Finding a Placement

The easiest "yes" comes from people who already know you’re a great person.

• Ask your parents, aunts, uncles, older cousins, or neighbors.

• Does your family friend own a shop or is a professional? Does your neighbor work at a cool tech office?

• Action: Send a text or ask them in person: "Hey, I'm looking for a Co-op spot for school—do you think your workplace would ever take a student?"

If your family/friends don't have leads, it’s time to look at your neighborhood.

• Open Google Maps and search for businesses in the field you're interested in.

• Crucial: Check if they are easy to get to! Look for places within walking distance or right on the subway line.

• Find a name: Check the "About Us" page on their website to find the manager or owner’s name so you don't have to start your email with "To whom it may concern."

Using either a Phone Call, Email or "Walk-In" (The most powerful technique) - connect with the placement supervisor

This is the step most students skip, which is why you’ll stand out if you do it.

• Wait 2 days after emailing, then call.

• What to say: "Hi, I'm [Your Name], I’m a student at Earl Haig. I sent an email a couple of days ago about a Co-op placement and I just wanted to make sure it reached the right person!"

Your Key "Selling Points" (Keep these in your head!)

When you are communicating with a potential placement, make sure you mention these three things. They are the "hooks" that get you the spot:

• "No Cost to You": Remind them that the TDSB covers WSIB insurance and that this is an unpaid learning position. It's a "free" extra set of hands.

• "I am Passionate": Employers don't want a student who just sits in a chair. Tell them why you like their specific business.

• "I am a Hard Worker": Tell them you are there to work, not just watch. Mention you are happy to do the "busy work" (filing, cleaning, organizing) to prove your value.