How to get a job in Canada – with a recruiter

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Benefits of using a recruiter in Canada
Types of recruiters in Canada
Finding the right recruiter for your needs
Preparing for meetings with recruiters
What recruiters look for in candidates
Negotiating job offers with a recruiter's help
FAQs

Your timing couldn’t be better.

In fact, today’s candidate-driven market may provide the best time in a very long time to finding a job.

But is the do-it-yourself approach the most effective way of finding a job?

Not necessarily.

There might be plenty of jobs out there, but they’re not all good jobs.

If you’re like most job hunters, you’ve been disappointed with many of the open roles you see on job boards or by the responses to your applications, or maybe you’ve been underwhelmed by the offers you’ve received.

And when you do see an attractive opening, it’s been difficult to muster the energy to write yet another cover letter and tailor yet another resume after a long day of work, house chores or other responsibilities.

That’s where a professional job recruiter can help.

In any market, when it comes to finding a job — that is, finding a good job — two heads are better than one.

Whether you’re seeking a permanent, contract or contract-to-hire role, and whether you prefer it to be remote or onsite, working with a specialized recruitement agency is one of the best ways to find work.

Having a top-notch recruiter in your corner is like having your own personal advocate, someone who can help you find the ideal role, prepare for the interview and negotiate the salary. Plus, you’ll pay no fee.

This article will break down how to get a job in Canada and how to partner effectively with a recruiter to accomplish this.

The best job recruiters know your local market — who’s hiring, who’s planning to hire and the open roles that aren’t yet publicly posted. Professional recruiters build extensive networks and strong relationships with client companies, having earned a solid reputation for delivering talent. That means they know what those employers want.

And a global talent solutions firm such as Robert Half Canada, with offices across the country, can produce leads outside your area for jobs in your field — a huge advantage when there is such a demand for skilled talent.

A good recruiter will also get to know you — your skills, your goals, your workstyle and your preferred workplace culture. It’s a professional familiarity that goes deeper than any list of attributes and interests presented on a resume. This personalized approach to working with you is critical to placing you in a job where you’ll be happiest.

Learn more about what a professional recruiter can do, beyond finding a job for you.

Job recruiters do more than share your resume. They’re in direct communication with hiring managers or their HR counterparts, so your application isn’t treated as another name without a face. The recruiter can advocate for you, highlight your talents and how they suit the employer’s needs, and vouch for your soft skills (difficult to gauge from only a resume and cover letter, but always of great interest to an employer). Keep in mind: having a connection with a recruiter opens opportunities that might not have been readily available on a job board.

Finding a job takes time and energy — both in short supply if you’re already working a 9-5. Rather than spending hours each week scanning job boards or preparing applications, you can partner with a job recruiter who can put you in almost instant contact with employers looking for someone with your skillset.

In Canada, you'll encounter a few different types of recruiters depending on your job search and the company you're targeting:

Retained recruiters: Work with employers on a retainer basis, meaning the employer pays a fee upfront regardless of whether a suitable candidate is found. This is often used for high-level or specialized positions.

Industry recruiters: Specialize in specific industries like technology, finance, or healthcare. They have a deep understanding of the skills and experience required for those sectors.

Executive Search: Focus on senior-level positions and C-suite executives. They typically use a more targeted and confidential approach.

Temporary and contract recruitment agencies: Connect job seekers with temporary or contract work opportunities. These agencies often handle high-volume recruitment needs and may pre-screen candidates before sending them to client companies.

Robert Half specializes in contract, permanent and executive search recruitment for key professional industries. Learn more about our services and how they can help kickstart your job search.

Finding the right recruiter in Canada requires some research and effort, but it can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Take the time to consider the size and type of companies you'd like to work for. Some recruiters focus on startups, while others work with large corporations. Recruiters will also cater to different stages of your career, depending on if you are entry-level or a seasoned expert.

You need to look for recruiters with a proven history of placing candidates in similar roles within your industry. You can search online for reviews and testimonials about the recruiter's services.

Try to research the recruiter's background, their agency's specialization, and any client companies they work with.

Ensure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your most relevant skills and experience for the types of jobs you're interested in. Update your portfolio if applicable to showcase your work.

It’s worth also preparing for some preliminary interview questions about your skills and career goals, and ensure you have a list of questions to also ask the recruiter.

When you meet a recruiter for the first time, like any job interview, ensure you arrive early, bring any necessary documentation, highlight your skills and value, and actively listen/engage with the recruiter.

Recruiters act as a bridge between job seekers and employers, so they look for qualities in candidates that will be a good fit for both parties.

Your skills and experience should directly align with the requirements listed in the job description, so you should demonstrate relevant technical skills, certifications, or software proficiency.

You need to showcase your past achievements and how you've applied your skills to solve problems or achieve results and quantify your achievements whenever possible using metrics or data.

Recruiters will also assess your ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. This includes active listening and expressing your ideas effectively.

It’s important to do your research, so check the average salaries for your specific position, industry, and experience level in Canada. This will give you a strong baseline for negotiation. Our salary calculator, which provides average salaries for hundreds of roles across Canada, tailored to the experience and location, is a great place to start.

Before any official offer is made, discuss your desired salary range and benefits with your recruiter. Be transparent about your expectations and ask for their guidance on the negotiation process specific to the company and role.

Recruiters are experienced negotiators and have established relationships with hiring managers. Let them advocate for your desired compensation package based on your previous discussions.

Even with your recruiter's help, be prepared to have some back-and-forth communication with the employer. Be professional, courteous, and confident in your value proposition.

If the offer doesn't meet your minimum requirements, be prepared to walk away. A good recruiter will understand your position and may be able to find a better fit elsewhere.

Once you reach an agreement, ensure all the details of the offer, including salary, benefits, and start date, are clearly outlined in a written document.

Is it worth using a recruiter to find a job in Canada?

Yes, using a recruiter to find a job can be worthwhile. Apart from the benefits mentioned earlier in this article, there are many ways that recruiters with your career prospects. For example, talking money and negotiating better benefits is a skill — one that professional job recruiters are very good at. Their access to the latest salary data and knowledge of what perks and benefits are standard in your industry means you’ll have an ally with the insight and acumen to negotiate a compensation package both you and the employer will be happy with.

A professional recruiter can also help you identify and build up the skills you might need for the roles you’re pursuing. Robert Half Canada, for example, gives job candidates free access to online training courses to help them build their skill set and stay competitive. That’s not a benefit you’d want to shrug off. Finding a job might be your immediate goal, but adding to your expertise could enhance the trajectory of your career path and increase your salary potential. It’s always great to know what skills you will need to the future of work as well, and that’s where a Robert Half recruiter can add long-term value.

How much does a recruiter cost in Canada?

Generally, job seekers in Canada don't directly pay the recruiter's fee. Recruiters typically get paid by the employer who hires the candidate.

What types of jobs do recruiters specialize in Canada?

Recruiters across Canada will specialize in most sectors and industries, but the most common areas will include finance, accounting, technology, marketing, administration, customer support or legal. Robert Half specializes in placing talent across all these functions in Canada. Contact us today for more information.

What information should I include when contacting a recruiter?

Your name and contact information, a brief description of your current employment situation and career stage, what your career goals are, and a summary of your core skills and experience.

It can also help to include your current availability, geographical preferences for work and your intentions for reaching out to a recruiter.

Will recruiters help you with your resume?

Whether you’re an industry veteran or entering the job market with little work history, you need a carefully crafted resume that’s compelling, honest, and customized for the role you’re pursuing. Putting that together can be a tall order, even overwhelming. But you can spare yourself a lot of stress and pain with an expert in your corner.

A job recruiter will offer honest feedback on your drafts, advice on how to highlight your talents and successes, and where to tailor your resume for the positions you apply for. If you have a portfolio to show, the recruiter can help with that, too. The recruiter’s job is to help you get a job. They’re going to make sure your application presents you in the best possible light.

What are common interview questions from Canadian recruiters?

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Why are you interested in this position (or our company)?

Describe a time you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.

What are your salary expectations? 

Are you authorized to work in Canada?

Are you fluent in both English and French (depending on the region)?

Should I discuss my salary and benefits with a recruiter?

Discussing your salary and benefits expectations with a recruiter in Canada can be beneficial for both you and the recruiter.

Recruiters work with companies offering various salary ranges and benefits packages. By sharing your expectations upfront, the recruiter can focus on finding positions that align with your needs, saving you time and effort applying for jobs outside your desired range.

Discussing your salary expectations also allows the recruiter to negotiate on your behalf with the employer. They can leverage their experience and relationship with the company to advocate for a competitive offer within your desired range.

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