Linda Ryan;
National Program Manager for BCCA-IN
Moving to a new country, never mind moving to a new job is a BIG challenge. This month I wanted to share some pearls of wisdom from newcomers and career transitioners who ran the gauntlet and came out the other side wiser and stronger!
Improve your English
Newcomers often tell me they should have invested more time (before arriving in Canada) in using the free or low-cost online English as a Second Language (ESL) training and tools. I couldn't agree more! English language confidence dramatically improves how you authentically connect with more communities, professionals and job opportunities when you arrive.
Get to know your industry
Spending some time researching your desired industry and roles within it, is time well spent. Knowing industry trends and challenges; the path to credential recognition and/or acquisition; professional development options (now or in the future); where skills/education sits in comparison to Canadian standards; and the relevant trade/professional bodies and associations that could be of use; helps you get the best out of focused career building activities.
Networking is as important as job hunting
Newcomers are often surprised at how important networking is, especially when building an early career in Canada. Joining newsfeeds or discussion groups on LinkedIn, connecting with professionals, attending relevant industry/association events, and authentically looking to reach out, connect and learn about others is much more effective than blindly disseminating resumes, or sending connection requests for the purpose of ‘asking for a job'. Canadians like to get to know you, your track record and even a little of your life story. It's the same in the business world. When people know you, they get to know what you know!
Break out of your existing Canadian comfort zone
Newcomers coming to friends, family in Canada tell me they should have: spent more time expanding their communities; got more ‘Canadian experience’ e.g. training, volunteering, acquiring/challenging credentials; and took longer to look for the right work they truly wanted, as opposed to work that paid ‘survival’ money. If they had, they would have invested better in their long-term success.
Plan your time like a pro
When you land in Canada you are busy: looking for work, finding accommodation, unravelling transit/transport, and setting up basics (groceries, utilities, cell phones, internet access). Then there's the inevitable challenge of finding work too. It is stressful!
Your best approach is to think of this period of your life as strategic project management: maybe assign an hour a day to job search/research, an hour to logistics and getting settled, and an hour to connecting with settlement, professional associations and employment support services. After that, get out, explore your community, meet people. After all, you came to Canada for a new life. It’s important to make sure it’s as balanced as possible!
Linda Ryan is the National Program Manager with BCCA-Integrating Newcomers, a government funded, Canada-wide, free, pre-arrival career coaching service for high skilled construction professionals immigrating to Canada (*BCCA-IN).