HOW TO FIND WORK IN CANADA

1.  Supplement your online and paper classified ads search with other methods

Keep in mind that resumes that are sent in as a result of job postings found on the internet and in newspaper classified ads will result in a rapidly growing pile of resumes on someone’s desk. It will be very tough to stand out from the crowd, especially if you’re competing with other job applicants who have roughly the same (or better) qualifications and experience than you. In order to stand out from such a highly competitive playing field, be the person that is referred to the decision-maker by someone who works in the same office. To do this, you’ll have to build your network so that you’ll know enough people who can help you find work at the companies that you’re targeting. Check out http://www.georgeverdolaga.com/thejobfarmer/ for more insights on this.

2.  Make Contact with the Hiring Manager or get a Coach

When it come to recruitment, the Human Resources department screens out applicants and ultimately assembles a list of candidates for the hiring manager to select from. Your educational credentials and related work experience can often become the basis for the HR department to move your resume along to the next step. In some cases, good people like you may be overlooked even though you may have a winning attitude and be the most capable of performing the duties, they may be bypassed based on your resume. Focus your efforts on multiple points of contact within an organization trying to make contact with the person that’s going to be your boss, as he or she may have the authority to hire you on the spot or at least point your resume out to Human Resources, telling them they have a good impression of you and asking them to include your resume in the short list of eligible applicants. If you make contact with someone other than the hiring manager you may be able to ask them to coach you on who makes the hiring decisions and the best path for you to take in being noticed by them and the HR department. So try make contact with influential people in the organization who can submit your resume to the H.R. department on your behalf and reduce your chances of getting screened out. For more specific techniques on how you can get connected to the company’s decision-maker check out the http://sittingprettycourse.com/

 

3.  Know the recruiter “dance”

Recruiters are a good source of work every now and then. However, don’t rely on them too much to help you find work. Their main role is to help companies fill job vacancies, so they will work much harder for the companies that pay their services than will for job seekers. And keep in mind that recruiters represent dozens of applicants like you. This is why after what seemed to be a good interview with a recruiter, you may never hear from them again. Make sure that at least 1 or 2 recruiters know about you (just in case) and then focus your efforts on finding a job on your own. Just treat expressions of interest from recruiters as a bonus, and then regard them as you would any potential employer – just one out of many possibilities.

 

4.  Make sure to make a good first impression

Getting work is as much sales as it is actual performance. In other words, looking like you can do the job is just as important as being able to do it, especially in the interview stage. So keep in mind that your demeanour, attitude and personal style will have a significant impact on a company’s decision to hire you or not.

A.  Do your homework

A good way to increase your chances of getting a job is through careful preparation. That way, if you’re asked about your personal and professional goals, or why you’re interested in joining a particular company in the first place, you’ll be ready with a good answer.

B.  Look like the person who can do the job

Having a basic two-piece suit is always a good idea. Although you may end up being over-dressed in a few situations, employers in general are still impressed by applicants who make an effort to dress conservatively (but smartly) for the interview. In some cases, you don’t even need to wear a tie as long as you’re wearing a good suit. Somehow, decision-makers still tend to think that people who dress professionally are also the ones who get the job done.  Rule of thumb: If it’s a desk-bound office job that you’re applying for, wear a suit to the interview, just to be on the safe side. If it isn’t, then wear some neatly pressed pants, a short (or long) sleeved shirt and clean shoes to the interview. And make sure that your hair, teeth and nails are also clean.

C.  Create an online presence

With technology and social media becoming increasingly commonplace, employers pretty much expect nearly everyone applying for work at their firm these days to have a LinkedIn account where you can list down your education and experience. If you don’t have one, please open one in the next five minutes and then spend an hour or two updating your skills and qualifications. That way, you don’t need to carry around your resume when you go to interviews.

D.  Be on time all the time

Many decision-makers make judgment calls based on the tiniest of details. On-time performance is one of them. Make sure that you’re at the interviewer’s office on time, but make sure to arrive with time to spare. That will enable you to relax and get settled in and prepare yourself mentally.

**  SPECIAL NOTE TO FOREIGN APPLICANTS LOOKING FOR A JOB IN CANADA:

 

1.      Sharpen your English-language skills

This is very important in Canada. Although you don’t need to speak English flawlessly and be free of any foreign accent, you do have to speak well enough that Canadian employers don’t have to strain themselves to understand what you’re saying.  If employers see that you’re struggling with your English, then they’ll have less confidence in your ability to do the job. So focus on mastering the English language first and foremost.

2.      Be more assertive and be social

Although many nationalities have no problems with these two character traits some cultures (i.e. in Asia, especially) have a certain way of relating to workplace bosses that can be construed as meekness or a lack of confidence. These will kill your chances of getting a job. Working in Canada is about being able to confidently sell your ideas to colleagues and bosses by expressing yourself verbally. Modesty or silence will get you nowhere in this country.  Learn to speak up and say what you think.

 

Bonus: How Will Working in Canada be Different From Working in Your Home Country?

To get great insights into how working in your home country may be different from working in Canada and how you can improve your chances of success in the workplace, visit this page and watch the video titled:

“How to Find a Job in Canada – How to Make it Happen!”