Career Coach in Residence Tinu Olawuyi shares her tips and strategies for starting your career in Canada.
Securing a job that matches your experience as a newcomer can be challenging. It is crucial not to lose hope or overlook the transferable skills you gained from your previous employment. When applying for a job in Canada, you should emphasize any prior skills related to the position.
There are options available for those looking to get practical experience before integrating into the Canadian employment landscape. Many organizations, including hospitals, community centres and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), rely on volunteers daily. This can be an excellent way to break into the Canadian labour market.
Volunteering allows you to build long-term relationships and broaden your network. An organization could eventually hire you for a paid position or be a reference. Volunteer experience demonstrates community involvement and can help build confidence. Work experience does not only need to be paid, it can also be unpaid. No job is too small!
While looking for employment in your preferred field, you could benefit from accepting roles requiring less experience. Never look down on a job, as you can gain transferrable skills and professional experience. Having no Canadian experience does not mean you have no experience! Let your potential employer know what you bring to the table.
Confidence is key and proficiency in a foreign language is always an asset. Feel free to incorporate this in your resume. The ability to communicate in multiple languages is something that will be valued by an employer, particularly if the company is multilingual. The most significant barrier that stands in the way of your professional success is always you. Believe that you can accomplish it and make use of every resource that is at your disposal.
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Book a free, one-on-one appointment or join a workshop with a Career Coach in Residence.
Post written by Tinu Olawuyi, 2024 Toronto Public Library Career Coach in Residence.
The Career Coaches in Residence program is generously supported by lead donors Azrieli Foundation and RBC Future Launch and supporting donors Linda Dagg and Kenneth Wiener and Google Canada.
