r/CanadaJobs

I’ve been in the workforce for a while now, and honestly… this feels like the worst job market I’ve seen in Canada in over 20 years.

Even during the 2008–2010 slowdown, I don’t remember things feeling this bad across so many sectors at once.

Since around 2024, it feels like:

tech jobs have dried up or moved elsewhere

companies are scaling back hiring or leaving Canada entirely

entry-level roles are insanely competitive

even experienced professionals are struggling to find work in their own field

From where I’m sitting, it feels like Canada is stuck in a cycle of:

exporting raw resources gold, diamonds, copper and aluminum instead of building stronger industries

importing finished goods at triple the cost from USA, Asia and Europe

relying heavily on housing/construction /TFWs or economic growth

At the same time:

housing costs keep rising

food prices are still high

white-collar roles seem to be shrinking

AI/automation discussions are happening, but I don’t see much real planning for the impact on workers

I work in supply chain/telecom operations and even there the market feels far tighter than it used to.

I’m genuinely asking:

Are there industries in Canada right now that are actually doing well and hiring consistently?

Or is this just the new normal for the Canadian economy?

Would like to hear perspectives from people across different industries/provinces.

I just got a new customer support job. I was literally answering emails all day and then 10 minutes to the end of the day I close my apps and check my phone. The accountant comes up and bitches at me for being on my phone and for not working. Literally the other people at the office have checked their phones multiple times throughout the day. My coworker next to me even left early by 5 mins to catch the bus. The account accused me of being in the bathroom on my phone and I told her I was on my lunch break (which is why I wasn’t at my desk). I’m so fed up with the office vibe. I don’t even know what to do with myself anymore. I’ve only been there for a week. I was supposed to go for drinks after work with the team. But instead, I left balling my eyes out and went home instead. I have no idea what I want to do career wise because I don’t think I can work around people, and I was laid off from my tech job last year and I don’t wanna go back to tech because it’s a fucked industry and impossible to find work. I took this customer support job to get off EI but now I’m regretting it. If I quit this job, then I have nothing unless they fire me first. This job was not even something I wanna do long-term. What do I do and what career do I even consider now.

This literally just happened and I'm extremely upset.

I had an interview on Thursday for a position. The next day they asked me for references, so I sent them several. I intentionally did not include contact details for a place I used to work at before. Yes, it's listed on my resume. Someone at that company was stalking and harassing me. I had to get the police involved, and I absolutely do not want that person to know where I am or where I might work next. The stalker works in HR, so if anyone contacts that company, they'll know right away.

The job I'm interviewing for called them anyway because "he felt like doing that." So now that person may have information about me that I specifically did not want shared. I am burning with anger. I gave them plenty of references, and this jerk ignored all of them.

Sorry. I'm concerned this is a serious issue for my safety. Why are employers allowed to do whatever they want without any accountability? He may have put me in danger if I accept this job now, and I may still have to do that because I don't have many options at the moment.

Many job postings are not really mean to hire, they are either being used to show company's financial status or to collect info for future planning, but many applicants spend so much precious time applying and giving out their information. Will applicants be able to defend themselves from these postings that are basically, scams?

For my fellow bachelor of science graduates, what jobs are you doing? I graduated with a biophysics degree, and I've been just working as a line cook with poor hours.

I live in Waterloo and there's really not much out here for jobs. I was wondering if there is a better place to move to for jobs.

I've heard people tell me to get a master's, but the job market seems bad for master's degrees as well. I am planning to pursue medical lab technology because I've heard there are more jobs.

I tried to get general lab jobs and radiation protection jobs, but I have had no luck. I didn't network while in school, so now I think I won't be able to find anything.

Moved to Alberta two years ago after working for 25 years in the accounting field, the only jobs that I could find was working out of my field. I dislike the one I’m in and miserable. But it’s so tough to find a job right now if you could quit would you?

Does anyone else see this? It reminds me of PM Carney’s Davos speech.

End of the Old Order The old job search approach is fading: generic resumes, generic cover letters, mass applying, and only changing the company name or job title.

That may have worked before, but ATS systems, AI screening, recruiter filters, and high application volume have changed the game.

A Rupture, Not a Transition

This is not going back to the old way.

We now need tailored resumes, stronger keywords, clear metrics, better LinkedIn alignment, and a more strategic approach to applications.

Call to Action

Adapt

The advantage goes to candidates who understand the new system, adjust quickly, and show employers exactly how they match the role.

Thisbis not a political push or post by any means. I'm not saying that this new to me. I've seen it a while now.im saying how close its meaning and similarity to Carney's speech.

met someone today at my husbands work when I went to drop off lunch with him cz that’s just how free I have been.

this guy working in tech department, my husband introduced me to him and I say the general niceties and we’re taking in the cafeteria. he tells me he’s a lawyer, graduated from UOA, has a JD, worked in Milton for articling and never got a job as a lawyer, called to the bar in 2023.

he then proceeded to introduce me to 2 more of his colleagues who were lawyers, and never got a job after being called to the bar and then pivoted to tech.

im an ITL currently an LSO candidate and looking for articles which I haven’t been able to find.

I feel so hopeless, cz if a JD graduate can’t find a job, what chances do NCA/ITLs have. I am a honors students with a 3.75 cgpa, 2 peer review articles since my graduation in 2024 and I got 5 basics for NCA and cleared within a few months and started LSO licensing and passed the barrister exam on 1st attempt studying from Dec-jan with the exam in Feb. English is my native language, so there’s no access issue or any sort of language barrier either, Ik im not stupid or lack the skills needed, but can’t seem to even land a volunteer position for an interview, half of the jobs Iv applied to say that ”oh sorry this posting should’ve been removed“ which is crazy.

i dont know I just felt like ranting. Feeling hopeless to the point of maybe shifting to med school. idk what to do or how much longer to wait. I’m due for the solicitor exam in nov. so I’ll decide after that. should I go for LPP? or maybe give the solicitor exam wait to find a position for another 6 months and then just start study for MCAT? i dont know.

EDIT: My husband is a born and raised Canadian. even his parent, his grandparents are buried here. (just to put things in perspective-I’m not here to steal anyone’s job) *shaking my head*

Hey all, I received an email to finish the digital interview in hirevue. I haven’t been through this process. Anyone who’s given digital interview recently for Doane Grant Thornton in Canada? Please share your experience. What questions to expect and what would be next steps.

Hello, I’m a 29M that has been working at a 5 bank contact centre for the past 9 years, 5 of those have been as a front line agent then I was promoted to a supervisor. Which is someone taking escalated calls and solving bigger problems you can say. I basically hate my job and the contact centre environment as a whole due to the constant escalations I get everyday and just being monitored so closely. I’m looking for some guidance/ideas on where I should pivot too.

I make 60k and with OT and year end bonus I make 70k. I started another part time job at a hotel banquet hall and I expect to make additional 15-20k.

I have 2 semesters left in an advance diploma in computer programming which I intend to finish. However I don’t know if this is the career I want to pursue given the explosion of AI and feeling really behind in the industry already.

I’m wondering what y’all thoughts are about this situation and if there’s any suggestions you’d might have I’d appreciate to hear. I’m open to any industry at this point.

[supprimé]

* Sharing this for viability. Some folks know. And some don't.

** If you have similar suggestions for these platforms please share.

Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and a like are great tools for finding jobs, companies hiring, salary info, and setting up job alerts. Or just keepikg up to date on news etc... But, I would avoid using them as the actual application method whenever possible.

**Use them as a notification system only.**

Once you find the posting, go directly to the company’s website/careers page and apply there instead of using Easy Apply on these platforms.

A very high number of Indeed/LinkedIn applications feel like they disappear into a black hole. Some postings are expired, poorly synced (behind the scenes), overloaded with applicants, or not monitored properly. It makes you feel ghosted when in reality the process may just be broken.

Also, apply early. The first 24 hours is important, I wouldn't say specifically GTHA/Toronto postings but all area and grt ahead of the ball. Set alerts so you see jobs quickly, then go directly to the employer website and apply there.

With high probability of some companies (smaller to medium) may higher and onboard before the end of the *posting date* . Yeah thats a bit screwy, but they make their rules and do as they wish.

I currently work 3 jobs, and am honestly kinda lost. I need to start a career as all 3 of my jobs are very low paying and do not lead anywhere. I have experience in sales, finance and retail, so it’s a pretty broad history for work. The problem is that at the moment I need the income, I don’t have that much time to apply for positions non stop. I’m willing to work any job that has potential for a forever career like banking, management or office work. I have a degree in finance and a minor in Human Resources so HR is another career I’m willing to do. Does anyone know of a job agent, or AI job applied that actually works, I used a 2 AI applier sites but I got no replies from anyone.

Hi everyone, I’m currently studying at the University of Toronto and looking for advice on how to secure internships in Canada, especially in AI engineering or software engineering roles.

My background:

• Originally from Nepal
• Completed one software engineering internship in Nepal
• Currently working on an AI engineering project
• Learning about LLMs, backend systems, APIs, and AI applications
• Building projects to strengthen my portfolio

I wanted to ask:

1. What skills or projects help students stand out for AI/software internships in Canada?
2. How important are LeetCode and DSA for AI engineering internships compared to real-world AI projects?
3. What tech stack is currently most in demand?
4. Any tips for networking, referrals, or approaching recruiters?
5. Which companies/startups are good places to apply for AI-focused internships?

My current focus includes:

• Python
• FastAPI/backend development
• AI/LLM applications
• Machine learning engineering

I’d really appreciate advice from students, interns, or engineers already working in Canada. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I’m currently working in construction in Ontario and thinking about moving to Calgary in the future. I wanted to ask how the construction job market is there right now in general.

How’s the demand for trades like carpentry, drywall, framing, renovations, or handyman work? Is it easy to find steady work? How are wages compared to the cost of living nowadays?

Also, for people already working in the industry there:

• Are companies hiring actively?
• Is work mostly residential, commercial, or industrial?
• Any advice for someone moving from Ontario?

Would appreciate any honest insights about the current situation in Calgary construction. Thanks!

God why do I get scheduled a interview and then they call me back to say they already filled it 😭😭😭

So I accepted a job offer after about 6 months of searching and applying daily. It’s for an associate mortage underwriter and high I’m pretty excited for since it gives me lots of opportunities in the future for my career since I’m only 24. I honestly just wanted to share this with someone because it’s been so long of searching and countless interviews and countless no’s I finally got a yes and it’s hybrid also!! 3 days at home 2 days in office, I just wanted to say don’t lose hope and continue to search for that job it will come

In Etobicoke, I am looking for someone with propane counterbalance experience, lead hand/supervisor experience and strong knowledge of postal codes in the GTA for an afternoon Lead Hand position in Etobicoke that pays $30 per hour. This is a transportation warehouse with a cross dock that requires someone with solid forklift experience who is comfortable working Monday to Friday from 3:30pm until around 11:30pm to 12am.

In Bradford, I am looking for someone who is comfortable lifting up to 70lbs, and who has experience giving direction to a small team in a construction-like setting.

This position requires being on your feet for the majority of a 10+ hour day (both indoor and outdoor) from 5am to around 3pm or later, Monday to Friday.

Pay for this position varies depending on experience, but can be anywhere from $26 to $30+ per hour.

Please dm for more details and thank you for your interest.

I’m honestly starting to lose hope and I need genuine advice, not the usual “fix your resume and network more” answer.

I finished my Cybersecurity program in Canada in August 2025 and since then I’ve been trying to get into basic IT roles like Technical Support Representative, Help Desk Technician, Service Desk Analyst, IT Support Technician, or Desktop Support. These are supposed to be the starting point into the field, but I haven’t been able to land even one proper interview.

My background is not empty. I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications, a Cybersecurity postgraduate certificate, hands-on IT technician experience from back home, a cybersecurity internship, customer-facing experience, and I’ve worked on Windows troubleshooting, Microsoft 365, hardware/software support, basic networking, documentation, and user support. My English and communication skills are also strong.

I’ve applied on LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, staffing agencies, and recruiter messages. I’ve updated my resume multiple times, optimized my LinkedIn, reached out to recruiters, and tried to follow all the usual advice. Still, nothing. No calls, no interviews, no feedback.

At this point I genuinely don’t understand what I’m doing wrong. Is the market really this bad for junior IT support in Canada? Is it my experience? My work authorization? Lack of certifications? No Canadian IT job experience? Or am I targeting the wrong roles completely?

I’m not asking for sympathy. I’m asking for honest advice from people who actually work in IT, hiring, recruiting, or who went through the same thing. What would you do in my position if you needed to get your first proper IT job as soon as possible?