Newcomer Job Search Tips

Job Search Strategies for Newcomers to Canada

Finding a job in a new country is always stressful. There are more obstacles to overcome than if you were already a long-term resident. We can help lighten your burden by giving you these job search strategies for newcomers to Canada:

Think of one or more entry-level job positions that you can do.

As a newcomer to Canada, getting a job related to your career in your country of origin may not be possible. Therefore, it would be best if you were open to landing an entry-level position. Remember that your goal is to be able to find a job that will let you obtain Canadian work experience. More importantly, you have to get a job that will help you pay your bills, especially if your funds are only enough to last for a few months. So to start, you have to think of one or more entry-level jobs that you can do so you can begin your job search and proceed to the application.

Write a new resume that's fit for Canadian employers.

One of the best job search strategies for newcomers to Canada is to write a Canadian-style resume. Yes, there is such a thing as a Canadian resume format. So, to get Canadian employers' attention, one must know the correct resume format. Firstly, the following information must be written in the correct sequence:

  • Contact Information – It must be written on top of your resume. It must have your name, address, telephone number, and email address. If you have a LinkedIn account, include your LinkedIn address as well.
  • Career summary – Avoid boring essays; three to five sentences should be enough to highlight your strength and core competencies.
  • Work experience – Typically, you will write your latest job experience, but this is not the case in a Canadian-style resume. You should note here first about your experience relevant to the position you are applying for. This serves as proof that you can do the job. First, write your job title, the company and its address, and the years you worked there. Then, write your work experience in bullet format: your responsibilities and the benefits or results of your work performance. If you have over ten years of work experience, limit it to 10 years.
  • Educational attainment – Start with your highest educational attainment. If you graduated from college, there is no need for you to write about your high school education. Instead, include your degree, major, and the school's name. Including the year you graduated is also best unless you are advised otherwise.

Focus on applying to job sites that focus on newcomers.

It's okay to submit your application to all the job sites online. But remember that it may be better and more effective if you focus on submitting your profile and application to job sites that cater to newcomers to Canada, such as Novices Jobs.

Build a professional network.

If you don't have a LinkedIn account yet, it's better that you create one. This will help you a lot when building a professional network in Canada. After you've successfully created your LinkedIn profile, start your job search. You will not only list the jobs you want to apply to. You will also develop a checklist of the names of the companies that you are interested in. Afterwards, find people who work in these companies through LinkedIn. Connect with them. You can send them a short message informing them of the reason you want to connect. If you receive a chat back, you can politely ask questions about the company and the job you want to apply for.

Starting a new life in Canada means, first and foremost, finding a job so you can live the quality of life you want. However, it may not be easier, especially if you are new to the country. So get started on the right track. We hope this list of job search strategies for newcomers to Canada has helped you.