How do I verify my job offer from Canada in 2024?

If you have fallen for a scam while applying for a job in Canada, you’re not alone. 

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, online scams have been on the rise. In fact, statistics from Canada’s Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) reveal that there were more than 92,078 fraud cases in 2022. The losses totalled up to $531 million in 2022.

Knowledge is your best defence when undergoing the Canada Immigration process. 

A general rule of thumb is that if your job offer from Canada seems too good to be true - you’re probably right. So, how do you identify a fake job offer? 

Coming into 2024, here are some tips you can follow. 

How to avoid job offer scams?

• If you didn’t apply for it, then it's probably fake. Fake Canadian job offers are generally unsolicited. Meaning, they usually come from companies you didn’t apply to, for jobs that you didn’t apply for.
  
  

• You may be offered a high salary, and the vague job requirements may seem that anyone can be a good candidate. Such job offers are designed to play with your emotions - to make you think that your job hunt is over.
  
  

• The sender’s email may be suspicious. Legitimate business owners will never use free email services like Gmail - but will more likely have their company’s domain name in their email addresses. Keep in mind though, that scammers are also able to hack emails of existing companies and pose as recruiters. If you suspect some wrongdoing, do not reply to that email, instead contact someone else at that company to see if they tried to get hold of you. If you don’t get a reply, the job offer is fake.
  
  

• The fake recruiter may ask you to pay money upfront to get the job offer. Also, they may give you a cheque to buy supplies - which turns out to be fake, and you are left on the hook for whatever you have purchased. No legitimate job offer from Canada will ask you to pay - or do any transaction activities.
  
  

• They ask you for your personal information, such as banking details, Social Insurance Number (SIN), home address, or such. You should not provide any sensitive information unless it is legally required. 

Do a simple search before you agree to anything. Do not click on random links, reply to messages, or download attachments until you are satisfied that you are in touch with a legitimate recruiter. Do a quick background check on the sender and the company they are representing. See if typing the company name along with the word “scam” brings up any results. 

If you think you have received a fake job offer from Canada, you can report it to the CAFC. 

How to find genuine job offers?

When you receive a real job offer from Canada, it is from a company that you know. Either you applied to it, or you were introduced to them through networking.

According to a LinkedIn report, 85% of jobs are found through networking. So if you have any leads in Canada, reach out to them for potential job opportunities. 

If you are in Canada temporarily, you can consider seeking guidance from employment services offered by the province you are living in. If you are an international student, your university will have resources to help you find jobs. 

When applying for a job, try sending your application to the company directly. 

You can also consider resources that are specifically designed to help newcomers in Canada land a job. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also offer numerous settlement and employment services on their website. Canada also has a job bank website where Canadian employers can search for local and international talent to fill the jobs mentioned on the Canada Occupation In-demand List 2024.

Top companies that hire immigrants

Several companies in Canada are known for actively recruiting immigrants.

For starters, Desjardins, a financial cooperative, values diversity and often seeks skilled professionals from different backgrounds. Emphasizing its commitment to inclusion, Scotiabank is another player in the finance sector that actively welcomes immigrants.

Coming towards Canada’s booming tech industry, Shopify, based in Ottawa, has a reputation for attracting talent globally. They prioritize diversity and are open to hiring skilled immigrants. Telus, a telecommunications giant, also actively recruits newcomers - and is recognized for its inclusive hiring practices.

Consulting firms like Accenture and Deloitte are also known to provide opportunities for immigrants, particularly those with a strong professional background. These companies often appreciate the unique perspectives and skills that immigrants bring to the table.  

Need help finding a legit job in Canada? Seek guidance from the best immigration consultants in Delhi. 

Good Luck!