Move to Canada: 9 Essential Job Search Tips - Start Fresh!
Canada has a wealth of opportunities to offer you, so take advantage
Wide open spaces, the world’s longest coastline, and wildlife to die for, Canada is just crying out to be explored. And as the world’s 9th largest economy in 2023 and a GDP of $2.2 trillion, it’s ready for the taking when it comes to jobs.
Extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific, Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area and boasts the world’s longest international land border, running adjacent to the US.
And yet, the population is tiny compared to the land mass, being just shy of 40 million inhabitants. It holds the record for the most lakes in the world - 879,800, to be precise. That’s one lake for roughly every 44 people!
If you’re considering a move, or are already in the process of moving, you’ve come to the right place to pick up the top 9 job search tips in Canada.
In this article, we’ll explore:
How easy it is to find a job in Canada
How to find a suitable employer
Where are the best places to look
If immigrants are welcomed
Tips for interviews
The best time of year to look
Is it difficult to get a job in Canada?
Moving to any new location can be daunting. You’re turning your known and comfortable life on its head and are about to tread down new pathways. You could be relocating for many different reasons —
A fresh start
A lack of progression in your home country
Moving to be closer to family
The organization you work for is promoting you to a new position
Whatever the reason, your move will present new job search challenges, as well as excitement and thrilling opportunities. Canada is no exception to this rule.
To secure a job in Canada, you’ll need to do a lot of background research before deciding whether it’s a viable option.
You need to:
Check if you qualify for a work permit or other immigration programs to determine your eligibility to work in Canada.
Get to know the job market in Canada, identifying any skills that are in demand within your industry.
Verify to see if you need a license to practice your particular occupation in Canada.
Draft a compelling Canadian resume and cover letter.
Establish an online presence and network within Canada.
Expert Tip
Reach out to anyone and everyone you know who has links to Canada. Connect on LinkedIn, as the more you put out there that you’re looking to move to Canada, the more likely it is that contacts and those outside your professional circle will see and respond favorably.
Where to look for a job in Canada
It’s a vast country, and where you look will depend on your level of experience and the industry you work in. However, it’s worth noting that over 80% of the population live in urban areas, such as the capital, Ottawa, as well as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, with 80% living within 150 km (93 miles) of the US border.
So, unless you’re keen to live out in the wilds with a job as a park ranger, then the cities are where it’s at.
How can a foreigner get a job offer in Canada?
Chances are that, if you’re reading this blog, you’re not Canadian, so you’ll be classed as a foreigner in Canada. The good news is that Canada is one of those countries that widely accepts immigrants; in fact, they welcome them with open arms.
According to Statista, immigration to Canada totals nearly 500,000 a year, which is one of the highest rates of any country in the world, per population. As of 2023, almost a fifth of the population were immigrants with permanent residence, which is about 8 million people.
So, can a non-citizen get a job in Canada?
The answer is a resounding “yes,” though it will depend on your skills and relevant qualifications, of course.
9 job search tips in Canada
These 9 job search tips in Canada can help you find a job when moving to this vast and stunning country.
1. Make sure you can work legally in Canada
The very first thing you must do is to ensure that you’re eligible to come to Canada and work legally. If this isn’t the case, then there’s no point in pursuing this journey any further.
For some immigrants, though, obtaining employment in Canada is fairly straightforward. This is especially true for skilled workers, who are almost always in demand.
To learn more about who needs a Canadian visa and how to get one, consult Canada Visa. This site provides in-depth information on the different types of visas there are, and how to apply for them. It also provides details to help you pay your application fee. You can apply for either a temporary visa or a permanent visa, with both of them allowing you to work in Canada.
The Government of Canada also provides online information about work permits. On its site, you can determine whether you need a permit, learn how to apply, and get more information about finding a job. The site is a must-read for anyone moving to Canada.
Once you’re sure that you can work legally, you can adhere to the rest of the job search tips in Canada.
2. Use top global job search sites
To find a great job when moving to Canada, you need to know where to search. Fortunately, there are some great job search sites that can help you locate a good job. We’ve included some of the top job search sites so you can locate employment in Canada:
Indeed
Indeed is by far the largest job board across the US and Canada. Founded in 2004, Indeed serves nearly 258 million job seekers worldwide. The website is very simple to navigate and contains job postings from Indeed, as well as 100s of other job boards. All you need to do is type in the desired job title, along with the location, press “search,” and Indeed does the hard work for you.
Expert Tip
It’s best to search on Indeed regularly, as 100s of roles are added daily to this global job board.
Glassdoor
Glassdoor has gained popularity lately, becoming the second-largest job site across Canada and the US. In addition to having a job board where you can search and apply for jobs, Glassdoor provides comprehensive company reviews and other useful information.
Expert Tip
Check out the value-added detail, such as anonymous employee reviews, benefits, interview questions, and salary guidelines.
Monster
Monster.com, which was founded in 1999, is used by over 100,000 companies and has over 5 million jobs listed at any one time. This website really is a monster, serving over 27 million visitors a month.
Expert Tip
Upload your resume to the Monster.com database for added visibility.
3. Capitalize on your resources
There are more job search resources available to help you than ever before. If you need job search tips in Canada when moving, these resources can help ease the process:
Visit Moving2Canada: This site is used by both job seekers and employers and is designed to help you search for jobs in your industry. At the same time, it helps employers in Canada find qualified talent to fill open positions.
Check out the local library: This will offer invaluable information that includes online courses to help you with any needed skill development. Use this resource to help you locate a library near your new home in Canada so that you can obtain a library card and access all this useful information.
Lean into Settlement.org: This is focused on people moving to Ontario, but much of its information is applicable to moving anywhere in Canada. The site offers help creating a Canada-ready resume and getting a social insurance number. It can also help you better prepare for interviews.
Discover yet more Canadian employment opportunities with Eluta: This is another fabulous resource focused on landing employment. Its search engine will provide you with 1000s of job postings compiled from Canadian employer websites.
4. Hunt down a recruiter
When moving to Canada, it may benefit you to know how to find a recruiter. Canada’s explosive growth in various critical industries has led to an increased demand for certain skilled workers. Many companies are looking for qualified foreign talent to fill these positions.
Job recruiters are often employed to help Canadian businesses meet that demand. Currency Fair has a list of some of the top recruitment agencies in various parts of Canada, and you can also find recruiters through LinkedIn by using the platform’s search capabilities.
5. Secure work experience in Canada
If you’re lucky enough to already be in the country, another job search tip in Canada is to gain work experience. While you might have loads of experience from the US — or wherever you’ve come from — that doesn’t always count. Canadian employers tend to prefer hiring someone who already has some exposure to the Canadian work environment.
Starting off with part-time employment or contract work that could give you a foot in the door.
It doesn’t have to be paid, though, so you could look into obtaining an internship or try out volunteer work. Not only will you gain experience in Canada, it could also mean that you get to network and connect with professionals in your chosen field, thus expanding your chance of getting paid work.
6. Get to grips with the work culture in Canada
Even before making the move to Canada, you can start learning about Canadian work culture through networking — by asking professionals in your industry and talking with people who reside in Canada — to give you the lowdown.
Additionally, take the time to look at the websites and social media accounts of companies you’re interested in, as they often feature a section on their work culture and values.
Expert Tip
Be kind to yourself on this one, as it can take time to work out the culture of a country and its organizations, especially if you’re coming from a place with a very different outlook.
7. Focus on enhancing your communication and language capabilities
English and French are the two official languages of Canada, with most communication in the workplace being in English, unless you’re based in Quebec where it’s French.
If your English isn’t up to scratch, it would be worth investing some time, money, and effort in improving it. Taking language lessons is a start, but the real work begins when you immerse yourself by conversing with native English speakers, as this is when you’ll really see improvements in your language skills.
Expert Tip
Communication is key in all walks of life, but especially in a work environment, so it’s vital you work on this as a priority.
8. Explore government job assistance
The Canadian government’s commitment to diversity and immigration has inspired officials to focus government attention on employment for immigrants.
Job Bank provides career information about various jobs and their duties, qualifications, wages, and trends across different industries.
You can locate services for immigrants in each of Canada’s provinces and territories here.
The government also helps with many other aspects of your move to Canada, including language classes, locating housing, and signing children up for school. You can find all of that information on its settlement services page.
Newcomers can also benefit from the government’s Welcome to Canada guide site.
Eligible immigrants can apply for the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program, which offers temporary work training and experience for immigrants.
The Canadian government’s page on looking for work also lists other assistance programs and many resources suited for someone entering the country, who’s planning on staying and working.
9. Locate non-profit job assistance
The government’s commitment is echoed by non-profit groups, keen to help newcomers moving to Canada find the jobs they want.
The Canadian International Immigrant & Refugee Association (CIIRSA) does what it says on the tin, offering support, sponsorship, and settlement assistance to newcomers.
New Life Visa lists an array of organizations that help immigrants in Canada with contacts, various services, and landing a job.
Check out MOSAIC, a settlement and employment service for newcomers, with its aim to help advance an inclusive and thriving Canada.
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is a leading voice for the rights, protection, sponsorship, settlement, and well-being of refugees and migrants across Canada.
Catholic Social Services provides language help, outreach services, and employment assistance for new immigrants hoping to settle in Alberta, which is in the western part of Canada.
Bonus job search tip for Canada
If you’ve already worked in the US, then the resume you draft for a Canadian position will have a similar look and feel. It’s definitely not a CV that you need, so stick to your resume format, ensuring you customize it every time you apply for a different role.
See below for a Canadian resume example and further tips.
Canadian resume example
Canadian employers will favor a resume that highlights your suitability for the position advertised. That means focusing on achievements and real value rather than just listing job duties. When you read your resume, ask yourself whether it showcases the talents you have to offer.
As a rule, Canadian resumes should include the following sections:
Personal contact information, including hyperlinks to your email address and LinkedIn page, if you have one.
A professional summary of three or four sentences detailing your talents and added value.
Key skills that match the job description.
Work experience written in reverse chronological order and including key achievements for each role.
Education, further qualifications, and other continued professional development, such as relevant courses and workshops.
Focus on brevity, and list relevant details only. Don’t monologue using the first person, but instead keep things short and succinct. Resumes should be no more than two pages in length. In addition, never send a generic resume. Instead, tailor your resume to fit the company’s open position.
You should also be mindful about how and when you address your immigration status if you’re entering on a work permit. This is something that’s better addressed at the interview. That way, you have an opportunity to present yourself as the best candidate for the job before the topic is discussed.
Expert Tip
If possible, establish an address in Canada that you can list, as well as a Canadian phone number.
Prepare for interviews in Canada
If you’re fortunate enough to secure an interview after following our 9 job search tips in Canada of course, then it’s vital that you prepare well in advance. If you haven’t yet moved to Canada, it will probably be a virtual job interview, which saves you a lot of time and money.
The top tips for interviews in Canada are:
Thoroughly research the company beforehand.
Ensure all of your technology is up and running well before the start time.
Practice commonly asked questions beforehand, either with a career specialist or trusted colleague from the same industry.
Ensure you have two or three insightful questions to ask at the end.
Which month is best for a job search in Canada?
The optimum times to look for a job are at the beginning of the year, so January, February, March, and April. The back-to-school time of year, i.e., September and October, are also good times to search. But remember, that is when everyone else is probably searching for jobs as well!
Time to get packing!
The good news for people moving to Canada is that there are many job opportunities. More importantly, the country is a welcoming environment for immigrants from all over the world. Just be sure to do your homework and get the help you need to succeed in your job search efforts.
Good luck when applying these 9 epic job search tips in Canada to help scout out your next role.
To secure more help with your resume, check out ZipJob’s free resume review tool that will score your resume against officially recognized criteria of what a good resume should contain. Once you have those answers, you can then use the job search tips in Canada to track down your dream role in the Land of the Lakes.
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Written by
Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer, Elizabeth Openshaw, Editor & Content Writer
Elizabeth Openshaw is an Elite CV Consultant with over 12 years of experience based in Brighton, UK, with an English degree and an addiction to Wordle! She is a former Journalist of 17 years with the claim to fame that she interviewed three times Grand Slam winner and former World No.1 tennis player, Andy Murray, when he was just 14 years old. You can connect with her at Elizabeth Openshaw | LinkedIn.
