Ontario Job Market

With a strong economy, the province of Ontario and Toronto offer many employment opportunities. Known for business and finance, Toronto is a booming international Metropolis with a desirable job market for expats and locals alike. However, expats should be aware that the local workforce is strong. Expats looking to break into the market have competition with citizens and other expats whose aim it is to work in the city of Toronto.

Resume / CV

• Resume- brief overview of work and educational experience. Prominent in the US when applying for employment. Typically, one page.
• CV (curriculum vitae)- more in depth look at work and educational experience. Prominent in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Typically, two or more pages.

CVs are typically used in Canada.

Layout

The CV should contain:

• Contact Information: Relevant personal contact information at the top of the page including: name, phone number, fax number, address, and email address.
• Professional Experience: Usually this information is listed chronologically. List your work experience with: your title, the name of the company you worked for, the dates of your employment, and a brief description of your achievements in that job
• Education: This section should come before work experience if you are in school or have been out of school for one to three years, depending on your level of work experience and how relevant your education is to your career.
• Certificates & Diplomas: Courses, seminars, congresses or conferences that are relevant in relation to the position. Note if you received any special honors.
• Languages: This is extremely relevant to an international job. List which languages you speak and your level: advanced, intermediate or beginner. Point out if you can translate, speak, or write in each language and list any associated degrees. If you are submitting your resume in English and it is not your first language, be sure to have a native speaker read it first. Punctuation and grammar are extremely important.
• Computer Skills: Programs, applications, word processing, database, Internet experience, etc.
• Interests: You may include personal interests such as hobbies, sports, activities.

Tips

• Style should be straightforward. Use standard paper and a simple font, such as Times New Roman (12 font) or Arial (10) font
• Print original copies on high quality paper - don't send photocopies.
• Be neat. Take care with the presentation, design, spaces, and spelling of your resume. Don't use abbreviations. Emphasize sections and things that are important with underlines or bold type.
• Make sure your CV is as organized as possible, so the information can be found easily.
• You do not need to date or sign your resume.
• Have a base CV that you can adjust to each job you are applying for.

Cover Letter

A cover letter usually accompanies a CV in a job application. In the format of a letter, it establishes your tone and intent. Also known as a cover letter, covering letter, motivation letter, or letter of motivation.

Format:

• Header - Standard business letter style, with the sender's address and other information, the recipient's contact information, and the date sent after either the sender's or the recipient's address. The final part of the header is a salutation (e.g., "Dear Hiring Managers").
• Introduction - The introduction briefly states the specific position desired, and should be designed to catch the employer's immediate interest.
• Body - Highlights material in the resume or job application, and explains why the job seeker is interested in the job and would be of value to the employer. Also, matters discussed typically include skills, qualifications, and past experience. If there are any special things to note such as availability date, they may be included as well.
• Closing - Sums up the letter and indicates the next step the applicant expects to take. It may indicate that the applicant intends to contact the employer, although many favor the more indirect approach of simply saying that the applicant will look forward to hearing from or speaking with the employer. After the closing is a valediction ("Sincerely"), and then a signature line. Optionally, the abbreviation "ENCL" may be used to indicate that there are enclosures.

Job Search in Canada

A checklist of what you need to start your career:

• Write a curriculum vitae (CV)
• Research potential employers
• Find job opportunities
• Write cover letters
• Complete job applications
• Interview
• Follow-Up
• Get hired!

Search Engines in Canada

Search engines allow you to scan a great variety of jobs, and narrow down your search on certain criteria. It is also a good idea to post your CV online so hiring managers can find you. They may also allow you to sign-up for e-mail alerts of when new jobs become available.

• https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
• https://ca.indeed.com/jobs-in-Toronto,-ON
• https://www.monster.ca/jobs/l-toronto,-on.aspx
• https://www.simplyhired.ca/search?l=toronto%2C+on
• http://www.allcanadianjobs.com/
• http://www.hirecanada.ca/

Search engines allow you to scan a great variety of jobs, and narrow down your search on certain criteria. It is also a good idea to post your CV online so hiring managers can find you. They may also allow you to sign-up for e-mail alerts of when new jobs become available.

Forums

Expat and social forums are another resource for job seekers. EasyExpat's job listings for Canada are a great resource. Search by industry and browse the latest jobs.

Newspaper

Classifieds in print or on newspapers online edition can also be a great resource. Look for their employment section for job offers.

• Toronto Sun
• The Globe and Mail

You can also put your own ad in the paper. This may lead to more spam than responses, but this option can be effective.

Recruitment Agencies in Canada

An employment or recruitment agency is an organization which matches employers to employees. Most agencies specialize in a particular field, such as computers, nursing, secretarial work, accounting, catering, or construction. There are also "Head hunting" agencies that are hired by large companies to recruit executives, managers or professionals. To find an appropriate agency, look for "employment agencies" in the yellow pages or go to a directory of agencies.

Career Fairs

Career fairs are an excellent way to find out about available jobs and opportunities. There are usually a large variety of employers you can visit in one day and apply. Entrance is usually free, but registering online might be encouraged. Bring your resume and dress to impress as there may be interviews on the spot.
You can also try going to career fairs in your home country that specialize in jobs abroad.

Networking

Sometimes getting a job is about knowing the right people. Talk to friends, family, and business contacts to see if they have connections in the area you would like to work. Expat events can also be a great way to find out how other expats found work and see if their company has any openings. Use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedln or expat forums.

Temporary Agencies

If you are in need of short term work, there are agencies that will find you employment with another company. Jobs may consist of office work, babysitting, gardening, security or other types of work. They will try to fit with occupations that fit your skill set. As an added bonus, sometimes short term work can lead to longer contract. This can be a popular path for foreign workers entering Canada. Foreign workers may be able to address skills shortages, such as live-in care givers, and gain entry to the country.

A work permit is required for most temporary jobs in Canada. If you are a temporary worker from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you must also apply for a Temporary Resident visa through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. For more details, refer to the guide's section on "Passport, Visa & Permits".

Teaching Foreign Languages in Toronto

With English being one of Canada's official languages, English-speaking expats are in low demand for teaching English. Other languages, however, like French, might be in demand depending on the area.

Language schools usually require applicants to have TEFL course certificates and a college degree. You must have adequate visa clearance and registration. Most schools will supply you the intent to employ so you can secure a visa.

To find work teaching a foreign language, it is common practice to contact the language schools directly to inquire about any open positions. You can also consult the ESL Base website.

Schools

The easiest way to get started teaching a foreign language is to find a school. The best situations are companies that pay adequately and aid in getting visa paperwork completed. These positions may be difficult to come by and there is fierce competition for the best.

Applicants usually submit their resume and application, and if the school approves, the applicant will be asked for an interview. The interview may consist of a sample lesson or a grammar test. Some schools will throw teachers right in for a 90-minute class where the school observes and either offers the job, or does not.

It is common for new teachers to only receive a few classes at first. If they are able to prove themselves reliable and are able to handle a class, they will gradually be given more classes. Some teachers work at two schools or also give private lessons.

Teaching in the state sector is the most lucrative strain of teaching. These jobs are hard to come by without experience and the best qualifications. These positions offer the paid holidays, excellent salary, and a good pension.

Private Classes

It is also an option to give private lessons. These are usually more profitable per hour, but require a lot more work finding customers. The best way to get private students is to post advertisements in business newspapers, on bulletin boards, or offer your resume on expat site's like EasyExpat's Classifieds. Having basic native language skills will help expand your clientele as you can then work with beginners.

Teaching Certificates

TESOL (also known as TEFL) is the acronym for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. A TESOL certificate is the most common qualification required to teach English abroad. There are a wide variety of TESOL courses available, ranging from 4-week intensive, classroom based TESOL courses with TEFL International, to TESOL courses studied online. It is even possible to combine a period of online study with a shorter classroom-based course. In addition to standard TESOL certificate courses there are also more specialized courses such as courses for teaching business English, or teaching English to young learners. There is also the more advanced TESOL diploma course.

Visas for Teaching a Foreign Language in Toronto

Most teachers arrive in Canada by arranging their own transport, accommodation, and visas. If you want to work in Canada, you must apply for a work permit, either as a skilled worker, a Temporary Worker or a Provincial Nominee. In most cases, you will need to submit your application before you arrive in Canada.

There are some programs that will arrange these practical details, but most hire a teacher once they have arrived. However, if you have not secured a visa but have gained a teaching position, some schools will supply you the intent to employ so you can secure an appropriate visa.
For more details refer to the guide's section on "Passport, Visa & Permits".

Interview

Interviews are a chance for a company to get to know you before hiring you. Research the company before the interview to discover their missions and direction. It is not uncommon for there to be a series of interviews, with the first lasting 30-60 min, and further meetings possibly taking an entire day.

• Dress neatly and conservatively.
• Arrive on time.
• Bring your CV, business card, and copies of the certificates.
• Ask questions. Demonstrate your knowledge and interest.
• Thank the interviewer for their time.

It is customary to follow up an interview with a phone call or email to thank your interviewer(s) and/or inquire about the status of the hiring process. This can be done several days to a couple of weeks after your interview, depending on the closing date of the application process.

Working in Canada

Fluent language skills in either English or French are essential to finding employment in Canada. Be aware that the language requirements for working in your chosen profession in Canada might be different than those required for immigrating to Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers a free online self-assessment tool.

Before a Canadian company can hire a foreign worker, they must obtain a labor market opinion from Human Resources and Social Development Canada/Service Canada, which assesses the impact the foreign worker would have on Canada's labor market, or how an offer of employment to a foreign worker would affect Canadian jobs. Once you have secured employment in Canada, and your employer has obtained a labor market opinion allowing them to employ you, you must apply for a work permit from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. (Consult our section on "Passport, Visa & Permits").

Despite these obstacles, they do not apply to all professions and individuals. If you have a special expertise work in an area in which there is a labor shortage (such as the health sector), or are willing and able to be diligent and persistent, you may find the perfect job in Toronto.

Foreign Credentials for Working in Canada

Qualifying to immigrate to Canada does not mean that your education, work experience, and professional credentials are automatically recognized in Canada. You must have your qualifications accredited before working in a regulated industry in Canada. About 20% of jobs in Canada are regulated, including jobs in the health care, financial services, and legal sectors. Trades, such as plumbers, carpenters, and hair stylists are also subject to provincial and territorial regulations, and academic and work experience requirements. These jobs are regulated in order to protect public health and safety, and to ensure that professionals meet the required standards of practice and competence.

Contracts in Canada

Most jobs rely on an employment contract. The contract should be in writing and include these details:

• Duration of contract
• Employee's place of work
• Description of the residence and its occupants
• Job description
• Work schedule
• Wages and other conditions
• Living conditions (if applicable)
• Transportation costs (if applicable)
• Recruitment fees (if applicable)
• Obligations of the employer

It is common to have a probational period at a new job. The probation is a trial period ensuring which the employer will assess and evaluate the employee to determine if he or she is suitable for long term employment with the organization. The length and requirements of this period should be detailed within the contract and is usually between 60-90 days.

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