Work Search Guidelines
PDF Version Of This Document 
(233KB)
The Ministry of Social Development is committed to assisting employable clients find and keep good jobs.
As part of this focus on employment, you are required to carry out a three-week work search prior to applying for assistance, unless exempt. Ask a worker for details, or find out more at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/publicat/toolkit/index.htm.
If you are not exempt, this information sheet will help you to conduct an effective search for employment.
Reasonable Work Search
The ministry has expectations on how a reasonable work search is conducted.
Reasonable efforts are demonstrated by the preparation and distribution of an up-to-date resume (see the Independent Work Search Tool Kit for some helpful hints); and the provision of a completed Work Search Activities Record. You can obtain copies of the Independent Work Search Tool Kit and Work Search Activities Record from a worker or on the web at: www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/publicat/toolkit/index.htm.
Your record should indicate regular and ongoing attempts to secure employment not restricted to a particular job or wage range.
Examples of effective job-search activities include phone inquiries, searching on line, fact finding interviews, cold calling and submitting job applications.
Work Search Tips
There are many resources available to help you in your work search. Check out these websites at your local library or local job search service providers:
Check out these services:
Employment Assistance Services (EAS) is available to anyone seeking work. Contact Enquiry BC:
- Email: EnquiryBC@gov.bc.ca
- Telephone: Victoria: 250-387-6121
Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-663-7867
- Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Vancouver: 604-775-0303
Elsewhere in B.C.: 1-800-661-8773
For local EAS services in your community visit: www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca/eas_directory/eas_directory_interactive_map.html.
Employment Benefits and Support Measures — financial support for retraining may be available to you if you have had an active Employment Insurance (EI) claim, received regular EI benefits in the previous three years or special benefits in the previous five years.
Please contact your local EAS for more information.
Returning to the Ministry
If you return to the ministry following your work search, you will need to bring your resume and a completed Work Search Activities Record and be prepared to discuss the following:
- What methods you have been using to find work.
- What kinds of work you have been looking for.
- What employers you have met with recently. (Employers may be contacted)
- What future job interviews you have scheduled.
- What internet sites you have been using to search for work.
- Your use of any of the following in your work search — local employment agencies, HRSDC, community skills centres, university/college libraries and job placement offices, chambers of commerce, local union halls, seasonal employment offices, friends, family, neighbours, teachers, former employers and co-workers.
You will also need to provide the following:
- Identification documents
- Shelter documents
- Income and assets documents
- Work related documents.
This information may be checked and verified by ministry staff to determine eligibility. Please note that all adult members of the household may be subject to these requirements.
Did You Know?
- The government supports clients in finding work by investing over $70 million each year in employment programs.
- Our services range from life skills and pre-employment through to job search and job placement and are delivered by contracted employment agencies in communities throughout the province.
- People who leave income assistance for work earn, on average, two to three times the income assistance rate.
BC Employment and Assistance Orientation
As an applicant for assistance, you must attend an orientation session. Details are available at a Ministry of Social Development office by calling toll-free: 1-866-866-0800
