For a new immigrant finding a job is the most challenging endeavour one will face in a new country. It’s the hallmark that will shape your future, it will either make you successful or you will feel like a failure, which might make you think of going back home. When someone says that you need a Canadian experience to land a job they are telling you the truth. In order to assimilate and be part of the progressive work force of Canada you need to be confident of your skills and what you can offer. Below are several pointers that will make your job search easier and less stressful.
- Canada is not your former country - therefore, your previous work experiences are considered null and void. Accept that your life is now like a piece of paper that is empty. You will once again have to start from scratch. You are now a new job seeker, and will have to familiarize yourself accordingly. Leave your pride at home and start thinking in practical terms.
- Go high-tech - majority of the Companies in Canada accepts application via the inter-net. To be competitive you don’t need to be a techie, rather you just need to learn how to surf and check out the numerous seach engines, company web sites and recruitment agencies sites that abound the internet. You need to create a floating resume for each sites. Research and do more research.
- Less is more - writing a resume doesn’t mean you have to write your life story. Don’t present a five or six page resume, chances of it being read is remote. Instead focus on key words to sell yourself. Words like: team player, flexible, multi-tasker, hardworking, problem solver should dot your resume. Focus on your strength, down play your weaknesses.
- Network is the key - your friends and family will play a crucial role in your job search. They can give you sound advice(specially if they migrated earlier than you) and might recommend or pave the way for your prospective employment. They can also tell you their own experiences in finding a job. It is good to listen to them. Filter information though, those from the truth versus the grandstanding.
- Dress for success - always present yourself to a prospective employer in a professional manner. Don’t come in for an interview in your denim pants. Be as it may, don’t come for an interview wearing a suit if you are being interviewed for a housekeeping position. Dress down or up, depending on what you are applying for. You don’t want to appear under-dressed but at the same time you don’t want to appear wearing a suit that is more expensive than what the one who will interview you is wearing . A modest attire projecting professionalism without grandiose leanings is your perfect get up.
- Consider changing careers - when you were interviewed in the Canadian embassy back home, most of you might have been told that you will find the same job when you get here. That is not true. Chances are when you migrate the same job that you do so well back home, might be available here or the demand might not be that numerous. When this happens to you, consider a career change. Majority of the people who migrated to Canada (the ones who become successful) went back to school to study. You have to have an open mind about this, you have to remember that in order to survive you have to integrate right away. The best approach is to find out which jobs are in demand and make sure you have the necessary skills so you can apply.
- Persevere - Don’t get discourage. Target what company you want to work in and send resumes every two weeks. Employers here admire people who are determined, so they will not be put off if you regularly bombard them with your applications. You might eventually land the dream job you want by showing them (employers) you are, if not the most qualified but the one who demonstrate the right frame of mind to stay in that particular job on a long term basis.
- Friends and family can be your worst enemies - be wary of friends or family members who puts you down. Be confident of your skills. Everyone who migrates to Canada, rely on an entry level job to make both ends meet. It doesn’t mean you have to be working in that job forever. Upgrade your skills and find a better paying job. If someone says, you can’t do something because you are not qualified don’t believe them, instead study to improve. This is the worst trait of filipinos, the “crab mentality”. Some filipinos have the notion that you also have to suffer and commensurate with their misfortune, if you get a high paying job they feel insecure and will belittle your accomplishment so they can feel better about themselves. Don’t fall for this emotional scam, remember that you, and you alone can direct your life not others.
