These myths are keeping you (field) jobless in Canada
Everyone seems to have their own opinions on how the job market works in Canada—and it can get so confusing.
With so much conflicting advice, it’s hard to know what to believe. Let me bust 5 myths so that you can focus on what really matters and skip the outdated advice!
1. Myth: People Don’t Hire in November-December
This one’s a classic. A lot of people assume hiring goes on holiday during the holidays, but here’s a surprise: November and December can actually be prime job-hunting months! According to Canadian market insights, many companies are rushing to fill open positions before the new year or need fresh talent to kick off Q1 projects. Plus, there’s often less competition as people wait until January to start applying.
2. Myth: You Must Meet 100% of the Job Requirements
Ever seen a job listing and skipped applying to it because you just meet 60% of it and don’t know some skills and tools mentioned there?
Here’s the truth: most employers know they’re creating a wish list, not a grocery list. If you’ve got about 60-70% of the qualifications, go for it! Companies often care more about your potential, adaptability, and willingness to learn than whether you’ve already done every single task.
3. Myth: Employers Won’t Consider You if You Have a Gap in Your Resume
Ah, the dreaded “gap” years. Don’t ever think that no one will hire you because of your gap. I know it’s difficult to believe when all you're receiving are rejections. But here’s a living proof and a beacon of hope for you: our mentee, Taimur! He secured a job after four years away from the workforce. Employers care more about what you did during that time and what you’re capable of now.
4. Myth: All You Need to Do is Apply Online
Let me just say it—if applying online is your only strategy, you’re missing out on a ton of opportunities! A lot of jobs aren’t even posted online. This is especially true for roles that get filled through referrals, networking, or internal hiring. So, don’t just sit around waiting for the perfect job to pop up on Indeed. Make connections, reach out to people on LinkedIn, and get your name out there.
5. Myth: AI Rejects You
I get it—applying online sometimes feels like throwing your resume into a void, only to have a robot spit it out. But, in reality, ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) aren’t super-genius robots rejecting people left and right.
They’re actually just looking for basic things—like whether you’re legally eligible to work in Canada or if you’re over 18. So, as long as you meet those basic criteria, you’re in! 99% of the time, your resume will be actually reviewed by a person.
Keep Blooming,
Bani Singh