Networking tips for professionals to find a job in Canada

Canada has a thriving job market thanks to the exponential growth of certain industries, including (but not limited to) tech, health care, development and tourism. Finding a job that meets your personal requirements is possible, especially if you think outside the box during your job search.

So many people rely on online job listings, career fairs and agencies to find their next job. While these resources can be helpful, estimates suggest that around 60% to 85% of all jobs are found through proper networking.

Networking is invaluable as it offers access to unadvertised opportunities, comes with built-in references, and provides a way to build relationships that lead to job leads.

This article provides practical strategies and insights for professionals seeking jobs in Canada, and guidance for new Canadian citizens entering the Canadian job force.

• Understanding the “hidden” job market
• Networking strategies for Canada
• How to handle common networking challenges

Understanding the “hidden” job market

Almost everyone uses job-hunting tactics such as attending job fairs, checking job listings online, and searching for specific roles on company websites. These approaches can have their limits and be competitive, which is why many turn to the “hidden job market”—it sounds much more mysterious than it is.

The hidden job market includes jobs found through networking, referrals and internal hires instead of public advertisements.

Here are some quick suggestions for tapping into this important market

• Attend special events, conferences, and workshops related to your industry. This is a great way to meet people face-to-face in your town or city.

• Join professional associations or groups related to your field.

• Connect with former colleagues and classmates on social networking platforms geared towards professional networking, such as LinkedIn.

• Request informational interviews with industry professionals.

• Participate in volunteer activities to broaden your network. This is a helpful way for new citizens to network, obtain references, and get their name out within their industry. Hiring managers place a lot of importance on work experience and references, and it’s especially helpful if some of the references and experiences are from within Canada.

• Find the most popular co-working spaces in your area and start spending some time there. You can get some work done while creating opportunities to meet other working professionals. These spaces are set up for networking and almost always have notice boards with job listings and events.

Networking strategies—this is how it’s done in Canada

How to ‘introduce yourself’ when networking in Canada

Canadians seem to have mastered the art of combining friendliness and professional directness. A typical introduction would include your first name, job title or industry, and more often than not, a personal tidbit to encourage a deeper connection.

Canadians are big on small talk. For more casual networking, you can ask an open-ended question such as, “What do you do?” or “How did you get into this field?” to keep the conversation flowing.

Qualities that guarantee a strong first impression with Canadians

• Confidence

• Professionalism

• Friendliness

• Directness

• Clarity

• Authenticity

• Politeness

• Active listening skills

How to request and conduct informal interviews

An informational interview is a casual conversation aimed at gaining insights into a specific career field, industry, organisation, or role from someone experienced in that area.

To request an interview, reach out to the individual via LinkedIn or email with a polite and concise message. Introduce yourself, explain your purpose and interest, and ask if they’d be open to a brief conversation.

Do some research ahead of time, and come prepared with relevant questions about personal experiences, career advice, and industry trends. Most importantly, focus on building the relationship. Many professionals will be instantly turned off if they feel like you are only in it to land a job and nothing else. Don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you message!

Focus on building a relationship rather than asking for a job. Afterwards, follow up with a thank-you message expressing appreciation and keeping the door open for future connections.

Building confidence in networking, even with language barriers

Networking can feel intimidating for even the most experienced professionals, and more so if English or French isn’t your first language. The secret to calming your nerves and feeling confident is preparation and practice.

You can prepare a short introduction about yourself and practice conversation topics related to your industry. Ai language apps allow you to tailor your conversation topics to your liking. Remember, clear communication and active listening are more important than perfect grammar.

Canadians are generally patient and supportive and appreciate the effort, so don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or repeat yourself if necessary. Community groups aimed at newcomers can provide a more comfortable setting to practice networking conversational skills. Just like with any skill, each time you have a professional networking conversation, your confidence will grow.

How to handle common networking challenges

Adjusting to Canadian workplace culture and communication styles

Workplace culture is different in every country, and Canada’s workplace culture reflects the values of the nation as a whole. Inclusivity and collaboration are at the top of the list of values.

Canadian professionals aren’t quite as competitive as our southern neighbours. Work environments are moderately formal. Friendliness and team spirit are qualities valued by Canadians in the workplace and beyond.

Communication is generally polite, direct, and concise. Canadians appreciate clarity but also value diplomacy by avoiding overly blunt or aggressive language. Small talk is definitely common in Canada, and meetings and interviews generally begin with some casual conversation to build rapport.

Hierarchies exist. However, managers are generally open to communication and the sharing of ideas. Punctuality matters, and nonverbal communication, such as maintaining eye contact, show that you are engaged.

Finding connections when you don’t have a local network

The first thing to do is match your efforts with patience. Building a network takes time. As mentioned above, LinkedIn engagement, networking events, conferences and career fairs can help get you started while you gain familiarity in the Canadian market.

Professional associations, immigrant support organisations, mentorship programs, and volunteering can also help connect you with experienced professionals in your field and sometimes even lead to long-lasting professional relationships.

Networking tips for introverts

Networking is likely not a favourite activity for an introverted professional. It can often feel overwhelming and exhausting. However, these feelings can be managed. Networking as an introvert can prove to be highly effective with the right approach:

1. Baby steps are key. Set small, realistic goals, such as finding one event per month to attend or connecting with one new person per week.

2. Prepare in advance. Just like for professionals with a language barrier, it helps to prepare a brief introduction in advance to soften feelings of social anxiety that may arise in the moment.

3. Plan for one-on-one interactions or events with smaller groups. Large crowds can contribute to overwhelm.

4. Informal interviews are exactly that—informal, friendly and informative. Many professionals are happy to share tidbits about their industry or career, so approach these conversations like you are calling an old friend to catch up.

5. Most humans love talking. Preparing thoughtful questions and practising active listening are both ways to ensure that you don’t have to do so much talking.

Remember that relationships are like buildings—they need a strong, sturdy foundation to last. Quality connections matter more than quantity. By investing time and practising patience, you can build quality professional relationships that will serve as professional anchors as you adjust to Canada or a new city.