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Proven strategies for securing employment in Canada as a foreigner or a Canadian citizen
Job applications can be tricky, but with experience, you’ll get better at it! Whether you're a resident or new to Canada, applying for jobs requires you to prepare the necessary paperwork, search for suitable roles, complete applications, and attend interviews.
What’s the process for applying for a job in Canada?
Visit Canada’s immigration website to determine your eligibility to work in Canada. Once confirmed, you’ll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and check if you require a work permit.
Procedure
Preparing Your Documentation
Determine your eligibility to enter Canada if you're not already a resident. Non-residents must legally enter Canada before they can begin working. Certain factors like being considered a national security threat, violating human rights, having a criminal record for specific offenses, being a public health risk, or being financially unable to support yourself may result in inadmissibility to the country.
- For detailed information about eligibility and the grounds for inadmissibility, visit Canada’s immigration website at http://www.immigration.ca/grounds-for-inadmissibility/.
Secure a work permit if required. If you’re a non-resident, you may need to immigrate, obtain a temporary work permit, or work as a student. There are a few exceptions where a work permit is not needed, such as for foreign diplomats, performing artists, athletes, and emergency responders.
- For a full list of jobs exempt from work permit requirements, visit the official government immigration website at http://www.immigration.ca/jobs-that-do-not-require-a-work-permit-in-canada/.
- To apply for a work permit online, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/apply-work-permit-outside-canada.html. Be ready with your passport and other necessary documents, and have a valid credit card to pay the $155 fee. Instructions for paper applications are also available on the site.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) if you don’t have one. If you were born in Canada, you likely already have an SIN, which you will need to provide to your employer. If you were born outside Canada, you will need to apply for a SIN upon arrival.
- To apply for a Canadian SIN, visit the official government website at https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/sin.html.
Create a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). In Canada, a resume is often referred to as a Curriculum Vitae (CV). It should be a concise 1-page document summarizing your work experience and qualifications. Include your contact information at the top, followed by your education history, job experience (starting with the most recent role), and any relevant skills.
- Ensure you proofread your resume or CV thoroughly, as mistakes can be seen as a sign of carelessness by potential employers.
Job Search Strategies
Identify companies you'd like to work for. A great way to find a job is to research specific companies within your field. For example, if you’re a lawyer, explore law firms in the region of Canada you’re planning to settle in. If you're a chef, investigate restaurants in your new location.
- While researching companies, think about whether you would be a good fit for their team. If you believe you would, check out their careers page to see if they're hiring and learn how to apply for positions.
Attend local job fairs in your area. If you're already living in Canada, meet with potential employers at local job fairs. These events are commonly held on university campuses or in major urban areas. You can find out when job fairs are happening near you by searching online with the name of your city or town and 'job fairs'.
- If you’re relocating to Canada but haven’t yet chosen a place to live, consider visiting job fairs in multiple towns.
Browse job postings on Job Bank or other employment sites. Job Bank, an online service provided by the Canadian government, lists over 2,000 new job openings every day. You can search for jobs in any field and location across Canada using their search engine.
- For more information, visit Job Bank at https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home.
Consider working with an employment agency. Canada has both private and government-run employment agencies that can assist you in finding a job. Check with Service Canada for lists of government services and training programs.
- You can access Service Canada’s website at http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/tbsc-fsco/sc-hme.jsp?lang=eng.
Talk to your family and friends about job opportunities in your area. Many jobs are never posted publicly, and the only way to discover them is through personal connections. Let your family, friends, and neighbors know you're actively seeking work in a particular field.
Application Process and Interviews
Craft a cover letter tailored to the specific job you're applying for. A cover letter highlights why you’re the right fit for a particular employer and typically consists of one or two concise paragraphs. To make your letter stand out, research the company to understand exactly what they value in potential employees.
Complete the job application form thoroughly and accurately. Once you find a company that interests you, take the time to carefully fill out their application. Keep in mind that your application, resume, and cover letter are the first impression the company has of you, so it’s crucial that they present you well.
- Ensure your application is free from grammar or spelling errors. Consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread it before submission.
Arrive on time and dressed professionally for your interview. If your application, resume, and cover letter impress the company, you'll be invited to interview. Approach the interview with confidence and a smile. Remember, you’re also assessing the company during this process.
- Be ready to discuss your qualifications, experience, and expertise related to the position you're interviewing for.
- Dress in professional, well-maintained attire suitable for the workplace.
Follow up within 2-3 days after the interview. If the company is impressed with your interview, you might receive a job offer right away. However, it’s common for employers to take a few days or even a week to complete all their interviews before making a decision. Take this opportunity to send a thank-you email or make a call to express your gratitude.
- In your follow-up message, you can say something like, “Thank you again for your time, and it was a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the position I interviewed for.” Be sure to include your contact information at the end of the message.
