Canada is a great country to look for biotechnology jobs. Why? Canada is a world leader in biotechnology (bio-economy) with a large network of research hospitals, universities, laboratories, and companies. BioTalent Canada is the national sector council for the biotechnology industry. If you are a newcomer or plan to move to Canada and have experience in this industry, you will have opportunities. Biotechnology careers in Canada for technologists and technicians are available in both laboratory and field settings. Biotechnology salaries offer a good living. Learn more about biotechnology job requirements in Canada with this helpful overview.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Biotechnology Professional
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Biotechnology Career
Taking steps to prepare yourself before you move can give you a head start on your biotechnology career when you arrive in Canada. To improve your chances of successfully finding a biotechnology job, here are some steps you can take before you move:
Research the Canadian labour market to learn what skills, experience, and qualifications you require.
Check out BioTalent Canada resources to learn how to showcase your experience to employers and determine how ready you are to work in Canada’s biotechnology sector.
Improve your language skills. To practice the profession, you must have advanced English language skills, as it’s the working language in the bio-economy sector.
Enroll in language classes while in your home country and continue them when you arrive in Canada. Even if you speak fluent English or French, it’s helpful to improve your language skills.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country. You may need to use a translation service if your documents are not available in English or French. Contact BioTalent Canada to identify what they require.
Familiarize yourself with the procedures, laws, and legislation that govern the biotechnology profession in the province where you’ll settle.
Know the name of your job in Canada (see example titles in the NOC 22110 (description below) and make a list of potential employers.
Check out biotechnology salary and benefits information. Biotechnology salary and compensation plans can vary greatly by location, company, and other considerations.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Biotechnology Career in Canada
To work in biotechnology jobs in Canada, there are certain requirements you will need to meet that include:
Completion of a two- to three-year college program related to agriculture, biology, microbiology, wildlife, or resource management is usually required to work as a biological technologist
Completion of a one- to two-year college program in a related field to work as a biological technician.
For more advanced biotechnology jobs, you may require a university degree or master’s degree. Certification with provincial associations is voluntary.
Employment Outlook for Biotechnology Jobs in Canada
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According to a national study, Close-up on the bio-economy, the demand for talent in all sectors of Canada’s bio-economy will exceed supply by 2024. And the study predicts that by 2029, 65,000 additional employees will be needed. Given the skills shortage, internationally educated professionals will be an invaluable source of talent. This could be a great opportunity for future and recent immigrants to Canada with the right skills and background.
The bio-economy workforce in Canada covers many occupations, and research and development account for nearly half of all jobs. While Canada expects to see labour shortages for all bio-economy jobs, three areas will experience severe shortages until 2029:
Manufacturing and production jobs
Distribution and logistics
Management, finance, and administration jobs.
However, it’s critical that you conduct thorough research of the national, regional, and local biotechnology job markets before you move to Canada. Make sure that you understand the job requirements and licensing requirements. You may need a certification before you can work in Canada if your job title is regulated.
You can find out if your biotechnology job is regulated, and the name of the professional certification and licensing body here.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Biotechnology Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for biological technologists and technicians is NOC 22110. Check out the NOC description for an overview of the role in Canada. It’s also helpful to know the various titles that biotechnologists use in Canada. This is helpful information to know when you begin your job search.
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Biotechnology job titles in Canada
Requirements to Become a Biotechnology Professional in Canada
Biotechnology career requirements can vary based on your career goals. You may need to go through credential recognition, skills upgrading, or complete a bridging program. Below are steps you will need to take to work in the biotechnology field in Canada.
Credential Recognition to Meet Biotechnology Job Requirements in Canada
It’s vital to research, develop a plan to find work, and understand the specific skill requirements for your occupation. BioTalent Canada’s website is a smart starting point.
The BioSkills Recognition Program helps internationally trained professionals bridge any gaps and meet Canadian standards. The program will recognize your competencies and connect you with employers within the sector.
You can participate in this program if you can legally work in Canada and know English fluently. While still in your home country, you can start the process by listing a summary of your competencies, credentials, and skills, and once you arrive in Canada, you may be asked to do a practical test observation.
Once your skills are recognized, you will be informed that you are BioReadyTM: that means you have demonstrated the required skills for a specific job function and have the competencies to work in the Canadian biotech industry. If for some reason, your skills are not recognized, you will be informed on how to upgrade your skills and join the program afterward.
You can also take an online BioSynergy Program that helps you integrate into the workplace. The program includes modules on effective communication, building interpersonal relationships, lifelong learning, and leadership skills. If you want a mentor, you can access a coaching module.
Credentials Assessment Services
If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, contact the school that you plan to attend. The school can guide you through the application process and identify the credential assessment agency you should use.
Make sure you highlight your international education and skills. Try to build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before you decide to continue your education. You might be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits and benefit from prior learning assessment options.
Your international credentials and experience may allow you to gain credit or course exemptions. This way you will complete your program more quickly, without spending more money or repeating the education you already have.
Here are some credentials assessment services that you can consider:
To find more organizations that provide credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Biotechnology Job Requirements
Soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and collaboration are important for biotechnology jobs in Canada.
Upgrading your education and skills through a bridging program or other courses and workshops may be an important part of your journey to get into the bio-economy sector in Canada.
Canadian employers put a high emphasis on soft skills, which are personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and biotechnology career prospects. Unlike your hard skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.
Soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and communication are important for biotech professionals. As an individual working in biotechnology, you are expected to work well with others in a team, have strong verbal and written skills, and collaborate with others from many different groups.
In addition to your technical knowledge, you’ll be judged on your listening, writing, and basic communication skills. If your hard skills will get you an interview, most probably it is your soft skills that will get you the job and help you to succeed in the job.
Language Training for Biotechnology Careers in Canada
You may have strong technical skills, but often that is not enough to get a job or maintain it afterward. You may need more training or skills upgrading, especially with regard to your communication skills and team dynamics.
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English, which is the working language in the sector, or French, which is the country’s other official language, will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you intend to live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
Bridging programs can help you “bridge” your international experience to the Canadian work setting and help you to obtain a job and advance your biotechnology career.
These programs can help you to “bridge” your international experience and training to Canadian workplaces. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer bridging programs. You may be eligible for one. Do some research to find a program that’s suitable for you.
This program offers an intensive certificate in Canadian Biotechnology Enterprise. Courses include Canadian biotechnology and bio-policy, occupation-specific language training, and workplace culture and communications training. The program also offers employment services, mentoring, and personal coaching.
Biotechnology Schools in Canada
As a world leader in biotechnology, Canada has some of the top schools in the world. Many immigrants take further education after coming to Canada. Some even want to change careers or enhance their biotechnology careers with a Ph.D. or MBA.
There are over 30 schools that offer biotechnology courses and programs in Canada. Many of these schools offer multiple biotechnology programs and areas of specialization. You can enroll in programs and courses at the diploma, degree, master’s, and Ph.D. level.
Here are some of the top universities to consider:
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia (UBC)
McMaster University
University of Waterloo
University of Calgary
Queen’s University
Simon Fraser University
University of Manitoba.
Here are some colleges to consider:
Fanshawe College
Durham College
Loyalist College of Applied Arts and Technology
Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology
Fleming College
Algonquin College
Seneca College.
Click here for a list of Canadian Universities and Colleges.
Biotechnology Associations in Canada
BioTalent Canada is a national sector council that provides information about licensing and certification. It also offers professional development, education, networking opportunities, and resources.
You’ll find resources related to understanding the Canadian workplace, occupation-specific language skills, understanding of document use, and critical thinking skills. The website also includes labour market studies and news to help you understand the industry in Canada, opportunities, and challenges.
Professional Immigrant Networks
Professional immigrant networks are organized, volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals that seek to:
create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities
provide opportunities for their members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals.
These associations offer networking events, mentoring, information sessions, professional development opportunities, and connections to jobs. Here are some you can use:
The salary for biotechnology jobs in Canada can vary based on your location, knowledge, skills, experience.
The national biotechnology salary per hour ranges from a low of $17.28 to a high of $37.95/hour (based on 2022 figures) according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. Based on a 40-hour workweek, this means that a yearly salary could range from $35,942 – $78,936/year.
Biotechnology salaries are affected by many factors such as your job title, credentials, education, experience, and where you live. The lowest median biotechnology salary is in British Columbia. The highest is found in Yukon and Saskatchewan.
Biotechnology Salary in Canada
Here are the most recent Biotechnology salary numbers in Canada. Biotechnology salary information is not available for all provinces:
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Professional Based on BiotechnologySalary & Lifestyle
Biotechnology is an exciting growing field combining biology with technology and engineering. Canada’s bio-economy is likely to require 65,000 additional workers by 2029. Its applications in medicine, agriculture, and other fields put biotechnologists in high demand. Before deciding where you want to settle in Canada, research and find out where there is a higher demand for your specific biotech expertise.
While jobs may be available across Canada, you may find specific regions or cities where the demand is greater. Typically, there will be more job opportunities in larger cities. Vancouver is a top option because it has over 70 local biotech companies. Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa are also good options.
You can find biotechnology labour market information on Bio-talent Canada’s website. It will help you target your job search by identifying the best locations for biotechnology jobs and where you can offer your skills.
Pursuing a Biotechnology Career in Canada
With a skills shortage in Canada, you can find biotechnology career opportunities in biosciences, health, genomics, and other areas.
In Canada, most biotechnology companies are small or medium-sized businesses. They are cross-sectoral and may be involved in various stages of product development, like research, clinical and regulatory trials, production, and marketing.
With a skills shortage in Canada, you can find biotechnology career opportunities in agriculture, biosciences, environment, health, industrial applications, natural resources, nanotechnology, and genomics.
Major Employers for Biotechnology Jobs in Canada
Some of the top biotechnology employers in Canada include:
BELLUS Health
Amgen
Fusion Pharmaceuticals
Zymewire
Altis Labs
Nplex biosciences
Deep Genomics
AstraZeneca
NervGen Pharm
ESSA Pharma
Visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers to look for employers hiring in your field. This special designation recognizes Canada’s best employers for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
How to Find Your First Biotechnology Job in Canada
The outlook for biotechnology jobs in Canada is positive, with more than a third of companies currently experiencing a labour shortage. However, the Canadian job market is competitive, so you need to prepare for your job search. As well, finding biotechnology jobs in Canada may be different than in your home country. The following tips can help prepare you for a successful job search:
Biotechnology Career and Job Search Strategies
It’s best to search for jobs in the province and city when you plan to settle. And it’s important to carefully research biotechnology job prospects in the region and develop a plan to find work. When searching for biotechnology jobs, consider these tips:
Broaden your search and include alternative biotechnology careers and sectors.
Seek a mentor in the biotechnology sector, such as a retired biotechnology professional, who would give you valuable insights and advice, and probably introduce you to their professional network.
Join business-related job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
Attend industry job fairs and regularly check job boards.
Ask your contacts in the industry for help. Let them know you are job searching and would like to make industry connections. If someone well-established in biotech can forward your resume to a potential employer (instead of you forwarding it yourself), that gives you a leg up.
Check out BioTalent Canada’s job bank called The PetriDish. Here you can post your resume, view job postings and subscribe to job alerts.
Some colleges or associations may maintain a job bank or suggest a commercial job site.
Check company websites for job openings. Depending on the size of the company, it may be helpful to connect with someone you know who works in the company (or someone who knows someone) to help you get your resume fast-tracked to the hiring manager.
Work with Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Most settlement agencies offer free help to find job openings, update your resume, write a Canadian-style resume, and prepare for interviews. Learn more about Services in Canada to Help Newcomers Settle.
To find immigrant services in your area, click here.
Tips for Writing a Biotechnology Resume
There are different ways to write a resume for the biotech sector. However, most professionals working in the industry will agree on a few guidelines to write the ideal resume. This can affect your career opportunities, how many interview calls you receive, and even your biotechnology salary.
Accomplishments
Like most scientists, you may be very modest and not see your accomplishments as highly as the rest of the world. When you write your resume, list your most relevant accomplishments and strengths related to biotech.
Make sure to list your accomplishments early on in your resume: the top-tier school, or your education; any articles you may have published in any top-tier biotechnology journals; your patented work and awards received.
Experience
Biotech industry resumes are ordered chronologically, with your most recent experience first. Mention your job experience, including your internships, consulting jobs, and volunteer work.
Generally, with science industry jobs, hiring managers look for people who have achieved unique things. Therefore, it is important for you to list not only things you’ve done but also things you have achieved.
Consult with Different People
When meeting biotechnology career counsellors, or people who work at a biotech company, ask them for their best advice regarding resume requirements for the industry.
While job prospects look positive for biotechnologists, landing that next opportunity, especially for newcomers, may require extra effort and outreach. One way to do this is by requesting an “informational interview.” This is a brief (20–30-minute) meeting that you schedule with a person who is currently working in the biotechnology industry to learn more about the field in Canada.
Informational interviewing can be a great way to put your communication, research, and interpersonal skills into practice for your job search.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether a particular position or employer might be a good fit for you. An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. In addition to basic information about a particular type of industry (such as you might find on a company website), it also offers you the benefit of a professional’s first-hand experiences and impressions.
Make a list of the biotechnology companies that operate in your area. Then, use professional organizations, LinkedIn, and other networking resource tools to identify people that you can connect with to request an informational interview.
Biotechnology Career Networking Tips
Networking is a vital activity that can help you discover job leads, gain industry insights, and meet others in your field in Canada. And because many job vacancies are not advertised, people in your network can help you discover jobs in this “hidden job market.” This also applies to biotechnology careers.
You’ll benefit by meeting other professionals, building relationships, and sharing information, you might even hear about job opportunities you wouldn’t have found online. It could even lead to a higher biotechnology salary.
Good places to network include conferences, professional associations, and online spaces such as LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great site to reconnect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies and jobs that you have an interest in and make connections with others in your field. You can also join related professional groups. But remember, you must allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking.
Interview Techniques for Biotechnology Jobs in Canada
The outlook for the biotech industry looks good and whether you’re interested in agriculture, pharmacy, medicine, or bioengineering, you will find opportunities. However, before you land the job, you’ll need to ace the interview. Here are helpful tips to prepare for an interview in biotechnology.
Look for Job Opportunities
To be invited to an interview, you must first find a job opening. Regularly check online classified ads and other specialized sites, such as The PetriDish, which only list biotech job openings. Also, check the websites of medium to large pharmaceutical companies. Once you find an opening, check if you know someone at the company – your application will likely be given more attention if you reach out.
Stay Current with Industry News
Staying current about the industry in Canada will allow you to showcase your knowledge in interviews comfortably. Subscribe to the biotech newsletters or blogs to stay informed.
Highlight Your Technical Knowledge
As your potential employer has never seen you at work in the lab, they’ll ask you questions to figure out how you’d perform on the job. You may be asked to solve a hypothetical question so they can assess your depth and technical knowledge.
Hone Your Interdisciplinary Skills
Biotech intersects with many disciplines, so it’s important to know about the other related disciplines as well. So, when you’re studying or working, make sure to talk to people in other disciplines and with different backgrounds.
With a positive outlook for biotechnology jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options.
Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Thinking about searching for a medical radiation technologist (MRT) job in Canada? Like many other healthcare professionals, MRTs are in demand because the healthcare industry is experiencing shortages. So, if you want to continue your career in Canada, continue reading! You’ll learn about medical radiation technologist job requirements, salaries, career options, job search techniques, and more!
To work as a medical radiation technologist, employers usually require that you have completed a two- to three-year college or other approved program in diagnostic or magnetic resonance imaging (for radiological technologists and magnetic resonance technologists), nuclear medicine technology, or radiation therapy. Or, you must have completed a Bachelor of Health Sciences in radiography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy along with a period of supervised practical training.
In addition, licensing is required by a regulatory body in some provinces. However, membership with a provincial association is required by other provinces. Medical radiation technologists must be certified by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists in all provinces except Quebec and British Columbia.
How to Immigrate to Canada as a Medical Radiation Technologist
It’s important to research medical radiation technologist job requirements before you move to Canada. This will make it easier to continue your career when you arrive. In fact, there are some steps that you can take before you arrive that will help you to find a job faster. There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing your profession in Canada.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Medical Radiation Technologist Career
Contact the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists to learn about the:
Process to follow
Cost and time required to obtain a license
Steps in the licensing process before and after you move to Canada.
Contact the provincial regulatory body in the province where you plan to settle to determine:
International qualifications that they recognize
Language requirements
Documents required for employment or to continue your education in Canada. Verify if the documents need to be translated and if you have to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Improve your language skills, enroll in language classes while you are in your home country, and continue when you arrive in Canada. You need to have strong English or French (depending on your destination province) language skills and you may be tested.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country.
Research medical radiation technologist salaries in different cities (wages may vary across Canada).
Understand how the medical radiation technology profession is practiced in Canada. Familiarize yourself with the procedures, laws, and legislation that govern the profession in the province where you will settle.
Know example job titles that are used in Canada for medical radiation technologists.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Medical Radiation Technologist Career in Canada
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Medical radiation technologists require a license to work in the provinces of Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan. So, you need to register with the relevant provincial authority to practice and use the professional designation.
Membership with a provincial association is required in the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories.
The Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) is the national professional association and certifying body. CAMRT represents four disciplines:
Employment Outlook for Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs in Canada
Job prospects for medical radiation technologists are good for the next few years. With the healthcare system experiencing a significant shortage of workers, there is a great opportunity for internationally trained professionals to continue their MRT careers in Canada. Depending on your location and qualifications, both full-time and part-time opportunities are available.
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Researching Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs in Canada
It’s smart to research your profession before you arrive in Canada. And, a good place to start researching job requirements is with the National Occupational Code (NOC) 32121 (NOC 2021 Version 1.0). The NOC provides a standard definition of the role of medical radiation technologists, along with example titles, main duties, and job requirements. This information will also help you when you begin your job search in Canada.
Use the NOC 32121 to learn about the role of medical radiation technologists in Canada.
Requirements to Become a Medical Radiation Technologist in Canada
Internationally trained medical radiation technologists must meet the licensing requirements in Canada to practice. International graduates must take part in a credential recognition process. Some can benefit from bridging programs offered by local colleges and universities.
Below we explain the steps you will need to take to work as a Medical Radiation Technologist in Canada.
Credential Recognition to Meet MRT Job Requirements in Canada
Credential recognition is the process of verifying and assessing your skills, competencies, and international credentials fairly and rigorously. The best way to learn about the credential recognition process is to contact the provincial or territorial regulatory body where you plan to settle. They can advise you about the documents that you require, licensing fees, and more. It’s a good idea to take this step before you arrive in Canada and then decide the date that you will depart for Canada.
Depending on the province you intend to settle in, your licensing process may include:
Exams (eligibility, program selection, qualifying, certification)
Language proficiency tests
Credentialing
Postgraduate training/assessment
Return-of-service agreements (commitment to practice in an underserved community for an agreed period of time).
When you know the licensure procedure and understand what the MRT regulatory body expects, you can carefully complete your application. The licensure process has many stages and can seem complicated. And you’ll also require a significant financial and personal commitment to pursue the process. Preparing financially for this reality is important.
If you plan to enrol in a college or university program in Canada, you may require an education evaluation. Contact the school that you plan to attend to find out what’s required and if there is a specific credential assessment agency that you should use to verify your international education.
To find more organizations and agencies providing credential evaluation, assessment and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet MRT Job Requirements
Skills Upgrading to Qualify for Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs in Canada
Canadian employers put a high emphasis on soft skills. These are the personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and medical radiation technologist career prospects. Unlike your hard skills such as technical, analysis, and science skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.
Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are important for medical radiation technologists. As a medical radiation technologist, you must be sensitive to the patient’s physical and psychological needs and have the necessary technical skills. If your hard skills get you an interview, most likely it’s your soft skills that will help you get the job and succeed in the role.
Though not a must, upgrading your education and skills through a bridging program or other educational courses can be an important part of your journey to work as an MRT in Canada. You will constantly face changing technology and varied demands from patients, employers, the government, and the general public. Therefore, it’s vital to commit to lifelong learning to demonstrate professional growth.
Language Training for Medical Radiation Technologists in Canada
You may have strong technical skills but need to upgrade your communication skills. Strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages, English or French – are important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you intend to live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Medical Radiation Technologist Careers in Canada
Internationall educated professionals can take advantage of bridging programs to get ready to work in the Canadian workplace.
Bridging programs can help you to transition more quickly into the Canadian labour market. They help to “bridge” your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer bridging programs you may be eligible for. The following programs may be suitable for you:
The program assists foreign-trained qualified health professionals in certification and registration within Canada. An individualized program will be developed to prepare internationally trained medical radiation technologists to write the CAMRT certification examination.
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) – Edmonton
The program provides tools to assess and enhance the practical readiness of internationally educated medical radiological (x-ray) technologists for the Alberta workplace.
Medical Radiation Technologist Schools in Canada
Continuing your education after you arrive in Canada can also boost your career options. Medical radiation technology programs are offered at the college and university level in schools across Canada. There are over 20 colleges and universities that offer medical radiation technology programs including:
Alberta
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
British Columbia
Anderson College of Health, Business and Technology
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Camosun College
College of New Caledonia
Manitoba
Red River College Polytechnic
New Brunswick
Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
Horizon Health Network (University of New Brunswick Saint John)
Newfoundland
College of the North Atlantic
Nova Scotia
Dalhousie University
Ontario
Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
Cambrian College
Collège Boréal
Confederation College
Fanshawe College of Applied Arts & Technology
Mohawk College-McMaster University
The Michener Institute of Education at UHN
Prince Edward Island
UPEI School of Radiography
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
For a complete list of accredited and registered health education programs, visit Accreditation Canada.
Medical Radiation Technology Associations in Canada
The following associations provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
National Medical Radiation Technology Associations
Immigrant Networks For Medical Radiation Technologists
Professional immigrant networks are organized, volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals that seek to:
Create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities
Provide opportunities for their members to find meaningful employment and achieve their professional goals
The groups offer networking events, mentoring, information sessions, and professional development opportunities to help increase your employment opportunities. Here are a couple of resources to consider:
For more information about working in Canada, visit our Finding a Job in Canada page. We’ll help you to achieve your goals in Canada!
How Much Do Medical Radiation Technologists Make in Canada?
Researching MRT salaries in Canada will help you to understand what is a fair market value for your skills and experience.
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, Medical radiation technologist salaries fall between $25 to $50 per hour. The national average hourly medical radiation technology salary is $36.22 per hour.
To give you an example, if you worked a full-time role and worked 40 hours per week you could make between $52,000 and $104,000 per year. How much you make depends on where you live, your skills, experience, areas of specialization, and if you work full-time or part-time.
Medical Radiation Technologist Salary in Canada
Medical radiation technologist salaries differ based on where you live. Here are the most recent Medical Radiation Technologist salary numbers in Canada as of 2022:
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as a Medical Radiation Technologist Based on Salary & Lifestyle
Job prospects for MRTs depend on where they work in Canada. So, it’s helpful to research job prospects across Canada. Labour shortage conditions in healthcare are expected to persist from 2019 – 2028. And as Canada’s population ages, there will be greater demand for health services.
Job prospects are considered good in almost all provinces. To research job prospects by province, click here. Within each province, larger cities typically offer the best opportunities because there are larger healthcare networks, more hospitals, and a greater demand for MRTs.
Pursuing a Medical Radiation Technologist Career in Canada
To work as a medical radiation technologist in Canada you will follow a similar path as many other healthcare careers. You need the right academic credentials, relevant work experience, and a plan for where you want to work within the country. Below is valuable information to help you pursue a medical radiation technologist career in Canada:
Major Employers for MRT Jobs in Canada
In Canada, medical radiation technologists are employed in hospitals, private clinics, cancer centres, research laboratories, industry, education, and administration. Hospitals and clinics employ MRTs in the specialties of magnetic resonance and radiography. Major clinics, cancer centres, and hospitals in large urban centres employ medical radiation technologists in the specialties of radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Very few medical radiation technologists are self-employed.
Many medical radiation technology professionals work full time, with a forty-hour work week including weekend, evening, and standby work. However, some do work part-time, as there is a growing number of part-time, casual, and contract employment positions available.
For information on jobs for medical radiation technologists in Canada, see the CAMRT, where you will find a “job bank.” You may find information about available jobs on provincial organizations’ websites.
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website to search for hospitals and other healthcare settings where you may be interested in working. This designation recognizes employers with exceptional workplace diversity and inclusion programs.
How to Find Your First Medical Radiation Technologist Job in Canada
Becoming familiar with the Canadian workplace through volunteering, paid internships, and mentoring can help you to continue your medical radiation technologist career in Canada.
Canadian employers may not know how to assess your international education and work experience or prefer you to have experience working in Canada. Lack of local market experience can pose a challenge for newcomers, but there are ways to overcome some of these challenges.
When an employer tells you that you have no “Canadian experience” often they mean that they’re not sure if you will fit into their workplace. They are not sure that you are familiar with Canadian codes and standards of practice or that you have the communication skills or interpersonal savvy to be an asset to their organization. Employers want professionals who possess the skills that will allow them to fit right in and over time become leaders.
You can overcome this barrier and acquire an understanding of Canadian workplaces by volunteering, networking, finding a mentor, and even job shadowing. This experience may even help you to get a higher medical radiation technologist salary.
Volunteering
Volunteering is an important part of Canadian society and lifestyle. It can help you settle in faster, make friends, practice communication skills, or learn new technical skills. In some cases, it may even lead to a job at the organization where you are volunteering. You can find volunteer opportunities in non-profit organizations and community centres where you can use your knowledge and expertise. Look for opportunities in the health sector, technical work, lab work, or other jobs involving contact with people. You can even use your volunteer work to help you gain “Canadian experience” and add it to your medical radiation technologist resume.
To learn about opportunities, you can contact Volunteer Canada or other community organizations in your area. As well, you can ask your relatives, friends, or colleagues about volunteer opportunities that match your skills and interests.
Another good way to acquire Canadian experience is with an internship. Career Edge is an innovative internship program that allows you to apply for paid internships at Canada’s leading private, public, or non-profit sector employers. The program regularly posts internship opportunities and offers paid internships of four, six, nine, or 12 months for recent immigrants who:
Are fluent in English
Have a Bachelor’s level education (at least)
Have a minimum of three years of international work experience.
Career Edge is a not-for-profit social enterprise that has managed over 9,200 paid internships across Canada since 1996.
Mentoring
A mentor can help you to advance your medical radiation technologist career and help you to understand the Canadian workplace.
A mentor is someone who can coach or mentor you and share information about working in your profession in Canada. It’s helpful to find someone such as a practicing medical radiation technologist or with a background in healthcare, who can help you navigate the Canadian work environment.
Many professional associations or firms offer this type of “buddy” program, where a seasoned member guides a junior one. Contact the relevant associations in your area to learn about mentorship opportunities.
As well, many bridging programs and immigrant-serving agencies have mentorship programs where they match a newcomer with someone in their professional field. The Mentoring Partnership brings together recent skilled immigrants and established professionals in occupation-specific mentoring relationships. The program is managed by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council.
Informational Interviews for Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs
An informational interview is a brief (20–30-minute) meeting that you schedule with a person who is currently working in your field.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out more about the profession in Canada. For example, you may want to learn more about industry trends, and regulatory, or technological changes that are affecting the field.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can be an excellent source of medical radiation technologist career information. In addition to getting information about the industry, you can benefit from their first-hand experiences working in the field in Canada.
Networking Can Help Your Job Search and MRTCareer
Networking is about meeting people, building relationships, and sharing information.
An essential activity to help you discover job leads, gain information about a particular firm or industry, and meet others in your field is networking. As many job vacancies are not advertised, networking with others can help you to discover available jobs in this “hidden job market”. These jobs also offer very competitive medical radiation technologist salaries and benefits.
Networking is really about meeting people, building relationships, and sharing information. Ideal places to network include conferences and professional associations.
LinkedIn is also helpful for networking.is another important professional tool for networking. It is great for reconnecting with your ex-colleagues and employers, searching by company or jobs, and getting introductions and recommendations. You can also join some related professional groups. But remember, you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking.
Not exactly a mentorship or a volunteer opportunity, job shadowing is an interesting way to learn about the industry in Canada and make professional contacts. Job shadowing can last anywhere from an hour to an entire day, and it’s a great way to learn and understand the Canadian workplace.
As in volunteering, identify 5-10 companies or organizations you wish to work for and try to use your network to approach medical radiation technologists – or other employees in a healthcare role – who work there. Contact them, explain that you are a newcomer, and ask if it’s possible to job shadow them for some time to get familiar with the work culture.
Job Search Techniques for Medical Radiation Technologists in Canada
While there is a demand for medical radiation technologists in Canada, the job market is competitive. So, you need to prepare yourself to succeed in the job search. You must look for jobs in the region where you will settle and take time to develop a plan to find work. There are many ways to search for jobs within the healthcare field. Consider these tips to gain employment:
Broaden your search and include alternative medical radiation technologist careers and sectors.
Seek out a mentor in the healthcare profession that could give you valuable insight and advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Join job-finding or networking groups through settlement agencies.
Attend industry job fairs and regularly online job boards.
Check the CAMRT job bank for available jobs as well as the provincial regulatory bodies.
Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country. Most settlement agencies and other immigrant-serving organizations can help you to find job vacancies, update your resume, write cover letters, prepare for interviews, and understand what Canadian employers are looking for.
To find immigrant services in your area,click here.
Resume Writing for Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs
Your resume must showcase your technical excellence, proficiency, and accomplishments as a medical radiation technologist.
To show that you are the best candidate for the job, your resume should highlight how your abilities and skills contributed to your accomplishments.
Here are some additional tips to consider when writing your medical radiation technologist resume:
Create a professional resume format using medical resume templates available online.
Identify your experience working with specialized radiation therapy equipment and performing diagnostic procedures and your related accomplishments
Highlight your understanding of the required safety measures to provide effective services, and specify your knowledge of advanced technological developments in the field.
List skills, qualifications, and specialized training that you have received.
Interview Techniques for Medical Radiation Technologist Jobs
While the future looks bright for medical radiation technologists in Canada, you need to prepare well for your job interview.
Prior to your job interview, review your qualifications for the medical radiation technologist position so you can speak to your qualifications with confidence. Assess your experience to determine how you can contribute high value to the position. And, finally, prepare responses to some questions that a hiring manager may ask you.
Here are some questions to consider:
What are your strengths?
Don’t be shy. Identify three to five key strengths that directly relate to the position such as your organizational skills, collaboration skills, and leadership skills.
Describe a time when you had to manage multiple priorities. How did you manage your time?
This is the time to demonstrate your organizational and time management skills.
Describe how you keep your MRT skills and knowledge up to date.
The hiring manager wants to know that you actively pursue continuous learning. You can discuss a recent conference that you attended, professional journals that you regularly read, or specific training that you have or will receive.
During the interview, you will also have to respond to standard technical questions as well.
While you can never know exactly what to expect in an interview, research and being well-prepared can make all the difference.
With a positive outlook for Medical Radiation Technologist jobs in Canada, and an understanding of job requirements, careers, salaries, and job search techniques, now is the time to start building your plan!
Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Accounting jobs are a popular career choice that employs more than 200,000 people in Canada. Prepare yourself to continue your accounting career in Canada with this helpful overview of job requirements, salaries, and job search techniques. Accountants play an essential role in helping organizations manage the financial function of their business. Currently, many companies need professionals to fill accounting jobs. So, there is a great opportunity for newcomers and internationally trained professionals.
Accounting is a professional career that requires certification. Accounting job requirements in Canada for chartered professional accountants (CPA), and chartered accountants (CA) require a university degree. Also, you must complete a professional training program approved by a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants. Some provinces will also require either two years or 30 months of on-the-job training and membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon completing the Uniform Evaluation Exam. If you plan to continue your career in Canada, it’s important to get organized before you arrive. If you plan to offer public accounting services, such as auditing the financial statements of corporations, each province and territory has different requirements for licensing. Inquire about this when you contact the regulatory body in the province where you plan to settle
Things You Can Do Before You Move to Canada to Pursue an Accounting Career
There are steps that you can take before you move to Canada to improve your chances of continuing your accounting career when you arrive in Canada:
Contact the provincial or territorial accounting regulatory body in the province that you intend to settle. They can provide details about the accountant licensing process and job requirements.
Check with the regulatory body about other documents you need to bring and verify if the documents need to be translated. You may need to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country.
Research information about accounting salaries and benefits.
Improve your language skills in English or French and enroll in language classes while you are in your home country.
What to Expect When Pursuing an Accounting Career in Canada
Understanding accounting job requirements can help you to find work faster when you arrive in Canada. Newcomers to Canada often discover that they struggle to find work in their chosen profession after they arrive. This is also true for accountants who will have to get accounting qualifications recognized and gain Canadian work experience.
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Financial auditors and accountants belong to a regulated profession in Canada. And each province and territory regulate the profession. In Canada, the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is a highly sought business and accounting designation.
Employment Outlook for Accounting Jobs in Canada
Job prospects for accountants can vary in Canada. Therefore, it’s vital to carefully research provincial and local job prospects and labour markets. This will allow you to match your skills and experience with the accounting job requirements across Canada. This knowledge may even inform the city that you choose to settle in Canada.
Based on the prospects from the Government of Canada Job Bank, the market for accounting jobs is relatively balanced. But there are still a lot of opportunities for newcomers looking to start accounting careers. Projections are good in all provinces and territories across the country. Plus, accounting salaries in Canada are excellent.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Accounting Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for financial auditors and accountants is NOC 11100. The NOC provides a standard definition of accounting jobs in Canada and is used by various groups, including job seekers. Before searching for an accounting job, it’s helpful to read the NOC description to ensure that you perform similar job duties in your home country. You can also find example job titles that accountants use in Canada. This will be helpful when you begin your job search.
Use the NOC to research job requirements and accounting titles in Canada.
Requirements to Continue Your Accounting Career in Canada
The process to become an accredited accountant in Canada depends on your status.
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Are you a professional accountant in your home country?
Are you a new graduate from an international accounting school?
Do you have foreign accounting work experience?
Are you licensed in another country?
Your current status will determine your next steps. These steps could involve credential recognition, upgrading your skills, completing a bridging program, or pursuing further accounting education.
Credential Recognition to Meet Accounting Job Requirements in Canada
Provincial and territorial accounting associations provide information about the steps you must take to practice accounting in Canada. However, in most cases, they cannot assess your credentials prior to your arrival in Canada. For this purpose, you need to contact the national association that governs your branch of the accounting profession. Either they themselves offer the assessment services or they can recommend evaluation services.
If you are applying to a Canadian university, you may need your academic credentials assessed. And in some cases, an employer may request your academic assessment. You can contact one of the following agencies for assistance:
To find more organizations and agencies that provide credential evaluation, assessment, and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Accounting Job Requirements
To become a licensed accountant, you will have to complete an accredited program of study, supervised work experience, and a professional ethics exam. Skills upgrading courses and bridging programs can help you to obtain your license.
Employers in Canada require accountants to have advanced math and finance skills. You are also expected to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, business and report writing skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also be expected to be familiar with accounting software programs and applications.
You may also need training or skills upgrading to enhance your “soft skills”. Soft skills can help you to get a job and successfully achieve your career goals. For example, in Canada, effective communication skills are essential and are as important as hard skills. And, if you are applying for a management position, soft skills are even more valuable than technical skills. Having strong soft skills can also help you increase your accounting salary.
Language Training for Accounting Careers in Canada
Even though accountants work with numbers, communication is a vital part of working in accounting careers. Improving your verbal and written language skills can help. You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes at school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training andOccupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Accounting Careers in Canada
Bridging programs help internationally educated and trained accountants develop the professional competencies required to work in Canada. Here are some of the schools and organizations offering bridging programs:
Canada offers accounting programs at the college, university, and post-graduate levels.
More than 100 post-secondary institutions offer college, university, and post-graduate accounting programs. You can choose programs that specialize in specific types of accounting. Here are the top accounting schools in Canada:
AFCA is a non-profit organization based in Toronto. AFCA is affiliated with the National Council of Philippine American Canadian Accountants (NCPACA), an umbrella organization of Filipino accounting associations from 10 major cities in North America. Membership includes designated accountants and students with various accounting bodies in Canada, the United States and the Philippines who work in various accounting capacities.
CCPAA-ON provides a medium for its members to share views and experiences. Its members include professional accountants and students from all three of Canada’s accounting bodies (i.e. CA, CGA, and CMA). Other financial professionals who have joined CCPAA include actuaries, bankers, and financial advisers.
ICAI – Toronto Chapter is a not-for-profit organization in Toronto, Canada for the Alumni (i.e. Associate and Fellow members) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The primary objective of the Toronto Chapter is to provide networking and professional development opportunities to its members.
SAAC works to enhance the knowledge of its members and provide professional development activities, job opportunities, as well as social interaction for members.
How Much Do Accountants Make in Canada?
The average accounting salary in Canada is $38.46 per hour, according to the Government of Canada Job Bank. How much you make per hour ranges from $19.95/hour in Nova Scotia to $90.98/hour in Northwest Territories.
The highest average accounting salary per hour is in Northwest Territories ($90.98/hour). Alberta follows at $44.18/hour, and Saskatchewan at $40.87/hour.
When you what to expect to earn as an accountant in Canada, you can assess a fair market rate for your skills and experience.
Accounting Salary in Canada
In Canada, the average salary for accounting jobs can vary based on factors such as your specific role and the city you reside. However, salaries can be quite high and many positions have opportunities for advancement over time.
As well, accountants are in demand across Canada and this will also influence salaries. For immigrants to Canada, this can be a benefit as companies will look to recruit new employees from around the world.
Below is accounting salary information by province.
To understand what you can expect to earn, it’s important to research all of these factors. Your research will give you a better understanding of the salary ranges. This information will also be helpful when you apply for jobs in Canada and negotiate your salary.
Additional Compensation for Accounting Jobs in Canada
In addition to a yearly salary, you can expect to receive a benefits package from your employer. Most employers offer accountants a generous benefits package as part of a total compensation package.
These benefits may include things such as:
Dental insurance
Supplemental medical insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
Pension plan for your retirement
Bonus pay
Stock options
And other incentives.
With these additional benefits, an average salary for accounting jobs in Canada is very rewarding.
Best Cities to Work in Canada Based on Accounting Salary & Lifestyle
Since every business needs accountants, most Canadian cities offer employment opportunities in the accounting sector. However, large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary have a higher concentration of financial companies. So, there will be more accounting career opportunities in these areas. Larger cities also typically have a higher average accounting salary than smaller cities.
Pursuing an Accounting Career in Canada
In Canada, accountants can work in different types of organizations and perform many functions. Accountants can work in:
Accounting firms
Banks
Financial institutions
Government
Education institutions
Hospitals
Tax preparation companies
Law offices
Private businesses.
Some of the main functions include:
Creating financial statements
Taxation
Manage banking
Bookkeeping
Invoicing
Accounts payable and receivable
Financial audits
Consulting
Payroll.
Major Employers for Accounting Jobs in Canada
There are more than 28,000 businesses offering accounting services in Canada. Some of the top accounting employers in Canada include:
Deloitte LLP
KPMG LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Ernst & Young
MNP LLP
BDO Canada LLP
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. The award recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity and inclusion programs.
How to Find Your First Accounting Job in Canada
To continue your accounting career in Canada, you first need to ensure your Getting an accounting degree and certification is the first step in your accounting career.
The next step is to look for an accounting job in Canada. However, looking for an accounting job in Canada may differ from your home country, but these tips can help you with your job search.
Job Search Techniques for AccountingJobs
The Canadian job market is very competitive, so prepare and understand the steps to follow to gain employment. As well, finding a job in Canada may be very different than in your home country.
Here are a few helpful ways that you can search for accounting jobs:
Connect with settlement agencies to learn about job-finding or networking clubs for accounting professionals.
Attend accounting-related career fairs and information sessions and regularly check online job boards.
Seek out a mentor in the accounting sector who can give you valuable advice and probably introduce you to their professional network.
Have a strong and active presence on social media channels such as LinkedIn.
Join accounting groups on LinkedIn where you can contribute content, ask questions, build connections, and also learn about the profession in Canada.
Settlement Agencies
Finding a job in Canada may be different than in your home country and you may need to find jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for interviews. Most settlement agencies provide free employment services to help with your job search.
Writing Your Accounting Resume
A strong resume can help you to stand out among other job applicants. These tips can help you to highlight your specific traits and abilities clearly and concisely. Importantly, you want to describe your career accomplishments and the results that you achieved.
Include an Objective statement below your contact information. This statement clearly outlines your professional objectives, career goals, and specific areas of interest in the accounting field.
Include a summary of your qualifications below your objective using three to five bullet points.
List your work experience in reverse chronological order.
Identify your achievements instead of listing job responsibilities. Employers want to hear about your achievements, and listing tasks will not make you stand out from other job seekers.
Include titles that pertain to the accounting industry as well as titles that show your competencies in computers, tax programs, management, leadership, etc.
List your professional experience at the top of your resume if you have extensive experience.
List your education in reverse chronological order and include the school(s) you attended, your location, graduation date, and any professional qualifications you hold.
Ask someone such as an employment counsellor or job developer to review your resume before you begin to apply for jobs.
Informational InterviewsCan Help You Learn about Accounting Job Requirements in Canada
An information interview is a great way to learn about accounting job requirements in Canada. Typically, this is a 20 – 30 minute meeting you schedule with an accountant to learn more about the profession in Canada.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether or not a particular position or industry might be a good fit for you, An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of career information. For example, in addition to gathering industry information, you also benefit from hearing about your contact’s first-hand experience within the accounting profession and industry.
Networking for an Accounting Career
Attending conferences is a good way to build your knowledge and professional network to pursue your career in Canada.
Networking is a key activity that can help you discover job leads, gather advice and information about a particular company or industry, and meet others so that you can expand your network.
Good places to network, build relationships, and share information include conferences, associations, and education events.
LinkedIn is another important networking tool. It is great to connect with former colleagues and employers, search for companies, and learn about accounting job requirements in Canada.
You can also build your network with people in the accounting sector and join related professional groups.
Interview Techniques for Accounting Jobs
Most interviews for accounting positions will follow a standard structure including: Introduction, Setting the Scene, Exploration, Selling, and Closure. Naturally, questions will vary depending on the employer, the job level, your experience, and the company’s recruitment practice. However, here are some key areas that interviewers will assess:
In Canada, behavioural-based interviews are quite common. The interviewer(s) will ask questions to explore your actions or behaviours from past activities to discover how you would perform in the job that you are interviewing for. Your response to these questions should clearly demonstrate the situation or task, the actions you took, and the final result.
Training and Qualificationsto Meet Accounting Job Requirements
Expect questions that explore your accounting training, plans to become a chartered professional accountant, qualifications, and understanding of the accounting practice in Canada.
Core Competencies
This relates to key skills for accounting job requirements such as analytical skills, communication skills, and the ability to work to tight deadlines and deliver quality and accurate output.
Personality and Motivation
These questions tend to explore how you plan to develop your finance skills and your overall career goals.
If you are applying for more senior Finance positions, expect questions that explore your ability to coach and lead an accounting team, and your ability to build relationships and generate income streams.
Sample Interview Questions
When preparing for your interview, here are some sample questions you can expect to answer for accounting jobs including Analysts and Auditors, Management, Financial and Project Accountants, etc.
‘What accounting software do you regularly use and what are the advantages and disadvantages?’
‘Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome?’
‘Give me an example of the different approaches you have used when persuading your team, colleagues, or manager to agree with your views.’
‘Talk me through an example of how you have used data to improve your team’s productivity.’
In addition to preparing for questions you might be asked during interviews, you should also prepare questions you would like to ask. Researching the company will help you to learn about the company, showcase your interest, and help to craft intelligent questions.
Asking Smart Questions During Your Interview
The interview is a good opportunity to discover how you can progress within the company, like moving from senior associate to managing director. Asking about career paths shows that you are forward-thinking, focused on your career, and able to grow and develop within the firm.
Be sure to ask thoughtful questions and avoid questions where the answer can be found on the company’s website. For example, you may want to inquire about a recent regulatory change and how the organization expects to respond to the change.
Corporate culture is prized at many of the top accounting firms. The interview is a great opportunity to learn about the organizational culture. What is the best way to get a true sense of the company culture? Ask your interviewer why they work there and what keeps them there. Their answer will reveal what you can expect to experience if you join the company.
With a positive outlook for accounting jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Social worker jobs remain a good career choice in Canada. Social workers play an important role in assisting people in many different settings such as schools, hospitals, health clinics, and government-run social programs. If you have international experience working as a social worker, you’ll need to meet certain qualifications to work in Canada. These qualifications can help you improve your standing, get a better job, and even find a higher social worker salary. If you’d like to continue your social work career in Canada, find out more about requirements, licensing, job search techniques, and even the salary of a social worker in Canada.
There are specific job requirements and qualifications that you must have to work in the field of social work in Canada. And to find a job, it’s vital to know the employment and social work job requirements in Canada. Learn how to prepare for a social worker job in Canada by reading this helpful overview.
It’s essential you research the social work profession before you come to Canada. Requirements to be a social worker may be different than your home country. There are different skills, qualifications, and expectations. You can save time making the transition when you move to Canada when you know what to expect.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing social work in Canada.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Social Worker Career
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To achieve social worker career success, it’s important to understand the skills that the Canadian labour market requires. And you need to know if your international qualifications will meet the social work job requirements. To learn what you require to work as a social worker in Canada, you can take these preliminary steps:
Contact the provincial association that regulates social workers in the province where you plan to settle in Canada.
Learn what licensing procedures to complete before and after you move to Canada.
Find out what documents you need to bring to Canada and verify if they need to be translated. You might need to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Gather your education, work, and identity documents when in your home country.
Learn about social worker salary scale, compensation, and benefits options.
Improve your language skills and enroll in language classes in your home country and continue them after you move to Canada. You’ll need to prove your English or French (depending on your destination province) language competency or be tested.
Learn about social work job requirements and become familiar with provincial laws and legislation that regulate the field.
Know the name of your job in Canada and make a list of potential employers.
What to Expect When Pursuing a Social Worker Career in Canada
Social work is a regulated profession in all provinces in Canada. And, only those who meet the standards set by the provincial regulatory bodies can use the titles of “Social Worker” and “Registered Social Worker.” These bodies issue licenses or certificates to individuals who meet their registration requirements.
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is the national organization that represents social workers from across Canada. You need to apply directly to the appropriate provincial regulatory authority to become licensed as a social worker or registered social worker in Canada.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue a Social Worker Career
Understanding the current status of social work jobs and career opportunities is an important thing to understand before moving. Labour market conditions change over time.
As of 2021, there are about 68,000 people working in this field. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the supply and demand for social work jobs are balanced currently and this trend is expected to continue until 2031. This means, there could be much competition for jobs. As an international applicant, you’ll need to have strong qualifications and experience.
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Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Social Worker Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference to occupations. You can use this tool to find social worker (NOC 41300) job requirements and labour market information. It’s a helpful place to start researching the social work occupation in Canada.
Social workers may have job titles such as:
Coordinator of social work
Medical social worker
Psychiatric social worker
Social work supervisor or
Clinical social worker.
Refer to NOC 41300 to gather more information about job requirements.
Social workers in Canada, including those who are internationally trained must meet certain academic and professional standards. You’ll need to meet the education, work experience, and certification needs of the job based on provincial standards. Below are the steps to follow to work as a social worker in Canada:
Credential Recognition to Meet Social Worker Job Requirements in Canada
One of the first things to do is to learn the employment and job requirements to work as a social worker in Canada. This will help you to understand if you meet the job requirements, or if you must take steps to meet the requirements. This could include getting recognition for your credentials.
To find out what you need, you can contact the regulatory body in the province or territory where you intend to settle in Canada. They will advise you on what documents and assessments you require. You may have to submit:
Original diplomas, degrees, or full transcripts recording your course and marks, and the official program syllabuses or course descriptions
Names and addresses of the schools you attended and obtained your social work qualifications
Employment and character references
Work descriptions and letters from professional agencies.
All documents must have certified English or French translation (depending on the province).
Contact the professional association in the province or territory you will settle in before you move to get more information about the schedule of exams and consider that when deciding the actual date of your departure to Canada.
It’s important to know and understand the licensure procedure and what the regulatory body expects from you. So be sure to take time to complete the application process properly. The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) assesses your credentials. Learn more about the CASW application procedure The CASW assessment is accepted in all Canadian provinces, except for British Columbia and Quebec. These two provinces have their own assessment process.
Credential Assessment Services
If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, you may need an education evaluation. You can contact the school you plan to attend to find out what credential assessment agency you should use and the steps to follow.
Make sure to showcase your international education and skills. As well, build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding. You might be able to have advanced standing, transfer some of your credits, and benefit from prior learning assessment options by using your international credentials and experience to gain credit or course exemptions. This way you will complete your program more quickly, without wasting money and repeating the education you already have.
Learn how education evaluation and credential recognition differ with this helpful infographic.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Social Worker Job Requirements
In addition to accreditation, you may have to upgrade your skills to meet social work job requirements and get a job. So, you may have to:
Take courses
Enroll in a bridging program, or
Upgrade your language skills to become a certified social worker.
Canadian employers expect social workers to have strong professional ethics, computer skills, and the ability to work in difficult situations. And equally important are your soft skills such as empathy, understanding, and communication skills. These skills can also help you increase your social worker’s salary.
Language Training for Social Workers in Canada
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French –is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. As well, many settlement agencies offer free English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good idea. and it may offer you more employment options.
Bridging Programs for Social Worker Careers in Canada
Bridging programs are a good way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. Though there are not many bridging programs for internationally trained social workers, many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer courses or workshops related to the social work sector. You may be eligible for one. Do some research to find a program that’s suitable for you based on your social worker career aspirations.
This program helps internationally educated social work professionals to work in their field in Ontario. Program participants can access training, workplace experience, employment support, and an occupation-specific communications course. In addition, this program will develop a peer support program for the effective workplace integration of participants.
Most Canadian colleges and universities offer a social work program. These programs are offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels with a number of areas of specialization. Some of the top schools for social work education in Canada are:
University of Windsor
Carleton University
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
University of Regina
Western University
University of Manitoba
Dalhousie University
McMaster University
Simon Fraser University
Learn more about the social work programs offered by these schools by checking out program offerings on the university’s website.
Social Work Associations in Canada
Each Canadian province has its own regulatory body to license social workers. Each body governs the social work profession and ensures members meet professional standards. The associations listed below can provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
Professional immigrant networks(PINS) are volunteer-run member-based associations or networks created by and for immigrant professionals. PINS exists to:
create a forum to contribute to and enrich their respective communities
provide opportunities for members to find employment and achieve their professional goals.
PINs organize networking events, mentoring, and job information sessions. As well, they provide professional development workshops, training, and connections to job opportunities.
While PINS may not exclusively serve the social work sector, they may have social workers among their membership:
Social worker salaries can range between $22 and $59 per hour. A full-time job working 40 hours per week could earn a social worker salary between $45,760 and $122,720 per year. The average hourly wage for a social worker in Canada is $36 per hour ($74,880 per year).
The region with the highest average hourly rate is Northwest Territories and the province with the lowest hourly wage is New Brunswick. Where you choose to live will play a big role in your social worker’s salary.
Social Worker Salary in Canada
The salary of a social worker in Canada can vary based on your level of experience, skills, and knowledge. Using the information from the Canada Job Bank, you can research how much you can expect to earn in different cities and provinces across Canada. For your reference, here are the most recent social worker salary numbers in Canada (as of November 2022):
Best Provinces to Work in Canada Based on Social Worker Salary & Lifestyle
There are thousands of social organizations across Canada that employ social workers. However, it’s best to research the labour market to determine what provinces and cities have the greatest demand for social workers. You’ll have better success finding a job in the cities with a high demand for your skills and experience.
According to the Canadian Occupation Projections Systems, job prospects are good in many provinces including New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Quebec, Yukon Territory, and Nunavut.
Pursuing Social Worker Careers in Canada
Becoming a social worker in Canada follows a similar path as many other professions. You need the right academic credentials, relevant work experience, and a plan for where you want to work within the country. Below is valuable information to help you pursue a social worker in Canada:
Major Employers for Social Worker Jobs in Canada
Social workers can find employment in many organizations in Canada. Here’s a general list of places where social workers can work:
Family service agencies
Social housing agencies
Hospitals
School boards
Welfare administration agencies
Child welfare agencies
Community health centres
Employee assistance programs
Addiction services and government departments
Private practice.
You can view a directory of Canadian organizations and job postings in the social sector by visiting Charity Village. The directory contains information about the non-profit sector in Canada. You can also learn about the companies that hire recent immigrants by visiting Canada’s Best Diversity Employers website. These employers offer programs to help newcomers transition to a new workplace and a new life in Canada.
Job Search Techniques for Social Workers in Canada
Searching for a job in Canada may be different than how you would find a job in your home country. The Canadian job market is competitive, and it can be hard to find a job. And, it can take some time to find full-time work as a social worker, so you need to understand how to find a job and prepare for your job search.
Many settlement agencies can help you with your job search. For example, they can help you to broaden your search, identify other career options, or even other locations to consider. As well, they can suggest job-finding or networking groups in the social work field that you could join. Other job search techniques include:
Attending career/job fairs, info sessions, and conferences related to the social sector
Volunteering with social agencies and centres in your community
Seeking a mentor in the social work sector who could give you insight and advice about working in Canada.
Informational Interviews to Gain Understanding of Job Requirements in Canada
An informational interview is a brief (20–30 minute) meeting with someone in your field. The purpose of the meeting is to learn more about working in the field in Canada. You can also use this interview to gain an understanding of the social work job requirements.
You should not try to get a job during an informational interview. Instead, you want to explore whether a particular position or employer might be a good fit for your interests, skills, and knowledge. An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a helpful source of career information.
Networking for Social Worker Careers
Networking is an essential tool that may give you job leads, and offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry that can strengthen your resume, cover letter, and interview skills. As many job vacancies are not advertised, you must make connections with working social workers and others within your field.
Good places to network include conferences, associations, and social mixers to meet people, build relationships, and share information.
LinkedIn is another important professional tool for networking. It is great for reconnecting with former colleagues and employers, searching by company or jobs, and getting introductions and recommendations.
You can also mingle with people in the social sector and join some related professional groups.
Note that it’s not appropriate to ask a networking contact for a job, but if they know of any job leads, they may share them.
Remember, it takes time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Nothing will happen overnight and therefore, you need to be patient. Get more great tips for successful networking:
A degree in social work can lead to finding a job as a counsellor, admissions adviser, case manager, and management and director positions. Here are some helpful resume-writing tips:
Write a Functional Resume
To get an interview for any social work position, you need to tailor your resume to the specific position you want. A functional resume works best for social workers. If you have experience working with at-risk children and adults with substance abuse problems, you can group your skills and experience to show the group that you worked with rather than your chronological work history.
When writing your resume for a social work position, include your statement of objective at the top. This will help frame your social worker career goals.
Align Your Resume with Agency Needs
Good social work resumes focus on your desire to serve society. So, your resume should align with the agency’s mission and its needs. Clearly state how your experience aligns with that of the agency you are applying to. Blending your personal experience and education with the needs of the agency or hiring manager is key to getting your resume noticed.
Quantify Your Achievements
Don’t be afraid to use numbers. If you worked with a 25-client caseload, tell a potential employer that, or list your success rate in preventing drug use in your adolescent clients. If you have served in director or management positions, state the budget you managed. Adding numbers can clearly show your work experience and give a potential employer insight into your skills and capabilities.
Highlight Your Education
The social work field requires continuous professional development. List your education and any bridging programs and continuing education courses you have taken. Potential employers want to see that you meet the educational requirements to be a licensed social worker and you are improving your skills.
Interview Techniques to Ensure You Meet Job Requirements
A job interview will include behavioural questions to ensure you meet social work job requirements. and experience or qualifications questions. These questions assess your experience and qualifications for the social work position.
Here are some sample interview questions that you might be asked for a social work position:
What are your experiences/qualifications for this position – working with people with social needs?
Why did you choose this career? What motivates you about social work?
Describe an unexpected or stressful situation you’ve experienced in your previous job as a social worker. How did you handle the situation?
Describe a time when you had a heavy workload. How did you prioritize your work?
Describe a social problem and how you collect information to establish a problem-solving model.
With a good outlook for social worker jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options.
Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your career goals in Canada.
Architect jobs in Canada are held in high esteem. As an internationally trained professional, continuing your architectural career is an important part of your success when you arrive in Canada. It’s vital to research employment requirements for architect jobs in Canada before you arrive to help you restart your career. At a minimum, you want to ensure that your international credentials will be recognized in Canada. Otherwise, even if your skills, experience, and expertise match the job description, you may have to take courses or write exams to validate your credentials. Plus, the more you do to prepare yourself can have a positive impact on your architect salary in Canada.
Prepare yourself to continue your architectural career in Canada with this helpful overview.
You need to take the right steps and follow to proper channels to immigrate to Canada. Researching professional requirements can help you understand the process you must follow to work in Canada.
Before You Move to Canada to Pursue an Architect Career
There are steps that you can take before you immigrate to improve your chances of practicing architecture in Canada:
Find out the procedure to follow, costs, and time required to obtain a permit.
Ask what steps in the licensing process you can take before and after you immigrate. CACB will assess your international education against Canadian standards. Any schools that you attended must send the documents directly to the CACB.
Find out what other documents you need to bring for employment purposes, or to continue your education.
Verify what documents need to be translated. You may need to use a professional translation service in Canada.
Enroll in language classes while you are in your home country and continue them after you move to Canada. To practice the profession, you need to have advanced English or French (depending on your destination province) language competency.
Gather and organize your official education, work, and identity documents while still in your home country.
Learn how the architect profession is practiced in Canada and become familiar with the procedures, laws, and legislation that govern architects in the province where you will settle.
Know common titles that employers use for architect jobs in Canada.
Research architect salaries and benefits based on your job title and experience.
What to Expect When Pursuing an Architect Career in Canada
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By law, you can only practice as an architect in Canada, or use the title “architect,” if you have been licensed as a full member from the provincial or territorial regulatory body where you intend to work. However, it is not necessary to be registered or licensed to work in an architectural firm if you are working under the direction of an architect. So, there are different paths you can take to work as an architect. Being licensed will make a significant difference in your architect’s salary.
Watch now to get architecture licensing tips from BCCA-Integrating Newcomers:
Employment Outlook for Architect Jobs in Canada
Understanding current labour market conditions is required when exploring your architectural career options in Canada. You need to have a sense of the size of the industry and where the best opportunities exist within the country.
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, more than 18,000 people work as architects in Canada. As a result of job vacancies and employment growth in this industry, there is an anticipated shortage of professionals. Between the period of 2022-2031, there is an expected shortage of 5,400 positions. New graduates and immigrants will be relied upon to fill these architect jobs. This is a great opportunity for newcomers with international architecture experience. Architect salaries are competitive, and you will have lots of opportunities to find work across the country.
Start Your Research with the NOC Code for Architect Jobs in Canada
The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is Canada’s reference for occupations. It provides job descriptions, occupational statistics, and labour market information. Check out NOC 21200 for a full list of job titles for architects.
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NOC 21200 lists other job titles that employers may use for architect jobs.
The Canada Job Bank is another useful tool for learning more about your profession in Canada.
A registered architect is providing supervision during an internship.
Finding a job and starting an architect career in Canada may be different than in your home country. So you may need help to find job vacancies, update your resume, write cover letters, prepare for interviews, and understand what Canadian employers look for.
The employment requirements for architects in Canada include:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of architecture (or completion of the syllabus of studies from the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada)
A three-year internship under the supervision of a registered architect
Registration examination
Registration with the provincial or territorial association of architects in the region of work
A Master’s degree or a LEED certification may be required by some employers.
Credential Recognition to Meet Architect Job Requirements in Canada
Even if you have international experience, you need to be licensed in Canada to continue your architectural career. And, part of this process is known as credential recognition. The first step is to contact the CACB to learn how your educational qualifications will be assessed. Once you submit the complete application, the assessment take about three months. After that, the appropriate provincial or territorial architect regulatory authority takes care of the next steps in the licensure process: internship and examination.
You must also:
Find a mentor and complete the Canadian Experience Record Book.
Complete a specified number of hours of work experience in specific areas to meet the experience requirement of the licensure process.
Submit your previous work experience in architecture in your country of origin for consideration.
Consider pursuing the Broadly Experienced Foreign Architects Program option to get licensed in Canada. Developed by the eleven Canadian Architectural Licensing Authorities, this bilingual program streamlines the process for foreign-trained architects to become certified for licensure/registration in Canada.
Credentials Assessment Services
There are several credential assessment services in Canada including:
To find more organizations and agencies providing credential evaluation, assessment, and qualification recognition services click here.
Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Architect Job Requirements
Canadian employers place a high value on soft skills, which are personal attributes that enhance your interactions, job performance, and career prospects. Unlike your technical skills, you can apply your soft skills broadly.
Soft skills, such as leadership, good communication, abstraction, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills are important for architects. As an architect, you must have technical experience, collaboration skills to work with multiple groups, and the ability to lead groups.
If your technical skills get you an interview, most probably it is your soft skills that will get you the job and enable you to keep it afterward.
Though not a must, upgrading your education and skills through a bridging program or other educational courses and workshops may be an important part of your journey to becoming a successful architect in Canada. It will also help you increase your architect’s salary.
Education Options for Architects
Many immigrants take further education after coming to Canada. If you plan to enroll in a college or university program to upgrade your skills, contact the school that you plan to attend and find out what steps to take. As well, check to see if they want you to use a specific credential assessment agency. Using unrecognized agencies can end up costing you more money and fees.
Make sure to highlight your international education and skills. Build on your existing knowledge and skills and explore university and college options thoroughly before deciding if you need to continue your education. You might be able to get advanced standing, transfer some of your credits and benefit from prior learning assessment options to gain credit or course exemptions. This will allow you to complete your program more quickly, without wasting money and repeating the education you already have.
Having strong skills in one or both of Canada’s official languages – English or French – is extremely important for your future in Canada. Whether you choose to focus on learning or improving English or French will depend on which of the two languages most people speak in the area where you intend to live.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find other free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as Enhanced Language Training (ELT) and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario. And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better employment opportunities.
Bridging Programs for Architect Careers in Canada
Bridging programs are a good way to transition from your international experience and training to the Canadian workplace. Many colleges, universities, and immigrant-serving agencies offer bridging programs or workshops. You may be eligible for one. Do some research to find a program that’s suitable for you.
This 14-week bridge training program helps internationally educated professionals find employment in the architectural field. Program components include architectural academic training, Enhanced Language Training (ELT), Canadian Workplace Essentials (CWE), employment services, mentoring, and internship placements.
This 15-week bridging program is for internationally trained professionals with education and experience in engineering, architecture, or related professions. Participants of the program get training that helps them gain advanced concepts and skills in integrated solutions for the energy efficiency, green building, and renewable energy sector: The program includes Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT), Canadian workplace culture, career planning, job search, and mentorship opportunities.
Architect Schools in Canada
There are over 30 schools offering architecture programs at the college and university levels across Canada. 12 universities offer degree programs including:
There are also many colleges across the country that offer programs in:
Architectural technology
Architectural history
Industrial design
Interior design
Urban planning
Landscape architecture.
Architect Associations in Canada
The architecture industry in Canada is supported by professional associations. The following associations can provide information about licensure and certification and offer professional development, education, and networking opportunities.
National Architecture Associations
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is the national association and the voice for architecture and its practice in Canada. It represents over 4000 architects.
An architect’s salary can increase based on the level of experience, type of work they do, and location.
Architect salaries can range between $20 and $60 per hour. For a full-time position, this is an annual architect salary of $41,600 to $124,800. The average hourly rate is $36 per hour, $74,880 annually. How much you get paid can depend on a variety of factors. The most important factors that affect your architect’s salary are your level of experience, the type of work you do, and your location.
The provinces with the highest average architect salary are Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, and Ontario. The lowest average salary is in Quebec.
Architect Salary in Canada
Architect salaries vary across Canada. Here are the most recent salary ranges for architects in Canada:
Best Provinces to Work in Canada as an Architect Based on Salary & Lifestyle
Generally, architecture job prospects are positive. The number of architects is expected to increase slightly over the next few years due to the anticipated growth in construction and the demand for architectural services.
Though most Canadian cities offer employment opportunities in the architectural sector, you may find more opportunities in the fast-growing provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta. When looking for jobs, broaden your geographic area to include smaller cities and towns close to your target city. For example, if you intend to work in Toronto, you might find a job opportunity in nearby Hamilton, which is less than an hour’s drive from there.
Before deciding where you want to settle in Canada, research and find out where there is a higher demand for architects to make your job search easier.
Pursuing an Architect Career in Canada
Major Employers for Architect Jobs in Canada
In Canada, architects are employed by architectural firms, private corporations, and governments. Or they may also be self-employed.
New job openings in the sector will come mainly from opportunities that arise when architects retire or change jobs and, to a lesser degree, from employment increases. Keep in mind that the type of company you work for can affect your architect’s salary and career path.
You can visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers to check for immigrant-friendly organizations that may be of interest to you. This special designation recognizes top employers for exceptional workplace diversity and inclusion programs.
Some of the top architect firms in Canada include:
ACDF Architecture
MGA – Michael Green Architecture
Diamond Schmitt
Atelier RZLBD
Hariri Pontarini Architects.
How to Find Your First Architect Job in Canada
It’s vital to research the architectural profession before you arrive in Canadaand search for jobs in the region where you plan to settle.
Job opportunities for architects continue to remain positive, however, the Canadian job market is competitive. So, you need to prepare and understand job search steps to gain employment. It’s vital to research the architectural profession before you arrive and look for jobs in the region where you plan to settle. Here are some tips to search for architect jobs in Canada:
Broaden your search and include alternative architect careers such as design and construction.
Seek out a mentor in the architectural sector – for example, a retired architect – who would give you valuable insights and advice and introduce you to their professional network.
Join business-related job-finding or networking clubs through immigrant-serving agencies.
Attend industry job fairs and regularly check online job boards.
Check out college and university job boards as well as association job boards.
Use Immigrant Settlement Agencies
Most settlement agencies offer help to find jobs, update your resume, write cover letters, and prepare for job interviews.
Job hunting for architects involves more than just writing a resume. You often have to showcase your professional portfolio and work samples.
When writing your architect resume, be sure to highlight your relevant educational qualifications and specialization. There are many fields in architecture such as landscape architecture, infrastructure architecture, system architecture, etc. and each of the different types has its own specifications in terms of job responsibilities and educational qualifications. Therefore, when writing your resume, be sure to tailor it to the job profile of the position that you apply for.
Consider these tips when looking for architect jobs in Canada so that you can easily create an impressive resume package.
Targeted and Personalized
You must leverage your social and professional networks. In your cover letter, be sure to mention any contacts you have within the organization or the names of professors or consultants who have referred you.
Objective
In this part, avoid writing that your goal is to “gain meaningful employment in the field of architecture”. You might as well simply say that your goal is to get a job. Instead, consider writing something like your goal is to “advance beyond your current position and earn the respect of your peers”. See how much more information someone can infer about you just by this minor change?
Your Role in Projects
Work experience in terms of jobs or individual projects plays a crucial role when applying for a position.
Mention the complete list of your job history specifying relevant responsibilities and activities performed. Describe all the projects you have handled individually or under supervision.
Be specific about your project involvements and your role as a team member. Give a brief description of the project, including name/location/scale, and deliverables you produced or to which you contributed.
If you wish to add more power to your resume, you can add photographs of your projects. This will help potential employers review your resume more effectively.
Resume Design: Simple and Clean
Be aware of font size and spacing, making sure the text is easily legible. Take cues from your favourite design publications or branding consultancy websites. They are great resources for examples of clear and concise messaging.
Accomplishments
List all of your relevant accomplishments, award, honours, and milestones to add credibility to your resume.
Error-Free
Lastly, architecture is an aesthetic profession in which attention is paid to the grand gesture, as well as to the smallest of details. So, be rigorous in your editing and make sure to proofread more than once for grammar and spelling mistakes.
Networking is a vital activity to get job leads, advice, and information about a particular firm, and meet others to expand your network. As many job vacancies are not advertised, you must make connections with practicing architects and others in your field.
Good places to network include conferences, association events, and industry get-togethers to meet people, build relationships, and share information.
LinkedIn is another important tool for networking. It is great to reconnect with your former colleagues and employers, search for companies and jobs, and get introductions and recommendations.
You can also join some related professional groups. But remember, that you have to allow time to cultivate and grow the ties you establish through networking. Nothing will happen overnight and you need to be patient. However, finding opportunities through your network can lead to a quicker hire and even a higher starting architect salary.
An informational interview is a brief (20–30-minute) meeting that you schedule with a person who is currently working in your target field and geographic location to learn more about that particular sector. You should not try to get a job during an informational interview but rather find out whether or not a particular position or industry might be a good fit for your interests and your personality.
An informational interview with a contact from your network can be a great source of architect career information. In addition to gathering information about the industry, you’ll benefit from first-hand experiences from a professional working in the field.
Interview Techniques for Architect Jobs in Canada
Whether you are looking for your first architect job in Canada, moving from your first job to your second, or seeking architect career advancement, you will need to hone your interviewing skills.
Here are a few questions that you can expect to hear that could make or break your interview. Preparing for them well may set you apart from the other candidates.
Tell Me About Yourself.
“Oh, where to begin?!” Hopefully, this isn’t your immediate thought! The key to answering this question is to be succinct; no more than a minute at most. A helpful guideline is to summarize your education and work experience and how it relates to the job you are interviewing for.
Interviewers will sometimes ask this question to make you feel at ease. However, it’s important to simply stick to the basics and move to the next question.
What Do You Know About the Company?
Before you attend the interview, you should have a general idea of the work the company has done and the areas of expertise it specializes in. Speak of a few projects that are of interest to you. Your answers will show your strong understanding of the firm and where they are heading.
Why Do You Want to Work for Us?
A good response to this question (and most other questions) will depend on how well you have researched the company and prepared. You can answer in terms of what you feel the company may need from a new employee and how you may fit into that role.
You could say that the firm is working on certain typologies that you would like to be involved with or that the company is using principles or techniques that you have a great interest in. For example, if the firm is doing innovative work with community housing, you could emphasize your interest and experience in this area.
Why Should We Hire You?
This is where you highlight your skills and talk yourself up. Be confident when answering this question. Mention your consistent performance and highlight specific aspects of your resume. Say that your skills and interests, combined with your history of achieving results, make you a valuable candidate.
What Do You Value in a Job or Company?
Think of the various facets of growth that the company may offer. Talk about how you would like to advance within the firm based on your development and contributions.
What are Important Architecture Trends that Interest You?
Prepare to discuss trends that interest you in today’s architectural climate. You might consider technological advances, policy concerns, or how the field is responding to changing industry developments.
During the job interview, show your knowledge of industry changes and how the field is responding.
With a positive outlook for Architect jobs in Canada, now is the time to check out your options. Interested in learning more about working in Canada? Check out our Finding a Job in Canada resource page. We can help you achieve your architect career goals in Canada.
