How to Get a Job in Canada as a Newcomer: 18 Essential Tips
Maybe you are wondering how to get a job in Canada as a Newcomer. It’s a question many newcomers ask when they’re preparing to move or have just arrived.
Navigating a new job market can feel overwhelming, but as someone who’s been through it, I can confidently say it’s absolutely possible. My partner and I both came to Canada and successfully found jobs under very different circumstances, so I know firsthand that there isn’t just one path to success.
If you’re looking for a job or thinking about starting your job search but don’t know where to begin, I’ve got you covered.
In this post, I’ll share 18 practical tips to help you understand how the job market works in Canada and what steps you can take to increase your chances of finding work. These strategies worked for us and can be adapted to suit your unique situation.
We have been through the job search process, and we have seen some practical details, so here are my suggestions:
1. Create Accounts on Job Search Sites
If you’re wondering how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, one of the best places to start is online. These days, many job opportunities are posted on the Internet, making it essential to familiarize yourself with the top job search platforms in Canada.
Here are some key sites where you can find job postings:
Creating accounts on these platforms is free and straightforward. Once you’re signed up, you can easily browse through available positions, save jobs that interest you, and apply directly through the sites.
Spending some time getting comfortable with these job search tools will make your job hunt much easier and help you stay updated on the latest opportunities in the Canadian job market.
2. Create Alerts with Your Keywords
If you’re figuring out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, setting up job alerts can save you time and help you stay on top of new opportunities. Once you’ve created accounts on job search platforms, your next step is to identify the right keywords for your job search.
Start by looking up how to spell your current position or the job you want in English. Here are some examples of job titles you might search for:
- Quality Analyst
- Plumber
- Warehouse Worker
- Administrative Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
You can also use skills or tools you’re experienced with as keywords. For example:
- Excel
- SAP
- TrackWise
After identifying your keywords, search for them on each platform. Most job sites allow you to save these searches and set up alerts. This means you’ll receive daily or weekly emails with job postings that match your keywords, saving you from logging into the platform every time to search manually.
For example, on Glassdoor, you can create an alert with the keyword “Warehouse” and the location “Mississauga.” You’ll start receiving emails like this:
This will help you to receive specific offers so that you don’t have to log into the platform every time and search for jobs.
Similarly, on Indeed, you can search for “Warehouse” in Mississauga. Once you see the list of job postings, scroll down to find the option to save the search or create an alert.
Enter your email, click “Activate,” and you’re all set to receive job updates directly in your inbox.
Setting up these alerts ensures you don’t miss out on relevant opportunities and helps streamline your job search process.
3. Read Job Descriptions Carefully
When looking for work in Canada as a newcomer, one of the best ways to prepare is by thoroughly reading job descriptions. Once you start receiving job alerts, take the time to review the postings carefully.
Job descriptions help you understand the specific terms and language Canadian employers use to describe the responsibilities and qualifications for each role. You can start incorporating these words into your own language by paying attention to this vocabulary. This will be especially useful during interviews, as employers often use similar terms to discuss the job.
Becoming familiar with these phrases will not only boost your confidence but also help you demonstrate a strong understanding of the role and what’s expected in the Canadian workplace.
4. Characteristics of a Résumé
When figuring out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, understanding the difference between a résumé and a curriculum vitae (CV) is key.
In Canada, the standard document for job applications is a résumé—not the detailed CV that might be more common in other countries.
A Canadian résumé is shorter, more concise, and tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. It highlights your relevant skills and experience rather than listing your entire work history.
Here are some important characteristics of a Canadian résumé to keep in mind:
- No photos: Canadian résumés do not include a photo of yourself.
- No personal details: Avoid including personal information like your religion, gender, marital status, or other private details.
- Tailored content: Your résumé should be customized for each position, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to the job.
By creating a well-structured résumé that aligns with Canadian standards, you’ll increase your chances of catching an employer’s attention and moving closer to your goal of landing a job in Canada.
5. Characteristics of a cover letter
If you’re exploring how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, it’s important to know that a strong cover letter is just as essential as your résumé. A cover letter gives you the chance to explain why you’re interested in the job and why you’re the right fit for the role.
Here are some key characteristics of a Canadian cover letter:
- Addressed personally: Whenever possible, address the cover letter to the company or the hiring manager by name.
- Tailored to the job: Like your résumé, your cover letter should be customized for each position, highlighting specific skills or experiences that match the job requirements.
- Show your intention: Clearly explain why you’re applying for the position and how your skills make you a strong candidate.
A cover letter can help set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role. Including one with your application shows employers you’ve put thought into your job search and are serious about working in Canada.
6. Tailor Your Résumé and Cover Letter
If you’re figuring out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, tailoring your résumé and cover letter to each position is one of the most important—and time-consuming—steps.
In the past, you might have used a single document with all your work experience to apply for multiple jobs. Unfortunately, that approach doesn’t work in Canada. Here, you need to customize your résumé and cover letter for every job you apply for.
Start by carefully reviewing the job description for the position you’re targeting. Identify the keywords that match your skills and experience, then incorporate those keywords into your résumé.
Why is this so important? Over 90% of companies in Canada use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems scan résumés during the initial stages of the hiring process, searching for specific keywords and phrases from the job description.
This means that your résumé will likely be reviewed by an ATS before it’s ever seen by a human. If your résumé doesn’t include the relevant keywords or follow the proper formatting, it may not make it to the next stage.
By tailoring your résumé and cover letter for each application, you increase your chances of passing the ATS scan and getting your application in front of the hiring team. While it takes extra effort, this step is essential for navigating the Canadian job market and securing interviews.
7. Use Tools to Check the Accuracy of Your Résumé
When learning how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, it’s important to ensure your résumé aligns closely with the job description. One tool that can help with this is ResumeWorded.
ResumeWorded allows you to upload the text of the job description along with your résumé and gives you a compatibility score. This score indicates how well your résumé matches the job requirements based on keywords, formatting, and content.
The site offers a limited number of free attempts, so I recommend doing as much keyword tweaking on your résumé as possible before using the tool. Think of it as a final check to fine-tune your application.
If ResumeWorded doesn’t work for you, don’t worry—there are many similar tools available online, often with free trials or features. A quick search can help you find one that suits your needs.
Using tools like these can make a big difference in optimizing your résumé for applicant tracking systems (ATS), helping you get closer to landing your dream job in Canada.
8. Research the Company
If you’re serious about getting a job in Canada as a newcomer, researching the company you’re applying to is a step you can’t skip.
Creating a tailored résumé and cover letter takes time and effort, so it’s important to ensure that you’re fully invested in the positions you’re applying for.
Start by Googling the company to find their official website. Take some time to read about their history, mission, vision, and the work they do. Understanding these details not only helps you decide if the company is a good fit for you but also gives you valuable information to strengthen your application.
You can incorporate what you’ve learned into your cover letter by mentioning how your values align with their mission. This shows the employer that you’ve taken the time to learn about their organization and are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
9. Apply for the Job
When you’re ready to take the next step in getting for a job in Canada as a newcomer, it’s time to apply!
Once your tailored résumé and cover letter are finalized, you can submit your application through one of the platforms I mentioned earlier, or directly on the company’s website if they have their own application process.
Pay close attention to the instructions provided on the platform or company site. For example, some postings might specify, “Send your résumé and cover letter to this email address” or “Apply through this form.”
Following these instructions carefully is crucial, as it shows your attention to detail—a quality many employers value. Double-check everything before you hit “submit” to ensure your application is complete and error-free.
Taking the time to apply correctly is an important step in navigating the Canadian job market and moving closer to your goal of landing your ideal role.
10. Wait and Follow Up
One important part of learning how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer is knowing what to do after you’ve applied. Waiting for a response can feel nerve-wracking, but staying organized during this time will help you keep track of your progress and follow up when necessary.
I recommend creating a tracker—an Excel file works great—to keep all your applications in one place. Here’s what to include:
- The date you sent the résumé
- The company name
- The platform you used to apply
- Contact details, such as the email or website
- The job title and reference code (if applicable)
- The application due date
- Any other important details about the company or position
This tracker not only helps you follow up on applications when appropriate but also makes it easier to stay organized if a recruiter reaches out. For example, if someone calls and says, “I’m contacting you from Company XYZ,” you can quickly check your list to remember why you applied and be prepared to discuss the role.
Remember, it can take time for recruiters to review applications, so patience is key. However, following up after the application deadline has passed shows initiative and interest in the position—qualities Canadian employers appreciate.
11. Prepare for Interviews
When you’re figuring out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, being prepared for interviews is a critical step. Even if your résumé and cover letter are perfect, not every company will follow up or inform you about the next steps—but don’t let that discourage you.
Let’s stay positive! If you’ve been selected for an interview, congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare. Start by practicing common interview questions you can find online, such as:
- Tell me about yourself.
- How does your experience align with this position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Practicing these questions helps you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
Another great tool we used was Italki, a platform where you can find tutors to practice interview skills. By filtering for tutors who specialize in interviews, you can get personalized feedback and improve your responses with someone who knows what employers are looking for.
12. Explore Internal Transfers
When considering looking for a job in Canada as a newcomer, don’t overlook the possibility of internal transfers, especially if you already work for an international company in your home country. This approach may not be the most common, but it’s worth exploring—it’s how I got my job in Canada, so I wanted to share it with you.
If your current company has a presence in Canada, check if they offer programs for employees to transfer internally. These opportunities might be temporary assignments, one-year transfers, or even longer-term placements.
In my case, I initially came to Canada for a one-year transfer and ended up staying longer, eventually securing a contract here. While this path may not work for everyone, it’s a great option if you’re already employed by a global organization.
13. Seek Support from Newcomer Services
If you’re wondering how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, one valuable resource to consider is newcomer services. While I haven’t personally used these services, many agencies in Canada are specifically designed to support newcomers in their job search.
These organizations can help with a variety of tasks, including:
- Tailoring your résumé to Canadian standards
- Preparing for interviews
- Connecting you with job opportunities
To get started, here’s a link with details about institutions that offer these services. They can provide guidance and resources to make your job search more efficient and tailored to the Canadian job market.
Disclaimer: As far as I know, these services are generally available only to permanent residents. If you’re on a different visa or permit, it’s a good idea to check the eligibility requirements for these programs.
14. Networking
When figuring out how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, networking is one of the most effective strategies you can use. Meeting people can open unexpected doors—you might connect with someone who knows about a job opening or can recommend you for a position that matches your skills.
One way to expand your network is by volunteering. Not only does volunteering allow you to give back to the community, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and build connections. Another option is to join groups or clubs centered around a hobby or interest. Whether it’s a sports team, a book club, or a local community event, these activities can help you connect with others in a more casual setting.
You never know where your next opportunity might come from, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and build relationships.
15. Join Facebook Groups in Canada
If you’re exploring how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, Facebook groups can be a helpful resource—especially if you need to find a job quickly or are looking for opportunities in your native language.
Search for Facebook groups created by people from your country who are now living in Canada. These groups often serve as supportive communities where members share advice, resources, and even job opportunities to help each other out.
It’s not uncommon to see posts about job openings shared specifically to assist newcomers in their community. Joining these groups can connect you with people who understand your experience and might point you toward opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
This strategy is especially useful for building connections and finding short-term or immediate work while you continue exploring other options in the Canadian job market.
16. Contact Companies Directly
If you’re focused on getting a job within a specific industry, reaching out to companies directly can be a proactive and effective approach.
Start by researching companies in your field of interest. Visit their websites to see if they have a careers section or a way to apply directly. Many companies list job openings on their site that might not be advertised on larger job platforms.
If you don’t see a specific job posting, consider writing a polite and professional email to introduce yourself and share your résumé. In your email, explain why you’re interested in their company and how your skills align with their work. Even if they don’t have a current opening, this approach can help you get noticed and possibly be considered for future opportunities.
17. Find People Who Share Resources
Social media can be a goldmine of free resources and advice. Many professionals, including recruiters, regularly share tips on creating a standout résumé, improving your job search strategies, and navigating the Canadian job market.
Take some time to explore platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and even TikTok, where career coaches and industry experts often post free advice.
Using social media to your advantage not only helps you learn more about the job application process but also keeps you updated on trends and opportunities in the Canadian job market. The best part? Many of these resources are completely free and created specifically to help people like you succeed.
18. Identify if Your Profession Requires a License
When exploring how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, it’s important to determine if your profession is regulated and requires a license to practice.
Some professions in Canada, such as pharmacy, engineering, or healthcare, require certification or licensing by a regulatory body in the province where you plan to work. For example, pharmacists need to be licensed by the regulatory authority in their province.
To find out if your profession is regulated and what steps you need to take, you can use the Foreign Credential Recognition in Canada Tool. This resource provides detailed information about licensing requirements based on your profession and the province you’re in.
Note: This is different from an Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA), which assesses the equivalency of your educational qualifications in Canada. If you’re looking for more information on ECAs, check out my post: How to Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for Employment and Immigration Purposes.
Doing this research in advance ensures you’re prepared and can take the necessary steps to meet Canadian standards for your field.
Conclusion
Finding your way in a new country can be challenging, but with the right strategies and mindset, learning how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer is absolutely achievable. From tailoring your résumé and cover letter to researching companies, networking, and even exploring newcomer services, each of these tips brings you closer to landing the job you’re looking for.
Whether you’re reaching out to companies directly, joining Facebook groups, or practicing your interview skills, every step you take is an investment in your future.
I hope these tips help you secure the job you want—or at least a position that sets you on the path to building the life you envisioned when you came to Canada. Stay patient, stay proactive, and trust that your efforts will pay off. Your new adventure is just beginning, and that job might be closer than you think!
Want even more tips to boost your job search? Check out my post on Job Search Strategies for Newcomers in Canada: 11 Effective Tips for additional insights!