Relocation services for British Columbia, Canada

Job search tips

It is my experience that employers are not really interested in you until you have a Canadian address. However, I did have some telephone interviews from the UK, so it is possible. And those with sought-after skills could even get a job offer before you arrive - a nice boost for your points.

The following is by no means an exhaustive list of the job search sites. I welcome other links and also any feedback on any of these sites. Finding work is a major concern for people coming to Canada and we all appreciate whatever help we can get.

When you do find a potential post to apply to, I suggest that you:

• research the company.
• tailor your résumé to fit the post. Emphasize the relevance of your experience.
• Write a covering letter explaining your circumstances and your suitability for the post.
• If possible personally contact the employer and talk to them or e-mail. If you are in Canada, then consider delivering your résumé in person.

Remember that you can still benefit from a rejection. You have made a new contact, and can always come back to them or ask to them to refer you to someone else. These networking skills are key to finding employment in many cases.

Job search sites

Here are some sites to consider posting your résumé, with the “bigger” ones listed first:

• Workopolis
  is a major site, presented by Telus. Search for jobs, post your résumé and have e-mail alerts.
• Working Canada.com
  is part of the Canada.com site and has a wide range of jobs. You can post résumés and search for jobs, as well as job related resources.
• Yahoo hot jobs
  This has the usual job alert e-mails and search capabilities.
• Monster job board
  This is one of the bigger job boards.
• Headhunters Directory
  A directory of headhunters and executive recruiters.
• Job Shark
  An on-line job search and matching site.
• Industry training authority
  This site is aimed at trades and industry occupations and includes information for those transferring in from outside BC.
• Find-a-job
  This has a job search by location and category.
• JobWave BC
  This site helps unemployed job seekers, who are receiving BC assistance.
• Job Forum Canada
  This is a forum where you can find information on job hunting as well as look for jobs that have been posted.
• Workfutures
  This site is aimed at those who do not know what career or occupation to go for.
• Workinfonet
  This site has a job search facility, list of employment agencies and information on résumé writing etc.
• Campusworklink
  This is workopolis for students. See also their scholarships search site