New to Canada: Jobs any newcomer can apply to
By: Anson Wong
Published on: January 09 2022
Job hunting in Canada can be rough. Many work opportunities require education and years of experience for even an entry-level position. However, many jobs require little to no qualifications and can beneficial for newcomers who are in the process of their education or qualifications. Whether you just arrived in Canada or are entering the workforce, here’s a list of jobs that may fit you.
All wages are estimated by Indeed. Prices may vary depending on the place of employment.
Retail sales associate
Wage: $15 to $17 an hour, or roughly $30 000 a year
Retail sales associates assist customers in stores by finding merchandise and operating the cash register. They may have additional duties assigned to them such as restocking shelves and managing inventory. Retail working positions are abundant in Canada and can be found rather easily. These positions can usually be found on job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor but be sure to check the company’s website as they can be easier for employers to notice. For example, if you were applying for a position at PetSmart you can search for a store near you in the careers page.
Real estate agent
Wage: $40 to $70 an hour, or roughly $80 000 to $150 000 a year
One of the most lucrative markets in Canada is the housing industry. A real estate agent’s job is to provide guidance and assist sellers and buyers on buildings. Agents should be aware of how transactions between purchases work. All real estate agents must have a Real Estate License for employment. Humber College provides a Real Estate Program where applicants can get their license with five courses, four exams, and two simulations. These licenses vary from province to province so keep that in mind if you plan to move in the immediate future.
Warehouse worker
Wage: $15 to $25 an hour, or roughly $40 000 a year
As the name suggests, warehouse workers mainly reside in warehouses and are responsible for handling shipping and receiving. They pack products into boxes for shippers to deliver. Warehouse workers may also organize shelves and make sure products are in their respective positions for handling. Many companies that have merchandise have positions available such as Ikea and Amazon.
Screener
Wage: $15 to $25 an hour, or roughly $40 000 a year
COVID-19 has created a demand for screeners in hospitals and other health centres. These workers take the temperature of incoming guests to ensure they are not infected with COVID-19. Screeners will offer sanitary products to visitors like hand sanitizer for hygienic purposes. You may also give directions to visitors from time to time and handle their inquiries. If you are interested, you should apply directly to hospital websites near you, like at Mackenzie Health. It is important to note that COVID-19 is still prevalent, and you may be exposed while on the job. Anyone considering this career path should take that risk into account.
Receptionist
Wage: $18 to $22 an hour, or roughly $40 000 a year
Receptionists are often at the front of the office, handling visitor inquiries. This includes both in person and on the phone. Receptionists must know how to operate a computer and handle tasks where needed, such as filling out a visitor form and notifying management when relevant parties have arrived. These positions are in high demand and may have fierce competition given they do not require a degree and can provide administrative experience.
Server
Wage: $15 an hour, or roughly $30 000 a year
In restaurants, servers take the customer’s order and deliver the meals between the kitchen and table. Servers should be friendly and approachable while being able to answer any questions the customer may have. Knowing the menu is important and servers should be able to inform customers what ingredients are in the meal or simply, what they recommend. Servers must also know how to use a cash register for completing orders similar to a retail sales associate.
Serving is unique as it is standard practice for customers to tip the waiter. In Canada, it is customary to tip around 15% of the receipt. For more information, visit The Newcomer’s article on tipping culture.
Fast food worker
Wage: $15 an hour, or roughly $30 000 a year
The fast-food industry can be demanding but it offers a flexible work schedule for those who may need it. Most employees assign their hours making it easier to plan around multiple commitments. However, there may be times when your manager may call and ask you to cover a shift outside of your assigned time.
Fast food workers have multiple responsibilities. On any given day, workers can take orders from the cash register, prepare and cook the food, do custodial work to keep the restaurant clean, and more.
Janitor
Wage: $15 to $25 an hour, or roughly $40 000 a year
Janitors keep the building clean, mainly on the floor and washrooms. They may operate floor cleaning machinery from time to time for efficiency. Janitors are also responsible for emptying the various garbage bins in the building and ensuring all hygiene products like soap and hand sanitizer are stocked. On occasion, janitors may handle minor building maintenance like checking ventilation and plumbing.