Whether you’re a Canadian citizen, a Canadian resident, or have received a type of work permit, entering Canada’s job field can seem intimidating at first. While it can be a competitive market, with the right approach and preparation, securing employment is possible with an updated resume, a network of trusted professionals, and relevant skills and experience.
Most Foreign Nationals Require a Work Permit
There are a few types of work permits that can be obtained to work in Canada. Some work permits will require you to receive a job offer from a Canadian employer, some will require you to have a connection with someone in Canada, and some will require you to undergo a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
There are two types of work permits. There are open work permits, which do not require an LMIA or a job offer, but there are specific eligibility requirements.
There is also what is called a closed work permit, which means a foreign national is tied to a specific employer and must remain employed with them until they change their work permit.
There are types of jobs that are exempt from a work permit, but it’s always best to discuss this with an immigration expert who has experience working with many kinds of applicants and situations. For example, if you are an athlete, crew worker, business visitor, investigator, military personnel, public speaker, or more, you may not require a work permit. You’ll need to meet the requirements under the International Mobility Program.
Resume Tips to Stand Out to Canadian Employers
To stand out from the crowd, it all starts with your resume. Resumes help make first impressions and are what makes an employer reach out to you in the first place, so it has to speak volumes about who you are, what you stand for, your valuable experience, and what else you can bring to the table. But most importantly, it should be error-free, tailored to the position you’re applying for, and be 100% honest. Other things to pay attention to on your resume include:
Achievement Highlights
As mentioned above, be honest. Don’t exaggerate your achievements or accomplishments. Don’t just simply list them either – focus on the accomplishments and results you’ve achieved in each role by providing examples. This demonstrates to the employer that you have what it takes to fill that role confidently.
Keywords
Many employers nowadays use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes, so be sure to include relevant keywords from the job description throughout your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of being noticed.
Concise Design
Keep your resume concise, easy to read, and organized. Use bullet points to highlight key information to avoid using large paragraphs. Don’t include unnecessary or irrelevant information. If you have any certifications, licenses, or additional skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, be sure to include them.
Keen Eye
Typos and errors can make a negative impression on employers, so be sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. Consider asking a friend, family member or mentor to review it as well.
Confidence
Showing your confidence in a resume and cover letter shows employers that you truly believe in your abilities, that you’re ready to take on new challenges, and that you’re capable of handling the responsibilities of the job. It can make a very strong and positive first impression on your potential employer.
Searching for Jobs in Canada
If you’re ready to begin looking for job opportunities in Canada, several resources and websites can make your search easier. Some popular platforms include:
- Job board websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster and Workopolis are great places to start. You can search for jobs based on location, industry and job title. If you create an account on these websites, you can even create job alerts to receive notifications about new and relevant job opportunities for you.
- Networking can help you go far, especially in Canada. You can begin networking with professionals in your specific industry on LinkedIn or at job fairs.
- Recruitment agencies can help match job seekers with the perfect opportunity for them. No matter if you’re looking for a temporary or permanent position, they can help match your skills and experience to the right job vacancies, saving you time and effort in searching for positions on your own.
- Utilize social media. In today’s digital age, many companies resort to posting about available positions on their Facebook or Instagram page so make sure to follow companies you’re interested in working for and engage with their posts or stories to stay informed.
Utilize These Tips & Resources to Find a Job That Best Suits You!
Consider contacting immigration experts at Oro Immigration if you need help obtaining a work permit. If you’re just entering the job market in Canada in general, it can be tough to find a position or a company that best suits you. But by improving your resume and maximizing your job search strategies, you can better your chances of finding a job.
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