Are you Internationally Educated? If so you should congratulate yourself you are
brave and courageous. It’s takes a very special person who can leave their
country and start over in Canada.
| 1. |
A good way to learn about your occupation in Canada is to have information interviews with people who are working in your field, associations and licensing bodies. An information interview is when you meet with someone and ask them questions about what they like about their job, dislike and the future potential to name a few. This will help you become better informed about the industry. There are other ways to find out about your field such as: websites and printed reports. However talking to an expert or someone already employed will give you a greater insight. |
| 2. |
Certain terminology in your occupation may be different in Canada. You may want to go to the library and the Internet to learn the language your industry uses. |
| 3. |
Start to reformat your resume to a Canadian style. Information that may have been relevant in your own country may not be relevant in Canada. In some other countries it’s normal to write your marital status, age and religion. In Canada we have the Ontario Human Rights Code, which protects us against discrimination. Also have someone look over your resume before you send it out. You can go to a non- profit employment service and have your resume critiqued for free. |
| 4. |
80% of the jobs are unadvertised and in the "Hidden Job Market". Tapping into the "Hidden Job Market" involves a lot of networking and making cold calls. These two methods may seem a little intimidating but they are worth trying. 20% of the job market consists of jobs that are advertised on the Internet, Newspapers and Trade Magazine. I recommend using these methods a little bit during your job search. However focus on the "Hidden Job Market", there’s less competition. |
| 5. |
In your own country you probably had a big network of contacts, however in Canada your network may be small. I have a challenge for you it’s time to re-build your network in Canada. Socialize with people, attend job search workshops offered by your community, volunteer, attend job fairs and join associations. Talk to everyone! Your family doctor may be able to help connect you to people, your children’s teacher or a priest. Remember that people like to help other people. |
| 6. |
Unfortunately you may not be able to have the same job in Canada right away. Try to find a job that’s related to your field of expertise. If you are an engineer find a job as a technician or technologist. Research the positions that are related to your occupation and apply to them. Getting your foot in the door of a company is a great start, once in you will probably be able to apply to internal openings. |
| 7. |
Through volunteering, co-op, on-the-job programs and job trials you will be able to prove your skills and abilities to a Canadian employer, learn about the Canadian workplace culture, gain "Canadian Experience" and build your network. I would use my availability to volunteer as a marketing strategy. For example if an employer doesn’t have current openings say "I understand that you do not have current openings, I would love to volunteer for you company." |
| 8. |
When asked "Do you have Canadian Experience?" don’t just say no and feel that you have been rejected and that all employers are looking for this so called "Canadian Experience". Tell the employer how your skills are similar to the skills that they are looking for. Also tell them how your international experience will help to benefit the company. |
| 9. |
In an interview prepare yourself by researching the company, position and yourself. Sell your skills to the employer by telling them stories of your accomplishments and achievements. You are a small company selling your most valuable product yourself. |
| 10. |
Stay positive, be persistent, proactive, follow-up with all contacts and maintain your motivation level. You will do it and you can do it. Good Luck. |
Shawn Mintz works for A.C.C.E.S. Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services an employment and training agency that offers a wide range of free employment services for both job seekers and employers. 85% of our candidates are internationally educated.
For further information call: Toronto 416-921-1800; Scarborough: 416-431-5326; Online: www.accestrain.com
