Job Search Tips

VIC-CC Blog

Do you want to work while you’re studying in Vancouver? No? Ok, do you have to work while you’re studying in Vancouver? If yes, you might be wondering what to expect and how to go about getting a job.

Work and Study in Canada

If you have a working holiday visa or another work permit, you are ready to start your job search. But you’ll need a resume, and maybe a cover letter to give to potential employers. You might also consider what type of job you’d like and focus your search in that area.

SSLC’s Sister School:
VIC-CC Vancouver International College Career College

Your resume should list your previous job experience, starting with the most recent first. Don’t worry whether the jobs were part-time or full-time— any work or volunteer experience that could be helpful should be listed. You should also have a section that lists your education. Include any courses you are currently enrolled in as well, such as your English language course. If you have any particular skills, such as with computers or other languages, make sure these are on your resume too.

This website has some helpful resume writing tips:
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/findajob/resources/write-good-resume

Working while studying in Canada

A cover letter is not always necessary but depending on the type of job you are applying for, and how you submit your application, one may be helpful. A cover letter basically highlights why you want the job and why you’d be a good candidate for it. It should be tailored for each individual employer, but easy to change so you can use the same basic letter over again. You might pick out a couple of your specific and relevant accomplishments or highlight previous related work experience in your letter. However, if you are dropping your resume off at a restaurant or coffee shop, you likely don’t need to have a cover letter. If you’re emailing your resume to a potential employer, you can introduce yourself in the body of the email, eliminating the need for a more traditional cover letter.

Also, some businesses will have their own application form that they will want you to fill out, which will ask for much of the same information that is on your resume.
A lot of the international students I meet have jobs in the service industry—so, working in restaurants or coffee shops. These jobs suit a lot of them because they can take classes during the day and work evenings or weekends. There are also lots of these kinds of jobs in Vancouver, so even if you don’t have much—or any—experience, employers are often willing to give you a chance.

Sometimes students feel more comfortable working for a business where the owners and staff are from their country. This can be a good option, but don’t be afraid to expand your search to businesses where English is the language spoken at work. Most of you are here to improve your English, and your job can really help with that. Some students think their English is not good enough for an English-speaking work environment, but in many jobs functional rather than fluent English is enough to get the job done.
So, get that resume polished up and good luck landing that job!

BRITISH COLUMBIA

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