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Exploring Career Options

If you are more of a do-it-yourself person, here is a list of resources that will familiarise you with the potential applications of each major in the job market.

Sometimes, figuring things out on your own can be difficult. A new perspective from an advisor can help you make the right decisions to find your career path. They will also help in orienting you towards a career path that fits your interests and skills.

Perfecting Your CV & Cover Letter

When it comes to CVs and cover letters, one size does not fit all. In today’s competitive job market,  CVs and cover letters need to be tailored to targeted industries or jobs.

If your CV and cover letter directly address the job’s requirements and showcase how well you can meet them, your chances of getting an interview invite increase dramatically. But many students struggle with the issue of how to focus on different aspects of themselves on different CVs and cover letters.

Here are some resources that will help you improve your job searching tools:

Developing Interview Skills

Comprehending Interviews

Once you have received an interview invitation, you must prepare. Many job applicants spend little time preparing for an interview, leading to poor results. Thorough preparation will improve your confidence, performance, and job prospects. The resources below will provide you with a sense of this process: 

Fortifying Your Interview Skills

Practicing your Interview in French

Many interviews are conducted entirely or at least partially in French in Quebec. Depending on your area of studies, fluency in French may have an impact on an employer's decision to hire you.  

Many international students are not prepared for this situation, as they have never experienced interviews in French. Attending the workshops below will help you learn the strategies for a successful interview in French.

Please note that intermediate to advanced level of French is required in order to attend some of the workshops.

Mock Interviews

A mock interview is a conversational exercise resembling a real interview for the purpose of providing an experience for a job candidate. Mock interviews help a job applicant understand what is expected in a real interview. They also help an applicant improve their self-presentation. 

Building Your Professional Image

In Canada and many other job markets, self-presentation and self-promotion matter!

This includes actions to be taken in addition to drafting your CV and cover letter and can be done both on and offline.

More and more employers refer to LinkedIn profiles to know their candidates. And many vacancies are filled through contacts in your field. These two types of recruitment - one so publicly accessible and the other much more hidden - both involve presenting your most professional self at any time.

Establishing a Presence on LinkedIn

CaPS provides feedback regarding your LinkedIn profile during 20-minute drop-in sessions. 

There are also plenty of chances around campus where you could even get a free professional LinkedIn headshot! 

Introduction to Networking

Networking is an important part of any job search, and particularly here in Quebec. It is the process of establishing contacts for the purpose of gathering information, communicating your career goals, seeking advice, and obtaining leads on jobs. Unsurprisingly, the larger your network is, the more likely you are to be successful.

Unless you put effort into building your network, this could be one of the weak spots for many international students. But there are ways to compensate, and the following resources can help you on that path:

Mastering the Market

Where to Start Looking for a Job

In addition to traditional, published vacancies, one of the most important and often neglected ideas behind job searching is the "hidden market". Many vacancies are filled by candidates with an internal reference, meaning they are never publicly advertised. This shows the importance of networking. It is that in Quebec, "hidden" vacancies make up 30% of the job market. 

Have a look at the following resources to learn where to look for a job:

Getting familiar with the Canadian labour market

One of the biggest issues presented to international students might be the lack of knowledge of the local labour market. For example, what field is in high demand at the moment? Where should one start to search for jobs? What are the reasonable expectations of salary? What is expected of you when you enter the labour market?

Check out these workshops and online tools to help you understand Canadian and Quebec labour markets:

Securing Essential Documents to Work When You are a Student

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number required to work (and get paid) in Canada. Employers must ask for the SIN of all new employees as soon as they are hired. You may apply for a SIN before you start working, or up to three days after your start date. A SIN is also required for taxation purposes.

• ISS Information on how to apply for a SIN
•  - the government agency that issues SINs

Do I need a work permit?

Find out if you need a work permit for your part-time jobs, summer jobs, or internships.

• CaPS+ISS Workshop: Finding Jobs in Canada (under the tab 'Targeted Workshops')
• ISS information on the requirements for on-campus work, off-campus work and Student work placements. 

A newly created website from IRCC that goes through the various steps that students should follow from studying, working, all the way to citizenship.

Knowing your Workplace

Are Unpaid Internships Legal?

Unlike some other countries, there are few laws in Canada defining or regulating internships directly.  Each province has its own employment standards legislation, regulations, and/or guidelines that may apply to interns. 

Integrating into your workplace

Once you’ve been hired, you’ll feel much more at ease in your professional environment if you are conscious of work values in Quebec and what is expected of you.