Menu
Expat.com

What are the dos and don'ts of finding a job in Canada?

Last activity 25 September 2018 by Gowtham Sakthivel

Post new topic

Priscilla

Hello everyone,

Where is the best place to start when looking for a job in Canada? Is it better to job-hunt by directly contacting the company of your interest, or should job-seekers rely on a recruitment agency, for example?

Are there any unique aspects that job-seekers should consider when preparing their CV/résumé and cover letter? Should a photo be included?

Do you have any tips on interview conduct in Canada? Are there any particulars, such as greetings or behavioural customs?

In you opinion, is knowledge of the local language or a regional language necessary to successfully apply for a job? What level of the language should job-seekers have mastered?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

xtreme47

Hi Priscilla, lots of jobs here in Vancouver area available. You can just google jobs vancouver or on craiglist.ca. Yes, recruitment agencies work too. In a cv you dont need a foto at all. For cover letter just mention your point and cv keep it simple, one page is enough. For interviews just be yourself and have good energy. You can check in google what are the most asked questions on an interview. For introduction a hello is enough. People here are not complicated. Here people talk english,  In Quebec they speak also french but there are much many jobs here in vancouver. Local language is a must otherways it will be very frustrating for you to get by. It is preferable to write also english. Depending on the job too. Hope this answer your questions.

philipyeo

Priscilla wrote:

Hello everyone,

Where is the best place to start when looking for a job in Canada? Is it better to job-hunt by directly contacting the company of your interest, or should job-seekers rely on a recruitment agency, for example?

Are there any unique aspects that job-seekers should consider when preparing their CV/résumé and cover letter? Should a photo be included?

Do you have any tips on interview conduct in Canada? Are there any particulars, such as greetings or behavioural customs?

In you opinion, is knowledge of the local language or a regional language necessary to successfully apply for a job? What level of the language should job-seekers have mastered?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla


The best place to look for a job is by being well connected in that industry itself. Having a large network of people in the same business. This is true anywhere in the world. I got my jobs through networking. There's a saying that more than half the jobs out there are not advertised.

If you're a newcomer, then go for local networking events or sign up for some business networking initiative. Sometimes smaller provinces tend to have better opportunities for you than the bigger ones but don't discount it. Its a good way to get one's foot in the door before moving to bigger provinces. Also smaller provinces tend to have less competition for you.

CVs and resumes - no golden rule. Just be honest and one need not be very detailed. Assuming you have had 20 yrs of working experience, then trim down all the fats and only highlight the recent 5 years for example, while summarizing the other 15.

Interview - just be yourself and relax. Dress formally. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Remember to write a thank you email within the next 24 hrs after the interview.

Lastly, except for Quebec, all other provinces requires good command of English. Cannot emphasis enough on this. Obviously its hard when one comes from a non English speaking background. But truth be told, its only in human nature that there's a certain perception made towards folks with thick accent and hard to understand English. Leave the emotions aside and work towards improving one's English in speech, grammar and accent if you will.

djc2017

Thanks for the tips.

Gowtham Sakthivel

How to get a job in Canada, from India. Does it work in that way? Or have to come through counsultant?

I yes, please tell me how to apply directly and how does it work.?

Articles to help you in your expat project in Canada

  • Working and studying in Canada
    Working and studying in Canada

    While in Canada, you have the opportunity to both study and work at the same time. However, there are certain ...

  • Working in Canada
    Working in Canada

    If you want to work in Canada, you might need a work permit. Here's some information to guide you through the ...

  • Starting a business in Canada
    Starting a business in Canada

    If you have the itch to be an entrepreneur, here's some info to guide you in getting your business up and ...

  • Internship in Canada
    Internship in Canada

    If you're keen on pursuing an internship in Canada, here are some tips to assist you in getting ready.

  • Working in Toronto
    Working in Toronto

    Toronto, the capital of Ontario, stands as Canada's largest city and one of the biggest in North America. ...

  • Working in Quebec
    Working in Quebec

    Finding a job in Quebec is not difficult if you possess the skills required in the local job market and can ...

  • Working in Montreal
    Working in Montreal

    Montreal is a highly appealing city for those on the lookout for employment, boasting a low unemployment rate and ...

  • Working in Saskatchewan
    Working in Saskatchewan

    If you're looking to work in the Canadian prairies, particularly in Saskatchewan, here's some information ...

All of Canada's guide articles