For many newcomers to Canada, landing that first meaningful job can feel like a never ending cycle. One of the most cited challenges is the demand for “Canadian experience” on job postings. It’s a frustrating situation when you need experience in Canada to get hired, but you need to be hired to gain that experience.
Thousands of immigrants have successfully overcome this hurdle, and so can you. With the right mindset, a tailored strategy, and persistence, you can prove your value to Canadian employers and start building a thriving career.
1. Volunteer Strategically
Volunteering is one of the most accessible and effective ways to build Canadian experience. It offers you a live Canadian work context, references, local relationships, and exposure to workplace norms.
Tips & best practices:
- Start with roles that relate to your field or adjacent skills (e.g. admin, communications, research support), not just general volunteering.
- Seek out organizations known for welcoming newcomers—Volunteer Canada’s “Building Blocks for Newcomers” is a helpful resource.
- Use local settlement or immigrant support agencies to find volunteer placements (many partner with community organizations).
- Be punctual, professional, and communicative—even if unpaid, treat it like a job.
In New Canadians’ guide to volunteer roles, newcomers often unlock job offers through roles they initially took on as volunteers.
On immigrant forums, newcomers often advise each other: “Start with nonprofit volunteer work—even 10 hours a week gives you something local to list on your resume.
2. Tailor Your Resume
When it comes to resumes, Canadian employers prefer documents that are clear, concise, and tailored, usually no longer than two pages.
Instead of listing every role you’ve ever held, your goal should be to draw attention to the skills and accomplishments that matter most for the position you’re applying to. That means highlighting achievements that show measurable impact, such as “increased sales by 25% in six months,” rather than simply outlining your day-to-day responsibilities.
It’s also important to adopt Canadian terminology. For example, always use the term “resume” instead of “CV,” and frame your experience using the language employers are familiar with in the local market.
Most importantly, emphasize transferable skills like project management, customer service, teamwork, and leadership, that cut across industries and prove your adaptability. By tailoring your resume in this way, you show employers not just where you’ve worked, but the real value you bring to their team.
3. Build Your Network Deliberately
In Canada, many jobs are filled via referrals and internal networks. That means who you know can be as important as what you know.
Strategies:
- Attend local industry meetups, conferences, webinars: Even virtual events help you break into circles.
- Use LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your target city or field and send personalized notes
- Ask for informational interviews, not jobs: People are often more willing to share advice than hand over a job.
- Join professional associations: Many sectors (engineering, accounting, HR) have provincial chapters.
- Use “Canada Connects”: This government initiative matches newcomers with Canadian citizens or longtime residents to help with networking and cultural bridging.
Related Content: Top 5 Cities in Canada for New Immigrants
4. Get Canadian Credentials, Courses & Certifications
Even if your field isn’t regulated, short-term training or certification in Canada signals commitment and local competence.
- Participate in bridging programs offered by colleges or immigrant-serving organizations.
- Enroll in industry-specific certification courses (e.g. project management, digital marketing, data analytics).
- Take language courses (e.g. English or French) via LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) when eligible.
- Use online platforms (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning) to fill gaps in technology or tools widely used in Canada.
These credentials, even if short, may give you an edge when combined with your volunteer or work experience.
5. Leverage Settlement & Employment Services
Canada offers a wide range of settlement and employment services designed to help newcomers integrate into the workforce. These agencies provide practical support such as resume workshops, interview coaching, mentorship, and even direct employer referrals.
In Toronto, for example, the Learning Enrichment Foundation (LEF) supports immigrants with language training, job readiness programs, and mentorship opportunities.
Beyond formal agencies, online forums like the Canada Visa discussion board are also valuable spaces to exchange advice, find referrals, and connect with others who’ve navigated the same challenges.
Many of these organizations already have relationships with employers, which means they can connect you with companies that understand the newcomer journey.
6. Begin with Transitional or Entry-Level Roles
Your first job in Canada may not carry the exact title you’re aiming for and that’s perfectly fine. Think of it as a stepping stone, a way to enter the system, prove your abilities, and build a track record. Roles such as administrative assistant, data clerk, customer support, or project coordinator can open doors while still giving you space to demonstrate your potential.
Once you’re in, look for opportunities to volunteer for tasks that align more closely with your true skill set. Use this period to collect Canadian references and keep track of measurable results, like “improved process time by 15%.” Many newcomers have built thriving careers this way, using an initial entry-level or transitional role as the launchpad into their desired field.
Conclusion
Overcoming the Canadian experience barrier is a journey of strategy, persistence, and adaptation. By volunteering strategically, crafting your resume to highlight transferable skills, networking purposefully, securing Canadian credentials, leveraging settlement services, and being open to transitional roles, you create multiple routes into the Canadian workforce. Thread these strategies together, and combined with stories and tips from the newcomer community, you’ll strengthen your ability to break through.
