6 Simple Steps to Land a Professional Job in Canada (Beyond the Resume)
It’s no surprise that Canadian employers have certain expectations of job seekers. As a newcomer, international student, or young professional looking for work, it can be overwhelming to keep track of all that’s expected of you and the new things you must learn. In this article, we will explore 6 specific to-dos when it comes to preparing for an effective job search. These simple steps will go a long way in demonstrating your keenness to land the role and ensure you present yourself as the professional you are. Navigating the job search process involves more than just crafting a standout resume and cover letter. It’s important to recognize that there are additional norms and practices that can significantly enhance your preparedness and effectiveness. By addressing these additional elements, you not only improve your overall job search strategy but also demonstrate a thorough commitment to your career goals.
To impress the employer and present yourself as the best possible candidate, it’s important to meet these expectations. Otherwise, this might signal to the employer that you’re not well-prepared for the job search and are disorganized. By following these guidelines, you can effectively navigate the Canadian job market and make a positive impression on potential employers. Understanding and adhering to these standards can help you stand out in a competitive job market, showcasing your readiness and professionalism.
Video: Ultimate Guide to Canadian Job Search in 2025: Tips & Strategies for Success
Here are 6 expectations Canadian employers will have of candidates looking for professional roles
1. A voicemail so they can leave a phone message
It’s important to setup a professional voicemail so the Recruiter knows they’ve called the right number if you miss their call.
Your voicemail greeting should confirm your name, thank the caller, and set an expectation that you will follow up. The idea of using voicemail instead of texting or emailing can dated. The reality is the company might be traditional in its Recruitment approach, or that specific Recruiter might simply prefer calling over texting. In either case, it’s advisable to be prepared for a call.
Here is how setup a professional voicemail to impress the Recruiter or Hiring Manager:
Write a short script in advance.
Include your name, state that you are not currently available to answer and set expectations for a timeline on a call back.
You might also include your email address in the voicemail message.
Thank the person for calling
2. A professional email address
When it comes to your email, make sure to get a professional sounding address. It is fine to use a free service like gmail or iCloud. The key is to make sure that the words that you’re choosing for your address do not include any sort of personal identifiers.
For example, avoid using your year of birth, age or where you’re from in your email address. Details like this may open you up to potential bias in the job search.
You should also make sure to avoid including anything which is silly or inappropriate. When setting up your professional email try to use a variation of your name. If you must add a number, make sure it’s not an identifier like your year of birth or graduation date. The number should be arbitrary.
3. A completed LinkedIn profile
Over 70% of Canadian employers will check social media profiles of candidates to learn more about them. This includes LinkedIn. It is common for an employer to search for you on LinkedIn to learn more about your background and qualifications before they even have you in for an interview.
As a result, you want to make sure that you’re showing up online in a professional way. You want your LinkedIn profile to work in a way that’s going to advance your candidacy.
Think about what your LinkedIn profile currently looks like. Is it selling you and adding value to your candidacy? Or is it not doing anything at all? Complete your LinkedIn profile to achieve All-Star Status.
You’ve got great opportunities on LinkedIn to showcase your work. For example, you can use functions in the feature section to upload some work files. Consider setting up a LinkedIn profile before you ever head out on a job search to really elevate your candidacy.
Canadian employers will expect professionals to have a LinkedIn profile. Showing up online can help you to build your credibility as a newcomer or international student. Especially when you are new to an area.
4. Any meeting is scheduled in advance
Canadian employers want you to have an appointment set up before you show up at their office. As a result, it is not appropriate to drop in to leave a resume with an employer at a professional workplace.
Rather, you should follow the established online process and follow-up using proper networking techniques after the fact.
However, if you are looking for part-time work in a retail or customer-facing environment, it may be an accepted practice to drop in without an appointment. It is recommended that you call the potential employer in advance and ask if this is acceptable, to be polite.
Showing up unannounced could be seen as causing an inconvenience or acting inconsiderately. On top of this, with Covid, you want to be respectful of any protocols which are put into place.
There was a time visiting employer to deliver resumes in-person was effective. This approach is considered ‘old school’ now and might cause more harm than good.
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5. You have done research before interacting with the company
Be sure to do your research about the company before any interview (whether it be phone, video or in-person). You want to be prepared and understand what the company is all about before any conversation. A great place to start is the company website. Review it closely, learn about the company, find some sort of interesting fact that you could use as a conversation starter.
Take your research a step further than the company website. Look at the company on social media. What type of content are they posting? Find a post that you find particularly interesting and engage in a discussion with them about it.
Consider reaching out to someone you have someone in your network that works for that company. Gather any information they might be willing to share about the company and how to ace the interview process.
You should also make sure that you’ve gone an understanding of how cross-cultural communication can impact your job search in Canada.
6. You can articulate your career goals.
A Canadian employer is looking for your input on your career. They want to know that you have a clear direction in mind for yourself.
While in some cultures it would be acceptable and polite to say, ‘I’m just looking for whatever job you want to give me’, this response could be detrimental to your candidacy in Canada.
The Canadian employer is going to want to know and understand your own unique career goals and how those goals are aligned with the position you have applied for.
You should be able to communicate your individual goals to the employer throughout the process.
Tools like the Career Advancement Journal can be instrumental in helping you outline your goals and create a clear path to achieve them. By reflecting on what you truly want, you can approach your job search with greater confidence and effectiveness, making the process more fulfilling and aligned with your true aspirations.
Moreover, having a clear vision of your goals enables you to craft a more strategic resume and LinkedIn profile tailored to your specific objectives. When you understand what you want, you can highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that resonates with potential employers. This targeted approach not only strengthens your personal brand but also increases your attractiveness as a candidate for roles that match your values and ambitions. By positioning yourself strategically, you enhance your chances of finding a job that truly aligns with your career goals. For more guidance, explore the Career Advancement Journal.
Moving to a new place or starting a new career can be incredibly overwhelming. The expectations are high, and there is a lot to learn. However, it's important to remember that these challenges are part of your journey, and you've already overcome so much to get to this point. When it comes to getting a professional job in Canada, sometimes it can be the little things that matter most. As a newcomer, international student, or young professional, make sure you’ve got these 6 basics covered. Look for resources like HireDiverse that encourage your success and remember all you have overcome so far to remind you that you've got this.
These simple steps we’ve explored here will go a long way in demonstrating your keenness to land the role. Meeting the expected standards and norms of Canadian employers will leave you feeling more prepared and confident in the job search. Plus, it is sure to have positive effects on your candidacy.
Remember, each step you take brings you closer to your goal and reinforces your capability to thrive in your new career journey. Keep pushing forward, knowing that your dedication and perseverance are paving the way for your success.
Conclusion: Overcoming Job Search Challenges TO Meet Employer Expectations
“We all have dreams. We all start somewhere. But it's where you end up that counts.”
- kendrick lamar
Embracing self-reflection allows you to navigate your career with intention and confidence. When you know yourself deeply, you can make decisions that resonate with your true self, leading to greater satisfaction and success. It's about finding a career path that not only utilizes your skills but also brings joy and meaning to your life. By continually assessing and realigning your goals with your inner values, you ensure long-term fulfillment and growth. Remember, the journey to career happiness is ongoing, and it starts with understanding yourself from the inside out.
Advancing your career starts from within. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder or landing the next big promotion; it's about understanding your passions, values, and strengths. Self-reflection is the cornerstone of finding true career happiness. Taking the time to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and successes helps you gain clarity on what you truly want in your professional journey. By looking inward, you can identify what drives you and align your career goals with your personal values. This inner work sets a strong foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.
