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The process of entering the Canadian workforce can feel like an intimidating task. Chances are you could feel isolated and overwhelmed at some point during your journey. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Eventually, your persistence and hard work will get you to a fulfilling career.
In this blog post, we will share some of the lessons we learned while entering the Canadian workforce:
Job-Hunting Best Practices:
Do your research
The job market in Canada is highly competitive and people here are well-prepared.
Here are a couple of things that will make your career-looking path easier:
List company prospects: Before you start, make a list of industries and companies you are interested in and the qualifications they are looking for. This will give you a better idea of where you will have a better chance of getting hired.
Keep an open mind: Be open to different paths in which you could apply your degree and experience. Personally, I was a filmmaker with experience in the advertising world that ended up working in healthcare communications. When I first started job hunting, I didn't even know this was a career path I could pursue. Now, I'm so in love with my career path, that I don't see myself anywhere else.
Sell yourself
No one can speak more highly of you than yourself. Perhaps your mother can, but hopefully, she will not be present during the interview. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
Invest time and effort into crafting your resume: This is your first presentation card, and this can make a difference between you sitting in front of your computer to you sitting in front of your interviewer. In my opinion, this first barrier is even harder than the interview itself. Familiarize yourself with the resume standards in Canada and consider seeking professional guidance for optimal results. Job Bank Canada has a great resume builder tool and it's free! After creating your resume in Job Bank, you can also find many job opportunities and submit your application directly. Indeed also has a resume builder tool that you can use to submit applications for jobs. Additionally, consider creating a LinkedIn profile, it's a great place to find jobs and also get your profile out there.
Write an awesome cover letter: That same effort I mentioned for your resume, double it down for your cover letter. "I'll build a basic, plain, tasteless cover letter, and copy-paste it on every application!" - said no successful applicant ever. As tempting as this is, avoid it at all costs. I know building a cover letter is a tedious task but if you want to attract the attention of an employer you need to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company you're applying for and highlight your specific skills and experiences that are relevant to that job posting. Also, avoid repeating your resume in your cover letter, focus more on specific experiences and results. Remember the 3S, keep everything short, sweet and sexy!
Keep calm and rock your interview day: If you are an introvert like me, the idea of going into an office to talk about yourself and respond to questions can be terrifying. Acknowledge that feeling nervous is normal and know that if you've been invited to do an interview, it's a fantastic sign that you're making progress toward kickstarting a successful career. Now, before you attend your interview, it's essential to research the company thoroughly. Make sure to prepare for potential questions that the employer may ask you, as well as questions you want to ask them. This preparation is crucial and is well-regarded by employers, so don't forget to be fully prepared. You can even practice with your friends ahead of time to get more comfortable and confident.
Network
If you are a fan of making small talk like me (sarcasm intended), attending networking events can feel overwhelming. However, I will tell you that networking events can be an excellent way to learn more about the industry, connect with local professionals, and even land a new job. You might want to check out career fairs in your area, where you can meet recruiters face-to-face and submit your resume. Sometimes big organizations host job fairs (such as this Emirates airline job fair) so keep an eye out for that as well. Remember to follow on social media organizations and companies you're interested in, so you don't miss out on any future networking opportunities.
Having said this, I do want to mention that attending job fairs and big networking events is not the only way to network. If you do not feel comfortable going into a room full of strangers, why not focus on reaching via email the hiring manager of the organization you want to be part of? Introducing yourself and politely expressing your interest is a great way to make sure you are kept in mind.
Take advantage of your resources
The Government of Canada's website is a great place to find useful services from writing resume workshops to getting your credentials assessed, make sure to take your time going through these resources. Here are a couple of links that can give you a good place to start:
Moreover, even if reading isn't your thing, you can still benefit from checking out your local library. They usually have a bulletin board that provides resources and workshops for newcomers. Also, reading doesn't hurt so grab a book or two while you're there.
Apply, apply, apply and don't give up
"Unfortunately, we'd like to inform you that we are not able to advance you to the next round"
We've all received this disheartening email, and it can feel like a punch in the gut. Being rejected is part of the process. We are not the perfect fit for every position out there in the same way that every job posting is not the perfect fit for us. When I first arrived in Canada, I had an Excel sheet with an extensive list of jobs and I was sending around 20 to 30 jobs per day for a couple of months. This can give you an idea of the number of rejections I received, lol! Success arrives when you continue to persist through failure... said somebody somewhere. Remember to never let rejection define you and your skills.
Finding the right job takes time, so trust that if you persevere, the right opportunity will come your way. Here are a few useful websites for job searching in Canada:
Conclusion
Entering the workforce may come with its challenges, but it can also be a rewarding and life-changing experience. By leveraging your unique skills and experiences, networking, and pursuing further education and training, you can unlock your full potential and achieve your career goals in this great country. So, take the first step and start exploring the many possibilities that await you in the Canadian workforce!
Trust yourself, trust your skills and get out there and kick some serious job-hunting booty! Good luck!
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