The Canadian job market is among the most diverse in the world. As an immigrant, you can find opportunities in different sectors, from healthcare and education to finance, technology, retail, hospitality, and more. Newcomers to Canada usually find that the most competitive jobs are based in big cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. But smaller towns offer plenty of career prospects, too.
Are you seeking to grow professionally? This Remitly guide outlines everything you should know about the Canadian job market. Gain insight into finding the right opportunities and build a successful career.
What challenges do immigrants face in Canada’s job market?
Immigrant job seekers face unique challenges when entering the Canadian job market for the first time. Let’s look at some of the biggest hurdles:
Visa restrictions
Your visa determines what you can do legally in Canada. For example, students are expected to focus on learning but can work limited hours per week. Depending on your visa type, you could even be limited in the kinds of jobs you can apply for. Find out what your visa entails on the official government website and learn about Canada’s new immigration rules.
Canadian work experience
You may have an impressive work history in your home country. But as a newcomer, you’ll be up against candidates who are more established in the Canadian labour market. Some employers place a high value on local experience. For them, it’s a way to recruit candidates who will hit the ground running—rather than those who may need extra time to learn cultural differences and the required service standards.
Fortunately, you can start gaining professional experience in Canada through internships or volunteering opportunities.
Recognition of foreign credentials
Getting foreign qualifications recognized in Canada can be a long, complicated process. If you earned a degree in another country, Canadian employers may be unable to compare your academic credentials with those studied locally. This could make it harder to apply for open positions, even if you’re qualified.
Some regulated professionals also require industry-specific licencing. The registration process is quite strict, so it could present additional hurdles. However, short-term bridging programs could prepare you to join the Canadian workforce.
Unfamiliar language and culture
New immigrants find that settling into Canadian working culture takes some time. Adjusting to different expectations, work schedules, or communication styles is difficult and could make it harder to connect with your colleagues. Employers also consider your proficiency in both English and French—Canada’s official languages—to determine if you’ll be able to do the job effectively.
If you’re looking to improve your English and French proficiency, consider taking a language class before or after arrival.
Limited networks
Strong networks are essential for success. But as a newcomer, you probably don’t have many professional or social contacts yet. Finding your first job could be challenging without connections in the Canadian workforce.
It gets even harder to navigate when you consider the hidden job market. Many employers don’t advertise job openings; instead, they rely on referrals from their own networks to fill positions. Reach out to family and friends to leverage existing connections, or start meeting other professionals through volunteering, networking events, or community events.
Build a resume for the Canadian job market
Whether you’re already in Canada or are planning to move soon, preparing for the job market will set you up for success. Here are some tips to get started.
Identify valuable skills
Research everything related to the Canadian workplace. Learning about cultural nuances is a good place to start. For instance, most companies encourage open but respectful communication. Balancing between formal and casual tones during work hours will help you fit into the team.
Collaboration is another valuable trait, so learn how to partner with others to accomplish tasks. If you want to be taken seriously, prioritize punctuality, stick to deadlines, and pay attention to social cues, especially when receiving feedback.
Tailor your resume
When applying for jobs, Canadian employers want to see a comprehensive record of your academic and employment history. Following some best practices will ensure your application stands out:
- Length: Canadians usually submit one-page resumes, but more experienced profiles can go up to two pages.
- Personal information: Remove any photos and details about your birth date, age, gender, or personal ID.
- Header: Include your name, address, phone number, email, links to relevant social media profiles, and other contact information at the top of the page.
- Professional summary: Highlight your experience, professional accomplishments, and transferable skills.
- Work experience: List past job titles, starting with the most recent position. Add details such as dates of employment, company names, locations, and a short description of your responsibilities.
- Education: Include information about degrees, where you studied, and your graduation years in chronological order. List any additional training, courses, or seminars you have taken, too.
Before sending out your application, read through the job description carefully. Understanding the role ensures you can customize your resume to meet specific requirements. It will also help you optimize your cover letter with the right keywords to capture the attention of potential employers.
Get credential recognition in Canada
Ensuring your existing academic credentials are recognized in Canada is essential before you can start applying for jobs. And if you’re a healthcare provider, accountant, engineer, or work in another regulated profession, you require a licence to practice legally.
To get credential recognition in Canada, you must receive an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved assessment agency. They include:
- Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC): Provides information and referral services to help immigrants get credential recognition.
- World Education Service: A non-profit approved to evaluate foreign academic credentials for immigrants, international students, and refugees.
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS): Assesses qualifications and issues ECA certificates to immigrants in Alberta. However, certificates are recognized nationwide.
These organizations allow you to apply for credential recognition online. All you have to do is take these steps:
- Step 1: Choose an approved assessing agency.
- Step 2: Gather the required documents, including your degree certificate.
- Step 3: Submit your application to the agency of choice.
- Step 4: Confirm where you want to receive your report.
Processing times and fees vary from one agency to another. Sometimes, you may be required to update your education or skills to receive this recognition.
Ways to find your first job in Canada
Once thoroughly prepared, it’s time to get active in your job search. Here are some ways to increase your chances of finding a great first job.
1. Government support services
A good way to start your search is by finding out about government support services for immigrant job seekers. Some of these services are offered by the federal government, while others are available at the provincial and territorial level.
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program is your best bet if you have specialized skills. This program makes it easy for Canadian employers to connect with talent from around the world. You’ll need foreign work experience to qualify.
- The Provincial Nominee Program is ideal if you’re looking for more local support. Each Canadian province or territory has unique requirements, so the eligibility criteria may vary from one area to another.
2. Non-governmental organizations
Several Canadian NGOs also provide services aimed at making it easy for newcomers to find employment.
- Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC): Offers helpful services like mentorship opportunities and job-search workshops. It also facilitates networking opportunities.
- YMCA: Provides networking opportunities, career counselling, mentorship, job-search workshops, and resume advice. It also offers language classes to help immigrants gain fluency. Learn about other free, dedicated YMCA Immigrant Services.
- Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS): One of the largest immigrant-focused organizations in the country. It can be a good place to turn when you need career counselling, mentorship, job-search assistance, and more.
3. Online job platforms
Online job platforms offer a convenient way to discover job opportunities in various parts of the country. Choosing the most trustworthy job boards will help you cut through the fluff and find quality offers.
- Job Bank: One of the most reliable online platforms in Canada. You can browse through job openings across the country and refine your searches by location and skill.
- Indeed: Like most modern platforms, Indeed allows you to narrow down your searches by location and the type of jobs you’re looking for. You can even filter results according to how long a job posting has been up without getting filled.
- Glassdoor: Has a comprehensive list of available jobs in different regions. It’s unique because it includes company reviews from existing employees, so you can get real feedback about companies you’re interested in.
4. Referrals
Some vacancies never get advertised on job platforms. For example, your local restaurant probably won’t post vacancies online. And in corporate settings, employers often ask colleagues or other team members for referrals to fill job openings.
That’s why using word of mouth can help increase your chances of finding employment. Talk to old and new connections to find out if they have heard of any opportunities. Your mentors, peers, lecturers, and religious leaders may be able to assist.
How to prepare for job interviews
A job interview is your chance to demonstrate your skills and suitability for a particular role. Approaching the interview strategically will raise your chances of success.
Common interview practices
Each stage of the interview process requires certain actions from you. Doing these common practices will set you apart as a suitable candidate:
Before the interview
- Research the target company and the role you’re applying for thoroughly.
- Practice your answers to common interview questions to gain confidence.
- Identify a few thoughtful questions about the company or role to ask the interviewer.
- Choose an appropriate, professional outfit.
During the interview
- Arrive early and give yourself time to settle in.
- Greet the interviewer professionally.
- Maintain eye contact and open, positive body language.
- Listen actively before answering and take notes.
- Give short, clear answers and offer relevant examples.
- Highlight your experience and skills, demonstrating how they fit the job description.
- Ask relevant questions that show your interest in the company and role.
After the interview
- Email the interviewer a personalized thank-you note after a day or so.
- Evaluate your performance to identify strengths and gaps.
- If you haven’t heard back in a while, send a follow-up message.
Techniques to showcase your skills and experience
If you want to put your best foot forward during the job interview, there are several techniques you can use. The most common is the STAR method, an acronym that stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
- Situation: Explain a situation you faced using a clear statement.
- Task: Describe the task you were given to handle.
- Action: Spell out the actions you took to resolve the situation.
- Result: Illustrate how your actions led to a desired outcome and what you learned in the process.
The STAR method provides a helpful framework for answering interview questions. However, you can also use it to highlight your skill set in a resume or demonstrate your proven value in past roles.
Additional tips for newcomers
Here are some other tips to keep in mind as you search for a new job.
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Take stock of your strengths because it boosts confidence. On the flip side, understanding your weaknesses will help you fill any gaps. For example, you might discover that you require additional training or certification to meet Canadian standards.
- Look out for networking opportunities: Attend networking events and local meetups, go to job fairs, and use networking tools like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. You can also join a volunteer organization, community group, or local activity club to grow your network.
- Consider entry-level positions: You may have the qualifications to start at higher roles in a company, but those could be difficult to access as a newcomer. Entry-level positions can help get your foot in the door, especially in highly competitive industries. Consider applying for such openings as a way to gain local experience for more suitable jobs.
- Try a part-time job: Before finding your dream job, look for part-time positions to keep up with financial responsibilities and avoid long gaps in your resume. Some examples of good part-time jobs include dog walking, tutoring, photography, e-commerce, or working as events staff. Explore more ways to make money from home to find the right fit.
- Keep updated about your industry: The job search period is a great time to upskill. Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field to identify in-demand skills. Also, take some time to learn about recent innovations and practice with new technologies. These skills will give you an edge over other candidates.
Stay positive and persistent
Some immigrants are lucky enough to land their dream jobs quickly, while others have to wait a while. Maintaining a positive mindset is important because it will help you stay motivated. Be confident, proactive, and persistent in your job search as you prepare for a thriving career in Canada.
FAQs
How do I prepare for the Canadian job market as an immigrant?
The first step is to research Canada’s job market and working culture. Learn the do’s and don’ts, identify valuable skills, and tailor your resume to meet Canadian standards. Also, find opportunities to gain local experience and start the process of getting any foreign qualifications officially recognized in Canada.
How can I gain Canadian work experience as a newcomer?
You can gain Canadian job experience by taking up entry-level positions, joining an internship, or volunteering with local organizations. These simple steps will help you get some work experience in a new country.
How do immigrants get jobs in Canada?
Immigrants in Canada have several avenues for finding jobs. Utilizing government and non-governmental job services is a good start, but you can also search for job opportunities through online job boards and social media platforms. Word-of-mouth and in-person job searches can help you find unadvertised vacancies.