How to Find Jobs in Canada for Newcomers: A Simple 7-Step Guide to Success

How to find jobs in Canada for newcomers can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can effectively navigate the job market. Understanding Canadian hiring practices, crafting a strong resume, and networking efficiently are key steps to securing employment. The job market in Canada can pose difficulties due to complex hiring processes and outdated requirements for local experience. However, once you land a job, numerous opportunities will open for you. In this post, we explore essential tips to help make your job search in Canada a success.

What you will find on this page

• The Top 5 Challenges Newcomers Face Finding a Job in Canada
• What You Need to Know Before Getting a Job in Canada as a Newcomer
• How to Prepare an Effective Canadian-Style Resume and Cover Letter
• Do Hiring Managers Even Care About Your Cover Letters Nowadays?
• Tailor Your Job Search: Research Companies You Want to Work For
• Top Job Search Websites in Canada
• Tailor Your Job Search: Research Companies You Want to Work For
• Keep Track of Your Job Applications

The Top 5 Challenges Newcomers Face Finding a Job in Canada

Landing in Canada is just the beginning of a new adventure. It is worthwhile to get a job not only for building your career but also for putting food on your table. However, you may face five major challenges when entering the job market. We will break down these obstacles many newcomers to Canada face when trying to find a job and share practical tips to help you overcome them and succeed in your new home.

1. Lack of Canadian Work Experience

One of the biggest challenges newcomers face is a lack of Canadian work experience. Canadian employers often prefer candidates who already understand local business practices and workplace culture. This means that even if you have impressive international qualifications, you might be overlooked for opportunities. Many hiring managers believe that local experience is a strong indicator of a candidate’s ability to adapt and thrive in the Canadian environment. As a result, newcomers can find themselves stuck in a cycle where the lack of local experience prevents them from landing their first professional job. To break this cycle, many choose to gain Canadian work experience through internships, placements, volunteer roles, or additional training. These opportunities not only help build your resume but also demonstrate your commitment to integrating into the local workforce.

For example, A couple of years ago, Shrikant Das came to Canada as a permanent resident with five years of HR experience from India. When he arrived in Regina, Saskatchewan, he started applying for jobs in his field and found it challenging. Despite his strong background, Shrikant was overwhelmed by the number of applications and the scarcity of interview opportunities. Hiring managers often preferred Canadian work experience, so his international skills were not fully recognized. Shrikant was determined not to give up and started researching the job market and how it works. After more than a year of struggle, Shrikant discovered the Regina Open Door Society, an organization dedicated to assisting newcomers with immigration and job placement services. Through the Career Bridging Program (CBP) placement by the Regina Open Door Society, he volunteered at a local non-profit organization for nine months, gaining practical Canadian experience and securing a full-time HR Coordinator position. After his persistent efforts, Shrikant finally secured a role that recognized his talents and experience. His journey is a witness to the resilience and determination required to overcome the hurdles faced by many newcomers in Canada.

2. Limited Professional Network

Building a professional network is another big challenge for newcomers in Canada. Without local connections, it becomes difficult to access the hidden job market, where many opportunities are filled through referrals rather than job postings. Employers often prefer to hire candidates recommended by someone they trust, making networking essential for success. To overcome this, newcomers can attend Career Fairs, join professional groups, and connect with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn. A survey by Lou Adler reveals that networking plays a crucial role in job placement, with 85% of positions being filled through professional connections. (Here’s the link to the survey.) Attending career fairs can also significantly improve job prospects, as they provide direct access to hiring managers. These events offer candidates a valuable chance to make a strong first impression and expand their network. However, many job seekers overlook this opportunity, missing out on potential career advancements.

For instance, Deepan, a recent HR graduate, secured his first job as an HR Payroll Administrator through a career fair, (Hasan, 2025). He took an incredible opportunity to meet a hiring manager in-person at the career fair, bringing a well-prepared resume and expressing his sincere interest in payroll. Through this interaction, he gained valuable insights into the role, built professional connections, and received guidance on job expectations. His experience demonstrates the importance of diversifying job search strategies beyond traditional online applications. There are several organizations, including the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Regina Open Door Society, and SaskJobs, regularly host career fairs throughout the year. These events provide valuable opportunities for job seekers to connect with hiring managers or employers, explore potential careers, and gain industry insights. For details on upcoming career fairs and job openings, you can visit the career websites of these organizations to stay informed and make the most of available opportunities.

3. Credential Recognition

Many newcomers struggle to have their foreign qualifications recognized in Canada, which can delay their entry into the job market. Hiring Managers often require additional certification, licensing, or further education to meet local standards. This process can be time-consuming and costly, making it difficult for skilled professionals to work in their field. To overcome this challenge, you can research credential assessment services from the Regina Open Door Society if you live in Regina, SK, or World Education Services (WES), explore bridging programs, and seek guidance from professional associations.

For example, after moving to Canada, Imran Ahmed, a banking professional from Bangladesh, faced difficulties securing a job in his field. Despite having over six years of experience in retail banking, his foreign credentials were not immediately recognized by Canadian employers. Many positions required local certifications or Canadian work experience, making it hard for him to find job opportunities. To overcome this, Mr. Ahmed enrolled in a financial services bridging program and obtained a Canadian banking certification. He also attended networking events and connected with professionals in the banking industry. After months of effort, he finally secured a job as a financial advisor of a reputed bank in Canada.  It showed that persistence and the right qualifications can help you overcome credential recognition challenges.

4. Communication Skills and Language Barriers

Language barriers can be a significant challenge for newcomers to Canada who are not native English or French speakers. Struggling with communication can make job interviews difficult because it’s harder to explain skills and qualifications effectively. Even after securing a job, misunderstandings in the workplace may affect teamwork and professional growth. Many newcomers often overlook the importance of English language and communication skills when searching for a job. They may not realize that poor communication can affect how they present themselves during interviews and in the workplace. Improving language skills can make a big difference, helping them connect better with employers and colleagues, and increasing their chances of success in their job search. For example, Faisal Abdullah is a highly qualified professional from Bangladesh who has a master’s degree with six years of international experience. He faced significant challenges during his job search after moving to Canada. Despite having a senior position in Bangladesh and a strong resume filled with impressive qualifications, he struggled to communicate effectively in English, which impacted his ability to succeed in interviews. Although he received several interview invitations from reputed organizations, his communication skills were not strong enough to make a lasting impression. After reflecting on his challenges, Mr. Faisal identified his weak points in English language and communication skills. He was determined to improve, and he joined Toastmasters International, an organization dedicated to developing public speaking and communication abilities. Through consistent practice and dedication, Faisal developed his communication skills, which improved his confidence. A few months later, Faisal began receiving interview calls again, and this time, his enhanced communication skills helped him succeed. This determination ultimately landed him the job he had been working for. The job search journey of Faisal is a powerful reminder of how essential strong communication skills are in securing job opportunities and succeeding in a professional environment. To overcome this, newcomers can take language courses from the Regina Open Door Society, practice daily conversations, and seek mentorship to improve their communication skills.

5. Understanding the Job Market

It goes without saying how difficult it is for newcomers to navigate the job market in Canada. Job seekers need to understand how to use job boards, meet employer expectations, and adjust to Canadian resume formats and interview styles. Without this knowledge, it can be hard to make a strong impression. Learning these things is key to improving your chances of landing a job in Canada. It is inevitable to explore job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to understand the types of job opportunities available and how to search them effectively. Most employers in Canada use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to shortlist resumes. It is important to learn how to create an ATS-friendly resume, as many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter, and shortlist resumes before they are reviewed for an interview. You can seek help from local services such as Regina Open Door Society, which offers resume reviews and feedback. Additionally, the majority of employers will invite you to a job interview before making their final hiring decision. It is important to prepare for the Canadian Interview Styles to secure a job. Do you know how you can prepare for a job interview? You can practice for interviews by learning about typical Canadian interview questions and preparing answers that showcase your skills and experience. Many employment services such as SaskJobs, Regina Open Door Society, and Centre for Experiential and Service Learning (CESL) at the University of Regina, provide interview services. It is recommended that you visit career counseling of the above employment services for resume writing and interview preparation if you are a job seeker.

What You Need to Know Before Getting a Job in Canada as a Newcomer

Securing a job involves several important steps, especially when starting work in a new country. You will need essential documents such as a Work Authorization (Work Permit), Social Insurance Number (SIN), and any necessary professional licenses to work in Canada. Additionally, opening a Bank Account is crucial to receiving your paycheck. Hiring managers will ask for those essential documents before providing you with a job offer. Beyond these practicalities, understanding and adapting to cultural expectations in the job market, such as resume formatting, networking strategies, and demonstrating initiative, can significantly impact your success. Factors like timing and luck also play a role in securing employment. By preparing thoroughly and staying adaptable, you can increase your chances of successfully entering the workforce in Canada.

How to Prepare an Effective Canadian-Style Resume and Cover Letter

Your resume and cover letter serve as your first opportunity to impress hiring managers. They may spend a few seconds (5-10 sec.) to decide whether you will get an invitation to an interview. This is the harsh reality of the application process as Hiring Managers go through hundreds of resumes for a specific position. So, it goes without saying that the job market is competitive. To succeed in the application process, it is important to be proactive, knowledgeable about the modern job market, and follow the proper guidelines about how the application works.

Top Actionable Tips for Your Resume Writing:

• Keep your Resume to a maximum of 2 pages
• Use reader’s friendly Font styles such as Calibri or Arial to engage your hiring managers
• Focus on relevant skills and accomplishments instead of job duties.
• Remove outdated positions, irrelevant experience, and generic soft skills
• Tailor and optimize your resume (ATS friendly) for each position by aligning relevant keywords with the job description. Many companies use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter resumes. So, use the right keywords and formatting to ensure your resume gets shortlisted.
• Use strong action verbs such as Managed, Coordinated, or Developed to highlight your achievements, not just responsibilities.
• If you need professional assistance creating a strong resume, don’t hesitate to contact the Regina Open Door Society, the University of Regina, or SaskJobs. A professional resume writer will understand your professional background and help you write an effective resume.

Do Hiring Managers Even Care About Your Cover Letters Nowadays?

In a modern-day job process, many companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that automatically tracks your resume for skills, work experience, and other essential factors based on job requirements. When you apply through a site, your resume is a key to getting shortlisted. Not the cover letter. However, a cover letter is important because Hiring Managers try to build a team, not a replaceable individual. A resume tells nothing about an applicant’s personality, interest, or motivation. Therefore, Hiring Managers always look at the cover letter for those points. A good cover letter almost always leads to an invitation to a job interview. Often hiring managers want you to mention in the cover letter how your skills and experience match the job description. Ultimately, both documents are important, and hiring managers may switch between them during the evaluation process of a candidate. It’s advisable for applicants to ensure that their resume and cover letter work together to create a clear and consistent story about their qualifications.

How to Find Jobs in Canada for Newcomers: Find Top Job Search Websites in Canada

Are you looking for a job but unsure where to apply? This is a common struggle for job seekers as an immigrant. Canada has many job websites, but instead of browsing all of them, focus on the ones that match your field. This will save you time and make your job search easier.

Top Job Sites to Explore:

1. Indeed.ca
2. Job Bank (Official site of the Canadian Government)
3. LinkedIn Jobs
4. CRA Careers
5. GC Jobs (Government of Canada Jobs)
6. Government of Saskatchewan Jobs (For Saskatchewan Residents)
7. SaskJobs.ca
8. Search Websites for Specific Ministries, Organizations, or Crown Companies

Tailor Your Job Search: Research Companies You Want to Work For

Instead of relying only on job postings, you can take the initiative to research companies that align with your career goals. Many employers hire before officially posting a job, especially when they find a candidate who is a great fit.

Actionable tips:

• Identify key companies in your industry that interest you.
• Visit their websites and check the careers section for job opportunities.
• Send a direct email to hiring managers, even if there are no open postings. It is a good idea to introduce yourself and highlight your sincere interest. If you search for an organization’s directory on its website, you will find hiring managers’ information and contact.

Pro Tip: You can send your resume with a cover letter to the Hiring Manager by demonstrating your sincere interest via mail. It shows your excellent research skills, proves your exceptional communication skills, and innovative methods.

Keep Track of Your Job Applications

Job searching can become overwhelming, so organizing your applications is essential for managing follow-ups and meeting deadlines.

Actionable tips:

• Use a simple spreadsheet to record your application details, including company names, job titles, and submission dates.

For example:

Company Names	Job Titles	Submission Dates	Email
Ministry of Education	HR Coordinator	March/07/2025	name@ministryofeducation.ca
University of Regina	Administrative Assistant	March/08/2025	name@uregina.ca

• Set reminders on Google Calendars to follow up on applications within 1–2 weeks.
• Prepare a follow-up email template for efficiency but always double-check the details to avoid errors that could undermine your attention to detail.
• You can make a phone call to Hiring Managers to learn about your application updates.

Pro tip: Timely follow-ups show your sincere interest in the position and can help you stand out from other candidates.

When you start your job search in Canada as a newcomer, you may feel overwhelming at first. And this is very common for every newcomers, but with the right approach, determination, and resources, you can successfully navigate the process. You have to be proactive, leverage your skills, and connect with support networks in order to increase your chances of finding meaningful employment. Stay confident and persistent, as your efforts will pay off in the journey toward building a fulfilling career in Canada.

If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to visit Mahedi Hasan Journal for more Canada Jobs Tips