Jobs for Canadians in London

Looking for your dream London job?

Canadians Eyeing the London Job Market

Breaking into the London job market as a Canadian comes with exciting opportunities and unique challenges. The global shifts in 2021 reshaped how jobs are applied for, secured, and even performed. Here’s how you can navigate these changes and make your mark overseas.

As a Canadian in the London market, research the nuances of UK workplace culture and norms. Understanding local expectations—such as CV formatting, salary benchmarks, and common interview questions—will make your application and interactions more effective.

Breaking into London’s job market takes preparation and persistence, but with a proactive approach, Canadians can thrive in this global hub. Adapt to these trends, stay informed, and let your unique perspective shine!

1. Remote Work Opens Doors but Raises the Bar
Remote work has become a global standard, and London is no exception. For Canadians, this expands opportunities, as many UK employers now consider hiring internationally for remote roles. However, this also means facing competition from across Europe and beyond. To stand out, highlight your flexibility, adaptability, and ability to work across time zones. Strong applications tailored to specific roles will be crucial in this larger talent pool.

2. Navigating Automated Recruitment
London employers increasingly use automated systems to screen applications. These Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) prioritize specific keywords and qualifications. To ensure your application passes this hurdle, tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the job description closely. Emphasize both hard and soft skills and maintain clarity in formatting. Canadians bringing unique experiences should ensure their international expertise is clearly communicated.

3. Diversity and Inclusion are Central
The UK job market values diversity and inclusion, and London is a hub for multicultural workplaces. As a Canadian applicant, demonstrate your understanding of and commitment to these values. Sharing examples of how you’ve contributed to inclusive teams or initiatives can set you apart. Additionally, prepare to discuss how your international perspective can enhance the company’s culture and goals.

4. Digital Literacy is Non-Negotiable
Digital competence is critical in London’s fast-paced job market. From virtual interviews to online onboarding, you must be comfortable with platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Many roles also demand familiarity with digital marketing tools and social media. For Canadians entering this market, a professional setup – including a good microphone, clear camera, and neutral background – helps make a strong impression during virtual meetings.

5. Your Personal Brand Speaks Volumes
London employers often research candidates online. A strong, professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn is essential. Canadians should ensure their profiles are polished, highlighting international experience, relevant skills, and career achievements. Avoid overly casual or outdated content on public-facing platforms. A clean, professional email address and thoughtful social media activity can help reinforce your candidacy.

Additional Tip: Embrace the Local Context

Marketing and Creative Roles

The Guardian Jobs (often lists roles in media, PR, and creative industries)
Marketing Week Jobs (specialized for marketing professionals)
Creativepool (focused on creative industries such as advertising, design, and media)

Teaching and Education

TES (Times Educational Supplement) (dedicated to teaching and education jobs)
Eteach (focused on teaching roles in schools across the UK)
jobs.ac.uk (includes academic and research positions in higher education)

Banking and Finance

CityJobs (dedicated to roles in banking, finance, and accountancy)
eFinancialCareers (specializes in financial services, banking, and investment jobs)

Secretarial and Administrative

SecsintheCity (specializes in secretarial, PA, and administrative roles)
Tiger Recruitment (offers secretarial, office, and administrative positions)

Technology and IT

CWJobs (specialized in IT and technology roles)
Technojobs (dedicated to IT, tech, and engineering jobs)

Healthcare and Social Care

NHS Jobs (for healthcare and social care roles within the NHS)
Carehome.co.uk (focused on care home jobs and related positions)

Engineering and Construction

EngineerJobs.co.uk (focused on engineering roles across various sectors)
JustEngineers (engineering-focused job board)
CareerStructure (specializes in construction, engineering, and built environment roles)

Academic and Research

jobs.ac.uk (academic, research, and higher education jobs)
Nature Careers (focuses on science, research, and academic positions)

Retail and Hospitality

RetailChoice (specialized in retail jobs)
Caterer.com (focused on hospitality, catering, and leisure roles)

CV Tips for Job Seekers

Creating a compelling CV is crucial for catching the attention of recruiters, employers, or agencies.

Tailor Your CV for Each Job
A CV's main goal is to secure an interview, and it must highlight why you are the best fit for the role. Don’t use a one-size-fits-all CV—update it for each job to reflect the specific skills and experiences required. A few targeted, high-quality applications are more effective than sending out the same CV to hundreds of companies.
Keep It Concise
Limit your CV to a maximum of 2 pages. Employers often don’t spend much time reading each CV, so clarity and brevity are essential. Avoid lengthy descriptions, and focus on showcasing relevant skills and experience.
Read the Job Description Carefully
Always have the job ad open when writing your CV. Look for keywords and required skills, then highlight how your experience matches those. If the ad asks for specific skills or experience, make sure those are clearly stated in your CV.
Focus on Readability
Choose a simple, professional layout. Use clear headings, bullet points, and consistent fonts. Avoid clutter and ensure your CV is easy to scan.
Personal Profile
Include a short personal profile (3-5 sentences) that shows you understand the job and can do it. Customize this section for each job. Avoid overused terms like "hardworking" or "enthusiastic."

Example:
"With over 5 years of customer service experience, I am skilled at handling customer inquiries both in-person and over the phone. I am proficient with Microsoft Office and enjoy the challenges a customer service role provides."

Highlight Key Skills
Instead of listing generic skills, demonstrate why you possess those skills through examples. Be specific and relevant to the job.

Example:

Strong communication skills developed through teaching and managing parent relations.
Advanced IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Proven sales record with over £1.5m in sales, consistently exceeding targets.

Employment History
List your most recent jobs first and focus on the last 5-10 years of experience. Use action verbs (e.g., "developed," "managed," "improved") to describe your achievements clearly. Avoid irrelevant roles from too long ago unless directly applicable.

Example:
Administrative Assistant, ABC Ltd. (2006–2010)

Provided administrative support to all departments.
Organised meetings, travel, and events.
Responded to customer inquiries via email and phone.

Education and Training
List your highest qualifications, such as degrees or certifications. You don't need to include primary school education unless specifically requested. Additional relevant training or certifications should also be included.
Additional Skills and Interests
Include any skills or training directly related to the job (e.g., health and safety courses, software proficiency). As for interests, focus on those that show creativity or leadership (e.g., volunteering, sports).
References
Simply state "Available on request" rather than listing contacts. Ensure your references are aware and prepared to be contacted.

Final Checks Before Submitting

Does your CV clearly demonstrate why you're the best fit for the job?
Have you tailored it to match the job description?
Is it free from spelling errors and easy to read?

Cover Letter

Always include a cover letter with your CV. This should explain why you’re qualified for the job, why you're interested in the company, and how your skills align with their needs.

Cover letter Templates

More Tips

Recruitment agencies and Sectors

Morgan Spencer

Morgan Spencer offers a variety of roles with prestigious companies in the London market. If you’re interested in temporary work, send your CV to temps@morganspencer.co.uk. For long-term contract or permanent roles, contact Madie at madie@morganspencer.co.uk. You can also browse their current vacancies at Morgan Spencer Job Search.

As the leading specialist recruitment consultancy in London for office support, Love Success Plc places candidates in roles ranging from receptionist to marketing, HR, and finance positions. With a focus on top UK firms, they offer personalized job matching and excellent career growth opportunities.

Anderson Hoare
Browse current vacancies at Anderson Hoare Vacancies or send your CV to zoe@andersonhoare.co.uk.

Angela Mortimer
With over 40 years of experience, Angela Mortimer offers top job placements in office support and beyond. Whether for temporary, contract, or permanent roles, they are committed to matching the right candidates with the right job.
Call: 020 7287 7788
Email: Katie.lawrence@angelamortimer.com

Anne Jagger Recruitment
Specializing in customer care, admin, PA, reception, and accounts positions.
Email: steve@annejagger.com

C&C Search
C&C Search loves Canadian candidates and recognizes the unique energy they bring to the job market! They specialize in permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment across sectors like business support, marketing, HR, client services, and more.
Contact: 020 3475 5039
Email: hello@candcsearch.co.uk
Browse vacancies at C&C Search Jobs

Covent Garden Bureau
Specializing in office support roles in Central London, Covent Garden Bureau is looking for Canadians with experience in admin, PA, secretarial, HR, policy, events, and more.
Email: info@coventgardenrecruitment.co.uk
Website: Covent Garden Recruitment

Deverell Smith
As the UK’s fastest-growing property recruitment firm, Deverell Smith recruits for admin support and property roles.
Contact: Chelsea Harris (Principal Consultant)
Email: Chelsea.Harris@deverellsmith.com

East London NHS Foundation Trust
They are consistently seeking motivated Canadian admin staff.
Email: Teresa.hall@elft.nhs.uk

Ferreira Young Recruitment
Specializes in business support staff recruitment for roles such as PA, admin, reception, HR, and marketing.
Email: claudia@fy-recruitment.co.uk
Phone: 07495 200 530

Gel Appointments
They place candidates in office support, HR, finance, marketing, and charity roles.
Email: info@gel-appointments.co.uk
Phone: 020 7256 2345

Handle Recruitment
Handle is known for recruiting office support roles in entertainment, media, and tech industries.
Email: danielle.clarke@handle.co.uk

Hays
Contact: Kathryn Young
Phone: 0208 563 8181
Email: kathryn.young@hays.com

Harris Hill Charity Recruitment
Specializing in temp and interim roles within the London charity sector.
Email: Hayley.finley@harrishill.co.uk (Business Support)
Email: Wesley.Sheffield@harrishill.co.uk (Marketing, Events, Fundraising)

Henry Fox Recruitment
Henry Fox focuses on recruitment within the retail and fashion sector.
Phone: 020 3058 0222
Email: info@henryfoxrecruitment.com
Website: Henry Fox Recruitment

Joss Search
Joss Search places PA, secretarial, and back-office support roles, specializing in private equity and hedge funds.
Email: dan@josssearch.com

Morgan McKinley
Email: Katie Instone
Email: kinstone@morganmckinley.co.uk
Phone: (0)207 092 0052

New Personnel
An international recruitment agency with offices in London and Toronto, New Personnel specializes in roles across the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand.
Phone: 0207 248 3328
Email: info@newpersonnel.net

Nouvo Recruitment
Recruiting for various sectors including retail, admin, tech, and finance.
Email: Lesley.Ray@nouvorecruitment.co.uk

Office Angels Victoria
Looking for candidates in admin, reception, PA, EA, office support, and facilities roles.
Phone: 0207 630 0844

people2people recruitment
This agency recruits for temporary, contract, and permanent roles across sectors such as business support, finance, customer service, and more.
Email: maddy@people2people.co.uk
Phone: +44 20 3824 097
Website: people2people.co.uk

Prize Placements
Specializing in admin, marketing, PR, legal, accounts, and HR placements in London and Surrey.
Phone: 020 8307 7611
Email: admin@prizeplacements.co.uk
Website: Prize Placements

Red Anchor Recruitment
Placing administrators, receptionists, PAs, and EAs in Zone 1 London roles.
Email: info@redanchorrecruitment.com

Robert Half Recruitment
Offers temporary and contract roles for finance professionals and office support staff.
Email: steve.sully@roberthalf.co.uk
Phone: 02073896900

ROC Recruitment
Recruiting for office support positions across multiple sectors.
Phone: 0207 318 1400
Website: roc.co.uk

Sammons Commercial
Recruiting for office support roles in various sectors.
Email: jobs@sammons.co.uk
Facebook: Sammons Commercial

Sauce Recruitment
Specializes in media, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle recruitment, placing talent in temporary, contract, and permanent roles.
Phone: 0203 567 1480

Signature Recruitment
Offers temporary, contract, and permanent recruitment for business support roles in finance, HR, marketing, and administration.
Email: sarah.w@signaturerecruitment.co.uk
Phone: 020 3745 0595
Website: Signature Recruitment

Strictly Recruitment
Specializes in placing office support staff in professional services, creative industries, media, and more.
Email: paul@strictly-recruitment.com
Phone: 0207 628 4000
Website: Strictly Recruitment

Tay Associates
Specializing in PA, EA, and business support recruitment.
Website: Tay Associates
Email: kjb@tayassociates.co.uk

Twist Recruitment
Focusing on admin, receptionist, PA, and office support positions.
Email: jaime@twistorstick.co.uk

Upgrade Recruitment London
An award-winning recruitment consultancy specializing in office, finance, sales, HR, and bilingual roles.
Website: Upgrade Recruitment
Phone: 020 8780 9922
Email: jim@upgraderecruitment.co.uk

Wild Berry Associates
Specializes in recruitment across various sectors, including office support.
Email: info@WildBerryAssociates.com

Wise May
A recruitment agency focusing on diversity and inclusion, recruiting for admin, PA, EA, HR, and customer service roles.
Email: amy@wisemay.co.uk