A Newcomer's Guide to Finding a Job in Canada

Finding Work in Canada as a Newcomer

Finding a job is one of the most important steps in building your new life in Canada. The Canadian job market has its own culture, expectations, and processes that may differ from what you are used to. Understanding how things work here will help you find meaningful employment faster.

At WelcomeAide, we regularly hear from newcomers who are looking for guidance on the job search process. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparing your resume to understanding your rights as a worker in Canada.

The Canadian Job Market

Canada's economy is diverse, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, construction, natural resources, finance, and education. Different provinces and cities have different job markets. For example, British Columbia has a strong technology and film industry, while Alberta has a large energy sector.

As of early 2026, Canada's unemployment rate is approximately 5.5% to 6%. Many industries face labour shortages, which means there are good opportunities for skilled newcomers. The key is knowing where to look and how to present yourself.

Writing a Canadian-Style Resume

Your resume is your first impression with a Canadian employer. Canadian resumes follow specific conventions that may differ from resumes in other countries.

Format and Length

A Canadian resume should be one to two pages long. Use a clean, professional format with clear headings and bullet points. Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10 to 12 point size.

What to Include

• Contact information: Your name, phone number, email address, city and province (no full street address needed), and LinkedIn profile URL.
• Professional summary: Two to three sentences summarizing your experience, skills, and career goals. Tailor this for each job you apply to.
• Work experience: List your most recent job first. For each position, include the job title, company name, city, dates of employment, and three to five bullet points describing your accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible.
• Education: List your degrees, diplomas, and certifications with the institution name, location, and graduation date.
• Skills: Include both technical skills (software, tools, languages) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
• Volunteer experience: If relevant, include volunteer work to show community involvement and fill employment gaps.

What Not to Include

Canadian resumes do not include:

• A photo of yourself.
• Your date of birth or age.
• Your marital status or number of children.
• Your religion or nationality.
• Your Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• References (write "References available upon request" or leave this off entirely).

Including personal information like age, marital status, or a photo is not expected and may actually work against you, as Canadian employers must follow anti-discrimination laws.

Writing a Cover Letter

Many Canadian job applications require a cover letter. This is a one-page letter that introduces you, explains why you are interested in the position, and highlights how your experience and skills match the job requirements.

Cover Letter Structure

• Opening paragraph: State the position you are applying for, where you found the listing, and why you are interested.
• Middle paragraphs (one to two): Describe your relevant experience and accomplishments. Use specific examples. Show how your skills match the job description.
• Closing paragraph: Express your enthusiasm, mention that you have attached your resume, and state your availability for an interview. Thank the reader for their time.

Tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company. Generic cover letters are easy to spot and less effective.

Where to Search for Jobs

Canada has many job search resources. Using multiple channels will increase your chances of finding the right position.

Online Job Boards

• Job Bank: The Government of Canada's official job board. It lists thousands of jobs across the country and includes tools for resume building and job matching.
• Indeed Canada (indeed.ca): One of the largest job boards in Canada.
• LinkedIn: Both a job board and a professional networking platform. Many Canadian employers post jobs and recruit through LinkedIn.
• Glassdoor: Job listings plus company reviews and salary information.
• Workopolis, Monster.ca, and industry-specific job boards.

Networking

In Canada, networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job. Studies suggest that up to 80% of jobs are filled through networking and referrals, not job postings. Here are ways to build your network:

• Attend industry events, job fairs, and professional meetups.
• Join professional associations in your field.
• Connect with people on LinkedIn. Send personalized connection requests.
• Reach out to people for informational interviews. This is a common practice in Canada where you meet someone working in your field to learn about their experience and get advice.
• Volunteer with organizations in your field. This builds your Canadian network and experience.

Settlement Agency Employment Programs

Many settlement agencies offer free employment programs for newcomers, including resume workshops, job search skills training, networking events, and mentorship programs. Check with your local settlement agency or visit WelcomeAide's programs page for resources.

Credential Recognition

If you have education or professional credentials from another country, you may need to have them assessed or recognized in Canada. This is especially important for regulated professions like engineering, nursing, teaching, accounting, and medicine.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

An ECA evaluates your foreign education and compares it to Canadian standards. Organizations that provide ECAs include:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service (CES) at the University of Toronto

An ECA typically costs $200 to $350 and takes four to eight weeks to process. Having an ECA can help employers understand your qualifications.

Regulated Professions

If your profession is regulated in Canada (such as medicine, engineering, law, or nursing), you must meet the licensing requirements of the relevant provincial or national regulatory body before you can practice. This may involve additional exams, supervised practice, or bridging programs.

The IRCC credential assessment page has information and links to regulatory bodies for different professions.

Canadian Interview Culture

Job interviews in Canada have certain cultural expectations. Understanding these can help you make a strong impression.

Before the Interview

• Research the company. Know what they do, their values, and recent news.
• Prepare examples of your accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the company.
• Dress professionally. When in doubt, dress one level above the company's typical dress code.

During the Interview

• Arrive five to ten minutes early (or log in early for virtual interviews).
• Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake (in person) and make eye contact.
• Be honest and specific in your answers. Use real examples from your experience.
• It is okay to take a moment to think before answering a question.
• Show enthusiasm for the role and the company.
• At the end, thank the interviewer for their time.

After the Interview

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Keep it brief. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from your conversation, and reiterate your interest in the position.

Work References

Canadian employers typically ask for two to three professional references. These should be people who can speak to your work performance, such as former supervisors, managers, or colleagues. References from your home country are acceptable, but having at least one Canadian reference is helpful.

If you are new to Canada and do not have Canadian work references, consider:

• Volunteering to gain Canadian experience and references.
• Using references from Canadian language classes or settlement programs.
• Asking a mentor from a newcomer employment program.

Always ask permission before listing someone as a reference. Let them know which jobs you are applying for so they can prepare.

Your Labour Rights in Canada

As a worker in Canada, you have rights that are protected by law. These rights apply to all workers, regardless of immigration status.

Key Rights Under Provincial Employment Standards

• Minimum wage: In BC, the minimum wage is $17.85 per hour as of 2026. It varies by province.
• Hours of work: Standard hours are eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. Overtime pay (typically 1.5 times your regular rate) applies after these hours in most provinces.
• Vacation: In BC, you are entitled to two weeks of paid vacation after one year of employment, and three weeks after five years.
• Statutory holidays: You are entitled to paid time off on statutory holidays, such as New Year's Day, Canada Day, and Christmas Day.
• Workplace safety: Your employer must provide a safe workplace. You have the right to refuse unsafe work. WorkSafeBC oversees workplace safety in British Columbia.
• Freedom from harassment and discrimination: It is illegal for employers to discriminate based on race, gender, religion, disability, age, or other protected grounds.

Filing a Complaint

If your employer violates your rights, you can file a complaint with your provincial employment standards branch. In BC, contact the BC Employment Standards Branch at 1-833-236-3700. You can also visit a Service BC office for help.

Bridging Programs and Additional Training

If your credentials are not directly recognized in Canada, bridging programs can help you fill the gaps. These programs are designed for internationally trained professionals and combine classroom learning with Canadian workplace experience.

Many colleges and universities offer bridging programs in fields like healthcare, engineering, IT, accounting, and education. Some programs are funded by the government and are free or low-cost for eligible newcomers.

How WelcomeAide Can Help

Finding a job in a new country is challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. WelcomeAide provides free, multilingual settlement information to help newcomers navigate the Canadian job market.

Use our AI chat assistant to ask questions about job searching, resume writing, credential recognition, and more in your preferred language. Visit our blog for more settlement guides, learn about our impact, or explore our programs for newcomers.

Read more about our mission on our about page. Your skills and experience are valuable. With the right approach and preparation, you will find meaningful work in Canada.