How to Find a Job in Canada?

You are an international student in Canada or have a open work permit. You want to find a job and start working as soon as possible. With the right tips and a positive attitude, by putting in the effort outlined below, you will surely find your job.

1. Before you continue reading, evaluate whether you are truly ready to put in the effort.
   
   

2. Ensure your work hours align with your status.
   
   

In Canada, you need to search for a job according to your status. Students receiving English education in Canada do not have work permits, but college or university students do. Most international students can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during breaks. If you have a open work permit (as in the example of TS2023), you can work full-time.

3. Improve your English. To get a good job in Canada, you need to have an advanced level of English, typically an IELTS score of 6.0. If your English level is intermediate or below, you can get entry-level jobs, but make sure to improve your English. Remember, English is also crucial for your future immigration process.
   
   

4. Update your Resume and Cover Letter.

Prepare a Canadian-style resume and cover letter. Look at the job postings for each position you apply to and highlight those aspects in your documents. Never apply to different jobs with the same resume and cover letter; this could lead to immediate rejection. Canada is full of centers and resources to help you improve your resume, interview skills, and network with potential employers.

5. Participate in networking events and expand your network.

Networking is very important in Canada, just like everywhere else. You can find a job quickly through a reference here. Attend industry events, job fairs, and seminars. Connect with professors, alumni, and classmates. Use LinkedIn to build your network and join groups related to your field. Make sure to create an up-to-date and impressive LinkedIn profile. HR departments value skill filters, so don't forget to add your skills to your profile.

6. Gain Canadian Experience.

Almost every job you apply for will ask if you have Canadian experience. Be prepared for this. The easiest way to overcome this question is through volunteer work. The work does not need to be directly related to your dream job. For example, if you have participated in the planning of a charity organization's events, you can say "yes, I have Canadian experience in this area" in a completely different job application, thus putting yourself ahead of many other candidates. Volunteering also helps you gain skills and build connections. Internships are great ways to gain work experience in Canada. Many universities and colleges offer co-op programs where you can gain practical experience. You can also apply directly to companies for unpaid internships.

7. Be active on Canadian job listing sites.

Check out job search sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Workopolis, and Monster. Activate alerts for the positions you want. Don’t forget to keep your profiles up to date.

8. Be Prepared for Job Interviews.

Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, make sure to research the company. Prepare for possible questions. Know your skills, experiences, and why you are interested in the job. Have confidence in yourself. Even if you don’t get the job, view the interview as practice to improve your interview skills. As your interview skills improve, your chances of impressing the interviewer and getting the job will increase.

9. Understand Canadian Workplace Culture.

Canada requires you to have skills to work in a multicultural environment. Your ability to work well with colleagues from all over the world and your teamwork skills will be evaluated. The question "Do you have Canadian experience?" often seeks to understand your ability to adapt to a multicultural environment. There is no discrimination in Canada based on nationality. What you bring to the table matters. Effective and culturally appropriate communication is one of the most important keys to opening doors.

10. Stay Positive and Keep Applying.

Job searching is a challenging and effort-intensive process. Persistence, a positive attitude, and proactivity are very important during this process. Don’t let your courage break. Keep applying, learning, and improving. When we first came to Canada, none of us knew what to do or where to start. You are not alone. You will hear that almost everyone you talk to here has faced some difficulty but overcame it with persistence and is now doing great things.

So why can't you do it?