Finding an IEC-Friendly Job in Canada in a Competitive Job Market

Hi there,
 
If you’ve recently secured an IEC (International Experience Canada) work permit—or you’re thinking of applying—congrats! Living and working in Canada is an exciting opportunity.

But it’s important to go in with open eyes. Right now, Canada is experiencing historically high youth unemployment, especially for people under 25. In Ontario, for example, around 1 in 5 young people are unemployed. On online forums and social media, Canada’s youth are regularly sharing stories of how tough it’s been to land even entry-level jobs in Canada’s larger cities. 

If you’re coming to Canada expecting to walk into work in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, you might get lucky (especially if you have skills in in-demand roles). But if you want a smoother start or quicker job prospects, you’ll need a smart plan. Here are five tips to help you navigate the job market and boost your chances: 

Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Whistler, and Banff are the go-to names for many IEC travellers—but they’re also saturated with job seekers. These markets are crowded, and competition may be steep. 

Instead, consider smaller or lesser-known locations where the job market may be more accessible. Explore areas with below-average unemployment rates (StatsCan is a good place to start). You don’t need to avoid the big cities entirely—but don’t limit yourself to them either. 

It’s easy to fall into the trap of applying to hundreds of jobs online and hearing nothing back. But the reality is that, in Canada, many positions never get posted publicly. 

Instead, use a mix of strategies— connect with people through LinkedIn to expand your network, walk into businesses with a resume, reach out to employers directly, ask people in your network, and attend local hiring fairs or meetups. These strategies can make a big difference, especially in hospitality, retail, and tourism roles. 

Canadian employers expect a specific format—and your resume might get ignored if it doesn’t follow those norms. We’ve got a really detailed resource on Canadian-style resumes that we recommend.  

Briefly though -- keep it to one or two pages, remove photos and unnecessary personal details (like your marital status and religion), and focus on clear, bullet-pointed achievements (not job duties).  

Many employers won’t know what an IEC permit is – and it’s not their job to Google it. It’s your job to help them understand.  

You can be upfront: “I’m available to work full-time on a valid open work permit—no sponsorship required.” You can choose whether to list your expiry date but there are drawbacks to doing so. On the plus side, being transparent helps build trust with your employer, but be aware that some employers may prefer candidates who don’t have a fixed timeline in Canada. 

If you’re struggling to get into your preferred field right away, cast a wider net. Look for jobs that build soft skills, Canadian experience, and income—then work your way up from there.

Canada is full of opportunities—but this year’s job market is extra tough. With a flexible mindset, targeted strategy, and the right tools, you can still make your IEC experience a success. 

Our partners at Young Guns Container Crew are hiring IEC participants across Canada — with jobs available now or when you land. Competitive pay ($25–30/hr), bonuses, benefits, and a great team culture. Locations include:

Wherever your journey takes you in Canada, we’re here to help you navigate it.

All the best, 

Rebecca and Stephanie

The Moving2Canada Team!