What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Canada? If it’s hockey, maple syrup, or great TV shows, then you may want to explore Canada further, as this country offers more than meets the eye. In fact, Canada has plenty of advantages and perks that can give you a leg up in your job search. Below are five steps to help ensure that you’ll land your dream job in Canada.
1) Work on Your English
Make sure you’re communicating clearly. Canadian employers tend to use more formal language and expect that you will, too. If your grammar or writing style is filled with typos or colloquialisms, it’s not going to help your case when you apply for a job in Canada. So brush up on your English before you head north. There are plenty of resources available online to help you improve your skills—and they don’t have to be expensive! For example, many universities offer free English-language classes for international students; if there aren’t any available at your school, check out local libraries or community centers in your area. You can also find books and apps designed specifically to teach English as a second language (ESL).
2) Get Volunteer Experience in Canada
One of the easiest ways to move overseas is through volunteer work. For example, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) connects volunteers with organic farms around the world; for about four hours of volunteer work per day, hosts provide meals and accommodation. After 18 months or so, your commitment is considered complete and you have no strings attached when it comes to moving on. The same goes for organizations like WWOOF Canada, which places volunteers on organic Canadian farms. Volunteering abroad also allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture and gain experience interacting with locals—all while boosting your resume back home. So if you’re looking to travel internationally but don’t want to commit long-term, volunteering might be just what you need!
3) Know What Jobs are In Demand
If you have your sights set on finding work across the border, it’s important to keep up with jobs that are in demand. For example, many people are working outside of their home country because healthcare is so much cheaper or because they can find better wages than at home. If you’re going to move for work, knowing what jobs will be popular will help you get there. For instance, a few years ago, several Canadian provinces were offering incentives to attract doctors and nurses. This means now is an excellent time to pursue medical careers—especially if you have training in one of these fields already!
4) Do Work Experience Abroad Before Studying or Applying
Do you want to gain experience? Gain transferable skills? If you’re studying in your home country, consider doing some type of work abroad before actually applying for jobs. You can get valuable hands-on experience and it can look great on your resumé if you decide to apply for grad school later down the road. If you’re already studying, internships are fantastic opportunities as well. Either way, gaining experience abroad will help get you noticed by Canadian employers! Check out these websites for more information: CECA and CIEE.
This is an excellent idea if you plan on studying abroad, but not essential—you could do other types of internship programs (i.e., government or non-profit) that would also be very useful when applying for jobs here in Canada.
Are You Fluent In English?: Fluency is a must!
5) Create an Engaging Resume (Including Canadian Honours and Awards)
We’ve talked before about how resumes are changing, but it can be difficult to determine what works best when you don’t have an employer or recruiter looking over your shoulder. A great resume is engaging, shows personality and lets potential employers know you’re a great fit for their organization. Make sure yours does just that! Here are some tips on creating an engaging resume
