First student job in Quebec: how to get hired with no experience

Getting your first job can feel like an impossible loop: employers want experience, but you need a first job to get experience. For many student jobs, though, employers are also looking closely at reliability, availability, attitude and willingness to learn.

This guide walks you through building a strong first application even if you have never had a paid job before.

Before you apply: check the rules that apply to your age

In Quebec, the legal minimum age to work is generally 14. There are exceptions for certain jobs held by young people under 14, with specific conditions and, in several cases, parental authorization. The CNESST explains the rules for young workers.

If you are still required to attend school, your work schedule must also respect specific limits. During the school calendar, it must allow you to attend class and, under the applicable rules, work is limited to 17 hours per week, including a maximum of 10 hours from Monday to Friday. Check the CNESST school-attendance and work-schedule rules before accepting a schedule.

The Gouvernement du Québec also has a useful overview of student employment.

What employers look for when you have no experience

You do not need to invent experience to get your first student job. Focus on what you can already demonstrate:

• Reliability: showing up on time, keeping commitments and communicating early if there is a problem.
• Clear availability: being specific about the evenings, weekends or periods you can actually work.
• Communication: replying politely, asking questions and following instructions.
• Willingness to learn: showing that you are open to training and feedback.
• Transferable experience: school projects, volunteering, sports, clubs, tutoring, babysitting or relevant responsibilities at home.

Your goal is not to look experienced. Your goal is to show that you are someone worth training.

What kinds of jobs are good for a first student job?

Start with roles where employers commonly expect to train new hires. Depending on your age, interests and the requirements of the position, you might look at:

• retail and grocery stores;
• restaurants and counter service;
• day camps, recreation and community programs;
• tutoring and homework help;
• events and guest services;
• administrative or seasonal positions;
• volunteer opportunities that can help you build your first experience.

Some roles have minimum-age, certification or training requirements. Always read the complete posting before applying.

You can start by browsing student jobs on MonGig and the current opportunities. If you want to build experience first, you can also explore volunteering opportunities.

How to make a resume when you have never worked

A first-job resume can be simple. One page is usually enough to present the most relevant information.

1. Your contact information

Include your name, a professional email address and a phone number where you can be reached easily. You do not need to add unnecessary personal information.

2. Your school and program

List your school, grade level or program. If a course, concentration or project is relevant to the role, include it.

3. Your skills

Choose skills you can support with a real example, such as:

• customer service;
• teamwork;
• French and English;
• digital tools;
• organization;
• communication;
• punctuality;
• learning quickly.

4. Experience that was not paid work

School, sports, community and personal experiences can all demonstrate useful skills.

For example:

• “Helped organize registration and welcomed participants at a school event.”
• “Tutored younger students in math every week.”
• “Participated on a sports team with a regular training and competition schedule.”

Be specific and honest. A small real experience explained clearly is stronger than a big claim you cannot support.

How to apply for your first job

Avoid sending exactly the same message to every employer. Take a few minutes to understand what each posting is asking for.

A simple application message can look like this:

Hello, I would like to apply for the [position] role. I am a student in [grade/program] and I am available [availability]. Although this would be my first job, I am reliable, motivated to learn and comfortable with [relevant skill]. I have attached my resume and would be happy to speak with you. Thank you!

Proofread your message before sending it. Double-check the company name, job title and your contact information.

How to prepare for your first interview

You do not need a perfect answer to every question. Prepare a few real examples instead.

Before the interview, be ready to explain:

1. why the role interests you;
2. when you are actually available;
3. a time you were responsible or dependable;
4. a time you worked with other people;
5. what you do when you do not know how to do something.

If you are asked about your lack of experience, say directly that you are looking for your first job and explain what your schoolwork, activities or responsibilities have already taught you.

Mistakes to avoid

• Making up experience or skills.
• Applying without reading the job requirements.
• Giving availability you cannot actually maintain.
• Using an unprofessional email address or message.
• Giving up after a few rejections or unanswered applications.
• Accepting a schedule that conflicts with school or the rules that apply to your age.

A rejection does not automatically mean your application was weak. The employer may have received many applications or selected someone whose availability matched the role more closely.

A simple plan to start this week

1. Write down your real availability.
2. Build a one-page resume.
3. Pick two or three types of jobs that interest you.
4. Check new opportunities regularly.
5. Tailor each application slightly to the position.
6. Prepare three examples that show reliability, teamwork or responsibility.
7. Keep applying without pretending to have experience you do not have.

Your first job does not need to be perfect. Its main value is helping you learn, build skills and create the experience that makes future applications easier.

Ready to look for your first student job?

Browse student jobs on MonGig and the latest opportunities. Start with roles that genuinely match your age, availability and interests, then build your experience one step at a time.