March 4, 2026 Leave a Comment

How to Succeed at Job Fairs

A step-by-step guide on how to leave a lasting impression on employers

It can be difficult for job seekers to stand out amongst other applicants when all an employer has to evaluate them on is a resume. While a resume is an important document that includes relevant information like experience and technical skills, it doesn’t showcase a person’s interpersonal skills or personality, which can only be done in a one-on-one conversation.

Job fairs offer an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet directly with and impress employers before they even submit a resume. Employers who attend job fairs set up tables which are staffed by recruiters willing to answer questions, discuss open job roles, and accept resumes. A successful conversation with a recruiter or even with a fellow job seeker can create an important professional connection that could lead to future job opportunities.

Speaking directly with employers – and the preparation required beforehand – can feel a bit overwhelming. For that reason, JVS Toronto has created a helpful guide on how to succeed at a job fair.

Before the Job Fair: Get Prepared

Step 1: Read the job advert very carefully

This document or webpage will include important information, such as which employers will be attending the job fair, location, time, and details on how to register.

Step 2: Research the employers

Learn more the employers to properly assess which ones meet your career goals and to create thoughtful questions to include in your conversations with recruiters. Remember to avoid asking any questions that are answered in the job description or on the company’s website.

Step 3: Prepare your resume

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile prior to attending the job fair. (Be sure to include your LinkedIn profile’s URL in your resume.) Print multiple copies of your resume to hand out at the job fair, and even think about creating resumes tailored to the employers that interest you the most.

Step 4: Write an elevator pitch

Create a short introductory statement – about 30-60 seconds long when read out loud – that highlights your key skills, experiences, and suitability for an employer’s job openings.

Step 5: Practice makes perfect

Practice delivering your elevator pitch and answering mock interview questions to better prepare yourself for speaking with recruiters.

AI tools can be useful when preparing for a job fair, offering assistance with crafting an elevator pitch, practice interview questions, or organizing your research on employers. But remember, AI is merely a tool, and it’s your personal touch that will leave a lasting and meaningful impression on employers.

During the Job Fair: Make Connections

Step 1: Before you arrive

You want to appear clean and professional when meeting the recruiters. Make sure you are well-groomed, wearing professional attire, and have a comfortable pair of shoes. (Job fairs involve lots of standing and walking.) The copies of your resume and employer questions should be stored neatly inside a folder or portfolio.

Step 2: Arriving at the job fair and approaching employers

Arriving early to beat the long lines and speak with recruiters at the beginning of the fair, which is when they’ll have the most energy. Approach recruiters with confidence by smiling, making eye contact, giving a firm handshake, and introducing yourself clearly (the elevator pitch).

Step 3: Speaking with recruiters

Use this opportunity to learn more about the recruiter’s employer, showcase your experience and skills, and create important professional connections that could help in your job search.

Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when speaking with recruiters:

Keep your mobile phone on ‘silent.’
Maintain eye contact during your conversation.
Don’t talk about salary or benefits as this is merely an introductory conversation.
See if they’re open to connecting on LinkedIn
Have a LinkedIn QR code handy to easily share your profile.
Ask the thoughtful questions you prepared in advance.
Keep the conversation short and to the point.

If the conversation is going well, but the recruiter has a line-up of people waiting to speak with them, ask if they’d like to continue your chat over a brief, 15–30-minute phone or video call. Once you’ve finished speaking with a recruiter, take notes on job names, job titles, and any other important details from your conversation.

Step 4: Network with your fellow job seekers

Meet your peers and learn from their experiences. While they may not be employers, networking with the other people at the job fair could lead to unexpected career opportunities.

After the Job Fair: Follow Up

Step 1: Apply promptly

If you discussed a specific job role with a recruiter, make sure to submit your application as soon as possible.

Step 2: Send follow-up emails

Reach out to the recruiters you spoke with to express your gratitude for their time and continued interest in any open job roles. Keep the email short and reference your conversation from the job fair.

Step 3: Follow-up on LinkedIn

Send connection requests to the recruiters and job seekers with whom you spoke. When you send the connection request, include a brief message that references your conversation at the job fair.

Step 4: Reflect on your experience

Look back on the conversations you had with the recruiters, thinking about what went well and what you could improve on.

All of these follow-up activities should be completed within 24-48 hours after the job fair while the conversations you had with the recruiters and other job seekers are still fresh in their minds.

Job fairs are a powerful tool in a job search, offering job seekers a great opportunity to learn about the jobs available in their community. Not every conversation will lead to a job, but every connection made strengthens their professional network.

Click here to access JVS Toronto’s events calendar to see upcoming job fairs.

June 12, 2025 Leave a Comment

Program for Immigrant Women Leads to Success

Adapting to a new culture and finding employment can be a difficult task for newcomers to Canada – especially if they have a family to support. Mina, an experienced IT professional, came to Canada from Jamaica in March 2023. She sought a better life for herself and her three-month-old child.

With six years of experience in the IT field and several post-secondary qualifications, Mina thought her transition into the Canadian job market would be straightforward.

However, after six months of job searching without success, Mina realized she needed extra support to overcome the challenges she was facing. That’s when she joined JVS Toronto’s Road to Employment for Immigrant Women program – a specialized initiative designed to build resilience, motivation, and preparedness for the Canadian labour market.

In class, Mina refined her already strong communication skills to be better prepared for the Canadian workplace and job interviews. She explored effective ways to present her resume, found networking opportunities and received interview coaching.

The program also offered resilience-building sessions that helped Mina manage the personal challenges that added to the stress of her job search, such as securing childcare and maintaining financial stability. Despite not being able to find childcare, she was committed to her journey, attending every class with her baby in tow.

Outside of class, Mina continued networking and applying to job openings, while receiving ongoing coaching to improve her interview skills. Her perseverance paid off. She started receiving more interview requests, and was offered positions at two top-tier companies.

Today, Mina is working full-time in the IT industry and has achieved the stability she came to Canada seeking.

Her story of resilience and successful integration into Canadian society will undoubtedly inspire future newcomer women to achieve their dreams.

“JVS Toronto helped me to see new perspectives and stay positive. Now I can say I have grown, settled into a job, and my son is thriving. I recommend the Agency to all newcomer women trying to navigate their way in Canada.”

– Mina

For more information on this innovate program, visit Road to Employment for Immigrant Women.

For other services specifically for newcomers, visit Newcomer Employment Services.

March 26, 2025 Leave a Comment

Encouraging Newcomer Women in Trades Pursue Their Goals

Michelle, an experienced Industrial Electrician from Cameroon, is on the path to becoming a licensed 442A Industrial Electrician in Ontario.

With over eight years of experience in power generation, Michelle worked at a heavy fuel thermal power plant in Douala, where she was the only woman on the team. Working in a male-dominated field came with challenges, but Michelle proved her skills and determination, earning respect through her hard work and technical expertise.

When she arrived in Ontario, Michelle faced a new challenge — understanding how to get licensed and continue her career. Unfamiliar with the process, she didn’t know where to begin until a friend referred her to JVS Toronto’s START program, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Through START, Michelle received personalized support, technical training, and financial assistance for her Trade Equivalency Assessment, licensing fees, and tools.

A highlight for Michelle was the PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) training, which provided valuable upskilling opportunity relevant to industrial electrical work. Michelle shared that programs like START are critical for newcomers in skilled trades, who often face additional barriers in entering and advancing in the industry. She now feels confident and prepared, with the skills and tools needed to succeed.

Currently preparing for the Red Seal Electrician Exam, Michelle is close to becoming licensed in Ontario and encourages other women in trades to pursue their goals, saying:

If a woman decides and works hard, she can achieve anything.

Michelle highly recommends JVS Toronto’s START program to all newcomers in skilled trades:

Thanks to the START program at JVS Toronto, my dream of continuing my electrical career in Canada is becoming a reality.

July 24, 2024 1 Comment

Overcoming Job-Related Challenges as Newcomers in Canada

Between 2016 and 2021, a record number of 1.3 million newcomers permanently settled in Canada. In 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processed double the number of applications for permanent residence, temporary residence and citizenship compared to the previous year. These numbers, which are projected to keep growing, aren’t surprising considering Canada’s reputation of being an attractive immigrant destination due to its dynamic economy and multicultural population.

For newcomers to Canada, moving to a new country presents a wealth of exciting opportunities. However, it can also bring its fair share of challenges. For one, obtaining a job that fits one’s skills and experience can be an intimidating and challenging task. This may feel like an impossible hurdle in starting one’s professional career and life in a new country.

JVS Toronto offers programs and employment counselling to help newcomers overcome the common job-related challenges they may face in Canada, as listed below.

Insufficient Pre-arrival Information

Coming to Canada with a good understanding of what to expect can reduce the uncertainty that inevitably comes with settling into a new country.

Prior to entering Canada, it can help newcomers to seek as much information as possible about when to apply for jobs, what jobs they can apply for, and even the maximum number of hours they can work per week (if applicable). These factors differ depending on their immigration status in Canada as some may either be permanent or temporary residents (such as students and economic immigrants).

Lack of, or Difficulty Obtaining Canadian Work Experience

Newcomers may find themselves competing with job-seekers with more experience in the Canadian job market. Because some employers may place a higher value on local experience, this may leave newcomers struggling to secure their first job in Canada.

Fortunately, there are many opportunities to jumpstart one’s Canadian professional experience. For example, newcomers can take part in meaningful volunteer opportunities and internships, potentially in an industry relevant to their chosen professional path. Through these, newcomers can demonstrate their competence, reliability, and ability to thrive in a Canadian work environment.

Browsing online job boards and attending in-person job fairs are great ways to discover volunteer and internship opportunities.

Getting Foreign Experience and Education Recognized

There is no doubt many newcomers arrive in Canada with solid employment and educational credentials. They may certainly qualify for many open positions and academic opportunities; however, they may encounter difficulty in getting their prior work and school credentials recognized.

Looking into industry-specific licensing requirements in Canada is crucial, particularly for regulated professions. If applicable, newcomers should contact or consult the websites of licensing or regulatory bodies in their respective fields.

For professionally experienced newcomers looking to adapt their skills to Canada, short-term bridging programs are a great option. Many employment agencies like JVS Toronto and educational institutions offer these programs to equip newcomers from various professional backgrounds with confidence, updated skills and networking opportunities to help them secure jobs that fit their skills and experiences.

If considering further education, newcomers can research services that offer credential evaluation.

Limited Social and Professional Connections

For newcomers and long-time Canadian residents alike, establishing a strong professional network is essential for success in one’s employment search. They are tremendously helpful when considering a switch in industry, looking to join a new company, or exploring further education.

Because newcomers typically have fewer connections in Canada, they may feel limited in their options for career advancement. Fortunately, there are ways to address this, such as participating in networking events and job fairs organized by agencies like JVS Toronto.

Taking advantage of pre-existing connections, if available, such as family and friends in Canada is a great first option. Volunteering with local organizations may also be helpful in meeting other professionals.

Language or Communication Barriers

Language proficiency is a necessity for any kind of job. Lack of fluency in either English or French may make it difficult to get hired or severely limit newcomers’ employment options in Canada.

Many newcomers arrive in Canada proficient in English, French, or even both, and this definitely benefits them greatly in their job search and their performance in the workplace. However, language fluency does not guarantee an understanding of Canadian workplace culture, which may differ significantly from a newcomer’s country of origin. It’s possible that this may even lead to miscommunication in the workplace.

For newcomers looking to improve their language skills and knowledge of Canadian workplace terminology and culture, language classes can be beneficial and provide employers additional assurance of your language competency.

Lack of Understanding of the Canadian Job Market

Although there may be similarities in the recruitment and hiring processes between Canada and newcomers’ home countries, there are undeniable nuances that can vary from country to country. Therefore, it’s important to carefully research common practices in Canada. Optimizing job search strategies to meet Canadian standards can greatly impact one’s job search success.

One way to begin understanding the Canadian job market is to seek insights from any family and friends already in Canada. If this isn’t possible, there are also various community-managed online resources such as Facebook groups and other online forums for newcomers.

Newcomers may also consider consulting employment counsellors to receive individualized career support. Consider participating in job-related workshops to sharpen your resume and cover letter, interview skills, and job search tactics, among others.

While there are unique challenges newcomers face when seeking employment in Canada, there certainly are ways to address them. It is important to remain proactive and confident as you explore and prepare for your next professional steps in Canada.

We understand that starting your job search in a new country can be daunting, but we’re here to help! JVS Toronto offers a range of programs for newcomers to Canada to aid them in their employment search.

July 24, 2024 1 Comment

The Pros and Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Job Search

It’s nearly impossible these days to read the news without coming across discussions about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make everything so easy that it will “eventually take away all our jobs.” Such scary predictions are hard to challenge when AI seems vast and confusing.

So here’s a definition: AI is a field of computer science that focuses on creating technology that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. It does so by gathering a large amount of data and “learning” from it. This “machine learning” trains computers to recognize patterns in the data to make predictions or decisions. As a result, it can be used to perform a range of tasks that humans usually do—only quicker and (sometimes) better.

For job seekers and employers, new AI-driven technologies bring a huge and dizzying array of tools that claim to make hiring and job search better and more efficient. It’s important to note that your job search already relies on AI in many ways.

If used thoughtfully, AI can be a helpful tool. But it is important to remember that there are still many ways in which humans are much better at job search than machines.

Let’s look at some of the ways AI is already being used, some of the tools you might want to consider, and when it’s worth relying on human skills to best navigate the job search process and stand out from the competition.

1. Optimizing Resumes and Cover Letters

When you upload your resume and cover letter to a recruiting site, ATS recruiting tools scan, sort, and select those that best match the employer’s specific job descriptions. Some AI tools (such as JobScan and Zety) can be helpful for job seekers to analyze job postings, identify the most suited keyword, and optimize resumes and cover letters. They can help highlight relevant skills and ensure compatibility with the posting, which might improve the chances of the resume and cover letter you have submitted being identified by ATS and forwarded to the employer.

Another use of AI is to help with language, grammar and spelling (I use Grammarly for this – its Chrome extension has a useful free option for checking basic spelling and grammar, regardless of whether you are a first-language English speaker).

Cautionary note: Some AI platforms offer to write your resume and cover letter, often for a fee. But there are some reasons to be skeptical of such offers. Firstly, there’s no reason to spend money when there are organizations such as JVS Toronto that can help with writing a better, more personalized resume for free.

Secondly, you will be required to share a lot of personal information with the app for your resume. That information then becomes the property of the platform, which should raise some privacy concerns for users.

Third, and most important to the job search, writing a resume and cover letter is very useful to prepare you for job interviews. The process allows you to think and sort through your work history and skills and figure out how to describe yourself best.

Finally, text written by AI tends to be impersonal and uninteresting. Employers are also increasingly aware that job seekers will use these tools. It’s possible that AI detectors will soon become part of ATS systems. When this happens, you don’t want to be dismissed as someone unwilling to invest the effort needed to do your job search.

2. Enhancing Job Search Experience

Many job search platforms (Indeed and LinkedIn) use intelligent algorithms to understand and match job seekers’ skills, interests, and experience with job postings in real time. They categorize and rank job listings based on relevance and create a tailored job search experience for job seekers. This is why LinkedIn can impressively recommend jobs to you that you might not have considered, simply based on your profile, contacts, and activities on the platform.

3. Interview Preparation and Practice

An increasing number of online apps and platforms offer AI-based virtual interviews that simulate real interview scenarios and offer job seekers feedback and opportunities to practice their skills.

Cautionary note: These are still in the early stages of development and are not necessarily effective. Also, job seekers should keep in mind that employers rely on job interviews to evaluate interpersonal and communication skills, and despite AI algorithms’ impressive ability to use data and identify patterns, it is not good at understanding the complexities of being human and building relationships. Humans still do that better, and a skilled employment counsellor/coach can do a much better job at helping you figure out how to impress an employer in interviews.

4. Personalized Learning and Skill Development

AI-powered learning platforms (LinkedIn Learning, for example) facilitate personalized skill development by recommending relevant courses, certifications, or workshops based on individual job seekers’ career goals and aspirations. These platforms use machine learning algorithms to analyze user behaviour, assess skill gaps, and provide tailored learning recommendations.

By leveraging AI, job seekers can continuously upskill, often at their own pace, to stay competitive and adapt to the ever-changing job market. LinkedIn Learning is free through many educational institutions and public library systems.

5. Networking and Building Connections

To help you expand your network to people who might be helpful in your career, LinkedIn’s AI-based platform analyzes information (data points) in your and others’ profiles and identifies shared interests and locations. It then suggests connections to people with similar backgrounds or shared professional goals. This can help you expand your network, strengthen relationships, and tap into hidden opportunities. It also enables automated follow-ups, reminders, and personalized messaging to nurture and build professional connections that could help you with your job search.

So, to conclude, it is important to recognize that AI will become an integral part of the job search process as technology evolves. Your challenge as a job seeker is to use the tools available with care but be aware of the risks. Using too much AI to write your resumes and cover letters and prepare for interviews can make you sound more like a machine than a person and won’t necessarily help you stand out. As we face new technology, we all must strive to find a balance between using machines and keeping the human touch — after all, employers are still (for now) human.

Navigating the various things that come with employment search, including understanding the role AI could play in this, can be an intimidating experience. JVS Toronto offers free workshops that can help ensure that you have a resume and cover letter that can beat out AI-driven templates. Not only that, but our 1-on-1 personalized employment services can also help you use AI to your advantage, overcome gaps in your experience history, and help newcomers secure their Canadian experience, among other things! Contact us today to see how we can help you in your job search.

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