01/28/2025
I think most of the new comers in Canada face a common problem. Finding their 1st Job. Let's talk about this topic to help them understand how job market works in Canada.
When you first land in Canada, it really doesn't matter which country, what community and what was your educational or professional background was back home. What really matter is how fast you can adapt the Canada's economic and social environment.
You need to improve few things in yourself as soon as you land or before landing in Canada:
Speaking quality in English: Speaking in English is must. Poor speaking quality in English will delay your chance of getting the first job.
Communication shyness: I have seen so many people are so shy to go out and ask for job physically and instead they apply online most of the time. Two main benefits of going personally and ask for job are your communication skill will develop and you get more confident. Be open and say I'll do any job you have. Your goal is to get your first job so that you can build reference.
Planning: You have to know how to plan your day. You sleep late and get up late and think about getting a job by applying online, that's not gonna get you a job.
Canada job market is independent to all races but internally it's referral based by nature. Which means, specific race refers same community people to apply for a vacant position and hiring managers being lazy, skips the huge amount of resume they recieved.
So how to get a first job?
Let me ak you first: Did you get any certification here in Canada? No, then start with these.
Smart Serv certificate can help you get job in any food and beverage service industry.
Security license can get you security jobs.
Forklift license can get you warehouse jobs.
Driving license can get you delivery jobs.
Food handler certificate can get you back kitchen jobs.
Dog Walker & Pet Nany can help you get some cash weekly basis.
And so on. Now with these license and certificate, you have to make smart moves to market yourself to the employers.
Tips for networking:
# Networking is very important for getting a job in Canada. Based of your certification, go to a certain area in the city and search in Google map for related business.
For example, restaurants. Go to the restaurant and ask for owner or manager only. Don't just drop your resume to anyone.
If they say come later, ask for time and go back again and meet.
Don't say to manager, I need job. Say "I have this certificate and I am good in this and that. I'm available for any shift. This is my number, you can call me anytime to start."
Remember where business needs lot of employees to work in different shifts, there an existing employee may help you to refer for example security guard job. A security guard a can easily refer you than a restaurant employee because security guard can't work 24 hours. 24 hours Restaurant employee may help but if it's a half day restaurant, they won't help you to get a job.
# Join free events in Facebook and Eventbrite. You can meet lot of people through events. Make friends and ask for reference.
# From 1st month in Canada, you should join community services. Do the community services for free and make good relationships with people. They will give reference. Be genuine.
# Go to the event management and Man power offices. They recruit whole year long. They can give you a good start.
# If you know any specific skills like graphic design, website design, print design, programming, audio video editing etc. search google map with those keywords for business and go to the office and ask for free trial for a month. Show your skills and they will pay you, trust me. Always make a portfolio before going and asking for job.
# Always dress up well, clean hair and facial with no body odour. Use good perfume and body deodorant. Don't wear casual dresses and go out for asking job. Be and look professional.
I found my 1st job in 2nd month after I landed in Canada within 1 week after waiting for those people who said they will get me a job. Don't wait for people to get you a job. They say that to politely ignore you.
Polish and upgrade yourself as soon as you come in Canada or you will be a cry baby like thousand other. I believe positive attitude can take you to positive environment. Listen to everyone but don't let it hit your emotion. Take only what is good for you, rest dump to garbage.
