Hello friends,
Good morning to you all.
I just thought I should share my little experience in Calgary Canada with you.
I attended the CIIP program in London to get more information on how to survive in Canada and the knowledge I acquired from the 2 day event has changed my life.
BEFORE LANDING IN CANADA.
One - Before landing in Canada, ensure you have all your academic qualifications accessed or start application for your professional license if your job area is regulated. Please ensure you get copies of your transcript sent to the Licensing body in Canada. Make sure you have an account or update your account on LinkedIn and state there that you are looking for new openings in your area of specialization in Canada. LinkedIn is fantastic and it got me more than I expected. Remember LinkedIn is open to all so ensure your English and punctuation's are correct. In fact, me I always give it to my wife to look at before I post anything. A second pair of eye won't hurt.
Two - You need to network with people already in Canada to find out what is required in your area of specialization to get a job before you land. Associate only with people that are better than you....my take on fulfilling your dreams in Canada.
Three - Talk to people on how to get a place to stay or temporary accommodation. People in Canada are damn too helpful and if you don't know anyone please go to Google and look for B&B in your area. We stayed in the hotel for almost 2 weeks before we got our own house.
Four - Ask someone in Canada to send you a Canadian type resume. The resume is different from Nigeria or European resume. Here, they are more concern about your soft skills than your technical skills. Every Immigrant have technical skills and so, your soft skills get you the jobs.
Five - If you have anyone in Canada, ask them if you can use their address and telephone and update your resume with the information. That gives you an edge to start networking or getting interviews before you arrive. Visit Indeed.ca, Workopolis , LinkedIn, Careerbuilder.ca and others and apply before you get here.
Six - Get all the require documents ready for Canada as stated on the CIC.GC.CA website. You can read all the numerous comments on landing experience in Canada but everyone always have a story to tell. The immigration officers here will always welcome you no matter the circumstances that brought you to Canada. Please make sure you have the correct landing doc for all family members, proof of fund ready and list of goods to follow (IMPORTANT).
Seven - You will surely get to Canada safe. Remember," what is conceivable can be achieved... Don't stop digging until you hit GOLD". DONT UNDER SELL YOURSELF AND DONT DO ANY STUPID JOB NON PROFESSIONAL JOB ... You are destined for the top and not the bottom. It may sound harsh but that is what I have learnt here. Looking for a job is a full time job in itself.
WHEN IN CANADA
First - Welcome to Canada and land of reality and opportunities. Reality set in immediately and your new life begin. Remember is your life and not the life of others. Only God and humility can give you early success in Canada. Rest for the first day and on the second day go to SERVICE CANADA OR ANY REGISTRY to get your SIN. once SIN is done, please go to the bank to open an account before applying for Alberta health card.
1. Get your SIN
2. Go to the bank and open your account. Please tell the account officer you need a proof of address document or a void cheque showing your name &address to enable you get an Alberta health card. Royal Bank of Canada, TD bank and Scotia Bank can help you with that. Remember to get a credit card to start building your history in CANADA.
3. Get your health card. for people coming to Calgary, you will get the Alberta Health Card.
4. Drivers Licence.
5. Library card- It is free when you tell them you are a new immigrant. Get good interview books and how to write a fantastic resume.
Second - Proceed to Catholic Calgary Immigration Service (CCIS) or Newcomers center. They will provide you with all the help you need to settle in Canada. These organizations will help you with job search info, resume and settlement information.
Third - Please attend the CCIS new immigrant programs. There you will meet with new immigrant and other consultant that will share their experience on how to succeed in Canada. CCIS will introduce you to mentors and employers that will help you achieve your dream in CANADA.
Fourth - Make new contacts. Please make friends with other nationality rather than making a lot of Nigerian friends. Interacting with other nationalities will make you integrate faster into the country.
Fifth- Talk to professional about jobs and find out from your local library when professional network or meet or ask CCIS.
Sixth - ASK QUESTIONS....No one is an Island.
I will send more updates later.
Remember...YOU ARE A WINNER, A CHAMPION AND THE BEST.
