Settling in Survival Job in Canada after immigration

“Would I be able to get a job after immigration?� is a common question that hounds many new comers to Canada. It is not always easy to find work in Canada that is best suited for your skills and experience.

You will often hear that employers want ‘Canadian experience’. Why do they want Canadian experience? Employers think it proves that you have good language and communication skills and that you know how the Canadian business culture works.

You need to learn how to show the value of your foreign education and work experience. Many employers do not know how to assess your experience, so you need to show them how it can be valuable to them.

It is very important for you to have good English skills when you move to Canada. English is the main language of the country except about a province or two. Being fluent will help in your work, and it will make it easier for you to settle in your new community. Many communities are multilingual and you can find people who speak your language.

You may see some differences in how people work and do business in Canada, compared to how people do things in your country. People in every country do business in ways that are different from other countries. No one can tell you exactly how things will be different. You need to work in Ontario to learn that. Then you can see how to convince an employer that you are the kind of employee they want and that you will be good for their company.

It is hard to accept, but you may not find your dream job right away. You may have to take a “survival job� when you first arrive. If you are lucky, this job may be in your occupation, but at a lower level than the job you had before you came.

Newcomers have different experiences searching for work. Some find the same type of job they had before within months. For others, it can take years. Before you come, take time to research the Canadian job market. Learn what support is available to you and how to find work more easily in Canada.

Job searches in Canada may be very different from your experience. For you, even the need to search for a job may be a surprise. You may have to learn how to write a résumé or create a portfolio of your work. Do you know the type of résumé employers in your industry expect you to provide? You may need to find help to get a job in Canada.

If someone says they can guarantee you a job they may want to sell you something. Be very cautious about giving them money.

Here are some things that you may need to learn or think about:
• How to find jobs that are not advertised.
• Making sure that your language skills are good enough for the job you want.
• Are you willing to start at a junior level for your first job, or to start in small and mid-sized companies?
• Do you understand the Canadian work culture, and the importance of communication, teamwork and organization skills?

You can’t expect to know everything about Canadian work culture when you first arrive in Ontario. There is much to learn, but there are many people who can help you.

One of the best things you can do is to ask for help. Settlement agencies can help you find a job and settle in your community.