How to Find Your First Job in Canada for New Immigrants » Voice of Nigeria
Key Points to Remember:
- Most newcomers get a job in Canada within three months.
- Volunteering and ‘starter jobs’ help you learn about work in Canada.
- Canadian bosses value your skills and experience more than overseas education.
Easy Steps to Your First Job in Canada for New Immigrants
Getting Started
Moving to a new country can be hard. But Canada, full of opportunities, makes it easier.
One of the first things new people need to do is find a job. Here’s how to do that quickly.
Start Job Hunting Before Moving
Yes, you should try to find a job before moving. But, most newcomers secure their job once they’re in Canada.
If you know someone in Canada, they might help. If not, no worries.
Your First Canadian Work Experience
Almost all newcomers get a job within three months in Canada. For this, Canadian employers want to see some Canadian work experience, called ‘First Canadian Experience’ (FCE).
Your first job might be different or lower level than your last job, but that’s okay. It’s your first step.
Volunteering in Canada
To get FCE, consider volunteering. Groups like YMCA have many opportunities.
Websites like Volunteer.ca or GoVolunteer.ca also list volunteer jobs. Volunteering helps you understand Canadian work culture.
Education from Other Countries
Canadian bosses are more interested in your skills and work experience than your foreign degrees.
Include your education on your resume, but focus more on your skills and job experience.
The ‘Survival Job’
A ‘Survival job’ is a job you take to meet basic needs like food and rent.
These jobs are easy to find, provide income, and give you Canadian work experience. You can often find these jobs at local stores or fast-food places.
Finding your first job in Canada might seem hard, but with these tips, it’s easier.
Start small and remember, every journey leads to great opportunities. Good luck with your job hunt in Canada!
10+ tips to get your first job in Canada
Ready to start working in Canada? Here are 10+ simple tips to make it happen.
1. Tell Everybody
- Let people know you’re job hunting
- Some jobs are not listed online
- Chatting to people can help you find these hidden jobs
- You can do this at events where you meet new people
2. Fix Up Your Resume, Canadian Style
- Make sure your resume is up to date
- In Canada, your resume should not have a picture, salary, or personal info
- Change your resume a little for each job you apply for
3. Try to Transfer within Your Company
- If your company has offices in Canada, ask about moving there
- This might be an easy way to get a job in Canada
4. Get a Local Phone Number and Address
- A Canadian phone number and address can help you seem like a local
- This can make it easier to get interviews
5. Set Up a LinkedIn Account
- Create a LinkedIn profile and keep it updated
- Job recruiters often check LinkedIn
- Your LinkedIn should match your resume
- Add your Canadian address to your LinkedIn profile
6. Search for Jobs on Indeed.ca
- Indeed.ca is a great website for finding jobs in Canada
- It gathers job postings from many different websites
7. Sign Up with Pre-arrival Services
- Before you move, you can sign up for services that help you prepare
- They can help you understand the job market in Canada
- They can help you get your job skills recognized
- They can also connect you with employers
8. Check Out Local Immigrant Service Organizations
- Once you’re in Canada, go to an immigrant service organization
- They can help you find a job, learn the language, and settle in
9. Get a Library Card
- Your local library can be a great help
- They often have free classes, courses, and job search help
10. Have Your Credentials Assessed
- Some jobs in Canada require a special license or certificate
- You might need to have your skills assessed to work in these jobs
11. Look for Bridging Programs
- Bridging programs help trained professionals from other countries work in Canada
- They help you get the credentials you need to work in Canada
12. Beaware for Job Scams
Remember, you should never pay someone to find you a job in Canada. That’s against the law
Conclusion
Getting your first job in Canada can be a big step. But with these simple tips, you’re on your way to success. Good luck!
