What are the fastest growing industries in Canada this year?
Data foretells an abundance of future open opportunities across Canada in: technology, healthcare, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, clean technology, the creative industries, data analytics, and construction. It's a good thing too, because the number of graduates nationwide has been increasing.
From 2000 to 2020 the number of graduates across the country rose from 176, 556 to 326, 991. If you're an employer this is fantastic, and likewise for the country and future workforce but it also denotes more competition. Thankfully, there are things you can do to standout and ensure your resume hits the top of the pile, time after time. Notably, our nation's 'grad growth' is doubly awesome, as the more educated candidates in the marketplace, the more innovation, the greater the need, arguably, for bigger teams leading to more career pathways and economic stability - for all.
Considering which industries are growing as you plan your career journey shows where the greatest possible growth lies. As a new grad, we recommend pinpointing opportunities in these industries that align most with your degree or diploma. In doubt but still keen on the role? You know the 'ol adage: apply anyway.
What are the Most Wanted Skill-sets by Employers in Canada This Year?
- Digital skills: With the increasing digitalization of the workplace, digital skills such as coding, web development, data analysis, and digital marketing are in high demand.
- Soft skills: Employers value soft skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, problem-solving, and critical thinking, as these skills enable employees to work well in teams and handle complex tasks.
- Business skills: Graduates with knowledge of business concepts such as financial analysis, project management, and business strategy are in high demand.
- Sales skills: The ability to sell products or services is always in demand, especially in industries such as technology and software.
- Customer service skills: With the rise of e-commerce, customer service skills such as empathy, problem-solving, and communication are increasingly important.
- Marketing skills: Graduates with skills in digital marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing are in high demand.
- Healthcare skills: Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries in Canada, and graduates with healthcare-related skills such as nursing, physiotherapy, and medical technology are in high demand.
- Creative skills: Industries such as design, media, and entertainment require graduates with skills in graphic design, video production, writing, and other creative disciplines.
- Environmental and sustainability skills: Graduates with knowledge of environmental sustainability, green energy, and eco-friendly practices are in demand in industries such as construction, engineering, and transportation.
- Language skills: In a multicultural country such as Canada, graduates who are fluent in multiple languages are highly valued in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and customer service.
How do I showcase my skills on my resume to grow my chances of getting hired?
When creating your resume, we recommend creating a skills-specific section which you adapt each application to tailor it to the job description, industry, and company you are working to land an interview with. Limiting your skills section to the 10-15 most noteworthy for the role will avoid the resume becoming cluttered and keep your language direct and strong. To maintain a streamlined and easy-to-read resume, also incorporate skills messaging in each role by giving examples of the work you did and your achievements. Of course, badges and awards can be meaningful tokens of achievement to share.
What can I do, beyond application, to get the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager?
There are some old-school tips and tricks you can try to support your application reaching the right eyes. For example, if the job opportunity shares the name of the Human Resources professional, recruiter, or team member hiring you can reach out them to affirm your expression of interest in joining their team and introduce yourself, personalizing the process while flagging your application with them. Another important thing to consider is your digital presence. At present, what are your social and job-search profiles saying about you? If you can align who you are online with what you bring to the table it helps your candidacy - particularly for roles in marketing or with companies who heavily invest in their online presence.