Canada offers many opportunities to newcomers who are looking for work. Finding the right job takes some preparation. Here is some advice to get you started. 

Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If you want to work in Canada, you will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from the Government of Canada. With a SIN, you can earn money legally, pay taxes, contribute to pension plans and use government services. 

There are 2 ways to get your SIN. You can apply by mail, or in-person at a Service Canada Centre. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your SIN card in the mail.

Bring proof of your academic qualifications

Depending on the type of job you want, you may or may not have to show proof of your academic qualifications. Make sure you bring any college or university degrees, diplomas, or certificates with you when you arrive. To find out if your academic qualifications are valid in Canada, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  

Prepare your résumé

When you apply for a job, the employer will probably ask you to provide a résumé. Résumés help employers decide who they want to interview. Your résumé should include your work experience, education, and skills. It should help the employer understand why you are the right candidate for the job. 

There are a lot of résumé websites where you can find examples. You can also use Service Canada Centre’s Résumé Builder.

A pair of hands, reviewing 4 resumes on a desk, with a laptop and cell phone near by.

Begin your job search

A great place to start your job search is your local Service Canada Centre. They have lots of helpful information. They also offer interview training and can help you with your résumé. Plus, they have an online job bank you can use.

Many companies list job openings online. Go to the websites of companies that interest you to see if they have a “Careers” section. There are also job search websites like and that share job openings and offer interview and résumé advice.

Job fairs are events where people who are looking for work can go and meet employers in person. These events give you an opportunity to meet a lot of employers in a single day. Use the internet to search for job fairs happening in a city or town near you.

Networking is also important. Networking means building relationships with other people. When you are looking for work, you should network with as many people as you can. The people that you are networking with may not be able to offer you a job, but they may be able to introduce you to someone who is looking for employees. You can network online by creating a professional profile at

There are lots of job openings in Canada. There are also lots of people looking for work. To make sure employers pay attention to you, create the best résumé you can and practice your interview skills before you go to an interview. It is also a good idea to send an email or letter to employers after your interviews, to thank them for their time and tell them that you are very interested in the opportunity. 

Good luck with your job search!