Where to start
Local agencies such as Employment Ontario Employment Services are available to support people as they look for work. They can help you with your job search skills.
Some common ways people look for work include:
Job Postings
Job postings are advertisements posted by employers that describe available positions and the type of employee they are looking for. These can be found online and in the employment section of your local paper. Some job posting websites provide a range of job postings across different industries, while others are industry-specific.
For more information about industry-specific job posting websites, visit
Settlement.Org.
Applying On-line
Many websites or individual companies, who advertise job vacancies on-line, may require the job-seeker to set-up an account or register with them. In order to job-search on-line you need:
- basic computer skills (many Employment Ontario - Employment Services offer workshops on computer skills)
- access to a computer and internet (libraries and Employment Ontario offices often have computers for the public to use)
- a reliable email account
- a updated resume and cover letter (both items will need to be uploaded to the computer in order to apply on-line)
Networking
Networking can help you learn about an industry and the job market. By talking to others, you can find out about job vacancies. To make contact with people, you can join a professional association for your occupation, join a conversation circle, get involved in your community, attend a job fair, or use online social or professional networking websites.
You may also benefit from joining a Professional Immigrant Network (PIN). PINs are run by and for internationally-trained individuals. They cover regulated and non-regulated professions in many sectors. To learn more about Professional Immigrant Networks, visit: https://triec.ca/pins/.
Volunteering
Volunteer work is an excellent way to gain Canadian experience and Canadian references. Volunteering is unpaid work, but an excellent way to learn new skills, continue to develop existing skills, practice English or French, meet people, locate potential job leads and get Canadian work references. Often, volunteer positions are with non-profit or charity organizations. Many employers accept volunteering as valid Canadian work experience. Volunteering allows you to build networks and learn more about the work environment in your community.
It is important for you to understand what you are committing to when you volunteer. Ask the organization what they expect from you and what they can offer. A good place to look for volunteer opportunities is
www.volunteerconnection.ca.
Temporary Work
Some people may choose to use an employment agency, placement agency, or temporary agency ("temp agency") to find work. These agencies find people a job with another company. Usually 'temp agencies' are private companies. They make money by charging the company that you work for, or they might take a percentage of your pay. You should not pay anything before they find you a suitable job and you start working. Different agencies offer different kinds of services. They may vary based on length of placement and type of industry. Before you apply to an agency, check to make sure they can place you in the type of work you are interested in.
For additional information about employment agencies or temporary agencies in Canada, visit
Settlement.Org.