Getting a job in Canada sucks

[toby]

This sounds good but I have no practical skills as a handyman. I don't even have a car nor do we have parking for a car..for such a small business idea.

They were just examples of a process: identify a need, organize resources, develop a marketing plan, get a few jobs under your belt; hire some employees; get recommendations from happy clients; enhance marketing information (cards, brochures, website); get rich, or at least be independent.

 

[solosunseeker]

If you can't find a job right away, find some where to volunteer on a regular basis. womens Shelter, food bank, or something.
1) It will give you Canadian references
2) Canadian companies love it, no matter what level of job you are looking for.
3) You will feel better, waiting for a work is hard emotionally and mentally.

What city are you living in? Do you have to live there? Honestly the West has more jobs. I don't love Calgary but there is always work.

 

[Miguel de Cervantes]

There is an "Immigration Settlement and Integration Services" in almost (if not every) province and territory. I've noticed that on the website they are able to find work placement, where you would work in your field for 4-6 weeks without pay. Chances are that company would then hire you, but even if not, you would then have Canadian experience, contacts, and references. Just type "Immigration Settlement and Integration Services" in Google, and choose the site of the province you are in. They also offer courses like CPR, First Aid, WHMIS, and different computer courses, or tips on how to take an interview.

 

[kiwikris]

There is an "Immigration Settlement and Integration Services" in almost (if not every) province and territory. I've noticed that on the website they are able to find work placement, where you would work in your field for 4-6 weeks without pay. Chances are that company would then hire you, but even if not, you would then have Canadian experience, contacts, and references. Just type "Immigration Settlement and Integration Services" in Google, and choose the site of the province you are in. They also offer courses like CPR, First Aid, WHMIS, and different computer courses, or tips on how to take an interview.

Thanks Miguel, this is very helpful

 

[HoneyBird]

Hi Folks,

UPDATE
I had my first interview yesterday.
The job is $22. to 25.per hour for 6 weeks as a Recruiter


So basically if you are going through a recruitment agency expect to go to an interview and testing.

You will probably spend 2.5 hours at the agency. Sign some paperwork with your general information and references. Interview. Computer Test at the agency.

Ensure that you have email addresses for your references.
The interview questions are really simple..just make sure you know your strengths/weakness/how much you want to work for/what type of employment you want: temp or perm?/what type of jobs you want: admin? finance etc. They will just ask you info based on your resume. So know your resume inside out.

The tests is a bit tricky sometimes and its also time sensitive.

Lucky for me, I got to do it at home as they had some sort of computer problem, so you know I was much more relaxed in doing it. If you are a mac user like I am, some of the tests (Microsoft Office) are not supported on the system. So it was a bit crazy yesterday, I started on my mac, had to go to my husband's office and finish the rest. The problem with the office applications tests is that you are not really allowed to use shortcuts so if you are proficient like I am, you can be scratching your head on how to do it the slow way.

With Microsoft Word its easy questions except I had some trouble with figuring out how to do mail merge!
With Microsoft Excel its easy questions except I had some trouble with figuring out how to do calculations (can't do short cuts right) so make sure you know how to write it e.g. =(SUMB3:B4)
With Microsoft Powerpoint its easy questions except I had trouble with figuring how to make changes to a graph!


The recruiting company said that they would need to forward my resume to the company and the test results and then they will get a response. Although I don't have the canadian experience, it most likely would not be a problem as its a temporary position.

Tests Done so far:
1. Advanced Canadian Spelling
2. Typing
3. Microsoft Word (standard user)-awaiting result
4. Microsoft Excel (standard user)-awaiting result
5. Microsoft Powerpoint (standard user)-awaiting result.


So it seems that Canadian employers are more relaxed on not having the canadian experience if you are just temporary. So I think I will stick to temporary experience for a while and build up my resume. It would allow me to work different organizations and learn different skills, network and better understand the job market.

I hope I get this job! If not, I am just trudging on and I hope I have helped those looking for employment. Good luck to everyone.