tell you about places that you wouldn't think to look," said Kalnay.

The Carleton University student is looking for an outdoor recreation job that will pay for tuition and housing when she returns to film studies in Ottawa.

Hire A Student is a free employment service offered by Human Resources Development Canada for both students and employers. The mall office will be open 8:30 to 4:30 weekdays.

Students can search online job databases, update and print their resumes, cover letters and receive career counselling.

After registering with the service students have access to job postings at the office and are notified via e-mail or phone about potential job placements that fit their skills and experience.

While the majority of jobs are in Yellowknife, Coyne said students in outlying communities who are unable to make it to the mall can register by phone.

Last year the Hire A Student centre in Yellowknife filled 125 vacancies out of 161 positions available.

"The outlook is good this year for jobs. Students just need to do their research to find out who is hiring," said Coyne.

The centre is located across from Grandma Lee's.