How to get Referrals as a Newcomer in Canada

Success is not a solitary journey; it's a network of opportunities waiting to be discovered.

Canada is a diverse and welcoming nation that offers numerous opportunities for individuals looking to build a new life in a foreign land. Whether you're seeking employment, educational opportunities, or simply a fresh start, the Canadian experience can be both enriching and rewarding. However, the journey to settling in Canada can often seem daunting, with a multitude of challenges to navigate.

One invaluable resource for newcomers is the power of referrals.

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?? What are referrals?

??These references are from individuals who have already established themselves in Canada and can make a significant difference in your transition process.

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??Why are referrals important?

?? Referrals can open doors, provide insights, and help you build a network that's crucial for success in your new home.

In this guide, we'll explore the importance of referrals, where to find them, and how to leverage them effectively.

Moreover, to kick off this exciting journey, we've teamed up with Pádraig Kehoe , a fellow newcomer with 10+ years of experience in HR, spanning the globe and encompassing roles in Recruitment, Coaching, Career Transition, and leadership across Corporate Finance, Organizational Development, and Growth Strategies.

Let's get started!

?? Nick ?? Noorani : Can you please tell us a bit about yourself.

Pádraig Kehoe : With over a decade of experience in the HR industry at Randstad, I've focused on Recruitment, Coaching, and Career Transition, holding senior leadership positions in Corporate Finance, Organizational Development, and Growth Strategies. My journey has taken me across the globe, with international tenures in Europe, Asia, and North America. In addition to my HR expertise, I've also gained valuable insights in the wealth management sector at JP Morgan, and I've had experiences in the Construction and Agriculture sectors.

My academic background includes a Masters in Business Internationalization and a Degree in Economics and Finance from the SouthEastern Technology University of Ireland. But beyond my professional and academic accomplishments, my true passion lies in the development of people and future leaders. I firmly believe in the untapped potential of each individual, driven by their unique backgrounds, circumstances, and experiences.

My approach centres around the exploration and recognition of an individual's unique abilities and talents. I'm dedicated to providing advice and guidance that fosters positive behaviours aligned with an individual's identified career goals, as they evolve and become clearer over time.

?? Nick ?? Noorani : How can newly arrived immigrants in Canada overcome the challenge of securing job referrals when they lack local connections

Pádraig Kehoe : A large plethora of jobs on the market today are secured through referral, by some estimates 30% - 50% of all hires in the market are made this way. In fact Referrals are 4x more likely to be offered a job than website applicants, so it’s a critical tool in your job search.

This is useful data if you’re in your home country, but what if you’re a newly arrived immigrant to Canada?

Referrals are largely based on long-standing relationships - so how do you defeat the odds with no connections to land your dream job through referral when you don’t have any. It’s important to remember that according to employment statistics published by Statistics Canada, in 2021, local businesses classified as micro or small businesses made up 98.1% of all the employers in Canada and roughly 65% of the workforce so there is a good chance even your international referral base will only have very limited clout in getting you hired for a position here, you will need local referrals to get an edge.

?? Nick ?? Noorani : In your opinion how can newcomers get referrals?

Pádraig Kehoe : Here are my top 5 tips of getting local referrals:

? Join a local group aligned to your interests

Friendship is always a great way to get a referral, and building friendship through common interests is a great way to start. Clubs, societies, associations, or any type of collective (even online) will work. People get to understand the real you, and you can build authentic relationships. As a natural consequence, based on your interests, you will get to know the whole person, including your career aspirations.

Eventually something to the effect of, "You are looking for a job in HR? Oh, I know this and that person. Let me introduce you." and this can be a great way to get connected with individuals established in the job market.

? Get a local leadership Coach

Leadership coaching is not just for what we think of as corporate leaders; it’s for everyone and anyone who wants to better themselves and their careers. You will be able to avail yourself of expert advice in their local market, their individual networks, experience, and expertise all at once.

Leadership coaches, due to their profession, are highly regarded, and therefore, if they are securing you an opportunity, they are also betting through your relationship that you are worth a referral. This is referral through extension and is as good as the real thing (if not better).

? Connect with the locals

This is tough; it’s hard to break into local circles in any country, especially if you’re looking for a job, but you should still try.

I met a lot of my best friends abroad through happenstance i.e We happened to be in the same location at the same time, we struck a conversation, exchanged numbers and stayed in touch. This is easier than you imagine if you're willing to be a little Bold?and pursue the connection.

It takes some courage, but the great thing is you can do it anywhere. It can be when you’re out walking your dog, going for coffee at a local cafe, or for a meal at a restaurant or a pint at the local pub. Just get involved in a conversation; you just never know!

? Build an Online presence

Online today is such a resourceful tool to build a network. Try to connect with as many people through LinkedIn, not randomly but with solid reasons like whether they are in your area of expertise or if they are people you admire. An engaging introduction to your connection will help. Also, try to like what they post and talk about.

Something new I’m trying to do is release weekly videos too. You are actually trying to break the ice with a large audience all at once so they ‘feel’ like they know you before they talk to you.

It’s tough and embarrassing (at least for me) to put yourself out there like this constantly and consistently, but it has provided me with a lot of people reaching out to say, "Hey, I saw your video, and it struck a chord with me. I know someone or something, etc., etc. If you are interested in having a? chat,

Honestly, when someone does this, it blows me away. Their thoughtfulness—it's always a ‘WOW’ moment. It makes all the self-consciousness worth it. Again, just try!

? Word of mouth

News flash:?people talk!

They say things about you, and they carry your brand. However, remember that you are a unique individual, with your own thoughts, beliefs, personality, and perspectives. It’s impossible for everyone to think you're the 'bee's knees'.

Just try to be yourself.

Case in point: I like to paint in my spare time; some people feel like my art speaks to them too. Wow, what greater compliment could a person receive? You did something that had a deep meaning for someone else. One nice thing said about you will carry more weight than you can imagine, so make the one nice thing count by making it reflective of who you are—there's no better referral in life!

We've shared a few questions in this newsletter to get the ball rolling. If you're interested in learning more about how to get referrals, becoming a part of our exclusive community, and staying informed with the latest knowledge, here's how you can get started:

We, as a community of immigrants dedicated to supporting fellow newcomers, prioritize creating a secure environment where professionals can come together and interact. Join us by signing up at www.immigrantnetworks.com and gaining access to our exclusive WhatsApp group, where you can arrange personalized one-on-one sessions with our Ambassadors for mock interviews, LinkedIn profile reviews, get referrals and so much more.

Please be aware that this group is exclusively for users with Canadian cell phone numbers.

So, what are you waiting for?

Spread the word about this newsletter and share your valuable feedback with us.

Networking to get working! ??

- Written & Edited: Anushree (Annee) Sharma