I'm also in Canada, pursuing my 2nd degree, so I need to help fund my tuition and although I found a job, it wasn't easy. I sent well over 120 applications and resumes. I had personal, academic and work references as well, all of whom apparently gave very positive feedback. Out of them, I had 16 interviews, some of which were for positions I didn't care for and only wanted for the pay (despite being low), whereas others I didn't think I would've gotten. When I was refused, I calmly asked where I can improve so I can succeed in the future but the answer I got, either in-person, on the phone or by e-mail was the same generic, "you had an outstanding resume, CV and were an ideal candidate, however, we found someone who was a better fit/had better qualifications".

Eventually, I went to employment centers to see if someone could review my resume and CV to check if I'm doing something wrong. The comment that kept coming up was my resume and CV are polar opposites; my resume has summer jobs with temporary jobs in a variety of low-level fields, whereas my CV shows the research, all of my academic and extra-curricular awards. Altogether, they paint me as a smart young guy who seeks positions lower than expected.

Eventually though, I landed a job and it's been swell, so the only advice I have is keep handing out applications. When you go in for an interview, dress as you would if you worked there, that is, if it's a job in a hospital lab, don't wear jeans and a shirt. Similarly, if it's a landscaping job where you're going to dig with a shovel, don't wear a full expensive suit. Know enough of the company so that if you're asked whether you know what they do, you can explain it to the interviewer as though they were an interested intelligent layperson. Be happy, willing to engage and try to talk as though it's to someone you know, are comfortable with but respect greatly. In one of the interviews, the person had a photo of their German shepherd and husky puppy, so one of the first things I mentioned was my two husky crosses. I told him the names of my dogs, how great dogs are, the happiness they bring, especially when studying in university and was able to make a soft landing into discussing my resume, CV and application.