Canada InfoNet News & Resources

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?

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Moving to a new country can be both an exciting and challenging experience. For job seekers who recently immigrated to Canada, figuring out how to get to the top of the employer’s pile of job applications can be even harder. So, how does a newcomer standout in today's competitive labour market?

In this webinar:

Dmitri Stupak, NA Talent Acquisition Programs Manager at IBM will share his views on:

• Accessing the hidden job market
• The importance of networking and how to meet potential industry contacts
• Canadian resume & cover letters - what recruiters are looking for
• The best way to handle the Interview process

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If you have ever sought job search advice, you are familiar with the popular recommendation to “network, network, network”. Networking for work means strategically reaching out to people with the explicit intention to develop ties that can lead to employment opportunities and referrals. And, if you want to leave the kind of impression that will make someone think of you when job opportunities arise, you have to meet face-to-face.

This can be challenging for newcomers who may not have a network of professional contacts in Canada. Networking events are a great opportunity to meet with people face-to-face; ask questions, get support and guidance and make sure they know that you are looking for a new opportunity.

Luckily for newly arrived job seekers, there are great online tools that can help you find networking opportunities anywhere in Canada.

As the world advances at a rapid pace, it is said that as many as 40% of professions will be automated in the next 15 years. This transition will be disruptive and some jobs will be safer than others. It’s just a matter of time that most firms will incorporate varying levels of technologies to increase cost efficiencies and maximize profit ratios. For current and future professionals, therefore, it becomes imperative to build knowledge around these technologies to stay ahead of the curve in labor market.

In this webinar:

Rajeev Chib, APAC Head of Client Facilitation and Business Management  - Investor Sales and Relationship Management APAC, Citigroup, will share his views on:

• How are new emerging technologies influencing significant changes to workforce composition?
• How do we prepare ourselves to work with machines?
•  Is there a gap in talent when looking at today’s workforce versus what we need to equip ourselves for the future?
• Will our current organizational hierarchies survive and what is the future shape of the organizational hierarchy?
• Is there an alignment or greater need of converging technical skills with creativity in this new future of the work place?

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Moving to a new country can be both an exciting and challenging experience. In this webinar, "Your First Weeks in Canada", our program partners NextStop Canada will talk about the important things to do once you land in the country.

This webinar explores:

• Important Documents
• Newcomer Services
• Housing
• Transportation
• Community Resources

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Today’s globalized world has created a growing need for the fast and accurate shipment of commodities which in turn has created many opportunities for professionals with the right training in meeting these demands.

The Government of Canada has rated the employment outlook for Supply Chain & Logistics sector a solid two out of three stars for all of Ontario, observing that “employment growth is expected to be strong” and that “a large number of people are expected to retire.”

This webinar explores careers in supply chain and logistics in Canada. You'll learn:

• Labor market information & needs across Canada
• Supply Chain & logistic career pathway
• What are Professional Designations/ Certifications?
• Advantages of having a professional designation in today’s Canadian labour market
• Professional associations and perks of membership with them
• Importance of networking for career progression in Canada
• Steps to achieve CITT certification

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Professional Associations can help you build your professional network and increase your chances of finding employment in Canada. Together with industry experts, Carmen Jacques, Student Recruitment Manager at Chartered Professional Accounts of Ontario and Husam Sha’ath, President at FORTE Management Consulting Inc. and CMC Project Management Instructor at U of T School of Continuing Studies, we offer more information on “Benefits of Professional Associations and Designations for Newcomers to Canada.”

In this webinar, you'll learn:

• Advantages of having a professional designation in today’s Canadian employment market
• What do Professional organizations do?
• Perks of membership
• How to leverage their offerings for job search
• Difference between "certificates" and "certifications"
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Your credit score matters. Building a good credit history is important because lenders will check your credit score to determine whether to approve you for things like cell phone plans, housing, cars, and lines of credit. In this webinar, money expert Yingshuo Liu, Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, walks us through:

• What is credit score?
• Factors that affect credit score
• Tips on building credit score – credit cards, utility bills, multiple sources of credit etc.
• Impact of poor credit
• Credit history from other countries
• Maintaining credit score before finding employment and after

Did you know that many companies, large and small, use automated software for screening online applications and resumes? It is known as the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). To help figure out what you can do to ensure that your resume and cover letter will be seen by the recruiter or hiring manager on the ATS, CanPrep has assembled a panel of experts who share their advice on:

• How to optimize resumes and job applications for online screening
• How employers use Applicant Tracking systems (ATS) for selecting candidates
• How to use platforms like Magnet – an online job search support and resource service – as an effective job search tool
• How employers use Magnet to screen job seekers

We also feature CanPrep alumni, Eduardo Almeida, who shared his personal story on how he successfully used online platforms to gain employment in Canada

Each year, the CanPrep pre-arrival program helps hundreds of newcomers start preparing for employment before they arrive in Canada. Through one-on-one support, e-learning modules, online mentoring and webinars, each participant builds a Canadian-style resume, learns how to conduct a job search in Canada, and connects with employers with the help of our highly trained Employment Specialists.

Archana and Vivek are two such participants.

The couple, from Bangalore, India, both had successful careers in IT and dreamed of moving to Canada. But without family here or a professional network, the task of finding meaningful employment seemed daunting. As part of their research into immigration, they found the CanPrep program.

With the guidance of a CanPrep Employment Specialist, the couple were able to identify and address the gaps in their resumes, understand how recruiters would screen their applications, and how to highlight their professional accomplishments in order to stand out among the competition.

Through the program they were connected online to mentors in Canada who taught them about the culture of the Canadian workplace, how to reach out to consultants and recruiters on Linkedin, and to implement practical job search strategies specifically relevant to jobs in Software Development and IT Management. Archana and Vivek finished the program well-prepared to find positions that fully utilized their skills and education.

The couple arrived in Canada in August of 2017 and, within a few months, both had found exciting new jobs in their industry and a sense of support from their new community.

The secret to their success? “Understand the job market. Start the online mentoring at the earliest and spend as much time as possible in the mentoring sessions. Have [your] resume modified to suit the Canadian market and apply for jobs before arriving,” advised Archana.

Vivek added, “The e-learning modules helped me understand the [Canadian] resume format and understand how to approach finding a job. Mentoring gave me confidence. Thanks for the support.”

CanPrep’s expert employment preparation program and personalized support can help you arrive to Canada job-ready. For more information and eligibility requirements, please visit our program page or contact canprepreferrals@jvstoronto.org

We don’t need to tell you that interviewing for a new job is stressful. The experience of having to sit down in front of an employer and answering unknown questions can raise the anxiety of even the most confident job seeker. Interviewees worry about what they are expected to say, and whether they will mess up and make mistakes. For an already anxious job seeker, online video interviews brings a whole other level of unnerving challenges. CanPrep has assembled a panel of experts who share their advice on how to prepare for video interviews including:

• Do’s and don’ts during the interview
• What employers focus on during online interviews
• The right way to follow-up after an interview
• Personal success stories of being hired through online interviews

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

CanPrep recently collaborated with Jason Purba, Financial Advisor at Scotiabank to present the next webinar on Banking Basics: Financial Literacy To Start Right In Canada. This webinar covers information on financial literacy for Canada including:

• Credit History
• Differences between Savings & Chequing Accounts
• Mortgages for Newcomers
• Making a Budget Work
• Protecting yourself from fraud. 

Antonio Urdaneta, LL.M, Barrister, an Ontario Employment Lawyer, provides information and answers your questions on Canadian employment law.

Have you been wondering what your rights are as a worker under a Canadian employer? CanPrep’s webinar on “Employment Law in Canada – Know your Rights & Duties” is just for you. In this webinar we cover important topics like:

• Basic Employment rights
• Interview Questions: Legal Vs Illegal
• What is discrimination?
• Employment contracts
• Difference between Federal / Provincial laws
• Room for dismissals
• And more!

Each year our CanPrep program helps hundreds of newcomers start preparing for employment before arriving in Canada. Our Employment Specialists guide each participant through how to conduct a job search in Canada, participate in online mentoring, learn about their specific industry, connect with employers and apply for jobs.

Internationally trained professionals who enroll in the CanPrep program arrive in Canada well-prepared to find positions that fully utilize their skills and education.

Tasneem, a Marketing Specialist from Bangladesh, participated in the CanPrep program. Here is what he has to say about his experience.

Isn't it remarkable how time flies? I have now spent four seasons in Canada. [I wanted to] thank you for the greatest gift of all in my first year here. You listened to my story and shared your views on the industry and job market here. I feel indebted to you for sharing knowledge with me; each [step of the CanPrep program] has contributed to making me the person that I am today.

The last year brought with it the challenges expected with moving to a new country. After 11 years of [short term] marketing roles in different countries, I was "between jobs" for about 5 months. But I came across the term "up-skilling", and then made the most of it during summer. I got Google AdWords certified, completed an online diploma in digital marketing, earned an email marketing certification, learned basics of UX design, HTML & CSS, and built a portfolio. My short term contract was replaced with a permanent account management role.

Tasneem accessed the following resources through our program:

• One on one sessions with CanPrep Employment Specialist through Skype and Email
• Canadian job search advice and support based on individual needs
• Resume building tool
• Employer Connections – job board connecting to job postings that match candidates’ profiles
• Self-directed e-learning courses

What was the lasting result of Tasneem’s participation? He says “I have started to find my feet in Canada. Thanks to you.”

For more information about CanPrep or to see if you’re eligible, please contact Iliana Tzekova at canprepreferrals@jvstoronto.org

A panel of leading experts answer your questions on how to excel at a Canadian job search

Learning how to conduct a job search in Canada and how to be successful in the workplace is an integral part of finding employment in Canada. CanPrep, a leader in providing pre-arrival programs for internationally trained professionals, hosts a webinar with employers representing some of the largest companies in Canada.

In this webinar, you'll learn about:

• Hiring Practices
• Workplace culture
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Tips on job searches, resumes & cover letters
• Open positions / industry trends
• Effective interviewing tips
• Getting a job through staffing companies

Learn how to apply at these participating organizations. Expand your professional network in Canada!

What exercise is to the body, employment is to the mind and morals.  – Henry David Thoreau

For anyone immigrating to a new country, finding employment as soon as you arrive is a top priority. It was no different for Dale who was preparing to leave his home in the Philippines and his well-established career in Accounting. When he started researching the job market in Canada, he came across JVS Toronto's CanPrep pre-arrival employment program and signed up. With determination and focus, Dale worked his way through the following steps of the CanPrep program:

TORONTO, May 23, 2017 – Scotiabank is giving a boost to new immigrants before they arrive in Canada through a three-year sponsorship to enhance CanPrep, a national pre-arrival program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and delivered by JVS Toronto in partnership with TRIEC and other Canadian community organizations.

CanPrep provides employment preparation and guidance to immigrants who have been granted visas but have not yet arrived in Canada. This responsive approach, supported by IRCC and now Scotiabank, provides immigrants with timely preparation for a successful integration into the Canadian labour market and society.

Parisa was an established Telecommunications Engineer in her home country of Iran. Like many immigrating to a new country, Parisa was nervous and plagued with questions. How will I settle in a new country? I don’t know anyone, will I make friends? I have a good job now, will I be able to find something equally good? She took to the internet to look for answers. She started conducting research on her specific job sector almost five months before her arrival date. This is when she came across JVS Toronto and discovered CanPrep pre-arrival employment services.

Building professional connections is a great way to find opportunities that could lead to employment – especially when you are a newcomer to Canada. Networking with professionals in your field for information and career growth should be an important aspect of every newcomer’s job search strategy.

Using LinkedIn to build your Canadian professional network

The good news is that you can start building your professional network even before you arrive - for example - by using LinkedIn as a professional networking tool.
This was the topic of discussion for CanPrep's webinar.

This interactive webinar shares insights on LinkedIn’s professional profiling techniques and how to maximize this tool to further your job search and market your skills in the Canadian job market. This webinar recording will provide information on:

• Why using LinkedIn is important for job search in Canada
• LinkedIn profile guide: what’s expected in Canada, tips to make your profile standout
• Current hiring trends using LinkedIn
• Starting a network from scratch
• How to connect to the industry in Canada

Information interviews are one-on-one meetings you can request (in person or online) to learn more about another person’s job, organization, sector and industry. This can be used as an effective tool for networking and part of a Canadian job search strategy.

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

CanPrep recently organized a webinar on the topic “How-to Guide: Information Interviews.” In this blog post, we are responding to some of your frequently asked questions.

What kind of questions can I ask during information interviews?

Information interviews can have both long term and short term impact on your job search process. It’s one of the most effective networking tools. So being prepared with all the relevant information on the company and the employer’s program and position is vital. The key is to get the other person talking. Here are some sample questions that you can use to conduct an information interview:

Are there any specific training / education requirements to get into your line of work?
What do you like most/ least about your work?
What is a typical day (or week) like for you?
How did you become interested in this field?
What kind of problems do you typically deal with at work?
What related fields do you think I should consider looking into?
Can you think of anyone else you can connect me to for additional information?

As suggested in this Monster.ca article, the right questions can also open up opportunities you might not have thought of before. For example, you might learn about an internship opportunity at the company that can help you get your foot in the door, or it might open your eyes to a new skill you should learn in order to make yourself more marketable in that specific industry.

What should I wear for the meeting (online or in person)?

Research what outfit works for the specific industry. For example, if it is Banking industry – formal attire like a formal dress or tie and suit is the norm; dress code may be more casual in the information technology industry – so wear something more casual, jeans might even be acceptable! Be cognizant of the attire even if you are connecting with the employer online.

Should I take my Resume to the information interview?

The simple answer is – Yes! Although the intention of information interview is information gathering, go prepared. Introduce yourself with your elevator pitch and have your resume handy in case it comes up during the conversation. Remember you are also trying to make an impression here so do not ask for a job directly. You can always include a line like “I’ll be happy if you consider me for any future job opportunities in your organization.” - in the thank you email after you meet with the person. 

Are there any don’ts that I should keep in mind?

• Don’t ramble on about yourself! Let the other person do the talking – engage them. What people remember is how you made them feel during a conversation, not what you said. Be strategic, ask relevant questions about their personal experiences.

• Research basic information. Don’t waste their time asking simple things that you can easily Google. Make sure you ask the right questions to the right individuals. For example, do not ask someone from Human Resources questions about Marketing. It will be a waste of their time and they’ll end up having a bad impression of you.

• Stick to the agreed upon time limit. If you asked them for a 20 minutes coffee, try not to exceed that time. Canadians are usually very polite and may not point out anything directly so be mindful of the person’s body language. If they are fidgeting / looking at their watch, at the end of the stipulated time, it usually means they are busy.

I am an introvert. How do I handle information interviews?

You don’t have to be an extrovert to network or conduct information interviews. You are not expected to be outgoing – but definitely polite and professional.

If you are an introvert, being prepared and conducting research can work to your advantage. Make a list of your questions - use research to help make your questions interesting.

Be genuine – it’s ok to mention to the other person that you are an introvert or shy during the conversation. You can also figure out a way to communicate this to the person you are interviewing prior to the meeting. They may also be introverts and might appreciate your honesty! Enjoy the interaction / experience.

How do I keep in touch after an information interview?

Networking is a long term investment. Make sure you follow-up after the meeting. A good thank you email can take you a long way. In the email, cover what your take away from the meeting was, reinforce what the person had committed to you (if they had agreed to send you information or connect you to someone). Ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn. Once you connect with them on LinkedIn, stay in touch.

Do I have to be present in-person for information interviews?

No - you don’t have to be. Information interviews can be done via email, LinkedIn, Skype and other connectivity tools even before you arrive in Canada. Remember, when you are trying to connect on Skype, you may have to find a time convenient for an employer in a different time zone – within their work hours.

You can get more pointers on information interviews at the JVS Toronto blog.

Have a question you’d like answered in the CanPrep Blog?  Contact sharvari.jois@jvstoronto.org.

For more job search tips, register to talk to a CanPrep Employment Specialist.

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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

JVS Toronto’s CanPrep program is designed to guide internationally trained professionals through the challenging aspects of the Canadian job market. Many CanPrep participants find jobs in their field shortly after they arrive, and sometimes even before they have left their home country!

Mark is a Test Automation Engineer from Philippines who was able to secure a job offer in a similar position, 3 days before he arrived in Canada!

He believes a strong resume helped him find employment faster. He was able to build this resume with the help of personalized employment counseling, online learning modules and tools offered by the CanPrep program.

We asked Mark to tell us how CanPrep helped and to share some tips. This is what he had to say:

How has pre-arrival program helped ease your transition into Canada?
CanPrep pre-arrival program has helped me gain better understanding of the Canadian job market.

What aspects of the program did you find particularly helpful?
Resume building is one of the best aspects of the program. Without it, I would not have been able to get a job because my earlier resume wasn't tailored to the Canadian job market.  

What did you think would be your biggest challenges before arriving in Canada?
Finding a job, a place to live in and other settlement things to do during the first few weeks of arriving were certainly things I worried about.  

What do you feel about the challenges post arrival?
Good research and preparing well for these challenges helped us settle much faster.  

What are the various strategies you used that helped you find your job?
I did 3 main things which helped me find employment:

• Tailored my resume to suit the Canadian job market with help from CanPrep program
• Targeted jobs that match my skill set
• Persistent in my job search  

Any pre-arrival job search tips that you would like to share with other CanPrep participants who are looking to immigrate to Canada soon?
Prepare early,  tailor your resume to the Canadian job market and specific to the industry as well. Apply to jobs even if only one or two of your major skills match. 

Would you recommend CanPrep program to others, why?
Definitely! I feel that 70% of my success in landing a job before landing in Canada is because of the CanPrep program. Remaining 30% is on individuals to research companies, look for jobs and prepare and perform well in interviews.

Has Mark's story motivated you? Are you ready to enrol in the CanPrep program?  Register here!

Have a question you’d like answered in the CanPrep blog?  Contact sharvari.jois@jvstoronto.org.

This is a continuation to our previous article on Volunteering titled Why volunteering is essential to job search in Canada. This article attempts to clarify the difference between Volunteering, Co-op placement and Internship in Canada.

Volunteering is described as an unpaid activity where someone gives their time to help an organization or a cause. It is of benefit for both parties involved and does not involve financial payment. Volunteering is usually done on a part-time basis depending on the availability of the volunteer and the organization need.

When deciding where to volunteer think about these aspects:

• environment– creative, philanthropic, medical, people focused, technical, financial, media, etc.
• location
• time commitment
• what do you bring to the organization and the role
• what do you want out of the experience
• what kind of people do you like to work with
• is this strictly for fun or charity, or is it  to further your career growth

Co-op or Co-operative placement is usually associated with a course or certification offered by an education institution or employment centre offering a job related program. Co-op allows you to apply concepts learned in class during paid work terms. At the end of the placement, you will have not only a certification that indicates you participated in a CO-OP program but also work experience in your field of study and a network of valuable contacts. All of these factors will contribute to helping you find a job more easily after the course completion. You can find more information on this topic on Settlement.org

An Internship is a professional working position that is typically offered to students or inexperienced workers. It enables the intern to gain valuable work experience and on-the-job training, while providing the employer with an enthusiastic worker.

Some internships are paid positions, while others are unpaid. Both allow you to work within an organization to gain first-hand experience about a particular industry or field of work. Internships help inexperienced workers get involved in the workplace, and can sometimes lead to permanent positions.

Since internships are full-time positions, watch out for unpaid internships. While they vary from province to province, there are sets of rules governing how internships must be run. These rules are designed to protect interns, ensuring their internship helps spur their career. Most provinces ask that any unpaid internship be a requirement for a formal education program, offering practical learning experiences.

Whether it’s Co-op placement or paid internship or volunteering work – any of these can be excellent means for a newcomer to show that they have the skills necessary for potential job opportunities in their field.

Resources to find Volunteering opportunities in Canada:

volunteer.ca

charityvillage.com

LinkedIn volunteer board

Canadian Volunteer Directory

United Nations Association in Canada

United Nations Volunteers

Idealist.org

Environmental volunteering: goodwork.ca

British Columbia & Alberta: govolunteer.ca

Ontario: Ontario Volunteer Centre Network

Paid Internships: careeredge.ca

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

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

This interactive webinar is Presented by JVS Toronto (CanPrep) in partnership with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC). The webinar will help you gain insights on how to network and build social capital through specialized groups and volunteerism for professional integration and success.

You will learn about:

• Increased awareness of specialized programs and how these programs can help with successful networking.
• Gain greater knowledge on how skills-based volunteering can assist with achieving professional goals.
• Hear an Internationally Educated Professional share how networking helped to grow his personal brand and successfully settle in Canada.

Click on the "Play" button to view the webinar.

Our Panelists:

• Monina Febria, Program Coordinator, Professional Immigrant Networks (PINs), TRIEC
• Paula Speevak, President and CEO, Volunteer Canada
• Renan Orquiza, P.Eng. Project Manager, Watters Environmental Group Inc.

Facilitator:

• Irene Vaksman, Director, Newcomer Services, JVS Toronto

To register for more informative webinars and other services offered by CanPrep, click here: https://www.jvstoronto.org/pre-arrival/canprep/#canprep-registration

“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”
-  John C. Crosby

Potential new immigrants who are in the process of immigrating to Canada soon have many things on their mind - A new life, new work environment, new world. They have all these questions they want answers to – What kind of job opportunities should I be applying to? Do I have a resume that is right for the Canadian job market? How do I write an effective cover letter that can get me results? What are the expectations from me in my new Canadian work place? Our program participants have shared with us that they just want someone to listen to them, direct them and validate them. They need a mentor.

A ‘mentor’ is usually a more knowledgeable or experienced person who guides the less knowledgeable or experience person often referred to as the ‘mentee’.

At CanPrep, we offer online mentoring as part of our pre-arrival employment services to Canada. Our mentoring program – Canada InfoNet connects Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) to experienced professionals in Canada who act as mentors.

Who are our mentors?

Our mentors are passionate and motivated professionals who understand the challenges of immigration, many from personal experiences. They are investing their time to give mentees a better understanding of their industry in Canada. They want to help build their confidence which is essential to setting and achieving personal goals.

The primary motivation of Mentors of our online program is to provide guidance and support. They share their knowledge of industry standards and practices, certifications, training and education, and the job search itself through a safe and easy online format. This has helped mentees formulate strong job search strategies which has a huge impact on how soon they can find employment.

Why online mentoring?

There are many ways that a Mentor’s time and effort can have an impact. Mentees will:

• Gain insight into Canadian work and values
• Understand current workplace and industry trends
• Receive critical feedback on resumes and interview techniques
• Get help with self-marketing techniques and confidence building
• Identify skills required by market demands, and guidance on licensing processes in their province of landing
• Gain access to professional networks
• Understand how to present themselves in the best possible light to potential employers

What is the impact of mentoring on program participants?

Nitesh is a professional who is in the process of immigrating to Canada. He applied to CanPrep and started working with his Employment Counsellor on the different components of the program. Since he had optimal time for a 10 week partnership with an online mentor, his Counsellor connected him to Rick who has been a star mentor with Canada InfoNet for many years now. Nitesh (mentee) and Rick (mentor) used the online mentoring system to discuss various topics that Nitesh had concerns about. Towards the end of the partnership, Nitesh felt: 

It was a wonderful experience to interact with a working professional who has been living in Canada for many years and who knows the complete ins and outs of the labor market there. For a new immigrant like me, the most important part is to get guidance on how I can get a job in a competitive market. I am glad that I was connected to an experienced and knowledgeable mentor through CanPrep and I really got a very good insight on how things work in the Canadian job market.

 His online mentor had contributed to building his confidence to start a new phase of life for him and his family.

How does online mentoring work?

Mentors and mentees are usually signed up on Canada InfoNet which is an online, interactive, mentoring platform. Each mentoring partnership lasts for 10 weeks long. The partnership goes through 5 different stages of Orientation – Relationship building – Learning Conversations – Building Networks – Moving On.

The online discussions occur on a secure private discussion board at a time of convenience for the mentor and the mentee. The program requires at least a weekly 1 hour communication in total. This gives enough opportunity to build a relationship between the two and also to move through the various phases of the program.

How to sign up for online mentoring?

Internationally Educated Professionals with a permanent resident visa, still living in their home country and planning to arrive in Canada in the next 3 to 6 months are eligible for online mentoring. To begin with, they can sign up for the CanPrep program here. Once their eligibility has been established, a CanPrep Employment Counsellor will get in touch with them for the next steps.

JVS Toronto's pre-arrival employment program CanPrep - is a free specialized employment program. This online program is designed for internationally trained individuals relocating to anywhere in Canada. CanPrep was recently in the spotlight when New Canadians interviewed our very own - Irene Vaksman (Director of Newcomer Services) for their web show. New Canadians is a rich and informative web and TV show portraying stories of recent immigrants making Canada their home.

Click on the "Play" button to view the full interview.

JVS Toronto's CanPrep program is designed to guide internationally trained professionals through the challenging aspects of the Canadian job market. Many CanPrep participants find jobs in their field shortly after they arrive, and sometimes even before they have left their home country!

Yana is an internationally trained Software Developer who was able to secure her dream job before arriving in Canada. She attributes her success to the support of the CanPrep program and her Employment Counsellor. We asked Yana to share her amazing success story and advice for other soon-to-be Canadian immigrants:

How long after starting the CanPrep program did you secure the job?

Two months!

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

I was able to secure a job before arrival and avoid the risks and worries of being unemployed for months. It provided much-needed safety and reassurance of smooth transition. Not to mention that the job itself is my dream job! I hope everyone will have such a rewarding job search.

What aspects of the program did you find most helpful?

The one-on-one communication with a professional Counsellor is the best part of program. In the pre-arrival flurry it is easy to skip the consultations and lectures offered, but when the help is so personally directed at you it's your responsibility to do your very best.

The personal touch also offers unparalleled credibility to the advice given: the internet (while mostly providing you with accurate information) is known to offer skewed or outdated opinions from time to time. Encouragement and moral support from the Counsellor is a big deal as well!

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

I assumed it would be difficult to start speaking English since I've never used it for daily communication. Passing the trial period while taking care of post-arrival affairs seemed challenging as well. Mostly I was worried I would feel alone after all the warm goodbyes at home.

What do you feel about the challenges post-arrival?

Finding a permanent place to stay in Toronto turned out to be a much more involved process than I had thought. If I could, I would allow more time for it; a full month instead of two weeks in a temporary place. As for the anticipated challenges, speaking a foreign language feels more tiresome than difficult now.

My first month in Canada would have been impossible without my family taking care of home tasks while I was in the office, but it all worked well enough in the end. I also miss my friends and family but we try to keep in touch.

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

I had tried sending out as many resumes with "templated" cover letters as I could prepare. I had made some critical mistakes, like focusing too much on past jobs instead of what benefits I would bring to new employers, and got mostly silence or rejection letters in response. I considered carefully what I wanted my job to look like, and spent a fair amount of time studying job search techniques during the CanPrep program. After my research I made just two applications, focusing on my cover letter and making it as persuasive as I could. One was a rejection, but another one (my favourite) became my current job! I was certainly very lucky.

When hiring a software developer personality is an important point to consider, which makes candidate's message very relevant. My letter was found impressive enough for an interview, and while I was showing more general experience, drive and levelheadedness than skills with the exact technologies being used, I got an offer in a matter of days. The program helped me to have faith and put a lot of work upfront to make a well-prepared and precisely targeted application instead of hurriedly sending out lots of un-useful ones.

Any pre-arrival job search tips that you would like to share with other soon-to-be Canadian immigrants?

Rejection is a not a bad thing and may happen for a number of reasons. No-one would like a job where they do not fit in - if your best resume and honest cover letter was sent without a reply, the place may not be a good match for you!

A hand-crafted cover letter makes all the difference, giving an opportunity to connect to people on the other side; generic letters kill your chances - no one will notice the human being behind the text.

Ask yourself: if you honestly think you fit the job, what should you share about yourself to the recruiter/hiring manager to send her running to your future boss with your resume?

Would you recommend CanPrep to others?

I would certainly recommend it! The program offers comprehensive guidance through the process of finding a job in Canada, from the early steps to the completion. The highlight for me was the support and motivation from my Employment Counsellor to do better and keep trying.

Has Yana's story motivated you to enroll yourself or someone you know in our program? Click here to register: https://www.jvstoronto.org/pre-arrival/canprep/#canprep-registration

Have a question you’d like answered in the CanPrep?  Contact sharvari.jois@jvstoronto.org.

Dear Joanna,

As an experienced and accomplished internationally trained professional banker, and newcomer to Canada,  I have started my job search by applying for jobs in my field. After a couple of months and countless applications, I have not received one phone call for an interview! How do I market my skills, qualifications, expertise and education to build my career in Canada?

Signed: Blocked Banker

Dear BB,

Welcome to Canada and you sound like a very talented professional. One of the first steps in the job search that will make your resume and job application stronger is to identify your transferable skills. You can also sell yourself to employers for alternative careers through your transferable skills. Let’s begin by understanding this term, followed by identifying your “transferable skill” and then learning how to articulate as well as market your wealth of these talents in your resume, social media profiles and networking activities.

Step 1: Definition

The best definition is explained by the JVS Toronto Employment Counsellors. TRANSFERABLE SKILLS can be used in many different occupations and work environments. They may be natural talents that are refined through work or leisure experience or education, or may be developed through specific training. These skills provide flexibility to move from one position to another or from one occupation or industry to another. For example, solving mathematical problems, operating machinery, and communicating effectively with your team and customers.

Step 2: Make a list of YOUR Transferable Skills from these categories. 

For example, COMMUNICATION involves these transferable skills:

• EXPLAIN - Express/communicate a message, information, or an idea in a clear and understandable manner.
• INFLUENCE/PERSUADE - Convince others to adopt a belief, change an attitude, or take an action.
• FACILITATE GROUPS - Support or ease interaction for the purpose of reaching an agreement or common goal.
• SERVE AS LIAISON - Act as a catalyst or connection between people or organizations to enhance communication.
• PROMOTE - Use creative concepts to persuade through media, special events or personal involvement.
• PUBLIC RELATIONS - Represent an employer to the public, receive or greet others, demonstrate a product or service to the public.
• CONSULT - Provide a high level of expertise in the evaluation of needs and problems to recommend solutions and a plan of action.
• INTERVIEW - Elicit views or probe for information through verbal questioning.
• MOTIVATE - Stimulate individuals or groups to take action for optimal results.
• WRITE - Compose written forms of communication demonstrating skills in the use of language, grammar and punctuation.
• SELL - Describe features and benefits of a service or product to match the needs of potential buyers. Convince a prospect to make a purchase.
• SPEAK BEFORE GROUPS - Deliver a message to an audience with the intent of informing and/or entertaining.

 LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT

• NEGOTIATE - Bring about a settlement or agreement by bargaining.
• MAKE DECISIONS - Identify and choose an option from among alternatives.
• DELEGATE - Assign tasks to others in order to achieve desired objectives.
• MEDIATE - Resolve or settle differences by acting as an intermediary between two or more conflicting parties.
• COORDINATE - Arrange the proper sequence, logistics, events or activities.
• INITIATE - Put an idea, plan or task into action without direction.
• ORGANIZE - Pull together elements into an orderly, functional and structured whole.
• SUPERVISE - Direct the performance of workers and monitor work projects.
• PLAN - Formulate a series of steps to meet goals and objectives.
• DETERMINE POLICY - Develop guidelines and strategies for carrying out a course of action.

INTELLECTUAL / ANALYTICAL

• IMPLEMENT AND FOLLOW THROUGH - Take necessary action to ensure the completion of a project.
• SOLVE PROBLEMS - Trace and identify the sources of a problem and provide a solution.
• MANAGE RECORDS - Collect, classify and process data using records or a computerized information system.
• CALCULATE/COMPUTE - Execute simple mathematical operations to determine an exact amount.
• MONITOR - Oversee and regulate flow of work in assignments or projects.
• RESEARCH/INVESTIGATE - Search systematically using observation, comprehension of written sources or interviewing for discovery or application.
• CATEGORIZE - Organize information or objects into groups or classifications.
• EDIT - Revise and improve written material for final use.
• OBSERVE - Watch closely or be acutely aware of behaviour, information or objects.
• ANALYZE - Examine in detail or separate data, an idea or an object into its parts.
• BUDGET - Plan or schedule expenses or operating costs against fixed income for a specified time period.
• EVALUATE - Assess needs of a situation and/or determine value or quality of concepts or materials.

Step 3:  Analyze the job description language for your career goal.

Target a few well-written postings in your field through www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.glassdoor.ca and www.linkedin.com. For example, type in the job title or  “jobs banks Toronto”. This will give you the language to express your transferable skills. Look for key words or phrases and match them to your skills. For example, as a banker you had to have excellent time management, work well under pressure and listen attentively when dealing with customers. These are highly desirable transferable skills for any employer

Step 4: Give concrete examples of your transferable skills from your professional experiences in your resume, social media profile and professional networking. For example: Expertise in meeting tight deadlines that helped my company secure USD$2 million portfolio of business from a large Fortune 500 company.

Step 5: Lost in Translation. Once you have prepared your resume with your transferable skills, qualifications and other information required by the job postings, I recommend working with an employment counsellor through JVS Toronto’s newcomer employment services to edit your work.

If you are a permanent resident and living overseas waiting to resettle in Canada, please contact our pre-arrival employment services - CanPrep.

For more in-depth advice on this topic (or any other job search topic), CanPrep offers individual, one-on-one employment / job coaching with a JVS Employment Specialist at no cost. In addition, CanPrep can connect you with additional training resources like the e-Learning modules on Skills Assessment, Resume and Cover Letter Preparation,  Interview Skills,  and Networking Strategies.

I wish you much success in your job search and building your career in Canada.

Signed,

Joanna