How To Improve Your Job Search In Canada
As a newcomer looking for your first job in Canada, standing out from the crowd isn’t always easy. This is why knowing how to improve your job search in Canada is important.
Well, the first thing you can do is showcase your accomplishments with a work portfolio along with a resume.
Today, we will break down what a professional work portfolio is & which roles need a portfolio as part of the job application process.
What Is A Work Portfolio?
In order to improve your job search in Canada, work polio is necessary as it provides tangible proof of your expertise.
As a newcomer, including samples of your best work can help employers & hiring managers visualize the value you can bring to the table. It is an opportunity to showcase what you are capable of with visual & concrete samples of your work, along with many awards & certifications you have earned.
In addition, professional work portfolios can be physical or digital. However, you must note that a digital portfolio is easier to share with a wider audience. Moreover, you can even include a link to it on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
What Careers Need A Portfolio In Canada?
Generally, a work portfolio can boost your application if you are pursuing a career in the creative industry. Some examples of professional portfolios include:
- Web design
- Graphic design
- Photography
- Writer
- Advertising
- Interior decorating
- Marketing
- Teaching
- Engineering
- Architecture
You might also benefit from having a portfolio if you are seeking a job in technical professions, like website development & architecture.
Significance Of Having A Work Portfolio In Canada
It is not uncommon for HR professionals to obtain hundreds of applications for one position. That’s a lot of resumes to read through. Here are some key reasons why having a work portfolio is important in your job search.
- Convinces Canadian Employers Of Your Skills
Not having relevant work experience can be a blockage for newcomers seeking work in Canada. Therefore, having a portfolio is an excellent way to show employers that your international experience & skills translate well into the Canadian job market.
- Visually Demonstrates Your Achievements
It is not always easy for a recruiter to visualize what an applicant brings to the table & the quality of work they are capable of. Well, it’s one thing for your resume summary to state you are an innovative designer who can integrate interactive media into a website; it’s another to show the hiring manager an example of an amazing website you have designed. A professional work portfolio with your best work offers a preview of what your on-the-job performance will look like & will help you stand out from the crowd.
- Provide Additional Information On Projects You Have Completed
You might mention a project with one or two data points on your resume. However, in your portfolio, you have room to expand on that project & include visuals, additional information, & details that might be of keen interest to the interviewers.
- Showcase Your Personal Brand
A portfolio helps you to convey the story of who you are & your brand far better than a few bullet points on a resume.
Ways To Create A Strong Portfolio
In order to improve your job search in Canada, it is vital to have a strong portfolio. Here are the tips for the same. Take a look!
- Include The Examples Of Your Work
Consider the story that you wish to tell – about yourself, the skills you have acquired, & examples of your work. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is the type of role you are looking for relevant or not?
- Does it support the skills & experience outlined in the resume?
- Is it your best work?
- Can you walk the hiring manager through the creation process of each sample?
In case you have a robust collection of your work, showcase them to make an impact. However, if you don’t have the collection, don’t worry! You can utilize your free time to create some new samples for your portfolio.
- Think Visually
While some careers lend themselves naturally to a visual medium, you might have to think outside of the box for others. For instance, someone who works as a UX designer can showcase the evolution from a prototype to a finished product. Similarly, a public relations professional could include coverage that landed for previous clients coupled with the number of media impressions it would have received.
Thus, think visually & include it in your portfolio, as it can help you a lot.
- Keep it Simple
While a portfolio enables you to expand on your resume, that doesn’t mean you should put everything in it. Keep the format & contents of the portfolio curated, clean, & simple. As a result, the hiring manager will find navigating your resume easier.
Well, if your portfolio is housed online, make sure you include a menu & a separate page for each category. Also, keep text to a minimum & let the images speak for themselves. Moreover, you should add a description to every image that includes the client/ company you did the work for, your role in the project, & achievements.
Make your portfolio engaging & easy to navigate by creating categories or grouping work under the umbrella of a client logo if it’s online. Visually, it’s cleaner to provide a snapshot of your work, whether that’s a featured article or a marketing campaign.
- Reflect On Your Personal Brand
Your portfolio should reflect the personal brand you have built through your online presence. This can be as simple as matching the look of your work profile on LinkedIn.
Well, you must note that a hiring manager is looking to get to know who you are. Therefore, a work portfolio is another opportunity to tell your story & what makes it unique.
In addition, you can include a short paragraph on why you choose a specific career. You can even add a personal flair to your portfolio. This will help you a lot!
However, remember that your personality is integral, but you must come across as a professional.
Physical Portfolios v/s Digital Portfolios
Newcomers often wonder if it is best to have a digital portfolio or a physical portfolio. Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to which is best. So, here are some pros & cons for both options.
- Physical Portfolios
A portfolio consists of a printed, physical copy of your work & achievements. However, today, most people create a digital portfolio. The benefit of a paper portfolio is that it’s instantly available in an in-person interview, thus making it easy to back up your skills & experience with hard copies of what you are capable of.
However, if you are interviewing virtually, it might be impossible to share your physical portfolio. Moreover, if you have to scan your portfolio & digitize it, it might be better to create a digital portfolio to begin with.
Another downside of having a physical portfolio is that you must invest in quality paper, color copying, presentation covers, etc. Thus, it would be quite costly.
- Digital Portfolios
A digital portfolio is inexpensive. All you need is a little storytelling & design work. An online version of your work is easier for virtual or panel interviews & can also be a vehicle for your creativity as well as technical skills. Thus, as a newcomer, if you are seeking a job, a digital portfolio enables you to showcase your work samples virtually.
However, the downside of having a digital portfolio is that you can’t rely on being able to present your online portfolio during the interview. Be sure to include the URL on your resume & LinkedIn profile so that the hiring manager can view it. Also, make sure that the portfolio is mobile-friendly.
Conclusion
In order to improve your job search in Canada, you need to have a strategic approach. Well, leveraging networking, honing your skills, & customizing your portfolio will help you in the competitive job market. Therefore, it is vital to stay persistent, proactive, & flexible to increase your chances of getting your desired job.
Remember to utilize all the points mentioned above so that it is easy for you to navigate the journey of seeking a job.
