British Columbia Newcomers' Guide
to Resources and Services

Finding a Job

In this chapter:

• Social Insurance Number
• Looking for a job
• Applying for a job
• Discrimination
• Credentials
• Starting your own business

Social Insurance Number

To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Most immigrants apply for this number shortly after they arrive in Canada. If you have not done this, go to a Human Resources Development Centre to apply for a card. Look in the Blue Pages of the telephone book in the Government of Canada section under "Human Resources Development Canada." Call the "Social Insurance Number Inquiry line" to find out what documents you need to take with you. Website: http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/

Where to look for a job

• Go to a Human Resources Development Centre and look at the computerized job listings. Talk to the people who work there.
• Look in the Classified Ads in newspapers.
• Tell many people that you are looking for a job. Friends, relatives, teachers, neighbours, counsellors, and settlement workers may know about a job.
• Check notice boards in your community for job ads.
• Look for "Help Wanted" signs outside businesses and stores.
• Apply at the Personnel Department of hospitals, hotels, and large companies.
• Phone or visit companies that might hire you. Some companies have jobs, but they don't advertise them. Use the Yellow Pages of the phone book to find where to go. For example, if you are a car mechanic, look under "Automobile Repairing and Service."
• Look in the Yellow Pages for private employment agencies. An employment agency cannot charge you for finding you a job, or for giving you information about employers who are seeking employees.

How to apply for a job

Application forms – Many companies have application forms. Bring all the information you need to fill in the form or take the application form home to complete.

Resumes – Many companies ask for a resume. A resume is a written summary of your work experience and education. Friends, or people at an immigrant settlement agency, may be able to help you. There are also businesses that write resumes for you. They charge a fee. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Resume Service."

Job interviews – At a job interview, the employer will ask questions about your education, skills, and work experience. Often employers ask questions such as:

• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you the best person for the job?
• Tell me about yourself.

Employers want you to explain your skills. They expect you to show interest in their business. Practise answering questions before the interview.

At the interview, you can also ask the employer questions about the job. For example, ask about the duties, the salary, and the hours of work. Also ask about the benefits, such as medical insurance and vacation time.

Discrimination

There are laws to protect workers from discrimination. For example, an employer must hire employees on the basis of qualifications. The employer can't refuse to hire you because they don't like your skin colour or your religion. This is discrimination. Other kinds of discrimination are also against the law. It is discrimination if someone doesn't give you a job because of your sex, age, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation.

If you have a problem with discrimination, talk to the B.C. Human Rights Coalition, the B.C. Human Rights Commission or Tribunal, (see listings at the end of the previous chapter), or the Canadian Human Rights Commission (call: 604 666-2251 or 1-800-999-6899).

Employment programs

There are courses to teach you how to look for a job. There are also job training courses. In many of these programs, you are paid while you learn new skills. Go to a Human Resources Development Centre or an immigrant settlement agency to get more information about programs in your area.

Credentials

Many credentials from other countries are acceptable in Canada. Some credentials are not acceptable.

Immigrants to Canada often have certificates from another country. To get a job or more education, your certificates may have to be translated and evaluated.

The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) operates the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES). ICES will assess foreign secondary and postsecondary certificates for employment. To contact ICES, call 604 432-8800 in the Lower Mainland. Toll Free within North America call 1-866-434-9197.
Website: http://www.bcit.ca/ices/

Trades people, such as electricians or plumbers, may be qualified in other countries. If they want a certificate to work here, they should contact the nearest apprenticeship office for information. Look in the Blue Pages of the telephone book in the Government of British Columbia section, under "Industry Training Authority."

Most professions such as teachers, doctors, and architects have their own standards. Ask an immigrant settlement agency where to get information about your profession.

Starting your own business

There are many rules for starting a business. The business must be registered and licensed by the government. There are government programs that may help you start a business.

The Canada-B.C. Business Service Centre can give you information and advice about regulations, government help, and training. It is located at 601 West Cordova Street in Vancouver. If you live in Greater Vancouver, call 604 775-5525. If you live elsewhere, call 1 800 667-2272. Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca

Community colleges also offer seminars and courses to help you start your own business. See the listings of colleges in the chapter on "Education."

Business immigrants

People who entered Canada as business immigrants may need information and advice. They should contact the provincial Business Immigration Office for help. There are business counsellors who speak different languages. If you agreed to open a business as a condition of immigrating (entrepreneur class), you may wish to attend the special seminars at the Business Immigration Office. These seminars are given in different languages. The Business Immigration Office is located in the World Trade Centre in Vancouver. Call 604 844-1810.

Go to next page: Chapter 8, Working

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