How to Apply for Jobs in Canada

Finding and applying for a job in Canada requires attention to several important details. From selecting the right job platform to filling out your resume, every step can impact your chances of landing an interview. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Apply to Companies That Are Actively Hiring in Canada

Companies and sectors offering wages around $20/hour:

1. Amazon Canada – Logistics & E-commerce

• In-demand roles: Warehouse Associate, Fulfillment Associate
• Average salary: $20.86/hour
• Requirements: High school diploma, physical ability to lift loads, availability for various shifts
• Application portal: Amazon Jobs

2. TELUS – Telecommunications

• In-demand roles: Customer Service Representative, Technical Support
• Salary range: $19 to $28/hour
• Requirements: Strong communication skills, basic computer skills, fluent English (French is an asset)
• Application portal: TELUS Careers

3. Marriott Hotels / Hilton Hotels – Hospitality

• In-demand roles: Housekeeping, Front Desk, General Services
• Salary range: $17 to $24/hour depending on location
• Requirements: Attention to detail, physical stamina for repetitive tasks, shift flexibility
• Application portal: Marriott Careers

4. Adecco, Randstad, Manpower – Staffing Services

• In-demand roles: General Labourer, Administrative Assistant, Production Helper
• Salary range: $17.50 to $22/hour depending on role and location
• Requirements: Flexibility, willingness to learn, basic communication skills
• Application portals: Adecco Canada, Randstad Canada, Manpower Canada

5. Walmart Canada – Retail

• In-demand roles: Cashier, Stock Clerk, Customer Service, Inventory Assistant
• Salary range: $16.16 to $19.59/hour depending on role and location
• Requirements: Strong communication skills, basic computer skills, shift flexibility
• Application portal: Walmart Careers

6. Starbucks Canada – Food & Beverage

• In-demand roles: Barista, Store Associate, Service Attendant
• Average salary: $17.58/hour
• Requirements: Strong communication skills, basic customer service skills, shift flexibility
• Application portal: Starbucks Careers

7. Costco Wholesale Canada – Retail

• In-demand roles: Cashier, Stocker, Customer Service
• Salary range: $19.77 to $33.23/hour depending on role and location
• Requirements: Strong communication skills, basic computer skills, shift flexibility
• Application portal: Costco Careers

2. Use the Right Keywords

Knowing what to search is crucial. If you’re looking for entry-level jobs paying $20/hour or more, effective keywords include:

• “entry level”
• “no experience required”
• “general labour”
• “customer service”
• “warehouse associate”
• “full-time”
• “part-time”

These terms are commonly used by companies for operational roles, whether or not experience is required.

3. Have a Professional Email and a Canadian Phone Number

If you’ve just arrived in Canada, get a local phone number (with a Canadian area code) and create a professional email (e.g., [email protected]). Many companies won’t respond to international numbers or vague, generic emails.

4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

Every job has unique requirements. Avoid sending the same resume everywhere. Read the job description carefully and include relevant keywords from the posting in your resume and cover letter.

For example, if the posting says: “seeking team player with attention to detail,” you could write:
“Experienced in collaborative environments with a strong focus on detail and quality.”

5. Create an Account on Job Portals

On major sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, create a full profile including:

• Contact information
• Professional interests
• Availability (full-time or part-time)
• Updated resume
• Cover letter (when possible)

This allows you to apply with one click and increases your visibility to recruiters.

6. Track and Organize Your Applications

Use a simple spreadsheet or notes app to keep track of:

• Company name
• Position applied for
• Application date
• Response or estimated response date

This helps you stay organized and follow up when needed.

7. Be Ready for Immediate Contact

Companies like Amazon, Starbucks, and Randstad often conduct phone interviews within days of receiving applications. Keep your phone nearby and check your email daily (including your spam folder).

Important: Answer unknown calls — many recruiters use blocked or internal numbers.

8. Understand Employment Types in Canada

There are three main employment types:

• Full-time: 35 to 40 hours/week, often with benefits
• Part-time: Up to 30 hours/week, ideal for students or new arrivals
• Temporary/Contract: Fixed-term roles, common in warehouses and hospitality

Even temporary jobs can lead to permanent roles, so they’re worth considering.

Quick Tips to Land a Job in Canada

• Customize your resume: Tailor it for each job, highlighting relevant experience
• Prepare for interviews: Learn about the company and practise common questions
• Network: Attend events and join professional groups
• Consider temporary jobs: They can lead to full-time opportunities

How to Build an Effective Resume for the Canadian Job Market

Landing a well-paying entry-level job in Canada starts with a clear, concise resume aligned with local expectations.

A. Standard Canadian Resume Format

A strong Canadian resume follows a logical structure and is usually one to two pages long. Don’t overdo it or add irrelevant details.

Ideal structure:

• Contact information (name, Canadian phone number, professional email, city)
• Professional summary (2–3 sentences about your experience and strengths)
• Skills (bullet points for technical and soft skills)
• Work experience (recent jobs with dates, roles, and results)
• Education (include certificates and relevant courses)
• Languages and certifications
• References available upon request

B. Write a Specific and Direct Summary

Avoid generic statements like “dedicated professional.” Instead, write:
“Customer service professional with 2 years of experience, fluent in English, with a strong focus on problem-solving and efficiency in a retail setting.”

C. Tailor to the Job

Use the exact terms from the job description. This helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If the job asks for:

• “Teamwork”
• “Customer service”
• “Flexible schedule”

You might write:
“Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments and provide excellent customer service during flexible schedules.”

D. Highlight Results in Work Experience

Even in operational roles, results matter. Don’t just say, “assisted customers.” Instead, write:
“Assisted an average of 100 customers daily, improving wait times by 15% through efficient service and clear communication.”

Use action verbs: Led, Organized, Supported, Supervised, Collaborated, Solved.

E. Emphasize Practical Skills

For jobs in warehousing, customer service, or logistics, include skills like:

• Forklift operation (if certified)
• Inventory management
• Reliability and punctuality
• Working under pressure
• POS system usage

If you speak multiple languages, make that clear.

F. What to Leave Out of a Canadian Resume

Do not include:

• Photo
• Age or birthdate
• Marital status
• CPF or SIN
• Signature
• Immigration documentation (requested later if needed)

G. Include Informal or Volunteer Experience

If you’re new to the country, include volunteer roles, community work, or informal gigs. For example:
“Volunteer at community food bank – Organized inventory and distributed packages to over 50 families weekly.”

Final Thoughts

The Canadian job market offers plenty of opportunities for those seeking positions paying $20/hour or more. Companies in logistics, telecom, hospitality, and staffing are constantly hiring.

With a well-crafted resume, solid preparation, and strategic use of job portals, you can land a job that meets your professional and financial goals.