There are many reasons why you might want to work in Quebec. Maybe you have family here, or you’re considering moving and don’t yet know where you’ll end up. You may just be looking to get away from your current city and see what else there is out there. Whatever the reason, it can be daunting to figure out how to actually find a job in Quebec! To help make it easier on anyone who wants to get started, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find work in Quebec, whatever the reason you want to make the move.
Do Your Research
One of the first things you should do before you start looking for a job is research. Knowing the job market and what skills are needed will help you narrow down your search. Some great places to look for jobs are: jobs boards on the internet, company websites and HR departments. There are also many job fairs held in Montreal that may be worth attending if you're serious about finding work in Québec. As for where to find French-language jobs, it all depends on what type of work you're looking for. If it's engineering or science related then there are plenty of opportunities in Montréal and surrounding areas like Laval or Québec City.
Check If You Need a Work Permit
You will need a valid work permit from the Ministère de l'Immigration, de la Diversité et de l'Inclusion (MIDI) before you can begin working or studying in Québec. The permit is required for all citizens and permanent residents of Canada who are not Canadian citizens. To get your work permit, you must first find a job or study opportunity that meets the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Once you have found an employer willing to hire you or a school with space for you and all other requirements for your situation are met, then it is time to apply for your work permit!
Learn Some French
Quebec is one of Canada's provinces, and it has a bilingual government and society. That means if you want to find a job there you'll need to know some French!
If you're not fluent in the language, enrolling in an intensive course will get you on track. If time is an issue or you just can't find the right course for your needs, consider taking Rosetta Stone or Duolingo which are free online resources that provide a solid foundation of vocabulary and sentence structure. Be sure to brush up on your grammar skills as well!
Quebec also has its own set of qualifications for jobs that are specific only to their province.
Start Job Hunting
If you're looking for a job in Quebec, the best place to start is on their provincial website (Quebec.ca). It has all the information about jobs available and also links to other sites that might have jobs related to what you're looking for. If you're not sure where exactly you want to work or what type of job you want, take some time and explore the site and see what types of jobs are available. If you know where you want to work or what type of job it is but can't find any on the website, follow up with your contact person or company. They may be able to help point you in the right direction!
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
It is important to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job you are applying for. Tailoring your resume and cover letter will help you stand out from the competition. Be sure to include keywords from the job posting that match your skills and experience. In order for your resume and cover list of references not get lost in translation, it is important to also have a French version of your resume and cover letter.
Attend Networking Events
Finding a job is tough enough, but if you're looking for work in Quebec it can be even more difficult. Luckily there are some great networking events that make it easier. If you're someone who is introverted or doesn't like talking with strangers then finding a job can be a tough process. But at these events the employers come talk to you and you don't have to do anything but talk!
- Find the event listings on Linkedin and Facebook.
- Research the company beforehand and know what they do.
- Come prepared with questions about them and what they do.
- Make sure your resume is updated and well presented before arriving at the event.
Be Prepared for the Interview
- #1 Greet the interviewer with a firm handshake and make eye contact.
- #2 The first few minutes of an interview are usually spent on small talk. This is your chance to make a good impression by being friendly and professional.
- #3 Find common ground with your interviewer by mentioning shared interests or experiences.
- #4 Research the company you're interviewing for and think of questions you can ask about their goals, history, and culture.
- #5 Send a thank-you note after your interview is over - it will help you stand out from other applicants. It doesn't have to be long or formal; something short and sweet will do just fine!