Prepare For Your Canadian Career: Useful tips to prepare before you arrive

Moving to a new country is an exciting time. You may be looking forward to the many new opportunities ahead.

A big part of that is the prospect of landing your first job in Canada. It’s certainly a top priority for many newcomers.

If you’re making the move to Canada soon, here are six useful tips on how to prepare for the Canadian job market. Be sure to get started long before you pack your bags and head to the airport.

1. Research the Canadian Job Market

Understanding the Canadian job market can significantly enhance your job search journey.

You may wish to use helpful tools like the Canadian Job Bank^[1] to explore the job landscape, including in-demand occupations, wage ranges, and employment trends. This platform serves as an excellent starting point for planning your career search, providing insights into diverse industries, and aiding you in making informed decisions about your career path.

2. Get Your Credentials Assessed

If you are planning to work in Canada, it’s a good idea to check and see if your qualifications from outside Canada will be valid. This includes your education, work experience, and professional credentials. Doing this helps you show employers what you are qualified to do and ensures your qualifications match Canadian standards. It is recommended to start the process of getting your credentials assessed^[2] before coming to Canada as it may take some time to complete the process.

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How will the credential assessment process^[3] work? Here are 8 steps you will follow:

1. Review Job Profile: Begin by understanding the qualifications required for your desired job.
2. Find Your Occupational Profile: Locate your occupation in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
3. Compare Qualifications: Match your credentials with the Canadian standards.
4. Contact a Regulatory Body: Reach out to the relevant regulatory body for your profession to understand specific requirements.
5. Collect Your Documents: Gather together all the necessary paperwork for assessment.
6. Consult an Assessment Agency: Engage with an approved assessment agency for an official evaluation.
7. Upgrade Skills or Education: Consider further training if needed.
8. Look for Related Jobs: Explore job opportunities you may qualify for based on the assessment.

 

Remember that starting early is a good idea and might give you an advantage!

3. Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

Crafting a resume formatted and customized for the Canadian market will go a long way in making a positive impression on Canadian employers. Resources like Settlement.Org^[4] offer tips on creating resumes tailored to the Canadian job market. This includes highlighting relevant skills and experiences, following a chronological format, and customizing your cover letter and resume for each unique role to which you apply.

4. Register for Free* Pre-Arrival Services

Take advantage of free pre-arrival services designed to help newcomers like you transition smoothly into the Canadian workforce. Services such as CanPrep^[5] and NextStopCanada^[6] offer valuable resources for you to use, including job search strategies, networking opportunities, and information on Canadian workplace culture.

*Disclaimer: This information regarding free services is subject to change at the discretion of the third parties. TD is not affiliated with these third parties mentioned.

5. Brush Up Your Language Skills

Proficiency in English or French will increase the likelihood of success in finding work in the Canadian job market. You may wish to enhance your language skills^[7] by taking language tests, finding and registering for language classes, and obtaining language certificates before you arrive. Be sure to devote some time practicing your English or French conversation skills and looking into language improvement opportunities.

6. Join a Professional Immigration Network

Professional immigration associations play a vital role in the job search process. Consider joining associations related to your profession to access networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and valuable insights. Settlement.Org^[4] provides tips for finding work before you arrive, including the importance of joining professional immigration networks.

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Embarking on a new career in Canada comes with its set of challenges, but with advance preparation, you can navigate the Canadian job market confidently. Researching, credential assessment, resume preparation, accessing pre-arrival services, language skills improvement, and joining professional networks will help you better prepare yourself to achieve your career goals.

Why Choose TD?

150 years helping Canadians

TD has a proud history of delivering financial solutions to Canadians for more than 150 years. TD also brings a century of experience helping newcomers navigate the unique challenges of the Canadian banking system.

With over a thousand branches, a reputation for excellence in financial services, and the ability to also serve you in more than 80 different languages, TD has become one of the largest and most trusted banks in Canada, now serving 16 million Canadians.

TD offers online support and resources of interest to newcomers on topics such as banking basics, moving to Canada, credit score essentials, and more. TD is open longer hours for your convenience and has thousands of ATMs across Canada to help you take care of your everyday banking needs quickly and easily.

Ready to Bank?

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Book an appointment to talk with a TD Personal Banking Associate about the TD New to Canada Banking Package. You can book online right away, or visit the TD website to learn more.

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[1] https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/credential-assessment.html

[3] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/prepare-life-canada/prepare-work/credential-assessment/process.html

^[4] https://settlement.org/ontario/employment/find-a-job/resume/how-do-i-create-a-canadian-style-resume/

[5] https://www.jvstoronto.org/pre-arrival/

[6] https://nextstopcanada.ca/

^[7] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/improve-english-french.html