In today’s digital world, being a skilled web developer is in high demand, especially in Canada where technology and innovation thrive. For Filipino workers abroad (OFWs) looking to enter or advance in this field, knowing the essential skills needed to excel in Canada’s tech industry is crucial.
This guide explores the core skills required for success as a web developer in Canada. Whether you’re new to the field or experienced, understanding these skills will help you navigate the Canadian job market effectively. From mastering programming languages to problem-solving and staying updated on industry trends, we’ll cover everything you need to know to kickstart or advance your career in web development in Canada.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
Key Skills for Web Developers in Canada
The information shared in this article comes from a YouTube video from the channel “JTV Canada vlogs.” In this video, the vlogger talks about the skills needed to be a web developer in Canada. If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
How to Get a Software Developer Job in Canada
Today, many people wonder how they can get a software developer job in Canada if they don’t have any Canadian work experience. But here’s the thing: lots of folks asking this question already have experience, just not in Canada. They’re thinking about moving here.
No matter how much experience you have, it’s important to know what hiring managers will look for when they interview you. This way, you can boost your chances of getting hired. Let’s start with the technical skills.
If you’re a software developer who’s been working with Java, for example, it doesn’t matter if you were doing it in the Philippines or anywhere else. Your skills are just as good in Canada as they are wherever you’re working now.
Communication Skills are Key
- Communication gap concern with foreign work experience
- Prioritize clear communication in your resume
- Ensure resume is clear, concise, and to the point
- Quantify achievements, e.g., “Reduced costs by 20%”
- Limit resume to one or two pages
- Improve English skills if necessary
When reviewing a resume with only foreign work experience, the main concern is often the potential for a communication gap between the candidate and the current team members. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize clear communication, starting with your resume.
You’ll want your resume to be clear, concise, and to the point. Clearly explain what you achieved in your previous roles, and try to quantify your achievements. For instance, you might say something like “Reduced costs by twenty percent” or “Decreased execution time by two hundred percent.”
Keep your resume to one or two pages maximum. You don’t want to lose the attention of the hiring manager, especially if your English isn’t your strongest suit. If that’s the case, consider putting effort into improving your English skills, as strong communication skills are vital, particularly for applicants with only foreign work experience.
Apply, Apply, Apply
- To maximize your chances of landing a job, follow these steps:
- Apply on Job Bank, a Canadian job board tailored for new immigrants.
- Target other main Canadian job boards such as Indeed and LinkedIn.
- Create a clean, professional LinkedIn profile with:
- A short “About Me” section
- A professional photo
- Your education, skills, and experience
- Apply for jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed.
- If you exhaust job postings on these platforms, try:
- AngelList, a job board for startup positions
- Eluda, an aggregator of job postings from various sources
- Remember not to waste time applying to jobs you’re not qualified for.
- Aim for positions where you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications listed in the job posting, along with similar experience.
To maximize your chances of landing a job, it’s essential to get your resume out there as much as possible. Here’s a general tip: start by applying on Job Bank. Job Bank is a Canadian job board designed specifically for new immigrants.
After that, be sure to target the main Canadian job boards, such as Indeed and LinkedIn. If you haven’t already, create a clean, professional LinkedIn profile. You can search for software engineers in Canada on LinkedIn to get an idea of what a good profile looks like. Your LinkedIn profile should include a short “About Me” section, a professional photo, your education, skills, and experience.
Once your LinkedIn profile is set up, start applying for jobs on LinkedIn and Indeed. If you exhaust the job postings on these platforms, try AngelList and Eluda. Eluda is an aggregator that collects job postings from various company websites and other sources, while AngelList is a job board specifically for startup positions.
Here’s one more tip before I go: don’t waste your time applying to jobs you’re not qualified for. Aim for positions where you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications listed in the job posting and have a similar amount of experience as they’re asking for. This way, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews for roles that you’re genuinely well-suited for.
Applications You Need
- For front end development, the popular technologies include:
- React JS library, a leading JavaScript framework
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as foundational skills
- Knowledge of CSS preprocessors like SASS
- In back end development, key aspects involve:
- Focus on APIs
- Variety of programming languages such as .NET, PHP, or Python
- Frameworks like Symfony and Laravel for PHP developers
- Utilization of databases like MS SQL and MySQL
- Essential additional skills:
- Understanding of cloud services for application deployment
- Knowledge of DevOps practices, including tools like Docker
In Canada, just like in other countries, the popularity of programming languages remains consistent. In web development, there are three main paths: front end, back end, or full stack.
For those who prefer visual work, front end development is often the choice. It involves editing CSS and offers the satisfaction of seeing your output visually. On the other hand, full stack development, which covers both front end and back end, along with DevOps roles, offers greater job security.
In back-end development, the focus is primarily on APIs. The technologies that are popular in front end development include the React JS library, which is a leading JavaScript framework. Three essential base skills for front end developers are HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Knowing React JS and CSS preprocessors like SASS can be a plus.
Familiarity with tools like Postman is crucial as well. The languages in demand vary, with some positions requiring expertise in .NET, PHP, or Python. Popular frameworks for PHP developers include Symfony and Laravel. Common databases include MS SQL and MySQL.
Additionally, knowledge of cloud services is essential for deploying applications. Understanding DevOps practices, including tools like Docker, is also important for a well-rounded skill set in web development.
Software Developer Pathways in Canada
Several immigration programs are tailored to software engineers. Here’s an overview of key pathways:
Express Entry System:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Other Programs:
- Rural and Northern Immigration Program
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
Requirements: Building Your Case
To strengthen your application, gather and document the following:
- Educational Qualifications: Provide transcripts and credentials.
- Work Experience: Demonstrate expertise in software engineering.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is essential.
- Validity of Visa: Securing Permanent Residency
Successful applicants typically receive a Canadian Permanent Residency Visa, granting the right to live and work anywhere in Canada. Initially issued for five years, it can be renewed.
Processing Timelines: What to Expect
- Processing times for immigration applications vary depending on the program and individual circumstances.
- Documents Required: Building Your Portfolio
- Compile a comprehensive set of documents to strengthen your application:
- Identification: Passport and other government-issued ID documents.
- Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, transcripts, and educational assessments (if required).
- Work Experience Letters: Letters from previous employers detailing your roles, responsibilities, and duration of employment.
- Language Proficiency Test Results: Official test scores from approved language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other financial documents demonstrating your ability to support yourself and your family members (if applicable) during your stay in Canada.
- Police Clearance Certificates: Documents proving you have no criminal record (may be required from each country you have lived in for a certain period).
- Medical Examination Reports: Health assessments conducted by designated physicians to ensure you meet Canadian health standards.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any additional documents relevant to your application, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or proof of relationships.
Compile a comprehensive set of documents, including:
- Identification: Passport and other ID documents.
- Educational Documents: Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
- Language Proficiency Test Results: IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French.
- Work Experience Letters: Letters from previous employers.
In conclusion, embarking on a career as a web developer in Canada demands a diverse skill set and a proactive approach to staying abreast of industry trends. From mastering programming languages like JavaScript and frameworks such as React JS, to honing proficiency in back-end technologies like PHP and database management, the journey to success requires continuous learning and adaptation.