Applying for jobs in Canada can be daunting as we all know how stressful and difficult the process is when you don’t know the right steps to take.
Canada is a dream work destination for almost every professional. No doubt. But all the benefits you’d enjoy here in Canada will continue to be a dream until you’re able to follow the right steps to apply for jobs in Canada that would land you your dream job.
Already curious about whether or not you need a work permit, how to properly search for jobs in Canada, or how to submit a magnetic cv or resume that lands you the job? We’ve compiled the 10 steps to apply for jobs in Canada
#1: Find Out If You Don’t Need a Work Permit
I’m pretty sure that this may come as a surprise to you, but the fact is, not every occupation in Canada requires a work permit. There are many jobs available out there in Canada that are work permit exempted.
According to Canada’s official immigration portal, below are the occupation that does not require a work permit from foreign nationals.
- Business Visitor
- Foreign Representatives and Their Family Members
- Military Personnel
- News Reporters and Media Crews
- Public Speakers
- Convention Organizers
- Foreign Government Officers
- On-Campus Work
- Clergy
- Judges, Referees and Similar Officials
- Examiners and Evaluators
- Expert Witnesses or Investigators
- Health Care Students
- Civil Aviation Inspectors
- Performing Artists
- Athletes and Team Members
- Implied Status
- Off-Campus Work
- Aviation Accident or Incident Inspectors
- Crew
- Emergency Service Providers
- Farm Work
Can’t find the occupation you are seeking there? Not to worry, the next step is to obtain a work permit.
#2: Obtain a Work Permit
After you’ve taken time to go through the list of professions that don’t require a work permit and can’t find yours listed, obtaining a work permit won’t be as difficult as you’d imagine.
The two best programs through which you can obtain a work permit in Canada are the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Internationally Mobility Program (IMP)
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
TFWP work permits is a bit tougher to acquire since it is closed and can only be possible to acquire if the specific employer you want to work for in Canada has a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Internationally Mobility Program (IMP)
Work permits under the IMP is an easier to acquire than that of the TFWP since it can be open and closed. However, employers are not mandated to acquire an LMIA to hire you.
Examples of popular open work permits include Working Holiday Visa and the Post-Graduate Work Permit.
#3: Apply for Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need Social Insurance Number (SIN) at your disposal. A SIN is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada and earn money through your work and investments, pay taxes, contribute to pension plans, and use government programs and get benefits. Your employer also uses this same SIN on forms that they have to fill out related to your work.
SIN is a special and important number which you’d have to keep secured or else you’ll end up losing all the benefits attached to it.
#4: Update Your CV or Resume
A resume is a summary of your relevant skills, experience, and education required in a job while a Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a more detailed and in-depth description of your work experience, achievements and qualifications that is needed in a job.
In Canada, some employers request a resume while others a CV, and we all know that a perfect and updated document might be all you need to land yourself that job. If your last resume or CV dates back to 3 years and above, then there is a need to dust off those writing skills of yours and get back to updating your job application documents (CV, Resume)
To start with, make sure that your current job or if you’re currently unemployed, your most recent job, is listed on your CV or resume. After that, craft a perfect and persuasive CV or resume. Using analytical statements like ” I boosted the sales of my company by 25% within 2 months” is persuasive, but avoiding being boastful.
And most importantly, avoid sending the same resume or CV to multiple job applications. Try to be unique, it can be by simply rephrasing it or rearranging it, majority of employers use recruiters to hire their employees and the same recruiter might be the one in charge of the multiple jobs you’re applying for.
#5: Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
And it doesn’t end with either a resume or CV. Some employers request a letter of recommendation before, during, or after an interview. So, you should get them now.
A letter of recommendation is requested by employers to hear from those who can attest and testify to your skills, work habits, and experiences. Even if you already had some few years back, this is an opportunity for you to ask your current or most recent manager, co-workers or colleagues to write a letter of recommendations for you.
Also, online CVs, like those on LinkedIn, allow other employees to write a letter of recommendation about you, so make sure you leverage this opportunity and get some recommendation letters at hand before you start your job hunt.
#6: Apply for Jobs
The next step obviously should be searching for jobs. I mean jobs, not a job. If you seriously want to boost your chances of getting a job here in Canada, you need to search for multiple jobs offers to apply for.
While it is advisable to be mindful and selective on the kind of jobs you search and apply for, as long as you have a specifically targeted resume, cv, and cover letter for various jobs, you end up not being identified as a copy-paste job seeker. More on cover letters on the next step.
For job hunting, there are numerous great job portals you can use to search for jobs in Canada. Below are some of the few you can use:
- Canada Job Bank
- Indeed
- eJobo
- Glassdoor
- Monster
- Career Builder
#7: Craft Targeted Cover Letters
After you’ve searched and gotten some jobs to apply for. The next step is to craft a targeted cover letter for each of the job offers.
A cover letter is another job application document usually 1 – 2 pages that should be accompanied by your cv or resume and should also highlight the required skills on the job description you’re applying for. Failure to utilize a specific cover letter may result in you not getting the job.
#8: Follow up on Your Application
This may be the one mistake that can deprive you of your dream job – not following up on your job applications. If it’s been a week since you applied for the job, the best thing to do is email the company to follow up on the application. This shows how much interest and desire you have to get the job.
Also, do the same thing with interviews. If the company send you an email regarding an interview, always reply with “Thank You” or any form of appreciation. Your little way of being polite may go a long way.
And most importantly, if anyone personally went out of their way because they want to help with your application, remember to call them to show your appreciation. You never can tell, any of this courtesy could be the deciding factor that would land you the job in Canada.
#9: Network Yourself
Networking is a great way to get yourself recognized out there. . You can try it out in professional settings like career fairs, job events, or even seminars. Those are some of the best places you can meet professionals in your field that may have connections for you.
If you’re in Canada already, Volunteer work can be just the perfect work to get noticed and gather some valuable Canadian work experience. Afterwards, you can opt for full-time work in any of the big industries out there.
#10: Make Sure Your Qualifications Are Accredited
You also need to prove that your qualifications meet the Canadian standards, especially for jobs where post-secondary education is a mandatory requirement. You can get your credentials accredited via something known as Education Credential Assessment (ECA) from third parties like the World Educations Assessment (WES), and the process takes about ten days.
For Teachers, Medical Professionals, Social Workers, and Physiotherapists, you don’t need an ECA, but you’ll have to register with a regulatory body in the province or territory you are applying for a job. This can take up to six months of processing time, so it is advisable to research the region of your choice before proceeding with your documentation.
