Youth unemployment is climbing again in Alberta, and for those aged 16\u201325, landing the right opportunity can feel tougher than ever. The good news? Even in a crowded market, there are ways to stand out \u2014 and sometimes it\u2019s less about having the perfect resume and more about how you position yourself. Here\u2019s what employers are really looking for, and how you can give yourself the edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Think Skills, Not Just Jobs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When employers hire, they\u2019re looking beyond job titles. They want to know what skills you bring to the table \u2014 problem-solving, communication, teamwork, reliability. Even if you\u2019ve only worked part-time, volunteered, or done a school project, frame those experiences around the skills you built. This makes you more adaptable and more appealing to a wide range of employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Create a \u201cskills bank\u201d \u2014 a list of 6\u20138 transferable skills you\u2019ve gained from school, work, or volunteering. Be ready to highlight these in your resume, LinkedIn, or interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Be Where the Opportunities Are<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not every opening makes it to a job board. Many entry-level and internship roles are filled through referrals, networking, direct outreach, or organizations like CAREERS. That means the best way to compete is to show up where employers are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Join local career fairs, industry meetups, or even virtual panels. A short conversation with an employer can put you ahead of dozens of anonymous online applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Tailor, Don\u2019t Spray<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sending the same resume to 30 employers rarely works. Employers can tell when your application is generic. Instead, focus on fewer applications but customize them. Highlight why you\u2019re interested in that role and how your skills align with their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Spend an extra 10 minutes aligning your resume keywords with the job posting. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) often filter applications \u2014 customizing could mean your resume makes it to human eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Show You\u2019re Invested in Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Employers know early-career workers won\u2019t have decades of experience \u2014 but they want to see curiosity and a willingness to learn. Showing that you\u2019ve taken a free course, watched an industry webinar, or earned a micro-credential tells employers you\u2019re motivated and adaptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and even industry associations offer free or low-cost training. Adding \u201cin progress\u201d learning to your resume signals initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Follow Up and Stand Out<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the simplest ways to differentiate yourself is often overlooked: follow up. A short thank-you email or LinkedIn message after an interview can make you memorable. It shows professionalism and initiative \u2014 two qualities employers value highly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Final Thought<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, youth unemployment is rising, but Alberta is still full of opportunity. The key is to shift from a \u201cjob seeker\u201d mindset to a \u201ccareer builder\u201d mindset. Every step you take \u2014 networking, learning, tailoring applications \u2014 adds momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And remember: you\u2019re not alone. CAREERS continues to connect young talent with employers across Alberta. Stay in touch, keep building your skills, and when the time is right, you might even find yourself offering opportunities to the next generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Youth unemployment is climbing again in Alberta, and for those aged 16\u201325, landing the right opportunity can feel tougher than ever. The good news? Even in a crowded market, there are ways to stand out \u2014 and sometimes it\u2019s less about having the perfect resume and more about how you position yourself. Here\u2019s what employers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":21167,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[336,388,381,389],"class_list":["post-21166","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice","tag-career-success","tag-competitive-edge","tag-get-hired","tag-stand-out"],"yoast_head":"\n