Things you should know before looking for a job in Canada

If you are planning to move to Canada in search of a job, you will first have to start making efforts to find a job there. This will become easier if you have access to important information about working in Canada.

Before you make use of the information available to you, the first thing to do is to assess your skills and work experience. You can then study the Canadian job market and find out which jobs are in demand and which skillsets are required in the job market. This will help you understand the kind of job openings you will be eligible for once you land there and chances of getting them. Knowledge of the top jobs available in Canada will help you decide if you can succeed in getting a job.

If you are optimistic about your chances of landing a job, you can go ahead with your job hunt armed with the information below.

 Work permit requirements:

To work in Canada, it is generally required that you should have a work permit before you even move to the country. You will need a work permit if you are not a permanent resident and need to work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker. However, there are certain jobs that do not require one.

Different types of work permits:

There are two types of work permits given by Canadian authorities- open work permit and an employer-specific work permit. An open work permit basically allows you to work for any employer. This visa is not job-specific, so applicants do not require the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer letter from an employer who has paid the compliance fee.

With an open work permit, you can work for any employer in Canada except for those companies that do not comply with labor requirements.

While the employer-specific work permit pertains to a single employer, the open work permit can come with certain conditions which will be written on it. These include:

• Type of work
• Places where you can work
• Duration of work

Searching and applying for jobs:

Job Bank: There are various resources you can rely on when searching and applying for jobs in Canada. One option is to use the Job Bank. This option is available to you when you apply for your PR visa using the Express Entry program.

You can create a Job Bank account in the Express Entry system. Once you are registered you will gain access to the Express Entry job pool which is a database of employers looking for candidates to fill the open positions in their firms.

Registering with the job bank not only gives you access to a verified job search but also an opportunity to contact top employers who are looking at overseas workers.

The other advantage is if you are selected by a Canadian company registered with the pool, then the employer will make an application for immigration from his end. This will be to your advantage and help you in migrating to Canada. Experienced professionals will find the job bank service quite helpful.

Hiring agencies: Get in touch with recruitment agencies especially those connected with your profession. These agencies can help you find a job and the good news is more companies are relying on them to find talent that will match their needs. So, make the best use of agencies to help you find a job in Canada.

Directly contacting companies: You can try cold-calling companies to find out if they have any vacancies that match your profile. Or you can browse their websites for any job opportunities and then contact them.

Job sites: You can register with job sites that cater to companies in Canada and increase your chances of landing a job.

Regional sites: The provinces in Canada also have their own separate job sites where the requirements in those regions are posted.

It is advisable to first shortlist the jobs and apply for only those you are seriously interested in. This will help you narrow down your job search.

Use networking to your advantage:

Personal network: Tap on your contacts with friends and relatives who are living in Canada and get in touch with their contacts. They are potential resources to help you find a job.

Professional network: Attend job events and career fairs to build your professional network. This can be the best opportunity to network with people in your field.

Volunteer work: If you are already in Canada and looking for a suitable job, then you can opt for doing some volunteer work, this will not only get you attention but also help you build proximity with top industry names to whom you can market your skills and get a full-time job.

There are also job assistance services to help those who have newly arrived in Canada to help them make the necessary connections to find a job.

 Accreditation of qualifications:

You must get your qualifications accredited before you decide to work in Canada. This is done through the Educational Credential Assessment or the ECA. The document will cost you around CAD 200 and the processing time is around ten days.

However certain jobs such as teachers, medical professionals, social workers etc. do not require accreditation from the ECA but there are other regulatory bodies for accreditation.

The accreditation for certain skilled trades varies for each province, you must do your research before you decide to work in a specific province.

A wise option is to get the help of an immigration consultant who also offers job search services. The consultant will provide valuable inputs to help you find a job and help you migrate to Canada.