What are the dos and don'ts of finding a job in Canada?

Hi Priscilla, lots of jobs here in Vancouver area available. You can just google jobs vancouver or on craiglist.ca. Yes, recruitment agencies work too. In a cv you dont need a foto at all. For cover letter just mention your point and cv keep it simple, one page is enough. For interviews just be yourself and have good energy. You can check in google what are the most asked questions on an interview. For introduction a hello is enough. People here are not complicated. Here people talk english,  In Quebec they speak also french but there are much many jobs here in vancouver. Local language is a must otherways it will be very frustrating for you to get by. It is preferable to write also english. Depending on the job too. Hope this answer your questions.

Priscilla wrote:

Hello everyone,

Where is the best place to start when looking for a job in Canada? Is it better to job-hunt by directly contacting the company of your interest, or should job-seekers rely on a recruitment agency, for example?

Are there any unique aspects that job-seekers should consider when preparing their CV/résumé and cover letter? Should a photo be included?

Do you have any tips on interview conduct in Canada? Are there any particulars, such as greetings or behavioural customs?

In you opinion, is knowledge of the local language or a regional language necessary to successfully apply for a job? What level of the language should job-seekers have mastered?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

The best place to look for a job is by being well connected in that industry itself. Having a large network of people in the same business. This is true anywhere in the world. I got my jobs through networking. There's a saying that more than half the jobs out there are not advertised.

If you're a newcomer, then go for local networking events or sign up for some business networking initiative. Sometimes smaller provinces tend to have better opportunities for you than the bigger ones but don't discount it. Its a good way to get one's foot in the door before moving to bigger provinces. Also smaller provinces tend to have less competition for you.

CVs and resumes - no golden rule. Just be honest and one need not be very detailed. Assuming you have had 20 yrs of working experience, then trim down all the fats and only highlight the recent 5 years for example, while summarizing the other 15.

Interview - just be yourself and relax. Dress formally. Its always better to be safe than sorry. Remember to write a thank you email within the next 24 hrs after the interview.

Lastly, except for Quebec, all other provinces requires good command of English. Cannot emphasis enough on this. Obviously its hard when one comes from a non English speaking background. But truth be told, its only in human nature that there's a certain perception made towards folks with thick accent and hard to understand English. Leave the emotions aside and work towards improving one's English in speech, grammar and accent if you will.

Thanks for the tips.