In today’s job market, job seekers need to ensure that their resumes reflect the skills and qualifications that are most in demand by employers. According to Employment Ontario and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, some key skills to put on a resume include digital literacy, adaptability, critical thinking, communication, creativity, emotional intelligence, language proficiency, cultural competency, leadership, and data analysis.
MNLCT’s Employment Readiness staff, who facilitate workshops on how to get a job in Canada as a newcomer, share some FAQs about this topic
FAQ about job in Canada
What are some tips for creating an optimized resume and cover letter when applying for jobs in Canada?
When applying for a job in Canada, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. You can also consider taking workshops or enrolling in bridging programs to develop technical and soft skills. Soft skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and conflict resolution are important to highlight on your resume.
As a newcomer to Canada, if your priority is to develop a career or a professional development plan, a great option would be to research whether a Bridging Program would work best for you, especially if you are an internationally trained professional.
What are some ways to stay updated on your desired job market?
One way to stay updated on your desired job market is to subscribe to newsletters and follow social media accounts that share valuable information related to job searching in your field. Another way is to participate in training and education programs, such as the Employment Readiness workshops offered by MNLCT, to develop your skills and prepare for employment in Canada.
Also, our Employment Readiness Staff is available to advise you:
- Saul Olmos at solmos@mnlct.org
- Natalia Rodriguez at nrodriguez@mnlct.org
- Zahraa Charafeddine at zcharafeddine@mnlct.org
- Telephone: 647-812-1332
What services are provided by MNLCT’s Employment Readiness program to newcomers to Ontario?
The program offers a range of services to assist clients in finding employment in Ontario Canada, including career and employment planning, resume and cover letter building, interview training, guidance in obtaining necessary training and qualifications, referrals to employment agencies and volunteering opportunities, access to online courses, and workshops on employment and wellness.
- You can access Employment Readiness One-on-One Counselling or take part in workshops designed for this purpose.
- The program is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic.
- For those who do not have the time to attend the workshops, we offer self-study courses.
What self-paced courses are available at MNLCT for Essential Skills Training, and what topics do they cover?
MNLCT has available self-paced courses for Essential Skills Training that cover a range of topics including workplace success, workplace skill building for English language learners, personal growth and career planning, employment preparation, and citizenship test preparation. Specific course topics include building employability skills, managing procrastination, and overcoming job search anxiety.
The benefits of self-paced learning include:
- The flexibility to learn from anywhere in Ontario.
- Self-paced learning can lead to increased knowledge retention because you can learn at times when you are most productive and focused (24/7 platform available).
Is MNLCT an employment agency?
NO, MNLCT is a community-based settlement agency that offers settlement services for newcomers. We understand the challenges that come with moving to a new country, including language barriers and uncertainty around finding employment. That’s why we offer a holistic program that provides emotional support in addition to practical training.
The workshops offered through MNLCT are specifically designed to equip newcomers with the skills you need to succeed in the Canadian labour market. These workshops also provide a valuable opportunity for networking and discussing important topics related to interpersonal skills. With the guidance of experienced trainers, you can get answers to our professional questions and build the confidence you need to thrive in your new home.
What advice can MNLCT give me on labour issues?
The settlement team provides orientation on living in Canada and on the following topics in several languages, including English, Arabic, Dari/Pashto, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian:
- Guidance in completing application forms for various programs and services such as Social Assistance, Subsidized Housing, Employment Insurance, OHIP(Health Card), Social Insurance Number (SIN), EI (sick benefits, maternity leave), Child Tax Benefit, and more.
- Information and Orientation about life in Canada, Immigration, Worker Rights and Responsibilities, Housing, Education and Training, Community and Government services/benefits, Health, and Language (LINC/ESL)
Read more tips to help you avoid being a victim of false promises of work in Canada or human trafficking as you prepare to travel to Canada.
What is the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC Program) and what does it offer?
In the framework of the settlement programs, the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC Program) is a free language training program for eligible adult learners funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The program offers a supportive, friendly, and welcoming learning environment where students can learn the language skills to communicate effectively in a variety of different situations, learn about Canadian culture/society/values, access the job market, and further upgrade their education. All LINC instructors are TESL certified and experienced in adult education.
How do you establish a professional reputation as a newcomer to Canada?
As a BEMC program guest speaker, Nidhi Mehra, a public speaker, and educator who helps immigrants negotiate job searches and develop a professional reputation in Canada, gives some advice for newbie professionals looking for a fulfilling career in Ontario.
- Network with people in your sector
- Polish your LinkedIn profile
- Leverage your area of expertise
- Understand culture and communication change
