Once you’ve begun your studies in Canada, you may want to work part-time if stated in the conditions of your visa. Here are five tips on how international students can find a job in Canada. You may even use these job-hunting tips later to apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Tips for international students to find part-time work.
Whether you remain in Canada or return to your home country, life in Canada will be easier if you have already gained cross-cultural experience. And, one way to get acclimatized to Canadian culture is to work while studying, preferably in a job related to your course.
Another reason to work part-time is that employers prioritize hiring applicants with Canadian skilled work experience relevant to the position and your education.
Being immigration advocates, we want nothing more than for you to succeed in your career in Canada. We’ve therefore compiled five hot tips we hope will help you in your job quest as a skilled international student or graduate.
Tip 1: Always submit an updated resumé.
Have you ever heard about the saying first impressions last? Your resumé is your introduction to a potential employer. Therefore, ensure you create one that looks professional and is easy to read. Customize it to the job to which you are applying but ensure to include your most relevant skills. It helps as well to add your achievements in your previous employment, education, and both paid and unpaid work experience.
Succeed at studying abroad. Get the correct information about the international student pathway and visa application.
Tip 2: Improve your language skills.
Ever wondered how international students can find a job even though they aren’t native English speakers? Successful students practice! Employers cite inadequate language skills and a lack of intercultural awareness as reasons for not hiring a skilled international graduate. Try making friends outside your usual circle, and discover the nuances of English or French.
Most post-secondary institutions, such as Fanshawe College, offers an “English as a Second Language” course. Most colleges also have programs to develop intercultural competencies. Ask your international student coordinator, where and how you can enroll in these classes.
Learn about the conditions of a Canadian student permit and visa so you can make plans for your career.
Tip 3: Use social media.
Arriving in a strange country alone can be overwhelming. It is, therefore, natural to seek fellow countrymen and family members living in Canada. Remember, however, that you create your opportunities. While it is tempting to use job boards solely to get leads on open positions, get your resumé in front of recruiters and employers, and network. Join professional networking groups on campus and job fairs arranged by your college host. By the law of averages, the more industry contacts you have, the better chances you have to get the job you want.
Tip 4: Check how other international students are doing.
Arriving in a strange country alone can be overwhelming. It is, therefore, natural to seek fellow countrymen and family members living in Canada. Remember, however, that you create your opportunities. While it is tempting to use job boards solely to get leads on open positions, get your resumé in front of recruiters and employers, and network. Join professional networking groups on campus and job fairs arranged by your college host. By the law of averages, the more industry contacts you have, the better chances you have to get the job you want.
Will you be eligible to remain after graduation to gain Canadian work experience? Check by getting an overview of the post-graduation work permit application.
Tip 5: Make it easier to find a job.
International students and their families invest considerable sums to ensure they enroll in a course that offers the best opportunity for career success. If you haven’t chosen what to study yet, why not pick a co-operative program that alternates classroom studies with periods of work experience appropriate to the program?
If there are no co-op programs available in your college, you may take an internship or applied research project instead. These types of work count since employers prefer candidates who have work-ready skills such as problem-solving, and a track record of using their education, skills, and knowledge in real workplace situations.
That’s it! Your five tips on how international students can find a job. Time to start! Talk to us first if you aren’t sure whether studying overseas is for you.
