After completely deciding on making Canada your new home, then finding a job that’s right for your background and passions should be your next step.
If you are new to the area, getting a job may look a little different than what you are used to.
The pandemic has made job searching more rigorous, so it is very important that you stay updated on the job market’s happenings to be prepared for the rebound.
However, many helpful resources are available to help you through this difficult time, and we are here to help, too.
This guide will help you figure out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, especially during the pandemic.
1. Enhance your resume
As a newcomer in Canada, your resume is a major component for getting interviews and job opportunities.
However, Canadian resumes are usually in a traditional format, and employers prefer to read the highlights of your work experience rather than long lists of your jobs.
Consider tailoring your resume for each job opportunity you want to apply for rather than submitting the same generic resume for every ad you see.
One common question is, should I forward a cover letter with my resume?
In Canada, the effectiveness of cover letters is still widely debated, but an adequately crafted cover letter can strengthen your experience and desire to work with an employer.
2. Be enthusiastic
Remember to make sure you have all the contact information for every company you are applying to and follow up with them within one week of submitting your resume to indicate your interest.
“Thank-you” emails preceding an interview sets you apart from other applicants in Canada.
These little things can add up to getting you a job in Canada.
3. Get strong endorsements
Finding a job in Canada becomes less challenging when you have strong references.
Try obtaining an employment reference from all your previous employers, but only those references relevant to the jobs you are applying for in Canada.
4. Narrow your search
Many jobs are posted daily on Canada’s most popular job sites.
It can take a long time to review all of them. Instead, target the opportunities that best fit your experience and excite you.
It may take you longer to find a specific career in your field, but there is also a greater chance that you will be more qualified and satisfied when an opportunity is posted.
If you haven’t decided on a province to roll out your welcome mat, consider which area has the most opportunities in your field.
For example, if you are an IT expert, settling close to big cities like Toronto or Vancouver can give you more job options.
5. Learn how to network
When you network adequately, you open doors to useful insight and gain crucial contacts, both professionally and socially.
Researching networking functions related to your profession is crucial, as well as enquiring from your contacts on how best to meet more people in your field.
Don’t forget that most job vacancies in Canada never get publicly advertised.
Many people refer to this as the so-called hidden job market, so do not sit at home waiting for a job to come and locate you.
Networking is crucially important to getting jobs in Canada.
You need to get your name out there across your industry to ensure that when a job comes up, you are in the position to be called in.
Send word out to all of your local contacts that you’re looking for a job.
Always use every opportunity to build new contacts, as this is crucial to your success in any new place.
Volunteering is A very effective way to expand your local network of contacts.
You could visit GoVolunteer.ca or its likes to find volunteering opportunities to meet new people across all sectors of society.
You could also follow industry-specific Facebook groups in your region to expand your network within that industry.
6. Get Accredited
Depending on your profession, in Canada, you may require your foreign qualifications to be accredited in Canada.
Additional accreditation is usually required for professions such as teaching, physiotherapy, nursing, and social work.
This process usually takes a while, so be prepared or begin the process before you arrive in Canada.
7. Be open to help
On no condition should you turn down an offer of help when finding a job in Canada. Be proactive and determined.
Email or call to thank the person who offered you help or guidance.
Essential websites and more
There are many free Canadian resources available to improve the success rate of your job search in Canada, and below are the best sites to use.
- Government of Canada Job Bank – Official Canadian job posting site. Also, look for essential positions on Job Bank’s COVID-19 listings.
- Immigration Resources: The Government of Canada has all the immigration resources you need on one page to obtain your Social Security Number (SIN) and assess your credentials.
Job Search Sites
With those aforementioned official Canadian job resources, you can also access job listing sites such as:
- Workopolis
- Monster
- Indeed
- Eco Canada
- WorkInNonProfits.ca
Refresh your interview skills
As you go through your initial job search, reviewing the best tips for a better interview is a good idea.
Remember that a good interview is about knowing powerful communication tips and professional advice on body language.
An interview begins with your dress code.
Choose professional clothing that says you take yourself and this company seriously.
Don’t worry too much about what colors to wear or whether to complete your outfit with a jacket.
If you have to rely on a virtual interview, wear professional clothing and angle your computer to show the upper half of your body rather than just your head.
Endeavor to stay completely engaged during the conversation and try not to spend too much time thinking about what to say next.
Recruiters can know when you’ve disconnected from the conversation.
Recruiters are not looking for an employee with the perfect answers.
Instead, they look for personable people who are highly trained in their field and willing to grow with the company.
Job market outlook
Last year, the pandemic posed a job search challenge. but Indeed’s Hiring Lab blog says there is a reason for career optimism.
The site reports that “Job openings are returning to normal in a growing range of positions, and the eventual end of the pandemic will provide a welcome boost to struggling industries.”
Searching for a job post-pandemic may require a little more creativity than usual. See what other fields your skillset and experience can use.
For example, if you have been a hospital nurse for the past five years, you may be successful in applying for nursing positions in education or senior wellness settings.
Finally, this is the greatest time to strengthen your telecommuting skills and show future employers that you are an incredible asset to their company, both in person and through telecommuting.
Employers want to know that telecommuting employees can stay productive and organized even when working from home.
