When you first arrive in Canada, finding your first job isn’t always easy. Preparation and focused effort are required to successfully navigate a new work environment and job market. There are many things you should be doing to increase your chances of finding a job, such as expanding your network, perfecting your resume, or gaining some much-needed experience in Canada.
Learning from other newcomers who have gone through this process successfully can help you avoid mistakes and land your dream job faster as you prepare for your job search in Canada. To make things easier for you, we spoke with ten former newcomers who are now settled in Canada and asked them for their best advice for finding a job in Canada for newcomers.
In this piece:
Examine the employment market in Canada
Make your cover letter and resume more Canadian-specific
Learn how to effectively network in Canada
Improve your communication and language abilities
Make use of every Canadian resource for job searching
Obtain work experience in Canada
Know what your profession’s licensing or credentialing requirements are
Learn as much as you can about the workplace culture in Canada
Prepare for your Canadian job interviews
Keep fighting for your dream job
Examine the employment market in Canada
In terms of local trends, salaries, and skill demand, the Canadian job market can differ from other countries. To familiarize yourself with potential job opportunities and growing industries, it is essential to investigate the job market in your industry as well as in your intended province or city. Prince John, who moved to Canada from India in 2018, asserts that it is essential to have an understanding of the Canadian job market. Prepare for the job by doing your homework and research, he adds.
You need to know what is expected of you in your role before you leave your country. Prince suggests looking at job listings in Canada to see how roles differ from those in your home country.
Identify job titles and roles that are compatible with your qualifications, experience, and interests during your pre-arrival preparation time. Make a note of the skills that employers are looking for in candidates by reading the job descriptions that you are interested in. This exercise will not only assist you in establishing a strong self-image, but it will also reveal skill gaps that you may need to fill before actively applying for jobs in Canada.
Make your cover letter and resume more Canadian-specific
When looking for their first job in Canada, many newcomers make the mistake of using a resume format from their home country. However, your previous resume may be very different from the Canadian-style resume that recruiters and hiring managers are accustomed to in Canada, depending on where you were born.
According to Wanzi Silva, who immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka in 2017, “When I came to Canada, my resume was four pages long.” However, she points out that a Canadian resume is much shorter and should be tailored to each job.
Customizing your resume and cover letter to include keywords from the job description will help improve your chances of being selected for an interview. The majority of Canadian employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to shortlist resumes that are most suitable for the position.
Instead of listing everything on your resume, regardless of whether or not it is relevant to the position, focus on relevant skills, qualifications, certifications, and work experience. A good cover letter and resume should not only emphasize your strengths but also how they will assist in meeting the needs of the employer.
Another significant distinction that distinguishes the Canadian-style resume is exemplified by Suzie Zhang, who arrived in Canada as an international student from China for the first time in 2012. Instead of simply listing roles and skills, as you might have done back home, Canadian hiring managers want to see you highlight your accomplishments on your resume, she says.
Use numbers or data whenever you can to quantify your accomplishments so that the hiring manager can see your impact in previous positions. Consider adding any part-time or unpaid work you may have done in Canada, such as volunteering, if you do not have any relevant full-time experience.
Learn how to effectively network in Canada
Being new presents one of the greatest obstacles for a newcomer. Reach out to people to let them know who you are and what you can do, Prince says. There are a lot of ways to build your professional network in Canada, such as by attending job fairs, industry events, and social media platforms like LinkedIn.
Prince advises newcomers to use settlement agencies like ACCES Employment, TRIEC, and other mentorship platforms, the YMCA’s networking events, and regional job fairs and events to expand their network in addition to LinkedIn.
You can learn a lot about the job market, the skills that employers value, the culture of particular organizations, and even potential job opportunities by having coffee chats with professionals in your field. In addition, when it comes time for your interviews, you will feel more prepared the more one-on-one interactions you have with professionals. As Prince points out, “Coffee chats gave me a sneak peek into how interviews were conducted in Canada.”
Amit Chauhan, who moved to Canada in 2021 from India, emphasizes how important networking is for securing employment in Canada. Get used to stepping outside of your comfort zone, he suggests. Try to meet as many people as possible. Amit says, “You’ll learn, you’ll grow, and you’ll meet new people.” I found out that you can even get in touch with company CEOs in Canada. I’d inquire, “Do you have some time to speak with me?” which they did! He adds
To increase your online visibility, don’t forget to update and complete your LinkedIn professional networking profile. Avantika Sardana, an international student who will be moving to Canada in 2020, says, “It takes a little bit of courage to meet new people and reach out on LinkedIn.” Include a personalized message with your connection request so that the recipient understands why you are contacting them and how they can be of assistance.
The majority of jobs in Canada aren’t advertised or published online, so networking is the best way to find them. According to Nazanin Akhavan, who immigrated to Canada from Iran in 2008, “connecting with people in your industry can uncover opportunities in the hidden job market.” However, if people do not respond, do not be disappointed. She offers the advice, “All you need to get started is one good connection.”
You can begin utilizing your network for recommendations and referrals as soon as you have established meaningful connections. However, Suzie Zhang cautions against asking for work in advance and approaching professionals in a transactional manner. Look beyond the immediate objective of finding a job when connecting with Canadians. You’re constructing an organization, fabricating long-haul connections,” she says. Before you can ask for help, the goal of networking is to get your foot in the door, make a lasting connection, and offer value.
In addition to fostering professional connections, networking can also assist you socially. Neha Khandelwal, who moved to Canada in 2011 and established the Indian Women’s Circle (GTA) in 2015, says, “It’s really important to start building a strong network here from day one.” Moving to Canada leaves behind your support network.
Improve your communication and language abilities
English and French are the two official languages of Canada, and unless you live in Quebec, most workplace communication will take place in English.
According to Nazanin, “Language can be a challenge for many newcomers while finding a job in Canada.” Don’t worry if your English isn’t perfect; just do your homework and improve it. To improve your English, she suggests that you begin practicing before you arrive in Canada and regularly converse with native speakers. In preparation for job interviews, practicing your language skills through daily interactions can help you improve your fluency, gain confidence, and overcome language barriers. Don’t be shy because of your accent or your lack of self-assurance.
You can also enroll in language courses or programs to improve your English or French as a newcomer. The Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program the government offers free English classes to new permanent residents. You can also get some extra practice by using online learning tools like Mauril or Duolingo. Alternatively, you might want to get professional help to improve your communication skills, like language coaches or tutors.
Jaspreet Kaur, who immigrated to Canada from India when she was 19 years old, also stresses the significance of practicing language and communication skills. She asserts, “You are the best judge of your skills.” If you think you speak too quickly and are looking for work, try speaking a little slower. Put it into practice with your family at home.
Make use of every Canadian resource for job searching
As a newcomer, you must make use of all of the resources and tools at your disposal to speed up the process of finding your first job in Canada. Before you move, familiarize yourself with employment consultancies, popular Canadian job portals, employers’ recruitment websites, and other resources.
Employers in your industry use job platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, Indeed, Glassdoor, Job Bank, and other sector-specific websites to create profiles. If the portal allows it, set up email alerts to receive relevant job postings on a daily or weekly basis. Keep an eye out for new job postings.
Although employment agencies are avoided by many newcomers, prospective employees in Canada can use this service at no cost. When a position is filled, employers pay agencies a commission, so you don’t have to pay a fee to register with an agency or find a job through one. Employers looking for candidates with your skills and experience can be contacted by employment consultants, who can also send you relevant job opportunities.
If you work in a job that is regulated, you should check the website of your provincial or territorial government for information about employment portals and opportunities. Another great way to meet Canadian employers who are actively hiring for multiple roles is to attend job fairs, both online and in person.
Obtain work experience in Canada
The lack of Canadian experience is one of the biggest obstacles newcomers face when looking for their first job in Canada. Sadly, despite the fact that the majority of newcomers have significant achievements and experience from other countries, many Canadian employers still prefer to hire candidates who have at least some exposure to the work environment in Canada.
Prince asserts, “Starting from scratch is difficult, but many have succeeded.” He continues, “You will need to create opportunities to demonstrate your worth and gain Canadian experience.” However, you don’t have to have paid work experience in Canada to get a foot in the door. Volunteering is a great way to put your skills to use and add some highly sought-after Canadian experience to your resume. Volunteering is also a great way to meet professionals and possibly even hiring managers and broaden your network if you are actively looking for your first job in Canada.
Contract or part-time work can also help you build a professional network and serve as a stepping stone to permanent employment. Some connecting programs that are intended to assist newbies with adjusting to the Canadian work market likewise incorporate work situations as a feature of the educational plan. These government-funded programs can be a great way to gain Canadian experience or additional skills that employers in Canada are looking for.
Know what your profession’s licensing or credentialing requirements are
To practice medicine, nursing, engineering, or teaching—all of which are regulated in Canada—you need a license from either the federal, provincial, or territorial government.
Before you arrive in Canada, research the licensing or credential recognition process for your profession if you work in a regulated field. You will be eligible to work in your field as soon as you arrive because many licensing authorities permit newcomers to begin or even finish the licensing process from a distance from their home country.
You can also use your pre-arrival time to figure out if you need any more training, certifications, or exams to stand out in the Canadian job market. You can get a good idea of the skills you need to develop to meet the needs of Canadian employers by reading job descriptions for opportunities in your field.
Learn as much as you can about the workplace culture in Canada
During the interview process, Canadian employers try to figure out how well a candidate would fit into the culture of their company or team. A “culture fit” interview round has even been added to the hiring process by some businesses. Unfortunately, if you’re moving from a country with a significantly different culture, learning about and adjusting to the work culture in Canada can take some time as a newcomer.
Having said that, you can learn about the workplace culture in Canada even before you start working. A great way to learn is to meet professionals in your field and inquire about the culture. On their websites and social media, many businesses also provide information about their values and culture.
When you receive an interview call, you can learn more about the company’s culture and what to expect. Jaspreet advises, “Call a friend or connection who has worked there.” Ask them about the work environment there. What must you be prepared for?” She helps.
Another opportunity to inquire about the company’s culture is during the interview itself. Check to see that the responses to your inquiries aren’t readily available on the business’s website.
Prepare for your Canadian job interviews
For each position, most Canadian employers interview multiple candidates. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to adequately prepare for your interviews now that you have advanced this far into the hiring process. Before getting a job offer, you usually have to go through two or three interviews, and in some cases, you might have to talk to a panel of interviewers.
Before your interview, research the employer, the interviewers, and the culture of the company. This will assist you in customizing your responses and guarantee that the interviewer will be impressed by your accomplishments and skills. Insights from your research can also help you formulate interview questions.
Create an elevator pitch that clearly and concisely explains who you are, the value you bring, and your career objectives. It’s also a good idea to practice answering common interview questions to get a feel for what you want to say.
“Employers in Canadian job interviews want to get to know you personally: Suzie Zhang says, “your personality, your interests, and how you’ll fit in with the culture of the company.”
Amit Chauhun concurs. Both who you are and what you can do are important to interviewers, he says. I was told to “show your personality, not just your skills” during an interview, he relates.
You ought to likewise have a rundown of inquiries for the questioner. This not only demonstrates that you are engaged and interested in the position, but it also may indicate that you have conducted research regarding the company.
Lastly, during an interview, being assertive and using the appropriate body language can be extremely helpful. Jaspreet says, “Interviewing is an overwhelming experience, and you may be nervous.” Make eye contact and give a firm handshake. In the event that you are required to describe yourself in two sentences, make sure your elevator pitch is prepared, “she suggests.
Keep fighting for your dream job
As a newcomer, finding a job in your field in Canada can take some time, and it’s fine to take a survival job to make ends meet. However, job rejections or employers’ lack of response discourage some newcomers. Incorrectly believing that this is the best job they’ll get in Canada, they might lose confidence, feel demotivated, and settle for their survival job.
Chris Gonsalvez, who will immigrate to Canada in 2020 from Dubai, asserts, “Canada allows you to do anything you want.” People respect you for what you do, no matter what you do, and labor has dignity. Therefore, taking a job to pay the bills is not an embarrassment, “he states. Your survival job or side hustle can help you expand your network and open doors to career opportunities. But don’t give up on your dream job, says Chris.
Jaspreet has a kind word for newcomers who are having trouble finding work: ” You can achieve your career objectives in Canada if you have the right skills and attitude, she asserts.
Before sending out the next batch of applications, go over your resume and cover letter if they haven’t been getting any responses. Make a few small changes if necessary. Be patient, and you’ll be successful, even if it takes some time to discover what employers in your industry are looking for in job applications.
Even though there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for securing employment, we hope that the collective wisdom of newcomers who have already settled in Canada will guide you in the right direction. Perseverance, adaptability, and taking a proactive approach will ultimately pay off and assist you in finding a suitable job in Canada.
