July 24, 2024 1 Comment

Use LinkedIn Groups to Enhance Your Job Search

Of all the functions of LinkedIn, the opportunity to join Groups and interact with fellow professionals with whom you share interests is perhaps one of the most useful ways to help you, as a job seeker, to reach outside of your network for new contacts.

Once you have set up your LinkedIn profile, including your photo, profile summary and jobs, and you have connected with the people you know, it’s time to begin using the platform to expand your network further. This is where LinkedIn Groups can become very useful.

As with all LinkedIn functions, the site offers users a detailed guide to setting up and using groups. You can join groups in your professional field (e.g. Sales), or groups related to a personal interests (e.g. hobby electronics).

Participation in groups provides job seekers a range of opportunities, including:

sharing and discussing ideas
gathering information
learning about jobs
making new contacts
showcasing expertise

The easiest way to get started is to explore the Groups You May Like option, where the site recommends groups, based on your profile. You could also search for a specific group. Keep in mind that it is best to seek out groups that are local, where there might actually be opportunities to interact with fellow professionals in person.

Once you have joined and been accepted into a group, make sure to maximise the opportunity. As a group member, you may:

Answer questions or join discussions. This may be an opportunity to show your expertise, as well as learn something new from your fellow group members. Watch your tone and make sure to sound professional — you never know who is reading your comments and following your interactions.
Ask a question or start a conversation. You can ask for opinions, experiences or information. Group members can be excellent resources, when the topic is of interest to them.
Interact with group members. You can connect with fellow group members by responding to their comment or question, by “liking” their comments, and by messaging them privately.
Add group members to your network. LinkedIn makes it easy to connect with someone with whom you share a group. Also, being in a group with someone means that you are more likely to appear in any LinkedIn search done by a member of your group. (This means that it might be worth joining a few of the larger groups, specifically).
Under the Promotions tab (if available on your group), you can learn about events and services offered by group members, or promote your own.
Under the Jobs tab (if available), you can post, read about and apply for jobs.

Preparation for job interviews can be enhanced through group participation — you might be able to gather information which may sharpen your own knowledge in your field, or specific inside information or tips about particular companies.

Finally, if you cannot find a group that represents your particular interests, consider creating a group. Keep in mind though, that administering a group is a responsibility and a time commitment. You will need to recruit members, keep conversation moving and moderate discussions. A well moderated group can be a worthwhile endeavour, to raise your profile on LinkedIn as a competent and informed professional in your field.

July 24, 2024 10 Comments

Can I apply for jobs from outside Canada?

We get this very common question from individuals who are getting ready to immigrate to Canada. Short answer is: Yes, you can. However, there are a few details you should take into consideration when making the decision to apply for Canadian jobs.

To be employed in Canada you need to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be legally allowed to work in the country.

If you are already a Permanent Resident – who has landed and then left Canada – you are allowed to work from anywhere in the world, as long as your employer agrees to it. With the increase in remote work, this possibility has become more and more frequent.

If you have been approved for Permanent Residency but have not landed yet you will be able to legally work in Canada as soon as you land and get your SIN. So, if you have a date of arrival already you can – and should – start applying for jobs as the hiring process itself can take up to 60 days. If this is the case, it is advised that you disclose this information to the employer so they know that you are not hoping for a visa sponsorship, you will be entitled to work in the country as soon as you land. Targeting jobs for which your skill set is unique increases your chances of an employer willing to wait for you to arrive.

If you don’t know when you will be landing and wish to start working before you land as a permanent resident you need to discuss with the employer if they hire international workers, in this case it is up to the employer to figure out the legalities involved as you are not allowed to work in Canada without a work visa or permanent residency.

Whatever your case is, discussing it with an Employment Specialist can help you understand when is the best time to start applying for jobs and how to communicate with the employer about your status.

Canada InfoNet helps internationally trained professionals who have been approved for immigration to Canada prepare for employment in the country. Our services are free and we offer one-on-one support with an employment specialist that can help you create a personalized job search strategy. Register here.

By Ligia Chiari, Employment Counsellor / Mentoring Coach at Canada InfoNet

July 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

We are wired for connection – Let’s Celebrate the Wins, Big and Small, Together

As museums, hockey arenas, and shops open their doors and travel restrictions begin to lift between Canada’s provinces and territories, hope is in the air!

Many of us are standing on the precipice of change right now – that of heading back into the world of people and places, and being in close proximity to others.

It will be different; and, it will likely surprise us as we realize just how much we’ve missed: simple, daily experiences we previously took for granted. These experiences include the workplace, with its louder and quieter moments, from morning greetings and group lunches to focused work at our desk. We will be back together again, albeit with new daily habits and new colleagues.

I’ve worked with remote and hybrid teams for many years. Currently, I am part of a hybrid team, meaning that my colleagues and I are situated in different geographic places (as it was before the pandemic). That’s part of our strength in our field of collaborative economic development.

What’s interesting is that in many cases I have seen many of my colleagues (virtually) and connected with them more often since we all began working from home.

That’s because we’re now making much better use of the digital tools we have at our disposal. We are all in the same circumstances some of us were prior to the pandemic. This newfound opportunity to tap into conversations and share how we’re coping has been a blessing for which I am grateful.

Outside of work, I have been able to enjoy many opportunities to connect despite being isolated for a year and a half. While my immediate world has been smaller in terms of people I have seen in person since March 2020, it has also expanded to include individuals from all corners of our planet; this continues to be such a meaningful gift.

As a relatively new volunteer with the Canada InfoNet program, I’ve met and learned from a handful of determined, talented individuals eager for the borders to open so they can get started with life here in Canada! It is such an amazing gift to meet each person and welcome their story.

With the borders closed, conversations about finding employment in Canada before arriving were tough; few employers feel equipped to hire a new person when there’s no start date on the horizon. Instead, we worked on networking and taking time to discuss what kind of work in a given field was available – there are many employment opportunities across this country!

Once the borders are open, I look forward to continuing such conversations and focusing on using social media tools and local online programming to explore culture, workplace challenges and successes and vocabulary. The more we understand how to engage, the more successful we are in translating to an employer how we are the right person for the job!

These days, my motto is keep connecting with others and celebrating the small wins on the way to your destination and at every pause along the way. We cannot always see the progress we’re making. It’s through connection with others that we can reflect on just how far we’ve come.

By Canada InfoNet bilingual mentor Michèle Thibeau

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.

March 28, 2023

Job Search Workshop for Newcomers – In-Person

Start your Job Search in Canada with this 3-day in-person workshop.

Give us 3 days and we will give you more confidence and an understanding of your occupation in Canada. Learn what skills and qualifications companies want and where the jobs are. You’ll get:

An assessment of your unique needs
One-on-one job search coaching
Job search assistance and support
A personalized action plan
Valuable info about job search strategies and Canadian businesses
Access to job postings

Open to permanent residents, convention refugees or live-in caregivers who are able to work and can communicate in English.

Participants must meet with a job search specialist prior to starting the program. To book your meeting, please fill out this registration form.

JSW

First Name

Last Name

Telephone

What kind of program would you like to attend?

Online

In-Person

Do you currently live in Ontario? *

Yes

Please select your Immigration Status

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Since you are located outside Ontario, you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Thank you for your interest in JVS Toronto services. Due to your Citizenship Status you are not eligible for this program. However, you are welcome to attend our free workshops and events. Review our Workshop and Events Calendar here.

Questions or Comments

If you are human, leave this field blank.

For more information, please email JSW@jvstoronto.org