How to Secure a Job Quickly in Toronto: Tips for Landing a Job in less than One or Two Weeks

The Toronto job market has faced considerable challenges since the beginning of 2023. With global tech giants laying off a significant number of employees, the situation is daunting. Reports suggest that entry-level roles, including customer service positions, are now receiving hundreds of applications for a single opening, indicating a highly competitive landscape. Many perceive Canada to be in a recession, a sentiment reinforced by the trends reported by job seekers facing difficulties in securing responses despite tailoring their cover letters and resumes.

In this guide, amidst the complexities of the current job market, I aim to provide two personally proven tips to help you secure your next job swiftly. These strategies have been effective even in the face of adversity, offering you actionable insights to stand out in the crowd and secure the employment you seek. Let's navigate these challenging times together with practical solutions to accelerate your job search.

Leverage the Power of Referrals

Getting referred is a powerful strategy in the job search process. It involves someone in your network, whether it's a friend, ex-colleague, acquaintance, or even a family member, recommending you to their employer or ex-employer for a specific job. In this context, I'll share some of my own experiences and those of my family with the referral process. The impact of a referral is significant, explaining the daily influx of numerous applications for the same job. In today's job market in the city of Toronto, recruiters and employers often find themselves inundated with hundreds, if not more, applications. Navigating through this sea of candidates becomes a meticulous process, occasionally leading to delays and challenges in selecting candidates for interviews.

However, it's essential to note that this approach might not work seamlessly for highly specialized positions. For roles like a specific managerial position at a renowned company, the referral route might not be as effective due to the niche nature of such roles. In such cases, traditional application methods may still be your best bet.

During my early days in Toronto, I actively pursued customer service roles to gain experience and income. Thanks to a friend, I landed a customer service/sales representative position at a high-end furniture store. The power of open communication with friends led me to a job opportunity that perfectly aligned with my criteria. This quick and successful job acquisition serves as a testament to the effectiveness of leveraging personal connections.

A similar success story involves my partner, who, after losing his job during the pandemic, found a better opportunity in Toronto. When a position opened up at his new workplace, he promptly thought of referring his ex-boss – not just a skilled professional but also a reliable and helpful individual. This example highlights the positive ripple effect that using referrals can create, benefiting both the referrer and the person being referred.

These experiences underscore the significance of the referral method. Openly discussing your job search intentions with friends and acquaintances allows you to tap into a network that may be aware of relevant job openings. This approach proves particularly effective when seeking general positions, and maintaining openness about your criteria enhances your chances of receiving valuable job leads. Utilizing this method can result in a swift job acquisition, especially if you have a strong reputation for reliability and competence.

Go the Extra Mile with a Personal Touch During the job application

For customer service positions or entry level positions, going the extra mile can set you apart. After submitting an online application at a Starbucks branch in Toronto, I experienced a delay in response, prompting me to take matters into my own hands. I printed my resume, dressed professionally, and visited the branch in person.

Approaching one of the baristas, I inquired about meeting the manager. The manager was away, but I was able to meet the manager on the next day. This personal touch left a lasting impression, making it easier for the hiring manager to connect a face with the application. This strategy not only secured me an interview on the spot but also showcased my proactive attitude, a desirable trait in customer service roles.

Moreover, after this positive interview on the spot, I reinforced my appreciation by delivering a handwritten thank-you card. This small yet impactful gesture demonstrates my genuine interest and gratitude.

At the end, I was able to become a barista at a thriving Starbucks location in Toronto. The manager later told me that there were over a hundred applications to the position and I was the only one who showed up in person before formal interviews.

In today's job market in Toronto, job hunting can be difficult, but we can do our best to stand out in the applicants. By strategically utilizing referrals and adding a personal touch to your application, you can significantly expedite the job-seeking journey. These tips have proven successful for me and my family, and I encourage you to incorporate them into your job search strategy. Remember, sometimes, it's the personal touch that makes all the difference in securing your dream job in Toronto.