Jobs & Money Detail
Tips on how to find work in Canada
Moving countries means you are facing a major change in your career. Ten years ago when I moved to Canada I arrived with my permanent residence visa and no plan, writes Louise Shipway
I had been totally wrapped up with my wedding and emigrating and my vision of snowcapped mountains, green trees, blue lakes and open space. It wasn't until I was sitting alone in my home office in Canada that it suddenly dawned on me that I was sitting alone in my home office in Canada and that I was jobless, despite having held a high-powered position in the UK. I remember looking at an empty white piece of paper and thinking 'I need a plan!' Canada has been moving towards a just-in time migration model, which means that as employment vacancies arise, suitable foreign nationals are sourced and fast tracked in. This also means that emigrants can now conduct their job search from the comfort of their familiar surroundings and by securing a job offer before they emigrate, they are affording themselves economic stability and less stress. So what are the elements of a successful Canadian work strategy?
The Paperwork
Name your key and transferable skills, showcase your achievements and qualifications and provide a clear picture of what you have to offer and what you'd like to do. Present this information within your CV – which now becomes a Canadian Resumé. This is the document which employers will glance at for '15 seconds' to see if you can entice them to meet you.
Prepare a model cover letter which can be altered to meet specific job applications. Within the body of this letter you should demonstrate your understanding of what the employer wants and using the 'mirror technique' show what the employer will get from you. Even if you don't use this letter, the mirroring process will help you prepare for an interview.
Collate a portfolio of evidence; employment or volunteer references, performance appraisals, client testimonials, sales reports, media articles, a photographic story of work achievements. You should also check licence and credential requirements which vary from province to province.
The Research
Maintain self-confidence in a situation which, despite all the excitement, is unknown and can be daunting. By researching companies and professional associations, and networking professionally and socially, you will begin to get a greater awareness of cultural, community and employment differences and similarities.
Find out about the types of companies that you would like to work for. Consider a multi-focused search; look out for websites, advertising, headhunters and agencies. Approach a Canadian employer and ask them for a 15-minute coffee or fact-finding interview, explain that you are not looking for employment from them but would just like to ask three questions about your specific occupation and prospects. Ask them when it would be convenient for them, and when you call, make sure you respectfully stick to the agreement: 15 minutes, three questions, no employment request.
Be aware of e-networking; Most Canadian employers are internet savvy. If you frequent MySpace, Facebook or Bebo, know that some employers, multinationals included, are using these sites as sources of reference to find the 'real' you – it might not be the best idea to have your party head on show! At the same time, some Canadian electronic gaming companies are partially targeting their recruitment research for smart bloggers, and software companies encourage blogging as a tool for spreading the word and keeping up to date. Some recruiters consider blogging to be an indicator of intelligence and passion. Brush up your interview technique, and prepare your sample answers. Be knowledgeable about what kind of benefits you might expect; don't let this be a reason to be rejected without justification.
Work permits and pnps
Obtaining a bona fide job offer for any work where an employer can satisfactorily demonstrate their recruitment efforts for a Canadian or permanent resident will generally enable you to apply for a work permit. If you subsequently decide that you would like to stay in Canada, your migration plan will need a transition element moving you from temporary status to permanent.
If you identify that you not only want a change of lifestyle in Canada but also want to change your career pathway, there are training possibilities which can be embarked upon prior to leaving the UK. This may facilitate or speed up your entry, but it may be at an apprenticeship level; could you manage on a shift in employment status and income. In contrast to applying for a work permit, where the job is approved by Services Canada or under international agreements (NAFTA, GATS or CCFTA), when applying under a Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) it is the person who is approved or nominated.
The federal government has empowered the provinces to operate their own immigration selection programmes if they choose. These programmes have criteria designed to meet the economic and social needs of that particular province. These programmes include provisions for skilled workers in specified categories and business investment immigration.
Armed with a PNP nomination you can apply for a work permit to speed up entry. Equally, those with a work permit may apply for permanent residence via a PNP nomination. PNP nomination results in a permanent residence visa. There are increasing and significant opportunities for work and immigration in areas outside the major cities. Regional developments and lifestyle prompts interesting exploration. The Federal government retains responsibility for medical, good character and security checks and issuance of permanent residence visas. Many of the provincial programmes provide more flexibility in their selection criteria and therefore PNP's provide more opportunities than the federal programmes.
An Arranged Employment Offer provides an option for those who don't wish to emigrate until they hold their permanent residence visa in their hands or for those who wish to increase their points in order to qualify as a skilled worker in the federal programme.
Louise Shipway, Chartered Fellow CIPD (London, UK) is a member in good standing with the Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants, she is an experienced human resources professional on both sides of the Atlantic and may be contacted by email here.
Related articles:
Preparing a Canadian CV
Newfoundland seeks skilled migrants
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