Canada : Applying for jobs

How do I apply for a job?

It is common to apply for jobs in Canada while you are still in the UK, as trying to secure a job offer while you are in Canada can be challenging. However, with some perseverance you may find employers willing to take on foreign skilled workers and professionals. Use a combination of strategies when applying for jobs – networking, using both personal and professional contacts, registering with recruitment agencies and following up on all applications are strategies used in addition to responding to job advertisements. As in the UK, the typical mode of application involves sending a cover letter and CV (also commonly referred to as a résumé). Make use of employment services, recruitment agencies and job listings in newspapers and on websites (see vacancy sources) when applying for jobs. Telephoning the contact person listed in the job advert before sending in your application is not encouraged.

Find out more about job applications, and CVs and covering letters.

What kind of CV do I need?

CVs are known as résumés. Different formats include: chronological (organised by date); functional (in the UK referred to as ‘skills based’); and combination (emphasises both jobs and skills). Regardless of the format used, include the following information:

• name, address, telephone number and email address - do not include information such as marital status, religion and social insurance number;
• career objective or summary statement (optional) - keep this to one or two brief sentences and include your intended career direction;
• education - list most recent first and include university and college education. Include any scholarships and awards under a subheading;
• professional development - outline any career-related courses such as workshops or conferences attended that were not part of your course;
• skills and abilities - detail skills and abilities gained through school, jobs, volunteer work and leisure activities;
• work experience - list in reverse chronological order with dates, names and locations of companies. Include responsibilities in point form and avoid using the first person;
• volunteer work (optional);
• activities and interests (optional);
• references - simply state ‘References available upon request.' Be prepared to provide work-related, academic and personal references at your interview.

Generally, résumés should be no longer than two pages in length. They should be attractively and consistently formatted and have educational qualifications as one of the first sections. Target the résumé towards the position for which you are applying and focus on areas that are related to the job. Employers often acknowledge receipt of speculative applications and may keep your CV on file for three to six months.

Canadajobs.com and Working in Canada have further information on writing a résumé.

What will the interview process be like?

Both one-to-one and panel interviews are common. If you are in the UK, interviews are conducted via telephone at the employer’s expense. Assessment centres featuring numeracy and verbal reasoning tests, case studies and role-plays are not generally used by employers, though they may be in certain cases of graduate recruitment. A brief note of thanks by email or regular mail after an interview is always appreciated by employers. In general, avoid discussing salary and other parts of the compensation package early in the interview process, but do state your salary preference if requested.

Will my UK qualifications be recognised?

Foreign credential evaluation is processed by a mandated organisation in each province. The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials lists the services by province and their contact details.

The following websites may also be of assistance:
ENIC-NARIC

• ENIC-NARIC 
• UK National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) 
• UK National Europass Centre (UK NEC) 
• UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications (NRP) 

Do I still need to pay UK tax and National Insurance?

If you are planning to live and work in Canada, check your UK tax and National Insurance position with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)to ensure that you are not losing any UK pension rights.