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Job Search Tips for New Canadians
An Article by: Marc Belaiche C.A.
TorontoJobs.ca
You’re new to the country. You have high expectations of
what your successful experience back home can bring you and you
want to get working quickly and show how your skills can help Canadian
companies.
The experts at TorontoJobs.ca have come up with a list of suggestions
for your job search:
Post Your Resume On-Line
Posting your resume on a website like TorontoJobs.ca increases your
chances of being found by recruiters. Recruiters search resume databases
by keyword, skills, location, etc. to find appropriate candidates.
Take a position where you are overqualified
There are many advantages to doing so, including getting Canadian
experience quickly, networking with others, showing what you can
do and avoiding having your resume show a time gap in your resume
between jobs.
Work with an Employment Agency
Employment agencies can help in your job search, but don’t
rely exclusively on them. They may be able to help you, but it may
be something along the lines of something you are overqualified
for or perhaps something temporary.
Network, Network and Network!
Make a list of all your contacts and ask them for assistance --
anyone can help you in your search. You may be surprised at how
powerful your network can be.
Join Associations
Join or volunteer with a local chapter. There are associations available
for almost every area of expertise.
Get a Mentor
There are some government programs that can match you up with a
mentor. Contact the government for information or ask someone you
know to be your mentor to guide you in your search.
Ask for Informational Interviews
Contact company contacts in your area of expertise to see if they
will give you information on how to help in your job search.
Go to Career Fairs
There are many career fairs in Toronto, including the New Canadian
Job Fair (see www.nastrategyinstitute.com for details). Going to
a career fair can be very informative to help you in your job search,
but don’t expect to get a job at the fair itself. Bring many
resumes.
Start your own business
If there’s something you’re qualified for that you can
start a business, there is certainly opportunity in Canada. Do something
that you’re familiar with.
Upgrade your skills/education
There are many schools, colleges and other educational institutions
that offer courses to upgrade your skills and/or knowledge on Canadian
practices.
Get Your International Credentials Evaluated
Getting your international credentials evaluated to determine your
equivalent standing in Canada can be very useful. Contact World
Education Services (www.wes.org).
Take a Temporary Position
Similar to the advantages of taking a position that you are overqualified
for as described above, this option can get you some valuable experience
and earn money to pay for on-going bills.
Follow-up on Interviews
Follow-up interviews with a thank you note and touch base periodically
with them to see if any opportunities have come up, even if you
didn’t get the original position you applied for.
Conclusion
Reward yourself when you have accomplishments in your job search.
Try not to get discouraged -- maintain a positive attitude. If you
follow some or all of the suggestions above you will certainly hear
about opportunities.
Marc Belaiche is President of TorontoJobs.ca, an internet recruitment
website specializing in helping candidates find jobs in the Greater
Toronto Area. Marc has been in the recruitment industry since 1995.
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