If you’re looking for a new opportunity in Canada, applying for a job may be just what you need.
That said, job hunting can feel pretty daunting, and sometimes it can seem like there are so many hoops to jump through.
The good news is that it’s really not that complicated. as long as you know what you’re doing. This blog post outlines the process of how to apply for jobs in Canada.
It’s not tricky, but it does involve making sure that your CV is up-to-date and relevant, finding the contact details of potential employers, researching the companies and positions that interest you, and tailoring your CV and cover letter and other things involved.
Here are six steps to apply for a job in Canada
Step 1: Make sure your CV is up-to-date
When you apply for a job, you’ll probably be asked to send a copy of your CV. And you may also be asked to fill out a skills assessment.
Both of these things require you to have an up-to-date CV. So before you start applying for jobs, make sure your CV is up-to-date and relevant.
Suppose you’re currently working and have a recent CV, great. You can use that as long as you keep it updated.
But if you’re not working right now, it’s a good idea to start fresh. Why? Because when you don’t have a job, most employers will expect to see what your last job looked like, not what your most recent job looked like.
They want to know what you did and how you did it. In order to showcase your skills and abilities, it’s best to start with a clean slate and build up your new resume from there.
You might have a few things in common between your old and new resume, but don’t just copy and paste things from one to the other. Instead, focus on what you can do for the job you’re applying for.
Step 2: Find job ads for the position you’re interested in
If you’re trying to find a job in Canada, you’ll first need to decide which industries and positions interest you.
Once you know that, you can start looking for job ads. In most cases, you’ll find them on websites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn.
You can also check out the websites of newspapers in your region, particularly newspapers that cover industries that interest you.
Another good place to look for job ads is the government section on Canada Jobs. There you’ll find job postings from all levels of government.
Step 3: Decide which jobs to apply to, and write your CV and cover letter.
Once you’ve found a few job ads that interest you, decide which job(s) to apply to. Make sure you’re applying for jobs that are relevant to your experience, education, and skills.
If you’re not sure whether you’re applying for the right jobs, think about what your career goals are.
And then, think about which jobs might help you get there. Once you’ve decided which jobs to apply to, write your CV and cover letter. Your CV is basically a quick overview of your work experience, education, and any other relevant facts about you.
Your cover letter is where you can draw more attention to the parts of your CV that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Your cover letter is also where you can let the employer know why you’re applying for their job in particular.
Step 4: Research the company and recruiter
Before you apply, take a few minutes to do some research about the company and the recruiter who will be hiring for the job you want.
This will help you write a better application. It will also help you decide whether you really want to apply for the job.
Here are a few things you might want to look at:
- The company’s website: The company’s website will tell you a lot about the company. It can also help you decide how to approach your application, everything from how to address the company to how to sign off your application.
- The company’s mission and values: The company’s mission and values might be included on the company’s website. If they’re not, you can easily find them by Googling the company’s name and “mission and values.”
- The company’s history: The company’s history will tell you a lot about its culture and what it’s like to work there. It can also help you decide what to say in your application.
- The recruiter’s bio and social media accounts: The recruiter’s bio and social media accounts will help you decide whether this person is someone you want to work with.
Step 5: Write and send your application
Once you’ve written your CV and cover letter and researched the company and recruiter, it’s time to send your application.
It’s best to apply online where you can. If you’re applying for a job with a government agency, you’ll need to apply through the Canada Jobs government website.
If you’re applying for a job with a company, you’ll need to research to find out where to send your application.
Many employers and recruiters prefer to receive applications by email. Others may prefer to receive applications by fax or by regular mail. If you’re not sure, you can usually find this information on the job ad.
Step 6: Track your applications
Finally, track your applications. This can help you feel more organized and less stressed.
You might even learn something from keeping track of your job applications, like how many jobs you apply for and don’t get.
The more job applications you send out, the more experience you’ll get, the better you’ll get at it, and the more successful you’ll be at finding a job in Canada.
In the end, it’s also a good idea to follow up with employers if you don’t hear back. This shows them that you’re eager to work for them and that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
It’s important to remember that not hearing back doesn’t mean that you weren’t successful. Employers may be conducting interviews on a regular basis.
Or they may be conducting a hiring process that takes a long time. In these cases, there’s nothing you can do except wait patiently.