Toronto, which is usually ranked as the fourth most populated city in North America and the first in Canada, is largely known for its robust economy, spurred by a highly skilled workforce it has gathered across the globe. It is one of the largest financial cities in the world, which has solidified its position as a magnet for any global talent seeking new opportunities for both personal and professional growth.
While you may be so eager and wishful to relocate to Canada and secure a highly paying job, it’s also pertinent you know that they equally need your skills and talents in one sector or another to contribute in sustaining it’s status quo as the bastion of the North American economic hub.
However, securing your dream job in Toronto is beyond a wish and luck, there are essential protocols that must be observed to guarantee your securing of a job in the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. These involve adequate preparation, networking, and perseverance. Below are easy steps you can take to secure your dream job in Toronto.
1. Research the Toronto Job Market
One of the first things to do if you are interested in securing a job in Toronto is to research the various sectors of the job market, which include health, technology, finance, media and many others. Streamline your search to your basic interest and get familiar with the significant players and trends in the sector to stay up to date.
Explore job portals such as LinkedIn, Workopolis, Indeed and Glassdoor, among others, to discover trending roles, salaries and employer expectations for your field. You can also visit the websites of the Toronto Region Board of Trade and the Economic Development and Culture Division to gain valuable insights into the Toronto job market.
2. Customise Your Resume & Cover Letter
Before applying for any Canadian job, ensure you customise your CV and cover letter to meet the employment standards of the Canadian job market. Let it be as concise as possible, usually a page or a maximum of 2 pages, where you highlight your Canadian experience (if any) or transferable skills that are valuable to the specific job position you’re targeting.
Ensure your contact information is up to date to enhance easy communication when your application is considered. Emphasise so much on your soft skills and educational qualifications, as it is very necessary and also, always customise a different cover letter for each application.
3. Leverage Networking
The Toronto job market is highly competitive, as various talents from all over the world seek jobs there. Therefore, leveraging networking by connecting with professionals in your field through industry-specific meetings, seminars, and workshops can provide valuable opportunities for securing jobs. The Toronto Region Board of Trade hosts a variety of events that provide great networking opportunities, allowing you to meet potential employers and establish meaningful connections with them.
Networking also helps one to stay updated on the industrial trends, as they often share ideas with other professionals. Aside from meeting professionals and colleagues in formal settings such as seminars and other events, engaging in casual conversations with professionals in social settings or industry gatherings can sometimes lead to unexpected job opportunities.
4. Prepare for Interviews
As the popular saying goes, “when opportunity meets with preparation, it results to success”; however, the reverse can also be the case. It is therefore very pertinent to always take out time to prepare for interviews before engaging in them. Once you receive an invitation for an interview, whether physical or virtual, one of the first things to do is to research the company’s background including its history, values, and recent achievements.
Additionally, research the specific position you’ve applied for and learn more about the job requirements, the employer’s expectations and your responsibilities. Try practising and responding to common interview questions and hypothetical scenarios that are relevant to your industry.
If the interview is going to be held virtually, ensure you have your gadget ready and a strong internet connection long before the scheduled time, as any glitch along the way might jeopardise your chance of being hired. After the interview, feel free to moderately ask the hiring manager a few intelligent questions about the role you’re vying for and the company.
5. Leverage on Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can be instrumental in helping you secure a job in Toronto by connecting you with unadvertised employment opportunities. These agencies tap into their vast networks and industry knowledge to connect qualified candidates with appropriate job openings, offering essential support throughout the hiring journey.
Lastly, while hunting for Job opportunities in Toronto, upskilling yourself by taking free or low-cost courses in platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning or local colleges as well as increasing your social media presence, ensuring your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional, can skyrocket your chances of securing a job in Toronto.
