Preparing for employment through CanPrep’s one-on-one job coaching and mentorship services can help a new immigrant find gainful employment in Canada; sometimes within a few months of arriving, which was the case for Amol, our latest CanPrep success story.
Amol, a Salesforce Consultant from India, was referred to the CanPrep program by our partners, Planning For Canada. He immediately started working with a CanPrep Employment Specialist focusing on:
- Job searching techniques
- A Canadian-style resume suitable for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Updated communication skills for the Canadian workplace
- Guidelines for networking on LinkedIn or in person
CanPrep gave Amol a better understanding of the Canadian job market and the confidence to interact with potential employers.
Benefits for Mentees
Now that he had the tools to begin his job search, Amol’s Employment Specialist connected him to a mentor in Canada through CanadaInfoNet – our online mentoring forum. During the 10-week long online mentorship, Amol’s mentor Puneet, who works in a similar role, provided him with inspiration, support and invaluable information including:
- How and where to network within their specific industry
- How to present himself during the application process
- Niche skills that are in demand and can give Amol an advantage over the competition
Armed with information provided by his mentor and his Employment Specialist, Amol began applying for jobs focusing on a customized resumes and cover letters that include the skills and keywords valued by employers in his industry. He used his growing Canadian network to find companies that were hiring and practiced responding to interview questions with Puneet.
All of his effort paid off. Amol was offered a job in Canada at the same level as his previous position in India.
I received very helpful insights regarding how to position myself during the application process and how to achieve niche skills that are very much in demand,” said Amol. He also offered the following advice to people to immigrating to Canada, “If [professional certifications] are inexpensive in your home country, make sure you complete them before you come here.”
Benefits for Mentors
Remember what it was like getting your career started? Building your network from scratch. Conducting information interviews to understand your industry. Figuring out the best way to ask if someone was hiring. Now imagine leaving your established career behind and starting all over again in a new country. Sharing your professional knowledge not only has a huge impact on a newcomer’s life but it can be beneficial for your career as well. By signing up for mentoring, mentors:
- Gain a greater sense of community and a way to give back
- Learn coaching and leadership skills
- Broaden their professional networks
- Demonstrate expertise in their field
Become a Mentor
Mentors should have at least 2 years of recent work experience in Canada in their professional field. Mentors usually spend 1 hour per week for 10 weeks communicating with their mentees online via our CanadaInfoNet forum. Share your insight and experience. Become a volunteer mentor and make a difference by helping newcomers integrate. For more information, email us at: info@canadainfonet.org
Joshua Ehikhametalor says
Thank you so much for contacting me and sharing Amol’s story. I find myself in a similar situation that Amol was in when he first contacted you and I would like to have this kind of assistance and mentoring canprep provides.
I will drop my name and contact information below