Thrivvers, looking for a job in Canada can be a daunting task, especially if you are new to the country. However, with a little planning and persistence, you can find the right job for you.
Now, before we start with the tips, it is important to mention that it is fairly common for an employer in Canada to ask for "Canadian work experience" in your resume, which will truly give you an edge when looking for a job.
What is Canadian work experience?
Exactly how it sounds. It is just having had some experience working in Canada. That's it! With that on your resume, the chances for internationals getting a job increase drastically. 🙂 That's why many people when coming to Vancouver, start working in entry-level jobs (usually retail). Once they get some "significant" amount of working experience, they start looking for the jobs they really want (usually in their major or in the field they already have experience in from their home country).
That said… Here are some tips on how to get a job in Canada:
Research the job market
Before you start your job search, it's essential to understand the job market in Canada. Research which industries are growing, what skills are in demand, and where the job opportunities are located. This will help you tailor your job search and target your efforts toward industries and regions with a higher demand for workers.
Update your resume and cover letter
Your resume and cover letter are often the first impressions an employer will have of you, so it's important to ensure they are professional and well-written. Make sure to highlight relevant experience and skills, and customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply for.
You never heard of a Cover letter? That’s OK. Many of us didn’t hear about it before coming to Canada too. It is simply a one-page document in which you explain WHY you want to work for a specific company or position. This should include talking about your experience, expertise and your interest or passion for doing what you do.
Network: Networking is an important part of the job search process, especially in Canada, where many jobs are not advertised publicly. Attend job fairs, join professional organizations, and reach out to contacts in your field to find out about job openings and opportunities.
Use job search websites and job boards
There are many websites and job boards that can help you find job openings in Canada, but of course, some are more popular than others. In Canada, or in Vancouver at least, the "popular kids" for job searching are Indeed, LinkedIn, Monster and, our particular favourite, Glassdoor. These websites allow you to search for jobs by location, industry, and job title and often have a large number of job postings.
Consider volunteering
Volunteering could be key to getting relevant Canadian work experience. The reason is that it's easier to find volunteer jobs. You can find volunteer jobs in virtually any position you can imagine, and the commitment on your end could go from a couple of hours a week to a part-time position. Having this kind of experience on your resume could give you the push you need to be more "relevant" in the market, as you will already have "Canadian work experience."
Last but not least… Be persistent
Finding a job in Canada can take time, so it's important to be persistent and keep applying for jobs even if you don't hear back right away. It can also be helpful to consider taking on part-time or volunteer work in the meantime to gain experience and build your network.
Oh, and one last tip from your friends at Thrivve!
Don't take it personally!
There's gonna be a moment when you will doubt everything you know. You will doubt your skills, career, personality, everything! Because getting a job takes time, and even just getting a simple job interview takes a lot of time!!! But don't take it personally. It is normal to have this long wait time to get a job. Actually, on average people take 16 weeks to find a job here in Vancouver… That's 4 months!! So please keep this in mind when you are looking for your job. It will help you keep going without losing your mind.
By following these tips, we know you can increase your chances of finding a job in Canada, so please don't let them go unnoticed. Good luck with your job search 😉
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