The Big Picture
A successful job search starts with getting organized. Choose one place at home where you will work on applications and keep the tools you need there.
You need ways to search for jobs, prepare application documents, and let employers contact you. Your voice-mail message should sound professional, and you should set up a professional email account.
Look for Nova Scotia CCA Notes throughout this page for current provincial guidance.
Quick tip: Tap, click, or press Enter on any term with a dotted underline and an ⓘ icon to see its plain-English definition.
Start Here If You’re Overwhelmed
Focus on these core ideas:
- Set up a regular place at home for your job search.
- Have access to a computer and printer.
- Set up telephone or cellphone voice mail with a professional message.
- Keep basic office supplies ready.
- Use books, websites, libraries, search engines, and employer websites to look for jobs and job-search help.
- Set up a professional email account.
Jump to:
Course Notes: Key Ideas You Need to Know
Set Up a Job-Search Workspace
Choose a place in your home where you will work on your job search. Getting organized before you begin supports a more successful job search.
Computer and Printer Access
Have access to a computer and printer. Most public libraries have computers and printers available for public use.
Most employers post job openings online and request that resumés be sent through one of these methods:
- a section of the employer’s website
- a third-party employment website
A resumé is a concise one-to-two-page summary of your experience, education, work-related skills, and personal qualities.
Telephone and Voice Mail
Prospective employers should have a way to reach you by telephone.
If you use a cellphone, set up your voice mail. Your voice-mail message should sound professional.
Office Supplies
Keep basic supplies ready for your job search:
- good-quality paper
- a stapler
- pens
An employer might request a hard copy of your resumé, so paper and a stapler may be needed.
Books, Websites, and Libraries
Books and websites provide information that helps with a job search. Look for resources that explain how to prepare a resumé and cover letter.
College libraries and public libraries also provide job-search resources.
A cover letter is another name for a letter of application.
A letter of application goes with a resumé. It summarizes the job you are applying for and your reasons for applying. It may be solicited or unsolicited.
Job-Search Resources
Different resources help with different parts of your job search.
| Resource | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| Job searching, job applications, and job recommendations | |
| What Color Is Your Parachute? | A well-known guide about job hunting |
| JobHuntersBible.com | Website for What Color Is Your Parachute? |
| Government of Canada student jobs website | Labour market information about jobs and careers, including provincial, territorial, and local information |
| Job-Interview.net | Sample interview questions |
| CareerBeacon.com | Canadian job-search information |
| Workopolis.com | Job-search information, health care job postings, and a place to post a resumé for employers to view |
These resources provide several ways to search for openings and prepare for the application process.
Search With Specific Keywords
Use specific keywords when searching online. For example, search for:
“Support worker jobs in [your city or town]”
Specific keywords produce more focused search results.
Check Employer Websites
Many larger agencies have their own employer websites. These websites may list job openings and provide links for submitting applications.
Nova Scotia CCA Note
Sorrentino’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, 5th Edition focuses here on organizing a job search. In Nova Scotia, CCA applicants also need to pay attention to provincial certification requirements.
Current Nova Scotia CCA Program information states that CCA Certification is the education requirement for work in Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care funded nursing homes and home support agencies, and for most hospital settings in the role of Care Team Assistant. Graduates must pass the CCA Certification Exam before receiving provincial certification.
Why this matters in Nova Scotia: When you review job postings, check the certification requirement for the setting and role before you apply.
Official source: Becoming a Certified CCA – Continuing Care Assistant Program
Last checked: September 6, 2026
Set Up Professional Email
Set up a professional email account for your job search. Employers may request resumés by email, so your email account forms part of your job-search setup.
Exam Clue Words
- Most: This statement applies to most employers, not every employer. Most employers post job openings online and request resumés by email, through an employer website, or through a third-party employment website.
- Should: Prospective employers should have a way to reach you by telephone, and your voice-mail message should sound professional.
Fast Review
Focus on the setup and the purpose of each job-search tool.
- Choose a regular place at home for your job search.
- Have access to a computer and printer.
- Most public libraries have computers and printers available for public use.
- Employers may request resumés by email, through an employer website, or through a third-party employment website.
- A resumé is a concise one-to-two-page summary of experience, education, work-related skills, and personal qualities.
- Set up voice mail and use a professional message.
- Keep good-quality paper, a stapler, and pens available.
- Use books, websites, college libraries, and public libraries for job-search information.
- A cover letter is another name for a letter of application.
- Use specific search keywords to narrow your job results.
- Check larger agencies’ employer websites for openings and application links.
- Set up a professional email account.
Final Pep Talk
This topic has several small details, so group them by purpose. Focus on what helps you search, apply, stay organized, and communicate professionally with employers.