Skill Set vs Opportunities in Canada

Canada is a land of opportunities...but where exactly are these opportunities?

Canada is a popular destination for many people looking to start a new chapter in their life and find better job opportunities. The great news is that Canada needs skilled immigrants to help grow its economy,

Sounds like a match made in heaven!

But, the reality is that many highly skilled workers often struggle to find jobs in their respective fields.

Moreover, it has been reported by CBC news that there exists a trend where immigrants often start in low-paying survival jobs to earn money, gain experience in the local job market, and obtain professional certification so that they can transition into their desired careers. For instance, temporary foreign workers in Newfoundland who work in fish plants are certified nurses and early childhood educators — which the province is desperately in need of.

While the federal government is aiming to increase immigration to address crucial labour shortages and counterbalance Canada's aging workforce, it has become essential to find a solution to this issue.

Luckily, there is a solution available!

As a community of immigrants created to assist immigrants, we have worked with thousands of newcomers. After understanding their journey and growth over numerous phone calls and coffee chats, we have observed that the following works the best for newcomers:

Canadian Experience is a MYTH

What does the term "You have no Canadian experience" actually mean? It is a vague way of saying that you lack soft skills that I am looking for in an employee. It is often said that hard skills can get you the job but you do need the soft skills to get and keep the job. However, many newcomers have overcome this barrier and we are to proud to say that they have turned this into a myth.

By investing time and effort into enhancing your soft skills such as communication, presentation, business etiquette, flexibility, etc, one can demonstrate to employers that they possess the qualities necessary to succeed in a Canadian workplace. Emphasizing these skills in your resume, cover letter, and interviews can effectively convey your ability to contribute to the team and adapt to new environments.

OVER QUALIFICATION does not exist

Many immigrants may be considered overqualified for certain jobs, which can prevent them from securing employment. Employers may assume that an overqualified candidate will not be satisfied with the position or may leave the job as soon as a better opportunity arises. However, employers do not realize that a majority of newcomers aim to gain entry level jobs in order to restart their careers.

One can easily overcome this misconception by tailoring their resume and cover letter in a way to match their skill set with the job requirements. By displaying one's motivation, willingness to adapt, and commitment to the specific role and organization, newcomers can easily mitigate such apprehensions.

OVERCOME Lack of social and professional networks

Moving to a new country can be challenging, especially when it comes to developing a network and establishing a career. These networks can play a crucial role in helping newcomers to access job opportunities and navigate the employment process.

Quite fortunately, here are some ways in which newcomers can navigate and build their networks:

1. Join Community and Cultural Organizations: Engage with community and cultural organizations that cater to your background or interests. These groups often organize events, workshops, and networking opportunities where you can connect with like-minded individuals and build relationships.
2. Attend Networking Events: Keep an eye out for professional networking events, career fairs, and industry conferences. These events provide valuable opportunities to meet professionals, potential mentors, and employers in your field. You can also connect with us on Virtual Networking Events held on every Wednesday to help you get started on your journey.
3. Utilize Online Platforms: Leverage social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and actively participate in discussions. This can help you establish connections and gain insights from experienced individuals.
4. Volunteer: Volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to your community while expanding your network. Look for volunteer opportunities related to your field of interest or causes you are passionate about. You'll meet people with shared interests, and it can lead to valuable connections and potential job leads.

In conclusion, as a newcomer be proactive and stay positive. While you may face barriers in your settlement in Canada, complaining about it with other immigrants will just continue a cycle of negativity that will paralyze your chance of success. Believe in yourself. The key to success as a newcomer is absorbing as much information as possible. As per our research, many newcomers who have followed the above plan have been able to successfully navigate their life and establish themselves.

If you wish to learn more, you can always connect with us. Our team at Immigrant Networks is here to listen and provide support. Register with us www.immigrantnetworks.com and tell us about your journey!

Networking to get working! ??