Getting the job you want in Canada can be challenging. When I came to Canada years ago, I expected my job hunt to be difficult. But what I didn’t expect was how I had to change my behaviour to adapt to the Canadian work environment. To master this will take time, I’ve been in Canada for years and I’m still learning.
However, there are a few things that you can do to prepare for the job hunt and give you the edge over other newcomers who are eager to find their dream job in Canada.
Here are six essential tips that I found useful.
1. Take Time to Learn the Basics to Get the Job You Want
It’s essential to research the companies that you want to work for and especially their culture. For example, when I was applying for my first job here, I was surprised at how equally everyone was treated. I was much more used to a rigid hierarchy when in actual fact, in most jobs in Canada people are generally treated equally.
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2. Learn What to Wear and How to Act
You need to understand what is expected of you in Canada. How you will need to dress for an interview is very important. Many, if not all job interviews require smart dress. Some companies may have a more relaxed setting, and in that case, dressing in business casual attire may be suitable. However, try to feel out the dress code before you show up for an interview.
During the interview, you can get a real feel for the office and work environment, take the opportunity to look around the office, and observe what people are wearing and the atmosphere.
3. Read Everything in the Job Description
I have been guilty of this one in the past. You need to read everything in the job posting. If it says that you must send a portfolio of your past work, then you really need to do it. The instructions could be something as simple as information to include in the subject line of your application letter. If you miss one of these instructions, employers can sometimes see it as an indication of a lack of attention to detail so it is very important to get this right.
4. Communicate Well in the Canadian Workplace
Depending on your background and proficiency in English it may be second nature to be diplomatic when conversing with colleagues. You may, on the other hand, have a more direct communication style than your Canadian colleagues expect. You will be very grateful for the extra time and effort it takes to change your demand into a polite request.
Interpersonal relationships and networking are essential to a career in Canada and to getting the job you want. So remember to smile, be patient, and communicate well.
5. Be Professional and Punctual When You Get the Job You Want
If you are working in a formal office setting this can be very important. You should conduct yourself with the level of professionalism that your fellow colleagues exhibit. In my experience, it is better to err on the side of being too polite than to overstep. This can be especially important in more casual settings where the lines are a little more blurry. Don’t worry, it sounds very complicated, but you will be just fine.
6. Be a Go-getter
Canadian employees love it when you take the initiative, I have found that being as self-sufficient as possible is a great way to earn my manager’s trust in Canada. Be careful not to overstep but show that you are willing to be a problem solver rather than just pointing out mistakes. This is a huge asset to any company.
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