Hi there
Starting a new life in Canada is exciting, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest is finding the right job. Many newcomers face similar challenges when entering the Canadian job market, but the good news is that there are proven ways to overcome them.
Here are some of the most common hurdles, along with practical tips to help you tackle them and move closer to your Canadian career goals:
Lack of Canadian Work Experience
Many employers prefer candidates who understand local workplace culture and industry norms. You can bridge this gap by:
Volunteering or doing short-term contracts in your field.
Highlighting transferable skills from your past experience and explaining how they apply in the Canadian context.
Work for multinational corporations in your home country. These often meet international standards when it comes to workplace culture.
Limited Professional Network
In Canada, a significant number of jobs are filled through referrals or informal connections. To expand your network:
Attend industry meetups, professional association events, or networking mixers.
Use LinkedIn to connect with people in your field and request informational interviews to learn about their career paths and industry insights. Focus on building genuine relationships rather than asking directly for a job, and keep your approach polite and respectful.
Join newcomer programs and mentorship initiatives that pair you with established professionals.
Credential Recognition
Certain regulated professions require Canadian licensing before you can work in your field. To avoid delays:
Research your profession on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) to understand requirements.
Start credential evaluation needed for Canadian licensing before arriving, if possible.
Language and Communication Barriers
Even fluent English or French speakers can find workplace communication styles different. You can improve by:
Taking an English or French class that targets professional communications to strengthen workplace language skills.
Learning common workplace jargon and industry-specific vocabulary to feel more confident in meetings and written communication.
Observing professional communication styles by joining networking groups, attending industry webinars, and volunteering. Pay attention to how people interact in emails, meetings, and casual conversations to understand tone, formality, and cultural nuances.
Understanding the Hiring Process
Recruitment in Canada often emphasizes tailored applications and interview preparedness. To stand out:
Create a Canadian-style resume that focuses on achievements, not job duties.
Keep cover letters concise, usually no more than one page.
Tailor every application to the specific role and employer, use keywords from the job posting and match your skills to their needs.
Track your applications so you can stay organized, avoid duplicate submissions, and plan timely follow-ups.
We’d love to know — which of these challenges is the biggest one you’re facing right now?
What’s Your Biggest Challenge in Finding Work in Canada?
Your response will help us share the most relevant tips, tools, and real-life success stories with the newcomer community, so we can all succeed together.
Wishing you success in your job search,
Rebecca and Stephanie,
The Moving2Canada Team
