13 Tips to Know When You Start Working in Canada

13 Tips to Know When You Start Working in Canada

You are embarking on a new journey to the land of your dreams i.e. Canada. And as you dream away you can picture yourself sipping pina Coladas, attending social gatherings, mingling with the workforce, commuting through the heart of Canada, and not worrying for even a moment. A truly luxurious and rich life is at your disposal.

But what is a dream? An active mind’s thoughtful art awaiting to turn true.

Have you thought about what the real picture of Canada is? Is it as dreamy as it seems in the movies or in Canada immigration aspirants’ conversations? Yes, you can read it all and all knowledge is just a google away.

So, when you come upon any information as such you will not think of how correct it is? Just like a fantasy genre novel invoking vivid pictures and emotions making you feel gaiety and almighty.

However, this is where an individual’s Canadian experience comes in handy. Go no further, for now, you have first-hand experience of what it feels to have a first-hand experience in Canada.

Unlike all foreign immigrants, you will enter Canada as a professional, or an international student who will later turn into one. On this note, here are 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada.

The points range from basic to intermediate in terms of their importance. And these 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada will help you settle and excel with ease in the Canadian work environment.

13 Tips to Know When You Start Working in Canada

1. Knowledge and Experience a Factor of Excellence

The first point out of the 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada talks about the value of education and experience.

We all know that Canada house some of the best and top universities and colleges. Each year a tsunami of international students flock to Canada to gain top education and hone their latent skills. Whereas professionals move to Canada to expand their market reach and make the best use of their skills in monetizing the same.

Even though Canada has a 99% literacy rate the old age population is an alarming factor for the country. As the older generation is retiring and the younger generation is not available to fill the gap.

Canada is all set to select 431,645 permanent residents in 2022. And this is because Canada needs foreign skilled workers to meet its ever-increasing labour market needs. And to grow the economy. To do the same they need workers who have excellent knowledge and adequate work experience to support the same.

That is why Canada says, “If you have the right skill for the right job then we are surely choosing you”.

2. Have you chosen the right Canadian job?

In a rat race to settle in Canada the biggest mistake foreign immigrants may end up doing is leaping at the first opportunity that comes their way. The question here is why? Why not do research, get to know the company, and match your educational credentials to the demands of your work profile. Moreover, calculate the growth prospects.

You may choose a job for high pay, as anyone would, but would you like to stick to the same job profile after 5 years. The answer will be no. That is why you must choose the job that best suits your interests.

This should be the prime goal when you start looking for working in Canada. And in such cases, it is advisable that you either do smart work in your job search or hire a Canadian HR consultancy who are the experts in their field.

3. It is all about the money!

Settling in Canada means just one thing i.e. money, money, and more money. Because in this case more is less and less is unacceptable. So, you must be careful with the money that you have, and you earn.

Initially, you will invest money in a job search, then post-selection you will buy things to make you adjust to the workplace. Because everyone wants to make the best first impression. As you start working your work-related expenditure will begin. Such as customising your workstation with personal belongings, getting the latest handset, offering meals/coffee to your work buddies and whatnot.

All of the above becomes the need of the hour. But for this, choose to make a good investment at the start of your Canadian job search. Get your dream job with the right salary package. Getting a high salary, did you research your industry peers’ salaries?

Be competitive and settle for no less. As it is said, “If you are good at something, never do it for free”. So, claim a competitive salary and grow into the lifestyle you always wanted for yourself.

4. First impression – An image hard to alter

We are familiar with the first impression philosophy. The workforce narrative is strongly built around this narrative. Your first impression strikes a chord with all you work with or will work with within the near future. So, when working in Canada you must follow this very important point from the 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada.

As a result, a positive impression is always favourable to avoid future misunderstandings. Here, comes the element of power dressing.

Because you do not know how the new workplace is going to be. And one can not go correcting wrong opinions about who they are as an individual to everyone.

Did you know that dressing to the finest boosts self-confidence and has a pleasing effect on the stimulus of your audience? As an individual know your professional fame. Dress the finest and the finest for your job profile.

A person wearing boho-chic clothes as an onsite manager will be like adding millet to the gossip millet mill. On the other hand, a neutral tone suit, paired with a complimenting bag, shoes, belt, and a 1-2 tone off colour watch, cufflinks, and tie will emit the true white-collar power vibes.

On the contrary, a wrong impression will be hard to alter after all.

5. Punctuality – Borderline between amateurs and professionals

What is that one thing that separates you from a professional? Punctuality is one metric that holds the greatest importance. Because it shows your dedication, passion, and commitment to your job profile. It is an extension of your faith in yourself and the peers you work with.

It also shows that you are confident and can be confided in. And Canadians are very particular about punctuality. Be it at work, at social gatherings or visiting a work friend, punctuality is you showing respect to everyone. And Canadians are equally mindful of the closing time at work or any other event. If the vent finishes at 10:00 p.m. then you must exit the venue before or at the correct time.

6. Gentility – A gem most revered

A humble and down to earth individual is always respected and preferred over a self-preaching gaudy mouthpiece. The same is for work, the right use of ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’, ‘please’, ‘excuse me’ and ‘may I’ will take you a long way.

Canada is so crafted in manners that it created an Apology Act (Bill 108, 2009). The reason is that Canadians use the word ‘sorry’ too frequently. As a result, legally it had to be implemented that an individual apologising at the crime scene can not be seen agreeing to their mistake. But the mere act is just the individual being emotional and expressing emotions such as sympathy.

It is a funny story, but that is the value of simple manners and politeness that Canada looks for.

7. Professional Networking – A powerful strategy

Canada is a melting pot of cultures. And houses a competitive work environment. people with multiple and attractive skills enter the Canadian workforce consistently. So, as a professional where do you stand in the crowd?

The answer to this question lies in professional networking. When you start working in Canada meeting new people at work or workplace and exchanging information with them can be beneficial for you. Because you never know who, when and how can be of use to you in any situation. 

For example, if you are looking for a job change or a new job where do you look? the easiest is to go online. But don’t you think if you get a referral for your next job then the prospect of your hiring increases more than an applicant who does not have a referral.

In addition, networking can open multiple doors to new opportunities and professional success. And the above 6 points out of 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada will help you do the same.

8. Be open-minded. Accept all as it comes

The maple leaf country is the land of immigrants. People from the four corners of the world cohabit in Canada. As a result, home is never away for you. And you will always find your language, food, art, and culture present in and around you.

Similarly, the same is for people from other nationalities whom you will work with in your new workplace. Canada believes in equality and is sensitive to the needs of all. At the workplace, you must familiarise yourself with the cultures and experiences of other people. This will help you understand the better and ensure your work productivity is increasing.

Canada has zero tolerance for bias, discrimination, and harassment based on gender, sex, sexuality, caste, colour, creed, ethnicity etc. There will always be differences for not all five fingers are of the same size. But in such a case you must stay open, calm, and kind. For that is exactly what all expect from you.

Be mindful of the personal space of people. As Canadian or in general, people are sensitive about their private lives. So, trying to engage in a conversation regarding, salary, job environment, family members, sexuality, behaviour, personal tastes etc. In addition, talking over people, being loud, cutting people, and other such behaviour is also looked down upon.

A fun fact to consider is that 1 out of 13 people are sensitive or have allergies. So, in case you intend to offer food/drinks to people, you might want to ask them about the same to avoid any legal troubles.

9. Tip of the Service

Tipping culture is prevalent all over the world. And is a sign of respect towards the service you get. In certain countries like Canada tipping is a custom to follow.

For example, in the hospitality industry not tipping for the service you receive is seen as rude. And other industry sectors too expect you to tip when you receive their services. And adapting this will show your successful integration into the norms, culture, trends, and life in Canadian society.

10. No monthly salary – Unique payment method

A country like Canada does not believe in offering a monthly income. But pays twice a month. So, instead of a lump sum figure by the end of the month, you will be getting two paychecks in a month. This helps you plan in a much more organised manner in terms of your expenditure and prospective savings.

11. Friday – Casual Day

While living and working in Canada encountering such a norm is not very unusual. Even though Canada favours the formal dress code it also offers casual Fridays. This is the day you can dress as you please. However, anything over the top will still not be considered.

For example, coming to the office dressed in beach party attire will still be considered professionally off the mark. So, simple jeans and plain T-shirts are always welcome as informal attire. In this case, researching what all to wear for casual Fridays and buying accordingly will be advisable.

12. Short lunch breaks than a long break

Canada promotes on the desk lunch timings. So, you will end up seeing people having lunch at their table as they continue to work. As instead of a 1-hour long lunch break, Canada offers a 30-minute break. In addition, you will get two 15 minutes short breaks where you can relax and unwind with your colleagues.

It is very normal for Canadians to opt to eat at a desk and work despite the presence of cafeterias and inbuilt lounges in the office.

An interesting fact to see is that all Canadian carry a brown bag to carry lunch rather than lunch boxes. As lunchboxes are seen as an accessory to take to school. Whereas lunch in a brown bag is considered professional.

13. Polishing current language skills

Last but not least, the point of the 13 Tips to Know When You Start Working in Canada is the emphasis on your language skills. Because Canada has two official languages – English and French. So, getting confused while talking to someone or misinterpreting a message is very normal.

In this case, honing your language skills to better fit in is advisable. This will show your competence and skill of learning and ability to absorb new skills and grow from them. Strong communication skills are always attractive in your new job environment. As it offers a pathway to new and improved opportunities. Besides, if you add a new language to your skillset then the prospects of attracting a higher pay are always possible.

After reading 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada, you are all geared up to settle in successfully. However, in case you are yet to start your journey, no issues.

Apply for a Canada visa now. 13 tips to know when you start working in Canada will surely help you post Canada visa approval.

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