Labourer Jobs in Canada

General Labour Jobs Overview

If you haven’t yet decided on a career, or need a job while attending school, general labour jobs can be an ideal choice. These jobs are very diverse, but have a few things in common. They usually involve physical activity—anything from cleaning and moving heavy boxes to filing paperwork and flagging traffic. These are jobs you can pick up quickly and are a way to learn a business from the ground up.

If you like the idea of working in maintenance jobs like general labour, you can look at a few more specific positions like:

• mechanic jobs
• alarm technician jobs
• apprenticeship jobs

General Labour Training and Skills

A general labour job usually involves skills that are easy to learn, and you’ll be taught when you start your job. They often involve tasks that are repetitive, like putting labels on packages or moving materials from one place to another. There are a few skills essential to being an effective general labourer. These are:

• reading
• using documents
• writing
• basic math
• oral communication
• digital technology like using a computer

Update Your General Labour Resume

No matter what job you apply for, you’ll need a resume to be a successful candidate. A resume demonstrates the core skills of writing and thinking. You can use your resume to talk about the other skills from that list. For example, you can point out that you got good marks in high school math or took a computer class at a technical school. You can look at some resume samples to get ideas on how to write and format yours. We also have resume writing tips to help you.

You may go to the business to fill out an application or apply online. Either way, you should include a cover letter with the application and your resume. Your cover letter gives the employer a better picture of your skills and commitment to the job. To get ideas for what to include in yours, here are some cover letter samples. You can learn how to format and write an effective cover letter by browsing all the cover letter writing tips on Monster.

Interviewing for a General Labour Job

Interviews can make anyone anxious or worried, but Monster has some ideas to calm your nerves and help you sail through the interview process. Read these basic tips that will help you have a good interview. We also have some advice if your interview is on the phone. Your biggest advantage in an interview is to be prepared so you can answer questions with confidence. We’ve compiled a library of potential interview questions and suggestions for how to answer.

How Much Do General Labour Jobs Pay?

General labour jobs pay differently depending on your location and job title. If you’re getting your first job, you’ll generally receive lower pay than if you’ve worked in your industry for a few years.

Just to give you a couple examples, the median pay for a warehouse worker in British Columbia is $28.53 an hour. A locksmith in Nova Scotia makes a median of $53.32. A forklift operator in Quebec makes $28.08.

Monster’s Salary Tools will tell you what salary to expect as a general labourer in different parts of the country. Be sure to look on that page to find out the next steps you can take in your career and see job postings.

Want to Learn More About a Company You’re Interested In?

Want a sneak peek into your potential future? Monster’s Company Profiles are a way to see what a company is like, even before you interview. Type in a company name to go to a profile page and you’ll see things like:

• photos of employee events
• maps of facility locations
• a message from a company executive

Monster Can Help You Get Started in a General Labour Job

Have we sparked your curiosity about general labour jobs in your area? You’re on the perfect page to get started on your job search. Remember to take a time out to fill out a profile on Monster so recruiters can find you. Monster will also take a look at your profile and email you job postings based on your preferences.