Find a Job > Prepare for the Job Search

Prepare for the Job Search

What will I need for my job search?

Looking for a job in Canada usually involves two formal job search elements: a résumé and an interview.

Writing a résumé and cover letter

A résumé (also known as a curriculum vitae or CV) is your opportunity to give employers a brief summary of yourself and your relevant knowledge, abilities and experience in one or two pages. Submitting a résumé is a common part of the job application process. To be effective, your résumé should also be accompanied by a cover letter.

As a job seeker, a focus on your skills, or a skills-based résumé can give you the advantage that an employer can see right away what skills you have. Tourism employers look for the transferable and specific skills you will bring to the job. Many Canadians seek help for preparing their job application, so take advantage of the many resources available on the internet that will provide tips and strategies for writing your cover letter and résumé so that it will be noticed by an employer. For tips on how to reflect on your skills, see: Assessing Your Skills.

The Government of Canada Résumé Builder allows you to save up to five professional looking résumés with a choice of layouts. It also gives you résumé writing tips, and sample résumés. See the website of the Service Canada Job Bank.

Preparing for a job interview

If an employer thinks you might be suitable for a job at his/her company after reading your résumé or job application, you will be invited for an interview.

For information on how to prepare for a job interview, see: How do I prepare for a job interview?

The Canadian Careers website also offers a comprehensive guide to helping you succeed at the interview process. Government Employment Resource Centres and immigrant serving organizations can also help you get ready for an interview: see the Canadian Careers Interview Guide for more information.