Finding a job in Canada can be particularly challenging for foreign nationals. This obstacle is especially true of skilled immigrants who often move here with the hope of pursuing a lucrative career.
Employers typically require foreign-educated immigrants to have some Canadian work experience before they can be hired on. This can present a challenge if the immigrant does not speak English fluently.
1. Lack of Canadian Work Experience
Many newcomers to Canada face an obstacle: lack of Canadian work experience. This can prove particularly challenging for international professionals with valuable skills and knowledge to contribute.
One solution to this challenge is joining specialized organizations and networks in your new community that can give you a presence and get noticed by potential employers. You could also take continuing education courses or get involved in volunteer work to spruce up your resume and hone any necessary skills that may be lacking.
Other solutions involve obtaining a post-graduation work permit that will enable you to stay in Canada and find employment. This adds credibility to your credentials, increasing the odds of employment in regulated sectors like teachers, accountants, engineers and social workers.
2. Lack of Language Skills
Immigrants and new Canadians often face difficulty finding employment in Canada due to a lack of language skills.
Even with the necessary qualifications and Canadian work experience, language barriers may make it difficult for you to gain employment.
Fortunately, there are programs that can help you hone your English or French language skills and connect with professionals in your profession. Furthermore, these courses prepare you for the job market and give you all of the tools necessary for success in a new country.
Some respondents recommended improving employer-based practices to guarantee fair treatment of immigrants. These suggestions included fair hiring practices, collaboration with OSNs, streamlining immigration and foreign credential recognition (FCR) procedures, as well as on-the-job training and mentorship opportunities.
3. Lack of Networking
One of the primary obstacles new foreigners encounter when searching for a job in Canada is lack of networking. Studies estimate that more than 90% of jobs never get advertised publicly, making networking essential!
Networking is essential for anyone, but especially so when searching for a job in Canada. It serves as an essential method of finding employment opportunities that match your skillset and experience; potentially leading to employment opportunities you would otherwise never encounter.
Though it’s normal to feel shy as a newcomer in Canada, overcoming this can help you build connections and expand your professional network. Be proactive by volunteering your time with the local community; not only will this teach you the language but give valuable experience of living in Canada; additionally, making more friends will help boost your social life considerably.
4. Lack of Financial Resources
Lack of financial resources can be a barrier for foreigners seeking employment in Canada. Fortunately, there are several government-funded programs that assist newcomers in their job search.
One such program, the Federal Internship for Newcomers (FIN) program, offers eligible newcomers and permanent residents valuable temporary Canadian work experience that can be invaluable when searching for a job.
Another program, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), assists skilled foreign workers by connecting them with provincial employers.
To ensure the most successful job search strategy, research the industry you are interested in and see what types of jobs are available. This will enable you to focus on narrowing down your search and boost your chances of finding employment within that field. It is also essential that you remain prepared, maintain a positive attitude, and network with other job hunters.
