Sales & Marketing Jobs, Salaries & Careers in Canada | What Newcomers Must Know

by Prepare For Canada | Jul 24, 2023 | Career Pathways, Sales and Marketing

Sales and marketing careers are a popular choice in Canada. It’s an ever-evolving field that offers new opportunities and career paths for newcomers. Plus, with experience, you can expect a strong sales and marketing salary. Sales and marketing job requirements usually include a university degree or college diploma in business administration or a related field. You also require specialization in sales or marketing and experience as a sales, marketing, or public relations representative.

Sales and marketing is a non-regulated profession, so you don’t need a license for this occupation. Learn more about job requirements, job search and interview techniques, professional associations, and more to help you continue your sales and marketing career. Get yourself prepared for a sales and marketing job in Canada by reading this helpful overview.

How to Immigrate to Canada to Work in Sales and Marketing

Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Sales and Marketing Career

Sales and marketing jobs can mean many things. There is a broad range of sales and marketing careers you could pursue. So, it’s important to have an idea of the path you want to take. To help you achieve professional success, it’s important to gain a general understanding of the Canadian labour market before you arrive. Here are some steps that you can take before you arrive:

• Attend the Job Search Strategies and Techniques in Canada webinar to learn about the labour market.

• Research and plan your move to Canada at least three months before your arrival. You might even get a job before you arrive if you plan well.

• Contact professional associations in Canada such as the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) and the Canadian Internet Marketing Association. The CMA is the only marketing association in Canada that embraces Canada’s major business sectors and all marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies.

• Assess your language skills by taking an online self-assessment on the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks website.

• Improve your English or French (depending on your destination province); you may be required to prove your language competency. Even if you speak fluent English or French, it’s helpful to improve your language skills.

• Enroll in language classes while you are in your home country and continue them after you move to Canada.

• Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country. You may need these papers for employment purposes, or if you are planning to pursue further education in Canada.

• Know other titles for your sales and marketing job in Canada to help you with your job search.

• Understand sales and marketing career certifications and specializations that can help you progress your career. 

• Research sales and marketing salary information to know your earning potential. 

What to Expect When Pursuing a Sales and Marketing Career in Canada

Sales and marketing is a non-regulated profession, so you don’t need a license for this occupation. Depending on your sales and marketing career path there are certain credentials, certifications, skills, and experience employees will expect you to possess. To help you find a job faster when you arrive in Canada, it’s vital to understand sales and marketing job requirements.

Employment Outlook for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada 

Job prospects for sales and marketing positions vary in Canada. That’s why it’s vital to carefully research provincial and local job prospects and labour markets. With this information, you can identify where your skills and experience are most in demand across Canada. And, when you identify the best job markets, you can begin to research cities.

Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada

To start your research, it’s helpful to read the National Occupational Classification (NOC) descriptor for the profession. The NOC provides a standard definition of jobs in Canada and is used by various groups, including job seekers. The NOC can help you understand whether or not your skills and experience match the job requirements in Canada.

NOC Code for Marketing Jobs

The NOC code for a marketing specialist is NOC 11202. This role can include different titles such as:

• Advertising consultant

• Communications officer 

• Communications specialist

• Digital marketing consultant

• Event marketing specialist

• Marketing consultant

• Marketing coordinator

• Media relations officer

• Public relations consultant, and more.

NOC Code for a Sales Analyst Job

The NOC code for sales analyst jobs is NOC 41402. This includes job titles such as:

• Business development officer

• Industrial development officer

• Market researcher

• Marketing analyst

• Marketing researcher, and more.

Other similar sales and marketing career paths include:

• Corporate sales managers (NOC 60010)

• Technical sales specialists (NOC 62100)

• Sales and account representatives (NOC 64101)

• Advertising, marketing and public relations managers (NOC 10022)

Requirements to Become a Sales and Marketing Professional in Canada

Requirements to work in a sales or marketing role will vary based on the job title, duties, company, and other factors. The Canadian Marketing Association has a rich resource library where you can find several publications, industry reports and newsletters. It’s important to stay current about what’s happening in the industry. You can also find more information about sales and marketing careers. Below we explain the steps you will need to take to work in sales and marketing in Canada.

Credential Recognition to Meet Sales and Marketing Job Requirements in Canada

Credential recognition is a process to verify and assess a person’s skills, competencies, and credentials in a fair and consistent manner. While sales and marketing are non-regulated professions in Canada, some employers do ask for your credentials evaluation. Mostly though, employers will assess your knowledge and experience and contact your professional references. So, before you spend money on a credentials evaluation, check with the companies that you apply to find out if they require it.

Credential Assessment Services

Several agencies assess international credentials to help newcomers to Canada access the education and employment they need. If you are planning to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, you may require an educational assessment. However, be sure to contact the school that you plan to attend to determine what credential assessment agency to use. Some schools may have a preferred agency.

Make sure to highlight your international education and skills. In doing so, you may be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits, and gain benefits from prior learning assessment options. If you’re able to use international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions, you can complete your Canadian education program more quickly. This can save you time and money when you are able to build on the existing education that you already have.

Academic Credential Service Providers

Here are a few credential service providers you can use:

International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta

The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia

To find more academic evaluation services, click here.

Related post:

How to Do Credential Evaluation and Recognition Differ (Infographic)

Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Job Requirements

Canadian employers put a high emphasis on soft skills. These are your personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and career prospects. Unlike your hard skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.

Soft skills, such as communication and leadership are important for sales and marketing professionals. That’s why it’s important to identify your strengths or areas that may need improving. If your hard skills will get you an interview, most probably it is your soft skills that will get you the job and contribute to high performance.

Though not a must, upgrading your education and skills can be an important part of your successful sales and marketing career in Canada.

Language Training for Sales and Marketing Professionals in Canada

You may have strong sales and marketing skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially related to language skills.

Strong communication skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French, are important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.

You may be eligible for the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language classes through school boards or settlement agencies.

There are even language courses to teach you professional terminology, such as job-specific language training and in Ontario, Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT). And if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option to gain better job opportunities.

Bridging Programs

Bridging programs are a helpful way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. While there aren’t many bridging programs specifically related to sales and marketing, you can find continuing education courses that you can enroll in.

Here are a couple of examples of programs that you could use:

ACCES Employment

Sales and Marketing Connections

The program helps internationally trained sales and marketing professionals find employment in their fields in Ontario. The program includes business communications coaching, occupation-specific language training and sector-specific employment services.

York University

Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs)

The program helps IEPs transition into a position that matches their education, credentials, and experience. IEPs receive an individual, customized action plan tailored to their goals and career path.

Continuing Your Education in Canada

You may want to continue your education to advance your sales and marketing career in Canada. Most colleges and universities in Canada offer sales and marketing courses as part of business programs. You can check out business programs at some of Canada’s many college and universities including:

• University of Toronto

• York University

• University of British Columbia

• McMaster University

• University of Alberta

• Western University

• University of Manitoba

• Centennial College

• Fanshawe College

• Lambton College

• Sheridan College.

Sales and Marketing Associations in Canada

The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.

Canadian Marketing Association (CMA)

The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) is the only marketing association in Canada that embraces Canada’s major business sectors and all marketing disciplines, channels, and technologies. Its programs help shape the future of marketing in Canada by building talented marketers and exceptional business leaders and by demonstrating marketing’s strategic role as a key driver of business success.

Canadian Internet Marketing Association (CIMA)

The Canadian Internet Marketing Association (CIMA) was formed by a group of Internet marketing professionals in Montreal and was officially launched in 2011. CIMA covers several web marketing avenues, including the following areas of note: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Sponsored Search, Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Mobile Marketing, Email Marketing, and others.

Immigrant Networks

Professional immigrant networks are member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals to:

• Create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities, and

• Provide opportunities for members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.

Activities of networks include networking events, mentoring, information sessions, professional development opportunities such as workshops, speaker events, and training and connections to employment opportunities.

Nova Scotia

isans: Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia: helps newcomer professionals with their full economic and social integration in the province of Nova Scotia.

Ontario

If you are settling in the Greater Toronto Area, you can also contact CAMP Networking. This is a professional immigrant association for new and established immigrants with a background in communications, advertising, or marketing. This group meets regularly to share knowledge and experience. Being part of a similar group can give you valuable leads and connect you to successful members and employers.

CAMP (Communications, Advertising and Marketing Professionals) organizes monthly meetings and events where members build on the intellectual and social capital that can help them get ahead in Canada. CAMP provides a forum for members to network, explore career leads, share experiences, get tips from industry leaders, volunteer their skills and time and make a difference in a cause they support.

How Much Do Sales and Marketing Professionals Make in Canada?

The average sales and marketing salary can depend on many things. Your job title, industry, experience, credentials, and location all matter. Sales and marketing salaries can be anywhere from $15 per hour to over $70 per hour. The province with the lowest starting sales and marketing salary is Prince Edward Island at $15 per hour. The highest is Ontario at $72.12 per hour. The median sales and marketing salary typically is in the range of $30-$40 per hour in Canada.

Sales and Marketing Salary in Canada

Here are the most recent (2022) sales and marketing salary figures by province. You can also explore salary figures by local region within the province where data is available.

Marketing Specialist Salary

Sales Analyst Salary

Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Sales and Marketing Professional Based on Salary & Lifestyle

You can find sales and marketing jobs in provinces and cities across Canada. However, you may want to broaden your search to small- and medium-sized cities. Cities that are located within a reasonable commute of larger cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary may offer more affordable housing and a more relaxed lifestyle. It really depends on what’s important to you and your family when choosing a city. For example, cities such as Hamilton, or Markham are within an hour’s driving distance of Toronto and may offer more affordable housing options and less competition when searching for jobs.

Major Employers for Sales and Marketing Jobs in Canada

The largest employers for sales and marketing professionals are the telecom companies, such as Rogers, TELUS, and Bell. Banks such as Scotiabank, HSBC, RBC, CIBC, and TD, which all have their own marketing departments are other employers to check out. As a result of the changing media landscape, sales and marketing roles are less traditional and are more digital and data-driven. Remember, the type of employer you work for will have an impact on your career path and sales and marketing salary potential.

You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. This special designation recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity and inclusion.

How to Find Your First Sales and Marketing Job in Canada

The Canadian job market is competitive and finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country. There are many ways that you can search for jobs in the sales and marketing sectors. These tips can help you to gain a competitive advantage:

• Join sales and marketing job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.

• Attend sales and marketing career fairs and regularly check online job boards.

• Seek a mentor in the sales and marketing field who would give you valuable insights and introduce you to their professional network. You can also gain insights into sales and marketing salary, job duty, and career path expectations.

• Have a strong and active presence on social media channels like LinkedIn and Twitter.

• Join sales and marketing LinkedIn groups, where you can contribute content, ask questions, and connect with other professionals in Canada.

• Create a portfolio of your projects, documents, reference letters, testimonials, and recommendations. If you have won awards, make sure that you show them off. It might not be accepted in your home country, but in Canada, you need to speak about your awards and achievements.

Take Advantage of Free Immigrant Settlement Services

Many settlement agencies offer free services to help you with your Canadian job search. These services can help you to find jobs, update your resume, write a Canadian-style resume and cover letter, and prepare for interviews. Many of these services offer both pre-and post-arrival services, so you can get started even before you arrive in Canada. Find immigrant services in your area.

Build Connections through Effective Networking

Networking is an important activity that can help you discover job leads, gain information, and meet others to expand your connections. In Canada, many job vacancies are not advertised, and can be found in the “hidden job market”. Your connections can help you discover these roles. Jobs in the hidden job market can often be easier to obtain because there are fewer applicants and less competition.

Good places to network include conferences, associations, and educational events which are ideal to meet new people, build relationships, and share information.

LinkedIn is another important professional tool for networking. It is great to connect with former colleagues and employers, gather information about companies, search for jobs, and get introductions to other professionals in your field. You can also mingle with people in the sales and marketing sector and join some related professional groups such as CAMP Networking and Multicultural Marketing Society of Canada.

Conduct Informational Interviews

An informational interview is a brief meeting no longer than 30 minutes. Ideally, you schedule the meeting with someone who currently works in sales and marketing so that you can learn more about the profession in Canada.

Your goal should be to learn more about the environment, a position, or an industry. Avoid trying to get a job during an informational interview. By conducting an informational interview with a contact from your network you gain solid information about career options, industries, or companies. Your contacts can also share their first-hand experience and impressions that can help you make vital career decisions.

Write Your Resume to Show How You Meet Sales and Marketing Job Requirements

Your sales resume must show your talent for making new contacts, closing orders, and generating referral business through effective account management.

If you are a Sales Executive, for example, your resume should include both account management and new business development. Show how you exceeded goals, as well as established, conveyed, and implemented vision. Use your resume to demonstrate your experience launching new products and creating name recognition in a highly competitive marketplace.

Here are example phrases to consider:

• Researched previous customer advertising and identified viable customers to meet the $100,000 quarterly sales quota.

• Provided leadership and training to newly hired account executives and facilitated creative sales strategies.

• Developed and managed new international accounts in Korea, China, India, Singapore, and other Asia-Pacific regions.

• Developed a loyal customer base and increased sales volume by 20% through personal attention to customer service.

Your marketing resume should show that you are a focused individual that is known for excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Highlight your ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and establish competitive strategies to achieve success. For example, if you work in sports marketing, your resume should show that you can surpass competitors, aggressively increase market share, and drive profit margins to higher levels.

Here are some examples of phrases to consider:

• Managed digital advertising campaigns, including concept development, and implementation.

• Designed and managed marketing programs including promotional strategies, brand integrity, and marketing collateral.

• Oversaw all aspects of marketing, including product management, segment and strategic marketing, roadmaps, product definition, R&D, partnerships, M&A valuation, business plans, profitability, and growth.

Prepare for the Sales and Marketing Interview

Sales Job Interview Tips

Sales interviews are not interviews, but rather sales calls. Therefore, the first rule of interviewing for sales jobs is that you “don’t go to interview. You “go to sell” yourself.

The best way to prepare for a sales job interview is to practice responses to possible questions that an interviewer may ask you. Here are some questions that you could expect to answer:

• What do you consider the most important skills in sales?

• Is there any aspect of the sales process that you are particularly uncomfortable with?

• Is there anyone you struggle to sell to?

• What are some examples of your sales experience?

• Describe the most difficult sales call you have made and how did you prepare for it?

• Describe what your sales cycle was like in your last job

• Describe a time that you had to change your sales approach.

• How do you handle the negotiation phase?

• When do you decide that it is time to let a potential client go?

• How do you handle rejection?

As sales is a very specific career field, the above sample questions represent only a small portion of the possible questions you may face. Research the company’s products, target market, and sales strategy so that you can come up with more questions of your own and practice answering them.

Marketing Job Interview Tips

Naturally, marketing job interviews have a lot of marketing-specific questions. When you are called for a job interview, you are going to be tested for your marketing spirit, in addition to your knowledge, your vision, and your ability to make decisions in the field.

Here are some common questions that you can expect during a marketing job interview:

• How do you generate your marketing plans?

• What measures do you use to assess if your marketing plan is working?

• How and when do you evaluate your marketing campaigns?

• Describe a marketing strategy that failed.

• Describe your most successful marketing campaign.

• How would you market our products if you were put on a severely limited budget?

These are only a sample of possible marketing job interview questions. There are thousands of other possible questions based on the type of company, its products and services, and its marketing budget. Use the information that you gathered during your research about the company to prepare questions that you would like to learn more about. Ensure that your questions go beyond basic information anyone could find on the company’s website. This will show your genuine interest and knowledge of the company.

With a positive outlook for sales and marketing jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. This ever-evolving field offers new opportunities and career paths for newcomers.

Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.