Looking for Work

Before beginning your job search, it is a good idea to take some time to think about your skills and interests. This will help you narrow your search to positions that will put you on the right path towards achieving your career goals.

With that in mind, finding the right job can take some time so do not get discouraged if you are unable to find a position in your desired field immediately. As a new immigrant to Canada, finding a job is very important. Therefore, you may want to consider applying for multiple types of positions to gain experience and become a part of the Canadian workforce.

When looking for work, it is always helpful to research the current trends for your profession, trade, or jobs that match your skills and background. Researching Canadian labour market information can help you increase your understanding of employment trends in NL and Canada, who the employers are, and what skills are needed for certain jobs.

A wide variety of programs and services are available at the ANCNL and AXIS Career Services, the employment division of the ANC, to help newcomers achieve their career and employment goals.

Whether you are seeking your first job in NL, looking for help with writing your resume and learning about the job market, needing assistance with obtaining licensure or certification to work in your field, considering starting a business of your own, interested in upgrading your skills, or looking for assistance with advancing in your career, AXIS has excellent resources to help you navigate your pathway towards meaningful employment.

See the Related Resources section for a listing of available resources.

Where to Look for a Job

Starting your job search may feel overwhelming and much of this is due to the fact that there are so many resources available! To help you begin, here are some suggestions on where to look for a job:

The Internet

The majority of employers will advertise jobs online. If you are interested in working with a specific company, the best place to start your search is on the organization’s website. These websites will often have a “Careers” section where available jobs are listed or an email address where you can send your resume directly to the hiring manager. In NL, the Government of Canada, Provincial Government, provincial post-secondary institutions, municipal governments, and other larger employers are prime examples of companies who will have job postings on their own websites.

Job postings may also be found on news websites with a classifieds section, a social networking site like LinkedIn, or one of many sites dedicated to job advertisements like Indeed or Career Beacon. Additionally, the Government of Canada has a dedicated Job Bank where employers from all regions of Canada post current job openings.

Signs

Some employers place signs in their windows, or on announcement boards when they are looking for new employees. The sign may say ‘help wanted’ or ‘now hiring’. Usually it is restaurants and retail or service shops that use this method of advertising. If you are interested in the position advertised, write down the name of the business with the telephone number to call, or if you happen to have a resume with you, you may be able to apply immediately. Ask to speak with the manager, introduce yourself and ask them about the position they are hiring for, as well as the application process. If you do this, it is recommended to prepare ahead of time and make sure you are dressed appropriately, as if you were going to a job interview. It is also a good idea to practice your introduction so that you are comfortable.

Jobs of Interest and Information Interviews

If you are interested in a specific type of job, or if you have skills and experience with a particular type of business or organization, you may want to consider contacting the business or organization that interests you and express your desire to work there. You may email or drop off your resume with a cover letter explaining your interest. You may even have an opportunity to set up a meeting with the potential employer to conduct what is often referred to as an ‘information interview’.

In addition to potential employers, information interviewing can also include speaking to people who work in the field, as well as professional associations, sector councils, training institutions, etc. Employment centres like AXIS Career Services, are available to help connect you with opportunities to participate in information interviews.

Newspaper

The local newspaper is a valuable source of information. You may be able to identify potential positions in the ‘Classifieds’ or ‘Help Wanted’ sections. You can also look for articles about new projects or businesses that may be starting in your community. This may help you identify companies that may be hiring in the near future.

The Hidden Job Market

The hidden job market is a term used to describe jobs that are not advertised or posted online publicly. There are many reasons why an employer may decide against posting a job advertisement. Whatever the reason may be, employers may choose alternative methods to traditional job postings such as hiring internally, using a recruiting firm, or they may choose to rely on referrals from current or past employees.

Employers often view this method of hiring as a way to ensure that they receive high-quality applicants who understand the needs of the job and have a keen interest in working for the company. When starting your job search, you can tap into the hidden job market by expanding your professional network.

Here is a list of ways through which you can expand your network:

Attend formal networking events (i.e. career fairs, and conferences)
Say yes to social invitations beyond traditional networking functions
Practice your elevator speech (i.e. know what you want from your career, what your dream job looks like, and what you have to offer an employer)
Update your social networks (like LinkedIn) to reflect your current job search goals
Participate in employment and bridge-to-work programs that are available at AXIS Career Services and/or other employment centres

Friends and Family

Consider reaching out to friends and family to let them know about your job search. This can lead you to information about current job openings in your community.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an excellent way to obtain professional experience while supporting and strengthening the local community. While volunteer work is primarily unpaid, it provides you with an opportunity to network and improve your employability skills while developing new skills and gaining real-world experience. It is also an excellent way to:

Learn more about and contribute to your new community
Improve your English speaking skills
Assist with helping others
Make meaningful connections

Ask your Career Practitioner at AXIS or contact the ANC to learn more about volunteer opportunities in NL.

Related Resources

Labour Market Information

Job Search and Career Development

Volunteering

Career and Employment Supports and Information