Are Immigrants Leaving Canada?
Sweta Regmi
Award-Winning Canadian Career Strategist | Teaching Immigrants AI-Driven Career Clarity & Personal Branding to Land 6-Fig Roles & Promotions | Trusted Speaker Ft. CBC, CNBC, FOX 26 | Podcast Host | Free Clarity Class ??
Breaking Barriers to Career Transformation
Recent news headlines have raised a pressing question: Why are immigrants leaving Canada? Here is my interview at CTV News
Behind this inquiry lies a complex web of challenges and misconceptions that deserve our attention.
Firstly, let's acknowledge the challenges we face as immigrants in Canada. It's not easy navigating a new country, or culture, and being overlooked for a promotion. We may encounter biases, discrimination, and systemic barriers that can make our career journey challenging. It's natural to feel discouraged at times, especially when faced with setbacks or frustrations. Ban On Canadian Experience Won't Solve Bias! (teachndo.com)
One prevalent myth and fear-mongering stat is the belief that 80-90% of jobs are hidden, and online applications don't work. Another misconception suggests that only those with extensive connections and prestigious education can secure six-figure jobs in Canada.
Breaking the Myth of the Hidden Job Market
Have you heard the statistic that 80-90% of jobs are never posted? This statement often arises in webinars, discussions, and coaching sessions. But let's challenge this narrative.
While networking is crucial, relying solely on it can be daunting for immigrants, newcomers, and underrepresented job seekers. Statements like "online applications don't work" or "hiring managers hire people they like" may inadvertently promote affinity bias, favouring those who share similar backgrounds and experiences.
Employers promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, discouraging online applications in favour of networking may inadvertently perpetuate biases and discrimination. The hidden job market isn't as vast as claimed. Many jobs must be posted for compliance reasons, and some never get posted due to confidentiality or internal moves. I am not questioning the hidden job market but the stats which are still being used from newspaper days. There is no one-size-fits-all to navigate career journey.
Many immigrants have successfully navigated the Canadian job market by investing in closing the skill gap rather than solely relying on connections or costly upgrades. They have landed roles that align with their expertise and aspirations, debunking the notion that success is reserved for a privileged few.
It's crucial to spotlight the stories of immigrants who have chosen to stay and thrive in Canada despite facing bias and discrimination. They have bravely confronted challenges such as the pay gap and the need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives in the workplace.
These immigrants have refused to be defined by stereotypes or limited by systemic barriers. Instead, they have fought back against injustice, advocating for fair treatment and equal opportunities. Their resilience and determination serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating similar obstacles.
As a community, we must amplify these voices and conversations. We need to challenge misconceptions, dismantle barriers, and create a more inclusive and equitable society for all immigrants in Canada.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of establishing ourselves in Canada, it's essential to address the myths that often cloud our perceptions of success.
Take my client, Rajesh, a Finance Operations Manager, who was featured in the news after landing a job within five weeks of working on his career and branding. Not only did he secure a position, but he also received a six-figure salary and a bonus, far exceeding his expectations. His success serves as a testament to the power of investing in oneself and believing in the possibilities that lie ahead.
Similarly, Rishi S, PMP a Project Manager, followed the guidance and secured offers and a six-figure role within the short time of moving to Canada. Despite initial struggles, Rishi's dedication to implementing career and brand techniques paid off, turning his dream into a reality.
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As we strive to build successful careers in Canada, it's crucial to address the persistent challenges related to salary gaps that disproportionately affect newcomers and immigrants. The impact of these disparities is significant and alarming, particularly in the private sector, where immigrants who have been in Canada for more than a decade are paid 8% less than Canadian-born workers. Similarly, in the public sector, newcomers are paid 3% less than Canadian-born workers in the private sector. This discrimination is unacceptable and must be addressed. Gender and immigration pay gap twice as big in private sector than public sector, report finds read here
The lack of salary transparency exacerbates this issue, especially for newcomers who may not have access to vital information or the confidence to negotiate fair compensation. Companies that enforce Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) regarding salary only contribute to perpetuating the pay gap. Companies need to be transparent about salary ranges to ensure fairness and equity for all employees.
But how does one navigate toward the top salary range? This question deserves attention and clarity. By understanding the factors that contribute to salary advancements, newcomers can better position themselves for success and fair compensation. How To Answer What Is Your Salary Expectations & Negotiate? (teachndo.com)
It's important to note that these gaps widen further for women and People of Color (POC). Data consistently show disparities in earnings between genders, with females earning approximately 87 cents per hour relative to their male counterparts in Ontario over the past decade.
Let's address salary gaps, corporate greed, and biases in recruiting. Immigrants enrich the workforce and should be hired based on talent, not just cultural fit but a cultural add. Canada is a home of opportunity, but corporate mindsets must evolve to ensure fair competition.
We also need to hold funded employment services accountable for service delivery and bridging programs. Canadian experience isn't just about settling for survival jobs or stepping down to enter the workforce. It's about showcasing diverse skills and resilience in matching previous experience. Why Employment Services job search support lacks quality in Canada (teachndo.com)
As immigrants, let's adapt, learn, and invest in our success before blaming the system which certainly has gaps. Let's share our stories, acknowledging the challenges while uplifting each other. You left home, not your skills behind. You've got this.
Together, let's break barriers and embrace our journey towards success in Canada. Read more .
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Sweta Regmi is a hiring manager from award-winning companies turned Founder and CEO at Teachndo, a Certified Career & Résumé Strategist and Personal Branding Strategist. Regmi was named Top Job Search Expert and Top Career Advisor to follow on LinkedIn. Her insights have been featured in Prime-time news such as CBC National, Global National Top Stories, CNBC, Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, City News, CTV, The Globe and Mail, Forbes, LinkedIn News, indeed, Career Conferences, and over 100+ top media. Regmi is also the Amazon Best Seller of 21 Resilient Women: Stories of Courage, Growth, and Transformation. The book has been recognized by libraries, ministers, and MPs in Canada.?Her RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards nomination by Women of Influence in 2022 and 2023, CPC Awards of Excellence 2023, and Outstanding Career Professional:?HONOURABLE MENTION further demonstrates her success as a recognized career expert in Canada.
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Career Clarity & Mindset Coach I Trainer I Professor, Human Resources
1 年Your article is on point. The Canadian dream sold to many, has many holes where opportunities for agencies, governments, and coaches to step in and partner with them. Ultimately, if you're bringing talent into the country (i.e. a massive organization) you need to build a plan based on the job market needs identified and the skillsets of people, not leave them wondering and trying to survive. They will only leave in the end and recruiting talent through immigration becomes a revolving door.
Senior Project Manager @ Pioneer Business Solutions | Risk Management, Business Proposals
1 年See I have been in Canada for 5 years. Left India as Project Manager and had to work at Walmart as an Associate for a job reference. Again after my Canadian experience, I got only a job as Programmer Analyst. My career itself I felt shattered, and depressed and stayed there just for my wife education and to be with kids or would have left earlier itself. It's not as pretty as they tell about the job market. The country can't complain as clean, partly infra and respect personally for humans. There are facilities for newcomers to search for jobs, but not as effective as those happening in India. Regarding our skill gap, I will not agree on that part as all are well-educated before leaving the country for a tech job and are more competitive where I have been told you are all lucky the higher education is cheap, so learning a lot compared to us and it's try. Schooling is free, but for higher studies, you will have to waste your life and time working out part-time. Racism I will not agree with this as people are good, but reserved until you know them. If you are too ambitious for job aspects I will not suggest Canada. Europe is good
Job Search & Executive Career Coach | Passionate about Transforming lives by helping professionals Design their Career Growth | Mission: Zero Unemployment in India Professional Speaker ?? Co-author 3 Amazon Best Sellers
1 年Sweta Regmi agree with a lot of what you're saying ??
The importance of managing expectations when making a big move cannot be overstated. Looking forward to reading your career challenge newsletter! ??