1. Understanding visa requirements and regulations
Do you know that a valid SIN (Social Insurance Number) is required to work in Canada? Attend relevant events offered by Student Success Centre (SSC) to learn more about eligibility to work in Canada. If you have questions, contact (immigration@mcmaster.ca).
2. Utilize university career services
We offer resources tailored for international students, including workshops and one-on-one appointments for resume writing, job search planning, networking, interview practicing and more. Visit OSCARplus to register for events or book an appointment with a career advisor.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter
Highlight relevant skills according to the job description and qualifications that make you a valuable candidate (e.g. language skills, cultural competencies).
4. Gain relevant experience
Engage in volunteer opportunities, part-time jobs and internships to build your resume. Connect with our experiential learning team to help you find opportunities tailored to your current skill level, helping you build the necessary experience to advance your career.
5. Network
Build and leverage your network. Attend school events, job fairs and industry nights. Connect with peers, alumni, professors and professionals as networking can lead to unposted job opportunities.
6. Develop strong interview skills
Practice common interview questions and get comfortable with articulating your skills and experiences confidently. You can access McMaster Big Interview for free for lists of questions and develop your interview skills based on your industry of interest.
7. Find appropriate references
Secure strong references from previous employers, internship supervisors or professors who can attest to your skills, work ethic and achievements. Do not include your reference contact information in your resume but have them prepared when going to an interview.
8. Be confident speaking about your skills and accomplishments
Strong communication skills are crucial in the workplace. If you are looking to improve your English language skills, check out the McMaster Office for the Development of English Language Learners (MODEL), offering English-language training, workshops and support.
9. Be aware of canadian workplace culture
This includes dress code, workplace etiquette and communication styles.
10. Be persistent and positive
The job search process can be long and challenging, but persistence pays off. Stay positive and keep refining your approach.
Additional tips and resouces
Job scams are job offers that seem too good to be true, require upfront payment or ask for personal information early in the process. Please consult with us if you are unsure.
General Job Sites
- OSCARPlus
- Indeed
- Eluta
- McMaster Magnet Today
- JobPostings
- LinkedIn Jobs
- TalentEgg
- Monster
- Career Builder
- CareerEdge
Please check our Job Search Strategy tip sheet for more job sites and directories.
Further resources and supports
Career Fairs:
- McMaster hosts two large recruitment events annully, one in September and one in March. Registration in OSCARplus.
- Devant is an organization that hosts free events for international students and alumni, including their annual virtual hiring expo.
Company Recruitment and Information Session:
Company events and industry nights are posted on OSCARplus, both under the Student Success Centre and your faculty events calendar.
One-on-one Services:
- Meet with a Student Success Centre’s Career Advisor to connect about job search strategies
- Book an appointment on OSCARplus / SSC / Appointments / Career Counselling and Job Search
- Career Drop-ins: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Gilmour Hall 110)
- First come basis, approximately 15-20 minute meetings