Working abroad sounds like an adventure to many people. However, it requires thorough preparation, starting with a successful application. This is a brief abstract of the Looking for work in Canada guide, highlighting the main focus points.

 Work permits in Canada

 - Always contact the Canadian embassy in your home country to find out more about obtaining Canada work permits.

 - EU and US citizens may enter Canada for up to three months without a visa.

 - A personal interview, medical test and background check may be involved in your application for a residence permit.

 The application procedure in Canada

 - Realise the importance of language skills. Having a conversation in a social setting is very different from a business negotiation.

 - Canada is a large country; it is best to check the vacancies in the regional paper of the province where you want to work.

 - The application process in Canada is very commercial and you have to actively sell yourself.

 - In the English-speaking areas of Canada, the application is much like in the US. In the French-speaking areas of the country, it is more formal and less direct.

 Writing a resume in Canada

 - Use the term “resume” instead of CV.

 - The key focus of your resume should be to persuade the employer to invite you for an interview. Therefore your resume is a marketing tool, which should be adapted to the market in which you intend to use it.

  It is advisable to write a short profile of yourself, using concise and punchy sentences filled with action verbs and power words.

 - Your resume should be thematic; this should highlight the qualities that are important for the vacancy.

  The application letter in Canada

 - A Canadian application letter (or cover letter) has to be typed in a short and professional style.

 - You should always find out whom to address the letter to.

 - Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry or the company. Use the company’s website as a resource.

 - Mention your telephone number in the last paragraph of your application letter.

  Do’s & Don’ts in Canada

 Do:

 - Use power words and action verbs in your application letter and resume.

 - Be very specific in Canada when describing experiences or qualities.

 - Add references to your resume, this is important for foreigners especially.

 - Ask if you don’ t understand the question.

 - Provide examples to prove your achievements.

 - Look interested - ask questions in an interview.

 Don’t:

 - Sit until invited in a Canadian application interview.

 - Look upon Canadians and Americans as one kind. Both parties do not appreciate this!

 - Put anything besides the truth in your resume, your future boss will find always find out the truth eventually.

 - Criticize former employers.

 - Go over the top - stay calm and stick to the facts.

 

 

Management culture in Canada

 - Employees are motivated strongly by their employers and there is little direct criticism in either direction.

 - In meetings, formal introductions and ice-breaking sessions are short.

 - Office hours are rather flexible. In general, offices are open from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm.

 - Do not use professional titles to introduce yourself in Canada. However if you are introducing someone else, do use their title.