How to Apply for a Job in Canada

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Applying for a job can be a complicated process; fortunately, the more you do it, the better you will become at it! To apply for a job in Canada, whether you already live there or not, you’ll need to organize a bit of paperwork, search for a job, fill out the application, and attend an interview.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Organizing Paperwork

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    Non-residents will need to legally enter Canada before they can start working. Being a national security threat, violating international human rights, having a criminal record of certain crimes, having a health condition that’s dangerous to public health, or being unable to support yourself financially upon entering Canada are all reasons you may be found inadmissible. [1]
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    Non-residents of Canada will need to either immigrate, get a temporary work permit, or work as a student. There are a few jobs that do not require a work permit, such as foreign government officials, performance artists, athletic team members, and emergency service providers.
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    If you were born in Canada, you probably already have an SIN. You will need to provide this number to future employers. If you were not born in Canada, you’ll need to apply for an SIN when you arrive to the country.
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    Write a resume or curriculum vitae. A resume is also called a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in Canada. It is a 1-page summary of your job experiences and qualifications, and is required by most employers. [2] List your contact information at the top, then detail your education and dates of graduation, your job experience (beginning with the most recent), and your relevant skills. [3]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Searching for Jobs

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    A good way to find a job is to look up specific companies in your field on the Internet. For instance, if you’re a lawyer, start searching law firms in the area of Canada you’re planning to live. If you’re a chef, research restaurants in the area you’re moving to. [5]
    • When researching companies, consider if you think you’ll be a good match as an employee for them. If so, visit their employment page to see if they’re hiring and how to apply for a position.
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    If you already live in Canada, meet employers and discuss jobs at local job fairs. Job fairs often occur on college campuses and in metropolitan business districts. Check when job fairs are happening near you by searching the web for the name of your city or town and job fairs. [6]
    • If you're moving to Canada but are not sure where you want to live, visit job fairs in several towns.
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    Job Bank is a large job search website through the Canadian government that has up to 2,000 new job postings every day. You can search any type of job for any area of Canada through the search engine. [7]
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    There are both private and government-based employment agencies in Canada that can assist you in finding a job. Find a Service Center Canada for lists of government employment services and training help.
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    Some jobs aren’t advertised, and the only way you’ll find out about them is through word of mouth. Let your family, friends, and neighbors know that you’re looking for a job in a certain field. [8]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Applying and Interviewing

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    Write a cover letter for the specific job you’re applying for. A cover letter tells a specific employer why you should be considered for their company. [9] It is usually 1 or 2 short paragraphs. [10] When writing a cover letter, it’s helpful to research the company to see exactly what they’re looking for in employees. [11]
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    When you find a company that’s hiring that you are interested in working for, spend as much time as you need filling out their application. Remember that the application and your resume and cover letter are the only information about you that the company has so far, so you’ll want to make sure they are impressive. [12]
    • Be sure that your application is free of grammar and spelling mistakes. Ask a friend or acquaintance to proofread it for you before submitting it.
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    Show up on time and well-dressed for your interview . If a company likes your application, resume, and cover letter, they will invite you to come in for an interview. Smile and be confident during the interview. Remember that not only is the company interviewing you, you are interviewing them. [13]
    • Be prepared to answer questions about your background, experience, knowledge, and expertise in the field for which you are interviewing.
    • Dress professionally in clean, wrinkle-free clothes that are suitable for the workplace.
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    with the company in 2-3 days. If a company is very impressed with you, you may get a job offer immediately. However, it’s common for a company to take a few days or even a week to finish their round of interviews before deciding who they will hire for the position. Take a moment to write an email or call the individuals who interviewed you to thank them for their time. [14]
    • In your message or email, say something like, “I wanted to thank you again for your time and say it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to hearing back from you about the position I interviewed for.” Leave your contact information again at the end of the message. [15]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I write a letter of intent?
    Jonathan Soormaghen
    Career Coach
    Jonathan Soormaghen is a Career Coach and Founder of Resume Advisor, a career counseling firm that specializes in creating personalized products such as resumes, CVs, cover letters, and online branding tools to propel clients toward their next career milestone. Jonathan holds a BA in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was honored to serve as the Valedictory speaker of general commencement. Prior to founding Resume Advisor, he worked in management consulting and finance at companies including Accenture, Target, and Ernst & Young. Jonathan's clients have landed job offers from leading firms including Netflix, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Uber, Deloitte, KMPG, Accenture, and Merrill Lynch.
    Jonathan Soormaghen
    Career Coach
    Expert Answer
    When crafting your cover letter or letter of intent, focus on showcasing yourself as the ideal candidate for the applied role. Incorporate a personal example that not only reflects your personality but also provides the reader with insights into who you are. Ensure that each letter is tailored with specific examples, offering a varied and comprehensive view of your qualifications. Keep in mind that the key is to actively demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the position.
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about applying for jobs, check out our in-depth interview with Jonathan Soormaghen .

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.immigration.ca/grounds-for-inadmissibility/
      2. ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 30 December 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.justlanded.com/english/Canada/Canada-Guide/Jobs/Job-applications
      4. ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 30 December 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      6. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      7. ↑ Timothy Morson. Canadian Immigration Specialist. Expert Interview. 26 January 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      9. ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 30 December 2020.
      1. ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 30 December 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.justlanded.com/english/Canada/Canada-Guide/Jobs/Job-applications
      3. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      4. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      5. ↑ https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/look-jobs.html
      6. ↑ Jonathan Soormaghen. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 30 December 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To apply for a job in Canada, you’ll need to get the right paperwork and research jobs online. If you’re not a local, you’ll need to immigrate, get a temporary work permit, or work as a student. Unless you were born in Canada, you’ll also need to apply for an SIN when you arrive in the country. To find job openings, check Canadian job sites, like Job Bank, and contact employment agencies, like Service Center Canada. You can also research Canadian companies in your field, then contact them asking if they have any job openings and giving a brief summary of your skills and experience. For more career advice, including how to write a great cover letter and resume, read on!

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