Canada
- About Canada
- Working conditions
- Sectors and companies that are recruiting
- Applying for a job
- Major recruitment pointers
- Recruitment Resources and networks
1. About Canada
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 while retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically, the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the south across the World’s longest unfortified border. Canada faces the political challenges of meeting public demands for quality improvements in health care, and education, social services, and economic competitiveness, as well as responding to the particular concerns of predominantly francophone Quebec. Canada also aims to develop its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the environment.
Population: 34.0 million
GDP per inhabitant (2009): USD 39.400,-
Unemployment rate (02/11): 8.0%
2. Working conditions
Canada’s unemployment rate has hit its lowest levels in recent history, dropping from 9.6 percent to seven percent. In the latter half of 2000, the Canadian labor market witnessed the creation of 187,000 new job openings. In the last few years, Canada has faced a critical shortage of skilled workers. Some industry experts call this a “brain drain,” as the best and brightest Canadian workers are flocking to the United States in search of higher salaries. Experts fear that the shortage of skilled workers in some sectors could grow to one million by 2020.
The Bank of Canada suggested recently that a shortage of skilled workers in Canada is spreading beyond high-tech industries, forcing employers in numerous other sectors to compete for a shrinking pool of qualified labor. Labor shortages have broadened beyond high-tech companies to include construction trades, truck transportation, engineering, food services, and accommodation.
To increase the skilled labor pool in Canada, the government has introduced legislation to make it easier for immigrants to enter Canada. A recent bill would eliminate the “occupations list” that awards points to immigrants with specific skills. The changes would also put a higher premium on family reunification by increasing the dependent-children category to include youths as old as 22. The age limit is currently 19.
Legal working hours : 37.5 hrs / week
Length of trial / notice period: 3 months probationary period
Employment formalities: It is relatively easy to immigrate to Canada. To work in the country, foreigners can travel on a temporary visa and apply for a work permit (an Employment Authorization [EA] in Canada), or become a permanent resident of Canada. To obtain an EA, a Canadian job offer validated by the Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) is required. This means that the employer has to prove that the position could not be filled by a Canadian citizen or resident. The validation process is complicated unless you are a software or IT professional, a member of the Youth Exchange Program, or the Spouse of Highly Skilled Temporary Worker. To enter the country, you should have the following: a valid passport, travel document, or other identity document; proof of sufficient funds while in Canada and enough to cover the costs of departure; lack of a criminal record, and, in some cases, a recent medical examination. Non-Canadians interested in emigrating to the country can check out CanadaVisa.com, which provides information about obtaining work visas for Canada. Online assessment of eligibility to live and work in Canada can be made. In addition there is information on gaining permanent and temporary work status in Canada.
3. Sectors that are recruiting
Manufacturing in Ontario and Quebec, Oil & Gas in Alberta.
4. Applying for a job
Application documents: Motivation letter – short and clear, explaining motivation and brief summary of the professional project, including position. CV in English. Of course, internet mail is most welcome.
Advice regarding the CV:Two to three pages. On the top, educational background and contact details. Positions to be presented in chronological reverse order, with information on the company, position, results and figures. Publications, leisure activities or interests could be the last part. Employer will make his own reference checks but a names list could be asked for.
5. Major recruitment pointers
Business Etiquette/knowing how to behave during interviews: You can do several things beforehand to prepare for an interview. Research the company, so that you have some idea of their corporate culture, their successes and their current direction. Prepare a list of your skills, matching it to the Company’s needs. Ask yourself possible questions, and formulate responses.
• Dress in neat, tailored clothes for the interview.
• Arrive on time. Canadians are usually punctual and expect punctuality in others.
• Shake hands with all those present at the interview, but be careful to allow adequate personal space, and avoid other physical contact.
• Be courteous and respectful. Canadians are deferential to authority and polite to each other.
Employers will look for your ability to respond to questions intelligently and quickly. During the interview, be yourself-and be modest about your accomplishments. Bragging, name-dropping and aggressiveness are considered to be in poor taste. Avoid raising the issue of salary or benefits early in the interview. However, if asked, be prepared to give your salary preference. After the interview, write a letter of thanks. This not only shows your courtesy, but it also provides another point of contact with the employer.
Languages you must be able to speak: English; French in Quebec
Flagship training: McGill´s University
Compensation&Benefits / Taxes: Fixed salary connected to educational background and experience. Bonus linked to the position (area and level of function) and the Company Organization. Company medical; possible Company car, laptop, mobile, etc. Profit sharing scheme is often offered. Three to six weeks of vacation period. Share allocation plan. Tax policy: taxes are paid each pay period; rates are linked to remuneration level, tax rates differ by province.
6. Recruitment resources and networks
In Canada, an online employment search should be complemented by more traditional methods. Networking is a tool that is extremely effective when pursuing employment in Canada. For the job-seeker, acquiring business and personal contacts within a selected industry, as well as associated industries, is key. The further the networking capabilities reach, the more opportunities and possibilities will present themselves.
Important business networking sites: socializing.ca, LinkedIn, Facebook
Best sites for jobs: www.monster.ca, www.higherbracket.ca, www.bestjobs.ca, www.canjobs.com, www.jobsincanada.com
Where to network: Telephone directories are a good means of finding specific business and personal contact information in Canada. Canada411Sympatico provides an online website with Canadian business information, searchable by name and location. Links to the yellow pages, city guides, post codes, and toll free numbers are also provided. The Chamber of Commerce is the prime meeting place for business people in Canada, whether one has just started in business or has been operating for many years. One can contact the Chamber of Commerce with questions or attend the courses it organizes. Many of these sites are in both French and English. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce website is a good place to start.
