Finding a Job in Toronto: Tips for Standing Out

The Canadian economy is booming. In fact, it has demonstrated impressive resilience and growth in 2024 with substantial job gains, particularly in the second quarter. The national job market has nearly equaled the gains of the previous two quarters combined, demonstrating strong demand across various sectors.

Dominating the Toronto job market is the technology industry, says Avnish Patel, marketing manager for Northeastern University’s Toronto campus. “A lot of the country’s funding has gone to the technology and innovation sector,” he says. “That’s by far the biggest industry. There’s also been a huge demand for talent in design, marketing, and product sales. This shifts month-to-month based on trends, but that’s what we’re seeing right now.”

In the technology sector, he says, behemoths including Google, Facebook, and Amazon are hiring an array of technology professionals. Some of the common job titles include:

• Front-end, back-end, and full-stack developers
• Engineering project managers
• Systems analysts
• User interface and user experience designers
• Crisis management analysts

Demand for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence professionals are increasing, too, based on industry needs, Patel says.

While the big tech companies have a commanding presence in the area and make a number of hires, Patel says it’s actually technology startups that are hiring the most aggressively. “These early-stage businesses are scaling really fast because there’s such an abundance of talent here in Toronto,” he says.

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Because technology has become such a big product in Toronto, a number of new tech agencies are sprouting up, too, he says. These include incubators and accelerators, in addition to agencies like Magnet, a Toronto-based company that supplies talent across the jobs ecosystem, from technology to innovation and retail.

Outside of technology, Patel points to hiring booms in B2B sales, specifically in medicine, in addition to marketing, retail, fashion, and education nonprofits. Job titles in these top industries in Toronto might include sales representatives, account managers, management consultants, financial analysts, administration managers, and account executives.

How to stand out in the Toronto job market

Because hiring is fierce—and because there’s a demand for professionals with specialized skills—Patel says it’s important for job seekers to hone and highlight those qualities when applying for jobs. He suggests the following tips to help job seekers stand out from the pack.

1. Gain specialized knowledge.

“The interesting part is that all the titles [employers are looking for] are getting more specific to the industry. Businesses are seeking a ‘front-end developer’ instead of just ‘developer,’ for example,” Patel says. “They’re more specific because there’s a higher demand for experienced professionals. They don’t just want people with degrees in business management. They want you to have specializations.”

In-demand skills in Toronto’s tech sector

To take advantage of the various career opportunities in Toronto, it’s vital for job seekers to pursue the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed. Employers are not just looking for generalists; they seek individuals with specific expertise in high-demand areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and UX design. Acquiring these skills can significantly improve your marketability and prepare you for the dynamic challenges of the tech industry.

Here’s an overview of some of these tech competencies:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Mastery in machine learning algorithms, neural networks, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and programming in Python, R, and Scala.
• Cybersecurity: Proficiency in network security management, ethical hacking, cryptography, risk assessments, and compliance standards.
• User Experience (UX) Design: Expertise in user research, information architecture, interaction design, prototyping, and user interface (UI) design.

Expanding your skill set in these areas not only aligns with the current market demands but also enhances your marketability in Toronto’s competitive tech scene. Engaging in relevant courses and certifications, as listed, can significantly elevate your professional profile and prepare you for specialized roles in the industry.

2. Highlight why you’re a culture fit.

The number one quality that companies are looking for is culture fit, he says. “Companies want people who are agile and who have the drive and experience to actually work above and beyond what’s expected. Ninety percent of employers are looking past the degree—they’re interested in the network, your experience, and your ability to learn.”

3. Build a diverse, global network.

Businesses in Toronto also value international talent and talent with a global network, Patel says. Companies want candidates who are experienced in multiple industries; they will typically hire these people before others who have only worked in finance, for example, because they bring with them a breadth of knowledge and experience.

Northeastern University Toronto prioritizes both the global network and an array of experience, he adds. “As a student, you come into our program with the ability to pivot industries or interests or experiences and specialize in what interests you,” he says. Students also have access to Northeastern’s global network of business leaders, alumni, and students in thousands of organizations and in more than 150 countries.

4. Attend industry events and take initiative.

Beyond the benefits of polishing your skills and acquiring new experiences, Patel suggests that job seekers attend relevant industry conferences to make the right connections and network. “Your network is so incredibly important to getting your foot in the door and securing an interview. Just meeting the right person can open doors and help you do those things,” he says.

Patel also suggests taking the initiative to reach out directly to hiring managers and industry experts you meet—whether you’re applying for a job or not. This helps to build rapport and be recognized beyond a name on a resume.

5. Develop an online portfolio.