In Manitoba it is each person's responsibility to find a job. The way of looking for work may be quite different than in your home country. There are government and community agencies that will help you.

The "hidden job market"
Employment counsellors say that most Canadian employers do not advertise when they have job openings. That is why we refer to the "hidden job market." To find opportunities you must “network” – talk to people you know to find out who is hiring, and contact employers directly.

This page explains how to connect with people that can help you find work, how to "market" yourself with resumés, cover letters and interviews to convince employers that you are a person to consider.

Topics covered on this page

• Research your career
• Job search websites
• Job search skills (resumés, etc.)
• Networking
• Get personalized help from employment services
• More sources of information on finding work
• Improve your English

Research your career

The Working in Manitoba, Canada Career Research Tool is an online search tool designed specifically for prospective immigrants and newcomers. Use this website to look up your occupation, see the job description plus language, qualification and licence requirements, as well as wages and job openings in Winnipeg and other regions of the province.

Job search websites

workopolis.com
Workopolis.com is the job website most Manitoba employers use when they advertise their job and career openings. (Manitoba’s major newspaper, the Winnipeg Free Press, posts all the jobs from their Saturday Career section on workopolis.com.) The site is free for job-seekers. You can search by the type of job and by the location. Workopolis also has advice and tools for a successful job search.

Job Bank
This is a free Canadian government jobsite that lists opportunities by location. It is updated daily. Job Bank postings can also be viewed through the Working in Manitoba, Canada Career Research Tool.

More jobsites are listed at the bottom of this page.

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Learn job search skills

The method of looking for a job and dealing with potential employers may be quite different than in your home country in terms of:

• the information Canadian employers consider
• the way to approach potential employers
• how to find out about job opportunities
• the kind of resumés and cover letters employers expect
• how to “network” and “market” yourself

The following websites offer good advice.

monster.ca
Few Manitoba employer advertise their jobs on monster.ca. However the site offers excellence guidance for job seekers. It explains things such as networking, and resumés and cover letters.

Job Bank: Job Search Tips
This free Canadian government site has very good advice on all aspects of the job search. You can use a online "resumé builder."

U of W Counselling and Career Service
The University of Winnipeg has job search tips including how to research, assess your options, and samples of a bad resumé, good resume, and a cover letter.

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"Networking"

The more people you know, the better the chance of hearing about job opportunities. Making social contacts is called "networking." Here are some ideas:

• Get to know people in your neighbourhood and in your industry or profession. Talk to employment and professional counsellors, employers, and colleagues.
  
  
• Talking to people you will come to understand your industry, and what businesses look for in new employees.
  
  
• Join class in your favourite hobby, recreation, academic or professional interest. The City of Winnipeg offers classes and lessons.
  
  
• Join professional associations. Subscribe to their newsletters. Attend professional events and meetings.
  
  
• Attend public meetings and community events.
  
  
• Give and collect business cards.
• Contact Manitoba employers directly.
  A list of all businesses, what they do and contact information is at Manitoba Companies Directory You will also find that retail and service job openings are posted at the place of business, for example a restaurant will have a Help Wanted sign in the window.

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Manitoba funds several community organizations that offer free programs to teach newcomers the skills they need to find jobs..

These programs cover topics such as:

• job search skills
• learning or upgrading skills such as using computers
• the rules and customs of the Canadian workplace
• improve your English
• Some programs provide job placements or introduce participants to employers.

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More about the Canadian job search

Employment Manitoba
The Manitoba government has 16 employment offices across the province. Free services include career counselling, information about job openings and the use of computers for resume writing and Internet job search. Also, they can give information about government employment assistance programs. If you live in rural Manitoba you are advised to go to an Employment Manitoba office.

Service Canada
This government website has a lot of information about working. There is information just for immigrants. There may be training or other employment programs for you. The website lists Service Canada offices where you can go for help.

Career fairs
In Manitoba some businesses hold career “fairs” or “expos,” where they invite prospective employees to meet with them. Manitoba WorkinfoNET has an online calendar that lists career fairs and other events of interest to newcomers. Notices of job fairs for immigrants are posted on the website.

Recruiters
Some companies – particularly those with IT, office or accounting needs – hire a staffing, or placement, agency to find employees. These agencies advertise positions or seek out people whose skills meet the needs of employers. You should contact these employment agencies and have them add your name and work experience to their database. There is a list of agencies on the Servpro Manitoba directory.

Other helpful websites and information

Newcomer success stories
Read about how newcomers to Manitoba who have re-established themselves in their field of work.

Job Search Do's & Don't's (PDF 25kb)
This is a quick list of things to do, and not do, when looking for work. It includes typical interview questions and personal information an employer is not allowed to ask.

Civil service jobsites

• Manitoba Civil Service Commission
• Public Service Commission of Canada
• City of Winnipeg Careers (includes Winnipeg Police Service and Winnipeg Transit)

canadianretail.com
At this jobsite you can search for retail positions in and around Winnipeg.

Health Careers Manitoba
This Manitoba government website has employment information for doctors, nurses, support staff and other healthcare professionals and lets you search job openings throughout the province.

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