To start looking for work in Canada, you need:

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Canadian resume

Cover letter (and references)

For some immigrants, it is difficult to find a job in their field when they first arrive in Canada. Sometimes, this is because the person has no Canadian working experience. This can be a challenging and frustrating issue for many people. Many people take low skilled jobs in order to gain some experience and to assist them financially. This is sometimes called a “Survival Job After gaining some Canadian experience and networking, many immigrants have success in finding jobs that use their skills and experience. A great way to make contacts with locals and local businesses is to volunteer.

Online resources:

WelcomeBC Newcomers Guide Chapter 8: Employment and Business gives you details on topics such as:

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Finding a job, where to look for a job and how to apply

Laws about working (hours of work and overtime, time off, getting paid, deductions, minimum wage, children and work, vacations, holidays)

Maternity and parental leave

Losing your job, employment Insurance (EI)

Starting your own business and much more

Welcome to Canada Guide Chapter 8: Employment and Income covers many topics, including:

Foreign credential recognition,

Searching and applying for jobs,

Volunteering and mentoring

Employees’ rights

Employment Insurance

Prepare to work a useful federal government (IRCC) online resource

Planning to Work in British Columbia is a workbook for newcomers who are interested in working in British Columbia.

Settlement.org is a great website with lots of information and videos about all aspects of life in Canada.

Recognition of foreign credentials is one of the main difficulties faced by newcomers to Canada. Some credentials obtained outside of Canada may not be recognized as equivalent to Canadian credentials. This is particularly true in regulated occupations where health and safety are important.

Getting professional and educational credentials recognized in Canada can take time.

For help and guidance about checking if your qualifications are recognized in Canada, see: Working in Canada – Foreign qualifications

Online resources

The Pique is a local free newspaper and a good resource for job listings, both online and in print. It comes out every week on a Thursday and you can get a copy at many places around town, including the Library, grocery stores and coffee shops.

Whistler Blackcomb hold a Job Fair every fall before ski season. Click here for more details or call WB Recruitment at 604-938-7557.

WorkBC is a government website. Find out about jobs, education & training, career exploration and more. WorkBC can assist eligible clients with writing a “Canadian” Resume, writing job applications, practicing for an interview and many more things. The local WorkBC office is in Squamish, at 604-639-1743 along with their toll-free 1-800-763-1681.

WorkBC follow current health and safety guidelines to minimize risk related to COVID-19. WrokBC is currently only offering virtual support (phone/video) Monday to Friday for the following times:

Mon & Tuesday 8:30am to 6pm

Wed to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

Before visiting WorkBC, please phone 604-639-1743 or email WorkBC to learn about services and resources available.

Visit these websites to find job opportunities:

Whistler Chamber of Commerce Job Board

Whistler Personnel Solutions online recruitment agency

Whistler Blackcomb employment opportunities

Have a business idea? You may be eligible for a startup loan. For help with starting your own business. Community Futures supports new business ideas.

Are you a tradesperson, or want to be? To explore this career, see: WorkBC Trades

WorkBC Job Search Tool

Job Bank

Service Canada

A great way to gain work experience in Canada is to volunteer. Many employers look for volunteer experience when hiring, so be sure to include this on your resume. In Canada, people believe that volunteering is a good way to build confidence, learn new skills and develop your existing skills. For newcomers, volunteering is also a great way to meet people who live in your new community, and you might also have fun!

There are many different types of volunteer positions in BC. You can volunteer your time to help your members of the community. Also, during the year, there are many fun festivals and sports events you can participate in.

Volunteer at the Whistler Pemberton Newcomer Services to get experience in Canada and we’ll be happy to provide a work reference for you. There are many different ways you can volunteer and lots of different skills you can learn.

You can also contact some local organizations that you are interested in getting involved with:

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS)

Community Foundation of Whistler

Whistler Arts Council

Whistler Adaptive

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.