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Is it Easy to Get a Job in Vancouver?

I wouldn’t say it’s easy to get a job in Vancouver, but if you follow these steps below based on what others did, it will be a lot smoother for you.

I have heard that it’s hard to find a job in advance before landing in Vancouver, but you should still start your search early before you get here. I have spoken with recruiters and CEO’s to find out exactly what Canadian employers are looking for. Here are all my tips.

I’m going to warn you that the job market is rough right now in all industries, it isn’t easy to get a job in Vancouver unless you do the work. Don’t let that deter you, though! Once you secure a job, you’ll have a pretty good work-life balance in Vancouver compared to other countries.

The minimum vacation 2 weeks per year.

I’ve seen a lot of construction-related jobs around and heard of people doing that as they land here temporarily. They are desperate for people and you don’t need education or experience in a lot of cases.

Networking makes it easy to get a job in Vancouver

I highly suggest finding work through networking. Through my experience and talking to others, the best way to find work is through someone you know. I have got all my jobs locally through knowing people. Try to go to one Meetup or Luma event that is relevant to your job at least every week. Then make it clear to people you are looking.

Resume templates

I easily got a job with template #1 and made my brother’s resume with template #2 and we both got jobs easily. This is also using the recommendations I have got from others to match what Canadian employers are looking for.

Update your Canadian resume

After speaking with a lot of folks in Vancouver, I’ve heard it’s best to make your resume more “Canadian”.

Include your Canadian/BC phone number
Don’t include a photo (there are sometimes rules around having photos and it’s not standard in BC/Canada)
Target it to the role you’re applying for
Do not use AI, even in emails, make it human
Remove any personal information
Make sure it is only 2-3 pages long max
Try to get one year experience in Canada, then move on to a better role

How to find a job in Vancouver easily beyond just applying

Update your LinkedIn and keep active, post regularly
Network. Go to at least 2 events per week
Find the person hiring and call them
Find the person hiring or someone within the company and ask to go for a coffee
Add the “Head of” or higher up at a company, do not send a note with it (this performs worse) and then after they accept, send them a casual message
Try going through an agency

Websites to find a job in Vancouver

Again, I recommend not just spam applying but following the steps above

  • LinkedIn
    • Create Canadian connections there, and you can apply for jobs.
  • RemoteOK
    • If you are looking for a remote job specifically, this site is great.
  • Indeed
    • For a variety of jobs.
  • Facebook
    • You can find newcomer Facebook groups or relevant job groups.

Travel and Work in Vancouver

  • Travel and work
    • Another option is to go through a work and travel program. This might not be great long term, but sounds fun and gets you a start here. Some of these work+travel companies offering this are listed under:
      • Recognized Organizations (RO)

How to easily find a job in Vancouver immediately?

  • Check temp agencies, you can often get a job right away. You can look for
  • Join Facebook groups, they often have cash in hand jobs.
  • Check for seasonal work, usually over the holiday season in winter or during summer they look for a lot of people at once.

Are you hiring?

Reach out to me at jaycee@movingtovancouver.ca

Next Steps

Continue on with your checklist:

Moving to BC Checklist (Updated 2025)

Before getting a job, you will need a visa or PR:

IEC Visa Requirements