There is no doubt that the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is a major driver of innovation and economic growth in the North American Market. In Canada alone, this sector is projected to be worth $79.7 billion in the year 2019.
With over 34,000 companies working in software and computer services, Information Technology continues to emerge as a dominant sector contributing to the Canadian economy.
IT Jobs in Canada
Despite such huge potential, one of the key questions for job seekers in the Canadian IT industry remains ‘where does one look for an IT job in Canada?'
Conservatively most people begin by applying to online job boards and updating their LinkedIn profiles. Yet, there are several other strategies that can yield better results. In this digital era, it has become incredibly important to stay competitive and relevant to the job finder’s market.
Here are 7 things you must do to achieve this:
Branding
Today’s job market has evolved beyond resume exchange between the employer and employees. When it comes to finding jobs, employers are using a wide variety of specialized recruitment tools to find the right candidates.
While using the right keywords in your resume to get through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is important, it is equally crucial to employ a relevant set of keywords in your online profile description too, typically on LinkedIn. Make sure to keep your social profiles professional using appropriate images and text.
Are you a subject matter expert, did you contribute to a larger project win? Share your story by posting it on LinkedIn and get seen by more hiring managers and recruiters. Ensure your post is well written and proofread before.
Read our free Guide to Jobseeker's Personal Branding HERE
Proactive job search
Why wait for a vacancy to appear on an online job board? Recruiters recommend being proactive when it comes to finding jobs in Canada. Make a list of companies that you would like to work with and check their careers page to find and apply for jobs.
One step further, get in touch with the hiring manager through LinkedIn and engage in a conversation about the opportunity. If you are working with a recruiter, discuss the opportunity with him.
Leverage the incredible reach of job boards by posting your resume. Again, make sure to include relevant keywords so you can be found.
Networking
Whether you are looking for your first job in Canada or looking for a job change, networking can have a huge impact on your success. Knowing someone through professional contact establishes the credibility of a candidate. This potentially improves your chances of getting hired.
Whether it is exploring your contacts on LinkedIn, other social media platforms, community pages or personal connections, networking can be the key.
Working with a recruiter
Working with a recruiter can be extremely advantageous. Recruiters can give you valuable tips on resume content, job search strategies and networking.
They can establish a direct connection with a potential employer and improve your chances of landing an opportunity.
Acing an interview
No matter what strategy you use, your chances of getting hired are contingent on your performance in the job interview. When it comes to job interviews especially for IT roles, both technical and professional acumen are judged.
Be prepared with several examples pertaining to your work. Make sure that your answers are consistent with your resume. Do some research ahead of time, to learn what software and systems they use.
Technology upgrade
One of the fastest ways to stay competitive and get an IT job is to upgrade your technical knowledge. Learning new technology and adding certifications to your online profile can drastically improve your chances of getting hired.
The job search can be emotionally and mentally consuming. It is important to have a positive mindset to deal with rejection or lack of response.
Finding a suitable opportunity takes time and consistent effort. However, it is crucial to remember that as an IT professional you are potentially working in one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and your prospects of finding the right opportunity is much higher as compared to other sectors.
