Common Canadian Job Application Mistakes Made by Newcomers

According to Statistics Canada, job vacancies fell to about 492,500 in the third quarter of 2025, meaning that more people are hunting for fewer jobs.

In a Canadian jobs market like this, small mistakes in your application matter more than usual. Things that might have been overlooked before can now quietly cost you interviews.

The good news is that most job application mistakes are common, understandable, and fixable. Below are some of the ones I see most often, along with concrete ways to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Using a resume that does not match Canadian expectations

Resumes do not work the same way everywhere, and many newcomers are never clearly told that Canadian employers expect a specific format.

In Canada, resumes are usually one to two pages long, written in reverse chronological order, and focused on outcomes rather than long task lists. Employers generally expect a clean layout, no photos, and no personal details such as age or marital status.

Just as important, Canadian employers expect your resume to change from job to job. That means choosing different aspects to highlight for each job application.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Use a clear reverse chronological structure, starting with your most recent role.
• Keep the length appropriate. One page is often enough early in your career, while two pages is typical for more experienced professionals.
• Describe your work in terms of quantifiable results. For example, what improved, what you delivered, or what changed because of your work.
• Adjust the emphasis for each role so the most relevant experience is easy to find.

If you want a detailed breakdown with examples, check our guide to writing a Canadian resume.

Mistake #2: Skipping the cover letter or sending a generic one

Many newcomers assume cover letters are optional or outdated. In Canada, they’re often expected and they can make or break your application.

A missing cover letter or generic one can weaken your application. When employers are comparing many qualified candidates, a thoughtful cover letter can help them understand why you are applying and how you see yourself fitting the role.

What to do instead:

• Include a cover letter with every application unless the employer explicitly says not to.
• Open by naming the role and briefly explaining why it caught your attention.
• Use the job posting as a guide for language and priorities, but keep the writing natural (i.e. don’t rely on ChatGPT to churn out a cover letter that reads like generic AI writing).
• Focus on one or two relevant strengths rather than trying to cover everything you have ever done.

For practical advice and examples, check out our 2026 guide to writing a Canadian cover letter.

Mistake #3: Sending generic applications

When you’re eager to find work, it can feel tempting to apply to every job posting in your industry. It feels productive, but generic applications almost never land an interview.

Hiring managers can usually tell when a resume or cover letter was not written with their role in mind. Even strong candidates can be overlooked if their application feels unfocused.

What to do instead:

• Slow down and focus on roles that genuinely fit your experience.
• Edit both your resume and cover letter so they clearly reflect the job posting.
• Pay attention to wording, responsibilities, and required skills in the job posting, then mirror them where appropriate in your application.

This approach takes more time, but it tends to lead to better responses. For a step-by-step breakdown, check out our guide to targeted job applications.

Mistake #4: Ignoring networking altogether

Many jobs in Canada are filled through referrals or internal recommendations. That does not mean every job comes from networking, but relying only on online applications can limit your chances.

Networking does not have to be uncomfortable or transactional. In many cases, it is simply about learning how your industry works in Canada.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Attend industry events, professional meetups, and newcomer networking sessions.
• Use LinkedIn to connect with people in your field and ask thoughtful questions about their work.
• Request informational interviews to learn about career paths, hiring practices, and expectations.

If networking feels unclear or intimidating, our guide to networking in Canada can help you take the first steps.

Mistake #5: Not addressing the “Canadian experience” question

Some employers still look for Canadian experience, especially when they are unfamiliar with international education or work histories. Is this cultural bias? Absolutely, but it still exists. This can feel discouraging, but ignoring it rarely helps.

Canadian experience doesn’t have to mean years in a full-time role. Small steps can still make a difference.

What to do:

• Look for ways to gain local experience through volunteering, internships, or short contracts.
• Consider entry-level or transitional roles that help you build familiarity with Canadian workplaces.
• Make sure any Canadian experience you gain is clearly visible on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

For more context on how employers think about this, check out our recent article on making international experience stand out in your application.

Mistake #6: Delaying credential recognition or licensing

In regulated professions, employers often expect your credentials to be recognized in Canada or at least in progress. Newcomers sometimes wait until after arriving or after applying for jobs to start this process, which can slow everything down.

Credential recognition and licensing can take time and employers know this.

What to do:

• Research the regulator or licensing body for your profession in the province where you want to work.
• Start the recognition process as early as possible, even before arriving in Canada if you can (though, this is not possible for all professions – some require you to be in Canada to begin the process).
• If licensing is underway, note this clearly in your applications.

This step is especially important in fields like healthcare, engineering, teaching, and skilled trades. Not sure if your job is regulated in Canada? Check out our guide on regulated occupations.

Mistake #7: Applying without proper Canadian work authorization

Canadian employers cannot hire someone who does not have authorization to work in Canada. While it is possible for an employer to support a work permit in certain situations – typically by applying for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) – this involves additional cost and paperwork.

Because of this, many employers only pursue LMIA-based work permits for highly specialized roles.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Gain your authorization to work before applying. This means getting approval for your work permit, study permit, or permanent residence before applying for jobs. You may also apply for jobs while your immigration is in progress, but it will limit your chances.
• Be clear and honest about your eligibility to work in Canada.
• Understand that employer-sponsored LMIAs are the exception, not the norm.

You can learn more about work permits and Canadian work eligibility here.

Mistake #8: Limiting your job search to major cities only

Large cities attract the most job seekers, which also means the most competition. In some industries, opportunities are stronger in smaller cities or regions that receive fewer applications.

Now, you might have your heart set in living in a hub like Toronto or Vancouver. That’s alright! But if you’re willing to be flexible in where you’ll live, you might want to consider job opportunities outside the major cities.

What to do:

• Research labour market demand by region and industry.
• Compare cost of living and job availability, not just job titles.
• Stay open to opportunities outside major hubs if your situation allows.

Want to explore the many places to live in Canada? Check out our destination guides.

Most newcomers make several of the mistakes in this article, especially early in their job search. That’s totally fine, expected even! It takes time to understand the jobs market and application process in a new country.

You don’t need to fix everything at once. Pick one or two areas to improve on this week, then fix another area next week, and keep building from there. Following our tips and tricks will help guide this process and you’ll be sending top-tier job applications in no time.

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