Canada Working Holiday Visa
Finding a Job Tips
FINDING
A JOB
Aussies are generally highly regarded by Canadian employers.
They are well known for their flexibility, great attitude, and
willingness to work hard.
It’s not too hard to find a job in Canada, and the type of work
available is incredibly varied, a bit like the country itself.
If you’ve got recognised qualification, are computer literate, or have
skills specific to any industry, it shouldn’t be too hard to find
something.
There’s also plenty of opportunities for good old fashioned
hands on work such as bar work, fruit picking, hospitality etc.
In saying this, it’s not always easy to find a job quickly, so
be prepared to put in a bit of effort.
Here
are a few pointers that might help with your plans for finding a job…
·
Unlike
many other Working Holiday Programs, the one for Australians going to
Canada does allow participants to continue to work in their chosen
career field.
Alternately, you might want to take seasonal work on the ski
fields or in the hospitality industry – it’s entirely up to you.
·
The
Work Permit issued under the Australia Working Holiday Program to Canada
is what is called an “open” authorisation.
That is, it allows you to undertake any type of work you choose,
for any length of time.
You can work for one employer the entire time you are in Canada,
or you can work for someone different every day – it’s up to you!
You can also work as many hours as you choose.
·
If
you plan to work in the teaching or medical services fields, you will be
required to undergo and pass an immigration medical examination when you
arrive in Canada and have your permit modified before you can take a job
of this nature.
·
Make
sure you take an up to date resume (CV) with you, along with some recent
references.
As you can continue to work in your chosen field under the AWHP,
there are no problems with Customs and Immigration if you are carrying
your resume when you enter Canada.
It’s also important to carry a copy of your resume on disk so
you can update it and print it out as you travel around.
·
If
you have professional qualifications, check out the Canadian Information
Centre for International Credentials at www.cicic.ca
to find out if they’re recognised in Canada and also find out what
registration or industry requirements there may be.
·
If
you plan on working in Quebec, make sure your French is up to scratch!
Here
are a few resources to help find a job:
Internet
/ Web Sites
The internet is a great way to find a job.
Many newspapers that have job listings are available on the
internet, there a plenty of specialized job search sites, you can check
out a company or resort that you would like to work for and send them
your resume, even research different recruitment companies and the type
of work they specialize in.
You can often apply for a job immediately by submitting your
resume electronically.


www.allstarjobs.ca
is an awesome site, where a huge number of internet resources for
finding a job can be found, from internet job listing sites to
recruitment companies and daily newspaper job ads.
This is something you can get started on before you leave for Canada,
but be sure not to line anything up until after you have your work visa,
or you won’t be eligible.
If you’re set on the ski slopes for the season, then visit www.wework2play.com
for essential info and opportunities.
Recruitment Companies / Temp Agencies
These companies can be a good resource for temporary and contract
positions.
There are a number of different agencies that have different
specialities, eg office work, IT, engineering & technical, sales
& marketing, medical & related fields etc.
If you are considering using a recruitment company to help you
find work make sure you have a good resume, full references, and are
prepared to invest a bit of time to register with them and complete any
skill testing and interviewing they might want you to undertake.
You can check out different companies on the internet and do quite a bit
of research, and maybe even forward your resume, before you leave home.
Newspapers
Most city newspapers contain job listings.
www.worksitecanada.com
has on line classified job ads from all newspapers across Canada.
Direct
Approach
For more casual work in bars, restaurants, cafes, retail outlets etc,
why not go in and ask if there’s anything available.
Make sure you’re presentable and have your resume with you –
you never know your luck!
Hostels
A lot of hostels and places that travellers hang out have job boards.
They can be a good source of leads and information, as can your
fellow travellers!