Career and Job Search Help Blog

Service update

We no longer offer a subscription to “Associations Canada Online Directory”. Sorry for the inconvenience. – August 18, 2022

Associations Canada Online Directory – Listings of industry, professional & special interest associations.  This directory is available via the Toronto Public Library's website. (Enter your library card and PIN numbers to access this site).

Did you know that industry and professional associations can help with your job search? 

 Association websites can help keep you up-to-date on what is happening in your occupation and industry. They often act as gateways to more information on your chosen field.   You can use the Associations Canada directory to locate associations in your field,  or within the industry you are targeting for your job search.  

While many associations provide free information, some restrict their information and services to members only. Luckily, most associations do provide at least some free info.  So it's always worth a look.

Associations Canada lets you go directly to your chosen association's website. Association websites may provide the following kinds of information:

• Membership lists of companies or organizations in their industry or occupational sector. Use these to develop your resume mailing or cold call list.

• Announcements about networking opportunities such as trade shows, conferences, or other events.  There may be an entrance fee for some of these events.  Consider volunteering at an event as a way of getting in for free.

• Links to related websites within the industry or occupation which may provide useful information for job searchers.

• News about events and developments within the industry or occupation,including changes to regulations and technological innovations.

• Access to online trade journals or other publications about the industry or occupation.

• Some associations regulate their profession or occupation.

Examples of Association Websites Offering a Range of Information that Is Useful for Job Searchers

Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) – This site includes a Career Centre that provides job postings for CA jobs.

Toronto Construction Association – Lists job postings in the construction industry, plus information on events and access to key newsletters such as Toronto Construction News.

Retail Council of Canada – News, lists of events and educational opportunities in the retail industry.

As a job searcher, there are two kinds of association that you may need to know about.

• Your professional or occupational association e.g. PEO (Professional Engineers Ontario) – PEO is the regulatory body for the engineering profession in Ontario.  Their website offers news and newsletters on industry developments, licensing and information on educational opportunities.

• Association(s) for the industry or industries you are targeting in your job search.  Many people such as IT professionals, administrative clerks, office and hr administrators, engineers and quality control professionals (to name a few) can work within a variety of different industries.

For example, you might be an engineer who is looking for work in the telecommunications industry.   Perhaps this industry is new to you.  Finding out about what is happening within the industry as a whole and within particular companies in the industry can make a big difference in how you handle the job interview.

In the above example, the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association  would be a good place for our engineer to start. This association website includes: a Careers section with access to  job postings for the wireless telecommunications industry. An Industry Guide, with facts and figures on the wireless telecommunications industry.

Why not try this out for your job search?  Do a keyword search in Associations Canada for an association in your target industry.  See what their website can offer.  And, don't forget the contact information!  Sometimes, association staff can be very helpful in answering questions you have about job opportunities in your industry.

To access Associations Canada from home, go to the Toronto Public Library website.  Click on Find Articles in Magazines, Newspapers and More.  Select List of Databases and then choose Associations Canada. You will then be prompted to enter your Library card and PIN numbers.  You can search Associations Canada by keyword and geographical location amongst other options. 

Please ask Library staff if you have any questions about how to access or search Associations Canada.