Searching for a Job in Canada: 10 Most Common Mistakes
Looking for a job in Canada as an immigrant may be a challenging experience. We’ve got all the advice you’ll need on how to manage your Canadian job search so that you won’t make any potential mistakes.
Top 10 Mistakes of Foreign Job Seekers in Canada
1. Not Updating Resume, CV, or Career Portfolio
An updated CV in Canadian standards is essential since it may help you advance in your job hunt. Additionally, Canadian employers search for specific experiences and skills on your resume. So it makes sense to update and modify your resume if you want to get recognized by employers.
*Difference of Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Resume
While both CVs and resumes offer an overview of your work history, a CV includes a list of relevant talents. In most cases, CVs for entry-level positions are lengthier than resumes—at least two or three pages—while a resume offers a brief summary of your educational background, job experience, qualifications, and other achievements and abilities.
Here are the top 5 tips on keeping your resume up-to-date.
- Remove unrelated positions you held.
- Add new skills you’ve accomplished.
- Renew the layout of your resume/CV to fit the employer’s industry.
- Remove all phrases that are out of date.
- Update contact information, if needed.
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2. Not Having a Clear Goal or Job Hunt Plan
A career goal is a clear explanation of the profession in which a person intends to work for the rest of his or her professional life. The precise definition of a person’s professional objectives is critical for anybody in the workforce or looking for work. In doing so, it aids them in developing action plans that are both efficient and effective. Having career goals will give the interviewer more confidence that you will be a long-term employee if you state your goals are aligned with the mission of the company.
Here are the top 5 tips on how you can create a clear career goal.
- Set goals that are smart and doable. Unrealistic goals will set you up for failure.
- Be specific with goals. Measurable goals can help you stay focused and succeed.
- Make a list of deadlines and milestones that you want to achieve.
- Be clear when it comes to communicating your goals to an employer.
- Last but not least, take it slow and go easy on yourself.
3. Not Following Up, Scheduling, or Tracking Updates
Following up with a recruiting manager after submitting an application is something that you may have to do. Following up, even if it’s optional, shows your interest in the job and sets you apart from the competition.
As for scheduling/tracking updates, it’s critical that you should. By doing so allows you to find the best times to follow up on your next interview, keep track of when you last made a follow-up, or keep up to date of the previous response from the potential employer.
Here are the top 5 tips on how you can schedule follow ups and track updates.
- Wait 2 weeks before you schedule a follow up.
- When requesting for updates, keep your requests short and sweet.
- Reaffirm your desire to know the status of your application.
- Make a point to emphasize your strengths.
- End your follow up with an expression of gratitude.
4. Not Researching the Employer
You should always do your research on a business before going in for an interview, or even before submitting an application. This will not only improve your chances of being recruited, but it will also help you determine if the firm is a suitable match for you.
Here are the top 5 tips on how you can research more info on the employer.
- Visit the company’s website to learn more. This is where you should start.
- Visit their website or follow them on social media to learn more about the company’s culture.
- See if you can find reviews from previous employers that mention the company.
- Keep an eye out for breaking news related to the employer.
- Learn more about the company by personally communicating with employees, asking on the interview day itself, or sending an email to the company with further questions you’d like to know about them.
5. Not Preparing for the Interview
Preparation for interviews is the most critical stage in obtaining a job in Canada. Doing some research and preparing ahead of time can help you feel more in control and will make you seem more qualified to potential employers.
Here are the top 5 tips on how to prepare for an interview.
- Do your research on the interviewers.
- Identify your “selling points” and why you want the job.
- Expect the interviewer to be unsure or hesitant.
- Prepare for common interview questions.
- Prepare a list of interview questions ahead of time to ask the employer during the interview.
Check out more tips on how to prepare for a job interview in Canada!
6. Not Sending Enough Applications
Sending applications to a few companies may seem like a bright idea, but it isn’t always the case. Fewer applications mean less likelihood of discovering businesses that really require your skills. Even if you don’t get the job, every interview is a chance to improve your communication skills, learn more about the Canadian job market, and build your confidence.
- Increasing your number of applications will result in more opportunities for interviewing.
7. Not Reviewing Job Descriptions
Job descriptions assist in setting and meeting expectations. Employers can clearly convey their expectations to their workers when job descriptions are clear and concise. Employers can better assess employee performance when they are aware of what their workers may anticipate.
Here are the top 3 tips on how to review job descriptions.
- Start by looking beyond the title. Check to see whether the job responsibilities are intriguing and in line with the position’s title and grade level.
- Find out how close you are to what the employer is looking for.
- Search for requirements with red flags that may indicate that this job is not for you. This will save you the time and effort.
8. Not Using Free Time to Learn New Skills
Knowing more is always beneficial, especially if you wish to get hired in Canada. Learning always has room for mistakes, so you should be able to discover a skill that works for you with multiple trial and errors.
- Attend webinars, online seminars, conferences, or sign up for an online course or a live video lesson. Find a way to improve in your profession.
9. Not Networking and Getting Endorsements
When you network, you become known by a select group of people. It’s possible that the job you’re looking for will never be posted. It’s via networking that one may find out about job openings and get in touch with hiring managers.
Here are the top 3 tips on how to network.
- Send a LinkedIn connection invitation with a brief message.
- Create short messages that you may use to connect with professionals, and make to personalize to every recipient.
- Request a coffee interview with prospective employers. A coffee interview is a casual meeting with a potential employer that takes place in a coffee shop.
10. Not Utilizing All Possible Helpful Tools and Platforms
The use of job search resources like job search websites and agencies is essential in finding the best employment opportunities. Here at CanadaCIS, we have top-rated career professionals who can assist you in finding the right job, applying for a job with a Canadian standard CV, preparing for interviews, accepting job offers, and so much more.
🍁 Here is why you should choose CanadaCIS to assist you in your job search.
Here at CanadaCIS, we have top-rated career professionals who can assist you in finding the right job, applying for a job with a Canadian standard CV, preparing for interviews, accepting job offers, and so much more.
BONUS! How to Create a Career Portfolio
A portfolio serves as a record of your professional accomplishments as well as a means of showcasing your talents. Your portfolio may be a tangible or digital compilation of your work and achievements.
It’s required in most job applications to include your résumé and cover letter, but adding an online portfolio makes you more marketable. As an alternative, you may bring a portfolio to a first interview to show potential employers what you’ve accomplished in the past.
Want to know how to create a solid professional portfolio but don’t know how to begin? Here are 5 items you’ll want to include within your file.
👷🏻♀️ Gather samples of your previous work.
📸 Include images of you at work.
🤝🏻 Incorporate information about reputable and promising organizations you’ve associated with.
📄 Add an employee letter of reference.
🥇 List of awards and achievements you’ve accomplished.
