How to Use Your Credential Evaluation to Support Your Job Search

Navigating the job market in Canada with an international degree can be challenging when employers don’t fully understand the value of your education. One way to navigate this difficulty is to obtain a credential evaluation from a provider such as World Education Services (WES).

According to Statistic Canada, 1 in 5 immigrants with a university degree has trouble finding a job that matches their education level. This is partly due to a misunderstanding of international qualifications. A credential evaluation report can help avoid this confusion and provide clarity in the hiring process.

This article discusses how a credential evaluation can help you at nearly every stage of the hiring process—from job search to job offer.

Why should I obtain a credential evaluation?

Having a credential evaluation reassures prospective employers that you meet the educational requirements for a job —and it can reassure you as well. A credential evaluation report provides the Canadian equivalency of your international education and helps employers understand your qualifications. This can also help to ensure that you are being fairly assessed in comparison to other candidates.

How can I use my report to support my job search?

Beyond being a requirement for some job applications, a credential evaluation report can be a useful tool in your job search. Here are four ways to make a credential evaluation support your job search:

• Identify suitable jobs: Use your degree equivalency to determine which jobs match your qualifications. For example, if your degree is equivalent to a bachelor’s, you might consider skipping jobs that require only a high school diploma.
• Enhance your résumé and cover letter: Add details about your evaluation to your résumé and cover letter by mentioning that you have had your international education evaluated and verified, and it meets the job’s education requirements. You can even include the degree equivalency in the education section of your résumé. You could add a statement such as “Evaluated by World Education Services as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree specializing in [your area of study].”

• Arrive prepared for your interview: Bring a copy of your evaluation report with you to support your qualifications. Use this opportunity to highlight your language skills and international work experience, which many employers consider assets.
• Negotiate your salary: If you receive a job offer, you can use your credential evaluation report to ensure that your compensation reflects your skills and education level required for a job. Share a copy of your report with the hiring manager to support your negotiation. Alternatively, you can offer to have a copy of your official evaluation report sent directly by the agency to the employer.

How do I obtain a credential evaluation report?

If you are applying for a specific job or employer, ask the HR Department or the hiring manager if the company has guidelines for internationally educated applicants, such as a report type or preferred credential evaluation provider.

If there are no guidelines, or if you are not yet focused on a specific employer, you can obtain a credential evaluation from an agency accredited by the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC).

WES is a member of ACESC and its reports are accepted by thousands of institutions in Canada. Its evaluations verify high school and post-secondary credentials from more than 200 countries. Use our free Degree Equivalency Tool to preview your education’s equivalency in Canada.

The next step in your job search

Don’t let your international education go unrecognized. A credential evaluation can be a valuable support in your job search. Evaluation reports help employers understand your qualifications, improving your chances of securing interviews and ensuring fair and unbiased recognition of your skills, education, and work experience. Many applicants also find that it increases their confidence, helping them to pursue their professional goals with greater assurance.

Ready to obtain your evaluation and boost your job search? A WES credential evaluation will unlock more job opportunities for you in Canada. Get started on your application today!