Thanks for attending our Working in Canada webinar.
To help you put the information into action, here's a summary of key topics that we covered. To get a headstart and find the job you want in Canada, now's the time to get ready and organized. And with helpful information and resources, you can begin to search for a job the right way.
1. Research the Canadian Job Market
It's smart to research the Canadian job market before you arrive in Canada. Your research will help you to:
- Understand the Canadian economy, labour market, and industry trends for your profession
- Determine if you're eligible to work in Canada
- Use tools and resources to help you prepare to work in Canada.
Resources:
- Prepare for Canada Job Board: Browse jobs to understand what skills, knowledge and experience Canadian employers look for
- Canada Job Bank: Use this Canadian government site to understand labour trends, wages, job prospects and outlooks across Canada
- Career Pathways Ebooks: Download our free e-books to get valuable information about working in your occupation in Canada
- Understanding Regulated vs Unregulated Professions/Trades: Learn what you require to work in Canada.
In Canada, about 20% of jobs are regulated to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Regulation ensures that professionals and tradespeople meet the required standards of practice and competency.
Find out how credential evaluation and credential recognition differ and how employers use this information. This is crucial because even though you are qualified to immigrate to Canada, employers may not recognize your education and professional background.
This assessment reveals your natural tendencies, communication styles, emotional intelligence, and more. Use the practical insights to assist your job search efforts from writing your resume to discussing your strengths during an interview.
2. Prepare to Work in Canada Before You Arrive
We covered two ideas to show why it's important to:
- Access free government training programs before you arrive in Canada to help you navigate the job market.
- Use free tools and resources to help you prepare for your job search.
Pre-Arrival Canada is a free service where you can register for multiple pre-arrival government-funded programs by completing one easy registration form. Pre-arrival programs help you with your employment and settlement needs before you move to Canada and make you feel more at ease.
There are many services you can benefit from before you come to Canada and Pre Arrival Canada makes the registration process simple with three easy steps:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible for pre-arrival services
Step 2: Pick from a list of pre-arrival programs you would like to register for that best suit your needs
Step 3: Complete your registration and begin accessing multiple pre-arrival programs to help you prepare for your move to Canada.
Watch now and learn how Pre Arrival Canada can help you!
Visit prearrivalcanada.ca to learn more!
Resources:
- Pre-arrival government training programs
- Working In Canada: A 5-Step Approach: Use this framework and create an action plan to achieve your career goals
- How to Find a Job as a Newcomer in Canada: Scotiabank's in-depth blog post with tips on what you need to do before applying to a job
- Resume Template
A Canadian style resume is necessary because it can propel your job search. As well, Canadian employers look for specific items that you may need to add or delete to your existing resume. So to get noticed by employers it makes sense to revise and update your resume.
A cover letter is an essential job search tool. A well written cover letter format can help you to stand out among other candidates and give you a key advantage.
3. What to Do When You Arrive in Canada
We discussed why creating your professional network is essential when you arrive in Canada. A strong network can help you reach your career goals in Canada.
Resources:
- Settlement Agencies: Get free job search services including help to write your Canadian-style resume, interview tips and practice, training programs, and more!
- Do's and Don't of Networking in Canada: Scotiabank's Life In Canada article covering the introduction to networking in Canada, as well as common etiquette.
- Professional Immigrant Networks (PINS): Get job search support and direction from other professionals who are established in their careers
Do you know that 70 - 80% of all jobs are obtained through networking?
Networking is a process of meeting people, calling people and interacting with people.
- Recruitment Agencies:
Recruitment agencies can be a useful avenue to finding a great job. And, it won't cost you any money to work with a recruitment firm. When the firm successfully places you in the right job, the company that hires you pays their fee.
Job Search Methods |
%of Time |
HoursPer Week |
| Networking | 70 - 80% | 28 - 32 hours/week |
| Responding to published ads | 5 - 15% | 2.5 - 7.5 hours/week |
| Working with Recruiters | 10 - 20% | 5 - 10 hours/week |
| Contacting companies directly | 5 - 15% | 2.5 - 7.5 hours/week |
