Navigating and Successfully Applying for Jobs via ATS in British Columbia
How to make a great impression from the moment you drop off your resume to the final follow-up
Looking for work can feel stressful, but small actions can make a big difference. Many employers in Merritt and across B.C. say they notice job seekers who show professionalism, confidence, and good communication skills — long before the interview even begins.
Here are practical tips to help you from the moment you drop off your resume, through the interview, and after you leave the building.
Even if you’re “just popping in,” employers observe how you present yourself, how you speak, and whether you seem genuinely interested in the job.
Instead of trying to “dress fancy,” aim to dress the way you would on the job, but one step nicer.
This shows professionalism while still helping the employer imagine you in the role.
Examples:
Food services / kitchen helper / janitorial
On the job: T-shirt and work pants
For drop-off/interview: Clean pants or dark jeans, tidy shirt, closed-toe shoes
Retail or customer service
On the job: Casual but neat clothing
For drop-off/interview: Clean blouse/shirt, tidy pants, simple footwear
Health care support (HCA, support services)
On the job: Scrubs or comfortable workwear
For drop-off/interview: Clean professional top, neutral pants, neat appearance
Office or administrative roles
On the job: Business casual
For drop-off/interview: Button-down shirt or blouse, dress pants, tidy shoes
You don't need to spend money — just choose clean, neat, job-appropriate clothing.
Employers may ask questions right away:
“What kind of work are you looking for?”
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Do you have experience in…?”
Prepare a short answer such as:
“Hi, my name is ____. I’m applying for the ____ position. I have experience in ____ and I’m reliable and eager to learn more.”
Double-check that:
Your phone number is correct
Your resume is clean and not wrinkled
You have extra copies if needed
Hand it over with a smile and thank the employer for their time.
Look up what they do, who they serve, and what they value. It shows effort and interest.
Most employers ask things like:
“Tell me about yourself.”
“Why do you want to work here?”
“What are your strengths?”
Practice out loud. It builds confidence.
Again, match the clothing style you’d wear in the job, just slightly more polished.
Aim for 10 minutes early. This shows reliability — the #1 quality employers look for.
Smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly.
Employers love hearing about times you showed:
Teamwork
Communication
Reliability
Problem-solving
Customer service
Using the STAR method can help you stay organized:
Situation – Task – Action – Result.
At the end you can ask:
“What are the next steps?”
“When might I hear back?”
This shows interest in the job.
A quick email or phone call can make you stand out:
“Thank you for meeting with me today. I enjoyed learning about the role and I’m very interested in joining your team.”
If you dropped off a resume but haven’t heard back in a few days, you can follow up politely.
Some employers take one to three weeks to respond.
Continue applying to other jobs until you have an official offer.
By making a positive first impression, preparing well, and following up professionally, you show employers that you are reliable, respectful, and ready to work — qualities that matter just as much as experience.
The WorkBC Centre in Merritt can help you with interview practice, resume support, job leads, and even paid training for eligible job seekers who cannot afford the cost on their own.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
