Edmonton Jobs: How to Get a Job in Edmonton

‍Perhaps the hardest part of moving to a new city is also one of the most important: Finding a job. Moving to Edmonton and landing your dream job there may seem like an impossible task, but fear not! It’s not as hard as it sounds. If you’re thinking about making the move from another city or even another province, do your research and plan ahead so that you can have an easier time finding a job in Edmonton. In fact, it’s much better to secure a job before you more. There are tons of jobs available in Edmonton, the trick is just knowing where to find them, what you’ll need to apply for them, who you need to know to get in the door for an interview, and other insider information. We’ve got all kinds of helpful tips and tricks to help you snag yourself a job in Edmonton!

Jump-start your Edmonton job search with a resume critique

Before you even start applying for jobs in Edmonton, you should make sure your resume is up-to-date, clean, and error-free. It’s a given that hiring managers will look at your resume before deciding whether or not to even call you in for an interview. Your resume is your first impression. Make sure it’s a good one! There are tons of free resume critique websites out there. Some are even specific to your field. If you’re having a hard time finding one that caters to your specific industry or job role, you can always ask a friend or family member to give you a quick critique. It’s always better to have a clean, up-to-date resume than a messy, old one. If you’re a new graduate, you’ll need to put your education and experience on your resume, but also list your coursework, extracurricular activities, and other qualifications. If you’re new to the workforce, it’s a good idea to start a side business or volunteer somewhere to show off your skills and get some work experience on your resume. Don’t worry if you don’t have tons of work experience yet; some companies want to see potential and growth in their employees. However, it’s important to make up for inexperience with other qualifications, like a degree or a high GPA.

Words of caution: Many employers don’t care about your GPA – a 4.0 probably means you have no social skills. A wise professor once said, “A students teach B students to work for C students.”

Also, be warry of people offering resume writing services. If they work for the government then they likely got that job for non-competitive reasons, not their actual skills or quality of their own resume. Paying $500 for a resume consultant is a complete scam – you’re better off asking actual employers what they like to see. Go to NAIT and ask to talk to a career development officer for examples of resumes that actually got the job.

Know your desired field before you start looking

It may seem like common sense, but knowing what you want to do is the first step to finding a job in Edmonton. Don’t just say “I want a job in a field that pays well.” You need to know what types of jobs you’re qualified for and what skills you have that can translate into those fields. If you’re not sure what you want to do, it may be a good idea to find a career counselor to walk you through the different fields and help you find what fits you best. Keep in mind that the economy and job market will shift over time and different fields will become more or less desirable. If you’re a new graduate, you’ll probably want to start in your chosen field, but if you’ve been in the workforce for a while, you can apply for jobs in other fields as well. The worst that can happen is you don’t get the job, so there’s no harm in applying for something that’s out of your comfort zone.

Network, Network, Network

Once you’ve decided what fields you want to apply to and what jobs you want, start looking for connections. Even if you’ve never met the person, networking can be one of the easiest ways to find your next job. There are tons of networking events in Edmonton that help connect people in your industry. If there isn’t one near you, don’t worry; there are plenty of online networking options as well. You can join or create a career networking group on LinkedIn, or join a forum or online community for your industry. If you’ve been in the workforce for a long time and don’t have many connections, you can also reach out to hiring managers directly. Let them know that you’re looking for a job, and ask them if they know of any opportunities they think would be a good fit for you. However, you should also make sure you’re not coming across as desperate; you don’t want to come off as needing a job so badly that you’ll take anything. Be helpful and provide hiring managers with information so that they can refer you to their colleagues and other contacts in the field.

Words of caution: Applying for jobs with the City of Edmonton or the provincial government is a mine-field. Many of the job postings are “fake.” What do we mean by fake? Well, by law, many jobs have to be offered to the public but their a long queue of union employees at the front of the line. One person we spoke with sent over 300 applications to various government job listings – person had both a degree and an M.B.A., was a woman, and an immigrant. That’s a lot of checked boxes. The result – zero interviews!

If anything will help you find a good job in Edmonton, it’s insiders to the company.

Don’t neglect the small jobs and contract roles

Contract and part-time jobs can be a great way to get your foot in the door in a new city, earn some cash while you’re job hunting, or find something that fits your schedule. While these types of jobs aren’t ideal for everyone, they can be a great way to get experience and build your network. If you’re not sure where to find these types of jobs, try reaching out to your school’s career center, asking your friends and family if they know of any options, or using a site like Upwork or Remote Job Boards to find one-off and contract work. If you’re thinking about taking on a contract job, or any part-time work, make sure you understand the terms of your employment and that they’re consistent with your rights as an employee.

Take care of your mental health

Starting a new job can be challenging, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. It’s important to take care of yourself during this transition. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and setting aside time to do things you enjoy. If you’re new to the workforce and need some tips on how to navigate it, reach out to your school’s career center. They may be able to help you navigate the different aspects of your new job, like benefits, taxes, and other things that can be overwhelming for new employees. They can also help you find a job in Edmonton that’s a good fit for you.