How to Get a Job in Canada as a Newcomer

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 happenings in the job market, to be prepared for the rebound.

However, there are many helpful resources 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.

Enhance your resume

As a newcomer in Canada, your resume is a major component for getting interviews and job opportunities. 

Although, Canadian resumes are usually in a traditional format and employers prefer to read the highlights of your work experience rather than long lists of the jobs you have done. 

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 use of cover letters is still widely debated for effectiveness, but an adequately crafted cover letter can strengthen your experience and desire to work with an employer.

Be enthusiastic

Don’t forget to make sure you have all the contact information for every company you are applying to and follow them up 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 consequently getting you the job in Canada.

Get strong endorsements

Finding a job in Canada becomes a less challenging process 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.

Narrow your search

There are lots of jobs posted every day 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.

Learn how to network

When you network adequately you are opening doors to useful insight and gaining crucial contacts, both professionally and socially.

It is crucial to research networking functions related to your profession or enquire from your contacts on how best to meet more people in your field.

Don’t forget that most jobs vacancies available in Canada never get publicly advertised.

This is what so many people refer to as the so-called hidden job market, so do not under any condition sit at home waiting for a job to come and locate you.

Networking is crucially important to get jobs in Canada. You need to by any means get your name out there across your industry to make sure when a job comes up, you would be in the position to be called in.

Send word out to all of your local contacts that you’re searching for a job, and always use every opportunity you get to build new contacts as this is crucial to your success in any new place.

A very effective way of expanding your local network of contacts is to volunteer. you could visit GoVolunteer.ca or its likes to find volunteering opportunities where you can 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.

Get accredited

Depending on your profession, In Canada, you may require your foreign qualifications to be accredited in Canada.

Professions such as teaching, physiotherapy, nursing, and social work, among others, usually require additional accreditation.

This process usually takes a while, so be prepared or better still begin the process before your arrival in Canada.

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.

Send an email or pick up the phone to thank the person who offered you help or guidance.

Essential websites and more

To improve the success rate of your job search in Canada, a lot of free Canadian resources are available to you, 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, it’s a good idea to go over the best tips for a better interview. 

Remember that a good interview is about knowing powerful communication tips along with 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 colours to wear or whether to complete your outfit with a jacket. 

If you have to rely on a virtual interview, be sure to 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 course of 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. 

“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,” the site reports.

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 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.