How to Find Work in Canada as a Foreigner - Step by Step Guide

 

Canada is a country in North America. Its ten regions and three territories stretch from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and north to the Arctic Ocean, making it the second largest country in the world by total land area, and the longest river in the world.

Many foreigners see Canada as a land of opportunity, hoping to find a comfortable life for themselves and their families. One of the concerns expressed by our clients is how to get a job in Canada.

Many people perceive this country as open and friendly towards immigrants.

Or really? Because despite the open immigration policy, getting a job as a foreigner in Canada is not a walk in the park.

To make it easier for you, we bring you a brief summary of the most important questions you may have if you are considering moving to Canada and start looking for work as a foreigner.

No matter where you want to live - Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, etc. - you have to find a job first. Below is a selection of resources I have compiled that are useful for researching job opportunities as a foreigner.

If you want to immigrate to Canada, you may be interested in the immigration process or want to know more about finding a job. There are many things you can consider before you decide to apply for a job in another country, and you can benefit by considering the types of jobs available. Understanding the application process can help you feel confident and prepared.

In this article, we examine the types of jobs available in Canada, How to find a job in Canada - Step by Step Guide, Universal Canadian Job Search Sites, How to Apply for a Job in Canada, the Language Should You Speak, if You Want to Get a Job in Canada as a Foreigner, Popular Cities to Work in Canada, Salaries in Canada and highlight the benefits of working in Canada.

 

What Types of Jobs are Available in Canada?

There are a variety of jobs available in Canada, and the positions you qualify for may depend on your educational qualifications and work experience.

Depending on the career you are interested in, you can find positions in marketing, healthcare, IT, finance, and many other industries.

Here is a list of jobs you can consider that may be available in Canada:

• Cloud Architect

• Human resource manager

• Electricity

• IT Project Manager

• Mechanical Engineering

• Accounting Clerks

• Accountant

• Business Manager

• Customer representative

• Developer

• Engineering

• Marketing manager

• Registered Nurse

• The driver

• Welder

If you have experience in one of these areas, your skills may be in high demand!

 

How to find a job in Canada - Step by Step Guide

Here is a list of steps that will help you find a job in Canada:

1. Search for Opportunities in Online Recruiting Agencies

If you want to take a position in Canada, you can start looking for job openings without traveling or go there first by doing an internet search.

Consider using job boards, forums, or social media to learn about open positions and evaluate their qualifications. Online tools can help you narrow your search based on your industry, region and salary expectations.

If you find an organization you like, consider reaching out to some of its current employees to conduct informal interviews and learn more about the company's culture, values ​​and values.

 

2. Network with professionals who have immigrated to Canada

One way to learn more about the application process is to network with other professionals who have similar goals and experiences, including those who have moved to Canada and are currently working in positions in your field or companies can.

Consider visiting a professional networking site to connect with former colleagues, peers, professionals and other industry professionals. You can learn more about their experiences and these experts can provide advice that can help you save time and money. It can make the job search process easier and more enjoyable.

These people can also let you know if the company they work for is currently hiring or contact you if they find an opportunity you can pursue.

 

3. Make sure you meet the language eligibility criteria

Depending on the region where you want to live, employers may require applicants to be fluent in English, French, or both languages. 

This means it's important to review job descriptions and understand local regulations to ensure you meet language qualifications. 

If you are not sure whether you meet the expectations of your future employer, you can take a test or sign up for a language course in person or online. 

It can also help you ensure that you are prepared to communicate with colleagues, supervisors and clients.

 

4. Consider visiting employer’s in-person

While online applications can be a great help if you currently live in the United States, you may also want to consider traveling to Canada to meet with your employer in person. 

This can help you to have a lasting and positive impression, while giving you the opportunity to explore the area, the company or the store.

Meeting with your manager can help you answer any questions they have about your application and show them you're up for the job. 

You can also show or discuss your previous work experience and explain how you are the right person for the position.

 

5. Gain work experience through volunteering

Employers may require candidates to have previous work experience in Canada, so consider volunteering to meet this requirement and prepare for your future career.

You can use many Canadian forums and volunteer resources to find opportunities in different professional fields. It can also help you meet other professionals and start building your professional network.

Volunteering can also help you discover the area or region where you are looking for work and familiarize yourself with that area.

It can also help you make friends and meet established professionals who can recommend you for various open positions.

 

6. Organize your Resume Properly

When applying for a job in Canada, you can make changes to your current resume to meet the country's resume standards.

A Canadian resume may include the following items, many of which may come from your current documents:

• Header: Like a US resume, a Canadian resume starts with a header that includes your full name, email address, and phone number. If you are looking for a creative job, you can also put up a professional website or online portfolio to give the employer examples of your work.

• Professional Summary: Consider using information from the US resume objective and cover letter to write a professional summary in two paragraphs. Make sure this section is in paragraph form and contains complete sentences, which reflect your work experience and relevant skills.

• Skills and Abilities: This section allows you to highlight your areas of professional expertise and the skills and abilities you can bring to your job applicant. Make sure that this part of the document describes your specific skills related to the position you are applying for and shows that you are ready to take on the responsibility of this job.

• Work Accomplishments: Instead of listing as many of your work experiences as you would on a US resume, include only work experience related to the position you are applying for and highlight the accomplishments or accomplishments you have achieved in each job. This means that this section may contain only one or two of your previous posts.

• Academic achievements: When using the Canadian CV format, include any relevant academic achievements, such as writing an essay, an honor you have received, or an academic group you have led. Be sure to put this information in chronological order next time, with your recent accomplishments at the top of the list.

 

7. Submit your Application

Once you have completed your resume, fill out a cover letter if applicable and submit your application. 

Stay positive and show your enthusiasm for the job and your excitement about immigrating to Canada. 

Consider applying for different positions to increase your chances of getting the hiring manager's attention and getting an interview.

Once you've applied, keep in touch with potential employers and consider following up politely if you haven't heard from them within a week.

 

Universal Canadian Job Search Sites

Job opportunities are increasing in Canada, making it the best time for those looking for job opportunities in the country.

Here is a list of resources you may find useful in your job search.

• Indeed: The sister to the big U.S. job search site Indeed.com. In order to find jobs that are willing to sponsor visas, I recommend you type “visa sponsorship” in the search bar. Most jobs will not sponsor visas, so you will need to go through each search result, one-by-one.

• Eluta: I have seen visa sponsorship opportunities at Eluta, particularly in the tech industry. Type “visa sponsorship” in the search bar.

• Government of Canada: The Government of Canada has useful links for finding jobs in Canada.

• Canadian Immigrant: Good tips for trying to find a job in Canada as a foreigner.

• Monster.com: Monster.com has been around since pretty much the dawn of the internet era.

• Job Bank: I like the enhanced job alert service.

• Jobsbt: This is also Canada version of the big Canada job search site Jobsbt.com.

• Student Jobs: Search job opportunities for Canadian government students and listed by private employers.

 

Other Websites and Blogs

• Sidekick:  A useful how-to guide for finding a job in Canada as a foreigner.

• Government Publicationsand Manuals: Essential workbooks for newcomers to Canada. Many of them are outdated, but the advice is timeless and still relevant.

• Transitions Abroad: Transitions Abroad has a really comprehensive list for anyone considering becoming an expatriate in Canada.

 

Overseas and Expat Job Portals

• Michael Page: An international executive recruitment website that I’ve used in the past. This site is targeted towards high-end job seekers.

• eFinancial Careers: My favorite search engine for finance jobs on the web. I used them during my Wall Street days.

• Go Abroad: I’ve always been a fan of GoAbroad. In fact, on the visa information portion of my website, you will find where I have linked to their global embassies directory. They have a good job portal too.

• Linkedin: Last but not least, this huge professional social network is a resource for building contacts in the field and location of your interest.

There you have it.

 

How to Apply for a Job in Canada

These five steps will guide you through the process of applying for a job in Canada!

1. Update your Resume or CV and Cover Letter: A resume, sometimes called a curriculum vitae (CV), is a document that details your education, accomplishments, and work history. Your resume and cover letter will often be the first thing an employer will look at. It's important to make a good first impression. Your resume should include all relevant work experience and accomplishments that you are proud of, both personal and professional. Your cover letter should explain why you are a good fit for the job.

2. Research: Spend time researching the company where you want to work. You can visit their website to get an idea of ​​the company culture and to find out about job openings.

3. Use social media to your advantage: When used properly, social media is a powerful networking tool that can help you in your job search.

4. References: Strong references help employers learn more about you and your work history. It can be useful when you are looking for a job. Asking your previous employers from your country for references can help you get a job in Canada.

5. Follow-up: In a competitive job market, connecting with your employer and showing interest in the job can set you apart. You can follow up after submitting your CV to show your interest, and also after the interview to thank them for their consideration.

 
How to start a Business in Canada as a Foreigner

If being an employer is not for you and you would rather be a Canadian employee, there are ways.

If you are planning to start your own startup in Canada as a foreigner, you can get support for this.

In fact, the Canada Start-Up Visa is the first program of its kind in the world.

As a successful candidate, you will be able to immigrate to Canada and obtain permanent residence without any conditions for the success of your business. It's good, isn't it?

Apart from the main criteria, the only requirement is to "obtain the commitment of a Canadian angel investment group or a designated business fund to invest in your business idea".

You can find more information on Canada.ca.  

 

What Language Should You Speak, If You Want to Get a Job in Canada as a Foreigner?

Once you decide to move to another country permanently, you will want to learn at least the basics of one of the country's two official languages.

The two languages ​​are:

• English

• French.

Government offices cover both languages. Take Quebec as an example. The local language here is French. Although the Constitution requires all laws to be made in French and English, court proceedings may be conducted in either language.

However, you have to be careful when choosing a country or region, as it can be difficult to make friends in some areas. That is if you don't speak many languages ​​in the area.

If you do not speak at least one of the official languages ​​fluently, it will be difficult for you to find a good job. This is really important, because you will be competing with native speakers for a position. You must demonstrate to a potential employer that you are fluent in the language.

 

Popular Cities to Work in Canada

Canada is a big country with different climates, cultures and languages ​​in different parts of it. For this reason, make sure that the area you choose for life will suit you well.

Does your research before you decide to move.

If that doesn't bother you at all and what you need is to find a job, the 5 cities with the best job opportunities are:

• Kelowna, British Columbia

• Quebec, Quebec

• Calgary, AB

• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

• Abbotsford, British Columbia

What may surprise you is that some big cities like Toronto or Montreal are not on the list!

However, if you like life in a big city, you can also choose to look for a job there. Many career options are also available.

 

Salaries in Canada

One of the main reasons people immigrate to Canada is the good quality of life that is managed by the high wages.

• The median salary in Canada is $54,630/year

• Minimum wage is $15.55/hour

• The highest salary (earned by doctors) is $150,000/year

However, be sure to check the living expenses of the specific area. The amount you pay for equipment or rent may vary across Canada.

 

Benefits of working in Canada

Professionals can find many benefits if they decide to pursue a career in Canada. 

People can seek employment there because of the mandatory benefits that are mandated in different regions and regions of the country, which include statutory parental leave, paid leave, pensions, eye exams, and employment insurance.

Canadian employers can also offer many additional benefits to their employees, such as health spending accounts, retirement plans, gyms and work centers, digital wellness platforms and health education. People can also choose to work in Canada, where it can help them get permanent residence.