Job searching is a journey that almost everyone goes through at some point in life. Whether you're a fresh graduate, looking to switch careers, or a professional aiming to level up, the road to finding the right job can feel long and full of unexpected detours.
From the constant application process and the waiting game to handling rejections, it’s easy to feel frustrated and discouraged. But here’s the reality: you’re not alone.
In today’s fast-paced, competitive job market, facing roadblocks and uncertainties is common. Sometimes, it may seem like every door is closed, and success is out of reach.
But the key to landing your dream job isn’t just about having the right qualifications—it’s about persistence, staying motivated, and keeping faith in the process, even when things don’t go as planned.
Despite maintaining positive growth, the Canadian economy continues to slow. In April, the national unemployment rate stood at 6.1%—the highest since the end of the pandemic.
When the labor market eases, we normally expect wage growth to also slow, as bargaining power shifts to employers.
However, we have yet to see a significant deceleration in wages, probably because of structural changes in the economy that will continue to influence the labor market. Will business leaders get a break on wages this year?
Labour shortages becoming rarer
Employment remains solid. Since the start of 2024, an average of 41,500 jobs have been created per month, compared with a monthly pace of 35,000 in 2023.
Nonetheless, there are signs of easing labor market conditions, reflecting both lower demand for new workers and a greater supply of potential employees. The larger supply of workers is coming from several sources.
The departure of the baby-boom generation will weigh on the workforce until at least 2031, when the last of its members reach age 65. However, retirements have so far been slower than expected, with the number of boomers working past age 65 continuing to grow.
Companies have increasingly turned to newcomers to meet their labor needs in recent years. This category of workers represents an important source of new employees.
Indeed, without immigration, Canada's labor force would see little or no growth this decade. After a drop during the pandemic, immigration is set to increase significantly between 2022 and 2025, with the annual immigration rate projected to hit around 1.1% over the period.
With the economy slowing, layoffs have increased although not to alarming levels.
These factors have meant the pool of potential workers has grown faster than new job creation. Job vacancies began to decline in the second half of 2023. Employers, therefore, have more options for finding replacement workers and filling new positions.
Despite this ongoing rebalancing, the Canadian labor market remains robust. At the start of the year, 43% of companies were planning staff increases, and there were almost 660,000 job vacancies across the country in February.
Still, the pace of job creation is normalizing, easing the pressure on the labor market. Only 22% of companies surveyed by the Bank of Canada report production difficulties due to staff shortages. The historical average is 31% and, therefore, we’ve seen a clear improvement for companies.
The latest national employment report showed that the average hourly wage rose by 4.7% year-on-year in April. While it takes time for wages to return to normal levels after a bout of inflation, the process has likely been slower this cycle than many employers (and probably the Bank of Canada) had hoped.
Although companies generally expect salaries to increase at a slower pace than in the last two years, many firms continue to believe wage growth will remain high.
The proportion of companies expecting abnormally high wage growth to persist until 2025 has risen from 14% at the end of 2023 to 23% in 2024. This is a sign that employers are still feeling pressure from workers for higher pay.
Expectations of substantially higher wages by workers were confirmed in a recent Bank of Canada report. It found that although private sector employees still expect higher wage increases than public sector employees, wage expectations are rising faster among the latter group.
Moreover, Canada is targeting a decrease in the temporary resident population. Therefore, pandemic measures to ease the labor market conditions are being undone.
Stricter access to limit the number of temporary workers will undoubtedly have an impact on business owners who have been relying on the program for the past years.
As the share of low-wage workers that applied through the program diminishes from 30% to 20% of a business workforce (outside of agriculture, construction, and healthcare), labor issues could come back fast and add additional pressure on wages.
It can be tempting to slow down or even give up when the job search drags on, but persistence is one of the most important factors in finding success. If you’re feeling stuck, it’s essential to keep moving forward. Here are a few ways to maintain momentum:
1. Network, Network, Network
We hear this all the time, but networking really is one of the most powerful tools in your job search. Reach out to friends, family, former colleagues, or alumni from your school.
Join professional groups on LinkedIn or attend virtual career fairs. You never know who might have a lead or can offer a recommendation. Sometimes, your dream job can be just one conversation away.
2. Upgrade Your Skills
If you’re facing repeated rejections, it might be a signal to upgrade your skill set. Take a look at the requirements in job postings—are there new certifications or skills you can acquire to boost your resume?
There are plenty of free or low-cost online courses that can help you stand out. This also shows employers that you are proactive and committed to self-improvement.
3. Apply for Jobs Outside of Your Comfort Zone
Don’t limit yourself by applying only for roles that perfectly match your experience or skills. Sometimes, taking a chance on roles that are slightly outside your comfort zone can open up new career paths you hadn’t considered.
Employers are often more flexible than job descriptions suggest, and if you can demonstrate your ability to learn and adapt, they may give you a chance.
4. Volunteer or Take on Freelance Projects
If you’re between jobs, consider taking on freelance work or volunteering. This keeps your skills sharp, adds to your portfolio, and can sometimes lead to a full-time opportunity.
It also helps to fill potential gaps in your resume, showing employers that you’re proactive, even when you’re in between roles.
Job searching can feel like a full-time job in itself, and it’s easy to burn out if you’re not careful. Taking care of your mental and physical health is critical to staying motivated and focused.
1. Take Breaks
It’s important to step away from your computer and take breaks. Go for a walk, spend time with loved ones, or practice a hobby that brings you joy. When you return to the job search, you’ll feel refreshed and more energized.
2. Talk to Others
Sometimes, venting your frustrations can provide emotional relief. Whether it's friends, family, or an online community, talking to others who understand your struggles can help you feel supported and less isolated.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait until you land the perfect job to celebrate. Each step forward, whether it's sending out another resume or completing a skills course, is a victory. Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reminds you that you are making progress.
How to Overcome Frustration in Your Job Search
Jordan Peterson How to Succeed in a New Job
When you're in the midst of a challenging job search, it’s easy to feel like success is far away. But remember, every job search has a turning point, even if you can’t see it yet.
You might be just one application away from the perfect role, one interview away from landing your dream job.
So, to all the job seekers out there: keep going. The road may feel long, but persistence always pays off. Stay focused, stay positive, and don’t be afraid to seek support when needed.
Success is closer than you think, and with every application, every new connection, and every lesson learned, you’re one step closer to achieving your goal.
