We all know that applying for a job in Canada can be very difficult if you don’t know where to start. That’s why we’ve created an informative guide to give you step-by-step advice on finding the best jobs in Canada.
Where to start
- Do you need a work permit?
- Update your CV
- Choose which companies you want to apply for
- Follow-up of your applications
- Get started with networking
- Make sure your qualifications are accredited
Step 1 Do you need a work permit?
It may come as a surprise to some, but not every occupation in the country needs a work permit. There are certain jobs for which a work permit is exempt, if you want to see if your chosen profession is on the list, see which jobs in Canada don’t require a work permit.
Is your job not on this list? No worries. We give you an overview of where you can start your journey to finding that perfect job.
Step 2 Update your CV
We all know this can be a real problem and quite a few of us are guilty of not updating our resumes regularly.
It’s time to dust off that writing skills and get to work. Make sure your current job is on your resume. Also, make sure that you have a number of colleagues who can ask you for a good reference. Don’t forget to include their contact details and position in the company as well.
Some online resumes, such as the one on LinkedIn, allow other employees to write a recommendation about you, so make sure you get all the positive information on your resume before starting your search.
We’ve outlined how to write the perfect resume for work in Canada so you get the inside deals of what your Canadian employers expect to see on your resume.
Step 3 Choose which companies you want to apply for
We are all guilty of applying for multiple jobs with the same cover letter and spamming our resumes on every job portal site we find. This is a very bad idea.
Write unique cover letters to each company detailing the details posted in the original job posting. If you are skilled with certain programs, skills or work experience, make sure to include these details to make your application stand out.
Don’t forget to brag, but stick to real facts about your career. If you can give figures like “I increased sales by 27% in my company,” do so. You should always be honest, we all know how easy it is to exaggerate a bit.
Do not apply for every vacancy
Be selective about the jobs you are applying for, as some companies will likely talk to each other about your application and realize that you have pasted the same cover letter every time. This does not give a good first impression.
Also, many companies use recruiters to find the right candidates, and if your application continues to come in for two months or more, recruiters can avoid your application because there may be a reason you haven’t got a job yet.
There are some great job portals that you can use for jobs in Canada, here are just some of the most common where you can upload your resume.
Step 4 Follow-up of your applications
Has it been a week since you applied for that position? Send an email to the company to follow up on your request. In this way, you can demonstrate that you are interested and proactive in finding the job. It can also help to distinguish your application from others.
The same goes for interviews. When a company sends you an email confirming an interview, make sure to reply with a thank you email. A little politeness can go a long way.
If someone has done their best to assist you with your request, such as a receptionist, you can call them to show your appreciation. You never know, that can be a deciding factor in getting great jobs in Canada lined up for you.
Step 5 Get started with networking
This can be a great way to publicize your name. Networking can be done in professional environments such as job events and career fairs. These events are also the best time to meet other people who may be working in your field.
Volunteering in Canada can be just the ticket when it comes to getting noticed. Not only can you gain valuable Canadian work experience, but you can also get closer to a number of industry names to better market yourself when you upgrade to a full-time paid job.
Canada also has a selection of job assistance services to help you make the necessary connections on a new arrival. These services are for newcomers and are offered by virtually every province and area in the country.
Step 6 Make Sure Your Qualifications are Accredited
When you come to Canada, you will have to get your qualifications accredited if you did not get them in Canada. This is normally done through something called an Educational Credential Assessment. This document costs around CAN$200 and takes about ten days to process.
