Everything you need to know about living, working or studying in Montreal

You can start by reading our guide to Finding a job and working in Canada.

Before arriving, get ahead of the competition by preparing your CV according to Quebec conventions. The Government of Quebec provides templates and useful advice on their website.

Odd jobs are common across the city and certain sectors are more consistently in demand. You may see “We are recruiting” signs in the fronts of stores, supermarkets, bars and restaurants. You should, of course, submit your CV in person! Make sure you ask for the manager, or for a good time to come back if they are busy. It could even turn into an informal, on-the-spot interview, so use the interaction as a chance to get a feel for if this is the right business for you.

If you want to find a more qualified job, you may want to start by volunteering or taking an entry-level job to gain your first Canadian work experience. It will be valuable for the rest of your job search and help you to move up the chain.

Recruitment agencies can also be a good resource. There are general agencies and others more specific to a particular field of employment, so make sure you sign up to the right one.

Volunteering in Montreal

While waiting to find a job (or in addition to it), volunteering can be a real plus for your CV and your social life! Montreal is full of volunteering opportunities for a range of causes, from one-off events to long-term commitments on a regular basis.

You can find classified ads for volunteering on the Volunteer Bureau of Montreal website.