Emploi Quebec Facts

If any of the following situations describes you then you should contact your local CLE (centre locale d'emploi).

This list is taken directly from Emploi-Québec's site on the page describing services to individuals on May 1st, 2008 and has only been altered to make it more readable as the English on this site is often confusing and/or poorly written.

Category 1: Actively looking for work.

• Online placement. You can view and apply to employment offers on their web site.


• Labour market information. Emploi-Québec keeps stats on trends such as which trades and professions are most in demand in your area.


• Help with Internet job search. Emploi-Québec publishes a list of job boards for you to consult and also has published a free downloadable book called "Job Searching via the Internet".


• Your Complete Job Search Guide is an online tool to help you find a job tailored to your experience, training, and interests.

Category 2: Receiving employment insurance benefits (Federal government) or employment assistance benefits (Québec government.

• Depending on your situation there may be specialized services to help you enter the job market.


• You may qualify for financial assistance.


• You may qualify for assistance in setting up your own business.


• If you are facing long-term unemployment you may qualify for a training program to learn a new trade.

Category 3: Young and unemployed.

• Young Volunteers is a program that lets you acquire skills while working on a project that you have designed.

Category 4: Employed persons.

• From the following publication are some services and regulations: Guide de la qualification professionelle (French only)


1. Study through an apprenticeship program
(French only)

2. Practicing a trade that could have an impact the safety of others


3. Work elsewhere in Canada with certification obtained in Quebec and vice versa. Read here (French only)

Emploi-Québec also gives support to companies. (Unfortunately the information on their website is in French only. I will do my best to summarize here. If you need more information do not hesitate to call them or go to their offices. They are very professional and helpful. So don't be afraid to call.

So in general, Emploi-Québec's services can be summarized as advice and financial support so that companies can be better HR managers.

Here is a list of the services they offer:

• Information and advice regarding hiring employees.


• HR consulting.


• Your obligations and responsibilities as an employer. (On topics such as certification, unions, training, etc.)


• Labour market information


• Possible financial assistance for job creation.

So you went to Emploi-Québec and you didn't find a job, and you don't qualify for training or financial assistance. Now what?

First of all, take the job search course that they offer. By taking this course you will refresh your job search skills.

Now it's time to look at what you can do outside of Emploi-Québec. I also recommend you try the following:

• Buy, read, and most importantly implement the recommendation from What Color is Your Parachute? There's a reason why this book has been a best seller since 1984, the advice works. If you seriously want to get a good job quick then you will invest $20 to buy this book and then invest some time to learn and apply what you have learned. I personally have followed the advice and I have seen others do it as well. On the other hand I know many people who read the book and then revert to their old ways. Action is the key.



• Register with all the Employment Agencies in your city. It doesn't cost you anything to register with an agency. As a matter of fact they will welcome your application and if they have a position that is well suited for you then they will call you for an interview. Try to find an agency that is specialized in your field. For example, Eximius Personnel is specialized in recruiting and placing sales professionals.



• Register to online job boards. I'm talking about Monster.ca, workopolis.com, careerbuilder.ca, and jobboom.ca. Again it is free for you to do. You may not be aware but many employers and placement agencies pay good money to scour through these database looking for candidates to fill their job requirements. If you are looking for work, register on all the job boards. Create job search agents that will notify you whenever a job of your liking becomes available. It's like having an assistant that never sleeps looking for a job for you.



• Have a professional review your cover letter and resume. You only have one chance to make a positive first impression. Would you pay $50 to get a better job in less time? This is a no brainer, just do it.