There is no shortage of opportunities to find a job in Vancouver. According to Statistics Canada, the city’s unemployment rate in 2016 was just 5.9 percent. This means there are lots of jobs and a small pool of qualified applicants for those jobs. There are many industries that hire entry-level workers in Vancouver, from the arts to retail and even digital media companies. But finding the right kind of temp work can be tricky for newcomers or anyone who isn’t well-connected with local job opportunities.
Many people also struggle to find temporary jobs in Vancouver because they’re not familiar with Canadian customs and norms, and don’t know where to look for work postings or networking events. If you’re looking for work as an international newcomer in Vancouver, read on for our insider tips about where to find a job here and how you can succeed at securing one!
What’s the job market like in Vancouver?
The job market in Vancouver is pretty strong, with the city’s unemployment rate hovering around 5%–6% for the last few years. This is lower than the national average (about 6–7%) due to the strength of the city’s service sector and its tourism industry. Vancouver is also a growing tech hub with a number of companies based here or with offices in the city, like Hootsuite, Squarespace, and Microsoft. Most of the available jobs are in the service industry, retail, and in the health sector. If you’re looking for work, you’ll likely have to have some experience or be referred by someone in the industry.
Networking and temp agencies
It used to be that people found jobs through newspapers and job boards, but nowadays, there are many ways to connect with employers. The most effective way is through networking with people in your industry, and then following up with those people to ask for advice and introductions to others. For newcomers, the best people to start networking with are your friends, family members and coworkers from your current job. Ask them if they know anyone in the city who has a business they could introduce you to. You can also use LinkedIn or other social media platforms to start connecting with people in your industry. Another way to find job opportunities is by signing up with a temp agency. You may find work with a large agency or with a smaller one, but they all have similar ways of finding work for their employees. The best way to find work with a temp agency is to ask them what kind of jobs they specialize in. As an international newcomer, you may want to look for a job with a temp agency that specializes in finding work for people coming to Vancouver from other countries. Working for a large company may be a better choice for you because it is likely to offer more variety in terms of job types, locations and hours.
Job fairs and meet-ups
Many companies, especially those in tech and creative industries, hold job fairs and meet-ups where they invite potential employees, usually students, to come and meet with their recruiters. You’ll want to check your university’s career society or other clubs, as well as local job boards, to see if any companies are hiring and hosting events in Vancouver. You may also be able to find networking events related to your industry, like fashion, social media, or design, and you can use these events to meet people who may be able to give you advice on finding work in Vancouver.
Online job boards
There are many online job boards that you can use when looking for work in Vancouver, but it’s important to follow up on any posts you find to make sure you get your resume to the right person. Most online job boards have tools where you can create a profile and create a “cover letter” for each job you apply for. The cover letter is a short introduction explaining why you are a good fit for the job. It is an important part of any job application. The best online job boards to use when you’re looking for work in Vancouver are the following: Indeed – This is an excellent resource to find just about any job you are looking for. Craigslist – Craigslist is a great place to find casual or short-term jobs, and you can search by the type of job you want and the location. Monster – Monster hosts job ads from a wide range of industries, so it’s a great place to look if you are trying to find a job outside your field.
Conclusion
Finding a job can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to find work in Vancouver, whether it’s through online job boards or networking with current employees and people in your industry. Finding the right job for you will take time, but the more effort you put into finding work, the more likely it is that you’ll find something that works for you. When you find the right job, it’ll feel like it was meant to be, and you can focus on getting settled into your new home in Vancouver.
