1. How do I search for a job in tourism?

On this website, Choose Tourism, a jobbank of PEI employers looking for employees has been created.  You can also refer to  the Service Canada Jobbank or visit the national tourism website Discover Tourism Jobbank. 

Searching local newspapers, registering with employment agencies and attending job fairs are also ways to find employment opportunities. Making direct contact with businesses is another way to determine if job openings exist.  If you make direct contact with a business, have a resume ready and be prepared for an informal interview.

Remember, word of mouth is an excellent way to find employment. Tell family and friends that you are looking for work; networking is a great method of getting a job!

2. How do I prepare to apply for a job in tourism?

Once you found a position you wish to apply for, complete the following steps:

  • Make a list of your skills.
  • Prepare your resume.
  • Prepare a cover letter.
  • Apply for the position that you are seeking.

3. What skills should I list in preparation for making a resume?

Employers are looking for information about you as a potential employee. This information includes the following:

  • Education
  • Experience
  • Skills (responsibility, adaptability, continuous learning, problem solving, communication, organization, customer service, and technical)
  • Awards
  • Related interests

4. How do I prepare a resume?

Go to our resume builder if you need assistance in creating a resume.

5. Do I need a cover letter for the position that I am appying for?

It is recommended that you include a cover letter, especially if the position has been posted in the newspaper or a jobbank. It is not necessary to include a cover letter if you are distributing your resume at a job fair, unless you want to include a generic letter for all potential employers.

6. What should be included in the cover letter?

The following should be included/considered in your cover letter:

  • the date
  • address the letter to a specific person, if possible
  • keep information brief, but specific
  • state the job or position that you are apply for and why you are applying
  • explain why you want to work for that company
  • list your education, experience, training, and skills
  • describe what you have to offer the company
  • indicate how you can be contacted
  • include a closing statement e.g. Thank you for your consideration.
  • ask someone to proofread your letter for accuracy
  • make corrections
  • sign your letter
  • deliver letter with resume

7. How do I know if they have looked at my resume yet?

Unless there are specific instructions not to call the employer in the job ad, follow up with a phone call or email, which ever they prefer.   Find out who the manager is or who will be in charge of hiring.  Contact them directly if possible, identify yourself and the position you applied for, and ask them if they have received your resume.  This step is as much for confirmation as it is to make your name stand out in their memory and show you are motivated.  You might also want to ask when they are planning to do interviews so that you can give yourself some peace of mind until that date arrives.   

8. I have an interview! How do I prepare?

Unless you are directly contacted by phone or in person that you have an interview, you should confirm with the organization the date, time, and location of the interview. Then to proceed you need to check the following list of to dos:

  • Make sure you know the travel route to the interview site.
  • Find out names and positions of interviewers.
  • Be sure to take a copy of your resume, reference letters,  and photo id.
  • Review information about the position you are seeking and the company.
  • Prepare and practice answers to questions they will likely ask you.
  • Prepare your own questions about the position and company you like answered.

Remember, in the interview do not ask about wages, salary, benefits or vacation pay. This is information you will ask at the time they offer you the job!

9. What should I wear to the interview?

Dress according to the position. If the business that you are interviewing for is frontline, dress business casual. Business casual for men would be cotton pants and shirt with a collar. Business casual for women would be the same. As an alternative, a skirt could be worn instead of pants.

If the position is in management, then men should wear dress pants and a shirt which would include a tie. Women should wear dress pants, blouse, and if possible, a blazer.

If unsure, stop by the place of business and see what other employees are wearing. Wear something slightly more formal than what they are wearing. Remember, check that your clothes and person are well  groomed.

10. What questions will the interviewer ask me?

Refer to Interview Questions for possible questions and rehearse your answers. Visualize the interview room, interviewers, and even introducing yourself. Practice will make perfect!

11. What happens after the interview?

If they have not identified a date for their hiring decision at the conclusion of the interview, you should ask them.  By finding out this information you will have realistic expectations as to what happens next.  If you have not heard back from them by that date, wait for a few more days to a week as sometimes there are timing complications that employers have to deal with before notifying all candidates interviewed.  If you still have not heard back from them, call them to find out the status of the position.

12. I didn't get the job...  What is wrong with me?  What is wrong with them?

Usually it is just the wrong fit.  If you didn't get the job you interviewed for, don't worry, another one will come up.  Remember there were other people, just like you, who wanted that job but there was only one position available; there were even more people who applied but didn't get an interview.

What you can do, however, is contact the person leading the hiring process to thank them for considering you and to ask them for feedback.  Take the opportunity to politely ask if there is anything you could have improved in the interview and use this information as a tool for practicing for your next interview... for a job that could be even better!

GOOD LUCK!