Top 7 tips every Newcomer needs to know: Finding a job in Ontario

In a recent move, the Ontario provincial government has enacted laws prohibiting employers from demanding Canadian work experience in job ads and mandating the inclusion of salary information in all job postings. These measures represent significant progress, benefiting not only the Ontario workforce, who can now assess job salaries against provincial and national averages, but also newcomers to Ontario.

In this edition of our newsletter, we will delve deep into the Top 7 tips that every newcomer needs to know:

1?? Navigating Ontario's Job Market: Unveiling In-demand Skills

For newcomers in Ontario embarking on their career journey and aspiring to attain permanent residency in Canada, understanding the sought-after skills within the province presents a pivotal advantage in securing employment. These in-demand skills pinpoint areas where there's a scarcity of workers in the Ontario job market, a critical factor leveraged by the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program (OINP) to identify promising candidates for nomination to IRCC for permanent residency. This practice is echoed across Canada's provinces through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), with the exception of Nunavut and Quebec.

2?? Paving the Way: Accreditation

While recent legal amendments have rendered Canadian work experience unnecessary for employment in Ontario, obtaining accreditation in one's field remains a pivotal step for newcomers to enhance their employability, particularly in regulated professions . Accreditation not only serves as a legal prerequisite for many professions in Canada but also instills confidence in employers regarding the proficiency of foreign-trained workers in meeting domestic standards and regulations.

One avenue for obtaining accreditation is through reputable organizations facilitating this process. It is imperative to engage with accreditation services recognized in Canada with a proven track record of successful accreditation from the individual's home country.

3?? Bridging Program

Bridging programs offer a valuable avenue for acquiring the necessary skills, particularly for individuals needing to supplement their international credentials. These programs aim to bridge the gap between one's education and credentials acquired internationally and the experience or training required to work in their profession. Here is a list of some of the bridging programs, by province:

Alberta:

• Alberta Government: Immigrant Bridging Program

• Alberta Government: Bridging Program Guidelines

British Columbia:

• Welcome BC
• Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants

Manitoba:

• UManitoba Programs for Health Professionals

New Brunswick:

• New Brunswick Community College ?

Newfoundland and Labrador:

• Eastern Health
• Association for New Canadians in Newfoundland and Labrador ?

Nova Scotia:

• Learning Institute NS Health ?
• Immigrant Serving Association of Nova Scotia

Ontario:

• Ontario Government: Ontario Bridge Training Program

Prince Edward Island:

• Prince Edward Island (PEI) Government

Quebec:

• Ordre des Ergotherapuetes du Quebec ??

Saskatchewan:

• Regina Open Door Society ?

4?? Settlement services

Newcomers can also take advantage of settlement services offered throughout Ontario, which can be highly beneficial. These services are provided by numerous newcomer organizations across Canada, receiving funding from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The support offered encompasses a wide range of assistance, including help with employment such as resume critiques, mock interviews, and networking events, as well as language training and housing assistance.

For those interested in accessing these settlement services, links are provided to

• Settlement.org ,
• IRCC’s services tool , and
• Settlement services specifically tailored for Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area .

However, newcomers should note that eligibility for these free services depends on their status in the country (whether they are students, workers, permanent residents, etc.) and the funding source of the specific service they intend to utilize. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire with the desired settlement organization or service to verify eligibility.

5?? Immigrant Networks

Immigrant Networks is a vibrant community of immigrants and Ambassadors committed to fostering a supportive environment for fellow newcomers. The priority is to create a secure and inclusive space where professionals can connect, share experiences, and help fellow immigrants. By joining Immigrant Networks, newcomers can gain access to the following activities:

• Peer to Peer Networking -?An AI-based digital matching platform that facilitates professionals within the community to virtually connect with each other in the same field or with shared professional interests, fostering the exchange of valuable experiences in Canada.
• Speed Networking-?Virtual weekly sessions for immigrants, where participants are encouraged to network, create potential connections, and gain guidance on a range of professional topics from experts and fellow immigrant Ambassadors.?
• Mentoring-?Upon completion of five peer-to-peer networking matching sessions, newcomers become eligible to enroll in the Immigrant Networks Mentoring Program- IMMentor. The IMMentor program includes six 90-minute sessions with a mentor specializing in their area of profession.
• Ambassador Program-?All newcomers are offered a personalized one-to-one session with the growing community of Ambassadors at Immigrant Networks. This unique opportunity allows them to tap into the collective journey and extensive experiences while facilitating a better understanding of their professions and job market.
• Hidden job market-?Newcomers receive information on navigating the hidden job market and exploring alternative career paths through Immigrant Networks always on WhatsApp group.
• Information resources - Foster collaboration and connection in their WhatsApp community, featuring 'Ask Me Anything' sessions with the founder Nick Noorani & Ambassadors and other available resources such as newsletters, webinars, e-books, and our social media pages.

6?? Utilize Online Resources

Take advantage of online resources and platforms tailored to job seekers in Ontario. Explore job search websites, such as Indeed, Dice Canada, and Workopolis, to discover job opportunities across various industries and sectors. Additionally, consider leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills, connect with recruiters, and explore potential employment opportunities. Join relevant online forums, groups, and communities where professionals in your field gather to exchange insights, share job leads, and offer support. By tapping into these online resources, you can expand your job search reach and increase your chances of finding suitable employment opportunities in Ontario.

7?? Stay Resilient and Persistent

The job search process can be challenging, especially in a new environment. Stay resilient and maintain a positive mindset throughout your journey. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and don't be discouraged by rejections or delays. Keep refining your skills, networking, and exploring opportunities. Persistence is key, so continue to adapt your approach, seek feedback, and remain determined in pursuing your career goals. By staying resilient and persistent, you'll increase your chances of finding success in your job search and achieving your aspirations in Ontario.

If you're interested in joining 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, 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?

Let's navigate this journey together!

Networking to get working! ??

- Written & Edited: Anushree (Annee) Sharma