Finding a job in Ontario is not easy, especially if you are looking for a job opportunity before you arrive. The job search process of preparing your resume, applying, networking and interviewing for the position you want is a full-time job that usually requires you to be physically present.
Upon your landing and once you have obtained permanent residency status. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a job before you arrive.
1. Have a Canadian-style resume and cover letter
Different countries have different requirements for the workforce and application process. A Canadian-style CV is recommended to be no more than two pages. The resume should include the most relevant work experience for the position you are applying for, no more than 10 years. Never give out your salary, photos, or other personal information, such as your marital status and family information. Human rights laws in Canada protect employees from disclosing such personal information so that you may not be discriminated against based on such information
2. Optimize your LinkedIn account
If you have been informed that you are moving to Canada for work and networking in your country of origin, please change your location to Canada instead of your country of origin in your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters who search for candidates on LinkedIn prioritize overseas candidates.
Also, please make sure that your LinkedIn account is up to date, contains the latest information, and that your grammar is perfect. Bad grammar or careless mistakes can make you look as if your English is not up to the mark. Recruiters need to know if you have a professional level of communication before they can consider you for the job.
3. Join the Professional Migration Network (PIN)
You must establish an extensive network before being hired. A good way to do this before you arrive is to join a local online community group, such as a professional association run by immigrants in the area you plan to live in. They consist of employers and other professionals in your field of work. They are as important as the social networks of family and friends. A PIN can help you build your career with other professionals who understand your experience, expertise and the job market for your occupation.
There are many immigrant-led professional organizations in Ontario. For example, TRIEC’s Professional Immigration Networks (PINs) program consists of a network of more than 70 associations in a variety of fields including accounting and finance, law, engineering, media and more. Find and join an association in PIN to share insights, leverage skills, and build strong connections for meaningful work.
4. Find a Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program matches you with reputable professionals in Canada for personal, career-specific mentoring relationships. A strong mentoring partnership can help you make important professional connections, understand company culture and gain insight into the job market in your chosen field of employment. Learn about the different mentoring programs in and around your destination city, become a “student” and find mentors in your area of expertise. TRIEC Mentoring Partners offer mentoring programs in the Greater Toronto Area. According to TRIEC, 77% of trainees have found a job in their field or a related field within six months of completing the program.
5. Determine Which Canadian Certifications You Need
Research what additional certifications or training you may need to successfully enter your professional field in Canada. Canada has a workforce from all over the world with different types of study certificates. You may need to take additional courses or take an exam to verify your country of origin certificate. Don’t let an unrecognized international credential stop you from finding a job that matches all your experience and expertise. The Canadian International Credentials Information Centre (CICIC) will help you determine the credentials you need to practice in Canada.
6. Sign up for a free government program before you arrive
The government offers free programs to help you get a job faster. You can enroll online for pre-arrival employment services such as JVS, the CanPrep program or NextStopCanada prior to your arrival. CanPrep connects qualified entry-level professionals with employment experts from around the world to help them navigate the Canadian job market.
According to CanPrep’s employment experts, it’s not just important for you to get services before you arrive, it’s also important for you to actively network. You can get better results by participating in government-funded subsidy schemes and using the information they provide to implement practical job search strategies. Many CanPrep participants find work immediately upon arrival, and some even before they arrive, thanks to good strategy.
Ontario Orientation also offers free webinars and seminars that you can attend online.
7. Consider volunteering
Do not preclude volunteering as soon as you arrive to gain experience. Choose volunteer work that is relevant to your skills and career. You don’t have to devote your entire workweek to volunteering because you have to devote your time to job hunting. But if you volunteer a few hours a week, you can gain a better understanding of Canadian work culture and practice your technical and communication skills (perfect your English). This is also a good opportunity to get Canadian references.