Before relocating to Canada, it’s important to understand the job market and how your profession fits into it. Employment opportunities vary by province and industry, so identifying where your skills are most needed can help you make informed decisions about where to settle.
This article outlines how to find out if your occupation is in demand and where you’re most likely to find employment.
Where in Canada is your job in demand?
As with any economy, some jobs in Canada are more in demand than others. For example, marine engineers are more in demand across some provinces than others: Quebec, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan all have high requirements for marine engineers, while the other provinces do not.
Similarly, kindergarten teachers are sought after in New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and the three territories: Yukon, Nunavut, and the North West Territories.
To find out where your job is in demand, visit the Canada Job Bank’s Labour Market Information section, where you can find out about the demand for your profession by province and/or city. You can also find out how much you’re likely to earn, past and future hiring trends, and even sectoral profiles to see what is expected of you at work.
While this might be a time-consuming process, it is worth it in the end: once you find out if your job is in demand in Canada, you can begin preparations to move to your chosen destination.
Also read: Resume your overseas career in Canada with bridging programs at Humber College
Is your specialization sought after?
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system drills down job descriptions to the smallest detail, creating highly specific job descriptions, and is one of the best ways to find out under what title your job is in demand in Canada.
Take some time to explore it and compare notes with where your job is in demand to find out which role will fit you best.
The NOC also categorizes job titles under each profession. For example, specialists in cybersecurity, business systems and information systems, as well as database analysts and data administrators, are classified under the profession of computer and information systems professionals.
Tailor your résumé for each profession, and apply for the jobs that suit you best. Once you know the job titles you are looking for, return to the NOC, enter the Canadian version of your job title (e.g. accountant), and find out what responsibilities are expected of you and the skills you need to succeed.
Also read: Accelerate your career in Canada with the FAST Program
Do you have all the skills you need?
Your NOC job code also includes a description of the qualifications typically required to work and succeed in your field. For example, financial auditors and accountants are expected to hold professional designations such as CPA, CA, CMA, or CGA.
Similarly, cybersecurity professionals usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with additional certifications and specialized training. While the NOC may not list every specific requirement, you can get a clearer picture by reviewing job postings on platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed.
Search for jobs you’re suited for to see what qualifications are needed, and also check out the profiles of others in your field to see what certifications they’ve done to get ahead of their competitors. Looking at available jobs is also a great way to find out if your job is in demand in Canada.
Once you’ve shortlisted the training and certifications (if any) you need to catch up on, it is best that you finish them before you come to Canada, unless they can only be done in-country: you’re going to be very busy once you arrive. Also check the ‘nice to have’ section under job descriptions – the more skills you have under this section, the better it will be for you.
Also read: How to use AI to help with your job search in Canada
Find out how your role differs in Canada
Once you find out if your job is in demand in Canada, compare the differences in job profiles to what you’re used to in your country of origin or where you last worked.
While roles and responsibilities for indoor jobs may vary, it’s especially important to consider the occupational hazards associated with working outdoors. For instance, if you’re a civil engineer who spends significant time on-site, adjusting to Canada’s climate can be a challenge—especially if you’re coming from a warmer region. You’ll need to prepare both physically and mentally for harsh winter conditions and, depending on the province, heavy rainfall and other weather-related challenges.
While looking into company perks (some might provide you with accommodation if you live in a remote location, or a company car if you’ve got a lot of driving to do), make sure you also check with your new employers about how to prepare for the elements.
We hope this article helped you understand how to check if your job is in demand in Canada. Explore more job search tips on New Canadians, and share them with fellow newcomers.