My expriences so far ... first two days in Toronto!!!

[CharlotteJ]

One more thing:

I am setting up a PERFECT resumé using my contacts, mostly self-employed people and also two men I know who run their own large businesses, sadly none has a job for me, but who have been so kind to review my resumé yesterday and correct it and also give me some really good golden advice on how to set it up and who also showed me examples of resumés they have on file as "good" or " excellent" or " hired" and " rejected" so I could see how I should do it.

I sure and they neither are/were allowed to copy any of the information provided, but guess what, I was sitting there, like a student, taking notes, writing down what I have to do, where to pay attention and listening perfectly as how to make my sentences and make it appealing and keep it short and fun to read.

Networking is truly the best way to get things done here in Canada.

If you are from South and/or East Asia or one of the minorities who enter Canada, you will be having more luck finding support and/or a job, because there is a better way and work and a much larger helping, loving community to help you in any regard, but if you are an European like me with a really small immigrant community who sadly is either retired and/or difficult to trace and find, you will be left out alone and in darkness, so please understand how busy I am to find my own way bearing many boundaries and difficulties and also prejudices people at times.

I wish I was from India, Pakistan, Tamil (Sri Lanka) and/or China, Vietnam who all love each other, help each other and take good care and look perfectly after each other, but not a silly European in a big city that doesn't know where my country is located!

I had one compliment yesterday, regarding my looks, this cute fun loving Philipinno woman at a counter told me that I am very pretty and gave me a box of complimentary cookies with a lovely fun smile! (perhaps she felt sorry for me having lost so much weight = hey maybe I can become the next Clauda Schiffer eh?) or just because she really did mean what she said and am sure it was the last one.

I also met this Nigerian man at a Hasty Market who had his "master of sciences" and who perfectly spoke English and who took the time to tell me about his endeavour and many disappointments he has been facing in 10 years life in Canada. He was not a lazy one, no, believe me, a real gentleman, good looking, young, fun, energetic and a really loving honest person, but believe me, it isn't easy. He told me that sometimes it doesn't even matter how high educated you are, if you can't find a job and have no good contacts, you bet you will face some terrible times finding ANY job! but he has found his destination and has started his own business off course and was happy with his life anyway and yes, like we both finished our conversation: And that is all about it, if you are happy with your life at the end huh?!

I am using public transportation more often and it is convenient, not the fastest way to get around, here in Toronto I mean, subway is really fast and runs regularly, but buses aren't not because the system is malfunctioning and/or drivers don't care or because of the traffic, NO, it is all about the vastness of this city. I had to go to Steeles avenue west, on Google and on www.ttc.ca which I recommend to use if you want to plan your journey ahead, it does look like a long line and a few streets crossing it, but please, when you sit in the bus, it took me 1,5 hour!!!!! YES 1,5 hours to get me from Finch Subway station to where I 'd to be! Can you imagine that?

This city is supposedly as big as Los Angeles! But at least with a good fun public transit system and not too expensive either.

(bear in mind, you need at least 10 dollars in cash in your pocket if you travel and have no PT membership card, just in case that the token machine doesn't work and eats your money!!!! which I faced twice yesterday! yeah, sometime all Gods have to play a game with this poor girl! how so???? please Jesus ... I am not the evil one out there!? )

Anyway gotta run ... have to start finding me another condo, one that is cheaper and at least SAFE! no landlord who thinks her condo is really still her condo although I am living in it! :'(

 

[CharlotteJ]

Ok ... a lot is happening and has happened ever since my last post...


First of all, be hopeful, there are jobs! but you really need to look for them and really try your best.

Second: Networking, Networking, Networking, don't be silent, talk! ... I was at this YMCA's workshop the other day, 22 people in the room from every corner of this planet and 30 spoken languages in ONE room, yet the only person who did dare to talk, it was me. I was the only one who did dare to ask questions, come up with idea's, answer questions and also smile, laugh and joke around a bit!

I could manage to "shake and stir" the crowd and make it a fun place, but really, I mean really, nobody else did or even tried to. They followed me for sure, but none started a subject spontaniously.

When we were talking about "Networking", it was me who had to add that even WE all of us, in the room, could start doing so by just making friends here in the room. Some didn't understand me and asked questions.

My answer to them was: Make friends here, connect, network here, because you don't know, you will never know, what if Mr. A, or Mrs. B or Miss C who is sitting there or next or in front of you and who is also jobless and looking around is not going to find a job tomorrow? and be able to keep an eye a job for you or help somebody else here in the room find a job and recommend one or more of us if his/her employer is looking??? Why not?

Then you should see their faces! all agree with me in that matter and really nobody, not even the mentor had ever thought of it.

...

If you can participate in their workshops, please do, don't skip them, they are very informative and I really enjoy being there, not only meet people, but also learn new things each time I am there. Ok?

...

One more thing, like I mentioned my resume the other day, that Employer himself is helping me to fix it up, I am now receiving responses from employers and volunteering organisations. I sure will help you with some tips, but be sure that having a REALLY good resume is half of the work!

The employers really take like 30 seconds to look at your resume and if you do bring it in person, make sure you look "lovely". Dont only think about a professional "attire", don't go over your budget and try to look like Brad Pitt and/or Angelina Jolie, but be the Rock Hudson and Sofia Lauren! find your style and make it up and improve it and go to your interview.

I had a job interview today, I got the job for sure, but sadly, it also requires a car and I don't have a car, neither a driving license, no problem they said, I can start with the training that takes a few months while I can in the meantime, go after my driving license and a car. But I don't think I can do it because even with a job, I can't afford a car at this moment in my life, aside of the fact that I don't have a parking with this condo.

Anyway ...

I was attending this information session today, there were some 20 or more other attendee's and all wearing Black or Dark Blue suits and pants and some women wearing a dress suit, also black with black shoes etc, a Pony tail, a bit of lipstick or a bit too much of make-up or none at all.

But I was wearing a dark grey pant, a silver/grey turtleneck and a silver/sepia Lady GaGa style blazer with the funny shoulders but in a very elegant style and the same colour pumps with high wooden hills and off course a poppy flower to commemorate and respect the veterans today, my make-up, colours matching my suit and my hair beautifully styled and wearing my glasses and I "was jumping out" of the crowd in that darkblueblackish sea of people!

No wonder they came to me, also after seeing my resumé, to take me out of the room and have a special interview with me which nobody else in the room did receive! They told me already in advance that they are SURE I am going to make it and sure they wanted me to follow the session and speak to me afterwards because I was "IN"!

So, don't fix up your resumé ONLY, but also fix up "yourself"! ... if you are invited to an information session, do listen to them and appear in your most professional and best attire, but also show your style and be creative, because that way you also SHOW THEM HOW CREATIVE AND FORWARD LOOKING you are! If you are really innnovative and creative, then show it!

OK? ;D

Wish I had a car and a driving license, I could now be telling you that I 'd a job! lol Ah well, at least it does encourage me again to go and take time looking around.

But that said and done, I came back home and receive a phone call, I am invited to take part in this information session of a volunteer work to which I had applied and they want me to hop on and help because they already have the impression that I am a great asset for the brand and product they do represent and which is excellent because this opportunity does include some office tasks as well which helps me to acquire experience and the organisation is a famous one across Toronto. So, yes, I am happy.

One little improvement at the end of each day before going to bed? well, I had 3!

I told you about the first two, but now the last one!!!!! the most important one.

The interview taker was looking at my resumé and discussing it off course during the personal interview right? ... so, I did notice what she couldn't find and what she did pay attention to. So, now it is my task to go and put more emphasis on those parts and improve it again. See?

Two birds with one shot?! eh?


She didn't notice that, but I was taking my notes off course while she was talking and asking questions ;D

So, even if you are invited to an "odd" or "silly" job and/or one of those " really idiot" uselss job offers, don't skip it, go there and use the chance to improve your resumé because nobody better than the employer itself can give you a free " consultation" ;D on behalf of your resumé.

One more thing: track and trace people who are self-employed and ask them for help or to review it for you.

There is boy working as janitor here in the building and one other who is a security guy, both are also self-employed and have these jobs here as pay-check job only! ... but don't take them for granted and pass by, take them seriously. I went down to the lobby last night and asked the concierge/security guy if he would be kind to take a fast look at my resumé and cover letter? he did and guess what? he gave me ONE of the best advises I could ever even had thought of! the younger they are, the better they are. Use some fresh idea's too. Some employers are young professionals and don't like "old school" style ok? so, do your math.

And if necessary, set up and fix up two or three different resumés which is also the norm here I 've come to find out.

....


IMPORTANT:

do you know what your NOC code is?

Look it up ... NOC means: National Occupational Classification

Every job title in Canada has its own specific NOC code, if you look for a specific job in a specific field, regarding your background, look it up and look around on the internet when looking for a job and use this as to locate jobs matching your skills faster and easier. OK?

www.hrsdc.gc.ca

and a good source of information for jobs will be:

www.labourmarketinformation.ca

(this last one is really a good unique source of information for most of you my dear respected forumers to find your dream job)

also:

www.workingincanada.gc.ca is a good source.

Anyway ...

I gotta run again....there is so much more I can share with you, but don't know how and where to start.

I meet new people everyday, so good to meet new people, network for free and also try to enjoy your day as much as you can. I sometimes get really depressed and can't take it anymore or feel really sad but I then switch on the TV or go out for a walk or just go and get me some sleep.

If you want to cry, then cry! empty yourself and throw out all the negative energy and fill it up again with positive fresh energy, start afresh every new day.

That way, we can keep Canada the best place to live in and also teach our children and other people around us to be positive, stay positive and be helpful, smile, be happy and be caring and loving. IF you see somebody smile, in a shop, at a counter, on the street, don't be afraid, make a comment, say something nice in return, reply to each smile with a big wide smile and make a big difference and be of joyful energy to yourself and all others around you.

And see how much magic lies in just ONE smile!

Consider yourself a new Canadian, better than the previous ones, I do sometimes doubt about it and if I 've made the good choice to come here, but then again, I keep counting my blessings and the good things here and that helps me to keep faith and don't give up.

Have a great day to all of you ....

Big hugs

 

[SFD]

Charlottej

On your last post you mentioned something that got my attention. The value of having a positive attitude toward the family and I was just wondering if you moved with your direct relatives or just by yourself.

BTW, I am very proud of the way you manage yourself..... Yes, It was a great day. 3-4 Birds for one shot!!!

Cheers

SFD

 

[CharlotteJ]

OMG! I got a job ...

I saw an ad in the newspaper, TorontoSun, I thought hmmm ... looks good, Customer Care rep. / multilingual / experienced, etc etc. Ah well, let's just call, when you 've nothing to lose, you 've nothing to lose right?

So I called: The man started to ask me questions and I answered them all carefully and honestly and explained why I call and that I don't look for cold call jobs, door to door jobs, but more to work at a real Customer Care dept. in a cubicle if possible, with training and fixed income, (biWeekly) pay check etc and that I don't care how much they pay, as long as it is honest, real and offers me a good chance to develop my Canadian workplace communications skills as well as to improve these and to help me understand the Canadian workplace culture and ethic better and from there I go cause I know who I am and what I am excellently capable of.

He asked me where I live and guess what? they are located two blocks away!!!!!

I had to run to their office because he asked me "why don't you come over now?" ... anyway ...

I put a professional attire on, run there, knew which building and where, walk-in the elevator, there is this goodlooking fun coloured young man and his collegue who enters the elevator and I say " May I give you a compliment? you are so goodlooking and love your smile", and immediately added up:
Oh please, this is a compliment and nothing to feel harassed and/or felt uncomfortable about, I am European you know, new to this town and can't change much about who I am and how I am though" and smiled.

He found it funny and said " Well, honey you are HIRED!"

OMG!!!!!! I started to sweat like ... I don't know ... Have you ever been in a situation that you sweat so much the very first thing you should do when getting back home is to jump into your washing machine???? well, that was as bad as that.

Anyway, had an interview, he explained stuff and I liked it all, real good Customer Service job, no cold calls, no door to door sales persons and no selling nonsense, but really dealing with marketing and advertisements and magazines and all, Media!!! and I got some Media experience too.

So, I am hired.

Fulltime, entry level, $10.25 minimum wage, which is ok with me, cause I "harvest" double that much being really out there, working and network and the job is right 10 minutes walk from home!!!! I can do all my shoppings, groceries and all downstairs or on my way to home and have it all around me. Excellent, no car, no subway, no nothing else, leaves me time and space to really train and focus myself.

so, please wish me luck all of you and hope I can bring you more fun news next time I post.

Oh btw, if you walk in at YMCA, don't forget to pick these Renters, free bi-weekly, magazines, about housing in Canada or Toronto.


www.rentersclassified.ca

Really amazing source of housing in Toronto!!!

 

[CharlotteJ]

p.s. dont' forget to try this one too to find out all about your rights as tenant and landlord etc.

www.toronto.ca/housing

 

[SFD]

CharlotteJ

Congratulations!!! What a wonderful day for you...

Hope things get much better as you deserve that and more.

Cheers

SFD

 

[mikenz]

Very nice to read.. I am European, too.. Swiss to be exact.. I beg your pardon, you say $10.25/hr.. and rent is $1400 a month..Is there anything left to buy food???? Or am I mistaken?

Mike

 

[CharlotteJ]

LOL! well, some bonuses and commissions will add up but don't aim too high if you think you will be getting a really well paid job immediately is my motto.

It needs patience and requires time.

" Foot in the doorstep " job I call these. Much needed to get me where I should be before I start to climb up the ladder, study and all.

It isn't much, but you take the offer, improve your skills and network and there you go. More other valid points.

Yeah, 1400$ if lucky, will immediately be paid for rent and so no money left for food. Unless I work harder and find a rich hubby!

Believe me honey, it has been easier for me to find a "man" than a "job' here.

 

[mikenz]

Sorry, cannot help you there, my wife has already snapped the rich hubby... ;D

 

[CharlotteJ]

Not you!!!!

I mean if you want to find a man as a woman, it is much easier than landing a job really. Because at least nobody is asking you for a " job experience"

 

[Honolulu]

Charlotte, you are one fun person!!
Congrats on the job!!!

 

[jamesbond]

CJ congrats on the job.
Just out of curiosity do you have a specialty or something that you had back home? Would be nice to find a job in your area and much better paid.
Good luck at your job and let us know of the experience you get from being there.

Thanks.

 

[ami_j]

very inspiring story...congrtas for the job ;D

 

[peanuts]

hahaha can't help but laugh on your posts charlotte! very funny girl!

Not you!!!!

I mean if you want to find a man as a woman, it is much easier than landing a job really. Because at least nobody is asking you for a " job experience"

 

[CharlotteJ]

LOL ... Ah well, yes I am a very funny person too, believe me. I always laugh and joke around.

Ok, hear this:

I quit!!!!

Yes, I quit!!!!

This job, wasn't really worth trying. I did work for 2 days and all I saw around me where old people who never have studied and/or really had felt anything as to see who they are or tried their best to achieve anything in life. Either they were handicaped or old lazy types of people, most of them with an " history" ... you go figure what kind ... and there I am, a tall pretty face in professional attire that shocked the entire office for two days.

What they do?

They do cold calls anyway, calling people and firms to beg them for "money', "donations" etc etc and all that for Charity. That is not my cup of tea.

I had to make a decision, either a job history or none and go from there again, I chose the second one, integrity, dignity and respect for my own "personality" and above all " qualities" rather than this.

I am going to start developping my English Lanaguage and communications skills plus understanding Canadian workplace culture and ethic in 2 weeks time at Access Employment Canada that also offers mentorship and support in finding jobs and also offers job placements such as internships or apprenticeships etc, and that way after 6 weeks of intensive trainings (F/T 8.30 to 15.00 daily) I be certified and can at least show an employer that I 've been improving my skills and know how things do work in this country.

Next to that, I will keep looking for a job that suits me the best...