Finding a job is a job

Looking for work in Canada can be challenging. Learn about regulated and unregulated jobs, the documents you will need to begin your job search, and how to prepare for job interviews. We’ll also explain how you can meet people who can help you get experience and find jobs, and where you can get free employment services.

Transcript: Finding a job is a job

Video length: 5:47 minutes

Music is heard in the background.

Text appears at the bottom of the screen. It reads, “This video was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some images may not depict current social distancing measures.”

The scene opens with a satellite map of Canada. An animated airplane flies over the country towards the west. The map shifts to the left and 2 different images of a plane landing appear.

Female narrator: Canada welcomes newcomers from around the world and helps them build a new life in Canada.

We transition to a screen split into 3. The top image shows people waiting at an airport. The bottom left image shows a passport with a “Welcome to Canada” stamp. The bottom right image shows a view of Parliament Hill in the National Capital Region.

Female narrator: This includes finding a job so they can contribute to their new country.

The scene cuts to a keyboard. One button has a Canadian flag and another button reads “Find a Job”.

Male narrator: This video will show you how you can find work and settle in Canada.

The image cuts to a screen split into 4 showing 4 Canadians from different ethnic backgrounds, smiling and looking into the camera.

The 4 images are replaced and 4 new Canadians from different ethnic backgrounds are revealed. They are also smiling and looking into the camera.

Female narrator: Planning and persistence are key to finding a job.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Planning and persistence”.

Male narrator: There are lots of opportunities for work in Canada, but you might find that getting a job can be challenging ‒ the process is probably different from the one you’re used to.

The graphic shifts to the left and we see a crowd of people walking on a busy sidewalk. The scene then cuts to a time-lapse video of a large city.

Female narrator: Also, job titles and duties may be different from where you have worked before.

We transition to a young woman working on a laptop computer. The scene then cuts to 2 women talking during a job interview, followed by a woman doing research on the Internet, followed by a medical professional speaking to a patient.

Female narrator: So, you should research what skills, qualifications and experience are needed where you plan to live, even before you arrive.

The scene cuts to a woman wearing a lab coat and a stethoscope taking notes, followed by an overhead shot of a group discussing pie charts, followed by an image of apartment buildings.

Male narrator: Some professions and trades are regulated in Canada.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Regulated professions and trades”.

Male narrator: That means you need to have a licence before you can work in them.

We transition to a screen that is divided into 3. The top section shows workers on a construction site. The bottom left section shows a patient consulting with a doctor and a nurse. The bottom right section shows a veterinarian examining a dog. The scene then changes to a screen that is divided into 2. The left section shows prescription drugs. The right section show an electrician working. 

Female narrator: The majority of these occupations are in the medical, dental, legal, financial and construction fields.

The scene cuts to a nurse talking with a doctor followed by a dental hygienist assisting a dentist. The image shifts to the left to include 2 other images. The top right image shows a man and a woman in business clothing looking through papers and talking. The bottom right image shows a man analyzing financial results on a computer screen. The scene then changes to 2 construction workers discussing a project.

Male narrator: Make sure you have a certified translator provide an English or French translation of your education, training and work certificates.

We transition to a young man speaking with a woman. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on a green background. It reads “Certified translation”.

Female narrator: Getting a licence to work in a regulated job can take time.

The scene cuts to 2 students reading and taking notes.

Female narrator: The earlier you apply to have your credentials assessed, the sooner you may become qualified to work.

The scene cuts to a man handing his resume over to a hiring manager, followed by a different man and woman shaking hands.

Female narrator: In the meantime, you may have to find another job related to your field.

We transition to a screen that is split into 2. The top section shows a man getting into a delivery truck. The bottom section shows 2 women gardening in a greenhouse.

Male narrator: Most jobs in Canada are not regulated.

We cut to a cashier at a grocery store scanning items, followed by a chef in a restaurant preparing a meal.

Female narrator: The fastest and easiest way to look for jobs and connect with people is online. The Government of Canada’s Job Bank is a great place to start your search.

We transition to an animated map of Canada. Text appears in the middle of the screen over the map of Canada. It reads “www.jobbank.gc.ca”. A sound of typing on a keyboard is heard while the website is revealed. 

Male narrator: Learn about online employment and networking websites and if you need assistance, go to a settlement service provider or a government employment agency.

We transition to a woman chatting by video conference in an office. The scene then cuts to a woman working on a computer, followed by a man looking over a client’s resume.

Female narrator: Take the time to create a profile on one of these sites.

The scene then cuts to a screen divided in 2. The left section shows a man doing research on the Internet. The right section shows a woman also working on her computer.

Male narrator: Many local settlement service provider organizations provide workshops and support to help you find a job.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Settlement Service Providers”.

Female narrator: Being able to speak, write and read in English and/or French is essential to finding a job and succeeding in the workplace.

We transition to a saleswoman in a clothing store helping another woman. Text appears on the right side of the screen on a green background. It reads “Speak, write and read in English or French”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a female fitness trainer instructing another woman.

Male narrator: Language training is available for free to permanent residents through local settlement service providers.

We transition to a screen divided in 3. The left section shows a teacher talking to students in a classroom. The 2 sections on the right show students listening to the teacher. Text appears on the right side of the screen on a green background. It reads “Language training”.

Female narrator: And Francophone organizations across Canada offer employment services in French.

We transition to a man attending a community meeting. The scene then cuts to another man speaking to a group in a community meeting.

Male narrator: An effective resume is important to finding work in Canada.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Resume”.

Female narrator: A resume lists your work experience, skills and education related to the job you are applying for.

A checklist appears. It reads “Experience, Skills, Education”.

Male narrator: Some types of job applications also ask for a cover letter. This letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the employer why you are right for the job.

The text on screen disappears, and new text appears. It reads “Cover letter”. A checklist with 2 items appears. The items are “Introduce yourself” and “Why you’re right for the job”.

Female narrator: If you don’t know how to write these, ask for help from your settlement service provider, or look for examples online.

The graphic shifts to the top and we see 2 women chatting over a laptop. The scene then cuts to a man answering questions in an interview, followed by a man doing research on the Internet.

Male narrator: Settlement service providers can also help you prepare for job interviews. The more you know about workplace culture in Canada, the better your chances of getting a job.

The scene changes to 2 women working on a computer. Text appears on the right side of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Prepare for job interviews and learn about workplace culture”. The text remains as the scene cuts to 2 other women also working on a computer.

Female narrator: There are a number of other things you can do to help you find a job.

The scene cuts to a man and a woman working on a computer. 

Male narrator: Many jobs are not advertised.

The scene cuts to a man and a woman talking at an event.

Male narrator: Workers often find jobs through the people they know, so it’s important to build your professional network.

The scene cuts to a group of people speaking to one another outside in a park, followed by a group 4 people talking to each other and consulting a computer. Text appears on the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Network”.

Female narrator: Find people who work where you want to work. Ask them how they got their job and what you need to know about working there. Ask them for other contacts.

We transition to a man and a woman having a discussion. The screen then divides itself and another section appears on the right showing a man and a woman having a chat and looking through documents at a coffee shop. A third section pops up in the bottom right corner and we see another conversation between a man and a woman.

Male narrator: While building your network, you might even find a mentor.

We transition to a screen divided in 2. The left section shows a woman and a man analyzing and commenting on a document. The right section shows an overhead shot of the same man and woman. Text appears on the bottom on an orange background. It reads “Mentor”.

Male narrator: A mentor is a person with experience in your area who is willing to guide you.

The screen then splits in 2. The top section shows a woman showing another woman something on her phone. The bottom section shows a man and a woman having a discussion.

Male narrator: Your local settlement service provider can also help with this.

The scene changes to a man in a coffee shop working on a computer and getting help from another man.

Female narrator: If you are invited to a job interview, make sure you do some research about the organization before you go.

The scene cuts to a man speaking in an interview. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Interview”. The text remains as the scene changes to show the 3 interviewers.

Male narrator: Be prepared to tell the hiring manager why you want to work there, the value you will add to the company, and specific examples of how you did well in previous jobs.

The scene cuts to a wide shot of an interview with the 3 interviewers and the candidate, followed by views of 2 different interviews.

Female narrator: Think about a few questions you could ask about the company or the job you are applying for, such as what kind of tasks you would do in a typical day. This is a common practice in Canada.

The scene cuts to another interview. Text appears on the right side on an orange background. It reads “Ask questions about the company and the job”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a woman talking during an interview.

Male narrator: And be ready to give the names of 2 or 3 people, called references, who a hiring manager can call to ask more about you and your skills. Provide Canadian references, if possible.

The scene cuts to a man sitting on a couch talking on the phone. Text appears at the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “References”. The text remains as the scene changes to a woman talking on her cell phone while checking out information on a computer, followed by a man typing on a keyboard. 

Male narrator: Don’t be shy. In Canada, it’s important to promote yourself ‒ your skills, your experience and what makes you the right “fit” for a job.

The scene cuts to a woman consulting a manager in a warehouse, followed by a woman taking inventory in a warehouse.

Female narrator: Canadian employers value their employees’ “soft” skills ‒ things like being reliable and dependable, being able to work well with others, and being able to quickly learn new things. Be ready to talk about these types of skills during the interview.

We transition to a view of tall office buildings as seen from the ground looking up. Text appears on the right side of the image on an orange background. It reads “Soft skills:” followed by the bullet points “Reliable, Dependable, Work well with others,” and “Quickly learn new things”. The text remains as the scene cuts to 2 employees stocking fruits and vegetables in a grocery store, followed by a man explaining something to a group of people around a computer screen, followed by a man and a woman sitting in a restaurant doing an interview.  

Female narrator: Having experience in Canada will help you get a job.

We transition to a screen that is divided in 2. The left section shows an aerial view of a large city. The right section shows the Canadian flag waving in the wind.

Male narrator: Volunteering is a good way to get some experience. It can help you learn about Canada’s workplace culture, practise your language skills and meet people who may be able to help you.

We transition to a group of individuals listening to a man speaking in a community centre. Text appears on the bottom of the screen on an orange background. It reads “Volunteering”. The text remains as the scene cuts to a team encouraging each other in a circle, followed by a young woman looking directly at the camera and smiling while volunteers work in the background.

Female narrator: You might also meet someone who can be a reference for you.

The scene cuts to a shot of 2 women collaborating in a clothing design workshop.

Male narrator: Looking for a job can be challenging. Plan your actions, be persistent by trying new things and don’t give up. Take advantage of all the resources available to you in your community and keep networking.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Planning and persistence and flexibility”.

Female narrator: Learn more about looking for work in Canada and how to find a settlement service provider near you on the Government of Canada’s website.

We transition to a graphic icon of someone on a computer. Text appears on screen that reads “Canada.ca/newcomers-employment”.

The image then cuts to the signature of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on a black background and the copyright notice “Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2020.”

The image then cuts to the Canada wordmark displayed on a black background.