In today’s job market, most candidates don’t struggle because they lack qualifications. They struggle because the process quickly turns into a loop—apply, wait, repeat—without much feedback. As a newcomer job seeker in Canada, when you keep applying for several jobs a day, and nothing seems to be working, most assume the answer is to do more of it. More applications. More hours. More urgency. But that usually leads to burnout, not results. What you need is a mindset shift! Read on…
Balance is what separates burnout from progress
“What happens is that [as a jobseeker] your energy gets depleted. You’re oftentimes not getting the results, and it’s random; it’s not focused,” says coach and consultant Brian Bachand, who suggests instead the opposite of what people expect when they first arrive in a new country: slow it down, get structured, and be more selective.
“The best strategy and the mindset shift that has to take place is really being focused on how you want to build out your job search, and really having a plan every single week.”
That plan doesn’t have to be complicated; it just needs structure, says Bachand, sharing these steps:
— Set a few focused hours for job research instead of all-day browsing
— Apply only to roles that genuinely fit your background
— Use AI ethically to improve your applications
— Take breaks seriously—walk, reset, step away from the screen
— Use time outside applications for networking and conversations
How you show up emotionally and physically matters
Newcomers are often dealing with a lot at once: pressure to find work, financial responsibilities, and the stress of adjusting to a new country. That reality cannot be dismissed, but how you show up emotionally and physically during the job search matters more than you realize.
Bachand says people can feel your energy, especially in conversations and interviews. “If you come in exhausted and rushed and unfocused, that energy is going to be felt by people who are taking the time to engage with you.” The idea isn’t about ‘perfection’ but about ‘not running on empty’.
Resumes alone aren’t enough; show your personality!
Treat job searching like a numbers game, and sending out enough resumes, hoping that something will land, doesn’t work. Resumes still matter, just not in isolation.
Make a video
To stand out, Bachand emphasizes adding a human layer to your application and your online presence.
“One of the greatest ways to do that is through adding a video to your application… one minute, two minutes at max, to introduce yourself.” A good version, he says, shows you as you! Keep it 1–2 minutes long, including a short introduction of who you are, a note that your resume and cover letter are included, and a warm, clear expression of interest in the role.
“What matters is not the production quality—it’s the fact that someone can see you and get a sense of how you communicate. They get to see the soft skills of how you connect, how you smile, how you present yourself.”
Use voice notes on LinkedIn
Bachand also points to something many people overlook entirely: voice notes on LinkedIn.
Instead of only typing messages, you can send a short voice note when someone connects with you. “It takes less than a minute, but it makes the interaction feel less like networking and more like a real conversation.”
Showcase your personal brand
Keep your LinkedIn profile active and aligned with your goals. Also, engage on the platform regularly by posting insights, commenting on industry discussions, or reacting thoughtfully to others’ content to build and grow your personal brand.
Get creative with your applications
When the field allows it, especially in competitive or creative industries, a standard resume may not be enough. A tailored presentation, a one-page visual summary, or a personalized pitch shows initiative and effort and can immediately separate you from other candidates.
This message from Bachand sums it up: It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with clarity and energy. When the mindset shifts from “apply more” to “apply with intention,” everything else—your focus, your presence, even how people respond—starts to change.
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