July 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

Employment opportunities in Canada beyond the big cities

Autumn view over Westport Ontario in Canada.

Although Canada is a big country most immigrants settle in the country’s biggest cities – Greater Toronto and Metro Vancouver areas. This has a big impact on cost of living and labour market which means settling in these cities comes at a significant cost.

It is important for new immigrants to understand that smaller cities in Canada have lower unemployment rates and can offer great job opportunities. Ageing population and other economic factors have created a great need for immigrant talent in these communities.

In this webinar, we bring you representatives from two such cities – London and Ottawa in Ontario. They will provide information on labour market and cost of living which are things new immigrants should definitely take into account when deciding in which community to build their lives.

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July 24, 2024 1 Comment

Remote Work Skills: Do You Have What Employers Need?

You might worry that you’ve wasted 2020 by *merely* surviving a pandemic instead of learning a new skill in your supposed free time, but turns out that — without even thinking about it — you’ve acquired a whole repertoire of unexpected new skills that might come in handy for your next job. (Not that surviving a pandemic isn’t an admirable achievement on its own, of course.)

Think about it: whether you’ve been working remotely from home, or just using your computer to stay in touch with family and friends using video and social media, buying stuff online and so much more, you’ve mastered a whole new set of remote work skills in which an increasingly large number of employers are going to be interested.

Working from home brings a whole new set of challenges that most workers (and employers) never considered as we transitioned from the workplace to home in March 2020. In addition to the ongoing insecurity employers continue to face regarding the viability of working in the office in the short to medium term, they are also increasingly aware that there are clear ongoing benefits to remote work. This means that more remote opportunities will be offered, and job seekers should expect to be challenged by employers to convince them of their ability to successfully work remotely.

Assess Your Remote Work Skills

Working remotely requires a balance between both soft (personal) skills, and hard (knowledge and technical) skills. Employers are going to look for both, though they know full well that hard skills can be learnt, whereas soft skills are harder to teach.

Think through what employers would like a remote worker to be able to do. The best way to assess what employers expect is through job postings. If you use the keyword “remote” in your online job search, you’ll find something like this (adapted from an actual posting):

Remote – Phone Sales Representative

Are you a great phone sales person who is self-motivated, goal oriented and loves to work independently? We are only looking for talented and motivated Sales Representatives to join our booming Sales Team.

The job:

Enthusiastically present and promote our services to potential clients
Assess the requirements of potential clients and provide them with a solution that best fits their business needs
Develop creative sales strategies for potential clients and initiate agreement discussions
Participate in virtual sales meetings and remote training
Be organized and enter all relevant information and communications into our database
Perform all other related tasks based on the needs of the organization

Requirements and qualifications:

Windows computer/laptop with headset, webcam, minimum Processor Type i5, Four core/AMD A8 Quad Core, 16GB RAM, high speed internet, 30mbps download, 15mbps upload,
Phone sales experience, familiar with B2B sales
Perfect command of the English language
Strong sales focus and loves a great challenge
Demonstrates a competitive drive and a desire to succeed
Assertive, persuasive, and self-starter personality
Strong phone presence and conversational skills
Self-motivated to exceed all quotas and goals
Ability to handle stressful situations professionally and appropriately

Reading through posts such as this, certain generic skills can be noted:

Technology skills:

Able to operate and manage communication technology and related software
Enthusiastic and capable learner of new skills; able to master new tools with ease

Personal skills:

Self-motivated / self-starter
Goal oriented
Confident, enjoys a challenge
Works well independently
Organized and reliable
Skilled time manager – punctual, able to prioritize
Able to follow instructions, and respond quickly to requests
Independent, cool headed problem solver
Strong interpersonal skills (online these include maintaining eye contact, projecting your voice, speaking clearly)
Strong phone presence and conversational skills
Strong language skills
Flexible and adaptable
Able to handle stressful situations professionally and appropriately

Review these skills and add the ones that best describe you to your resume, cover letters and LinkedIn.

Make sure employers know that you have the skills they need

If you want to stand out from other candidates, it’s not enough to simply list skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile — you are going to have to be able to show your remote work abilities. These behaviours can be demonstrated through how you conduct your job search and what you talk about in interviews, as well as what references say about you.

Whether you have worked remotely or not, try to prepare thoughtful answers to questions about how you will handle the challenges of working remotely. Think through various scenarios that might arise, and how you would handle various situations. Whether you have worked remotely or not, try to prepare thoughtful answers.

Of course, it is always best to be able to draw from experience to answer interview questions, but otherwise think though how you would handle various situations. Remember that your virtual job search might be a source of examples.

Here are some of the scenarios you might get asked about:

Teaching yourself new software — Video conferencing software – Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, and scheduling, using a shareable calendar such as Outlook or Google Calendar
Organizational methods — systems for managing time, meeting deadlines and prioritizing, using tools, task tracking methods, lists, colour coding, spreadsheets
Staying focused and motivated — describe your personal challenges for keeping motivated and how you work to overcome them, such as balancing independent work with collaboration, teamwork and accountability, structuring your time
Handling challenges – independent problem solving vs consultative work; think through how you have/would handle teamwork challenges across distance, for example
Adaptability and managing changing demands – your philosophy, methods and experiences in working with colleagues and managers on their schedules with their preferred tools

Think through how you’d talk about these situations. Draw on examples where you have done this, if possible.

Demonstrate your **skills by how you handle the remote hiring process**

You will be evaluated based on how you conduct yourself in the remote interviewing process, so make sure you are prepared, following through, reliable and punctual, and that you have mastered the video interview and other tools.

We posted this blog about Acing the Video Interview in 2018 (we were ahead of the game, apparently!). It includes tips on ensuring you maximize the opportunity to be interviewed remotely:

Prepare your interview space:

Set up your interview space; the room should be tidy, well-lit and quiet
Position your computer so that doesn’t face a window; that way, there will be no reflections on the screen
Make sure that the room is silent; no crying babies, barking dogs or loud traffic

Make sure your computer (hardware and software) works:

Long before the interview, test your computer, camera and microphone with a friend
Bring the microphone near and test that the speakers are on
Test for sound; can you hear the person and can they hear you?
Set up the camera, make sure it works, and that you are not too close or too far
Set up the video so you can make eye contact. When you are being interviewed on video, you will want to look at the face of the interviewer, which isn’t necessarily where the webcam is positioned. Tip: to ensure that you are looking at the interviewer, resize and move the window with the person’s video image up or as close to your webcam as possible.

Plan what you are going to wear:

Prepare an outfit as you would for an in-person interview – simple and professional
Neat and clean (unwrinkled) clothes
No busy patterns (e.g. stripes) – they don’t always look good on video
Bright or dramatic colours also can become even brighter on screen (including black); grey, blue and pastels look best
Avoid sparkly dangly jewelry – it’s distracting and can make noise

Bottom line

Remote work has taken a huge leap forward in the last year, and we can expect employers to continue to want to employ staff who can manage such changes well beyond the pandemic. Make sure you are able to tell employers and demonstrate to them that you have these valuable skills and are available to adapt to change in a nimble and competent way.

July 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

Yasmine’s Success Story

How I went from being a pre-arrival participant to a member of Canada InfoNet

We are always happy to share our program participant’s success stories. This one is even more special: Yasmine participated in our program before immigrating to Canada and has recently joined the Canada InfoNet team.

My name is Yasmine and I took a risky decision and immigrated to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. I arrived in July 2020, but I had been trying to gather information about Ontario, employment, the weather, accommodation, etc. for months before landing. After receiving my Confirmation of Permanent Residency, I signed up with different pre-arrival programs. Some were general like Planning for Canada (who referred me to JVS Toronto’s Canada InfoNet), and some were more specific to certain careers and industries.

After signing up with Canada InfoNet, I was matched with an Employment Specialist who was extremely helpful and informative. I had access to online courses that tackled job search skills and the workplace in Canada, and tools I needed for updating my resume to meet Canadian standards. I attended virtual job fairs and webinars organized by the program as well. All those interventions were crucial to creating a post-landing plan for me.

When I arrived in Canada, I started the long job-hunting journey. It’s usually tough in the beginning for a newcomer to find employment, but with a pandemic it was even more challenging. Between exploring the GTA and applying to jobs, I took up some freelance work with UpWork. My background is in Human Resources and Administration, so I tried using that to my advantage. This allowed me to utilize my skills and learn new ones while staying more positive during hard times.

My own experience made me realize that I wanted to help other newcomers who were going through similar experiences. I’ve always been passionate about giving back and doing meaningful work, so it was a no-brainer for me to start shifting my job search methods and focusing on the non-profit sector. I compiled a list of organizations I wanted to work for, and the pre-arrival agencies I used were on the top of that list. I regularly tracked their Careers pages and kept an eye out for anything that matched my skills and experience.

This strategy proved to work for me when I found the Online Mentoring Administrator position for the Canada InfoNet program posted on JVS Toronto’s website. I applied online and the rest is history. Now, I am both happy and proud to be working with one of the best services I personally used before immigrating to Canada. I believe that my success in landing a job with a leading non-profit organization could be attributed to using available resources prior to landing in Canada and being patient and flexible enough to change course when the current methods just don’t work.

Yasmine’s Employment Specialist from Canada InfoNet program shared that she was a very engaged and determined participant. She asked questions and clarifications when needed and successfully completed all the components that were outlined by the program. He states, “I was proud to have been Yasmine’s Employment Specialist, and now to see her join Canada InfoNet as a team member. I wish her continuous success in her career in Canada.”

Welcome to the team Yasmine!

Every individual experience in immigration and job seeking is different and with its own challenges, which is why, creating your personalized job search strategy is very important. If you have been approved for immigration, our Employment Specialists at Canada InfoNet can help you develop that strategy even before you come to Canada.

July 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

The Impact of the Online Mentoring Program

The online mentoring program is an important component of Canada InfoNet. There have been over 1600 matches between mentors and mentees since 2016.

Online mentors are volunteers who have at least two years of professional experience in Canada in their field and are willing to share their knowledge and expertise in areas of employment, settlement and career-related educational goals. Mentees are internationally trained professionals approved for immigration who meet the eligibility criteria, including minimal language levels (CLB 7) required for online mentoring interactions.

The program offers structure throughout the mentoring process, including orientation, which guide both mentor and mentee on JVS Toronto’s online platform where interactions occur. We recently conducted an impact assessment which included a survey and focus groups of mentors and mentees and would like to share some key findings.

The assessment concluded that accurate, pre-arrival information from current, credible, sector-specific sources saves time and helps immigrating professionals manage expectations and conduct appropriate and effective gap analysis.

“The challenge immigrating professionals face is an expectation gap…I reduce the expectation gap…prepare them and reduce the gap, so they land with the right sense of expectations.” (Active mentor)

What Mentors Said

87% were very satisfied or satisfied with their mentoring experience
83% indicated they contributed to their mentee(s) knowledge of Canadian work culture and communication (including professional jargon, common phrases)
85% will continue to mentor in the future
100% outlined multiple ways in which they contribute to the success of immigrating professionals

What Mentees Said

70% were very satisfied or satisfied with their mentoring experience
77% indicated as a result of their participation in online mentoring, they increased their understanding of Canadian work culture and communication
77% were likely to become online mentors in the future
100% indicated the program contributed positively to the immigrating professional’s integration journey

The ways that mentees identify how they benefit from the mentorship vary, from achieving employment, building a network, and intangible, but valuable ways – building confidence, preparing their minds, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone.

In the same way, mentors understand they can contribute in a variety of ways as well. They help mentees adjust their short-term goals (manage expectations and conduct gap analysis), guide concrete actions such as ensuring mentees gather and bring necessary documents for future credentialing), “preparing their minds”, or “not sugar-coating” because it doesn’t help. Mentees find this information and guidance before arriving in Canada invaluable.

Another interesting piece of information we found was that close to half of mentees indicated that participating in pre-arrival online mentoring influenced their decision about where to work in Canada. Mentorship can impact the lives not only of mentees but of mentors as well, as the data below shows us:

What Mentors Said

We asked mentors what they felt were the benefits of the online mentoring program and the top 4 answers were:

Provides an opportunity to share my professional expertise
Makes a difference in an immigrating professional’s life
Helps immigrating professionals find employment
Helps me feel like a part of the larger community

What Mentees Said

We asked mentees what they felt were the benefits of the online mentoring program and the top 4 answers were:

Benefits all immigrating professionals
Helps me develop labour market tools (resumes, cover letters, interview preparation)
Helps me find employment faster
Helps me increase my confidence to enter the labour market

We are very thankful to have such a wonderful pool of volunteer mentors who go the extra mile to help their mentees as well as committed program participants who make the most out of this valuable experience. More results from the assessment will be available on our website shortly.

July 24, 2024 Leave a Comment

A Video Resume: Do You Need One?

A woman appearing on a laptop top screen in a video

Recently, we have been hearing from job seekers that some employers are starting to ask for video resumes before considering them for an interview. Mostly, employers are asking for videos to be submitted as part of an application, often with the usual resume document.

This trend isn’t altogether surprising given the current context of increased use of remote technology in hiring, including video interviews. But it is quite a new trend—requests for video resumes are generally not that common as yet, with only 3 percent of employers reportedly asking for them. However, considering the pace of change in hiring technology, job seekers should not be surprised if asked to submit a video as part of the job application process.

Generally, it seems that video requests are primarily coming from employers in specific sectors—specifically, for sales and communication roles, which are the types of jobs where communication skills, use of video technology, and creativity might matter more.

In some cases, candidates choose to include a video with their resume, even when the employer does not request it, as a way to stand out, but this is not always a good idea, depending on the type of job to which they are applying and the nature of the industry.

What is a video resume?

Video resumes are an opportunity for the job seeker to present a short (up to about 90 seconds, or so), personal introduction of themselves to the employer.

The purpose of a video resume is not necessarily to replace a regular resume. It is often used as a screening tool to help employers select candidates — employers might request it with the resume so they can decide whether to invite you to an interview. Some employers might ask for a resume video or a pre-screening device before inviting candidates to send in their resumes. In rare cases, employers might even request a video instead of a resume.

Some risks with video resumes:

Considering Marshall McLuhan’s famous line that “the medium is the message,” candidates should use video resumes only if they deliberately tell the employer something they need to know. Generally, unless requested by employers, video resumes can be a risky option. Not all employers appreciate having to watch a video; this might depend on the culture of the industry or company or the tools and skills required for the job.

Making a video is a risky endeavour. A poorly made video can undermine an otherwise strong application – if you are going to make a video, make sure to do it well.

More importantly, video interviews could contravene labour standards, legislation, and human rights guidelines. The Ontario Human Rights Commission, for example, has been clear about the fact that asking for photos on application forms contravenes the rights of candidates to be protected from discrimination based on appearance or other irrelevant factors: “It has long been the Commission’s position that employers should not request photos of potential employees, since they may provide information related to a number of Code-related grounds, such as race, colour, sex or age.”

As far as we know, video resumes have not been tested in court or tribunals. Of course, with LinkedIn already enabling the posting of photos on profiles, sharing personal images of job seekers is already common practice. Based on this, it is possible that candidates would be well within their rights to refuse to share a video with a potential employer.

How to make a video resume

The challenge facing candidates is that the video must be high quality. It is worth investing extra time and effort to do it properly.

1. Get your script ready: what do you want to say?

Think of a video resume as a cover letter on video – a pitch for why the company should hire you. As you would with a cover letter, start with the job posting to determine what this particular employer is most interested in. Think through what you want to say and write it all out – you will sound more coherent and organized if you’ve thought through everything you want to say in detail. Then practice, practice, and practice some more. Be prepared to re-record the video a few times before you’re satisfied. Of course, putting care and attention into the video tells employers about your work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Use these guidelines to write out your script:

Thank the employer for the opportunity
Introduce yourself and your relevant background and qualifications
Describe why you are the best candidate for this position — skills, interests and unique assets
Explain what makes you a good match for the company — the match between the company’s and your values
Outline briefly your hopes for how you can contribute to the job
Thank them again, and express enthusiasm about the position

Think of how you want to do this. It’s better not to bore the viewer by sounding like you’re reading off a script, so either write out every word or practice it until you know it, or just have some talking points you can speak to. Avoid silly jokes or gimmicks—focus on being natural but professional.

2. Get your equipment ready

Choose the equipment that takes the best quality video – possibly your newest device (a laptop, cellphone, tablet or computer). Test it for sound and image quality. Make sure to stabilize it so it’s not shaky or moving around (don’t hold the camera).

Here are some good tips for preparing the video: https://youtu.be/BgUAlw4myrs—watch and listen to how the presenter speaks, in addition to his useful tips.

3. Get the space ready

Use a well-lit room where your face is in the light. If possible, make sure the background is tidy and not distracting and that no personal items are visible. If you must use your bedroom, ensure the bed isn’t visible.

Sit at a distance from the camera that shows your head and shoulders, where your face is visible but not too close to the device.

Find a quiet place without noises or distractions. Keep in mind that if you are applying for a remote job, it’s best to film the video in the space you will be using for the job so that the employer has an image of you on the job.

4. Get yourself ready

Your goal is to come across as professionally as possible. That means thinking through your appearance, including what you will wear, hair, makeup, etc. Keep it simple and neat – you don’t want to distract from what you are saying. Dress as you would for a job interview, which means dressing slightly more professionally than on the job.

Give yourself enough time to practice and re-record the video until satisfied. Be a perfectionist.

5. Get it done

Generally, a simple, clear presentation of you speaking for 60-90 seconds (1-2 minutes) is perfectly appropriate (and appreciated by employers, who are busily sorting through many applications). But, if your job requires creative or technical skills, the video might be an opportunity to showcase your skills using text, slideshows, music or other relevant media.

Some tips for a good video:

Make eye contact with the camera directly, as if you are talking to someone
Smile – make sure to look and sound enthusiastic
Project your voice clearly and consistently
Pronounce every word
Speak naturally – try to sound conversational
Keep it short
Check the video with friends and family

Tools and samples:

There are an increasing number of platforms online that help users make videos, such as https://animoto.com/, Biteable, Camtasia 2020, and https://vimeo.com/create/video-maker

Here’s a good sample of an effective and simple video: https://youtu.be/OZzEBa9cHN0

Remember:

A video resume doesn’t necessarily replace your traditional resume — you might still need a tailored 2-page resume and possibly even a cover letter if the employer asks.

While video resumes can help you make a great impression on the employer, a badly produced video can seriously harm your chances. So, if you decide to create a video resume, take the time to make a simple, professional, and appropriate video that communicates why the employer should hire you.

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Employment opportunities in Canada beyond the big cities