For newcomers to Canada, navigating the job market can be both exciting and daunting. You may find yourself asking questions like: How do I effectively showcase my skills and experience? What should I include on my resume to make it stand out? And how can I demonstrate my commitment to my new community? Understanding the nuances of the Canadian job market is essential for making a positive impression on potential employers. To help you in this journey, we’ve compiled expert tips on how to optimize your resume and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
1. Get Involved in Your Community
One of the top tips from award-winning certified professional resume writer Natalie MacLellan for newcomers to Canada is to get involved in your community.
“Sometimes what works against you as a newcomer is the lack of Canadian experience, which creates a ‘Catch-22’: how do you get the experience if you won’t be hired until you have it?”
The answer is simpler than it seems, says MacLellan, owner of Best Foot Forward Professional Resume Writing and Editing Service, based in Halifax and Ottawa.
“It doesn’t always have to be a job,” she explains. “It can be volunteering or taking a course. As soon as you have something on your resume that shows you’re engaged in Halifax or Fredericton, it helps. You start to look like a part of the community.”
Hiring managers also want to ensure you’re committed to staying in the east coast community, rather than just passing through on your way to a larger city like Toronto or Montreal. “Make it clear that you’re here and committed,” MacLellan advises, adding that writing the address where you will be living can help demonstrate your intentions.
Getting involved in your new Canadian community is crucial, whether through volunteering, taking a class, joining a club, or participating in other activities where you can meet people.
“Once people know you, the more likely they are to recommend you or think of you when an opportunity arises,” MacLellan says. “It’s all about getting out there and starting to meet people.”
Be sure to list these volunteer and community activities at the bottom of your resume, MacLellan suggests.
2. Clarify Your Education
Another key factor for a successful resume is ensuring your education is clear and understandable to a Canadian audience. MacLellan advises communicating the extent of your education rather than simply listing diplomas and certificates, so that hiring managers can grasp the time you’ve spent learning and training.
You may need to get your educational credentials assessed, so plan ahead for that, MacLellan adds. “You might come here as a doctor but need to complete certain courses or a residency to meet Canadian standards.”
“It’s different for every specialty, but the first step is getting your educational credential assessment done,” she says, along with acquiring the necessary licensing to practice in your chosen province.
Small cultural differences can also impact how your resume is perceived by hiring managers. For instance, it’s not common in Canada to include identifying information such as a social insurance number or personal details like religion on your resume.
“That can throw people off when they read it,” MacLellan warns.
3. No Photos, Please
Another important consideration when creating a resume for job applications in Canada: no pictures.
“I work with many Europeans who think including a photo is standard,” MacLellan says. “But hiring managers in North America aren’t allowed to judge you based on your appearance.”
“Unless you’re an actor or a model, don’t include a photo.”
Instead, include a “profile paragraph” at the top of your resume that summarizes your strengths and experiences, suggests Alison Chandler, director of Client and Employee Experience at Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, a recruitment firm with offices in Halifax, St. John’s, Calgary, and Toronto.
“Tailor this paragraph to the position you’re applying for, using language that mirrors the job advertisement to highlight your fit,” says Chandler, who is based in Halifax.
4. Organize Your Resume
“Organize your resume in reverse chronological order, with the most recent jobs listed first,” Chandler recommends. “For each job, list key responsibilities and then include your accomplishments.”
MacLellan agrees that targeting your resume and cover letter is essential.
5. Target Your Job Search
“Make sure your resume isn’t trying to get you just any job,” she cautions. “A resume that aims for any job usually doesn’t get you one at all.”
Hiring managers read hundreds of resumes, so you need to do the work to match yourself to the job.
“It may feel scary to target your applications, but it actually increases your chances,” MacLellan says.
“You have to treat the job search as your job,” she adds. “Be committed and diligent in your efforts. It’s hard, especially when you’re adjusting to a new culture.”
Many jobs also aren’t posted online.
6. Be Proactive
“Don’t assume that what you see or don’t see posted is the full reality,” MacLellan advises. Approach companies you’re interested in and express your interest. Share your qualifications, skills, and experiences.
“Most employers respect and are impressed by a job seeker’s direct and self-confident approach,” Chandler notes.
While hiring a professional may help, it might not fit your budget, so take advantage of resources available to you through organizations like the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). “There are people out there who can help,” MacLellan says.
7. Stay Persistent
Finally, don’t be discouraged by rejection, Chandler adds.
“Remember that a ‘no’ from an organization may mean ‘no’ for now, not ‘no’ forever. Revisit companies you’re particularly interested in. Most employers appreciate persistence in job seekers.”
The commitment it takes to start fresh in a new country speaks volumes about how hard newcomers are willing to work, Chandler concludes.
“The tenacity required to relocate to Canada often reflects a strong work ethic that many employers value.”
