FSW's: If you can still afford it, don't get a survival job!

[buliwyf]

I can now say this, because I just signed a job offer letter, from internet job searching, after 3-months of landing.

My advice is DO NOT listen to ANY job-hunting advice from friends and family who were here first in Canada. Most of them will tell you to get a survival job right away while looking for a "real" job. Some of them will introduce you to friends of friends of friends, who they will say can help you get a job because "here in Canada it's like this and that blah blah blah." They'll tell you that you will have to "go through what they have gone through" when they first got here.

DO NOT listen to them. You applied as a FSW, you have credentials, experience and you have money with you.

There's a reason why CIC requires you to bring a significant amount of money as "proof of funds." There's a reason why they encourage you to attend CIIP and other pre-departure seminars.

It is VERY BUSY here in Canada. Once you get a survival job, you will be even busier. Resume building, job hunting and interviews are SERIOUS business. They require muchg time, effort and a lot of positivity. Mass submission of a generic resume WILL NOT WORK. You have to search for a specific job, industry, tailor your resume specifically for that job, and go to the in-person interview with a positive aura. There ARE companies looking for YOU, so always be available for them!

As for "Canadian Experiene," It think it's bullsh***. In my other interviews, some of the hiring managers were relatively new immigrants (you can see them in LinkedIn). If you don't get hired, do not get discouraged and think that something's wrong with you. It only means some other applicant was better than you, you can't do anything about that.

So if you can afford it, don't worry about spending your proof of funds. You'll definitely earn it back once you find even an entry-level (skilled/professional) job (~$55k up).

Once you deplete your proof of funds (after trying your best to land a job in your profession), then you will have all the reasons to find a survival job. Let me say this, there is nothing wrong with survival jobs, it's just don't waste your FSW credentials during the first several months, while your unemployment period is still only a few months.

 

[on-hold]

This is the worst advice possible. First of all, Canadian job markets are not immense -- there are a limited number of jobs to apply for at any one time. Someone who is not working is not going to be able to fill the rest of their time. Having free time will encourage them to apply for jobs in the worst possible manner -- searching Internet forums and spamming companies with their generic resume.

Second, money dwindles fast. Being desperate makes it harder to find a job; being able to keep money from leaving the bank (the purpose of the survival job, to maintain landing funds), and being busy, makes a person a better candidate. Since you will not save money with a survival job, why not get one right away and keep your savings?

Third, working shows that someone is willing to struggle. This can be an asset to someone who is able to be frank in a job interview: "I took this job in my first week, it's not what I want to do but I came to Canada to work and I'll do it until I find something better."

Fourthly, refusing to work except in the job that you want suggests inflexibility. You've just come to a new country -- don't get the idea that your future here is going to be exactly as you've planned, be open to change and new things.

And finally, this plan would encourage people to have the worst thing possible for a new immigrant: pride. You're not an upper-middle-class suburban warrior in Canada; you're a person, without a job. Your first step is to become a person with a job, then a person with a better job, then a person with the ideal job. All of these are better than being a person without a job holding out for the perfect job. If you want to see the degrading effects of refusing to work, look up the posts of a member named 'trainspotting'.

 

[buliwyf]

Someone who is not working is not going to be able to fill the rest of their time.

I would have to strongly disagree on this one. During the my first 3 months, I was EXTREMELY busy even without a job. Driving lessons/tests, renting, moving, familiarizing in where you live (where to buy stuff, etc). These on top of daily routines; laundry, taking care of baby, etc.

Having free time will encourage them to apply for jobs in the worst possible manner -- searching Internet forums and spamming companies with their generic resume.

I would have say the opposite. Having a very busy schedule will encourage poorly written resumes AND mass submission to random jobs of generic resumes. In my job search, I was able to find specific jobs that my skills fit into, at a rate of about 1 job every 1 hour. After finding one, I then create a resume for it; which takes me about another hour to write.

Call me slow, but I did this with about 12 job openings; I got 4 phone interviews, 3 pushed through to an in-person interview, which led to 2 job offers, in which I accepted 1.

This is on top of my "personal network" job search; 4 direct employee referrals, which led to 2 in-person interviews. Sounds good but in both job openings, my skills din't really fit.

I also had a "generic resume," which I submitted to about 120 job openings on the internet (workopolis, monster etc.); Returned about 2 email replies and ZERO interviews (phone or in-person).

I don't know, perhaps I was lucky. But if I was too busy, maybe I would've let my luck pass.

 

[mrbeachman]

I think it would be nice if OP disclosed where is he located. If in Alberta, I can see this point of view. In any other provinces, this does not apply.

 

[shakira2009]

I'm curious to know the OP's location and also his/her field of work.

 

[buliwyf]

I live in Mississauga, ON. I found work in Toronto, ON, about 30 km from my apartment.

Field of work is in IT. I left the Philippines as an IT Manager, I found work in Canada as a Technical Specialist. About 2 ranks down, as I will be reporting to a supervisor/officer who reports to a manager/director, but the company (same industry as my work back home) is much much bigger.

I think the key here is to look at the companies' size you are applying in. In one interview, I got rejected applying for an IT Manager position simply because in my previous work, the company's size is 1,000 employees but the company I was applying for had a size of 20,000+ employees. I simply had no experience in operations of that magnitude.

Guys, seriously, I am NOT an exceptionally talented professional. I consider my credentials average and my actual skills also average. I strongly believe that I found a job that I wanted because I found one that's a very close match to my skills/experience, I made a convincing resume/cover letter for it and I didn't screw up my interview. There ARE jobs, just find it and make sure your resume is good enough for them to be interested in calling you for an interview.

I also just realized that, I think this may not be applicable for "regulated" jobs (Nurses, etc.), since they need to study in Canada (bridging programs) and pass the licensing exams first, before even being considered a valid applicant for jobs.

 

[mikenz]

Well, I also got a job within 3 weeks of being here in my field of expertise (actually two, one was part time) No problem at all. Only 20 percent of jobs are regulated, if yours is within, then obviously the market is tough. If not regulated, the world is your oyster.

 

[sharat_joshi77]

I agree with buliwyf...but with to some limit..
When I came to Canada 4 months ago, even I was suggested by people to take up some survival job ASAP.
But I had given myself 3 months for the job search and if nothing would happen in that time, I would start with some survival job.

When I started meeting people, I realized I was on right track. Almost every one said one thing "Job search is a full time job".
I know many friends of mine started working in warehouse in night shift saying that they can do job search in day time. But when I met with them after a couple of weeks, they were kind of frustrated. Day time was mostly spend in sleeping and doing some house hold chores.

This plan would suit professionals whose jobs are regulated and they have to study in order to get a job (Such as Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Lawyers etc). But for people in IT, I think going directly for survival job is a knee jerk reaction.

In my opinion, all people whose jobs in not regulated, they should give enough time for them to do the job search. Amount of time they devote is upto their risk appetite and amount of funds. But if they are not able to get anything in their field in that time, they should go for survival jobs.

There is no right and wrong in this aspect. Every side has its side effects. But it all depends on how you take them and make best out of the positives.

I was told by one guy from a new comer agency "It will be very easy for you to get negativity because of people around you" and to some extent it is true. I feel many established people give advice to new comers to get into survival jobs because they did the same and most importantly they are not aware of the facilities that Canadian govt is providing to new comers these days.

So while listening to their experiences is important, dont go with them blindly.

I gave myself 3 months time...and with gods grace got an opportunity in 2 months. And I know, I got demotivated more than once because of responses from recruiters and friends who were doing part time jobs and earning money.

So, have faith in you, take calculated risk and be positive.

 

[emamabd]

I live in Mississauga, ON. I found work in Toronto, ON, about 30 km from my apartment.

Field of work is in IT. I left the Philippines as an IT Manager, I found work in Canada as a Technical Specialist. About 2 ranks down, as I will be reporting to a supervisor/officer who reports to a manager/director, but the company (same industry as my work back home) is much much bigger.

I think the key here is to look at the companies' size you are applying in. In one interview, I got rejected applying for an IT Manager position simply because in my previous work, the company's size is 1,000 employees but the company I was applying for had a size of 20,000+ employees. I simply had no experience in operations of that magnitude.

Guys, seriously, I am NOT an exceptionally talented professional. I consider my credentials average and my actual skills also average. I strongly believe that I found a job that I wanted because I found one that's a very close match to my skills/experience, I made a convincing resume/cover letter for it and I didn't screw up my interview. There ARE jobs, just find it and make sure your resume is good enough for them to be interested in calling you for an interview.

I also just realized that, I think this may not be applicable for "regulated" jobs (Nurses, etc.), since they need to study in Canada (bridging programs) and pass the licensing exams first, before even being considered a valid applicant for jobs.

Congrats, i'm from the same field IT/Telecom management and really glad to hear that other people in the field have managed to break their way through...i'm preparing for my second landing and i find your post very encouraging

 

[emamabd]

When I started meeting people, I realized I was on right track. Almost every one said one thing "Job search is a full time job".
I know many friends of mine started working in warehouse in night shift saying that they can do job search in day time. But when I met with them after a couple of weeks, they were kind of frustrated. Day time was mostly spend in sleeping and doing some house hold chores.

This plan would suit professionals whose jobs are regulated and they have to study in order to get a job (Such as Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Lawyers etc). But for people in IT, I think going directly for survival job is a knee jerk reaction.

In my opinion, all people whose jobs in not regulated, they should give enough time for them to do the job search. Amount of time they devote is upto their risk appetite and amount of funds. But if they are not able to get anything in their field in that time, they should go for survival jobs.

There is no right and wrong in this aspect. Every side has its side effects. But it all depends on how you take them and make best out of the positives.

I was told by one guy from a new comer agency "It will be very easy for you to get negativity because of people around you" and to some extent it is true. I feel many established people give advice to new comers to get into survival jobs because they did the same and most importantly they are not aware of the facilities that Canadian govt is providing to new comers these days.

So while listening to their experiences is important, dont go with them blindly.

I gave myself 3 months time...and with gods grace got an opportunity in 2 months. And I know, I got demotivated more than once because of responses from recruiters and friends who were doing part time jobs and earning money.

So, have faith in you, take calculated risk and be positive.

Great advice Sharat, its very important not to follow blindly the advices from well established immigrants - its useful to hear what they've been through - but only for the purpose of better planning

 

[Layman]

This topic, like so many other topics and discussions on this Forum, are extremely interesting and enriching for anyone interested in the Canadian job market and the integration process of Non-Canadians.

As a Canadian citizen working in Europe as a Career Guidance Counsellor at a state Emloyment agency I must confess that, generally speaking, employed and unemployed workers do not approach job search as they should.

Being successful at job search requires some luck of course, but the key factors are extensive research, planning, strategy and organization. Yes, it should be considered a full-time activity that requires utmost care and attention.

Being clever, innovative, quick-minded and socially adept helps quite a bit too.

Like in all things, some people are better (far better) than others when it comes to searching (and finding) a job.

Thanx to all members for sharing persoanal experiences.

 

[Hasher]

I think it is true that during the first month or so it is not possible to do a survival job and at the same time search for professional jobs. It took me three months to settle down and search for jobs but after 5 months of joblessness I started a survival job in a Restaurant.
IT is one of most compatible profession in Canada with foreign qualification but some other professions have different story. Doctors can not start their practice unless they pass all MCC exams, some Engineering jobs require PEng. as prerequisite and Peng. require one year of Canadian experience in a professional organization etc.
So what shall Doctor or Engineer do? they have to find a survival job unless they have funds enough to cover 1 to 3 yrs of expenses in Canada.

 

[emamabd]

I think it is true that during the first month or so it is not possible to do a survival job and at the same time search for professional jobs. It took me three months to settle down and search for jobs but after 5 months of joblessness I started a survival job in a Restaurant.
IT is one of most compatible profession in Canada with foreign qualification but some other professions have different story. Doctors can not start their practice unless they pass all MCC exams, some Engineering jobs require PEng. as prerequisite and Peng. require one year of Canadian experience in a professional organization etc.
So what shall Doctor or Engineer do? they have to find a survival job unless they have funds enough to cover 1 to 3 yrs of expenses in Canada.

Its true for doctors - they have no choice at the beginning, but for engineers - even to get a PEng you need Canadian experience in your field

 

[donwin4real]

I agree with buliwyf...but with to some limit..
When I came to Canada 4 months ago, even I was suggested by people to take up some survival job ASAP.
But I had given myself 3 months for the job search and if nothing would happen in that time, I would start with some survival job.

When I started meeting people, I realized I was on right track. Almost every one said one thing "Job search is a full time job".
I know many friends of mine started working in warehouse in night shift saying that they can do job search in day time. But when I met with them after a couple of weeks, they were kind of frustrated. Day time was mostly spend in sleeping and doing some house hold chores.

This plan would suit professionals whose jobs are regulated and they have to study in order to get a job (Such as Chartered Accountants, Doctors, Lawyers etc). But for people in IT, I think going directly for survival job is a knee jerk reaction.

In my opinion, all people whose jobs in not regulated, they should give enough time for them to do the job search. Amount of time they devote is upto their risk appetite and amount of funds. But if they are not able to get anything in their field in that time, they should go for survival jobs.

There is no right and wrong in this aspect. Every side has its side effects. But it all depends on how you take them and make best out of the positives.

I was told by one guy from a new comer agency "It will be very easy for you to get negativity because of people around you" and to some extent it is true. I feel many established people give advice to new comers to get into survival jobs because they did the same and most importantly they are not aware of the facilities that Canadian govt is providing to new comers these days.

So while listening to their experiences is important, dont go with them blindly.

I gave myself 3 months time...and with gods grace got an opportunity in 2 months. And I know, I got demotivated more than once because of responses from recruiters and friends who were doing part time jobs and earning money.

So, have faith in you, take calculated risk and be positive.

Well said Sharat, I just want to believe that you must have a mind of your own by not following the "crowd" when it comes to job search in Canada...listen more and let your thinking do the best part I guess

You must have a solid plan ahead of your landing time; being focus, committed, dedicated and hardwork towards your vision is the strongest key to opening the door to abundance of success!

All the best

 

[farrous13]

I can now say this, because I just signed a job offer letter, from internet job searching, after 3-months of landing.

My advice is DO NOT listen to ANY job-hunting advice from friends and family who were here first in Canada. Most of them will tell you to get a survival job right away while looking for a "real" job. Some of them will introduce you to friends of friends of friends, who they will say can help you get a job because "here in Canada it's like this and that blah blah blah." They'll tell you that you will have to "go through what they have gone through" when they first got here.

DO NOT listen to them. You applied as a FSW, you have credentials, experience and you have money with you.

There's a reason why CIC requires you to bring a significant amount of money as "proof of funds." There's a reason why they encourage you to attend CIIP and other pre-departure seminars.

It is VERY BUSY here in Canada. Once you get a survival job, you will be even busier. Resume building, job hunting and interviews are SERIOUS business. They require muchg time, effort and a lot of positivity. Mass submission of a generic resume WILL NOT WORK. You have to search for a specific job, industry, tailor your resume specifically for that job, and go to the in-person interview with a positive aura. There ARE companies looking for YOU, so always be available for them!

As for "Canadian Experiene," It think it's bullsh***. In my other interviews, some of the hiring managers were relatively new immigrants (you can see them in LinkedIn). If you don't get hired, do not get discouraged and think that something's wrong with you. It only means some other applicant was better than you, you can't do anything about that.

So if you can afford it, don't worry about spending your proof of funds. You'll definitely earn it back once you find even an entry-level (skilled/professional) job (~$55k up).

Once you deplete your proof of funds (after trying your best to land a job in your profession), then you will have all the reasons to find a survival job. Let me say this, there is nothing wrong with survival jobs, it's just don't waste your FSW credentials during the first several months, while your unemployment period is still only a few months.

I agree. No need to argue here. When I first came here (different situation than yours), people always wanted me to follow their suggestions. Just do some research. No need to listen to every single word that your neighbour/friend gives you. Your road to success in Canada will not be the same as someone else's.