GUIDE

Newcomer’s guide to
the Canadian job market
Table of content
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Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 2

Overview of the Canadian job market

Newcomers move to Canada with many dreams and goals. Some of the top reasons for choosing Canada include
having a better quality of life, improved future for themselves and their family, and access to better education and work
opportunities.

Many of these goals are closely linked to being able to find a stable source of livelihood in Canada. One of the top
concerns newcomers have is the scope of their profession or occupation in Canada or a specific Canadian province/
city. The reasons are obvious – financial security and stability, and the opportunity for career advancement.

There is no direct or definitive answer to the scope or demand of any occupation in Canada. However, there is a
process that you can follow to better understand the job market, the industry you work in, plan your career, and make
decisions driven by data, facts, and numbers.

The core objective of this guide is two-fold:

• To equip you with the tools and resources required to analyze the job market in Canada, and
• To educate you about the process to analyze the Canadian job market, plan your career path, and
make informed decisions.

Supported by candid insights from on-the-ground recruiters, this guide covers 14 industries with detailed
information on:

• Steps you can follow to analyze each industry/sector,

• Certifications and licenses that may be required for your role in Canada,
• How to set your salary expectations,
• The process of finding a job in your field, and
• The hiring process in Canada.

The industries/sectors covered in the guide include:

Information Technology (IT) Healthcare

Finance, Accounting, Insurance, and Investment Creative Arts and Design
Sales and Marketing Logistics and Supply Chain
Business and Management Consulting Fitness, Sports, and Recreation
Human Resources (HR), Staffing, and Recruitment Hospitality, Travel and Tourism
Engineering Education
Project Management Legal

We hope that this information will help you to organize your research, provide answers to your most pressing career
questions, and help you get a head start on the job market in Canada.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 3

Deep-dive into industry-specific job markets

The job market in Canada consists of many individual

industries and sectors. Newcomers are talented and
skilled individuals looking to either get back in their field
of work, switch careers, freelance, or even start their own
business after they move to Canada.

In this guide, we will help you understand how to analyze

the scope for various occupations across a number of
industries/sectors in Canada and make a successful
transition to the Canadian job market.

The National Occupation Code (NOC) and job titles

NOC is Canada’s national system for describing occupations. The NOC code is a four-digit number that plays an
important part in your immigration application. The NOC consolidates and groups jobs based on the type of job duties
and the work a person does. You can learn more and find your NOC code on the Government of Canada website.

Identifying your NOC code makes the process of analyzing the job market easier.

Note: The following list of codes and titles is indicative and not exhaustive. If you cannot find your
industry/sector, occupation or job title here, please refer to the NOC site for additional codes and
titles that may be a better representation of your profile and occupation.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 4

Information Technology (IT)

Technology is a growing sector in Canada, driving employment and innovation. With approximately 37,000 companies
and $160 billion CAD in revenue, the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) terms the IT industry as the
engine of growth and people often refer to Toronto, one of the IT hubs of Canada, as the Silicon Valley of the North.
One of the key factors that contribute to the progress of the IT industry is talent. Immigration programs such as Express
Entry and Provincial Nomination have a sweet spot for IT professionals, making it easier for them to move to Canada.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Information system analysts and IT Business Analyst, IT Consultant, IT Consulting Account Man-
2171 consultants ager, Cloud Architect, Solutions Architect, Software QA Analyst

Database analysts and database Database Analyst, Database Administrator, Database

2172 administrators Architect

2173 Software engineers and designers Software Engineer, Software Designer, Software Architect

Computer programmers and interac- Software Developer, Software Programmer, Multimedia

2174 tive media developers Developer

2175 Web designers and developers Web Designer, Web Developer, Webmaster

Data Center Operator, LAN Administrator, LAN Technician, Network

2281 Computer network technicians Administrator, Network Support Technician, System Administrator

Software Technology Support Analyst, Call Centre Agent, Computer

2282 User support technicians Help Desk Representative, Software Installation Technician

Information systems testing techni- Software Tester, Systems Testing Technician, Software
2283 cians Test Coordinator

IT Director, IT Development Manager, IT Integration Manager, IT

Computer and information systems
0213 managers and directors
Implementation Manager, Software Development Manager, Software
Engineering Manager/Director, Software QA Manager/Director

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 5

Finance, Accounting, Insurance, and Investment

The financial services sector in Canada comprises many roles related to the fields of accounting, insurance, and
investment. In March 2020, The Conference Board of Canada released a report which highlighted Toronto as
the second-largest financial centre in North America and the seventh-largest globally, in employment.

Additionally, a report published by the government of Canada indicated that “the country has a strong, globally
competitive financial sector that has proven to be stable, resilient and well respected. In addition to the services
it provides, the financial sector is a source of economic strength and employment.” The sector provides plenty of
opportunities for newcomers to acquire essential skills and accelerate their careers.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Controller - Financial Services, Director - Financial Services, Director

0111 Financial managers of Accounting, Finance Director, Treasurer, Financial Administrator

Insurance, real estate, and financial Insurance Manager, Real Estate Service Manager, Finan-
0121 brokerage managers cial Brokerage Manager, Commodities Trading Manager

Banking, credit, and other investment Bank Manager, Commercial Banking Manager, Credit
0122 managers Manager, Mortgage and Consumer Credit Manager

1111 Financial auditors and accountants Accountant, Auditor

Financial Analyst, Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager,

1112 Financial and investment analysts
Financial Services Research Associate

Securities agents, investment deal- Broker, Foreign Exchange Trader, Mutual Fund Broker,
1113 ers, and brokers Securities Agent, Stockbroker

1114 Other financial officers Financial Investigator, Financial Planner, Mortgage Broker

Supervisors, finance, and insurance Bank Clerks Supervisor, Bookkeeping Supervisor, Payroll
1212 office workers Supervisor, Accounting Supervisor

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 6

Finance, Accounting, Insurance, and Investment (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Accounting technicians and book- Accounting Technician, Bookkeeper, Finance Technician,

1311 keepers Accounting Bookkeeper

Insurance adjusters and claims

1312 examiners
Insurance Adjuster, Claims Examiner

Insurance Underwriter, Liability Underwriter, Property

1313 Insurance underwriters Underwriter

Real Estate Appraiser, Property Assessor, Property Valua-

1314 Assessors, valuators and appraisers tor, Business Valuator

1315 Customs, ship and other brokers Customs Broker, Cargo Broker, Ship Broker

Accounting Clerk, Audit Clerk, Billing Clerk, Finance Clerk,

1431 Accounting and related clerks Tax Clerk

Pay Advisor, Pay Clerk, Payroll Officer, Salary Administra-

1432 Payroll administrators tion Officer

Banking, insurance and other finan- Bank Clerk, Credit Clerk, Mortgage Clerk, Real Estate
1433 cial clerks Clerk, Securities Clerk, Insurance Rater

1434 Collectors Collector, Collection Clerk, Collection Officer

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 7

Sales and Marketing

Newcomers to Canada may find that sales and marketing are competitive fields to break into, especially for those
whose first language is not English or French. Newcomers also tend to lack a deep knowledge of the local Canadian
culture, traditions, and the overall landscape, which is often a basic requirement for sales or marketing roles. A key
point to note for this sector is that sales and marketing roles in Canada tend to be more specialized and niche.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Advertising, marketing, and public Advertising Director, Marketing Manager, Public Relations Direc-
0124 relations managers tor, Sales & Marketing Manager

Corporate Sales Manager, Regional Sales Manager, Na-

0601 Corporate sales managers
tional Accounts Manager

Communications Specialist, Media Coordinator, Media

Professional occupations in advertis-
1123 ing, marketing, and public relations
Relations Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Publicity Agent, Event
Marketing Specialist, Advertising Consultant

Business Development Officer, Market Researcher, Marketing

Business development officers and
4163 marketing researchers and consultants
Analyst, Marketing Consultant, Tourism Industry Consultant,
Economic Research Officer

Department Store Supervisor, Telemarketing Supervisor,

6211 Retail sales supervisors
Head Cashier

Technical sales specialists – whole- Software Sales Representative, Technical Sales Supervi-
6221 sale trade sor, Medical Instruments Sales Agent

Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Agent Supervisor, Real

6232 Real estate agents and salespersons
Estate Sales Representative

Financial Services Officer, Financial Services Representa-

6235 Financial sales representatives
tive, Loan Officer, Sales Associate – Personal Banking

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 8

Sales and Marketing (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Food Products Sales Representative, Freight Sales Agent,

Sales and account representatives –
6411 wholesale trade (non-technical)
Hotel Accommodations Sales Representative, Transfer
Company Agent

Car Rental Agent, Computer Salesperson – Retail,

6421 Retail salespersons
Furniture Salesperson, Retail Sales Clerk

Door-to-door Salesperson, Home Demonstrator – Retail,

6623 Other sales related occupations
Telemarketer

Business and Management Consulting

Business and management consulting is a popular category for newcomers to Canada. According to an article
published by the University of British Columbia, the number of consulting firms in Canada has grown each year
between 2013 and 2018. This trend is expected to continue through 2023. The report highlighted two key industry
growth drivers:

• During 2018 to 2023, government expenditure is forecast to grow at an annualized rate of 1.7 per
cent. This will likely create more opportunities for management consultants specializing in advising
public agencies.

• Financial services will be a key driver of industry demand during 2018-2023. Management
consultants will benefit as a result of Canadian banks and firms seeking their services.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 9

Business and Management Consulting (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Senior managers – financial, com- Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer
0013 munications and other business (CFO), Executive Vice-President (EVP), General Manager
services (GM), Vice-President (VP)

Management Consulting Service Manager, Market Re-

0125 Other business services managers
search Service Manager, Professional Services Manager

Professional occupations in business Business Management Consultant, Management Analyst,

1122 management consulting Consultant, Senior Consultant, Business Analyst

Business development officers and Business Development Officer, Market Researcher, Mar-
4163 marketing researchers and keting Analyst, Marketing Consultant, Market Research
consultants Analyst

Human Resources (HR), Staffing, and Recruitment

According to Hays Canada, more than two-thirds (66 per cent) of Canada’s employers were set to exceed payroll
budgets to attract new hires while more than one-third (34 per cent) planned to boost salaries for existing staff in 2020.
Like most other industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this industry as well, resulting in a noticeable decline
in these figures. Given that the HR industry and its services are largely cyclical as they are dependent on growth in the
number of employees and businesses in Canada, we can expect to see the situation improve as economies recover.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

HR Manager, HR Administrator, Personnel Director, Re-

0112 Human resource managers cruiting Manager, Personnel Training and Development
Manager

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 10

Human Resources (HR), Staffing, and Recruitment (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Compensation Research Analyst, Employee Relations

1121 Human resource professionals
Officer, HR Consultant, Wage Analyst, Job Analyst

Human resources and recruitment HR Officer, Personnel Officer, Recruitment Specialist, Staff-
1223 officers ing Coordinator, Employment Supervisor

Engineering

Engineering is an upcoming sector in Canada. A Labour Market Report published by Engineers Canada highlighted the
nation’s growing need to replace retiring engineers, specifically civil, mechanical, electrical/electronic, and computer
engineers. The report also stressed the importance of internationally-trained engineers, and Federal government
immigration programs, such as the Express Entry program, to meet workforce requirements.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Engineering Manager, Electrical Engineering Service

0211 Engineering managers
Manager, Production Engineering Manager

Director of Research – Manufacturing, Architectural Man-

0212 Architecture and science managers
ager, Scientific Research Department Manager

Construction Manager, General Contractor, Construction

0711 Construction managers
Project Manager

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 11

Engineering (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Civil Engineer, Construction Engineer, Structural Engineer,

2131 Civil engineers
Transportation Engineer

Automotive Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Refrigeration

2132 Mechanical engineers
Engineer, Robotics Engineer

Electrical Design Engineer, Electronics Engineer,

2133 Electrical and electronics engineers
Television Systems Engineer, Avionics Engineer

Biochemical Engineer, Chemical Process Engineer, Waste

2134 Chemical engineers
Treatment Engineer

Industrial and manufacturing engi- Industrial Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Safety

2141 neers Engineer, Quality Control Engineer

Metallurgical and materials engi- Materials Engineer, Metallurgical Engineer, Welding

2142 neers Engineer

2143 Mining engineers Mining Engineer, Mineral Engineer, Mine Layout Engineer

2144 Geological engineers Geological Engineer, Geophysical Engineer

Petroleum Engineer, Subsea Engineer, Oil and Gas

2145 Petroleum engineers
Production Engineer

Aeronautical Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer,

2146 Aerospace engineers
Aerospace Structural Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineer, Network Test Engineer,

Computer engineers (except soft-
2147 ware engineers and designers)
Systems Designer – Hardware, Telecommunications
Hardware Engineer

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 12

Engineering (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Biomedical Engineer, Engineering Scientist, Marine

2148 Other professional engineers, n.e.c.
Engineer, Naval Architect, Textile Engineer

Civil engineering technologists and Civil Engineering Technician, Highway Technician,

2231 technicians Structural Investigator

Mechanical engineering technolo- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

2232 gists and technicians Technologist, Machine Designer, Tool Designer

Computer-assisted Design (CAD) Programmer, Manu-

Industrial engineering and manufac-
2233 turing technologists and technicians
facturing Technician, Quality Assurance Technologist,
Planning Technician

Electrical and electronics engineer- Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering

2241 ing and technologists and techni- Technician, Electronics Manufacturing Technologist,
cians Metering Technologist

Engineering inspectors and regulato- Elevator Inspector, Engineering Regulatory Officer, Railway
2262 ry officers Accident Investigation Officer

Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying Air Pilot, Flight Engineer, Second Officer – Air Transport,
2271 instructors Flying Instructor

Chief Engineer – Water Transport, Marine Engineer

2274 Engineer officers, water transport
Officer, Tugboat Engineer

Railway and yard locomotive engi- Railway Engineer, Yard Engineer – Railway, Locomotive
7361 neers Engineer – Railway

Power engineers and power systems Power Engineer, Power Plant Operator, Building Systems
9241 operators Technician, Electrical Power System Operator

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 13

Project Management

Project management is an essential function among multiple industries such as construction, finance, and information
technology, and is often regarded as an in-demand skill.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Planning Officer, Non-technical Project Manager, Adminis-

1221 Administrative officers
trative Officer, Office Manager

Healthcare

A report from Canada’s Economic Strategy Tables on Health and Biosciences indicated that by 2025, Canada will
double the size of the health and biosciences sector. The country is expected to become a top-three global hub by:

• Leveraging and advancing innovative technologies,

• Attracting and retaining capital, skills and talent, and
• Ensuring a vibrant ecosystem that will unleash the full potential of the sector and lead to
improved health outcomes

This would open up many opportunities for healthcare professionals to excel and succeed in their respective
specialized fields.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 14

Healthcare (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Senior managers – health, education,

Health Services Institution Executive Director, Health
0014 social and community services and
Services Director
membership organizations

Chief of Medical Staff, Director of Nursing, Director of

0311 Managers in healthcare
Surgery, Medical Clinic Director

Government managers – health and Health Program Operations Manager – Government

0411 social policy development and pro- Services, City Medical Officer of Health – Government
gram administration Services

Medical Secretary, Administrative Assistant – Medical,

1243 Medical administrative assistants
Ward Secretary

Court reporters, medical transcrip-

1251 tionists and related occupations
Medical Transcriptionist

Health information management Health Information Management Supervisor, Health Re-

1252 occupations cords Technician, Medical Records Unit Supervisor

Nursing coordinators and supervi- Nursing Coordinator, Nursing Supervisor, Public Health
3011 sors Nursing Supervisor, Psychiatric Nursing Supervisor

Registered nurses and registered Registered Nurse, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Private
3012 psychiatric nurses Duty Nurse, Critical Care Nurse

Anesthetist, General Surgeon, Neurologist, Pediatrician,

3111 Specialist physicians
Neurosurgeon, Orthopedist, Psychiatrist

General practitioners and family Family Physician, General practitioner (GP), Medical Doc-
3112 physicians tor

3113 Dentists Dentist, Oral Pathologist, Orthodontist

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 15

Healthcare (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

3114 Veterinarians Veterinarian, Veterinary Pathologist, Veterinary Surgeon

3121 Optometrists Doctor of Optometry, Optometrist

3122 Chiropractors Chiropractor

3124 Allied primary health practitioners Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant

Other professional occupations in

3125 health diagnosing and treating
Naturopath, Podiatrist, Orthoptist

3131 Pharmacists Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Retail Pharmacist

3132 Dietitians and nutritionists Dietitian, Nutritionist, Clinical Dietitian

Audiologists and speech-language

3141 pathologists
Audiologist, Speech Therapist, Clinical Audiologist

Physical Therapist, Physiotherapist, Registered Physiother-

3142 Physiotherapists
apist

3143 Occupational therapists Occupational Therapist

Other professional occupations in

3144 therapy and assessment
Music Therapist, Art Therapist, Exercise Physiologist

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 16

Healthcare (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Histology Technologist, Medical Laboratory Supervisor,

3211 Medical laboratory technologists
Immunohematology Technologist

Medical laboratory technicians and

3212 pathologists' assistants
Medical Laboratory Assistant, Pathology Assistant

Animal health technologists and Animal Health Technician, Veterinarian Assistant, Regis-
3213 veterinary technicians tered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Respiratory therapists, clinical

Respiratory Therapist, Certified Clinical Perfusionist (CCP),
3214 perfusionists and cardiopulmonary
Respiratory Therapy Chief
technologists

Radiation Therapist, Radiation Therapy Technologist

3215 Medical radiation technologists
(RTT), X-ray (radiology) Technician

3216 Medical sonographers Medical Sonographer, Ultrasound Technologist

Cardiology technologists and elec-

Cardiology Supervisor, Electrocardiographic (ECG) Tech-
3217 trophysiological diagnostic technolo-
nologist, Electroneurodiagnostic (END) Technologist
gists, n.e.c.

Other medical technologists and

3219 technicians (except dental health)
Orthotist, Dietary Technician, Prosthetist

3221 Denturists Denturist, Denturologist

Dental hygienists and dental thera-

3222 pists
Dental Hygienist, Dental Nurse, Dental Therapist

Dental technologists, technicians Dental Laboratory Assistant, Dental Technician, Regis-

3223 and laboratory assistants tered Dental Technologist (RDT)

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 17

Healthcare (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

3231 Opticians Contact Lens Technician, Optician

3232 Practitioners of natural healing Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Reflexologist

Graduate Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse

3233 Licensed practical nurses
(L.P.N.), Registered Nursing Assistant (R.N.A.)

Ambulance Attendant, Paramedic, Emergency Medical

3234 Paramedical occupations
Technician (EMT)

3236 Massage therapists Massage Therapist (MT), Registered Massage Practitioner

Other technical occupations in thera- Audiology Technician, Ophthalmic Assistant, Physiothera-

3237 py and assessment py Technician, Speech Therapy Assistant

3411 Dental assistants Dental Assistant

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient Nurse Aide, Patient Care Aide, Psychiatric Aide, Patient
3413 service associates Service Associate

Other assisting occupations in sup- Autopsy Assistant, Optometrist Assistant, Orthopedic

3414 port of health services Technologist, Therapist Assistant – Medical

4151 Psychologists Psychologist, Psychological Associate

Health policy researchers, consul- Healthcare Consultant, Healthcare Planner, Health Ser-
4165 tants, and program officers vices Researcher

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 18

Creative Arts and Design

The creative industry in Canada encompasses fine arts, commercial arts, advertising, photography, motion pictures,
animation, web design, creative writing and more. Breaking into these highly competitive fields can be challenging
for newcomers, especially for those whose first language is not English or French. Not surprisingly, newcomers also
tend to lack a deep knowledge of the local Canadian culture, which is often a basic requirement for certain creative
roles. As an advertising copywriter, for example, an understanding of popular culture and Canadian humour – what Rob
Lawrence from Mandrake Recruitment calls “the vagaries of Canadiana” – is essential.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Library, archive, museum and art

0511 gallery managers
Art Gallery Manager, Chief Librarian, Library Director,

Managers - publishing, motion pic-

0512 tures, broadcasting and Museum Executive Director
performing arts

Ballet, Opera, Dance or Theatre Company Director,

5121 Authors and writers
Publishing Manager, Director, Editor-in-Chief

5122 Editors Broadcasting/Station/Programming Manager

Writer, Advertising Copywriter, Interactive Media Writer,

5123 Journalists
Technical Writer, Medical Writer, Author

Producers, directors, choreographers

5131 and related occupations
Advertising Editor, Associate Editor, Contributing Editor,

5134 Dancers Copy Editor, Editor, Technical Editor

5135 Actors and comedians Broadcast Journalist, Columnist, Correspondent

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 19

Creative Arts and Design (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Painters, sculptors and other visual

5136 artists
Cyberjournalist, Investigative Reporter, Commentator

Technical occupations related to Artistic Director, Choreographer, Director, Director of

5212 museums and art galleries Photography, Filmmaker, Producer-director

Dance Instructor, Dancer, Performance Movement

5221 Photographer
eacher, Choreographer

5222 Film and video camera operators Acting Teacher, Actor/Actress, Drama Teacher, Narrator

Art Teacher (except primary, secondary and post-second-

5223 Graphic arts technicians
ary education), Artist, Sculptor

Art Gallery Preparator, Conservation Technician, Museum

5224 Broadcast technicians
Registrar, Museum Technician, Paintings Restoration

Other technical and co-ordinating

Commercial Photographer, Forensic Photographer, Indus-
5226 occupations in motion pictures,
trial Photographer, Photographer, Scientific Photographer,
broadcasting and the performing arts

Support occupations in motion

5227 pictures, broadcasting, photography Assistant Camera Operator, Camera Operator
and the performing arts

Animation Painter, Computer Graphics Technician,

5241 Graphic designers and illustrators
Multimedia Graphic Design Technician

Interior designers and interior deco- Broadcast Technician, Broadcasting Switcher, Master
5242 rators Control Room (MCR) Equipment Operator

Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other

5243 creative designers
Costumier, Gaffer, Key Grip, Lighting Technician

Make-up Artist, Program Coordinator, Special Effects

5244 Artisans and craftspersons
Technician, Stage Manager, Stunt Coordinator

Camera crane operator, Dresser, Broadcasting and

5245 Patternmakers
Performing Arts, Lighting Assistant, Production Assistant,

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 20

Logistics and Supply Chain

The demand for transportation, warehousing and logistics services originates from all sectors of the economy and is
directly affected by fluctuations in economic activity and trade patterns. Four major ports accounted for 99 per cent of
Canada’s international container traffic: Vancouver (54 per cent), Montreal (29 per cent), Halifax (9 per cent) and Prince
Rupert (7 per cent), making them hotspots for logistics and supply chain professionals.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Supervisors, supply chain, tracking Flight Crew Scheduling Supervisor, Freight Forwarding
1215 and scheduling co-ordination occu- Logistician, Logistics Supervisor, Head Shipper, Receiving
pations Supervisor

Receiver, Shipper, Shipping Agent, Supply Chain Assistant,

1521 Shippers and receivers
Shipping and Receiving Clerk

Storekeeper, Partsperson, Parts Supplier, Medical Supply

1522 Storekeepers and partspersons
Clerk

Production Clerk, Production Coordinator, Production

1523 Production logistics co-ordinators
Scheduler, Supply Chain Coordinator

Purchasing and inventory control Inventory Analyst, Purchasing Clerk, Procurement Clerk,
1524 workers Inventory Planner

Mobile Equipment Dispatcher, Inbound/outbound Freight

1525 Dispatchers
Coordinator, Truck Dispatcher

Transportation route and crew Schedule Analyst, Flight Crew Scheduler, Transit
1526 schedulers Scheduler

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 21

Fitness, Sports, and Recreation

Health and fitness is a growing trend in Canada. From 2014 to 2019, the industry grew at an average rate of 5.1 per
cent, primarily driven by consumer trends and public health campaigns. Health and Fitness franchise listings have also
seen a 35 per cent increase, presenting potential opportunities for fitness professionals.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Director of Recreation, Sports Association Director, Sports

Recreation, sports and fitness pro-
0513 gram and service directors
Program Director, Professional Football Team Manager,
Professional Hockey Team Manager

Recreation, sports and fitness policy Fitness Policy Analyst, Sports Analyst, Sports Consultant,
4167 researchers, consultants and pro- Sports Program Supervisor, Fitness Consultant, Fitness
gram officers Coordinator

5251 Athletes Athlete, Baseball Player, Hockey Player, Golfer

5252 Coaches Coach, Head Coach, Soccer Coach, Hockey Coach

5253 Sports officials and referees Referee, Sports Official, Umpire, Racetrack Timer

Program leaders and instructors in Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Recreation Technician,
5254 recreation, sport and fitness Playground Worker, Camp Counsellor

Outdoor sport and recreational Outdoor Guide, Mountain Climbing Guide, Hot Air
6532 guides Balloonist, Outfitter

Operators and attendants in amuse- Amusement Park Attendant, Amusement Attraction

6722 ment, recreation and sport Operator, Sports Attendant, Park Receptionist

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 22

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism

According to Tourism HR Canada, Canada’s tourism sector has the potential for significant growth in the coming
decades, as both a contributor to the economy and a source of employment for Canadians. A key challenge to growing
the sector persists in the labour challenges tourism operators face, especially in rural and remote regions. Spending by
tourists and local residents in Canada’s tourism sector could reach $338 Billion CAD by 2035, requiring 2.3 million jobs
to meet that demand.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Restaurant and food service Restaurant Manager, Food Services Manager,

0631 managers Bar Manager, Catering Service Manager

Hotel Manager, Guest-house Operator, Front Desk

0632 Accommodation service managers
Manager, Tourist Home Operator

Accommodation, travel, tourism and Tour Guide Supervisor, Travel Clerk Supervisor, Hotel Clerk
6313 related services supervisors Supervisor, Reservations Supervisor

6321 Chefs Chef, Sous-chef, Head Chef, Saucier

6322 Cooks Cook, First Cook, Line Cook, Second Cook

Chief Host/Hostess - Food Services, Maître d', Restaurant

6511 Maîtres d'hôtel and hosts/hostesses
Host/Hostess

6512 Bartenders Bar Attendant, Bartender, Head Bartender

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 23

Hospitality, Travel and Tourism (cont’d)

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

Captain Waiter/Waitress, Banquet Server, Waiter/Waitress,

6513 Food and beverage servers
Sommelier

6521 Travel counsellors Travel Agent, Travel Consultant, Reservation Agent

6522 Pursers and flight attendants Purser, Flight Attendant, Flight Service Director

Airline Baggage Agent, Airline Cargo Agent, Airline Ticket

6523 Airline ticket and service agents
Agent, Customer Service agent - Airline

Ground and water transport ticket

Railway Reservations Clerk, Ticket Agent (except airline),
6524 agents, cargo service representatives
Cargo Customer Service Representative
and related clerks

Guest Services Agent, Hotel Front Desk Clerk,

6525 Hotel front desk clerks
Reservations Clerk, Room Clerk

6531 Tour and travel guides Tour Guide, Travel Guide

Support occupations in accommo-

Baggage Porter, Bellhop, Hotel Doorkeeper, Cruise Line
6721 dation, travel and facilities set-up
Passenger Attendant, Train Service Attendant
services

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 24

Education

According to the 2001 Census, just over three-quarters of a million people held an occupation related to education.
A report from Statistics Canada indicated that with declining fertility, an aging workforce and massive retirements,
Canada risks shortages of highly skilled labour in the years ahead. To meet these challenges and remain internationally
competitive, many believe that Canadians must engage in lifelong learning and acquire new skills through continuing
education and workplace skills development, creating the need for teachers, professors, instructors, and educators.

Interestingly, as per the 2018 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, Canada is the
most educated country in the world, with 56.7 per cent of Canadian adults having received a post-secondary degree.
That’s 10% higher than the U.S. and 16 per cent above the OECD average.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

4011 University professors and lecturers Professor, Instructor, Department Head

Post-secondary teaching and re- Laboratory Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Research Assis-
4012 search assistants tant

4021 College and other vocational instructors College Lecturer, Trainer, Instructor, Teacher

4031 Secondary school teachers Teacher, Instructor

Elementary school and kindergarten

4032 teachers
Teacher, Instructor

4033 Educational counsellors Academic Counsellor, Career Counsellor, School Counsellor

Elementary and secondary school Educational Assistant, School Lunchroom Supervisor,

4413 teacher assistants Educational Resources Assistant

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 25

Legal

A 2013 report from the Canadian Bar Association highlighted that lawyers, law firms, and the overall legal industry in
Canada would face a complex and compelling, set of challenges over the next decade as they endeavour to remain
viable, competitive and relevant in the face of a wave of fundamental change.

With new competitors already in the marketplace – such as paralegals, global legal publishers, and legal process
outsourcers (LPO) – and more on the horizon – law firms and individual lawyers will have to make important decisions
on how to maintain a competitive advantage in the provision of legal services in Canada and globally.

While these decisions may seem daunting to some people, they also present a vast range of opportunities for the
profession to reinvent itself and thereby ensure that it remains dynamic and confident.

NOC Code NOC Code Name Example Titles

1242 Legal administrative assistants Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, Litigation Secretary

4111 Judges Chief Justice, District Court Judge, Supreme Court Justice

Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Prosecutor, Solicitor, Corporate

4112 Lawyers and Quebec notaries
Counsel

Notary Public, Paralegal, Land Titles Examiner, Legal Re-

4211 Paralegal and related occupations
searcher, Trademark Agent

Tip: For the purpose of analysis, you don’t have to be restricted to one single code (especially if you’re
looking to switch careers after moving to Canada); you can look at multiple codes that align with your
skills and experience and decide which one might be better suited to your situation.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 26

A step-by-step approach to analyzing the demand for your occupation

Analyzing the demand for any occupation in Canada, requires a multi-pronged approach, meaning, you have to refer to
various sources for a holistic understanding of the trends and numbers.

Step 1: Explore Statistics Canada

Before you dive deeper, it’s important to understand

the big picture. Statistics Canada (StatCan) publishes
monthly and annual employment trends for various
industries. This is a good starting point to get an idea
of the employment trends for almost all professions or
occupations; any increase or growth is always a good sign.

Step 2: Identify the North American Industry

The monthly and annual employment trends data on

StatCan is grouped by industries, which are usually
identified by the NAICS codes. Here are some of the
codes you may need to refer to:

Industry/Sector NAICS code(s) for reference

51 – Information and Cultural Industries AND

Information Technology (IT)
54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

52 – Finance and Insurance AND

Finance, Accounting, Insurance, and Investment
54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Sales and Marketing 54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Service

Business and Management Consulting 54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Human Resources (HR)
61 – Educational Services

Engineering 54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 27

A step-by-step approach to analyzing the demand for your occupation (cont’d)

Industry/Sector NAICS code(s) for reference

Project Management 54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

Healthcare 62 – Healthcare and Social Assistance

51 – Information and Cultural Industries,

Creative Arts and Design 54 – Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, AND
71 – Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

44-45 – Retail Trade,

48-49 – Transportation and Warehousing, AND
Logistics and Supply Chain
56 – Administrative and Support, Waste Management and
Remediation Services

Fitness, Sports, and Recreation 71 – Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

56 – Administrative and Support, Waste Management and

Travel and Tourism Remediation Services
72 – Accommodation and Food Services

Teachers and Professors 61 – Educational Services

Lawyers 91 – Public Administration

Note: Some industries or sectors may require you to refer to two or more NAICS codes for the complete
picture.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 28

Step 3: Get employment statistics for your industry

Statistics Canada also allows you to filter the numbers by province – this is a good way to identify provinces that have the
maximum demand for your skills, and know the probability of finding a job in your field. For instance, in 2019, among all
provinces, Ontario had maximum employment for NAICS codes 51, 52, 54, 62 and 71.

Step 4: Read detailed reports published by the government for your industry

To gain a better understanding of the overall job market trends, you can look at the following two sites:

1. Statistics Canada publishes monthly reports

which can be found by searching for the
Labour Force Survey. A general Google search
with the keywords (Canada Labour Force
Survey + latest month and year) will take you
directly to the relevant webpage. You can have
a look at the reports from May 2020 and April
2020 to get an idea of the format and type of
information that is available. Note that these
are overall trends and not specific to any one
sector. However, they will have subsections for
noteworthy NAICS categories for that month.

2. Explore specific job markets in various

provinces by reading a comprehensive report
published by Canada’s Job Bank. Once you’re
on the webpage, for deeper insight into a
specific sector, choose a province, scroll down
to sectoral profiles and select the relevant
NAICS code (as indicated in the table above).

Tip: For a quick overview, type in your NOC code or job title on the Occupation Trends page and
search. The main summary page will provide various details such as education and skill requirements
for the role, average wages, and the number of jobs available. Clicking on the Prospects tab will show
you a provincial breakdown of job prospects.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 29

This exercise will help you set realistic expectations for being able to find a job in your field in a specific province or region.

Step 5: Narrow your search and find cities where your skills are in-demand

Once you decide on a province where you would like to work,

you can start looking at specific cities in that province that
offer more opportunities to find a job in your desired role. For
this, Canada’s Job Bank website is an excellent resource.

On the Explore an Occupation page, enter your job title or

NOC code in the search bar, which will provide you with a
summary and more details to explore. Then, on the Prospects
tab, select a specific province – this will provide a further
split by region. After narrowing down the region, you can go
back to the main Occupation Trends page, type in your NOC
(again) along with the region or city, to get a detailed report.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 30

 ‘‘
“Business intelligence, artificial intelligence, software development, and blockchain are some of the in-demand IT
skills right now. Experienced JavaScript developers, dev-ops professionals with knowledge of cloud technologies and
databases are much sought-after.”
— Margarita Kossinova, Senior Technical Recruiter, RBC

Certifications and licenses: Things you should know

Different Canadian provinces and territories may have Regulated occupations require you to have a license and/or
different requirements for professional licenses and a certification to be able to work in the field while employers
certifications. Identifying if you will need to obtain a license may or may not demand certification for non-regulated
or certification can help you get a headstart in preparing for occupations.
your employment in Canada.
The Occupation Trends page on the Job Bank website will
All occupations in Canada are classified into regulated provide a list of skills and requirements (such as licenses
and non-regulated occupations. You can find out if your and certifications) to be able to work in the field. To get to
profession is regulated by typing in your NOC code and this page, you simply have to enter your NOC code along
province/territory on the Canadian Information Centre for with the province/territory.
International Credentials (CICIC) website.

Note: Most occupations in the fields of healthcare, engineering, and law are regulated across Canada
and you will be required to get a certification or license to be able to practice or work.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 31

Getting certified and obtaining licenses in key healthcare professions

For internationally trained nurses: How to become a certified nurse in Canada

1. Send in an application to the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS) to create an Advisory
Report that includes an evaluation of your education based on Canadian standards and comparing it to
current Canadian nursing requirements. You will have to choose one nursing group and one province
for your application.

• There are six steps in this process: Creating an online account, submitting proof of
identity documents, submitting nursing education form, submitting nursing
registration form, submitting nursing practice/employment form, and lastly,
submitting language test results.
• Once you receive your Advisory Report, you can apply to the regulatory body in the
province of your choice.
2. Apply to the provincial or territorial nursing association for assessment.

• In Ontario, you can apply to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) and in British
Columbia, you can apply to the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia.
• As part of the assessment process, you will be required to take one or more exams to
demonstrate your nursing competency, evaluate your knowledge and understanding
of the laws, regulations, and college by-laws, practice standards and guidelines that
govern the nursing profession in that particular province or territory.

3. If you pass, you must meet four other requirements in order to be registered by a provincial or territorial
nursing regulatory body in Canada.

• Evidence of fluency in English or French language.

• Registration or eligibility for registration in the jurisdiction where the nursing
program was completed.
• Proof of Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency, or authorization under the
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to engage in the practice of nursing.
• Good character and suitability to practise, as indicated by a Declaration of
Registration Requirements and a Canadian Criminal Record Synopsis.

4. Get the certificate of registration from the provincial or territorial nursing College / Association.

Tip: For more information on obtaining your nursing certification, head over to the Canadian Nurses
Association (CNA) and the National Nursing Assessment Service (NNAS).

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 32

For internationally trained doctors: How to become a practicing physician in Canada

Here’s an overview of the steps to be followed to be a practicing physician in Canada:

Before moving to Canada

1. Search the World Directory of Medical Schools

to confirm if your medical degree is recognized
in Canada. A Canada Sponsor Note for your
school (where you completed your education)
must be identified to be accepted in Canada.

2. Take the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying

Examination (MCCQE) Part I practice tests.
This is one of the exams you need to pass
before you are eligible to practise in Canada.

3. Open a [Link] account. You will

need to pay a one-time, non-refundable fee.
Once you sign up, you will be able to log into
your account to request various services,
including storing and sharing your documents,
applying for exams and more.

4. Submit your medical credentials for verification

through your [Link] account.

• Before your credentials can be

shared, however, you must first
send a copy of your final
medical diploma to the Medical
Council of Canada (MCC) for
source verification.

5. Take the MCCQE Part I exam at one of the 500+

test centres around the world.

After moving to Canada

1. Take the National Assessment Collaboration (NAC) exam.

2. Take the MCCQE Part II exam. After you pass the MCCQE Part II and meet all other MCC requirements,
you will be awarded the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 33

After moving to Canada (cont’d)

3. Join a practice-ready assessment (PRA) program

• If you are looking to get a provisional licence so you can begin independent practice,
a practice-ready assessment (PRA) program may be a good option for you.
• Available in several provinces, this kind of program is designed for internationally
trained physicians who have pursued postgraduate clinical medical training abroad.
For more information, contact your provincial international medical graduate program.

4. Seek out liability protection

• If you are practising or completing your medical training in Canada, you will need
medical liability protection. See the Canadian Medical Protective Association for more
information.

Tip: For detailed information, steps, and processes, have a look at [Link] and The Royal
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Getting certified and obtaining licenses in engineering professions

According to Engineers Canada, to be a licensed engineer The most important step prior to applying for your licensure
in Canada, you must be licensed by one of Canada’s is to determine in which province or territory you would like
provincial or territorial engineering regulators. However, you to work and then contact the regulator there to learn more
can still start working in engineering, even if you haven’t about their specific application process.
been licensed by a regulator, as long as you are supervised
by a licensed engineer who takes professional responsibility
for your work.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 34

Getting certified and obtaining licenses in engineering professions (cont’d)

1. Academic assessment: Your academic

documents (degrees, transcripts or
certificates) will be evaluated to determine if
you need to complete any additional courses
or take any examinations.

2. Work experience assessment: You will have

to demonstrate that you have applied your
engineering education through engineering
work for a specified amount of time. Work
experience outside of Canada is accepted,
although some amount of engineering
experience in a Canadian environment is
required for all applicants in all jurisdictions.

3. Language competency assessment: You will

need to prove that you are competent in one
of Canada’s two official languages, French and
English. The language you require depends
on the province where you plan to work.
In Quebec, French is required, whereas in
New Brunswick, either English or French is
acceptable. In all other provinces, English is
required.

4. Character assessment: You will need to provide

evidence that indicates you have observed the
values of truth, honesty and trustworthiness.

5. Professional practice examination: You will

need to complete the Professional Practice
Examination (PPE). This exam tests your
knowledge of ethics and Canadian law as it
relates to engineering, including contract,
patent, trademark and copyright laws.

Tip: For detailed information, steps, and processes, refer to the EngineerHere website. This site is
developed by Engineers Canada, with funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. It aims to
provide a single source of information to international engineering graduates looking to become licensed
engineers in Canada. This website has information on a range of topics such as getting licensed, finding
the right employment, fitting into the Canadian engineering profession, and immigration to Canada.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 35

 Interesting Fact:
Many Canadian-trained engineers wear an Iron Ring. It is considered a symbol and reminder of the
obligations and ethics associated with their profession. The ring is presented to engineering graduates in a
private ceremony known as the Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer.

Getting certified as a lawyer

Most internationally-trained lawyers are unable to practice provinces and/or territories. The only exception is the
law in Canada before getting re-certified. For that reason, province of Quebec as the Barreau du Québec and the
the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) – a Chambre des Notaires du Québec have different evaluation
standing committee of the Federation of Law Societies procedures.
of Canada – has created a recertification process that
evaluates law credentials obtained from outside of Canada Internationally trained lawyers can apply for the NCA
and gives international lawyers an opportunity to speed up assessment at any time, even prior to coming to Canada
their preparation for the Canadian Bar exam. (citizenship and residency are not looked at during the
assessment process).
With this process, candidates do not need to follow
different entrance requirements to practice law in Canadian

Here’s an overview of the NCA assessment process:

• Online assessment application form, including a payment of $450 CAD, plus applicable taxes.
• Official set of final academic transcripts from the institution of your studies (copies are not accepted).
• Set of documents to be sent to the NCA by the institution where you completed your legal education,
including:

− An official copy of your academic transcripts,

− A certificate or letter of membership in good standing from the local regulatory authority (if
applicable), and
− An official copy of your transcripts from the local regulatory authority for any courses or
examinations required by such authority (if applicable).

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 36

Getting certified as a lawyer (cont’d)

• Language proficiency of a minimum 7.0 on each module of IELTS test (for English) or TESTCan (for
French). This requirement may be waived if sufficient evidence is presented (if the official language
of instruction was other than English or French).
• After all of the required documents are received, the NCA will start the application process, and an
assessment report will be mailed to you within 4-8 weeks.
• The assessment report will outline the list of requirements needed in order to receive a Certificate
of Qualification. The requirements can be divided into three types:

− Passing the NCA exams;

− Taking courses in specific areas of law at a Canadian law school; or
− Completing a Canadian common law degree program

• Once you complete all of the NCA requirements, you can request a Certificate of Qualification.
This certificate can later be used to enter the Bar admission process in specific provinces and/or
territories.

Tip: For more information on the process, exam schedules, fees, and additional resources, check out the
Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC’s) – National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) website.

“There are hiring managers who look at the candidate’s

educational credentials first and foremost, and then
‘‘of a role, they look for Masters and/or a PhD. Coding
bootcamps are very popular these days; they look great on
there are those who look at experience – I’ve worked a resume. For someone who already has a background in
with both. For roles in IT, university degrees in computer development and wants to upgrade their skills, or those
science or computer engineering are known to be highly who have switched careers, bootcamps are definitely a
valued, closely followed by technology engineering and strong good-to-have. They’re a good stepping stone.”
mathematics. If it’s a more senior or a researcher-type

— Margarita Kossinova, Senior Technical Recruiter, RBC

“Must-have credentials for marketing roles vary from employer-to-employer and from one hiring manager to another. We
see that having a university or college education is often mandatory for most positions; in marketing that would solely
depend on expertise. For instance, while applying for a digital marketing role, it would be nice to have a digital marketing
certificate.”
— Marcie Pollack, President, Marketers on Demand

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 37

 ‘‘
“For project manager roles, I would say typically, any Bachelor’s degree is essential and/or a Master’s degree is good-
to-have. In terms of certifications, the most common ones are Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified
Scrum Master (CSM) – these are not mandatory when applying for roles, but in general, candidates have either one or
both. Additionally, there are lots of training and bootcamps for project management which can benefit those who are
starting off in the field.”
— Nidhi Pilla, Lead Talent Advisor, RBC

“There is a real need right now for creative people who Copywriting or Advertising and Graphic Design and
understand the web world, and all that entails – and skill OCAD University offer excellent programs. Even if it’s an
sets like web design, motion graphics, After Effects, video abbreviated course, you’ll be exposed to Canadian brands,
editing, UX, UI design etc., are in high demand and will and you’ll be able to talk to other students and teachers
help you land a job. There’s also a lot of merit in taking about the Canadian marketplace. This can be very helpful
courses when you arrive. If you are pursuing a career in giving you a better handle on Canadian culture versus just
in advertising or design, Humber College Advertising trying to dive right in.”

— Rob Lawrence, Vice President, Mandrake Human Capital

Navigating salary expectations

Setting salary expectations is another key area of importance for newcomers. There are many sites to conduct salary
research: The Job Bank website, Glassdoor, and reports published by recruitment firms such as Hays and Randstad are
some of them. Your salary would vary greatly depending on the city you’re based in and your work experience.

Each of these sources will let you filter your profession by experience level,region and city so that you can get a very real
sense of salary expectations. It is a good idea to compare numbers from different sites to get a good ballpark figure.

Keep in mind that in the creative industry, work can come in the form of full-time, contract (temporary or long-term) and
freelance. This means your income may be calculated as an annual salary, weekly or monthly retainer, or hourly rate.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 38

How to find a job in your field in Canada

There are a few ways you can get started on your job search in Canada. Some of them are:

The basics: Online and offline search

In addition to Canada’s Job Bank website and other

online job search portals such as LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed,
Monster, Workopolis, CareerBuilder, SimplyHired, etc.,
you can sign up for industry events and register with
specialized recruitment or staffing agencies who can
help market your resume to potential employers. Industry
events in your city or neighbourhood can be found
on sites like Eventbrite. Also, connect with recruiters.
Even if a position is not exactly what you are looking for,
recruiters can help you refine your search, tighten up
your resume, and connect you with people looking to hire
someone like you.

Networking

Networking is crucial in finding employment in Canada.

Arrive Connections and LinkedIn are good starting points
for you to build your network.

Download the Arrive Connections app for free and start building your Canadian network digitally.

You can use the following Arrive resources to help be better prepared for your job search

• Read the Arrive career guide

• Improve your resume
• Practice interview questions
• Start building your Canadian network from home
• Understand the Canadian market before leaving
• Read the newcomer stories on the Arrive blog

Arrive is with you every step of the way.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 39

 Download the Arrive Connections app for free
and start building your Canadian
network digitally.

Get relevant certifications and/or licenses Networking

Depending on your role and your industry, a certification Format your resume according to Canadian standards.
and/or a license might be mandatory for you to be able to It is also a great practice to customize your resume to fit
work in your field. Getting certified in Canada will improve the specific roles you are applying for. Understand your
your employment prospects and strengthen your resume. strengths and skills and highlight them accordingly.

Create your online portfolio Consider contract and freelance opportunities

A portfolio is a collection of samples of work that Contract work can be an excellent way to gain experience
demonstrates the kind of work you are capable of. on your way to a full-time career. In fact, many individuals
Individuals in creative occupations may want to consider in Canada start off as temporary contracts and are often
doing this. You want your portfolio to show that you, above able to convert those positions to full-time roles.
all other candidates, have the specific skills, knowledge,
or breadth of experience for the role. There are a
number of websites like WordPress, Format, Wix, and
Squarespace that can help you build your online portfolio.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 40

Industry-specific insights on job search in Canada:

• IT roles are in-demand in Canada and it is comparatively easier to find employment in this field.
• Sales and marketing roles are categorized into niche and specialized fields in Canada, and there
is an increased emphasis on knowledge of local market, culture, traditions, and language. To find
employment in the field of sales and marketing, as a first step, you should align your education,
work experience, and skills with specific roles of interest in Canada.
• As a newcomer, if you’re trying to switch careers and get into project management, there is no
one path to get into project management. You can transition to being a project manager as an:

− Experienced individual with any background: You can start with a business analyst role, moving
to business systems analysis, then slowly transitioning to be a project control officer, a program
control officer, and then eventually a junior project manager.
− Experienced developer: Developers with strong coding experience sometimes choose to move
into project management in a similar way.
− Quality Assurance associate: Individuals with a background in Quality Assurance (QA) or
Quality Engineering (QE) also opt for project management.

‘‘
“While recruiting, we use LinkedIn all the time. Candidates should ensure that their LinkedIn profiles are up-to-date
and provide enough details for the recruiters to really understand the type of work they have been doing in their recent
roles.”
— Kathryn Tooley, Talent Acquisition Lead, RBC Ventures

“In Canada, marketing roles are very specific. The nice- their past experience and skills and check role fitment.
to-have skills and credentials are now must-haves as Also, good communication skills are mandatory for any
employers have realized that the talent they’re seeking marketing role. If you’re not fluent in English, you may
is readily available and eager to work. When considering want to consider taking English as a Second Language
potential opportunities, newcomers should consider (ESL) classes to improve your language skills.”

— Marcie Pollack, President, Marketers on Demand

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 41

Understanding the hiring process

The hiring process across all industries and sectors in Canada is usually split into multiple rounds:

• Screening: This is usually a telephonic round where the interviewer will discuss basics such as
role expectations, compensation, and chat about your experience.
• Skill testing: If the interviewer determines that you are a good fit for the role, the initial round is
followed up with two or three more rounds of conversations primarily geared towards evaluating
your skills and domain knowledge. These rounds may include white-boarding, a skill-based test,
case studies, behavioural questions, or scenario-based questions.
• Final round: The hiring manager or recruiter will usually meet with you before an offer letter is
issued. The focus of this conversation is generally on soft skills and cultural fit.

‘‘
“I think one of the challenges, what I’ve observed from talking to newcomers is, sometimes they lack confidence
in the interview and appear nervous. For that, I would definitely recommend attending a lot of social or tech events
and networking because that’s where you get to meet a lot of hiring managers or even recruiters from different
organizations. It opens up opportunities and provides a broader understanding of the market. This would make you feel
more comfortable to talk in an open environment, even before you’re exposed to any interviews. And after the interview,
don’t hesitate to follow up with the recruiter you are working with to get an update on the status.”

— Margarita Kossinova, Senior Technical Recruiter, RBC

A key aspect that distinguishes the creativity industry from others is the hiring process. Recruiters and hiring managers
tend to hire for very specific roles. In most cases, job seekers must present a portfolio of their past work (designers,
writers, art directors, art instructors, photographers), a commercial reel (advertising creative, cinematographers, film
directors), or an audition (performance-based roles like actors or musicians).

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 42

Understanding the hiring process (cont’d)

For those in creative roles, the hiring process may vary depending on whether you are answering a job posting (don’t
be disappointed if you get no response – few people do), or working through a recruiter. For these purposes, if you are
applying for a job at an advertising or design agency, you will most likely have the following rounds:

Screening interview: This will normally take

place with an HR person. You may be asked
to show your portfolio, but your resume and
experience are likely the focus. If all goes well,
you’ll move on to the next stage.

Portfolio interview: In this meeting, you

will present a portfolio of your work to the
Creative Director or Design Director. This will
be far more in-depth: The focus will be on
big ideas, creative thinking and the skills you
demonstrate. Even if you are just out of school,
they will be looking for that magic or that gem
that indicates you can grow into the role.

Final round(s): You may meet with other

senior stakeholders before an offer letter is
issued. There could be four or five rounds in
total. Beyond your creative skills, you will also
be assessed on personality, character and
cultural fit. Remember to be yourself.

‘‘
“In advertising, for example, I want to see that a candidate has the ability to come up with original and novel ideas.
The only way to do this is to show that you’ve done it. A Creative Director may spend three to five minutes looking
at your portfolio. So, you have to grab their attention, demonstrate your skill set and leave them with something to
remember you by.”

— Robin Heisey, Professor, Advertising and Marketing at Humber College and former Chief Creative Officer, FCB Canada

Tip: Prepped is an excellent resource for you to practice your interview skills and prepare for the interview
process in Canada. For more info, visit [Link]

On average, the entire interview process can take between two to six weeks, depending on the urgency of the position
to be filled, as well as the availability and scheduling of everyone involved in the process.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 43

In summary

Similar to other countries, the job market in Canada is influenced by macro-economic trends. The recent coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic has altered the way we work and live our lives. It has affected businesses as well as recruitment,
making it essential for us to analyze recent data, read up on current industry news, and network as much as possible to
get a sense of on-ground reality before you move to Canada.

Research well: Use data to guide your decisions

Many of the industry statistics and predictions that

were published earlier in the year may not hold true in
the current economic climate. In this scenario, you can
rely on the latest reports published by Statistics Canada
and news articles from authentic sources such as the
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), GlobalNews,
and The Globe and Mail. Many industry associations
and Federal and Provincial bodies are also publishing
updated reports on employment numbers and market
trends – these are good sources of reference. Use the
step-by-step approach outlined in this guide to get a
holistic understanding of the scope or demand for your
occupation in the Canadian province/city you intend to
live in.

Learn about credentials and licenses that may be essential in your field of work

Many professions in Canada are regulated, which means that you have to obtain certifications or licenses to be able to
work in these fields. Some of these occupations include doctors, lawyers, nurses, accountants, project managers, and
engineers. Obtaining these certifications is often a lengthy process, so advance preparation can help you save time,
arrive prepared, and face the job market with confidence.

Networking is important

There is a hidden job market in Canada. “Hidden job market” refers to positions that are filled without the employer
advertising for it publicly. It is said that as much as 65-85% of the jobs are not posted online. This is why building
relationships with people who can support you is crucial. Networking is an excellent way to get insights into hiring
processes, open opportunities, and learning more about your industry or role in Canada.

Finding your desired role in Canada may take some time and require you to strategize your resume
and skills to attract employers. However, with the right resources and guidance, you will be ready to
confidently navigate the job market and ensure a smooth transition for you and your family to Canada.

Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 44

Sources

Statistics Canada (2020 June 05) Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)
[Link]

Statistics Canada (2020 June 05) Labour force characteristics by industry, annual (x 1,000)
[Link]

Statistics Canada (2020 June 05) Labour Reports

[Link]

Statistics Canada (2018 August 18) North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Canada 2017 Version 3.0
[Link]

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (2020 January 21) Find your NOC
[Link]
[Link]

National Occupational Classification (2020 January 13) Hierarchy and structure

[Link]
cdbc1f4b1e8a47518cbe86f45087a892?objectid=%2Fd0IGA6qD8JPRfoj5UCjpg%3D%3D

Canada Job Bank (2019 September 16) Explore the Canadian labour market
[Link]

Canada Job Bank (2020 April 01) Trend analysis: Explore an occupation
[Link]

The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (2020 June 05) Learn about
qualifications recognition
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Statistics Canada (2005) Reasons for staying in Canada cited by immigrants who plan to settle here permanently,
by immigration category (Cited 4 years after arrival)
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Statistics Canada (2005 July) Research Paper on The Education Services Industry in Canada
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Hays Canada on Newswire (2019 December 03) Poll shows employers will exceed budgets to attract top talent
but overall hiring activity to slow in 2020
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Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 45

Information Technology Association of Canada (2014 September 29) Information & Communication Technology:
The engine of growth in Canada
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The Conference Board of Canada (2020 March) The impact of Toronto’s financial sector
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The University of British Columbia (2019 August 08) Industry Overview: Management Consulting in Canada
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Department of Finance Canada (2020 January 31) Consumer-directed finance: the future of financial services
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Engineers Canada (2015 June) Engineering labour market in Canada

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Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (2018 September 27) Report from Canada’s Economic
Strategy Tables: Health and Biosciences
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Government of Canada (2013 October 03) Industry profile

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The Canadian Bar Association (2013 June) The future of legal services in Canada: Trends and issues
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Tourism HR Canada (2020 June 05) Tourism Shortages: Jobs to Fill

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Canadian Franchise Association (2019 February 04) Why Fitness Franchises are Booming
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Ryerson Career Development and Employment Centre (2020 June 05) Finding work in the hidden job market
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Carleton University Career Services (2020 June 05) Hidden job market
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National Nursing Assessment Service (2020 June 05)

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Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 46

Physicians Apply (2020 June 05) How to become a practising physician in Canada
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Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (2020 June 05) International medical graduates: Obtaining a
licence to practise in Canada
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EngineerHere (2020 June 05)

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The Corporation of the Seven Wardens (2020 June 05) The Calling of an Engineer
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Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs in Canada - Market Research Report (2019 November) IBIS World
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Newcomer’s guide to the Canadian job market 47