Toy Store retail job = walked in and applied, and got hired the same day. Stayed for 5 years until the company went under.

Craft Store retail job = walked in and applied, and got hired to do craft classes, and then started doing some cashier and all the web site design and maintenance. Left when I moved home after college (2hrs away)

Computer Company = had friends that worked there. Applied, did the testing and got hired. Stayed until they closed the division and was downsized.

Computer Company #2 = friends from computer company #1 put my name forward, interviewed and was hired on the spot. Moved from support to Corporate training.

Computer Company #3 = Friends from computer company #2 put my name forward, interviewed and was hired the next day. Now i'm here as a Documentation and Training Specialist.


Soo... to sum it up -- the jobs that paid me minimum wage i got on my own, and the Salary 9-5 type jobs i got a foot in the door because I knew someone who put my name up (networking).


I know that Monster.ca and Workopolis.ca have sections on their sites about pre-interviewing, the interview process, and what to do after the interview that might be helpful