When immigrants arrive in Canada, they likely begin to search for employment opportunities. Finding a job is hard enough, but to do so while building a new life in a foreign country is much harder. Thankfully, there are a number of resources for newcomers to Canada that will assist in finding employment.
Securing employment in Canada may take awhile, and can be a difficult process for many. That being said, it is an important step towards self-sufficiency and can lead to a satisfying and rewarding career. If you are a recent immigrant in Canada looking for employment, here are some tips to aid you in your search.
Access Free Government Resources
Fortunately, there are many resources available for recent immigrants in Canada looking for a job. Once you’ve arrived in Canada, you can contact your local immigrant-serving organization and they will be able to assist you in preparing for interviews, building your resume, networking, and mentorship.
Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website (IRCC), and check out their newcomer settlement support. All you have to do is enter your location and they will find free services available near you.
Utilizing these services will ease your job search process, helping you find employment sooner. Remember, they are here to lend you a hand.
Get Your Credentials Recognized
A key obstacle facing immigrants is getting their overseas credentials to be accepted in Canada. To work certain Canadian jobs, newcomers to Canada must have their foreign licenses and certifications. Examples of jobs include: accountant, architect, carpenter, doctor, electrician, and welder jobs. Federal, provincial, or territorial standards must be met and approved by an authorized individual. For more information and to get started, visit canada.ca and search foreign credential recognition
Recognition often requires additional studies – which can be costly. If you require assistance with payment, ACCESS Community Capital Fund can help you. Working with Alterna credit union, they offer low-interest Foreign Credential Recognition Loans to newcomers to help pay for licensing and certification. For more information visit accessccf.com.
Update Your Resume
Your resume is the most important document you have when you are applying for jobs. It tells people who you are, your accomplishments, work history, skills and qualifications. You should highlight ways you positively contributed to previous organizations and what your duties consisted of.
Resumes can vary in look depending on where you are from, so it’s important to have an updated, traditional Canadian style. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank provides individuals with a free resume builder where you can pick your template, fill in your experience, education, and skills, as well as use extra customization tools to make it suit your needs.
Always Write a Cover Letter
Writing a cover letter shows that you are interested in the job you are applying for, and gives you a chance to highlight your qualifications and skills. For most positions, it is crucial that you submit a cover letter along with your resume.
When writing your cover letter, you should ensure that it consists of three components. Firstly, you should introduce who you are and state the job that you are applying for. Secondly, you must make it clear that your skills and experience match the job description and requirements. Lastly, communicate the reasons why you are the ideal candidate. Make sure to keep your cover letter clear and concise; do not have more than one page.
Network
Networking is a great way to help you advance your career and receive more job opportunities. Basically, it helps open doors to opportunities that you may not have received otherwise. You meet individuals at all professional levels.
One tip for networking is to have a LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has millions of companies and tons of open jobs. Many recruiters also use LinkedIn in order to contact potential talent. Just make sure that you have an up to date profile, including a professional image of yourself with updated job and education experience. Volunteer
Volunteering provides you with great experience and a chance to update your resume. Many immigrants who come to Canada do not have the equivalent experience or a large Canadian network. Volunteering helps you gain knowledge in an area of your interest, something that you can include on your resume. It also grants you the chance to meet new people and connect with potential employers.
Know Where to Search
Apart from LinkedIn, there are a number of online job boards where you can browse and apply for jobs. Popular job search sites include Indeed, Workopolis, Eco Canada, Monster, and Glassdoor. As well, Job Bank and Magnet provides newcomers in Canada the ability to search for job openings all over Canada.
Finding a job may seem overwhelming as a new immigrant in Canada. Many people may not know how to best navigate the job search process. With these simple tips, we hope you have a better understanding of things you can do to help find employment, easing your search process.