Are you planning to move to Canada to live and work in the country, but don’t know how to go about it? This article will show you a step-by-step guide on how to find work in Canada.
Working in Canada comes with many benefits such as the employment insurance employees enjoy, even when they go on leave for a period of time. In addition, the pension plan, employment insurance, cost of living, and ease of getting citizenship are among what employees enjoy in Canada. These among other reasons are why many people go en masse to this country for their job hunt.
However, the major challenge most people face is the problem of how to find work in Canada after they arrive in the country. The process of immigrating and finding work in Canada is not so easy, but it is usually worth it in the end. In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how you can find work (or a job) in Canada.
Step-By-Step Guide On How to Find Work In Canada
Finding work in Canada can be a tiring process, especially when having to deal with immigration. The following step-by-step guide will guide you to find and apply for work in Canada.
Confirm Your Eligibility
The first thing you need to do in your bid to find work in Canada is to confirm your eligibility to be in Canada. It is only when you qualify to live and work in Canada that you can be considered for a job. You need to move to Canada through the legal process, after which you can seek permanent residence if you intend to immigrate.
Get Your Work Permit
After confirming you are eligible to stay in Canada, the next step you have to take in your bid to find work in Canada is to get a work permit. However, obtaining a work permit is only necessary if you are not a Canadian resident or you only want to live and work for a period of time.
Work permits in Canada last for four years. When a work permit expires, the holder has to leave the country for a period of four years. He can, however, return after that four years to request another work permit, which will also last for only four years.
However, if you want to stay in Canada permanently or for a very long time, you only need to become a permanent resident. Once you become a PR, you will not need of a work permit to work in Canada.
Apply for SIN
A SIN or Social Insurance Number is a 9-digit number that will allow you to work in Canada and get paid for your work. It also lets you enjoy government benefits and access government programs.
Once you have your work permit, the next step is to obtain your SIN. You will need to present your SIN to your future employers in Canada. However, you will need to apply for SIN immediately after you arrive in the country.
Prepare Your Resume
Your resume should summarize all your educational background, work experience and relevant skills that qualify you for the job you’re applying to. It should be about one page long and unless unavoidable, then it can extend to a second page. Follow the right format for writing a standard CV/Resume and ensure to proofread your resume to be free from errors.
Research Companies and Available Jobs
Once you have your work permit and SIN, and you have updated your resume, the next thing is to find companies that are recruiting online.
You find work in Canada by browsing job sites, search engines, social networking platforms, forums, etc. You can also narrow your search to your industry, salary range, location, etc. When you find a position/company you are interested in, you can proceed to apply.
Prepare a Cover Letter
Once you find a company/position that interests you, the next thing you should do is prepare a cover letter. Your cover letter must tell the employer why you are a perfect fit for the job. Writing a good cover letter requires a bit of research about the company you’re applying to. Your cover letter must however not be more than two paragraphs.
Submit a job application
The next step for you to find work in Canada after preparing your cover letter is to submit your job application. You should consider applying to multiple jobs to increase your likelihood of landing a job. However, once you apply for a job and submitted your application, you should find someone you can contact in the company to update you about developments about the job. You should also try and follow up on your application if you don’t hear from them in about a week.
Follow Up
If after submitting your application, the company does not reply to you, send a follow-up message to them, preferably through their email. You can also send a follow-up message/mail after the interview to thank them for their consideration. Doing this can get you their attention and increase your chances of winning the job.
Attending a Job Interview
Once you submit your application and get invited for an interview, ensure to follow best practices such as being punctual and well dressed. Be confident and reflect your professionalism through your dressing.
Where Can You Find Work In Canada?
Some resources can be very helpful to immigrants trying to find work in Canada. Some of them include:
- Government of Canada Jobs
GCJ is a platform that has been created to alert immigrants of any job postings that may be available with the Canadian government. - Canada Job Bank
This is a tool that uses your details such as work experience, credentials, skills, etc to find a work that is a perfect fit for your profile. It also helps you search for works posted by Canadian employers. - Student Employment
There are job opportunities from private and government sectors exclusive to students studying in Canada alone. A student can easily find a job that matches his or her educational credentials and apply. Being a student can also increase the chances of being accepted.
FAQ ABOUT HOW TO FIND WORK IN CANADA
How to get a job offer from Canada?
Getting a job offer from Canada is quite easy. You only need to follow these simple steps:
- Format your CV to meet Canadian standards
- Write your cover letter in a way employers will appreciate
- Use LinkedIn to the best of your advantage
- Go after the right jobs
What is the most successful way to find work in Canada?
One of the most common most promising ways of landing a job in Canada is to go after employment opportunities by going through job sites. There are hundreds of online job posting platforms as well as search engines, apps, social engines, networking groups, etc.
What jobs are in demand in Canada?
The most in-demand jobs, according to Randstad, are
- Marketing manager
- Engineer
- Cloud architect
- Registered nurse
- Cloud architect
- Developer
- Driver
- IT project manager
- Accounting clerks
- Electrician
- Welder
- Mechanical engineer
- Accountant
- Key account manager
- Human Resources Manager