A guide on how to find a job in Canada for newcomers

New to Canada? Here is a guide on how to find the right fit job opportunities in Canada.

Gaining employment in Canada may be different than what you are used to. However, there are many useful resources online to help you find a job in Canada as well as some impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first thing to do is clean up your resume. Your resume is the key to getting interviews and job opportunities. However, an important note to consider is that Canadian resumes are probably formatted differently than where you are from. Canadian employers prefer to read highlights of your work experience rather than long lists of all the jobs you have done. Canadian resumes tend to be formatted traditionally. You do not need to include personal information about yourself such as age, marital status on your resume in Canada. Your email, phone number, and your address are sufficient.

Consider tailoring your resume for each job opportunity you want to apply for. As well, a well-written cover letter can solidify your experience and desire to work with an employer.

Next is to find the right job for you. You should target job opportunities that align with your experience and what interests you. There are thousands of job postings a day across Canada on various sites, so it can be overwhelming. Finding a target will help ease feeling overwhelmed.

It might take longer to find a specific career in the field you want, but there is a good chance that you will be more qualified. If you are still in your home country and looking for a job in Canada before you move, consider which areas in Canada have the most opportunities in your field.

There are two main websites for internationals to use when looking for a job in Canada. The Government of Canada has a website dedicated for immigration resources. On the site you can get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and get your credentials assessed. Immigrants who are looking for work in Canada need to get their past education, work experience, and certificates certified. Any documents in a language other than English or French will need to be translated. The purpose of this is to ensure that your education and work experience are equivalent to Canadian education and work. Another resource is the Job Bank Canada website. This is the official Canadian job listing site.

Popular sites in Canada for job search are: Indeed, Workopolis, Monster, Craigslist, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, or even Facebook.

The next step is to learn how to network. Social media is a great resource to use when networking with people in your field. The two popular ones in Canada are LinkedIn and Facebook.

LinkedIn is a great resource to expand your network and connect with opportunities and companies. Ensure that you have an engaging profile by highlighting accomplishments and experience briefly. Keep your profile on LinkedIn professional and connect with people and organizations in your field.

Consider even reaching out to people in your field to meet and discuss opportunities and learn more about your field in Canada via Zoom or another video call platform. As well, search Google for virtual networking events in the area you will be moving to, or search LinkedIn for advertised events in your field.

Next is to reach out to past employers who you have good relationships with. Having strong endorsements and references is key to getting a job in Canada. Ask old employers for a letter of recommendation. As well, ask friends and family who may have connections in Canada to share your resume and talk you up.

Following, you should brush up on your interview skills and techniques. A good interview is knowing powerful communication tips as well as professional body language and attire.

Ensure to choose professional dress wear in all interviews in order for the employer to take you seriously. If you are doing a virtual interview, ensure that the background is not too cluttered, and the camera is at a good angle. Do not have the camera just showing your head or the top of your head. Ensure that there is good lighting and that you speak clearly.

Stay engaged in the interviews and try not to think about what you are going to say next. Recruiters are looking for personable people who are skilled in their field and willing to grow in the company.

Applying in the pandemic is hard especially because there are still many businesses closing. However, job postings are growing each day and are slowly returning to normal. You might have to get creative and look for other work experience that can use your skills.

Remember that it can take time to secure a job. Do not get discouraged from the no replies and automated rejections. Treat your job search as a full-time job and dedicate yourself to learning as much as you can about Canada and our work culture.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to us!

Email: info@swiftconnect.ca

Phone: 604-503-9446.

We have certified immigration consultants and HR professionals that are ready and willing to help you find a job in Canada and support you with your visas.