Ready2Work

Ready2Work International

4 students of different backgrounds are looking at a laptop screen (not visible). All are smiling at what they see on the screen.

Free job search and career advancement workshop series with optional coaching session

Join these free workshops and learn how to find the work you want or how to advance your career. All VCC international students can sign up for 1 or more workshops.

Students who fully participate in workshops can also apply for a 1:1 coaching session. Space is limited for these sessions. More information about coaching is below.

  • "This is a helpful program that should not be missed."
  • "Definitely every student should take this [program] which will give you a different perspective of what you think you should be doing to find job opportunities."
  • "The most practical class I had in VCC so far!"

Ann Marcoux

Ann has over 10 years of talent management and career coaching experience and possesses an expert understanding of the full recruitment cycle. She has coached and educated hundreds of clients on their journey to secure employment, and her unique approach empowers individuals to identify their strengths, develop actionable strategies, and achieve their professional aspirations.

Workshop Information

  • Most workshops are online, using Zoom.
  • We offer different topics each semester.
  • Workshops are at different times and days to fit your schedule.
  • Important: To be eligible for free coaching, stay until the end of each workshop and complete the exit poll.

How to Register

  • Each workshop topic below includes a short description and a Zoom registration link.
  • After you register, you will get the Zoom link by email.

What can I expect to do in these workshops?

  • Practice real Canadian workplace skills (show up on time, answer questions from the facilitator, etc.).
  • Speak up in discussions and keep your camera on.
  • It’s a safe place to practice — mistakes are okay and help everybody learn!

If You Can’t Attend

  • Please email us before the workshop (3 days minimum): [email protected]
  • Think of it like a job — let us know if you can't come.

Workshops Open for Registration

Workshop: Canadian Job Search Strategies  

Date: Friday, July 11, 2025 

Time: 1:30 PM-4:00 PM 

Location: online (zoom) 

Registration: click here to register 

Workshop eligibility: open to all VCC international students 

Looking for a job in Canada can be hard—especially if you're new to the country. This workshop will help you understand how job applications works in Canada and give you tools to make it easier. 

What you’ll learn: 
• What Canadian employers want to see in your job applications 
• How to show your skills and experience in a way that fits Canadian job culture 
• Where to find job postings online 
• How to make your application stand out in online systems (ATS) 
• How to spot fake jobs and avoid scams 
• How to use LinkedIn, social media, and AI tools the right way 

This session is great for international students who want clear, practical advice to feel more confident and ready to find work in Canada. 

(Note: some of this workshop covers topics in the previous workshop – Preparing for Canadian Job Application Success) 

Workshop: Tips for Successful Resumes & Cover Letters 

Date: Friday, July 18, 2025 

Time: 1:30 PM-  4:00 PM 

Location: online (zoom) 

Registration: click here to register 

Workshop eligibility: open to all VCC international students 

Not sure how resumes and cover letters work in Canada? This workshop will help you write job applications that meet the expectations of Canadian employers. 

You will learn: 
• What type of resume works best for you and the job you want 
• The difference between combination and functional resumes 
• How to use AI tools to find the right keywords 
• What Canadian employers look for in a cover letter (like soft skills) 
• How to format and organize your cover letter 
• Where to find simple templates and examples 

Get tips that make your resume and cover letter clearer, stronger, and get better results! 

Note: This workshop reviews topics covered in these previous workshops - Resumes that Get Results and Unlocking Cover Letter Success. 

Recommendation: We recommend you complete the VCC Resume & Cover Letter Moodle course before taking this workshop (not required). Log in to your Moodle account - search for Resume and Cover Letters.

Coaching Sessions - Take the next step in your job search!

If you attend a Ready2Work International workshop, you can book a free one-on-one coaching session with the workshop facilitator! Take advantage of these free coaching sessions to help you feel more confident in your Canadian job search. 

Why book a coaching session?

This is your chance to get personal guidance on your job search questions. You can ask questions like:

  • Why are employers not responding to my job applications?
  • How do I make my resume stand out?
  • What do employers in my new field look for?
  • How can I research companies that are hiring?
  • How do I make career choices that fit my goals?

The facilitator may also connect you with other helpful services at VCC to help with things like:

Tip: If you want to talk about your resume, try to complete the free Resume & Cover Letter Moodle course first. That way, your coach can give you even better feedback! The course is open to all VCC students. 

Please note: Coaching is not counselling. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about work or your future, VCC Counselling Services is available to support you.

How to Book a Coaching Session

If you are eligible, you’ll get an email from [email protected] with instructions to sign up. Make sure to check your inbox!

Important: Your Commitment

Coaching sessions are limited, so your appointment is a commitment.

If you need to cancel, please tell us at least 5 business days before your appointment.
If you cancel too late or don’t show up, you won’t be able to book another session unless you attend another Ready2Work workshop.

We understand life happens—just let us know in advance if your plans change.

Other Workshop Topics (Not currently available for registration)

These workshops may be included in some new, 2.5 hour workshops or may be offered in future. If you want to request any of these workshop topics to be scheduled in future, let us know at [email protected].

Immigrant job seekers often hear that they need "Canadian experience" to get the job. This workshop includes discussions about the expectations of the Canadian workplace, as well as how to demonstrate your existing workplace readiness skills in a way that Canadian employers will understand or that can advance your current career path. Topics discussed include: 

  • Canadian workplace culture & etiquette 
  • Body language & workplace communication tips 
  • Inclusivity and respect for diversity  
  • Identifying and talking about your workplace soft skills 

Most jobs are not posted so the most effective way to find a job is by connecting with someone who can point you to the right opportunity. It is also important to build a connection with the employer when doing job interviews.  In this workshop you will discuss some proven ways to make and strengthen connections including: 

  • Basic networking skills  
  • Understanding the hidden job market  
  • Tips for informational interviews  
  • Using social media to network   
  • What employers are looking for in a job interview
  • Interview formats 
  • Common questions/motives
  • Handling difficult questions including behavioural and illegal questions

Note: this workshop combines topics covered in previous workshops: Ace the Interview & Networking to Find the Job You Want. 

In this workshop, you will review the essential ways to search for jobs in Canada. In addition, you will learn about typical Canadian pathways to employment, how to research job opportunities in your field of study, and how to decide where to start on your new career path in Canada. Topics discussed include:

  • Common Canadian Job search practices
  • Understanding what employers look for in new applicants
  • Labour market research in your field
  • Information interviews to learn about opportunities in your field of study
  • Pathways to employment advancement in Canada
  • Career decision-making: how do you choose where to begin!

Note: part of this workshop is a review of what was covered in Introduction to Canadian Job Search Skills.

Applying for work in Canada can involve more than submitting online applications. Employers also want to know about how you will fit into a team. This workshop will cover:

  • How to find work in Canada
  • Understanding how hiring works in Canada
  • Getting referrals, in-person job search
  • Employment Scams

The Canadian labour market is complicated, especially for international students. Job seekers have to navigate changing types of work and adapt to quickly changing workplace cultures and environments. It is already hard to find work and the complexity of the 21st century labour market can make it seem impossible.

However, there are career development skills and practices that can help you stay confident during job search, remain resilient in the face of a changing and complicated labour market, and to help you advance in your career journey. Join this interactive workshop to build your career skills and learn about:

  • Complexity of 21st century careers
  • How adaptability and resiliency are important employability skills
  • How to be ready for unexpected career opportunities
  • Using your transferable skills and strengths to secure a job and advance your career
  • Making plans for career search action

Most jobs in Canada are not posted online. This is often called the hidden job market. The hidden job market is usually accessed through people you know or people you meet. This workshop will cover:

  • Basic networking skills
  • Understanding the hidden job market
  • Tips for informational interviews
  • Using social media to network 

Applying for a job in Canada needs more than just a resume and cover letter. You also need to know how your skills match the needs of an employer.

  • What employers look for in job applications
  • Assessing your transferrable skills and talking about them in job applications
  • How to match your personal style to the needs of the employer

Canadian employers rely on your resume to decide who they want to interview for the job they need filled. You will need to create a custom resume for each job you apply for, and make sure you showcase how your skills match what the employer needs. This workshop will cover:

  • Resume styles & how to choose the best one for you and for the job
  • Functional/combo resumes styles – which to choose and why
  • Using AI for keywords 
  • Using skills assessment results to write action statements that match the job posting 
  • Templates/samples 

We recommend you also complete the VCC Resume & Cover Letter Moodle course before taking this workshop (not required). Log in to your Moodle account - search for Resume and Cover Letters.