Work in Alberta

Find a job

There are a number of organizations and resources that can help you find work and build your career in Alberta:

• Alberta Supports Centres provide employment programs and services across Alberta. This includes job fairs, workshops, information sessions, and labour market information.
• alis – Look for work is an online resource for job seekers. Get advice on finding jobs, drafting your resumé, preparing for an interview, and negotiating your salary.
• Immigrant Serving Agencies offer services to newcomers, including help with finding a job.
• Work Search Basics can give you the knowledge and resources to find work in Alberta.

Learn about the job market in Alberta

Salaries in Alberta vary depending on the employer, hours worked and educational qualifications, as well as experience and responsibilities which the position requires. Alberta wages are among the highest in Canada.

Find out more about occupations in Alberta, including details about duties, working conditions and salary ranges, which will give you a better idea of what to expect in the workplace.

Moving to Alberta from another country is an important step in your life but it is not always easy. This Newcomers’ Guide to Working in Alberta will help you get the right information to make choices about your work that are best for you.

Research current job opportunities

Start by looking for jobs that require the skills you have.

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank has a list of current job opportunities in Alberta. New jobs are advertised on Job Bank every day. To cut down on your job search time, find the jobs that match your skills and experience through Job Match. You can also download the Job Bank Mobile App to look for jobs on your mobile device.

Other places to find jobs include the Alberta Job Postings and websites that advertise opportunities throughout Alberta.

Look for job opportunities outside of Edmonton and Calgary. These communities may offer a lower cost of living, less traffic, lower property taxes, smaller school class sizes and an ability to build a reputation for yourself or your business.

Network and talk to people

Another way to find work is by networking. This means talking to friends, neighbours or people in your community to find jobs that may not be advertised.

The following mentorship programs can connect you with someone working in your profession. They help you understand what you need to get a job and advance in your occupation.

• Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council
• Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council

Register with employment agencies

Employment agencies can also help you find the right job. Some agencies specialize in temporary work placements. Others focus on specific industries.

Employment agencies cannot charge you a fee for helping you find a job. This cost must be covered by the employer. The agency should also be licensed.

Create or improve your resumé and cover letter

Your resumé should include your skills and highlight specific ones that the employer needs. A cover letter should give an employer one or 2 main reasons to read your resumé. The letter is usually a one-page document that summarizes your experience and explains why you are the best candidate for the job.

Get help creating or improving your resumé and cover letter.

Explore your options

You may need to apply for several positions before you get a job offer. Do not get discouraged if it takes longer than you expect.

Consider applying for jobs in a related area to help you build valuable experience or look into upgrading your education.

Volunteering can also help you build Canadian work experience, improve your skills and develop your professional and personal network.

Find a temporary job

A temporary job may not fit your education or professional training. However, it can help you:

• build Canadian work experience
• improve your English language skills
• learn about Canadian workplace culture
• meet new people and build up your network of contacts

Consider starting your own business

Resources to help you start a successful business include:

• Business link: tools and resources to bring your business idea to life
• Alberta small business resources: a directory of business resources for new and established entrepreneurs
• Self-employment: alis resources to help you start and build a successful business

Credentials and qualifications

Get your credentials and qualifications recognized

Educational and professional qualifications and standards differ from country to country. You may need to have your international credentials assessed to see how they compare with Alberta's standards.

Educational credentials

Your educational credentials are certificates that show that you have completed high school or post-secondary education. The International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) will assess your international academic credentials and provide an assessment that indicates how your credentials compare to standards in Alberta.

An IQAS assessment can be used to support your application for employment, admission to select post-secondary institutions, and licensure with select Professional Regulatory Organization (PRO). As an agency designated by the Government of Canada, IQAS also completes Educational Credential Assessments for immigration purposes.

Regulated occupations and trades

Regulated occupations require recognition by professional regulatory bodies to ensure workers meet standards of practice. These regulatory bodies assess if you have the necessary qualifications to meet the licensure requirements to work in Alberta. They will assess qualifications like your education, work experience and proficiency in English. The regulatory bodies will inform you if there are gaps that need to be addressed, or examination you need to take before you can be licensed.

The licensure process can be lengthy, complex, and may involve associated fees. It may take months or even years to be licensed to work in your occupation. We strongly recommend starting the licensure process before you arrive in Alberta.

Learn more about regulated occupations in Alberta.

Certain trades in Alberta are designated and have systems and standards that must be met in order to work in these occupations.

Learn more about Alberta’s Skilled Trades System.