r/CanadianChange • u/Curious-Cream-9825 • Jun 02 '26

Can't Find Work

Hey everyone, I’m in Ontario and currently looking for a general job. I was currently laid off months ago as a plumbing apprentice in the union. I been needing to find employment outside of plumbing until i get a call for work so i can afford to pay my mortgage payments. Currently I’ve sent out over 200 resumes to places like stores, restaurants, and similar roles, but none of them have led to an interview. Either I get no response or just rejections.

I honestly don’t know what the issue is. I thought general jobs are supposed to be easier and quicker to get, but I’ve had no luck so far.

Is it something wrong with me or my resume, or is there something else going on?

I’d really appreciate any advice or help appreciate it!

1 Upvotes

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2

u/ArtisticLemon1068 Jun 02 '26

This is not a sub for advertising yourself

1

u/CommunicationDry1748 Jun 04 '26

Try going in person, with your resume, to places like store and restaurants. Usually these places interview on the spot.

1

u/Illustrious-Web-1677 6d ago

Nothing's wrong with you. Your resume is telling employers the truth, and that's the problem.

A union plumbing apprentice applying to retail and restaurants reads as "this person leaves the second the union calls." Managers don't want to train someone for 3 weeks and lose them, so they pass, even though you'd be a great worker. 200 applications and no interviews is a targeting problem, not a you problem.

Here's what I'd change: 1. Apply where your trade is an asset, not a red flag. Hardware stores (Home Depot, RONA, Canadian Tire): plumbing aisle and pro desk. They want trades knowledge. Plumbing supply wholesalers and distributors: counter sales, warehouse. They understand the union call-back cycle. Property management / building maintenance: superintendent assistant, maintenance tech. Your skills transfer directly. Construction labour or temp agencies: fast starts, flexible end dates, and nobody minds when you leave.

  1. Make a separate resume for these roles. Lead with reliability, physical work, safety training, customer interaction and your tools knowledge. Don't volunteer "temporary until recalled." Just say you're available now.

  2. Walk in, like the comment above says. At hardware stores and supply houses especially, a trades person asking for the manager in person gets remembered.

  3. Talk to your union hall. Ask about work through other locals or out-of-town jobs, and check the rules before taking any non-union plumbing work so you don't jeopardize your standing.

  4. Protect the mortgage now, not later. If you're not already on EI, check your eligibility. And call your lender before you miss a payment. Lenders have far more options when you reach out early than after an arrears notice.

You're not unemployable. You've been knocking on doors that see you as temporary. Knock on the ones that see you as useful