Ottawa

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Temporary and Part-Time Opportunities

An overview of part-time or temporary job options that newcomers can pursue while settling in Ottawa.

Sections

1. Categories of Temporary and Part-Time Opportunities in Ottawa

a. Retail and Customer Service

  • Examples: Sales associate, cashier, stock clerk, customer service representative.
  • Where to Look: Shopping malls (e.g., Rideau Centre, Bayshore Shopping Centre), local stores, and big-box retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Canadian Tire.
  • Peak Hiring Times: Holiday seasons (November–December), back-to-school season (August–September).

b. Hospitality and Food Services

  • Examples: Barista, server, bartender, kitchen staff, hotel front desk staff.
  • Where to Look: Restaurants, cafes (e.g., Tim Hortons, Starbucks), hotels, and event venues.
  • Peak Hiring Times: Summer (tourist season) and during major events like Winterlude or Canada Day celebrations.

c. Administrative and Office Support

  • Examples: Data entry clerk, receptionist, temporary assistant.
  • Where to Look: Staffing agencies (e.g., Adecco, Randstad), government job boards, and private companies.
  • Peak Hiring Times: Year-round, but especially during government fiscal year-end periods (March).

d. Gig Economy and Freelance Work

  • Examples: Rideshare driver (Uber, Lyft), food delivery (DoorDash, SkipTheDishes), freelance writing, graphic design.
  • Where to Look: Online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local Facebook groups for freelancers.

e. Seasonal and Outdoor Work

  • Examples: Landscaping, snow removal, festival staff, farm work.
  • Where to Look: Local job boards, community bulletin boards, and seasonal hiring fairs.
  • Peak Hiring Times: Spring and summer for landscaping; winter for snow removal.

f. Education and Tutoring

  • Examples: Private tutor, teaching assistant, language instructor.
  • Where to Look: Tutoring platforms (e.g., Superprof, TutorBright), local schools, and universities.

g. Healthcare and Personal Support

  • Examples: Personal support worker (PSW), caregiver, babysitter.
  • Where to Look: Care.com, local healthcare facilities, and community centers.

2. Costs and Considerations

a. Job Application Costs

  • Resume Printing: $0.10–$0.25 per page at local print shops or libraries.
  • Transportation: OC Transpo (Ottawa’s public transit) costs $3.75 per ride or $125.50 for a monthly pass (2023 rates).
  • Certifications: Some jobs may require certifications, such as:
    • Smart Serve (for serving alcohol): $34.95 CAD.
    • Food Handler Certification: $40–$50 CAD.
    • First Aid/CPR Certification: $100–$150 CAD.

b. Taxes and Deductions

  • Part-time and temporary workers are subject to income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), and Employment Insurance (EI) deductions. Ensure you provide your Social Insurance Number (SIN) to your employer for proper tax reporting.

c. Work Permits for Non-Residents

  • If you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need a valid work permit to take up employment. International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks.

3. Application and Hiring Procedures

a. Preparing Your Application

  1. Resume: Tailor your resume to the job. Highlight relevant skills and experience.
  2. Cover Letter: Optional but recommended for administrative and professional roles.
  3. References: Have at least two professional or personal references ready.

b. Where to Apply

  • Online Job Boards: Indeed, Glassdoor, Workopolis, Job Bank (Government of Canada).
  • Company Websites: Many businesses post job openings directly on their websites.
  • Staffing Agencies: Agencies like Adecco, Randstad, and Manpower specialize in temporary and part-time placements.
  • Networking: Attend local job fairs, community events, and use LinkedIn to connect with potential employers.

c. Interview Process

  • Be prepared for both in-person and virtual interviews.
  • Common questions include your availability, experience, and ability to handle specific job tasks.
  • For retail and customer service roles, employers may conduct group interviews.

d. Background Checks

  • Some employers may require a criminal record check, especially for roles involving vulnerable populations (e.g., caregiving, tutoring). This can be obtained through the Ottawa Police Service for a fee of $20–$50 CAD.

4. Local Tips for Finding Opportunities

a. Leverage Local Resources

  • Employment Ontario: Offers free job search assistance, resume workshops, and career counseling.
  • YMCA-YWCA Employment Services: Provides job search support and training programs.
  • University and College Career Centers: If you’re a student, use the career services at institutions like the University of Ottawa or Carleton University.

b. Timing is Key

  • Apply early for seasonal roles (e.g., summer jobs in March or April).
  • Check for job postings daily, as part-time and temporary roles are often filled quickly.

c. Networking

  • Join local Facebook groups or community forums (e.g., “Ottawa Jobs” or “Ottawa Part-Time Work”).
  • Attend networking events hosted by organizations like Invest Ottawa or local chambers of commerce.

d. Be Flexible

  • Many part-time roles require evening, weekend, or holiday availability. Highlight your flexibility during the application process.

e. Language Skills

  • Bilingualism (English and French) is a significant asset in Ottawa, especially for government and customer-facing roles. If you’re not fluent in French, consider taking language classes to improve your employability.

5. Additional Considerations for Newcomers

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN): You must have a SIN to work in Canada. Apply online or in person at a Service Canada office.
  • Bank Account: Open a Canadian bank account to receive direct deposit payments.
  • Transportation: Familiarize yourself with OC Transpo routes and schedules to ensure you can commute to work on time.
  • Cultural Norms: Canadian workplaces value punctuality, teamwork, and clear communication. Be professional and respectful in all interactions.

6. Average Pay Rates for Part-Time and Temporary Jobs in Ottawa (2023)

  • Retail and Customer Service: $15–$18/hour.
  • Hospitality and Food Services: $15–$20/hour (plus tips for servers and bartenders).
  • Administrative Roles: $18–$25/hour.
  • Gig Economy: Varies; $15–$25/hour depending on the platform and demand.
  • Seasonal Work: $15–$20/hour.

By following these guidelines and leveraging the resources available in Ottawa, you’ll be well-equipped to find temporary and part-time opportunities that suit your needs. Good luck with your job search!