How to Get a Job in Canada in 7 Easy Steps And It’s Benefits (Plus FAQs)

If you want to move to Canada, you may be curious about the immigration process or want to learn more about job searching. Before deciding to apply for a position in another country, you should think about several factors, including the types of positions that are available. Understanding the application process can help you feel prepared and confident. This article discusses what types of jobs are available in Canada, the benefits of working there, how to find a job, and frequently asked questions about immigration to Canada.

What types of jobs are there in Canada?

There are numerous job opportunities in Canada, and the positions you qualify for may be determined by your academic credentials and professional background. Depending on your interests, you may be able to find work in sales, health care, information technology, finance, and a variety of other industries. Here is a list of possible roles in Canada for you to consider:

• Administrative assistant

• IT specialist

• Web developer

• Cyber Security Specialist

• Early education professionals

• Transportation managers

• Health care and support workers

• Human resources manager

• Welder

• Developer

• Financial adviser

How to Find Work in Canada

Here is a list of steps to help you find work in Canada:

1. Look for open positions and recruitment agencies online.

If you want to work in Canada, you can start looking for job postings online without traveling or moving there first. Consider using job boards, forums, or social media to learn about open positions and review their qualifications. 

Online resources can help you narrow your search based on your industry, region, and salary expectations. If you come across an organization that interests you, consider conducting informal interviews with some of their current employees to learn more about the company culture, benefits, and standards.

2. Make connections with professionals who have immigrated to Canada.

Networking with other professionals who have similar goals and experiences as you, including those who immigrated to Canada and now work in your prospective field or industry, is one way to learn more about the application process. Consider connecting with former colleagues, peers, professors, and other industry experts through professional networking sites.

You can learn from their experiences, and these professionals may be able to offer you advice that will save you time and money. This can make the job-search process less stressful and more enjoyable. 

These individuals may also inform you if the company for which they work is currently hiring or contact you if they become aware of any opportunities available to you.

3. Ensure that you meet linguistic proficiency requirements.

Employers in the province where you want to live may require candidates to speak English, French, or both languages fluently. This means that you must carefully read the job description and understand the regional norms to ensure that you meet the linguistic requirements. 

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements of your prospective employer, you can take a fluency test or enroll in a language course in person or online. This can also help you prepare to communicate with your coworkers, supervisors, and clients.

4. Consider paying a personal visit to potential employers.

While online applications are useful if you live in the United States, you should also consider traveling to Canada to meet your prospective employer in person. This allows you to make a lasting, positive impression while also exploring the region, office space, or storefront. 

Meeting with your prospective manager can also help you answer any questions they have about your application and demonstrate your commitment to the role. You can also show or discuss your previous professional experience and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.

5. Gain professional experience by volunteering

Employers may require candidates to have previous work experience in Canada, so consider volunteering to meet this requirement and prepare for your potential role. 

You can find opportunities in various professional sectors by using a variety of Canadian volunteer forums and resources. This can also help you meet other professionals and start building your professional network. 

Volunteering can also help you explore the province or region where your prospective employer is located and become acquainted with the area. This can also help you make friends and meet established professionals who can recommend you for various open positions.

6. Make sure your resume is properly formatted.

When applying for a job in Canada, you may need to make changes to your current resume to meet the country’s resume format standards. A Canadian resume may include the following elements, many of which you may already have on file:

• Header: Canadian resume, like a resume in the United States, begins with a header that includes your full name, email address, and phone number. If you’re applying for a creative position, you can also include a professional website or online portfolio to show off your work to potential employers.

• Professional Summary: Consider writing a two-paragraph professional summary using information from your U.S. resume objective and cover letter. Make sure this section is written in paragraph format and includes full sentences that highlight your professional experience and relevant skills.

• Skills and competencies: In this section, you can highlight your professional expertise as well as the skills and competencies you can offer your prospective employer. Make sure this section of the document discusses your specific skills that are relevant to the position you’re applying for and demonstrates that you’re prepared for the responsibilities of that role.

• Professional accomplishments: Instead of listing the majority of your work experience, as you might on a U.S. resume, only include the professional experience relevant to the position you’re applying for and highlight your accomplishments or achievements with each role. This means that only one or two of your previous positions may be included in this section.

• Academic accomplishments: Include any significant academic achievements, such as the completion of a thesis, honors you received, or academic groups you led when using a Canadian resume format. Include this information in reverse chronological order, with your most recent achievements at the top of the list.

7. Submit your application documents

After you’ve finished your resume, write a cover letter if necessary, and submit your application materials. Maintain a positive attitude and emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and excitement about relocating to Canada. 

Consider applying for a variety of positions to increase your chances of catching the attention of a hiring manager and landing an interview. After you’ve applied, stay in touch with your prospective employers and consider politely following up if you haven’t heard from them within a week.

Advantages of Working in Canada

Here are some of the advantages of working in Canada:

Work advantages

Depending on the province or territory, Canada has some of the highest minimum wages in North America. You can also take advantage of the highly subsidized health-care plan, which is also available to foreign employees. 

If you lose your job, you may be entitled to compensation. Pregnant women and new mothers can also receive financial assistance to help them care for their children. If you are a new mother, you are entitled to between 17 and 52 weeks of leave, depending on your years of service.

Canada also provides a compassionate care package for people who are caring for ailing family members. Employment insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), both of which employer and employee contributions, are examples of legal benefits available in Canada. 

You may also have access to workplace insurance, which is typically provided by the employer. Other advantages you may have while working in Canada include:

• Memberships to gyms

• Annual monetary bonuses

• Flexible work hours

• Vehicle for work

• Free child care

• Allowances for transportation

Plans for retirement

One of the most important advantages of working in Canada is the pension plan set up by the government to assist you in retirement. As of January 1, 2020, all employees and employers in Quebec contribute 5.7% of their year’s pensionable pay, while those in other provinces contribute 5.5%. You can begin receiving CPP benefits at the age of 60, though you can defer it until the age of 70.

Benefits for dependents

When you work in Canada, your dependents may be eligible for the following benefits:

• Benefits for children’s health care

• Free elementary and secondary education is available.

• Tax-free monthly assistance for children under the age of 18.

• Paid time off for education

• Possibilities for training

• Special benefits for disabled children

Living expenses are reasonable.

In comparison to other developed countries, the cost of living in Canada is quite low. You can get affordable housing, food, gas, electricity, and even automobiles. The country is also known for its high security and low crime rate. Despite popular belief, Canadians pay relatively low taxes on land, electricity, construction, and corporate income, lowering the cost of doing business. If you’re a Canadian entrepreneur, good security can also help you save money on business security.

Many job opportunities and advanced technology

When compared to other developed countries, Canada’s unemployment rate is exceptionally low. The country ranks high in modern technology, making it an excellent place to pursue careers in IT, computer science, and software engineering. Aerospace, telecommunications, engineering, and pharmaceuticals are also thriving industries in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration to Canada

Here are some frequently asked questions about Canadian immigration:

Is there a communication barrier?

Depending on the province where you work and the languages you currently speak, there may or may not be a language barrier when working in Canada. The two national languages are English and French, though professionals in Quebec may use French more frequently than others.

When looking for a job, read the job description carefully to learn about the company’s expectations and the linguistic skills required for the position. 

If you are fluent in both English and French, you can include this on your resume, which may increase your chances of being hired.

Is it necessary for immigrants to fill out a lot of paperwork?

The amount of paperwork required in this process is typically determined by the amount of time you intend to spend in Canada and your professional objectives.

 If you want to work in Canada but are not a permanent resident, apply for a temporary work permit after receiving an offer letter from a prospective employer.

If you want to stay in Canada permanently, you can apply for a skilled worker permit. Through the Provincial Nomination Program, the province or territory in which you are interested may also extend an invitation to you. 

This opportunity is typically reserved for professionals with a specific skill set or area of expertise, and you may be required to discuss or demonstrate your credentials.

Are references necessary?

While reference requirements vary by location, employer, and position, you may benefit from including them on your resume. Because many employers prefer candidates with Canadian work experience, including Canadian references on your application materials can help you demonstrate that you are familiar with the country’s professional standards, benefits, and languages.

 Even if you don’t have a paid or full-time Canadian position listed on your resume, consider including a volunteer organization executive or adviser as a reference.