When we returned to Ottawa many years ago we had to go through the entire process of looking for jobs and going to interviews. We know from firsthand experience that it can be a difficult and frustrating time so we want to make it easier for you.
Most businesses and employment agencies that have job listings have websites on line that you can search through. A lot of them have enormous databases but some have just a few.
Here are some websites that have listings of Ottawa jobs:
- Jobs.gc.ca – this is the website for jobs in the Public Service. The Public Service is one of the largest employers in Ottawa. You will be competing with a lot of people when applying for positions but don’t let that stop you. Apply to as many as you feel you are qualified for. It may also help to get a language evaluation done (if you can) as a lot of jobs require you to be bilingual.
- Gojobs.gov.on.ca – this is the Government of Ontario’s job site. Most of the jobs are in the Toronto area but there are some in Ottawa.
- Monster.ca – they have a huge database of different jobs. You can search for jobs and also post your resume for employers to see. You can also get career advice.
- Working.com – The listings are from the Ottawa Citizen newspaper.
- Workopolis.ca – they also have a huge database of different types of jobs.
- AllOttawaJobs.com – they have thousands of links to jobs and job banks.
- JobBank.gc.ca – this is the HRDC’s website.
- Ottawajobs.com – they have job listings and resources.
- Ottawajobshark.ca
- Careerbuilder.ca
- HiredOttawa.com
There are also a large number of employment agencies in Ottawa that can help you find jobs in Ottawa. We have listed some of the ones that we have found jobs through or that we have heard good things about (through friends, family & colleagues):
Adecco
Ottawa
613-230-7777
Adecco
Kanata
613-599-3151
Adecco
Gatineau
819-420-0200
Dare HR
613-238-3273
Excel HR
102 Bank Street, Suite 300
613-230-5393
Harrington
164 Metcalfe Street
613-236-4600
Manpower
800-55 Metcalfe Street
613-237-9070
Manpower Professional
800-55 Metcalfe Street
613-237-1727
Quantum
275 Slater Street, Suite 500
613-237-8888
Randstad
99 Bank Street
613-564-2555
Spherion
440 Laurier Avenue W, Suite 120
613-782-2333
Some of the employment agencies in Ottawa may have different application processes so it would be a good idea to call in advance. You may be able to submit your resume on line or they may prefer that you drop it off in person or mail it to them. More often than not, they will call you in for an interview. They may also do some tests with you (i.e. to test your computer skills).
As we mentioned earlier it may also be a good idea to get a Second Language Evaluation to see what your level is in French. A lot of Ottawa jobs (especially Government of Canada jobs) require that you are bilingual. If you aren’t able to get an evaluation in advance then don’t worry (most people aren’t able to unless an employer requests it). You will be sent out by the employer to do an evaluation if they are interested in hiring you.
The second language evaluation is graded in three different areas:
- Reading Comprehension – assesses your reading proficiency
- Writing – assesses your writing proficiency
- Oral Interaction
There are 5 different grades you can receive (ranked in order from lowest to highest):
- “-” which means you didn’t even meet the criteria
- A – this generally means you have a minimum understanding of the language
- B
- C
- Exempt – this means that you are exempt from ever having to take it again
- P – this is used for people with specialty training (i.e. proofreading, editing, teaching etc.)
For more details about the Second Language Evaluation you may want to visit the website for the Public Service Commission of Canada.
Have you given any though to running a home based business in Ottawa? You can even start one as a part time job (as we did) or just as a hobby (that makes you money). If this interests you, check out the following links:
- become a Work at Home Mom (WAHM)
- start your own online business
Or, check out the video below. It isn’t specific to getting a job in Ottawa but seeing as we are from Ottawa and this is the program we used to create the Ottawa-Information-Guide, we thought we would share it:
Whether you are looking for a full time job, a complete career change or a part time job we wish you luck in your search. It can be frustrating and time consuming but hang in there!
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