Skip Navigation
Visit novascotialife.com

Looking for a Job

Finding employment is a job in itself. From identifying the appropriate contacts to writing a cover letter, you will face many challenges and need to make many decisions. We have collected sites and information to help you on your journey. You will find information about career options, trends, and career-specific training, as well as job search skills and strategies.  C@P (Community Access Program) near you can help coach you through the job-searching process.

The first thing you will need to work in Canada is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) issued by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Quick Links

Deciding on a Career

I'm not sure what I want to do (career exploration)

What do I want to be? What do I want to do? If these questions sound familiar, then the pursuit of a career can prove to be a very challenging decision. If you would like to learn more about the wide range of careers available in today's job market, you may want to visit the following sites.

Employment Skills

Employment skills include your knowledge and experience, as well as attitudes and behaviors that employers look for in people they consider hiring. You develop these skills in school and through a variety of life experiences outside of school.

Labour Market Information

It is important that you find out what types of jobs are in demand now and in the future. This information will be extremely useful in your career planning. It will help you discover if your career goals tie in with labour market demand, or if you need to adjust them. Study the job market, compare your interests and aspirations to what is available.

For information on the trends and future outlook of various occupations in Nova Scotia, as well as more general labour market information, the following sites may be useful.

Job Search

Looking for a job is demanding and time-consuming. But before you can work in Canada, you'll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) issued by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada provides employment assistance services to unemployed individuals. These services include employment counseling, job search skills and job placement. For more information on the services offered, contact your local Human Resources and Skills Development Canada office.

Job Search Skills

The following sites provide useful information on how to complete job applications, write effective resumes and cover letters. You'll also find tips on how to network and how to do well in job interviews.

Finding Jobs

The following links will help you find work in today's job market.

Finding Jobs in the Skilled Trades

You can use the following links to access the resources needed to find out about jobs in the skilled trades in Nova Scotia. To be employed in certain skilled trades however, you must have a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate states that you have passed the provincial qualification exam that assesses your knowledge of the trade.

In addition, the Red Seal Program allows qualified tradespersons to practice their trade in any Canadian province or territory where the trade is designated. Nova Scotia does not participate in all the Red Seal trades.

Finding Jobs - People with Disabilities

The following links provide resources and information to help people with disabilities find employment in today's job market.

Finding Jobs - Students

Whether you are looking for your first job, an internship opportunity, or a summer job, the following links can help you reach your goals.

Finding Jobs - Foreign-trained Workers

If you have a certificate, diploma and/or degree from another country, the following links will help you match your educational achievements to the needs of Nova Scotia-based employers. As well, "bridging" programs may help you acquire the additional education and skills you need to meet Nova Scotia standards without duplicating the learning you have already gained elsewhere.

Usually, credential assessment services require the English or French translation of all foreign language documents. You may find the following link a useful tool while searching for a translation service.

Working Temporarily in Canada from Abroad

Foreign workers wishing to find temporary employment in Canada will require, in almost all cases, a valid work permit issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Starting Your Own Business

Want to be your own boss? Have an entrepreneurial streak? If you are thinking about starting your own business, you might want to take a look at the following online resources. The Nova Scotia government is committed to helping small businesses thrive and has worked hard to build a climate for growth, innovation and success.

Starting your own Business - Women

The information we have gathered focuses on the many specific online resources to help women start their own business.

Starting your own Business - Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Starting your own Business - Information for young people

We have gathered a collection of useful resources to help young people who are planning on starting a business.

Starting your own Business - For Employment Insurance recipients

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Self-Employment Assistance Program offers financial support, planning assistance and mentoring to unemployed individuals who are eligible for Employment Insurance benefits and are planning on starting a business. For more information contact your local Human Resources and Skills Development Canada office.

See Also - Starting or Operating a Business Life Event

Career-specific Training

Good jobs, wages and careers are available to people with the right training and education. For more information about the education and training that will help you reach your career goals, take a look at the following sites.

Financial Assistance

Your financial situation may have a major influence on the choices you make while looking for work or considering further education. If you are unemployed, you should make sure you are aware of all the financial support programs available.

You may be interested in pursuing a postsecondary education in order to improve your skills and increase your chances of finding a job. Please click on the link below for more information on the Nova Scotia Student Assistance Program is available to students.

Employment Insurance Benefits

Employment Insurance (EI) provides temporary financial help to unemployed Canadians while they look for work or upgrade their skills.

You will need to submit your Record of Employment (ROE) along with other information and documents when you apply for EI benefits. You should obtain your Record of Employment from your employer. For more information contact a local Human Resources and Skills Development Canada office.

Provincial Employment Program

The Provincial Employment Programs (PEP) is funding established in 1978 to provide career-related work experience for students enrolled in post-secondary education. The programs administered by the Office of Economic Development are:

Managing Your Money

Handling your finances can be a challenging task. Here are a few links that can help you out.

Workplace Issues

No matter where you work, you should always be aware of matters that affect your safety and well-being. In the following section you will find information about federal and provincial workplace legislation and Occupational Health and Safety.Workplace Legislation

It is important to learn about your rights and responsibilities as an employee. The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides for the promotion, coordination, administration and enforcement of occupational safety and health in the Province. The Act places certain duties on employers, employees, self-employed persons, constructors, contractors, professionals, owners, suppliers and providers of occupational health and safety services.

As Nova Scotia labour standards legislation does not apply to all industries and job categories, these rights may also be guaranteed by federal laws or by union contracts.

You may also wish to contact the Employment Rights - Nova Scotia Labour and Workforce Development to obtain more information.

Human Rights

Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act protects people in Nova Scotia against discrimination and harassment.

For more information you may wish to contact the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Workplace Safety

As a worker you should be aware of your safety rights and responsibilities to help maintain a hazard-free working environment for yourself and others. The Occupational Health and Safety Act provides the framework to ensure safe and healthy workplaces.

The Workers' Compensation Board (WCIB) oversees Nova Scotia's workplace safety education and training system, provides disability benefits, monitors the quality of health care, and assists in early and safe return to work.

The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is designed to make sure chemicals and other hazardous substances are handled safely. Employees working with, or exposed to hazardous materials, are to be properly trained in handling such materials. For more information about your rights, contact your local Ministry of Labour office.