Newcomer’s Guide to Finding a Job in Canada

As you begin your newcomer journey in Canada, finding a job in your industry is likely a priority. Finding your first job in Canada marks an important step in building the foundation for your life and career in your new country.

The Canadian job market and job search process are likely a little different from your home country. In this guide, you’ll learn about the steps to finding a job in Canada and get tools and tips for every stage, from crafting your Canadian resume and finding your personal brand to acing the final interview at your dream job and getting hired.

This free RBC newcomer guide aims to help you prepare for and fast-track your job search in Canada, with information on what Canadian recruiters look for when hiring for a role, resources to make your professional profile appealing to Canadian recruiters, and tips to present yourself and your experience in the best light during job interviews.

Inside this guide, you’ll find tips, resources, and tools on these career topics:

• Building a Canadian-style resume and cover letter

• Developing your personal brand

• Enhancing your employability in Canada

• Starting your career search in Canada

• Networking to access the hidden job market

• Preparing for your job interview

• Getting and accepting a job offer We hope this guide helps you feel prepared and supported at every stage of your job search in Canada.

This will guide newcomers through the process of crafting a Canadian-style resume: you’ll need to understand which of the usual formats best fits your profile, how to showcase your skills and experience in a way that resonates with Canadian recruiters, and what information not to include. Cover letters are not always required in Canada, but it’s a good practice to include one anyways, and this guide provides some advice on how to structure yours and what it should include.

Your personal brand extends beyond your resume, and should be reflected in your elevator pitch, as well as your online presence on platforms commonly used by Canadian professionals such as LinkedIn and more. We also emphasize networking, which is crucial in accessing Canada’s hidden job market, and explain how volunteer work is an asset in adding Canadian experience to your resume as well as making new connections. For those in regulated professions, we offer resources for understanding the certifications or licenses required to work in their field. 

Once you’re equipped with your resume and elevator pitch, you’ll need to know where to look for roles, and how to leverage your network to hear about job opportunities that aren’t necessarily published on job boards and website.

A great resume that lines up with the role you’re applying to will get you invited to a job interview, for which you must be well prepared. This guide will provide you with information on what to expect in a Canadian job interview, what information to research ahead of time, and advice on common questions and interview etiquette.

Lastly, this guide outlines steps for finalizing employment once you’ve received a job offer, including obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and setting up a Canadian bank account.

Finding a job in a new country can take time, so arm yourself with patience and an open mind, to best adapt yourself to a different job market. Everyone has a different path to success — your job search may take a little longer than you planned, or you may find a new opportunity that you had never considered before. Keeping an open mind and a positive outlook will help you kickstart your career in Canada! With some research and preparation, the right advice and resources, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job in Canada.

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