Have you recently relocated to Toronto, either from another part of Canada or abroad? Though settling in wasn’t easy, you’ve made it, and now you’re wondering, “What’s the best way to find a job?”
It all begins with gathering the right information and being well-prepared for the process ahead. To work in Toronto, you’ll need a valid work permit and a social security number.
If you’re unsure where to start, first familiarize yourself with the requirements for moving to Canada and then learn about securing a work permit.
Next, focus on enhancing your résumé or CV to meet Canadian standards. Strengthening your English or French language skills is also essential, as these are the primary languages spoken in Toronto.
In the following section, we’ll cover how to find a job in Toronto, starting with résumé preparation, navigating the local labor market, and exploring job platforms and resources.
How to Improve Your Resume to Boost Your Chances of Finding a Job in Toronto?
While Toronto offers numerous job opportunities, remember that many others are competing for the same roles. To stand out, your résumé needs to be compelling.
Regularly updating it after every job milestone, role change, promotion, or certification can increase your chances. Additionally, be sure to include any new skills or projects you’ve completed.
However, keep in mind that some Toronto recruiters may prefer candidates with Canadian work experience, especially for positions beyond entry level.
One way to address this is to start with a short-term position. If your employer recognizes your potential, they may offer you a long-term role, giving you valuable local experience in the process. For extra help, consider reaching out to Toronto’s reputable résumé writing professionals.
Toronto Labor Market – All You Need To Know
As of late 2023, Canada’s unemployment rate hit its lowest point in nearly nine years. Ontario alone saw an increase of almost 137,900 net new jobs.
Additionally, Ontario’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national average for over two years. With Toronto being Canada’s economic hub, various industries are thriving, offering many job opportunities.
A significant number of these available positions are full-time and come with above-average wages. Some of the booming sectors include:
- Finance
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Food and Beverage
- Life Sciences
Global News Canada recently highlighted the most in-demand jobs in the country, which included:
- General laborer
- Sales representative
- Accountant
- Engineering project manager
- Business analyst
- Customer service representative
- IT project manager
- Account manager
- Software engineer
- Forklift operators
If you’re curious about the minimum wage in Ontario, it’s currently 14.00 CAD per hour. However, the rate differs for students, domestic workers, hunting and fishing guides, and servers in alcohol-serving venues.
Although Toronto’s job market is promising, it is also highly competitive, so preparation is key before making your first move.
5 Best Steps on How to Get a Job in Toronto
1. Ensure You Are Eligible to Work in Canada.
Toronto has a strong tradition of welcoming immigrants, and compared to many European countries, getting a visa in Canada is fairly straightforward.
For many immigrants, Express Entry is an option, and aside from securing a job, there are few barriers to working in Canada.
Use the CRS calculator to assess your eligibility for Express Entry. To see if you qualify, visit Canada’s immigration services website. Knowing your eligibility in advance can save you time if you don’t meet the requirements.
2. Consider the types of Available Jobs.
As Canada’s financial center, Toronto offers a wealth of opportunities in the finance sector. Media, technology, and tourism also play significant roles in the city’s economy, and Toronto boasts a dynamic startup scene.
Understanding the major industries in the city can help determine whether Toronto is the right place for you. Consider how prominent your industry is as you begin your job search.
3. Do some Networking.
Building a solid professional network is a key aspect of any job search and is especially useful when seeking employment in Toronto.
If you’re able to visit the city before or during your job search, attending professional events can give you a competitive edge. For networking with young professionals in a casual setting, The Hip Haus hosts events worth attending.
For a comprehensive list of networking opportunities, check out Kijiji’s networking events forum, Eventbrite’s Toronto gatherings, or Toronto Eventful’s networking meetings.
To connect with professional women in the city, consider joining the Ellevate Network. For a more social atmosphere, try attending Toronto Business Casual events.
4. Search online.
Toronto’s proximity to the U.S. means that many job search platforms are similar. Online job boards offer numerous opportunities across different sectors and are often a great place to start.
Some of the most popular websites to search for jobs in Toronto include:
- Toronto Jobs is tailored specifically to the city, and don’t forget to check out their job fairs!
- Workopolis provides a broad selection of job opportunities across Canada.
- You can also find listings of Canada’s top 100 employers on platforms like Career Builder, which offers various job openings, and Eluta, which searches through the best employers in the country.
- Hot Jobs in Canada is another great source for finding local job opportunities.
- Additionally, explore top employment sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and Simply Hired.
5. Find a Recruiter.
While online job searches offer plenty of options, they don’t offer the personalized guidance that a recruiter can provide.
Working with a recruitment agency can help you fine-tune your cover letter or résumé, offer interview tips, and provide background information about potential employers.
It’s a good idea to find an agency that fits your needs, but here are a few well-regarded recruiters in Toronto:
- Apex Life Sciences specializes in positions in science, engineering, and research.
- The Judge Group focuses on placements in technology and healthcare.
- Procom works with professionals seeking IT careers.
- Aquent helps place candidates across various industries.
- Vitamin T specializes in creative talent placements.
- The Select Group assists professionals in various fields.
Where Can I Find Job Postings in Ontario?
Before applying for a work visa, it’s a good idea to reach out to organizations in your industry to inquire about any available positions.
To improve your chances of securing a job, focus on enhancing your networking skills and building strong professional relationships with potential employers.
Make sure to communicate your intent to relocate to Canada and express your enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie ahead. One effective way to find your ideal employer is by browsing major Canadian job boards.
Job Boards
Examples include:
- JobBank – Canada’s official job board, offering detailed information about job requirements, career trends, and outlooks for each position.
- Indeed – Widely used in Toronto and beyond, with hundreds of jobs posted weekly.
- Monster – A comprehensive platform offering career advice, tools, and the option to upload your CV for potential recruiters to view.
Other notable boards:
- Toronto Jobs
- Workopolis
- Eluta
- Hot Jobs In Canada
- Career Builder
Community Organizations and Social Services
Another way to refine your job search is by connecting with community organizations and social services in Toronto that focus on helping recent immigrants.
These organizations often offer workshops on the labor market and life in Toronto, while also giving you the chance to learn from other professionals.
Career Cards
To assist skilled immigrant workers seeking employment in Toronto, the Ontario government, in partnership with regulatory bodies, has developed career cards.
These cards provide vital information about the registration process, language requirements, labor market conditions, and other details related to finding work in Toronto. For more details, visit the Ontario Immigration website.
Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally Trained Professionals (CASIP)
CASIP provides newcomers with resources like language training, workshops, and support in job-seeking.
These programs cover industries such as accounting, finance, sales, engineering, business management, and human resources.
In addition to learning how to find jobs, you’ll also have the chance to network with others.
Conclusion
This article provides a concise guide on how to find work in Toronto. To summarize, familiarize yourself with immigration requirements, research the labor market, and refine your resume.
Once prepared, begin your job search using all the platforms mentioned and leverage your networking skills for the best results.
