How to find a job in Calgary as a newcomer

What should you do first?

Job Bank’s newcomer page lists five starting steps. Two of them matter before you send a single application. First, apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN): Job Bank says you need one to work in Canada and should apply as soon as you arrive. Second, find out whether the job you want is regulated.

Job Bank explains that most occupations in Canada are not regulated, but some are, which means you need a specific licence or certificate to work in them. If your occupation is regulated, the regulatory body decides whether your training and experience meet its standard. The Government of Alberta warns that licensing can be lengthy and complex, may involve fees, and can take months or even years. Starting early saves you time.

• Apply for your SIN.
• Check whether your occupation is regulated, using Job Bank’s Foreign Credential Recognition tool.
• Assess and improve your English (or French).
• Contact a newcomer service agency.
• Create a Job Bank account for job matching and the free resume builder.

Where can you get free job search help in Calgary?

Calgary has several long-standing agencies that help newcomers find work. Their programs change over time, so check each one’s website or phone them for what is running now.

Centre for Newcomers runs Career Development and Job Search (CDJS) for immigrant job seekers in Alberta who are legally entitled to work and train in Canada. It also offers job search workshops in English and in some first languages, and a drop-in Job Search Centre with free computers, internet, fax and resume printing. Its career and employment line is 403-569-3325.

Immigrant Services Calgary helps newcomers prepare for the Calgary job market and build a plan. It is a partner in Gateway: you book a free appointment and someone asks about your goals and helps you plan the next steps. Its head office is at 910 7th Avenue SW and its phone number is 403-265-1120.

The Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) offers career counselling, workshops on Canadian-style resumes, interview preparation, bridging programs, mentorship and language classes (LINC). Its program list includes pre-apprenticeship training for carpentry, electrical and plumbing, and bridging for IT professionals. Its main line is 403-262-2006.

How do you get your education and trade papers recognized?

For education, the Government of Alberta’s International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) issues certificates that compare credentials from other countries to Canadian standards. Alberta says an IQAS assessment can support a job application, admission to some post-secondary schools, and licensing with some professional regulatory organizations. IQAS assessments are advisory only: an employer or regulator decides what to accept.

Trades work differently. Alberta has designated trades, and some, such as electrician, are compulsory certification trades. You can only do the restricted work if you are a registered apprentice, a certified journeyperson, or hold a recognized trade certificate. Tradesecrets, the provincial apprenticeship site, explains how experienced workers can qualify through the Trades Qualifier Program.

If your occupation is not regulated, you don’t need a licence to work in it. An IQAS certificate can still help an employer understand your education.

How should you change your resume for Calgary employers?

A resume that works in your home country may not work here. Job Bank’s advice is to keep it to two pages at most, tailor it to each job, show achievements with numbers, and put your name, address, email and phone number at the top.

Job Bank also advises leaving out personal details such as age, marital status and religion, and not adding a photo, which it says is not the norm in Canada. Never put your Social Insurance Number on a resume. Our guide to the Canadian resume format walks through each section.

Where should you look for jobs?

Job Bank is the Government of Canada’s job board. Its newcomer page lets you show only jobs from employers who support newcomers, and a Plus account gives you Job Match, which emails you postings that fit your skills and experience. The Government of Alberta also points job seekers to alis, the province’s career site, and to Alberta Supports Centres, which run job fairs, workshops and information sessions.

Big public employers post their own jobs. The City of Calgary lists openings, entry-level and seasonal jobs, and information for international applicants on its careers site. Our guide to the largest employers in Calgary lists the biggest companies headquartered here.

Alberta also suggests looking outside Calgary and Edmonton, where communities may offer a lower cost of living and a chance to build a reputation.

How do newcomers build a network in Calgary?

Some jobs are never advertised. The Government of Alberta describes networking as talking to friends, neighbours and people in your community to find jobs that may not be posted. It names the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) as a mentorship program that connects you with someone working in your profession, who can explain what you need to get hired and move up.

Volunteering is another route. Alberta notes that it can help you gain Canadian work experience, improve your skills and grow your network. A temporary job outside your field can also help you build Canadian experience, improve your English and learn about workplace culture while you keep looking.

How do you avoid job scams and unfair agencies?

The Government of Alberta is clear: employment agencies cannot charge you a fee for helping you find a job. The employer must pay that cost, and the agency should be licensed. If anyone asks you to pay for a job, a job offer or a place on a hiring list, walk away.

Be careful with your personal information too. Job Bank’s resume advice says never to include your Social Insurance Number on a resume. If you are unsure about an offer, ask your settlement agency to look at it with you.