Working in Toronto

Toronto is at the forefront of the Canadian working world. Not only does it serve as a headquarters for all five of the major banks in Canada, but it also houses well-developed film, biotechnology, tourism, aerospace, software development, media and telecommunication industries.

Job market in Toronto

As Canada’s commercial hub, Toronto is brimming with job opportunities, especially for those with highly developed and unique skillsets. However, expats intending to work in the service and teaching sectors will find a lot of competition for positions in the city. 

Toronto’s proximity to New York means that it is the principal contact point between Canada and the US, resulting in close ties and easy trade with one of the world’s largest economies. The partnership has led to extensive growth and wealth for Toronto, which in turn has resulted in a wave of expats looking to contribute to and share in the city’s prosperity.

Finding a job in Toronto

Many expats who relocate to Toronto do so via an intra-company transfer. Highly skilled expats are often head-hunted or manage to secure a job before moving to the city. 

Those who intend to move to Toronto without a job offer in hand will find that there are plenty of support systems and resources to help individuals secure employment in the city. Still, it’s important to start the job search before arriving, and to do the relevant research regarding requirements, qualifications, and visas and work permits. 

The best place to start a job search is usually online. There are plenty of job portals and social networks, such as LinkedIn, to assist with the search. Networking is also highly important in Toronto and will certainly help new arrivals make headway in the workplace.

Work culture in Toronto

Toronto's work culture differs across industries. For instance, there is a more formal atmosphere and dresscode in finance jobs than in the media or other creative sectors. Generally, Canadian workplaces function in an egalitarian manner where everyone's views are heard, but the ultimate decision lies with the boss. Standard working hours are from 9am to 5pm, five days a week.