This article is taken from the special issue of Le Figaro “D’Est en Ouest – Vivre au Canada”, available on the Figaro Store.
In Canada, it is impossible to work without a visa. The first step is therefore to identify through which immigration program (Express Entry, International Experience Canada, Mobilité francophone, etc.) you can obtain a work permit (temporary or permanent), knowing that it can be open or farm*. Please note: Not all Canadian companies hire internationally and not all positions are open to foreign applicants. On the JobBank reference site, you will find resources based on your profile (“foreign candidates from outside Canada”, “temporary foreign workers”). Don’t miss the recruitment fairs organized in France (notably Destination Canada and the Journées Québec), because the companies that make the trip are more familiar with immigration procedures. If you want to settle in Quebec or French-speaking communities, make sure you are familiar with local terminologies as well. “The term ‘commercial’ is not widely used here, we rather speak of ‘sales representative’ or ‘salesperson’, points out Stéphanie Cotnoir, employability advisor at the Société économique de l’Ontario (SEO) . Inevitably, if you do not search with the right keywords, you will not see anything…»
To avoid this pitfall, use the National Occupational Classification (CNP) or consult job descriptions on the Internet. You should also know that about 20% of the professions (in particular in the fields of health, education and engineering) are regulated and governed by orders. Before being able to practice your profession, you will therefore have to submit to certain procedures, which vary according to the provinces. But parades are possible. “In Quebec, it is possible, for example, to occupy a position just below engineer – the responsibilities are less but the missions are the same – and, after two years, to apply for the order”, says Marie Martins Semedo, talent acquisition specialist at GoRH, a Quebec recruitment firm. Finally, find out about the market situation region by region, because labor needs can vary greatly from one end of the country to the other.
*The closed work permit authorizes you to work for only one employer in Canada, clearly defined before your departure.
The first golden rule of the Canadian resume? Delete any personal data (photo, age, marital status). “Here, this information is considered to be factors of discrimination in hiring”, points out Stéphanie Cotnoir. Also forget overworked presentations (multiplication of colors, logos or fonts) because Canadian recruiters are rather followers of sobriety and focus more on content than on form. Thus, it is particularly important to “emphasize your achievements”, sums up Aïssatou Sonko, manager of the immigration employability program at SEO. “In France, when we describe our career, we tend to use job descriptions and list the tasks associated with them, explains Marie Martins Semedo. But Canadians aren’t looking for a good performer; they want to recruit an autonomous person, capable of providing solutions. So try to reflect on the impact you have had in your business and explain it concretely.”
Also remember to give priority to your experience rather than the company where you were employed (especially since it is very likely that it is unknown across the Atlantic). Value your volunteer commitments well, because volunteering is very popular in Canada. “Sometimes the French candidates are invested in the associative field (with young people, the elderly, etc.) but do not think of mentioning it, whereas it is a real plus”, says Aïssatou Sonko. On the other hand, you can ignore the “leisure” section, which is not very relevant at this stage. Note that the CV can easily exceed one page. As for the cover letter (also called presentation letter), it is far from mandatory. If the recruiter does not explicitly require it, do not be overzealous, because a “failed” letter can do you a disservice.
In Canada, it is considered that 80% of available job offers are “invisible”, that is to say that they are not made public on traditional recruitment platforms. Many positions are filled informally, through word of mouth. To access this hidden market, you have to go through devious means – and arm yourself with patience. “Build a network as soon as you start your immigration process, advises Marie Martins Semedo. In Canada, the more people you know, the more likely you are to get a job that suits you.” Your number one ally from abroad? LinkedIn.
Feed your page and multiply contacts (relationships related to your professional or personal life, alumni associations, sectoral organizations…) But be subtle! “People will respond more easily to someone who is trying to understand the realities of their job in Canada than to someone who starts the conversation with ‘hello, I’m looking for a job, can you help me?'” smiles Stephanie Cotnoir. Facebook pages and discussion groups by locality (such as “Les Français à Montréal” or “Trouver un emploi en français en Ontario”) can also be interesting sources of opportunities, as well as mobility forums organized in France. . These events, which bring together companies looking for talent as well as associations and support structures, are unique opportunities to meet people who could be useful to you in the short or medium term.
If you managed to land an interview, well done, you’ve come a long way! But nothing is won yet… To put the odds on your side, absolutely avoid being late because it shows a lack of organization. “Being punctual in Canada means arriving 15 minutes early,” insists Stéphanie Cotnoir. If the interview takes place remotely, make sure that all your computer tools are working and that you will be comfortably seated. “We recommend always having a space of one arm in front of you to be able to speak with your hands, adds the expert. Body communication matters a lot in Canada.” Don’t be surprised if the approach is less formal and friendlier than in France. “Canadian recruiters will try to find out who you are,” says Marie Martins Semedo.
Be clear about your Canada project (why do you want to emigrate, why did you choose such a city, etc.) and take as much information as possible about the company to which you are applying. “For employers, hiring internationally represents an investment in time and money, they need to be sure that your approach is not a whim”, specifies the specialist. Also, practice presenting your journey in a concise – and friendly way! Canadians are sensitive to storytelling and you will earn points by “engaging” your audience. Finally, be honest! “There are candidates who hide their game very well in the interview, recognizes Aïssatou Sonko. But you should know that the employer will ask you on average three professional references and that he will call them, so the trickery will not last long…”
