What is the current job situation in Canada? Is there a job market for immigrants who are moving to the Great White North?

Canada is beginning to recover from the job layoffs it saw at the start of this pandemic. In fact, the employment rate has dropped from 9.4% to 8.2% in February. This is the lowest unemployment rate Canada has seen since March 2020 when the pandemic was initially declared. So, where does the Canadian job market stand now? 

As a newcomer, breaking into the Canadian job market can be a challenge. Here is an overview of what is going on with the current job situation in Canada to help you prepare.

Market Research

Firstly, you might be wondering what the top jobs and salaries are in Canada after the pandemic. Well, a job’s pay should not be the only factor you are considering when seeking potential careers. It is equally important to have a passion for the job, a positive work environment, and a solid work-life balance.  

You should be researching job trends that are occuring in Canada. For example, due to the pandemic, Canada is seeing a surge in administrative assistant positions in companies that are busier such as health and safety departments, legal firms, and HR. Additionally, drivers are in high demand and will continue to be so due to an increase in online shopping.

Unfortunately, retail, travel and leisure, oil, import, export, and tourism and hospitality industries have suffered this past year, but they are expected to make a large recovery as restrictions loosen in 2021.  

It is worth noting that these positions are a few of the top jobs in Canada at the moment: driver, registered nurse, doctor/physician, dentist, project manager, utilities manager, welder, engineer, software developer, construction manager, accountant, and statistician. 

Salary Expectations

Secondly, set realistic salary expectations for yourself. Many immigrants find it difficult to obtain work in their previous area of expertise when they come to Canada. Therefore, be open to new opportunities that present themselves while you are seeking positions in your field. 

Research your respective salary band. This is the high and low end of your job’s pay scale to provide a scope of what you can reasonably ask an employer for. Rather than providing a single figure, you can give your potential employer a salary range. Studies prove that presenting a range with your ideal salary at the bottom of the scale demonstrates a willingness to be flexible. 

Also, don’t be too demanding. It is important to be aware of a company’s financial constraints. Sometimes there isn’t room to budge on a salary, but they might allow flexible work hours, paid travel, continuing education, etc. in the place of monetary compensation. 

Most importantly, be patient and don’t make it personal. The worst thing you can do as a candidate is begin negotiating your compensation during an interview before you even receive a job offer. The best time to discuss this is when you receive your offer of employment but have not yet accepted it. 

Canadian Work Experience

Lastly, work experience in Canada can help you find employment. Immigrants who came to Canada under the Canadian Experience Class were 2.4 times more likely to be employed than those who arrived through other economic streams. Therefore, entering the country as a temporary foreign worker or an international student offers you experience in Canada that employers are looking for. It is worth considering how these opportunities can create a more promising career path for you later.

Now the question is, How Do I Find a Job in Canada?