How to get a job in an unstable climate?

[nabeez]

Is it better to job search after you've landed or before??

I've applied for 50 jobs and haven't heard anything back from any of the companies, not even an acknowledgement despite advising them that I have a PR visa.

What more can you do?? I am very well qualified, but this doesn't seem to make any difference.

Hi AlexS ...

If you're not getting any interview then the reason is FOR SURE your resume ... the resume's job is to get you calls and interviews ... then the interview would get you the job ...

You need for sure to re-write your resume .... and the most important thing is don't mention your country of origin cuz nobody then will call you ... they are all seeking what so called Canadian Experience!

I have put together a complete explanation about how to write a good resume here: http://www.immigrationexpertise.com/2008/11/job-search-resume-writing.html

Take a look and let me know if you need any further help. By the way what is your profession ?

Good luck
Nabil

 

[rupeshhari]

Here is a silly question. What exactly is Canadian experience? Is it just living in Canada or is it working in Canada in that specific jobs. Maybe Canadian experience means two different things for a fresh graduate vs. experienced graduate. For example, for a fresh graduate does it mean that the person has spent time in Canada, perhaps studying in Canada. For an experienced graduate, does it mean, the person did some similar job in Canada.

If I want to be a plumber, does Canadian experience imply that I need to have spent time in Canada as a plumber or can it also mean that I was living in Canada doing nothing.

I can understand the need for Canadian experience when it comes to language proficiency, customer service type of jobs, etc, but why Canadian experience in those jobs that are the same world over....say like a programmer (a specific one that doesn't have people interaction). Would an American born person who becomes a PR have less chance for that job since they don't have Canadian experience?

I'd like your thoughts on what Canadian experience is. I have lived in many countries and employers do look for locals in most of those countries mainly because they want local experience and this had to do with culture, language proficiency, etc. But say a person of similar working culture and with good English skill had to come as a PR to one of those countries, they have the same chance as a local in getting a job. Country experience might mean different things in different countries. I am curious, what it means in Canada.

So would a Canadian who studied in the US be considered someone without Canadian experience?

 

[cchabert]

I read ones that Canada experience is over there as same here in the US that you work by the hour and not like other countries by the day, so your boss can be mad if you expend more time in any project.

 

[rupeshhari]

So is Canada experience is just company culture within Canada?

I read ones that Canada experience is over there as same here in the US that you work by the hour and not like other countries by the day, so your boss can be mad if you expend more time in any project.

 

[nabeez]

Here is a silly question. What exactly is Canadian experience? Is it just living in Canada or is it working in Canada in that specific jobs. Maybe Canadian experience means two different things for a fresh graduate vs. experienced graduate. For example, for a fresh graduate does it mean that the person has spent time in Canada, perhaps studying in Canada.  For an experienced graduate, does it mean, the person did some similar job in Canada.

If I want to be a plumber, does Canadian experience imply that I need to have spent time in Canada as a plumber or can it also mean that I was living in Canada doing nothing.

I can understand the need for Canadian experience when it comes to language proficiency, customer service type of jobs, etc, but why Canadian experience in those jobs that are the same world over....say like a programmer (a specific one that doesn't have people interaction). Would an American born person who becomes a PR have less chance for that job since they don't have Canadian experience?

I'd like your thoughts on what Canadian experience is. I have lived in many countries and employers do look for locals in most of those countries mainly because they want local experience and this had to do with culture, language proficiency, etc.  But say a person of similar working culture and with good English skill had to come as a PR to one of those countries, they have the same chance as a local in getting a job.  Country experience might mean different things in different countries. I am curious, what it means in Canada.

So would a Canadian who studied in the US be considered someone without Canadian experience?

Actually, that's a very good question ...

There are two sides of the coin here:

1- Canadian Experience as a real requirement: It's actually not ONLY the work experience but the Culture experience. the employer want to make sure that you can get along with other employees, adapt with the work environment, be able to talk to clients and understand them. And basically from my own experience in Canada ... it is REALLY very important to have so called Canadian Experience in order to succeed in the work environment.

2- Escape from the law to avoid discrimination: Some employers are actually discriminating candidates against Race, Religion, etc ... but the excuse is always "Don't have Canadian Experience"!!!

And YES, if someone studied in the US and new to Canada maybe face this as well ... but as long as he's familiar with the US culture it would be very easy to adapt quickly. My advice is always DON'T MENTION COUNTRIES IN YOUR RESUME and employer is not allowed to ask you.

I have some more details here: http://www.immigrationexpertise.com/2008/10/job-search-spirit.html

Nabil

 

[rupeshhari]

Actually, that's a very good question ...

There are two sides of the coin here:

1- Canadian Experience as a real requirement: It's actually not ONLY the work experience but the Culture experience. the employer want to make sure that you can get along with other employees, adapt with the work environment, be able to talk to clients and understand them. And basically from my own experience in Canada ... it is REALLY very important to have so called Canadian Experience in order to succeed in the work environment.

2- Escape from the law to avoid discrimination: Some employers are actually discriminating candidates against Race, Religion, etc ... but the excuse is always "Don't have Canadian Experience"!!!

And YES, if someone studied in the US and new to Canada maybe face this as well ... but as long as he's familiar with the US culture it would be very easy to adapt quickly. My advice is always DON'T MENTION COUNTRIES IN YOUR RESUME and employer in not allowed to ask you.

I have some more details here: http://www.immigrationexpertise.com/2008/10/job-search-spirit.html

Nabil

I agree that it is important to have local experience. Personally, if i was an employer, depending on the job, i may emphasis it too. So you did say someone who studied in US may experience this too. So does this include US born citizens (white male to put it plainly who speaks English with an American accent and has worked in US, his whole life)? (for this question, i am excluding racism, etc as a factor but asking, is this requirement on Canadian experience also on someone who is seen as typical American). Is this Canadian experience also important among university for professorship kind of positions in a research university. Most universities in the world are trying to emphasize research potential rather than local experience and hence my question.

 

[aaron]

Hi Friends,

I am planning to apply for canada PR. I am currently on H1-B visa in USA.
Can you please advice, how long it takes now a days to get the Canadian Immigration Visa?
And once I get it, do I have to move to Canada with in a limited time frame? (3 months, 6 months etc) or can I wait for more than an year before entering in Canada?

 

[nabeez]

I agree that it is important to have local experience. Personally, if i was an employer, depending on the job, i may emphasis it too. So you did say someone who studied in US may experience this too. So does this include US born citizens (white male to put it plainly who speaks English with an American accent and has worked in US, his whole life)? (for this question, i am excluding racism, etc as a factor but asking, is this requirement on Canadian experience also on someone who is seen as typical American). Is this Canadian experience also important among university for professorship kind of positions in a research university. Most universities in the world are trying to emphasize research potential rather than local experience and hence my question.

Well ...let's face it .. if you are an anglophone you should have no problem at all ... no one will ask you for Canadian Experience!! Specially if you are good at what you do ... bottom line it's business relationship ... if you can be productive and bring cash to the company directly or indirectly then you'll be most welcome. BUT the question is for non-english speakers how can they get the chance to prove themselves !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nabil
www.ImmigrationExpertise.com

 

[rupeshhari]

Interesting....what you said about anglophone. Would that include brown anglophones (for the lack of a better phrase)?
Again my reason for asking is that really good companies have shown interest in hiring me in other countries but was wondering if I would have a problem if I decide to go into industry in Canada. Also wondering how much problem I would have going into academia in Canada due to the fact that I don't have Canadian experience. I imagined my studying at one of the best US university will by itself make me competetive to be hired (even without Canadian experience), hence my curiosity.

I am non-caucasian but with english more or less as my first language with a sort of confused accent. Most people in the US think it sounds brit to them.

Thanks for your input, its useful.

 

[nabeez]

Interesting....what you said about anglophone. Would that include brown anglophones (for the lack of a better phrase)?
Again my reason for asking is that really good companies have shown interest in hiring me in other countries but was wondering if I would have a problem if I decide to go into industry in Canada. Also wondering how much problem I would have going into academia in Canada due to the fact that I don't have Canadian experience. I imagined my studying at one of the best US university will by itself make me competitive to be hired (even without Canadian experience), hence my curiosity.

I am non-Caucasian but with English more or less as my first language with a sort of confused accent. Most people in the US think it sounds brit to them.

Thanks for your input, its useful.

I would say YES... that includes anyone who is thought to be born in Canada ... in other words whose accent is at least as anglophones!

Good luck

Nabil

 

[Chinaconnection]

Hi Nabil,

How does one starts getting Canadian experience ? Is it by firt residing there for a length of time ? or is it by getting Canadian education ? or is it by getting work experience in Canada ?

If the answer is the latter, how then does one get Canadian experience especially as immigrants?

Thanks

 

[NewYorker]

Hi Nabil,

How does one starts getting Canadian experience ? Is it by firt residing there for a length of time ? or is it by getting Canadian education ? or is it by getting work experience in Canada ?

If the answer is the latter, how then does one get Canadian experience especially as immigrants?

Thanks

It is like what came first? Chicken or the egg? or is catch22 situation ~ To get a job you need Canadian experience, and to get Canadian experience you need a job. Get whatever is available to get Canadian experience, that whatever job will become a stepping stone for you to get into another job you would dream for.

My suggestion is not to just keep on waiting for your dream job and waste lot of time.

 

[Leon]

It all depends on your luck and your profession how easy it is to get a job as an immigrant. Obviously you take what you can get to make money and to gain whatever experience you can. Then climb the ladder, either at your first employer or by changing employers. At the same time, obviously work on your English if it's lacking, do online courses or whatever you can do to increase your opportunities.

For example, my employer hired two machine operators. One of them was very enthusiastic, he asked if he could take home the manual for the machine so he could study it. He learned very quickly. The other one just put in his 8 hours a day and learned more slowly. Any idea who will get promoted first? Any idea who they'll keep if they have to lay one off? I think it's obvious.

 

[Chinaconnection]

Well then, i am sure getting a Canadian experience will not be a problem for me coz i am determined to take whatever job that comes my way for a start.

Thanks for you expalnations.

 

[rupeshhari]

It all depends on your luck and your profession how easy it is to get a job as an immigrant. Obviously you take what you can get to make money and to gain whatever experience you can. Then climb the ladder, either at your first employer or by changing employers. At the same time, obviously work on your English if it's lacking, do online courses or whatever you can do to increase your opportunities.

For example, my employer hired two machine operators. One of them was very enthusiastic, he asked if he could take home the manual for the machine so he could study it. He learned very quickly. The other one just put in his 8 hours a day and learned more slowly. Any idea who will get promoted first? Any idea who they'll keep if they have to lay one off? I think it's obvious.

Leon, good post. It sounds like the need for Canadian experience is very job specific. Most jobs seem to need it, but its far from being all jobs. I think this discussion has helped me realize whether I should worry about Canadian experience or not.