Finding a job and working in Canada

If you ask other newcomers to Canada how they got their job, some will say they dropped off a resume after spotting a “help wanted” sign in a retail store, restaurant or bar. Others will have landed a job through networking with the right people, or by using a recruitment agency.

Here are a few of the most popular and efficient ways to find a job in Canada.

Browse classifieds online

Job search websites are popular and they have been around for a while. You should expect some competition for job offers. You can find a list of the most popular websites in our article Working Holiday in Canada: Best job search websites.

Note that as a Working Holiday permit holder, you’re generally not admissible to apply for jobs offered through wage subsidy and other assistance programs. These programs fund employers to create employment opportunities for unemployed or underemployed permanent residents and Canadian citizens.

Keep in mind that many positions are filled without ever being advertised. This is known as the “hidden job market” or the “invisible job market.” Numerous openings hire by finding candidates directly through networking. Working holiday makers can tap into this market as well—read on for more tips!

Drop off your resume in person

Pounding the pavement with a stack of printed copies of your resume is still a thing for retail or food service jobs. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to introduce yourself to the manager—but don’t show up in the middle of the lunch rush or during a sales event! Franchises and big stores may ask you to fill out their own application on paper or online but small or independent businesses generally have a more flexible hiring process.

Prepare your “elevator pitch”—especially if you’re not a native English or French speaker. You should also be ready to answer common interview questions on the spot, e.g. “What are your main skills?” or “Why would you like to join the team?”

It’s best to ask for the manager, otherwise your resume will probably end up lost or thrown out. Besides, meeting the manager is a chance to get an informal interview and give them a good first impression. If the timing isn’t right, ask when the best time to come back would be.

It may be wise to develop an application tracking system to stay on top of your job search, such as an Excel spreadsheet where you’ll enter the date you applied for the position, the name of the company, the name of the manager, etc. It’s important to stay organised in your job search because chances are you will have to apply to a lot of jobs before you get a call back!

Networking

In North America, networking is common practice and building a professional network is crucial to your job search. Remember that networking is a two-way street: it’s not just about what you can get out of that person; you need to developing a mutually valuable relationship.

Start by telling your contacts in Canada (friends, roommates, etc.) that you’re looking for a job. Mention a few skills you have, past work experiences you enjoyed, and state what you are looking for. If anyone hears about an opportunity that could be a good fit, you’ll be informed.

If you meet a new person and the moment is right, mention your job search. Just don’t dwell on it too much. People are happy to know what you’re looking for but don’t necessarily want to hear your whole life story!

LinkedIn is a useful tool to find people in your field. If you’re connecting with someone on LinkedIn, write a personalised connection request instead of using the default template. Make sure you have changed your country/region to Canada in your profile.

You may want to check if there are social network groups for professionals in your field, e.g. on Facebook, Meetup or Bumble Bizz. And don’t forget the network you’re already a member of: Pvtistes.net! Check out our jobs board and join our IEC Facebook group.

Register with recruitment agencies

There are plenty of recruitment agencies (also called “staffing agencies” or “employment agencies”) all over Canada, who are used to finding casual or contract work for Working Holiday permit holders. We list the biggest ones in Working Holiday in Canada: Best job search websites.

Many of these agencies have different branches that deal with different industries and niches—for example, one for skilled trades jobs, one for IT, one for admin, etc. Don’t contact the trades branch if you’re looking for a customer service position!

A few agencies only hire permanent residents, like Bilingual Source. Avoid wasting your time applying, unless you have a very unique profile and you’re looking for sponsorship.

Registering with a recruitment agency as a candidate is free. The agency charges the client (i.e. the employer) a fee. The registration process looks like this:

• Create an online account or email the agency with your resume. Most agencies will follow up on your application fairly quickly if they feel you’d be a good fit. At this point, you’ll need to share your passport and SIN with them.
• Take a series of skill tests for about 60-90 minutes. These tests include performing various tasks using Word, Excel and PowerPoint, data entry and typing (especially for admin jobs).
• If you’re bilingual, you may have to take language proficiency tests as well (usually a multiple-choice test).

Employers occasionally request the “best performers” so take any tests seriously, as the agency will represent lots of different clients and you want to stand out.

Once you’re registered with an agency, feel free to call your contact regularly to see if there are new openings. Many recruitment agencies are good at harvesting your info and adding your profile to their database of candidates. However, until you have completed an assignment with them, you’re just a number—don’t expect the staff to remember you or give you personalised attention.

Contact companies directly

If you’re looking for a company in a specific sector, try Yellow Pages. Information about businesses registered in Canada can be accessed through business registries organised by province/territory.

Once you find a company you’re interested in, check out their website (there could be a “career opportunities” section) and their social media accounts (where job offers can also be posted).

If you’re dead-set on working for a specific company but they don’t have any available openings, you can send your resume and cover letter and hope to be added to their internal database of applicants for unadvertised job opportunities. Your cover letter will have to be particularly strong and highlight unique skills and experience to be noticed.

What if I don’t have the right experience?

Let’s say your dream job posting says “previous experience required” and you have none, or it requires a minimum of five years of experience and you only have three. Perhaps you have the “required skills” but you’re missing the “preferred skills.” If you honestly think you’re a good fit, just apply!

Most employers aren’t waiting for candidates whose resumes are a 100% perfect match. Maybe you won’t be contacted, or maybe you’ll get an interview but not be hired… but maybe you will actually be the right fit.

Remember to include all relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter and don’t sell yourself short.

If you have to, you can start in a more junior position to build your skills and experience, then try to earn a promotion in future. Once you gain some work experience and a network in Canada, it will be easier to improve your career prospects.

Don’t get scammed!

When you’re actively looking for a job, you have to share some personal information with your network and various potential employers; make sure they are legit before giving out your personal details.

Google the company when the offer seems too good to be true. Watch out for offers that promise lots of money for very little work, as it could be a scam. Never pay to work and never work for free. Glassdoor is another good place to check company reviews written anonymously by employees.

For more information, read Common scams to avoid during your working holiday abroad.