How to Find a Job in Canada on an IEC Working Holiday

Finding a job in Canada on an IEC Working Holiday can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the country. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips on how to find jobs in Canada, prepare a Canadian-style resume, apply before you arrive, find seasonal and temporary work, and improve your chances of getting hired.

Tips on how to prepare a good resume

In many countries, you may know it as a CV. In Canada, it is called a resume.

Before you start applying for jobs, prepare a Canadian-style resume. Your resume may look different from the one you use in your home country, so it is worth checking Canadian examples and templates before you start sending applications.

There are many Canadian resume templates available online that you can use as a starting point. 

>> Here are some tips about writing the perfect resume. 

For example, in Banff, the Job Resource Centre offers free, personalized help with your resume. You can visit their office for one-on-one advice, help with job applications and access to local job listings.

A few basic rules for your Canadian resume

  • Use a Canadian phone number once you have one.
  • Keep your resume short, clear and easy to read.
    • For most jobs, one page is ideal, while two pages should be the maximum.
  • Tailor your resume to each job.
  • Only include work experience that is relevant to the position.
  • Highlight your skills and experience that match the job description.

For example, if you are applying for an office job, you don’t need to list every babysitting job you’ve ever had. Focus on the experience and skills that are relevant to the position.

What NOT to put on your resume

You should not include personal information, such as:

  • Your age or date of birth
  • Your ethnicity or cultural background
  • Your marital or family status
  • Your sexual orientation
  • Unless you’re applying for a job as a model or actor, leave the photo out.

In Canada, information such as your photo, age or date of birth can create discrimination concerns during the hiring process. Including a photo or date of birth on your resume can therefore work against you and may reduce your chances of getting an interview.

Your resume is there to show employers what you can do — not what you look like.😉

  • Never include your Social Insurance Number in your resume.

Your SIN is private information and is not needed when applying for a job. You only need to provide it to your employer when you are hired, as it is required for payroll.

References

  • Don’t list your references directly on your resume.

Employers ask for references later in the hiring process if they are seriously considering you.

Instead, you can simply write: “References available upon request.”

And here is something many travellers don’t know: a reference doesn’t necessarily have to be a previous employer.

Depending on the job, a reference could also be a former coworker, roommate, landlord, family member or friend — basically anyone who knows you well and can say something positive about your work ethic, reliability or personality.

Yes, even your old roommate who can confirm that you actually paid the rent on time. 😄

So don’t worry if you have only recently arrived in Canada and don’t have a long list of Canadian employers. You may already have people who can vouch for you.

Use a professional email address

It can also be a good idea to create a Gmail address specifically for your job search. It’s free and easy to recognize.

If you are using an email address from your home country, especially one with a less familiar domain such as Yahoo, Web, Gmx, automated email systems may filter messages into the spam folders. 

You don’t want your perfect job offer hiding in the spam folder. 😉

Keep your email address simple and professional — ideally something like firstname.lastname@gmail.com

Your email address “happycow123@yahoo.com” might be memorable, but probably isn’t going to make the best impression on your future employer.

Use keywords from the job posting

Don’t just copy and paste the job description. Read the job posting carefully and use relevant keywords naturally in your cover letter, especially skills, qualifications and experience that genuinely match what the employer is looking for.

Many employers use software to screen applications before they reach a recruiter. Using relevant keywords can help show that your experience matches the position.

Keep it short and easy to scan

Employers often spend only seconds skimming a resume and cover letter before deciding whether to read more closely.

Make your most important skills, experience and qualifications easy to find. Keep your cover letter focused and avoid long paragraphs that make the reader work to find the relevant information.

You only get a few seconds to make a first impression — make them count.

Where to look for jobs in Canada

One of the easiest ways to start is by using online job websites. Some of the most commonly used job websites include:

You can also attend job fairs, industry events and workshops offered by newcomer support organizations. Sometimes a personal connection can help you get an interview much faster than sending dozens of online applications.

Check company career pages

Don’t rely only on job boards. Many companies post jobs directly on their own websites and may not advertise every position on Indeed or other job sites.

Make a list of companies you would like to work for and check their Careers pages regularly.

It can also pay to know someone who already works there. Many companies have employee referral programs, so a recommendation from an existing employee can sometimes help get your application noticed.

Use an employment centre in Canada

You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Canada has employment centres that offer free, personalized services to help you find work.

Depending on the centre, you can get help with writing your resume, preparing for interviews, finding job openings and improving your skills.

There are hundreds of employment centres across Canada, so it’s worth checking what is available in the area where you plan to live.

>> Find an employment centre near you here.

Network whenever you can

Did you know that many jobs in Canada are never publicly advertised? This is why networking can be so useful.

Create a strong LinkedIn profile and connect with people working in your industry.

Tell friends, roommates, coworkers and other people you meet in Canada that you are looking for work. Join local Facebook groups and connect with people.

Even a casual conversation over a beer at a pub can sometimes lead to a job opportunity.

Try Meetup

Meetup can be a great way to meet people and expand your network. Join groups based on your hobbies and interests, and while you’re there, let people know you’re looking for work.

You get to do something you enjoy, meet new people and maybe even hear about a job opportunity.

You might go there for the hobby and leave with a job lead.

Start your job search early

You can start looking for jobs before you arrive in Canada. This is especially useful if you already know which city or region you want to live in.

However, getting hired from outside Canada can be more difficult. Canadian employers often receive a large number of applications from people around the world who do not have a Canadian work permit.

As an IEC participant, you already have an approved work permit for Canada, but an employer may not know this from your application.

Make your work authorization very clear. Mention in your resume or cover letter that you have an IEC or a valid POE letter of introduction. If you are applying before your arrival, include your exact arrival date and when you will be available to start work.

If you make it to the next step — the interview — employers may also ask about your right to work in Canada. Be prepared to explain your work permit status and how long you are authorized to work. This is also a good opportunity to explain that your IEC Working Holiday work permit allows you to work for different employers in Canada.

If you plan to arrive during the season

Finding a job in the middle of the tourism season can be a little more difficult, but it is certainly not impossible. The tourism industry has a high turnover of employees, so job openings can come up throughout the season.

Many Canadian employers are looking for someone who can start quickly. If you are applying from outside Canada, make it easy for the employer: tell them when you are coming, when you can start and that you are legally allowed to work in Canada. Nobody wants to play “When will this person arrive?”

Seasonal jobs can be a great option

One of the biggest advantages of an IEC work permit is the flexibility to travel and work in different parts of Canada.

Seasonal work can be a particularly good option if you want to combine working with travelling.

Ski resorts hire large numbers of employees for the winter season, while hotels, restaurants, national parks and other tourism businesses also recruit seasonal workers.

You may find jobs in areas such as hospitality, housekeeping, food and beverage, customer service, lift operations, rentals, retail and outdoor activities.

Ski resorts in Canada

If you would like to spend a winter working in the mountains, check the career pages of ski resorts directly. 

Here are some places to check:

Imagine telling your friends back home that your commute involves a ski hill.

Getting paid to work in the mountains and getting a ski pass? Not a bad deal.

Working at a ski resort can come with some great employee benefits. One of the biggest advantages for winter sports lovers is often a free or heavily discounted ski pass.

Instead of paying the full price for a season pass, employees may receive a complimentary pass or a substantial discount, depending on the resort and the position.

This can make a seasonal resort job particularly attractive if you want to spend your days off skiing or snowboarding. You can earn money while also enjoying the mountains and making the most of your Canadian winter.

Employee benefits vary between resorts, so check what is included in the job offer before accepting a position. Some resorts may also offer discounts on equipment rentals, food, accommodation or other activities.

Think about accommodation before accepting a seasonal job

If you are planning to work at a ski resort or in another popular tourist destination, check accommodation options before accepting a position.

Housing can be one of the biggest challenges in places such as Whistler, Banff, Canmore and other mountain communities. A job that looks great on paper may become much less attractive if you cannot find an affordable place to live.

If staff accommodation is available, ask about the cost, availability and conditions before you accept the job.

Apply to several jobs

Do not wait for one employer to respond before sending another application. And don’t sit by the phone waiting for that one employer to call. Keep applying.

Job searching can take time, and employers receive many applications. Apply for several suitable positions and keep track of where you have applied. 

If you do not hear back, do not automatically assume that you were not qualified. It is very common in Canada for employers not to send a rejection email. They may only contact candidates they want to invite for an interview.

Don't be afraid to walk in

When looking for work in a small tourist town, don’t rely only on online applications. Some of the best results can come from simply walking into hotels, restaurants and other businesses and handing your resume to a manager in person.

Dress neatly, be friendly and ask if the manager is available. A quick face-to-face conversation can make you much more memorable than another resume sitting in an online application system.

Sometimes the old-fashioned way still works — and you might even have a job starting tomorrow. 

If you don’t hear back, follow up. After a few days, you can call the business and politely ask if they had a chance to review your resume.

Your first Canadian job doesn't have to be perfect

Finding a job at the same level as your previous position can be difficult when you first arrive in Canada. This is especially true if your professional experience is from another country and you don’t yet have Canadian work experience.

One strategy that can work well is to look for a lower-level or entry-level position related to your field. It may not be exactly what you did back home, but it can give you valuable Canadian experience and help you learn how your industry works in Canada.

For example, if you worked in office management in your home country, you could initially look for an administrative assistant or receptionist position. After gaining some Canadian experience, you can use it on your resume when applying for higher-level positions.

Think of it as a stepping stone — your first Canadian job could open many doors.

Temporary jobs can also help

Another option is to register with a temporary employment agency. Temp agencies connect workers with Canadian employers who are looking for people for short-term or temporary positions.

This can be a good way to get your first Canadian work experience, earn money while looking for something permanent and make contacts with Canadian employers.

A temporary position can sometimes even turn into a permanent job if the employer is happy with your work.

Don’t underestimate the value of your first Canadian job. Even if it is not your ideal position, the experience, references and contacts you gain can make your next job search much easier.

Volunteer

Volunteering can be a great way to gain Canadian experience. Even if the position is unpaid, you can learn new skills, meet people and add valuable experience to your resume.

It can also make a great impression on your resume and could even open the door to a paid position with the same organization.

Sometimes getting your foot in the door is the hardest part.

Keep learning

Use your time in Canada to learn something new or further your knowledge. Online courses, workshops and seminars can help you improve your skills and make your resume stronger.

And who knows — that little extra course might be the thing that gets your resume noticed.

A final tip about AI and applications

Your job application should sound like you. AI is a great helper. Just don’t let it become the person applying for the job.

AI can help you write or improve your resume and cover letter, but don’t simply copy and paste an AI-generated application. Some employers use software to screen resumes, so your application may never reach a person.

Use your own experience and words, and make sure your resume matches the job you are applying for.

Beware of Job Scams

Be careful when applying for jobs online. Unfortunately, job scams do exist in Canada, and newcomers can be an easy target.

Some warning signs include:

  • The employer only communicates through messaging apps
    • and avoids a proper interview or company email.
  • The job sounds too good to be true,
    • especially if the pay is unusually high for the position.
  • You are offered a job without a proper interview
    • or without speaking to anyone from the company.
  • The job posting does not appear on the company’s official website
    • or you cannot verify that the company is real.
  • You are asked to provide sensitive personal information too early,
    • such as your SIN, passport or banking details.
  • You are asked to pay money to get the job.
    • A legitimate employer should not charge you for being hired.
  • You are asked to buy equipment or send money,
    • with the promise that the company will reimburse you later.

If something feels wrong, take a step back and check the company before providing any personal information or money.

And remember: if a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Know your rights as a worker

As an IEC participant, you have rights as a worker in Canada. Your employer must follow Canadian employment laws, including rules about wages, working hours and workplace safety. You also have the right to keep your passport and work permit — your employer cannot take them away from you.

>> Learn more about your rights as a temporary foreign worker in Canada and how to get help. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding a Job in Canada

Do I need a job to activate my IEC Working Holiday work permit?

No. You do not need a job offer to activate an IEC Working Holiday work permit.

When you arrive in Canada, you can activate your work permit at the border by presenting the required documents, including your passport, POE letter of introduction, proof of health insurance and proof of funds.

Once issued, your Working Holiday work permit is an open work permit, so you can look for a job after you arrive and work for different employers.

>> Here are the documents you need for the work permit activation. 

How long can I work for the same employer on an IEC Working Holiday?

If you have an IEC Working Holiday open work permit, there is no limit on how long you can work for the same employer. Unlike some other Working Holiday countries, such as Australia, Canada does not require you to change employers after a certain period.

You can stay with the same employer until your work permit expires, unless you get another valid work permit in Canada.

Can I travel in Canada on an IEC Working Holiday without getting a job?

Yes. You do not have to work in Canada just because you have an IEC Working Holiday work permit. If you have enough money to support yourself, you can spend your Working Holiday travelling around Canada and only work if and when you want to.

In the community, many people rightly refer to the program as “Work and Travel.” And the official name is “Working Holiday” for a reason! 😉

Can I find a job in Canada before I arrive?

Yes. You can start applying before you arrive, particularly if you already know where you want to live. Make your IEC work authorization and planned arrival date clear to employers.

However, getting hired from outside Canada can be more difficult because some employers prefer candidates who are already in Canada with an activated work permit.

When does the tourism industry start hiring in Canada?

The timing varies depending on the season and location. For the winter season, many ski resorts and tourism businesses start hiring several months before the season begins.

For example, the Lake Louise Ski Resort recruitment for winter will begin around August/September, while Whistler Blackcomb already had winter positions posted in July, showing that some resorts start considerably earlier.

If you are looking for summer jobs in ski resort towns, applications can start as early as February.

Do I need Canadian work experience to get a job in Canada?

No. Canadian work experience is not required for every job. However, having local experience can make it easier to find higher-level positions. An entry-level or temporary job can be a useful way to gain Canadian experience, references and contacts.

Can I work in any job in Canada with an IEC Working Holiday?

If you have an open IEC Working Holiday work permit, you can work for different employers and in most types of jobs in Canada. However, there is a restriction printed on the bottom of the work permit:

“Not valid for employment in businesses related to the sex trade such as strip clubs, massage parlours or escort services.”

This restriction applies to all IEC participants. It is a mandatory condition and cannot be removed from the work permit.

There are also restrictions if you want to work in certain occupations. For example, if you want to work in health care, child care or elderly care, you need to have completed the required medical exam as part of your IEC application. This allows you to receive a work permit without this restriction so that you can work in these fields.

You can find more information about the IEC medical exam here.

How long does it take to find a job in Canada?

There is no fixed timeframe. It depends on your location, industry, experience, season and the number of jobs available. Applying to several suitable positions rather than waiting for one employer to respond can improve your chances of finding work faster.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Some IEC participants report sending out 50–100 applications before getting one or two interviews. It can take time, so keep applying and don’t take a rejection — or no response at all — personally.

If I find a job and get provincial health care, do I still need IEC insurance?

Yes. You must keep your IEC health insurance for the entire period required by your IEC work permit, even if you have provincial health care or health insurance benefits through your employer.

Provincial health care and employer health benefits do not replace the insurance required for IEC participants. Your IEC insurance must include coverage for the entire duration of your stay, including repatriation.

Important: If you arrive in Canada with insurance that covers only part of your planned stay, your work permit will be issued only until the expiry date of your insurance.

>> Find more answers to frequently asked questions about IEC health insurance requirements here.

The best IEC health insurance for European and UK citizens

recommended by other IEC participants who used them

If you are not from Europe, check out > BestQuote

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