Finding the right job in Canada can be difficult, but there are some steps you can take to make sure that you’re on the right track, no matter what field of work you’re in or where you live in Canada. We found some great tips from The Financial Post on how to find a job in Canada, and we put them together in this step-by-step guide so that you can have an easier time looking for work. Check out these 7 tips that will help you find the right job in Canada!
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1) Choose whether you want to work for yourself or for someone else
People choose whether they want to work for themselves or for someone else based on their own preferences. The first step is to evaluate your personality and strengths; if you have an entrepreneurial mindset and you’re confident that you can succeed on your own, consider starting your own business. However, don’t forget that working for yourself also means going without a salary until your company begins earning money; depending on your financial needs and life situation, it might be easier (and more lucrative) to find employment with an established company. Remember that deciding between self-employment and employment is not an all-or-nothing decision—many successful business owners started out working for other companies before striking out on their own!
2) Research Market Opportunities
To find out which industries are growing, keep an eye on job boards and ask friends who work in that field. Look for hiring or recruiting signs, as they’re often placed outside company offices when they have job openings. The more specific you can be with your job search, the better. For example, if you love children and want to work with them one day, seek out opportunities at preschools or daycare centers. If you’re passionate about dance but need some cash now, try searching for positions at local gyms where you can teach aerobic dance classes or group exercise sessions. By being specific with your job search (and by searching often), you’ll increase your chances of finding something sooner than later.
3) Prepare Resumes and Cover Letters
For someone who is just starting out, cover letters and resumes can seem like an insurmountable challenge. But, if you keep it simple, your application materials won’t be that difficult to draft. When drafting cover letters and resumes, always remember: write clearly (don’t use contractions or slang) and follow directions. If a specific font style is preferred by your potential employer, then use it! This small detail can help you stand out from other applicants; conversely, not following instructions could hurt your chances of getting hired.
4) Network
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Many people are willing and more than happy to refer someone they know for open positions. By not being afraid of who you ask, you are more likely to find what it is that you’re looking for, as well as build business contacts along the way. (Source: Canada Job Circular 2022)
5) Attend Career Fairs
For those who want to start their job search as soon as possible, career fairs offer an excellent opportunity to meet with potential employers face-to-face. In addition, they usually include seminars and workshops related to resume writing and interviewing techniques that can help job seekers make a great first impression at events. To improve your chances of success at these events, be sure to thoroughly research each company before attending a fair. During your meetings, remember that interviews are more like conversations than interrogations; come prepared with questions you have about particular companies so you can get all of your questions answered and leave wanting more information. Also be sure to dress professionally and make eye contact throughout conversations.
6) Create a Professional Online Presence
Make sure your online presence is consistent and professional, otherwise recruiters might see your social media profiles as unprofessional. Another way to make sure you have a consistent, professional presence is by making sure your resume is accurate and up-to-date. Stay on top of trends when it comes to formatting resumes—the last thing you want to do is send out an outdated resume that might get tossed aside. And don’t think that just because an older version of Microsoft Word created your resume that it’s safe from looking dated. Your best bet: stick with professional templates (like these!) when drafting resumes, cover letters and more.
7) Use Professional Résumé Writing Services
Don’t have time to write a résumé yourself? Get help from Canada’s professional services. While you may think it is an expensive service, remember that your résumé will be your first impression for many employers and it could be what lands you that interview. Make sure it stands out by having a professionally written résumé. If you are writing one on your own, make sure to keep it simple, succinct and targeted so potential employers know why they should hire you. An extra tip: leave off long lists of achievements and focus on what differentiates you from other applicants. The best strategy is to tailor each résumé per job application or job interview.
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