Finding your first job as an international graduate in Canada 

Many international students who attend a Canadian post-secondary institution do not have a job offer lined up when they graduate.

Therefore, when you complete your studies in Canada – transitioning from international student to international graduate – you will need to start from the ground up with your job search.

To help international graduates get started on their job search, CIC News has compiled this list of tips and advice to help make it easier to find work.

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Note: The following tips are for international students who have already clarified their work status in Canada. For example, graduates who already have their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or another work permit.

Research

It is rare to know exactly what role you are looking for when first entering the workforce as a new graduate.

Therefore, a key step in finding your first job after graduation is researching potential career paths and jobs. In fact, Indeed.com, a popular employment search platform used by both job seekers and employers, lists research as the first step for job seekers looking to get a job after graduation.

This process can be started in several ways, including the two strategies below.

Searching for jobs by industry

For example, a marketing graduate can use a phrase along the lines of “types of jobs in the marketing industry” to begin their job search.

Searching for jobs by degree

Another approach would be marketing graduates with a bachelor’s degree searching “entry-level marketing jobs bachelor’s degree” through Google.

A search like this is more likely to produce results where a term like “bachelor’s degree” is included in the job description/posting, which can give you a better idea of the requirements expected by employers hiring for the jobs you are looking for.

Now is also a good time to do a preliminary look through some available job postings. This is beneficial because it can help you curate your resume before you formally start applying for open positions.

Finally, take some time to research potential employers/companies you may want to work for (who are offering a position you might be interested in). This can help you get an idea of companies to apply to when you are ready, as it can give you an idea of their culture, the wages they offer and more.

Note: Younger job seekers often don’t stay in a single career for more than three years, signalling that they may not be looking for a long-term career immediately after they graduate. In fact, according to data published in a March 2024 article from LinkedIn, Generation Z employees (those born between 1997 and 2012) spend an average of just two years and three months at a job.

*LinkedIn is another popular employment platform, which allows users to network with one another and look for jobs through its own dedicated job search tool.

Networking

Networking is an important part of the job search process in Canada. This is because networking can help international students (and all job seekers) access employment opportunities that may not be publicly advertised online.

According to data published in a 2023 article by software company HubSpot, the importance of networking as a job seeker can be seen in statistics such as the following:

According to a 2020 study by LinkedIn, almost three-quarters of survey respondents “were hired as a result of someone they know making an introduction or a connection”

According to a 2022 survey, almost half (42%) of interviewees “found their current jobs through some form or effect of networking” including referrals and more

Networking can also be a valuable tool for staying updated on news and trends in the industry you are looking to work in or the general Canadian employment landscape.

What is networking and who can I network with? 

Networking is the term used to describe what happens when people gather, usually in an informal social setting, to share information and ideas with others who share a common interest or profession.

Networking allows new job seekers, such as recent graduates, to ask people* they know questions that may be able to help them with their job search.

Networking can be done with friends, family, school alumni, people attending job fairs and those at designated networking events.

Create or update your resume

Ensuring that your resume is well-prepared will help it stand out to potential employers.

Note: It is important to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, depending on the keywords, phrases and requirements included in each job posting. This is because, according to career coaches like Naresh Singh Sihmar, whose article was published by LinkedIn in 2023, “tailoring your resume to [each] job description enables you to “showcase your relevant skills and experience” and “demonstrate that you are an excellent fit for the role.”

For example, returning to the point about using “bachelor's degree” in your initial job search, you will want to focus on ensuring your resume uses keywords and phrases that capture the skills and proficiencies required by the position you are applying for.

That means, as an example, that if you see many job postings referring to ideal candidates having a bachelor’s degree* in marketing, you should consider using “bachelor’s degree in marketing” on your resume instead of “degree in marketing from x school.”

Prepare for interviews

Preparing for interviews in advance can help you appear more favourable to an employer when it comes time for your interview, as it displays an extra level of readiness and confidence.

In fact, a study cited by Forbes in 2023 said that almost half (40%) “of interviewers judged people on their voice and overall confidence.” This reinforces the high value of preparation before taking part in a formal job interview, as preparation is key to creating a good first impression through your voice and outward confidence.

Interview preparation can involve conducting mock interviews with your family and friends and/or such simple tasks as preparing and practicing answers to common interview questions before you ever speak to a prospective employer.

It also helps to research the employer and their values or mission statement. This gives you a better understanding of what they may be searching for in an employee.

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