The month of May means students are finishing up classes and getting ready to hit the job market, either permanently or just for the summer.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says only about 11 per cent of Alberta small businesses are going to be hiring this summer.

Alberta Director Amber Ruddy suggests maybe trying smaller communities around the big cities.

"Getting out there and pounding the pavement with their resumes because, you know small businesses don't often have a booth at a job fair, but if they are looking for people, the best impression you can make is getting out there with a lean and clean resume to show them that you're enthusiastic and interested in employment," Ruddy says.

She says just because the numbers don't look too good, it doesn't mean no one is hiring and there are still opportunities available.

"There are some businesses that are still going begging, looking for workers," she says. "There's a mismatch in the economy so just because people are getting laid off from high skilled oil and gas industries doesn't necessarily means they're going to Tim Horton's or going to other places to take up the jobs so young people do have some opportunities out there."