Not sure where to start when looking for work?
Make your relocation process less stressful by doing some of the leg work before you board the flight: ensure that you have a strong Canadian style resume; develop an updated LinkedIn profile that positions you as a desirable industry professional; and, most importantly, know where to go to network, and look for jobs, when you arrive. FutureWorks can help you with the transition in finding work.
As a country that annually wins multiple spots in the ‘Top Ten Cities in the World’ to live in, it is not surprising that Canada is the 3rd most popular destination for UK citizens looking to build a new life in another part of the world. The UK and Canada have many similarities that make it an appealing place to relocate to but securing a job that utilizes your expertise and experience can prove to be a source of stress for many new immigrants. It is not always as quick as you hope it would be.
Job search in Canada is different. In Canada, your CV is a concise resume that uses short, tailored statements that sell your relevant skills and accomplishments to a specific employer. But it is not just a resume that you need. It is estimated that approximately 80% of jobs are ‘hidden’, and only accessible to people who network effectively with other industry professionals. This value placed on word of mouth referrals can often be the roadblock for new immigrants who have yet to develop their Canadian network.
When looking for a career in Canada, you will often hear the term “Canadian experience”. Many new immigrants can be easily discouraged that they will not find a job because they do not have any Canadian work experience; something that organizations in Canada appear to value highly. However, before you become disheartened, you need to understand what Canadian work experience actually is. Employers want to know that they are hiring someone who can ‘fit in’ with their work culture; they want to know that you have the communication style and interpersonal skills to work effectively with the rest of their team.
At FutureWorks we understand the challenges of emigrating from the UK to Canada as one of our staff emigrated from the UK in 2012. We have collated some valuable advice for others who are looking to do the same. Access these tips here.
Want help? For further information about how FutureWorks can help you in your Canadian job search, please email dorothyk@fwt.bc.ca or call 604-618-3112.
Photo by Guillaume Jaillet on Unsplash