How to Get Your First Job in Canada — Teen & Youth Guide (2026)

Getting your first job can feel like a catch-22: employers want experience, but you need a job to get experience. The good news is that thousands of Canadian employers hire teens and youth with no prior work history every year. This guide covers everything you need to know — from where to look and how to apply, to what to expect on your first day.

Where to Look for Your First Job

There are more places to find entry-level and youth-friendly jobs than you might think. Cast a wide net and try multiple approaches at the same time.

Online Job Boards

• Youth Job Board Canada — jobs specifically posted for teens and young workers across Canada
• Indeed.ca — search for "part-time" or "no experience required" in your city
• Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca) — the Canadian government's official job board, with a youth-specific section
• Company websites — large retailers, grocery chains, and restaurants often have "Careers" pages with online applications

Walking In and Asking

Many local businesses — especially restaurants, cafes, retail shops, and grocery stores — still accept walk-in applications. Print a few copies of your resume, dress neatly, and visit businesses in your area during a quiet time (avoid lunch rush or Saturday mornings). Ask politely: "Hi, I'm looking for part-time work. Are you hiring, or could I leave my resume with a manager?"

Networking

Tell everyone you know that you're looking for work — parents, neighbours, teachers, coaches, family friends, and relatives. Many first jobs come through word of mouth. A personal recommendation from someone the employer already trusts can be more powerful than any resume.

School Career Centres

Most Canadian high schools and post-secondary institutions have career centres or guidance counsellors who maintain job boards, host employer visits, and can help you with your resume. Some schools also run co-op programs that count as both work experience and course credit.

Types of First Jobs in Canada

If you're not sure what kind of work to look for, here are the most common first jobs for Canadian teens and youth:

• Retail — cashier, stock clerk, or sales associate at stores like Walmart, Canadian Tire, Shoppers Drug Mart, or local boutiques
• Food service — crew member, barista, or dishwasher at Tim Hortons, McDonald's, Subway, local restaurants, or coffee shops
• Grocery stores — bagger, shelf stocker, or deli counter at Loblaws, Metro, Sobeys, or No Frills
• Camp counsellor — summer day camps and overnight camps hire thousands of teens each year across Canada
• Babysitting & childcare — a great starting point, especially if you have a babysitting course certificate
• Tutoring — if you excel in a subject, you can tutor younger students privately or through a tutoring company
• Delivery & courier — food delivery apps (for those 18+), flyer delivery, or newspaper routes for younger teens
• Lifeguard or swim instructor — if you have your NLS or Bronze Cross certification
• Landscaping & lawn care — mowing lawns, shovelling snow, or working with a landscaping company

How to Apply for Jobs

The application process varies depending on the employer. Here is what you need to know about both main approaches.

Applying Online

Most large employers use online application systems. You will typically need to create an account, fill in your personal details, upload your resume, and sometimes answer screening questions. Tips for online applications:

• Have your resume saved as a PDF with a professional file name (e.g., "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf")
• Fill in every field — don't just write "see resume"
• Tailor your answers to the specific role
• Keep a record of where you've applied and the date, so you can follow up

Applying in Person

When dropping off a resume in person, first impressions matter. Here is how to make it count:

• Dress neatly — you don't need formal attire, but avoid ripped jeans, flip-flops, or graphic tees
• Go alone — bringing a parent or friend can make you seem less independent
• Ask for the manager by name if possible
• Introduce yourself with confidence: "Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I'm a student at [School] and I'm looking for part-time work. I brought my resume — would you be able to pass it along to the hiring manager?"
• Be polite to everyone you interact with, including other staff — they may report back to the manager
• If the manager is available, make eye contact, smile, and give a firm handshake

Following Up

If you haven't heard back within 5-7 business days, it is perfectly acceptable to follow up. Call or visit the location and say: "Hi, I dropped off my resume last week for the [position] role. I wanted to follow up and see if the position is still available." Following up shows initiative and genuine interest.

What Employers Look for in Teen Applicants

Here is the truth that most teens don't realize: for entry-level positions, employers care far less about experience than you think. What they really want is:

• Availability — can you work the shifts they need filled? Evenings, weekends, and holidays are especially valuable
• Attitude — are you friendly, positive, and willing to learn? Enthusiasm goes a long way
• Reliability — will you show up on time, every shift, without constant reminders? This is the number one quality employers mention
• Communication — can you speak to customers clearly and follow instructions?
• Teamwork — are you willing to help coworkers and contribute to a positive work environment?

If you can demonstrate these qualities — through your application, your interview, and your references — you will stand out even with zero paid work experience.

Working Age Requirements by Province

Canada does not have a single national minimum working age. Each province and territory sets its own rules about how old you need to be to work, and what types of jobs you can do at different ages. In general:

• Alberta — youth can work at age 13 with restrictions; age 15 for most jobs
• British Columbia — age 15 for most employment (age 12-14 with parental consent and permit)
• Ontario — age 14 for most workplaces; age 15 for factory work; age 16 for construction
• Quebec — no strict minimum age, but restrictions apply for those under 14

For a full breakdown by province and territory, including restricted hours and types of work, see our detailed guide:Working Age by Province in Canada.

Getting Your SIN Number

Before you can legally start working in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Your employer is required to ask for your SIN on or before your first day of work. Here is how to get one:

• In person: Visit any Service Canada centre with your original identity documents (birth certificate or citizenship card for Canadian citizens, or your work permit/study permit for newcomers)
• By mail: Complete the application form and mail it with certified copies of your documents
• Cost: There is no fee to apply for a SIN
• Processing time: In person, you receive your SIN the same day. By mail, allow approximately 20 business days.

Important: Never share your SIN with anyone other than your employer, your bank, or the Canada Revenue Agency. It is a sensitive number used for tax and government benefit purposes.

What to Expect on Your First Day

Your first day at a new job can be nerve-wracking, but knowing what to expect helps. Here is a typical first day:

• Arrive early — aim to be 10-15 minutes early. This shows reliability and gives you time to settle in.
• Paperwork — you will likely fill out tax forms (TD1), direct deposit information, and possibly a uniform or dress code policy acknowledgement
• Orientation or training — many employers provide an orientation session covering workplace safety, company policies, and basic procedures
• Shadowing — you may spend your first shift watching and learning from an experienced employee
• Ask questions — no one expects you to know everything right away. Asking questions shows that you care about doing the job well.
• Bring your SIN and ID — your employer will need these for payroll setup
• Bring a pen and small notebook — write down important information, names, and procedures so you don't have to ask twice

Tips for Newcomer Youth

If you are new to Canada, getting your first job here may feel especially daunting. The job market, workplace norms, and even the application process may differ from what you are used to. Here are tips specifically for newcomer youth:

• Your international experience counts — even if it was unpaid or informal, include it on your resume
• Highlight your language skills — being bilingual or multilingual is a genuine asset in Canada's diverse workplaces
• Connect with settlement agencies — organizations like YMCA Newcomer Services, COSTI, and local immigrant services centres offer free job search help, resume workshops, and networking events
• Consider volunteer work first — if you are struggling to land paid work, volunteering builds Canadian experience and references
• Work permits matter — make sure you have the legal right to work in Canada. Students on a study permit can usually work part-time during the school year
• Don't undersell yourself — cultural modesty is admirable, but Canadian employers expect you to clearly state your strengths and accomplishments

Canadian Workplace Culture Tips

Canadian workplace culture has some norms that may not be immediately obvious, especially if this is your first job or if you have recently moved to Canada:

• Punctuality is essential — arriving late, even by a few minutes, is taken seriously in Canada. If you are going to be late, call or text your supervisor as soon as you know.
• Eye contact — making eye contact during conversations signals confidence and attentiveness. It is expected when speaking with managers, coworkers, and customers.
• Small talk — Canadians commonly make brief, friendly conversation with coworkers and customers about the weather, weekends, or sports. It is part of building rapport and is expected, especially in customer-facing roles.
• Asking for help — it is much better to ask for clarification than to guess and make a mistake. Canadian employers appreciate employees who ask questions.
• Direct but polite communication — if you have a concern or need to request time off, communicate it clearly and in advance. Managers prefer straightforward communication over hinting.
• Diversity and inclusion — Canadian workplaces are typically diverse. Treat all coworkers and customers with equal respect regardless of their background.
• Personal hygiene — employers expect clean clothing, basic grooming, and deodorant. This is particularly important in food service and customer-facing roles.

How Many Jobs Should You Apply To?

A common mistake first-time job seekers make is applying to only two or three places and waiting. For your best chance of landing a job quickly:

• Apply to at least 10-15 places in the first week
• Mix online applications with in-person drop-offs
• Apply to a variety of industries — don't limit yourself to just one type of job
• Keep a simple spreadsheet tracking where you applied, when, and any follow-up dates

Rejection is normal. Even experienced job seekers face it. Don't take it personally — keep applying and refining your approach with each application.

Next Steps

You now have a roadmap for landing your first job in Canada. Here are the resources to help you take the next steps:

• How to write a resume — create a strong resume even with no experience
• Interview questions for teens — prepare answers to the most common questions
• Working age by province — check the rules for your province or territory
• Browse youth jobs across Canada — start your search right now

Remember: Everyone starts somewhere. The skills you build in your first job — responsibility, teamwork, time management, and communication — will serve you throughout your entire career. Good luck with your job search!