Welcome to Nova Scotia! You’ve already done the hard work of moving across the world, now, it’s time for you to conquer the Nova Scotia job market. Finding your first job in Canada can be tough, but with these tips and lots of support, you will find the right fit! Read on to learn about our suggestions for newcomers and how TEAM Work Cooperative can support you on your employment journey.
In this article, we’ll review:
Setting expectations for the job search,
Learning about the Canadian workplace culture,
How to apply and get the job, and
Where to turn when you need help.
1. First Tip: Set Realistic Expectations
You may be arriving here with lots of prior experience and a clear career direction, or this may be a time for a fresh start. Perhaps you’re just not sure how your past experience will translate here.
The work history and skills you bring to Canada are valuable, but sometimes it can take time to translate those into the Canadian workplace and culture.
Know that it is normal for it to take 6-12 months to find the right job, and sometimes longer if you’re new here and don’t yet have local connections.
Consider volunteering, reaching out to professional organizations, and telling everyone you’re connected with that you’re looking for a job—anything to build up local connections and spread the word about what you’re looking for.
Unfortunately, sometimes you may not get a job in your field right away. Be prepared to try something new while you form connections here and take the time to look for the right fit.
Some resources to help transfer your credentials to Canada:
Atlantic Immigrant Career Loan Fund may be able to provide a loan to help transfer your credentials or upgrade your training.
WES can help determine degree equivalencies.
2. Second Tip: Get Familiar with Canadian Work Culture
While there are likely many similarities between expectations in the working culture you’re familiar with, there are likely workplace norms in Canada that, if you know about them to begin with, can make a new job much easier from the start! Some elements that might be different include:
The work / life balance and how much you’re expected to work.
Punctuality, dress code, and communication styles.
What is considered professional or appropriate to discuss or do in the workplace.
While there are too many to list, and no way to know what will come up exactly, we would suggest attending one of our workshops on Working in Nova Scotia: Job Search Resources for Newcomers. These workshops happen every month, are free, and you can register yourself here - whether you’re a client or not!
Consider dropping in to our monthly Job Search Conversations, where we chat about anything and everything job-related, and can break down some of the new expectations you might be experiencing in the Canadian workplace.
3. Third Tip: Know How to Write Canadian Resumes and Cover Letters
Another difference you might face is the way to format Canadian resumes and cover letters. For example, in many countries, including a picture with your resume is common; in Canada, you should not include a picture with your application (unless perhaps you’re applying to be a model or actor)!
Having a strong resume and cover letter that matches the local norms is a much better way to stand out than by getting too creative.
How can TEAM Work support you to create the best version of your resume and cover letter? Well…
Sign up to work (for free!) with a case manager.
Attend one of the awesome resume and cover letter workshops hosted at TEAM Work or our colleagues at Job Junction.
Work 1-1 with our Information Resource Specialist.
Take a look at our articles on our Career Canvas to read about these topics and more.
As well as all that, we can also help you prepare and practice for any interviews via our mock interview services!
4. Final Tip: Strengthen Your English and Your Community Support
As we mentioned above, building local connections can be really helpful in finding work; as can being fluent in English (although there are jobs for French-speakers - Canada’s other official language - as well, it is more common to find jobs in NS that require English language skills).
Getting involved in your community can be a great way to do both, and there are a few places that offer community, English lessons, and more.
Connect with Halifax Public Libraries to sign up for free English classes; ISANS, also offer free English lessons (though both may have a waitlist).
Reach out to 211 to find community groups in your area - you can call them directly, search their website and even text or chat online.
If you decide to volunteer, you could look into Volunteer Halifax and Volunteer NS.
How We Can Help
Starting a new life in a different country and finding a job can be incredibly tough. We get it—navigating a new culture, understanding the job market, and building a network from scratch is no small feat. That's why we're here.
At our employment centre, we're dedicated to helping newcomers like you settle in, feel supported, and take some of the stress out of the job search process.
If you think you’d like help with any of these things - or even just to have someone to talk to while you’re looking for your first job - reach out! Our services are free and we’d love to meet you!
Fill out our “Contact Us” form below to chat with our amazing team of professionals and start your Canadian employment journey, NOW!
About Alex Hill
Not one for sitting still, Alex is always bopping around looking for new experiences and new things to learn, especially languages to speak, books to read, and foods to try! A transplant to the east coast, she has been loving exploring the coast, the forests, and the beautiful small towns and communities with her partner and dog. And as someone with a meandering career path herself, Alex enjoys helping others unearth their own meaning in work and life.
