Newcomers to Canada usually need to find work sooner rather than later, but it can be overwhelming and hard to know where to start.
Let’s hope we can make it a bit easier for you.
One thing newcomers will face is the barrier of “Canadian experience.” The term “Canadian experience” refers to a requirement that people applying for jobs have experience working in Canada. It’s something employers may say directly in a job posting or description. But, according to the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC), the requirement is often applied covertly in the recruitment process.
They explain: “For example, an employer may not state openly that Canadian experience is needed, but could give more value to it than to non-Canadian experience. Employers may also devalue or discount foreign experience, or require knowledge they assume someone can only get in a Canadian workplace.”
The OHRC instituted a policy on removing the “Canadian experience” barrier in 2013, stressing an employer’s responsibility under the Human Rights Code to consider all work experience – Canadian and foreign – when assessing if someone is suitable for a job. But, while this might make some difference, it’s very difficult to enforce these things and newcomers with foreign experience and education consistently face an uphill battle in this area. Knowing what you’re dealing with is a good start, however, and can help you overcome the hurdle.
Here are some strategies for finding a job as a newcomer to Canada.
Create a great resume and cover letter.
It’s important to know how to create a good resume. You might also call a resume a CV (Curriculum Vitae), depending on where you’re from. The terms “resume” and “CV” are sometimes used interchangeably. In other cases, a CV is used for different purposes and might have a different format.
For clarity, a resume is used to showcase your competencies, skills, qualifications, notable accomplishments, and work experience, and there is a section for your education.
A CV may be used for academic or research positions and is a longer document listing education, research experience, published works, and professional affiliations. But it can also just be another word for resume, which is how we’re using it here.
There are some differences between what one is expected to include in a resume in Canada and some other countries.
In some places, like continental Europe, for example, one is expected to include a photo with their CV. Employers might also expect you to include some personal information, like your age, marital status, gender, and nationality. That is not the case here. Your resume should not include a photo or any personal information.
Your resume may be in functional or chronological format, depending on the role you’re applying for and your level of experience.
You must also include a cover letter, which is a separate document from your resume used to greet the hiring manager, express interest in the job, and highlight achievements not included in your resume.
For more on writing a resume, see:
And for more on writing a cover letter see:
How to write a cover letter with examples
Create and maintain a LinkedIn profile
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, create one. Use it as an online resume to share your skills and experience. Include a professional-looking picture (yes, in this case, of you. And, yes, it can be a selfie, as long as it’s still professional looking). Post a compelling summary that covers the highlights of what you bring to the table, list your skills and experience, connect with others in your field and industry, and build relationships. Use keywords that might be relevant to your industry. Read what other people are posting and engage with your new connections by liking and sharing their posts.
Continue building your network
The more people you know, the more access you will have to available job openings, leading to career advancement opportunities. Make as many friends as you can, online and in person. Join groups that are of interest to you and attend events. Don’t be shy about saying hello to people and putting yourself out there. Maintain contact with the people you meet. It’s OK to tell them you’re looking for work, though best not to directly ask for a job or help finding one unless you’ve been given the impression that is something they’re willing to do for you.
Volunteer
There are myriad charitable organizations and causes to get involved with all over Canada. If you have specific hard skills, you might be able to find an organization that can make use of these. Not-for-profit organizations and charities may need any type of volunteers to do a range of jobs from cooking and serving or delivering meals to coding, programming, talent acquisition, marketing, fundraising, design, and much more. Volunteering is an excellent way to keep busy, learn new skills, and meet new people. You can also include volunteer work on your resume, which can help overcome the "Canadian experience" barrier. It can also help you gather local references for your job search.
Upskill
Continue learning and adding to your skill set. There are hundreds, even thousands, of online courses you can take to learn any number of skills that can make you more hireable on the job market. Many of these are even free. You can upskill by taking some of these courses, reading, and teaching yourself what you need to know. You may also find financial assistance to help you take courses with fees. College programs may also have placement programs that will help you find a job afterward.
Consider bridging programs
The job you did before coming to Canada may be regulated here and may require certification. About 20% of jobs in Ontario do, including education, healthcare, and other professions. This means you won’t be able to work in your old job until you get accredited, which takes time and money. There may be financial assistance available to help you with this.
You might also consider a Bridge Training Program. The Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) is designed to help internationally trained immigrants find employment in the field in which they were trained or in a related field without duplicating their existing skills and education. The program delivers training to help participants meet requirements for licensure and/or registration in both regulated professions and non-regulated, high-skill occupations.
Make use of available tools & resources
Check job boards like Talent.com regularly for jobs. You can check how much you could be earning based on your job and location with Talent’s salary tool. You can also find many resources at https://feat.findhelp.ca/ which has thousands of links to settlement and employment services.
Your local library may offer a range of services, including settlement resources, learning opportunities, and social activities where you can meet new people.
Good luck!
