New to Canada? These actionable job search tips are worth a shot

It’s no secret: job hunting is tough, whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned pro. It can be even tougher for newcomers to Canada to find a job; with differences in culture, resume norms, and an emphasis on “Canadian workplace experience,” there are many extra challenges with which someone who is new to the country must contend. We asked three experts to share their advice for newcomers who are looking for a job in Canada. 

Being familiar with the job application process and the expected format of a resume and cover letter is an important first step to finding a job in Canada. Knowing where to look for jobs can help you narrow down your search and find opportunities that interest you.  

Queenie Choo, CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., a large social service agency that helps newcomers through integrated services, recommends “leveraging multiple websites” to avoid missing opportunities that are not posted widely. Queenie compares finding a job to making an online purchase: just as consumers want to see product reviews, as a job seeker, “you want to look for the right environment and culture for yourself.” Following the companies that you want to work for on social media and keeping up to date on company news is a great way to find out what others are saying about the company, and whether you might want to work there.  

Once you’ve found a job to apply to, crafting an application correctly is essential. Ed Lima, Business Relations Liaison for ISS of BC, encourages newcomers to “customize their resume, including a Canadian resume format, to match the job they are applying for.” He notes that “many people use the same template to apply to any position, but this is usually ineffective.” Queenie echoes this advice and notes that identifying and using keywords from job postings is an effective way to customize your application and show “potential employers that you have the skills and experience needed for the job.” 

Once you’ve applied, Ed notes, 

it’s okay—and even encouraged—to follow up with the employer: 

“In my opinion, one of the most important “unwritten rules” for applying to jobs in Canada is to follow up on your job applications strategically and professionally, particularly after job interviews. While it’s not explicit in job postings, taking the initiative to follow up can demonstrate a genuine interest and determination to potential employers. It’s important to wait a reasonable amount of time after submitting the application, be polite, state the specific job you applied for – including the date – and express a continued interest in the position. However, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t receive any replies. Given the number of applications, they may not respond to all candidates.” 

Something that newcomers’ resumes often lack is Canadian workplace experience. Yet, this is something that “Canadian employers want everyone to have,” according to Matt Adolphe, author, keynote speaker, and communication consultant. It makes sense that newcomers would not have experience in a Canadian workplace – they're new to the country, after all! Figuring out how to gain this experience is a crucial step that can bolster newcomers’ job applications, and “volunteering in the community,” Matt notes, is one way to do so.  

Aside from being an avenue to gain valuable Canadian workplace experience, "volunteerism,” Ed explains, “helps improve [one’s] network and get exposure to potential job openings within that organization.” Building a professional network can be hard work, but Ed notes that it “is highly effective in tapping into hidden opportunities. Companies value referrals a lot, so it can be an opportunity to be introduced to the right person.” Matt shared one such example: 

“I know an international professional who specialized in finance in his home country. After moving to Canada, and after a year of applying, he was unable to find work. One day, he decided to volunteer at a non-for-profit helping them with their accounting and bookkeeping for a few hours per week. He made a lot of good friends there, and about 6 months later, the CFO retired, and asked if he would like to apply for that position. He did and got the job. And there is an abundance of similar stories like this.” 

Engaging in mentorship programs, such as the one offered by S.U.C.C.E.S.S., is another great way to begin building a network and meet other professionals in your field. Queenie explains that mentees are matched with a mentor in their field of interest or career in their country of origin. This can be helpful for not only people who are new to the field, but those who already have experience but “don’t know about the job requirements in [Canadian] culture.” Working with a mentor, Queenie elaborates, is “very helpful to actually get a good understanding of what our culture is and what a Canadian workplace experience would be like.” This, she notes, can help mentees make decisions about their job search. Conducting informational interviews can also have a similar effect. “Informational interviews,” Ed explains, “are the practice of reaching out to individuals working in the sector you’re interested in and learning about their career paths, obtaining insights into the industry, and discovering potential job opportunities.” 

Have you been implementing this advice but still haven’t found a job? Don’t give up! “Job hunting can be discouraging,” Queenie acknowledges, but “it should not be reflective of your capability.” There can be many different factors at play when you don’t get a job. “It is crucial,” Queenie says, “to remain persistent, continue to submit your job applications, and follow up with your leads . . . eventually it will lead to success in your job search.” 

Thrive would like to extend a special thanks to the experts who agreed to be interviewed for this article: 

Matt Adolphe: author of Canadian Workplace Culture: Mastering the Unspoken Rules, keynote speaker, and communication consultant. 

Queenie Choo: CEO of S.U.C.C.E.S.S., one of BC’s largest social service agencies that helps newcomers through integrated services.  

Ed Lima: Business Relations Liaison for ISS of BC. Any employer interested in hiring newcomers can contact Ed at businessrelations@issbc.org; newcomers interested in their services should access www.issbc.org.