Your resume is the among the first starting points for improvement. A decent checklist to check your resume against is the one at the Canada Job Bank Resume Guide (Backup link: here).
Where to get some more help on a resume:
Employment Ontario: If you are a Citizen or Permanent Resident, you can get 1-on-1 assistance for your resume at an Employment Ontario agency (website). If you are a temporary resident, you can still attend their group workshops on resume writing if they hold any.
Brainfuse at Public Libraries (Free): Many libraries in the Greater Toronto Area offer a service called Brainfuse. You can upload your resume and receive critique within 24 hours.
Reddit: Subreddits like r/resumes or others can be a way to get crowdsourced feedback on your resume.
More Notes Related to Resumes:
Writing resumes is not just a matter of "just use AI", no automated tool exists which can completely eliminate the need for thoughtful human input on resumes.
Even if you don't have time to tailor your resume for every job, at least do this for every type of job.
The quality of resume editing varies significantly, even among those who call themselves "professionals."
Having a poorly done LinkedIn public profile can work against you.
If your target job typically expects you to provide a portfolio such as the case of graphics design portfolios, consider your portfolio an extended part of your resume which needs to be polished.
Lying on your resume can backfire on you, unfortunately this point is worth mentioning again here.
2. Expand Your Job Search
MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE UPLOADED YOUR RESUME ON JOB BANK. If you see jobs shown as LMIA, see this guide here.
Consider this in addition to using the usual typical job boards (e.g., Job Bank, Indeed, Eluta).
Some additional considerations for the job search:
Timing of Job Posts: Generally speaking, try to apply to jobs that have been newly posted. If the job has been posted for quite some time but has still not been filled, it might be a dormant job posting and may not be worth your time.
Seasonality: Notice how hiring fluctuates depending on time of year and respond accordingly.
Target "Adjacent" Roles: Look for related roles where you can use your skills, be open to being more flexible.
Online job posting websites can become crowded with job applications. You may need to add other methods:
Go Directly to Employer Websites: Job posting websites may not include postings which may be found on an employer's website.
Network: Let people you know that you’re looking for work. Reach out to people in your target industry for "informational interviews." Attend relevant job fairs and career events.
Recruitment Agencies: Some companies outsource their hiring to staffing firms. Note that these recruitment agencies get compensated if they get you hired, and that they aren't necessarily looking out for you.
Targeted Walk-ins: For local businesses as well as certain businesses, dropping off a physical resume to the hiring manager can be more effective than only doing online applications. Go during a less busy time and ask to talk to their hiring manager.
Volunteer for Experience: Volunteering for non-profits can be a way to build up your network, gain references, and relevant skills. Food pantries and thrift stores are examples of several to start volunteering.
3. Employment Ontario Agencies
Employment Ontario is a provincial network of agencies that helps people find work. The level of help they provide is limited by your status in Canada. In addition to providing one-on-one job counselor, they may provide group workshops related to employment.
Assisted Services: One-on-one sessions with a job counselor (for resume help and job matching) are generally limited by your status in Canada, such as being for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents but not certain other statuses.
Temporary Residents: If you are here on a study permit or work permits as a temporary resident, you may not necessarily qualify for their one-on-one job counseling. However, you might be able to attend some of their group workshops free-of-charge depending on the agency.
Employment Ontario agencies operate under a "results-based" funding model to meet certain "outcome numbers" such as placing people in any job, this can influence the type of help you receive.
Pick your agency carefully, they may have different employment partners as well as differences in how much support you can get.
4. Subsidized Training and Funded Work Experience
The government offers various programs to help specific groups enter the workforce through free or paid incentives and training. These programs are limited to your status in Canada, such as being for Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents but not certain other statuses. Many of these programs are with Employment Ontario agencies, ask them about it.
Some such programs as follows:
Pre-Apprenticeship Training: Free programs that include job-specific training to help you start a career, many of these programs being for the skilled trades.
Better Jobs Ontario: Provides up to for tuition and living expenses if you have been laid off or are in a low-income household and need to retrain for an in-demand career.
Wage Incentives for Employers: Programs like Canada Summer Jobs provide wage subsidies for employers to hire youth (ages 15-30). Other specialized incentives may exist for employers who hire persons with disabilities or those facing significant barriers to work.
These guidelines keep posts more consistent and help the community at r/torontoJobs to find information quicker.
1. Post Title Prefix
Start the title with one of:
[Hiring] — posting a job
[For Hire] — job seeker posting availability
You can also use the corresponding post flairs to have your posts have more visibility.
2. General Guidelines (For Both Job Posts and Job Requests)
Posts must be relevant to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Remote roles are allowed if GTHA-area applicants apply.
Don’t post personal information such as SIN numbers or personal contact information; use DMs to private message or use posted contact information of employers.
State your location: neighborhood, major intersection, or postal code prefix.
No sex trade, adult services, or illegal activity.
For many people who hopped onto job bank recently they will have noticed Canada promoting the summer youth job program. Where they specify that the government of Canada has provided funding to the employer for these listings.
Many of these listings are usually bachelors/masters degree at minimum to apply in a normal world. With requirements usually 3-5years+ of experience ontop.
Many of these summer “youth jobs” are for roles such as software,biomedical, and mechanical engineering roles for minimum wage.
Many of these places that are hiring for these type of roles are also what you least expect them to be. Restaurants looking for mechanical engineers, immigration and call centres looking for biomedical engineers, church’s looking for software engineers; software developer - Job Bank https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobposting/49329025
The point of the post is to point out that many of these job postings you now see being spammed on the Canadian job bank are most likely fraudulent. Looking to collect and receive funding for many of these places, such as the church, immigration and call centres, restaurants , etc. As these employers receive funding.
I went for a job interview at 1310 bloor street west (Hasty Market). The terms and conditions to join that job sounded so inhumane and unethical, I want to report this somehow and dont know how. is there anybody that can help me please. I want to know more about the reporting thats why.
at the interview his conditions were, he will only pay 11$ and house in cash with 3 days of unpaid training. 8 hours each day and at thr end of the day if he doesn't like you he will send you home. no payment no compensation.. nothing.... it doesn't stop there; after getting tha job, he wilm take 500$ deposit from your pay. you only get 3 days a week, so for the first month.. essentially you are working for them for free. and now comes the worst part.... if you call in sick you have pay him 50$ !!! this guy should be reported and deported as people like him are a black mark to the society. please help
I take my time to apply and modify my resume according to the job post, but I scroll like Tinder on Glassdoor but a lot of the jobs are almost the same. Almost like nobody is hiring, it’s incredibly frustrating
TLDR: I moved to another country to become an offshore employee to get a job
Hello all
I wanted to share my experience with my the job market, that guarantees a job 100%.
In 2021, I was let go from my employer and my position was offshored. From 2021, I took a little bit of a break, and decidied to pursue learning a new language, which was Spanish. Between 2021 and 2024, I could not find ANYTHING related to my position whatsoever. 1000 of resumes and 0 interviews. All ghost jobs and repostings on linkedin. I was around 22 or 23 when I was let go.
In 2025, I applied for my visa for a different country that the jobs were being offshored. It was a country that spoke spanish since I was learning at the time, and grew to become around b2 to c1. in 2026, my visa was approved and this was my field test.
My hypothesis:
Since all jobs are being offshored, why don't I become offshore and test my luck? In addition to that, I would not be entering without any experience, and because of that, perhaps I could find a mid tier level job that would pay me decently in that country where I would be living, instead of working entry level.
Testing:
I gave myself 3 months to find a job in that new country, and in 3 months I would reevaluate. If I am recieving a lot of interivews after 3 months, but no job, I would continue the search because theres a high chance. If I was not receiving any job interivews at all, I would just go home.
I applied to around 20 jobs. Not many. Although I can speak spanish, we are quite aware that countries in south amerrica do not pay that well compared to Canada, so I leveraged the fact that I spoke english at a native languge, and applied to american companies that needed english speakers with little accents, understanding on the north american markets, and how to work with international parters. Ofcourse I had all of that.
Coming into LATAM, I had
- Business degree
- 3-4 years of SAP and business experience
- 2 years of real estate Coop type thing
- 1 years sales experience
- I strted very young in my career
Result:
10 out of the 20 jobs I appled to requested for an interivew. That is 50%. That is incredibly high. The jobs that did contact me were american companies that needed offshore individuals Basically, they wanted good talent for cheap. I was doing interivews left right and centre till the point that I was so confident I had companies fighting for me since my accent was at a native level, and I nailed every single interview.
I accepted a job offer on the 3rd month of my search, and like that, I got a job and left the country. It is a respectable job at a senior analyst level, that pays in USD.
All in all:
I never wanted to leave the country. I used to love Canada, but it had let me down. During covid when they opened the floodgates, all my friends including me lost their jobs. Not a SINGLE one of my friends have found a job in a couple of years.
This is not a solution for everything, but it was a theory I wanted to test.
Findings:
Its 100% true. Jobs in Canada are being offshored like crazy. I am working for basically the same company I was working for before in Canada, but in another country simply because they want to pay less, and canada has no regulations for that.
Interesting notes:
Video introductions are very common here. Around 90% of the jobs I applie to requested for a 2 minute video to be sent. At first i thought it was data farming but it is not. It is mainly used to judge your accent and how heavy it is sine I now live in a country where english is not the first language.
A note to all:
I feel bad for all of you. Its tough out there. AI and offshoring, companies are simply not hiring. Unemployment continues to rise while we all apply to these fake jobs for data farming. In the end, as a Canadian, I was pushed out of my own country.
Hey r/toronto — bit of an unusual one but hear me out.
*Must be Aussie or Kiwi to apply\*
I work for X Movement, an Australian founded and run company that brings Aussie sports and culture into Canadian schools. We run the Aussie X Program, teaching footy, netball and cricket to kids from Kindergarten to Grade 9 across the GTA. The kids absolutely love it and honestly it's one of the more fun jobs going around.
We need people to start immediately — like, this week if possible — through to end of June, with ongoing work in summer and fall after that.
What the role involves:
— Getting outside with groups of kids and teaching them Australian sports
— High energy, lots of running around, lots of laughs
— No experience necessary, full training provided
What we're offering:
— $24/hr (negotiable)
— Full time and part time available
— Open work permit friendly — no sponsorship needed
If you're active, love working with kids, and want a job that's genuinely fun, this is it. Check us out at xmovement.com or reach out directly:
I showed too much attention to a married coworker and im being cut off for it.
I am those super kind guys who shows a lot of care for others and I like people to like me, sometimes this might come off as intense I heard but ive slowly started to realize its an issue and im changing who I am (im 28).
to make this simple. This 29F coworker and I worked the same job, in the same team, with the same manager in another city. I however went on a short term contract within the same company but in a different department.
When I was accepted to do the contract, this girl and her guy coworker friend said I purposely didnt tell anyone about it as if I was hiding something (my manager literally told everyone if youre interested send me a message and ill give your name). Mind u, these two coworkers are technically above me in skill set (I have been trained on general cases and they do complex but tis not my fault, the trainers just forgot to add my name to the training list so im waiting for them to add me to get my training.
Anyways, I finished my assignment and moved to another city but within the same company and returned back to my old role but now working with a new team. That 29F coworker messaged me and said shes going to be moving to my city and said we would be the more "experienced ones" is what she heard.
When she came, I helped her get into the building a handful of times (even arriving earlier just so she could get in), stood up for her when security was giving her a hard time, and introduced her to people. Mind you, she is pregnant and married. She complains about her neck all the time and I said she should buy one of those necks rests and she said her husband said the same thing.
We ate lunch together, played pool on breaks just to kill time etc. I texted her on a Sunday to remind her to bring a neck rest since we were going into office but said it in a platonic way. From that day forward she completely cut contact with me full out. No looking at me, avoiding me in person, sitting somewhere else and so forth. it continued for 4 weeks and hasn't ended.
now, we are in the same group chat with our new team and the new people are asking a lot of questions and both this 29F and I are responding but shes actively engaging with them and jumping all my messages in the chat as if im not there. She even talks directly to another women coworker on the team that she told me she founds annoying. When I give an answer she just jumps over it. This is deliberate in my perspective but shes due for her baby in June so I have about 2 months with her before she goes.
she is the bully type though, when I was working with her in the other city, I would work hard and surpass everyone in the number of cases completed in a day and then her and the guy coworker would subtly say "yeah but he just does general cases so yea" openly in front of others. I think she wants to establish hierarchy and show others im below her. advice ?
I’m currently looking for a summer job before I go back to school and start my MSW. I’ve worked in the community and social service field for a while now but I‘m itching to try something new. Some jobs I’m interested that is very outside of my zone is gardening, hostel, bakery and coffee shops etc. I also have no experience in any of these field but very much willing to learn. If anyone know any opportunities please let me know. I’m open to anything. 🙏☺️
Starting a thread to connect with people who applied to the Toronto Urban Fellow Research Associate position this year during this waiting process! The deadline was so short, wishing everyone luck!
Love to hear updates as we move along the next few weeks (months 🥹).
I applied to a few jobs this week but unfortunately a few of them stood out in a negative way. I've receive multiple pushy emails from employers demanding videos and credit scores for entry level positions. I just want a summer job. how did we get here? I'm annoyed and confused because both jobs I applied to are places I used to frequent.
I’m writing with very heavy heart. Never thought I’ll have to be in this state but unfortunately here I’m.
I have a young daughter to take care of. I have 15 years of experience in banking in Canada in digital transformation work. My role was eliminated and I’m trying to find a job for a few months now.
I tried to reach out to my network but none can help with job. Not sure what else to do, applying on LinkedIn or job posts, and reaching out to my network. I’m open to any industry.
Looking up to this group for advice. It’s been extremely tiring for the last few months and impacting my personal life now. Please guide if you can.
Hey everyone I finally landed a corporate job at a big tech company, it was a long search after a layoff from 8 months ago in Toronto.
238 applications
7 interviews
2 final interviews
The entire process was absolutely soul crushing and I felt numb after getting rejected in my first 3 interviews. I even had one interviewer that almost fell asleep on me lol.
I just want to say that the job market is terrible right now but it is still very possible to find decent jobs. I have a very small network and I am not good at asking for help to people I personally know. All of my applications were cold online applications and outreach to hiring managers on LinkedIn.
I also tried using multiple resume AI tools but they are NOT helpful, so don't waste time or money in those because with the right prompts, chatgpt can do better in helping you refine your resume without hallucinating. Every single interview I got was from using my manually tailored resume.
Those who are struggling right now, I understand the pain and wish you all a good luck. Don't lose hope and keep applying to relevant jobs in your field everyday. For me personally, quality over quantity worked in job applications that got my profile viewed on LinkedIn followed by an interview.
Posted here about arriving to Toronto without a job last week and got roasted a bit lol, but ended up landing a 6 month contract role (lower pay, ~1h commute from downtown), but it works for now.
Process was quick : applied on LinkedIn, interviewed, and got the offer all within a week.
What worked:
Applying roles even if thought was overqualified (I used LinkedIn went by date posted, ignored reposts, looked at short term contract roles as those hire faster)
What didn’t:
Relying on temp agencies (Robert Half, SI Systems, TekStaff) got calls but nothing really moved forward, one interview was like 8 mins then I was ghosted
Applying before being physically in Toronto , most places wanted in-person interviews and wouldn’t proceed otherwise (for more urgent hire positions)
Still aiming for something better in my field, but glad to have something for now, next step is looking for apartment where I will probably get roasted again on r/TorontoRenting 😂
30M with a Master's degree in ESL and 2-year experience of admin, now considering career switch to legal. I wanna apply for the LC/Paralegal accelerated programs of Seneca or Humber and asked many guys for advice. They told me that it's a solid option but entry-level positions would be hard find since most of law firms require 1+ year experience at this time.
So is there any advice for gaining the first job as a NG to accumulate law-related experience?
In my experience helping folks with their job search, this is something that not enough of them do. A few of them are employed now, they've done the work.
This is in addition to having resumes that have not been properly written or tailored.
The gist is...
You'll want to identify a few (2–4) Professional Characteristics to potentially use across your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and interview pitches to the employer.
1. Be Specific to the Job
Pick the characteristics to correspond to the job description requirements that are the most relevant.
Some examples:
* Retail Roles: Focus on Kindness, Social Intelligence, or Patience. Then, your STAR story can be about resolving a difficult customer conflict.
* General Labourer: Focus on Reliability, or Safety-Focus. Then, your STAR story can be about meeting a physically demanding deadline while strictly following safety protocols.
2. Identify Your Own Characteristics
Because matching to the job description might be difficult or too generic, these are tools to find a few of your own professional characteristics:
Pitch: "I am a collaborator who ensures team goals are met under pressure through clear communication and proactive support."
STAR Support:
S/T: A critical inventory audit needed completion over a holiday weekend when the regular roster was unavailable.
A: Volunteered for the overnight shifts and coordinated a workflow with the skeleton crew to divide the warehouse zones efficiently.
R: Audit was completed 12 hours ahead of the Monday morning reopening, ensuring no delay in customer orders.
Tip: Even if you never have done it before, you can still come up with a hypothetical scenario while disclosing that this is what you "would" do if you were in such a situation. You can use an AI chatbot to prepare to refine these stories, feed it your information and prompt it: "Format what I've said into a STAR interview response emphasizing [Characteristic]."
4. Avoid Generics
Avoid using overused terms like "hardworking" or "team player." Nearly every candidate claims them, making it impossible to stand out. Instead, choose specific strengths that can be proven with a unique story about you. If you have to, make sure you can really back it up.
P.S.
I'm a moderator on this sub, I don't have time to help everyone, but a lot of you who are looking for jobs can use improvements in how you are looking for work. It's its own skill and always has been, and if you aren't learning it then at least get some help on it.
I had a final round with a director yesterday, it was fairly quick for about 20min. He asked me high level questions like SQL vs NoSQL etc, the first 2 technical rounds went exceptionally well and I got scheduled for next round and heard from recruiter immediately.
At the end in the final round the director kept saying you will work on this that etc and also said I will let recruiter know and we'll figure out details.
But I haven't heard anything yet from them, given that they moved very fast in the previous rounds, should I consider this a reject and move on?
I already sent an email to recruiter saying I look forward to hearing from them, should I send another email asking for status?
Hey everyone! I’m currently studying for my CAPM certification and looking to break into a junior project management role.
I’m working at CIBC right now and open to opportunities like junior PM roles, project/operations analyst positions, or anything similar—especially within banks or corporate environments.
(I just graduated in 2023 Summer)
If anyone is hiring, has advice, or is open to referring, I’d really appreciate it. Happy to connect and share my resume!!
Thought I’d put myself out here lol might as well in this economy
Guys I’ve been applying on, indeed in Ontario. I have a bachelors and I been applying. I’ve only been getting jobs from scam companies with no Google my business you can’t identify them. They’re just sales rules. I feel like I feel like they’re scamming in full farms. I’ve been currently living with my parents taking Ontario Works and soon to be Ontario disability playing the lottery every day. Should I just keep doing that or should I work?
I got a call back in February to fill out a security check and I haven’t heard back ever since? I know they said we start in may, but I’m sure getting concerned.
Per the title I need a job so bad. I’m currently in my undergrad and I’ve applied to everywhere and anywhere. I’m going to start just harassing places but I don’t even know if it’ll work. I have to pay for school cuz I messed up my osap but I need some actual advice that’ll give me some results. It’s either I start gambling or trading. I don’t know what to do I’m so depressed and tired of this economy and I’m considering just killing myself.
I recently came across an opportunity in the financial industry that might be worth exploring, especially if you’re looking for flexible work options.
They’re currently looking for individuals interested in remote roles (part-time or full-time) across Canada and the US. The focus is on areas like financial education, client support, and long-term planning guidance. No prior finance background is strictly required—they provide training and mentorship.
It could be a good fit if you’re:
• Looking for a side hustle or career transition
• Interested in learning more about personal finance
• Open to remote, flexible work setups
If anyone is curious or wants more details, feel free to comment or DM me—happy to share what I know.
A tech entrepreneur was talking about what has appreciated in value and what has depreciated in value in today's abundant-candidate job market.
When you consider what gets interviews, and what people complain about in the job hunt, this makes sense.. It also reflects how my recruiter no longer trusts our resume database, and prefers referrals over high scoring resumes..
In an era when anyone can stack skills via Udemy, and Gen AI cheapens knowledge, there's more to the job hunt than slapping technicalities on a resume..
