Job Search Strategies

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Essential Strategies for Job Searching in Canada

  1. Leverage the National Occupational Classification (NOC) System
  2. Utilize Online Job Portals
  3. Networking
  4. Resume and Cover Letter
  5. Prepare for Interviews
  6. Internships and Volunteer Positions
  7. Upgrade Your Skills: Consider pursuing additional certifications or training to meet Canadian standards

Leverage the National Occupational Classification NOC

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) system is an essential structure in Canada’s employment sector, organizing every job in the labor market into a detailed classification system and assigning a unique code to each occupation. This facilitates a standardized understanding and categorization of jobs for statistical, administrative, and research purposes, simplifying job identification and comparison, and playing a key role in workforce planning and policy development. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the NOC system is regularly updated to reflect the changing labor market, ensuring it remains current with new roles and employment trends. Its importance transcends administrative and policy uses, serving as a vital tool for job seekers and employers alike, making it a foundational element of Canada’s employment landscape, and influencing both the labor market and immigration processes.

The NOC code is a four-digit numerical system that the Canadian government uses to describe every job in the Canadian labor market. It is a comprehensive framework that categorizes over 30,000 job titles into 500 unit groups, organized based on the type of work performed, the industry sector, and the skill level required. This system is crucial for managing various employment-based programs, including immigration and employment insurance.

Structure of the NOC

The NOC structure is meticulously organized into a hierarchical system that includes skill types, skill levels, and the job titles themselves.

  • Skill Types (0 to 9): The first digit of the NOC code represents the broad occupational category or skill type, ranging from management positions to occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport.
  • Skill Levels (A, B, C, D): The second digit specifies the skill level required for the job, from A (occupations usually requiring university education) to D (labor jobs that entail on-the-job training). This aspect of the NOC helps to classify jobs based on the complexity and the educational requirements needed for entry.
  • Unit Groups: The last two digits of the NOC code pinpoint the specific job within its broader category and skill level. This detailed classification facilitates a more precise identification and analysis of labor market needs.

TIER categories and examples of jobs

TIER OCCUPATION TYPES EXAMPLES
Tier 0 Management occupations Advertising, marketing and Public Relations Manager, Financial Managers.
Tier 1 Occupations that usually require a university degree. Financial Advisors, Software Engineers.
Tier 2 Occupations that usually require

  • A college diploma
  • Apprenticeship training of 2 or more years, or
  • Supervisory occupations
 Computer Network and Web Technicians, Medical Laboratory Technologists.
Tier 3 Occupations that usually require

  • A college diploma
  • Apprenticeship training of less than 2 years, or
  • More than 6 months of on-the-job training
 Bakers, Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants.
Tier 4 Occupations that usually require

  • A high school diploma, or
  • Several weeks of on-the-job training
 Home Child Care Providers, Retail Salesperson and Visual Merchandisers.
Tier 5 Occupations that usually need short-term work demonstration and no formal education Landscaping and Ground Maintenance Labourers, Delivery Service Drivers and Door-to-door Distributors.