Question:
There is no doubt many people find it difficult finding employment in
their field when coming to a new country. Here are some of my
observations:
Too many people depend on their "professional" qualifications -- when we
hire it is as much based on personality, etc. than it is the degree to
hang on the wall.
Fluency in English --- it has become apparent that fluency means
different things to different people.
Job search is hard work -- not many people are prepared to do more than
mail out CV's. Mailing out CV for a marketing manager's job when you
have a Masters in Electrical Engineering -- are you surprised if you
don't get a call!
I am sure I was just lucky, but here is my experience when I arrive
about 2 years ago -- I have a degree from the UK in finance with some
good experience.
I arrived in Toronto in June 20001 without a job. Started applying for
jobs on Workopolis / Monster /etc. but no response.
I did meet with a professional career counsellor who told me that
only about 10% (can't remember the exact number) of jobs are filled
through postings.
So, I decided to get aggressive. From August - October I proactively
contacted (many I showed up without an appointment) approximately 50
different companies -- each one I did some quick research and modified
my CV to match the company and what I thought might be a fit. It wasn't
easy at all -- only about 7 actually replied and 2 of them led to
actual interviews. I didn't get any of the jobs. However, one of the
people I did meet called and referred me to someone they knew at their
old employer -- I met with them and was hired after the second interview
-- a great job! Since I took the job I had 3 of the companies on that
list call me to come in for interviews (which I declined). By the way
-- during that time I applied for approx. 30 "posted" jobs (mostly from
the internet) either directly with the company or through agencies and
received 0 replies.
Think about it -- if you were hiring and posted a job, and received 100
applications -- 99 with Canadian experience and 1 without, which ones
would you call? I don't think that is exclusive to Canada -- I think
you would find the same almost anywhere.d
A long story but if it gives just 1 person a bit of advice and hope then
it has been worth the time.
Answer:
I had gone through the similar process as the poster and got a job in
Toronto. It took me 4 months. I agree that networking and being proactive is
very effective in finding a job in Canada.
However, in order to proceed well, you have to be fluent in English which
are usually not the case for new immigrants. Taking myself as an example, I
can write but I can't talk well in English. To compensate my weakness, my
strategy is to repackage my skills sets targeting the lees sensitive
positions. My current real estate financial analyst position is exposed more
to number crunching, reading and writing than oral communication. It has
helped me to gain precious time to improve my communication skills while
feeding my family.
Practically, new immigrants need income to survive and time to grow. You
need to change your strategy.
