Hi,
I got two job offers last week from edmonton. I had phone interviews with them and then they checked all my references. After that company A invited me for a face to face in Edmonton. When i went to do the face to face with the company A who invited me, i also met the company B too. i made my decision to go with company A. I already turned in my 2 weeks notice to my current employer in US and heading for edmonton by first week of december.
This is my situation: I am a licensed civil/geotechnical engineer working in US for last 5 years on H1-B. I did my MBA and MS(Civil Engg) both from US and undergrad in Civil Engg from Mumbai, India. I do not have any "Canadian" work experience.
What i learnt throughout my process of sending resume till getting a face to face to face is:
1. Big companies in Canada do not care if your experience and education is from other countries as long as you can give them a good impression that you can confidently pick up their way of work after getting some training from the company.
2. You do not need to put some fake canadian address on your resume just to show you are in canada even though you are not physically present in Canada. It will not ruin your chances if you give your present correct coordinates but if they find out you did not put correct "current" information on your resume that might have a negative impact.
3. Do not send bulk resumes to the internet job sites. If you happen to see a job posting on internet that you feel matching your skills try to google the company information and try to get in touch with the HR of the company. Talk to them and tell your current situation and if you can send your resume directly to him/her.
4. Have some good references ready. The companies will surely call all your references.
5. If your resume is already a north american format u are good to go, u can just change some points according to the job but dont lie telling that you have actually worked on something that u have not. in the interview you can always say i did not get an opportunity to work on that area but if i get training i can pick it up sure. They will acknowledge that more than if you say u know everything.
6. Have your transcripts ready,. They ask for it. If your education is outside north america have it evaluated beforehand if possible.
7. Civil engineering is a regulated profession so apply for your engineering license in Canada as soon as possible. look into the websites for the provincial licensing bodies and start the application.You can always mention that when you talk to employers. It makes u look more professional.
8. Do not just take courses in canada just to bridge the gap in education. They are expensive and do not guarantee a job. Engineering theories and principles remains same no matter where you studied from.
9. Make network with good recruiters from staffing companies. Aerotek and TRS staffing are the biggest in north america. The recruiters will help you. Just dont email them and sit back and relax. Call them and talk friendly so they know you very active. Also talk to companies what do you need to be considered for the position if you dont have north american work experience. You can also ask for paid/unpaid internships with that company. Its much better than taking unnecessary courses just to show canadian education.
10. If you are specially working in US, do not leave your job if you dont have to. Just try for jobs in Canada from bit before but not more than 2 months before you are actually prepared to move to canada. Look for provinces which have more jobs in Oil and Gas. Keep Alberta on your list.
I have expressed my point of view with regards to civil engineering after i talked with many of my friends and colleagues who had experienced this before. It surely depends on which profession one is from. But sending resumes and following up should be pretty much similar. I have read in other forums where people telling many bad things about job situation in Canada. I agree with those too equally but do not get discouraged please. I wanted to share my true experience and am glad to choose Canada to be my final destination. Good Luck