Immigration
How to get a job in Canada as a newcomer
New to Canada? You can start your job search online. Here are some tips to help you find the right job opportunity for you.
New job opportunities await!
If you’re ready to call Canada home, then finding a suitable job for your experience and passions should be your next step. If you are new to the area, gaining employment might look a little different than what you are used to. The pandemic has made searching for a job more challenging, so it’s especially important that you stay up to date on what’s happening in the labour market, so you’re prepared for the upswing.
However, there are many useful resources available to help you navigate through this difficult time and Scotiabank is also here to help. This guide will help you discover how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, especially during the pandemic.
Polish your resume
Your resume is the key to getting interviews and job opportunities as a newcomer. However, Canadian resumes are formatted in a traditional way and employers prefer to read highlights of your work experience rather than longer lists of the jobs you have done. Consider tailoring your resume for each job opportunity you want to apply for rather than sending out the same generic resume to every listing you see.
Should you send a cover letter with your resume? The use of cover letters is still debated for its effectiveness across Canada, but a well-written letter can solidify your experience and desire to work with an employer.
Narrow your search
Thousands of jobs are posted to popular Canadian job sites daily. It can be extremely time-consuming to comb through all of them for your perfect fit. Instead, target opportunities that best fit your experience and excite you. It might 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 settled 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 near the big cities like Toronto or Vancouver can provide you more job options.
Essential websites and more
There are several free Canadian resources to use to better your job search success. Here are the top sites to use.
- Government of Canada Job Bank: official Canadian job listing site. Plus, search essential positions in the Job Bank’s COVID-19 listings.
- Immigration Resources: The Government of Canada has all of the immigration resources you need on one page to get your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and get your credentials assessed.
Job search sites
Along with official Canadian job resources, you can also access job listing sites such as:
Learn how to network
Sites that list employment opportunities aren’t the only place to get a job offer. Social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook can also help you expand your network and connect with opportunities.
LinkedIn is full of recruiters so start with an engaging profile. Don’t just dump your resume into LinkedIn and consider it complete. Instead, write your experience in a way that highlights your accomplishments briefly. Keep postings professional and connect with others in your field and potential Canadian employers.
Networking during the pandemic is possible as long as you have a strong internet connection. Reach out to individuals in your field for a one-on-one Zoom or Google Meet. Not everyone will be available to network in this way, but if you can connect with fellow Canadians in your field, you can get a better idea of the current work culture. Additionally, Google search virtual networking events in your desired city or search LinkedIn for advertised events for your career niche.
Related podcasts
To really dive into the know-how of Canadian work experience, listen to podcasts from individuals who know the Canadian immigration process firsthand. Here are a few note-worthy listens:
- How Immigrants Conduct a Successful Canadian Job Search by The Voice of Job Seekers
- Tips & Myths for Finding Work as an Immigrant/Newcomer to BC by Get a Job! A Podcast by Vancouver WorkBC
- Episode 6: Tips for finding work during the pandemic by Navigating Canada
- Canadian Job Search Success with Sibasis Das by Canadian Job Search Podcast
- Preparing for a Virtual Job Interview by Get a Job! A Podcast by Vancouver WorkBC
Get strong endorsements
If you have a good relationship with your past employers, ask for a letter of recommendation. If your company or employer has ties to recruiters in Canada, even better. Don’t forget to ask family members and friends if they have any connections to potential employers in Canada. While they cannot guarantee you a job, if they can get your resume in front of the right person, you will have a better chance of moving on to the job interview.
Brush up on your interview skills
While you are doing your initial job search, it’s a good idea to brush up on the top tips for a best interview. Remember a good interview is about knowing powerful communication tips along with professional body language tips.
An interview starts with your dress code. Choose professional attire that says you take yourself and this company seriously. Don’t stress too much about which colors to wear or if you should complete your outfit with a jacket. If you have to rely on a virtual interview, make sure you wear professional attire and angle your computer to show the top half of your body rather than just your head.
Stay engaged in the conversation and try not to spend too much of your time thinking about what you will say next. Recruiters can tell when you have tuned out of the conversation. Recruiters aren’t looking for an employee with the perfect answers. Instead, they are looking for personable individuals that are highly skilled in their field and willing to grow with the company.
Get accredited
For many immigrant career-seekers, you will have to get your past education, certificates, and work experience certified. This process is to ensure that your education and experience are equivalent to Canadian education and experience. Here are the exact steps to get accredited. Note that if your documents are in a language other than English or French, you will need to get them translated before submitting.
Applying during the pandemic
While the pandemic has put a challenge on job searching last year, Indeed’s Hiring Lab blog says that there is reason for career optimism. “Job postings are returning to normal across a growing range of positions, and an eventual end to the pandemic will provide a welcome boost to struggling sectors,” the site reports.
Finding a job during the pandemic might require a little more creativity. See which other fields can use your skillset and experience. For example, if you have been a hospital nurse for the past five years, you might have success applying for nursing roles in education or senior wellness settings.
Now is also a good time to strengthen your teleworking skills and prove to future employers that you are an amazing asset to their company both in-person and via telecommuting. Employers want to know that telecommuting employees can stay productive and organized even when working from home.
Keep at it
Your new job awaits you, but it might take some time to secure the position of your dreams. Don’t get discouraged. It can take several hours a day to polish your resume, network and apply for new positions. Treat your job search as your full-time job and devote yourself to learning as much about Canadian work culture as possible.
While securing new employment in Canada can be a long process, it is a worthwhile one. Canada is full of amazing opportunities and individuals; you will love calling it your dream home too.
About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of the top Canadian banks and a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose “for every future”, we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services.
Launched in 2008, the Scotiabank StartRight Program is designed to simplify banking for Canadian Permanent residents, International Students and Foreign Workers who have recently landed in Canada. We can help ease your transition to Canada by getting you started with a Scotiabank International Account that allows you to transfer up to $50,000 before you arrive to help you feel more prepared knowing you have proof of funds ready. We can even help fast track your study permit with the Scotiabank Student GIC Program.
Our Scotiabank StartRight program can also help you start banking in Canada with 12 months of free banking, access to credit with no credit history, unlimited no-fee international money transfers, and expert help from Financial Advisors. It’s all part of why Scotiabank is the bank for newcomers.
