If you want to get a job in Canada from Nigeria, read this article. Here you will find the best advice for your smooth career relocation.
Authored by Olga Butyrina (Career Expert, GCL)
How to Get a Job in Canada From Nigeria
Canada remains one of the permanent leaders among countries attracting emigrants. The low crime rate, affordable prices, and the Canadian employers’ friendliness for foreign labor force make this country a desirable place to live and develop a professional career. According to a Statista report, 313,580 people relocated to Canada in 2019, and more than 12,000 of them are Nigerians. On the one hand, this encouraging statistic proves that you are not alone, and many like-minded people share your experiences every year. On the other hand, such an active flow of immigration marks a high competition for each position. In this guide, you will find how to make your dream of getting a job in Canada from Nigeria closer.
How to use Express Entry
Express Entry has become an essential tool for foreigners to relocate to Canada. This platform allows you to receive an invitation to apply for a permanent residence (ITA). According to Canada immigration law, it is a critical condition to work in the country. Your successful registration depends on your eligibility for federal immigration programs:
Both programs are aimed at attracting qualified specialists in different scopes of activity, but the former considers education as the primary selection criterion, while the latter makes it optional. Additional evaluation criteria will be:
If you meet at least the minimum criteria for the chosen program, the Express Entry system brings you to the pool of candidates. The candidate pool is a kind of ranking of potential immigrants where you are scored points according to the above selection criteria.
The higher your points are, the more valuable you are as a specialist, and the higher your chances are of getting a job offer and an invitation to permanent residence.
You can remain in the pool for up to 12 months while you wait for government or employer approval. After this period, you are asked to re-register and update your data. Do not take the period of silence as a reason to give up.
Spend this time on self-improvement or preparation of necessary documents. If you need a complete list of documentation, a list of the most popular jobs, and even more helpful tips, read this good article on how to get a job in Canada from Nigeria.
Where to look for job opportunities
The registration process on Express Entry does not stop you from starting your job search. On the contrary, if you get a job offer in Canada from Nigeria, it adds extra points to your score and brings your ITA closer.
The job offer confirms that you are arriving in the country legally to provide professional services, and there is a person who is ready to take on the sponsorship of your working visa.
Therefore, even if your Express Entry application is still processed, feel free to look for potential employers interested in your qualifications.
Job Websites
Online job boards remain a popular job search tool among candidates. They offer a wide range of careers for both general laborers and senior officers. When it comes to employment in Canada, you should pay special attention to such websites as:
You can customize your search criteria by selecting your desired city, profession, and type of employment. The most common mistake made by candidates is sending a thoughtless application to every available vacancy.
Some of them believe that such a tactic will bring the coveted employer’s response at some point. But given the high level of competition, Canadian companies have the opportunity to compare applicants and choose the best person for the position.
Therefore, if you build your hopes on a lucky chance only, your job search can drag on indefinitely. To avoid it, choose job openings that match your experience, skills, and education. Then tailor your resume and cover letter so they show everything required in the vacancy description.
Social Networks
Modern employers have long used social networks for various business purposes, including searching for qualified personnel. Therefore, your LinkedIn profile can play a critical role in your employment.
To increase your chances, fill it with all the necessary information about your professional background. Mention your career goal of getting a job in Canada, indicate your area of expertise, relevant experience, and skills, and ask your former employers or colleagues to confirm your talents or write feedback about their cooperation with you.
And most importantly, do not sit idle. Look for the official profiles of Canadian companies and monitor current offers.
Job Bank
If you are looking for work in Canada, resort to the Job Bank. This platform contains current offers from Canadian employers and allows you to conduct a preliminary study of the local labor market. To succeed in the application process, take the following steps:
Getting a job in Canada is a cherished professional step for many candidates. But only a few of them can handle the relocation challenges. The main problem is that their expectations are often broken by reality.
The permanent residence application is not quick and the search for the first job in a new country does not always bear fruit.
These factors can make even the most motivated candidates mistrust their powers. But a lofty objective cannot be easily achieved, and all intermediate difficulties only test your aspiration.
Remember why you started your journey and what reward awaits you at its end. Rest assured, your patience and perseverance will lead you to a new career stage.
Emeh Achanga,the CEO of the Miss Petite Nigeria Brand is a lawyer turned blogger. She is very passionate about writing, with several publications and awards to her credit .She is currently working on publishing a collection of short stories which are basically a memoir about her exciting true experiences.
