Summer Job Outlook Worsens for Young Canadians

Summer job hunting looks set to be another difficult season for many young Canadians. With fewer entry-level and seasonal roles being posted, elevated competition remains a major challenge as businesses navigate ongoing economic uncertainty and the increasing use of automation and artificial intelligence in hiring.

“It has been slow,” said Alexandra Tillo, senior talent marketing consultant at Indeed Canada, noting fewer summer positions are appearing on Indeed’s job board compared with past years. “We’re not expecting this summer to be easier for youth and teens to find a job than it was last year.”

The slowdown in hiring has not affected all groups equally: youth have been hit particularly hard. Statistics Canada reported youth unemployment rose to 14.3% in April, more than double the national rate of 6.9%.

Networking beats crowded job boards

Applying to online postings is the default approach for many job seekers, but experts warn that strategy alone won’t be enough in a crowded market. “The challenge with that is that’s what everybody is doing,” said Laura Hambley, a registered psychologist and founder of Canada Career Counselling.

Hambley recommends combining online applications with proactive outreach. Networking remains one of the most effective ways for young people to find work, she says. Reach out to neighbours, family friends, coaches, teachers, and anyone in your local community to let them know you’re available. Personal connections help you access unadvertised opportunities and get referrals that make employers take notice.

Talking about your job search matters. “You’re breaking into different networks and people are aware that you’re looking,” Hambley said. If you stay silent, people may assume you don’t need work or aren’t available over the summer.

How to make your resumé stand out

To rise above the pile, Tillo suggests getting creative with your application. A short video resumé—30 seconds to a minute—can quickly show personality, motivation and communication skills that generic, AI-generated resumes often lack. “Having a little quick video—like 30 seconds—(outlining) who I am, why I’m motivated: That’s something I’ve seen companies react to very positively,” she said.

Other practical tips include adding reference or character letters from teachers, coaches or community leaders. “Employers don’t usually get that,” Hambley said. “It just makes you stand out.” Tailor each resumé to the role, highlight specific skills or certifications, and keep formats clean and easy to scan.

If traditional roles are scarce, look for small-scale, community-based work that can build experience and income—dog walking, lawn care, babysitting, tutoring or helping local retailers with stocking and customer service. Those jobs build transferable skills and can lead to valuable references.

Old-school job hunting pays off

Major events, like the upcoming FIFA games in Toronto and Vancouver, are expected to raise demand for temporary workers in retail, security, hospitality and food services. Many of those openings will come from small businesses and local employers.

In those contexts, nothing replaces showing up in person. Hambley encourages candidates to visit local businesses, make eye contact, smile and hand in a resumé. “They may have a hundred or a thousand resumés online, but one young person came in, made eye contact, smiled—and that young person is going to stand out,” she said.

For those who don’t find a paid position right away, experts recommend productive ways to use the summer. Volunteering builds confidence, provides experience for your resumé, and helps you meet people who could hire or refer you later. Free online courses or short certification programs—such as first aid or health and safety training—can add practical skills that employers value.

Tillo advises staying consistent in your efforts. “Maybe it’s going to be next summer,” she said. “(But) stay coherent in your course of action.” Keep applying, expand your network, refine your resumé and pursue skill-building opportunities while you wait for the right role to appear.

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