New to Canada? Struggling to Find a Job?
- Mayokun Irabor
- Mar 19
- 2 min read
Moving to Canada is exciting, but let’s be real—the job hunt can feel like an uphill battle. Many newcomers arrive with solid experience, yet they find themselves stuck, either struggling to land interviews or feeling unprepared when they finally do. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
The biggest challenges newcomers face when job searching? Not knowing the Canadian resume format and being unprepared for interviews. But the good news is, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We’ve got practical solutions and FREE resources to help you land that dream job faster.
The Resume Issue: Your Experience is Great, But Your Format Might Not Be
Many newcomers apply for jobs using the same resume format they used in their home country, not realizing that most Canadian employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter applications. These software programs scan resumes for specific keywords and formats, meaning if your resume doesn’t align with the expected structure, it may never even reach a hiring manager. In Canada, resumes need to be clean, concise, and tailored to match job descriptions, ensuring they pass through ATS systems effectively.
How to Make Sure Your Resume Gets Seen:
Keep it one or two pages to improve readability.
Avoid including photos, marital status, or age, as these are unnecessary in Canadian resumes.
Use achievement-based statements rather than generic job duties (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%” instead of “Responsible for sales”).
Write a clear summary statement at the top that highlights your key skills and experience in a way that matches the job posting.
Need a Template? Download Our FREE Canada Resume Guide!
The Interview Problem: You Got the Call… Now What?
Many newcomers feel a sense of relief when they finally land an interview—only to realize they are unsure of what to expect. In Canada, interviews often go beyond assessing technical skills and focus on behavioral questions, such as “Tell me about a time you handled conflict.” Employers want to understand how you think, solve problems, and interact in a workplace setting. Without preparation, it’s easy to struggle with these types of questions.
How to Prepare for Your Interview
Learn the STAR method to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
Get familiar with Canadian workplace culture to avoid any surprises during the interview.
Have a list of questions ready to ask the employer—this shows confidence and genuine interest in the role.
Practice answering common interview questions so you sound prepared and professional.
Being well-prepared can make a huge difference in how you present yourself to employers.
Download the Thrive Interview Kit for a step-by-step guide to mastering your next interview.
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