As a new immigrant in Canada, finding your first job is one of the most challenging things you'll have to take on. You may not know where to start or how to best prepare for applying for jobs in this country. Finding employment is essential to settling into your new home and beginning the journey of building a life in Canada. Fortunately, there are some key tips and strategies that you can use when searching for jobs as an international newcomer. In this blog post, we'll discuss what steps you should take when looking for work in Canada so that you have all the tools necessary to secure a position that fits your needs. We’ll also explore helpful resources available both online and offline that will help make the process easier and more successful. By following these steps and taking advantage of these resources, you can get on your way toward finding meaningful employment in Canada!
Consider working for a temp agency or staffing firm
One of the best ways to get your foot in the door and start working in Canada is by temping or working for a staffing agency. This can be a great way to gain Canadian work experience, learn about different workplaces and build up your resume. It can also help you network and make connections with people who may be able to help you find a more permanent position down the road. There are many agencies that specialize in placing newcomers in jobs, so be sure to do some research and find one that’s a good fit for you.
Check out job postings online and offline.
There are many places where you can look for job postings, both online and offline. Start by checking out websites like Job Bank, Linkedin, Indeed, Communitech, Craigslist, and Workopolis, which all have sections dedicated to job listings in Canada. You can also search on social media sites like LinkedIn or Facebook groups devoted to employment opportunities. If you’re not having much luck online, try looking for job postings in newspapers or at your local library
Get your bearings by doing some information interviews
An information interview is a meeting in which you ask someone working in the field or industry you’re interested in for more information about what they do on a day-to-day basis. This can be a great way to learn more about a certain occupation, get insider tips, and figure out if it’s the right fit for you. You can also use these interviews as an opportunity to network and make connections with people who may be able to help you find a job down the road.
Look into government programs designed to help newcomers get employed.
The Canadian government offers a number of programs and services to help newcomers get employed. The Job Bank website, for example, has job listings from across the country, while the Foreign Credential Recognition Program can help you get your credentials recognized in Canada so that you can work in your field here. There are also many immigrant-serving organizations that offer employment counseling and other services
Check out staffing agencies that specialize in placing newcomers.
There are many staffing agencies that focus on helping newcomers find employment in Canada. These can be great resources if you don’t have much Canadian work experience or if you need help finding a job that suits your skills and qualifications. Be sure to do some research before choosing an agency, as not all of them are created equal.
Get help writing and/or polishing your resume
If you’re not sure how to write a resume that will get noticed, it may be worth it to invest in a professional resume-writing service. These services can help you create a targeted resume that highlights your skills and experience. If you don’t want to spend the money on a professional service, try asking someone you know who works in Human Resources for advice on your resume
Get help writing and/or polishing your cover letter
A well-written cover letter can make the difference between getting your foot in the door and getting passed over. If you’re not sure how to write a cover letter that will grab attention, consider using a professional writing service. These services can help you create a targeted cover letter that highlights your skills and experience. If you don’t want to spend the money on a professional service, try asking someone you know who works in Human Resources for advice on your cover letter
Networking
Get connected with people in your field or industry. Attend events, join professional organizations, or volunteer. This is a great way to make connections and learn about new opportunities. Get your resume and/or cover letter reviewed
Once you have a draft of your resume and/or cover letter, ask someone you trust for their feedback. This could be a friend, family member, mentor, or professional contact. They may be able to spot errors or omissions that you’ve missed
Practice your interview skills
After you send in your application, the next step is usually an interview. To prepare, practice answering common interview questions out loud. You can also role-play with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and less nervous during your actual interview.