How to Find a Job in Canada as a Newcomer? – 7 Winning Steps

1# Get your Social Insurance Number

First and foremost, one of the most important things to do before you can start working in Canada is to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). No idea what that is? Essentially, it is a 9-digit number that allows you to work in Canada especially if you don’t own a work permit. It is very easy to obtain and you can start work the moment you have sent in your application for a SIN.

To apply for a SIN, you need to fill out an application and submit a few supporting documents. There are three ways to apply for a SIN; online, via mail, or in person.

If you’re applying online, you can use this website. It will guide you through the entire process. Keep in mind that you will need digitized copies of all of your documents for an online application. Make sure that when you’re scanning your documents, all of the information is clearly visible to avoid any discrepancies.

If you are applying in person or sending the documents through mail, make sure to send the original documents.

The documents you will need for your application include a primary identity document, a secondary identity document, a supporting document, proof of address, and the application itself.

A primary identity document can either be a work permit issued by IRCC or CIC or a diplomatic identity card and a work authorization certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

A secondary identity document is basically just used to confirm your identity, legal name, and date of birth. This can either be a passport or a valid driver’s license.

Then you need a supporting document which can be a marriage certificate or any other court document that has your current name on it.

The proof of address that you provide should have been issued by the government, a landlord, your employer or an organization. Make sure that your address on this document matches the address on your application.

Keep in mind that all of your documents need to be attested and translated to either English or French if they are in another language.

Once your application and its supporting documents have been sent, you will receive your SIN via mail within 15 days. In the meantime, you will be kept updated through email.

2# Get your credentials assessed

All of the jobs that you are going to apply for will require some sort of credentials to check your qualifications. Before you can start applying for jobs in Canada, you need to make sure that your credentials are recognized by the Canadian government. This includes your education certificates, diplomas, foreign license, and degrees.

Some of the professions require a special license to practice your skill, which can only be obtained after you get your credentials assessed by the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to ensure that they meet the Canadian requirements. These jobs include those of an architect, an engineer, a doctor, and various other federal jobs.

Getting a professional Canadian license can be a daunting task, but it’s necessary to work in Canada. To do so, you’ll need to get your professional skills assessed, get your language skills tested, and give an interview and a written exam.

Even if you’re working in a field that does not require a special license, it’s still a good idea to get your certificates and diplomas assessed so you can include them in your CVs. Your resumes and CVs are more likely to land you a job if they demonstrate your level of education and professional experience by Canadian standards.

3# Take the help of various online services

Settling into a new country is hard enough on its own, without worrying about finding a new job. There are plenty of services available online (which can be accessed through this website) that help make this transition a lot easier for newcomers in Canada.

These services will not only help you in getting your credentials recognized in Canada but will also help you in putting your foot through the door when it comes to your career. Not only are there specialized services that can introduce you to various employers, but they also help you out in getting a language assessment, registering for language classes, finding a home, signing your kids up for school and so much more.

There are services available especially for women, youth, and seniors as well, making the transition go as smoothly as possible.

You can get in touch with them before you even come to Canada and they will help you out with everything you need to know about settling down and finding a job.

4# Research different companies and organizations for Jobs in Canada

Before you can start applying, it’s a good idea to research the job market. Get on google and find out which areas offer the best and most highly paid jobs for your field. Take a look at different companies and find out which ones you want to work with.

This is also the perfect opportunity to scour all of the companies’ websites to figure out what each of them has to offer and how you can build your CV to meet their requirements as well.

5# Make an updated CV or resume

Once you have gotten your credentials assessed and scoured the job market, you can start working on building your CV.

You need to make sure that your CV follows the Canadian format. Start your CV by providing your contact information and follow this up with a summary of your professional career. Next, add your work experience and academic credentials.

You should know that most Canadian employers want to see most of the highlights of your work rather than the details of all of your accomplishments.

Another thing to keep in mind is that your CV or resume should be catered to the company to that you are applying. Each company will have its own requirements and therefore you should mention the skills and credentials that each company is looking for in the copy you send to them.

Remember to not write generic skills. When talking about a certain skill, provide details of how it was acquired and how you put it to use in your previous workplaces.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can add a cover letter to your resume as well.

6# Improve your language skills

Canada has two national languages, French and English. To land a good job in the country, it is imperative to improve your language skills in both of them.

Luckily, the government does a great job of helping you out with this by providing free language classes. Before you can take the class, you need to take a language assessment test after which you should be able to register for classes.

These classes are free of cost and available in all provinces. From basic to advanced levels, you have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to the type of classes you want to take. Similarly, language classes are also offered for specified fields which help you communicate with people in your field.

7# Take advantage of networking

Social media and networking can be one of your biggest helpers when looking for a job. Reach out to friends and family to ask if anyone knows of a job opening in your field.

It also helps to join social media sites like LinkedIn and various Facebook groups where you get to know other people in your field. Some of these people might help you land a job or refer you to someone who could help you out.