The 4 Step Process to Finding a Job in Canada

In this article, we take you through the steps of how to search for a job in Canada, the protocols of the Canadian work culture as well as the skills one should possess when applying for your Canada work permit application.

First Things First

Whether you are a permanent resident, Canadian citizen or temporary resident, if you are looking to live and work in Canada, you would have to acquire a Social Insurance Number (SIN). A SIN is a nine digit number that you will receive in order to have access to important resources, such as government programs and benefits.

We urge all immigrants to protect their SIN and keep it in a safe space. Failure in doing so can result in severe repercussions of fraud should it land in the wrong hands. You can find out more about keeping your SIN safe here.

Finding a job can be tough on its own - let alone finding a job in Canada. Because we understand this, we have developed a comprehensive breakdown of the steps involved throughout the process. Shall we walk you through the steps of where to start before you venture forth onto your journey of applying for a Canada work permit application?

Step 1: Where to Find Your Resources.

Canada offers an abundance of resources for immigrants who need help in navigating their way to find a job in Canada. Below, we list a few examples as a starting point:

Find Your Closest Service Canada

Service Canada offers all the relevant information about finding a work permit, in formation on student employment, job postings, government contracts and other information that plays a vital role in your job search.

Each Canadian province has its own unique challenges, and so, you are encouraged to always conduct thorough research on the employment opportunities and cost of living within that province or territory. Each province is different, which means that the standards and processes are specific to the province. It is of utmost importance to check the website of the province or territory before you decide to settle in Canada.

Step 2: Choose Your Province or Territory, Search and Apply For the Job

At this point, you may have an idea of the province or territory you would like to work in, so the next step would be to research the company where you plan to work at.

• Always double-check the legitimacy of the website and the Canadian employers who are hiring immigrants - you want to be sure that the designated employer is running a legal business.
• If possible, engage in networking where you are able to meet your potential employer and discuss the conditions and expectations of your job.
• You can check out employment agencies that will help to conduct research in the legitimacy of the jobs you are applying for.
• Word of mouth: the obvious way is to ask friends and family to forward any information on potential job openings. You may want to inquire about the reputation of the company as well.

Like every other job you apply to, there are certain processes that must be followed. In Canada, these processes may differ from one province to another. However, the process below is pretty much standard throughout Canada.

• Provide a cover letter that convinces the employer why you are the ideal person for the job.
• Provide your resume
• Make sure that you have the necessary support structures in place to assist you in writing up your resume and cover letter before applying.
• Be well prepared for the interview as this would be your opportunity to make a good impression.

Whether or not you meet the criteria will depend on what the employer is looking for. You can, however, maximize your chances of landing a job in Canada if you’ve done the necessary background research, and received the assistance you require before applying.

Step 3: Gain the Necessary Work Experience

It is well advised to gain the necessary work experience and get to know more about the Canadian working culture and standard. Understandably so, this is not possible for every individual, especially if you are applying from an external country.

In this case, you should have acquired sufficient work experience in your home country so that when you land a job in Canada, you are naturally able to adjust to the working culture due to your previous exposure.

Alternatively, if you are a temporary worker in Canada, it would be good to become more active in bridging programs or do some volunteer work within your field. In addition to this, you can also apply to the Federal Internship for Newcomers Program (FIN), which is aimed at giving immigrants the opportunity to gain work experience in Canadian organizations.

While you may not always get a paid salary with volunteer work, you will gain valuable exposure to the Canadian work culture, rub shoulders with significant role players in the industry and build a network of contacts.

Step 4: Know your Employee Rights

Ensure that you familiarize yourself with the provincial and federal labour laws and understand the conditions of your work permit before you start to live and work in Canada. As a Canadian employee, the following pointers are important to remember:

• You have the right to be part of a labour union in Canada. In fact, union fees will be deducted from your salary.
• Feel free to reach out to the officer of the ministry who oversees labour matters in your province if you have been unfairly treated by your employer or union.
• You can also contact or visit Service Canada Centre to talk to a labour affairs officer.
• You have the right to inquire about Employment Insurance(EI) while you are still searching for a job in Canada. The objective of EI is to provide you with financial help for a short period of time until you find work. Note that if you find work in Canada, you must pay into EI as this will come in handy when you need it most.

Even so, there are support structures available such as Immigrant-serving organizations, BizPal, Invest in Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada and Canada Business: Government Services for Entrepreneurs. Additionally, you can also explore various business immigration programs to guide you along.

The Canadian government is highly cognizant of the need for financial support for immigrants, since finding your feet as a newcomer is not easy. If anything, it is important to remember that there are financial support structures in place, but you would have to inquire and conduct the necessary research on how you can receive financial assistance.
 

Finding a Job In Canada can be Easier than you Think

It is pretty evident that the Canadian government has placed the necessary support structures into place for foreign nationals interested in finding a job in Canada. At first, it can be daunting to find your feet but your plight can be simplified if you have conducted the necessary research into the process. Most importantly, it is well advised to secure a job offer in Canada, obtain your Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your Canadian employer and ensure that you meet the significant program requirements.

Once you have secured your job offer and you are still uncertain about which immigration program is suitable for you, then feel free to get in touch with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to advise and guide you through the process today.