For new immigrants to Canada, making the first steps into employment can seem like a daunting challenge - but that doesn’t need to be the case. With the right assistance and advice, newcomers to the country will find work in one of Canada’s many lucrative industries.

The challenges faced by newcomers are multi-faceted. From getting foreign credentials assessed to learning and understanding the language, culture and workplace communication styles, newcomers have a lot to take onboard to make themselves marketable in the Canadian marketplace.

Understanding the Marketplace

“It’s important for newcomers to understand what their resume should look like, what language they should use to describe themselves, and what defines good interview behaviours,” explains Sadia Khan, Project Manager at the Consortium of Agencies Serving Internationally-trained Persons (CASIP). “A person may have the experience and education to excel in a job but if they’re not able to present themselves in a way that’s credible to an employer, they’re not going to get that opportunity.”

There are a number of government funded, community-based organizations in place to help new immigrants find work that is commensurate to their skills and experience. These organizations offer employment services and supports, including access to resource centres, individual case management for their work search, job placements, language classes and mentorship programs.

“Newcomers are given specific direction for their industry,” says Khan. “They’re told what the marketplace looks like, where they fit into that marketplace and how they can market themselves to employers.”

“It’s important for newcomers to understand what their resume should look like, what language they should use to describe themselves, and what defines good interview behaviours.”

Prepare to Succeed

Newcomers to Canada are advised to begin the process of preparation before they arrive in the country. This conscientious planning gives new immigrants the best possible chance of finding employment in their industry, within the shortest possible timeframe.

“The longer it takes you to find a job in your profession, the less likely it is that you’ll be able to work in your profession,” explains Mario Calla, Executive Director at COSTI Immigrant Services, a founding member of CASIP. “Employers may start to think that something may be wrong with your skill set if you haven’t worked in your specialized industry for a sustained period of time.”

Being educated on the Canadian job market and culture before landing in the country gives newcomers a distinct advantage in finding a job in their desired industry. “It means that when they arrive they already have a lot of things sorted out,” Calla says. “They can connect with the relevant agencies and get right into their job search process.”