It's been a while since I logged on here. On August 23 2012, I arrived in Toronto with my family after quitting my job in Abu Dhabi and cancelling my residence visa there... I started visiting the Welcome Center in Mississauga and attended the seminars they offer on Resume Writing, Writing Cover Letters, Interviewing Etiquette, Tips on giving interviews on-line, how to dress for the winter, etc.
I listened carefully at what they were advising and modified my resume accordingly. Being an engineer, I was not limiting myself to Toronto. Where ever there was a job add I would apply. I kept a detailed log of my applications because I would modify my resume according to the add. I would add "Key Words" used in the adds to my resume. I also removed all references to countries I had gained my experience in. I would describe the projects, the role and my achievements during my employment. In the interview when the location of the project would come up I would say, "Do you know where the tallest building in the worlds is located, the worlds first indoor ski resort, etc." and then I would tell them that I was working in the same country where those wonders are.
By the middle of September, I started getting phone calls and by the end of the month two employers had asked me for a second interview. I got my first job offer on October 10 from SNC Lavalin as a Project Quality Manager based in Calgary and I jumped at it. I have been working here for the last two months and its the same old stuff that we did in UAE except your responsibilities are a lot more defined and you end up doing much less in terms of scope of the job.
People, If you are in engineering or oil and gas related fiels do not waste your time in Toronto. Come to Calgary or Edmonton. There are lots of jobs here. I am working at the same position as I was in Abu Dhabi at almost the same pay (after taxes). Toronto is really nice place but there are a few jobs and the competition for those jobs is fierce!
Good luck!
