The resources available for searching job listings are enormous. By visiting www.workingincanada.gc.ca you can use the interactive “Working in Canada” tool to find out more about your specific line of employment, how much it pays in a certain area, view related job postings and much more.
For many careers you can find comprehensive job listings using some of the employment websites that we have listed at the end of this page.
Large employers such as hotel chains, health care providers, school districts, government agencies and so on will usually have their own websites with a dedicated human resources department handling job postings and applications.
However for more casual jobs or non-skilled work the online resources don’t really feature appropriate postings. For administrative, trades, retail, non-skilled, part time and other types of work, especially with smaller employers, in your local area then the newspaper is still a great place to start. Most local papers are available online and list jobs in the classified advertisements. Don’t be disheartened if you find the response of employers or agencies to be a little unenthusiastic if you are contacting them from the UK. They have probably received many enquiries from overseas applicants and found time is wasted in dealing with people who ultimately do not move here.
The yellow page’s is a good way to contact local companies directly as are the chamber of commerce and town business directories that can also be found online for specific locations. Try sending your resume directly to anyone in the community who may have a suitable job for you. Plan a visit to the area for a short reconnaissance mission so you can follow up with a phone call and if possible arrange a time to meet for a chat. Experience has shown that a direct and personal approach to job hunting, especially in smaller towns and communities, can often be successful. Remember, even if they do not have a suitable job right away, having made an effort to meet them you will more likely go to to the top of the list when a role within the company does arise.
If you are able to secure employment in BC before moving here it can help with your immigration process too. Coming over here to start your job on a work permit means that your application for permanent residency (which could already have been submitted before leaving the UK) can be fast tracked. An immigration agent, lawyer or someone who specializes in obtaining work permits can advise you on this. Don't be afraid to offer pro-active assistance to smaller employers in completing documentation to obtain a "Positive labour market opinion" from Human Resources and Skills Development Canada - a document which is needed to get a work permit. Read our immigration stories to see how carpenter John Smyth was able to move here after guidng his new employer through paperwork.
Good luck with your job search!
Employment websites:
http://ekjobs.ca/ (East Kootenay regional job site)