The job hunt can be time consuming, exhausting, and stressful. But, with these helpful tips, you will be able to prepare and apply to jobs with confidence, charisma, and professionalism.
Key Points
You need a SIN (Social Insurance Number) to work in Canada. Apply as soon as you arrive!
Take time producing your resume or CV and cover letter – they both matter
Update your LinkedIn profile
Find a mentor and ask for help
Take a free course and build your skills
Bonus: We even have a list of the most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2023
In this post, you will find seven standout tips to find a job in Canada in 2023. It is no longer enough to passively submit resumes. Putting yourself out there, leaning into your network and creating thoughtful resumes and cover letters is a basic requirement to get noticed.
Apply for a Social Insurance Number
To work in Canada, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). So, before you do anything else, apply for a SIN! Read our guide on How to Get a SIN here.
Tailor your CV
Many people only customize their cover letters. A resume CV that’s tailored to a specific job will help you stand out among the competition. Here are some tips to make your resume relevant to the job you’re applying for:
Review the job requirements and include relevant experience that illustrates that you are qualified for the job.
Reinforce the traits and skills the company is looking for. However, don’t just repeat back your potential employer’s words, use examples and results to demonstrate a particular skill or attribute.
In addition to your formal education, list any personal development courses that you have completed that are relevant to the job.
If you need more help, check out Moving 2 Canada’s resume-writing course and resources.
Get a Mentor or Volunteer
There are a number of resources that will help you find a mentor with relevant skills and experience. Reach out to someone in your network who you admire – a friend of a friend, a business owner in your neighbourhood, or a speaker at an event. Even if you don’t know the person well, don’t be afraid to approach them: people want to help. You can also check out these online resources:
The Forum: Pairing an average of 100+ women entrepreneurs with mentors all across Canada.
Mentor Canada: Broadening access to quality mentoring for youth in Canada
The ICC Newcomer Skills Accelerator Volunteer Program & Mentor Panel: Volunteer Mentors will help guide and support newcomer youth along their journey towards success.
Build a LinkedIn Profile
Building a LinkedIn profile helps companies learn about you and verify who you are. Here are some LinkedIn-specific tips:
Add LinkedIn’s ‘Open to Work’ badge on your profile picture.
Ask your network for LinkedIn recommendations. As a thank you, write one back in return!
Make a post related to your field once a week. This will help build your network and start meaningful conversation.
Don’t be shy – let your community know that you’re looking for employment.
Take a Course
There are many free (or almost free) courses that will help you upgrade your skills and build confidence. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Check out this list of 150 free business courses from around the world.
LinkedIn Learning teaches business, creative and technology skills to achieve your professional and personal goals.
TD Bank’s Small Business Learning is a great resource for people looking to start their own business or polish business-related skills.
Make Use of Canadian Employment Resources
The Canadian government has a number of excellent resources that can help you find a job. Learn about job search skills, workplace standards, Canadian workplace culture and more. Here are some online resources to get you started:
Job Bank Canada has job listings from across Canada.
Moving 2 Canada provides links to job banks and information for every stage of your job search, from writing resumes to preparing for job interviews.
Check out this post from Goabroad.com, featuring more tips for getting a job in Canada. It’s targeted to travellers, but also has information that’s helpful for newcomers.
Research Who is Hiring
Get a feel for the hiring landscape in Canada and research which companies and industries are actively looking to hire. For example, according to multinational employment agency Randstad, the 15 most in-demand jobs in Canada for 2023 are:
Key account manager
Developer
Marketing manager
Registered nurse
Driver
Customer service rep
Welder
Engineer
Accountant
Cloud architect
HR manager
Electrician
IT project manager
Mechanical engineer
Accounting clerks
Searching for employment, especially as a newcomer, can be intimidating and overwhelming. Remember your value and what you can contribute to an organization – no matter where you are in the world. And if you need to brush up on some skills, know that there are a number of free resources you can find in-person and online. You’ve got this!
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