November 18, 2019 1 Comment

Myth busters: Is Canadian work experience necessary to find meaningful employment?

Two colleagues discussing presentation on computer at office

The lack of Canadian experience is one of the most common obstacles for newcomers as they pursue meaningful work in their new country. Many report that they continue to face this challenge even after two or more years of living in Canada. But, what does “lack of Canadian work experience” actually mean?

In this webinar:

Our panel of industry experts advise participants on job search strategies and discuss keys questions such as:

Do Canadian employers hire job seekers who are the right fit for the role regardless of the fact that they are newcomers?
Can survival jobs count as Canadian work experience?
Where does the law stand when it comes to employers asking about Canadian work experience?
How can internationally trained professionals demonstrate to Canadian employers that they have what it takes to fit in Canadian workplaces?

[Read more…]

January 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

CanPrep Webinar: How-to Guide to Information Interviews

Information interviews are one-on-one meetings you can request (in person / online) to learn more about another person’s job, organization, sector and industry. This can be used as an effective tool in your Canadian job search process.

When you’re a newcomer to Canada, building professional connections and conducting information interviews is a great way to find opportunities that could lead to employment. Having conversations with professionals in your field for information and career growth should be part of your job search and is an effective way to network and build your personal brand.

CanPrep program offers insightful e-Learning modules that cover topics like Information Interviews, Online Networking, Canadian Resume and Cover Letter.

This interactive webinar presented by the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) in partnership with JVS Toronto (CanPrep), shares insights from employers on how to network and build social capital through information interviews focusing on what you can do prior to your arrival in Canada.

After viewing the webinar, you will:

Identify how to use information interviews to enhance your job search before coming to Canada
Learn about approaches you can take to arrange and conduct information interviews prior to arriving
Understand the value of information interviews from the perspective of employers

Click on the “Play” button to view the webinar. Watch out for our follow-up blog post on this topic where we respond to some Frequently Asked Questions on Information Interviews in Canada.

Our Panelists:

Anna Kostecka, Manager, Learning Initiatives, TRIEC
Melissa Magder, Senior Manager, Inclusion, Scotiabank
Peter Hawkins, Owner, MELLOHAWK Logistics

Facilitator:

Irene Vaksman, Director, Newcomer Services, JVS Toronto

November 15, 2016 3 Comments

Why volunteering is essential to job search in Canada

A study published on Statistics Canada shows that only 39% of immigrants did some volunteer work during the course of the year as compared to 49% of the Canadian-born.

CanPrep program’s recent webinar on “Harnessing the Power of Networking for Professional Success ” covered Volunteering as a vital tool to build on your network as a newcomer to Canada. Volunteering gives newcomers an opportunity to start using your skills from Day 1 of arriving here and also to develop new skills. Some immigrants who need to brush up on their English or French skills can do so while volunteering. Volunteering will not only give you practical knowledge of Canadian workplace but also add valuable Canadian experience to your resume. Networking opportunities offered by volunteering helps you tap into the “hidden job market” which can represent as much as 80% of available jobs. You can learn more about the hidden job market in CanPrep’s eLearning modules on ‘Getting Hired in Canada’

This article published on our blog by Joanna Samuels discusses more reasons for why a newcomer should volunteer.

Gain related professional experience.

Research and identify organizations that have legitimate volunteer departments, represent causes that are meaningful for you, and that have possible spots where you can gain work experience, learn and improve your skills and qualifications. Check out sites such as Charity Village, Working in Non-profit, Volunteer Toronto, your relevant sector council or professional association as places to volunteer.

Build and Leverage Your Professional Network.

While you are volunteering, be dedicated and apply the same effort to your volunteering as you would as an employee. Always make sure your work gets done. Be as helpful as possible to others. Make an effort to have lunch with the team, and find other opportunities to start meeting other people at the company. Build a relationship with your supervisor because they may be able to refer you to a colleague for another opportunity.

Help others and help yourself.

Research reports that adults who volunteer may live longer and healthier lives and it increases empathy and compassion. It’s not good to isolate yourself when you are looking for work. Volunteering can help you get out of your home and get involved in positive experiences, as well as get the positive feeling that you are giving back to the community.

Bridge the gaps in your resume.

Add your volunteer experience to your resume and social media presence. Employers value candidates who make a difference in the community; it helps you answer the question “what are you doing right now?” It also covers the gap in your work history and keeps you busy while you are looking for paid employment.

How to prepare for volunteering before you arrive:

If you are an Internationally Trained professional and you understand that volunteering can be an excellent tool to give you a head-start into your career in Canada, here are ways you can start preparing even before you arrive:

Research organizations that offer positions in or close to your field
Establish connection with the organization to understand their needs
Few weeks before arrival write to the organization and inform that you are interested in volunteering as soon as you arrive

Resources to find Volunteering opportunities in Canada:

volunteer.ca

charityvillage.com

LinkedIn volunteer board

Canadian Volunteer Directory

United Nations Association in Canada

Idealist.org

Onlinevolunteering.org

June 27, 2016 4 Comments

Canada InfoNet can lead to jobs within a few days of arrival: A program graduate tells you how

Today, we are sharing an amazing story about Canada InfoNet participant, Ravikesh, who landed a job just four days after arriving in Canada. Through our blog, we will share celebratory stories like Ravikesh’s success story and much more to keep you motivated through your pre-arrival job preparation process.

Canada InfoNet graduate, Ravikesh, an Automotive Design Engineer, joined the program in January 2016 diligently working through the program modules, guided by his Employment Counsellor, Farah. Ravikesh arrived in Mississauga, Ontario and within four days of arriving has secured a job as an Automotive Design Engineer as a result of his pre-arrival job search preparation!

Ravikesh shares his success story with us in a recent interview:

How has pre-arrival program helped ease your transition into Canada?

I got to know detailed information about Canadian job market from Pre-arrival programs like Canada InfoNet & Planning for Canada*. Canada InfoNet helped me to modify my resume to suit the Canadian job market. Also, I received many resources to build my strategy to search for jobs in my field.

*Note: Planning for Canada is the referral partner of Canada InfoNet

What aspects of the program did you find particularly helpful?

The entire program was very helpful! What I liked most are the resume building and employment counselling aspects.

What did you think would be your biggest challenges before arriving in Canada?

(Ravikesh laughed) Landing in an unknown country itself is the biggest challenge all immigrants face. To survive in a new country anyone needs to have a job, and especially in their own field. This was my biggest challenge to find a job in my field that matches my qualifications and experience.

What do you feel about the challenges post-arrival?

Since I was prepared for the job market here – from information I had received from pre-arrival programs (including Canada InfoNet – it was not a big surprise for me! Everything was smooth since I was already aware about what to do and what not to do.

What are the various strategies you used that helped you find your job?

Making a Canadian-style Resume
Networking on LinkedIn
Job search on (online) job boards like Indeed.ca and Workopolis.com

Any pre-arrival job search tips that you would like to share with other Canada InfoNet participants who are looking to immigrate soon to Canada?

Yes! (Employment) Counsellors in the pre-arrival programs are knowledgeable and experienced – so take advice or information shared in the program seriously. I would suggest that you also focus on resume (creation) and LinkedIn networking.

Would you recommend Canada InfoNet to others? Why?

Definitely! This is very helpful for any newcomer like me!