Explore the common mistakes newcomers must avoid during their job search for a successful career in the country. Finding a Canadian job initially can be challenging and quite complex as the person is unfamiliar with the Canadian labor market. Individuals often need help understanding the complete employment process in this country. Hence, it is possible for new immigrants to make a few mistakes as they begin their journey toward employment in Canada.
Common mistakes newcomers must avoid during their job search
Newcomers must consider the following common mistakes and avoid them during their employment search:
Absence of Canadian format within the resume
While applying for jobs in Canada, newcomers often use a different resume format and not the Canadian one. This makes the employers and recruiters feel you are unfamiliar with Canadian work standards. Consequently, they might consider you incompetent against other candidates. Primarily, Canadian employers access the Applicant Tracking System to select the appropriate candidates, and if your resume doesn’t have a Canadian format, you might miss the chance. The ATS will not be able to locate you. The Canadian resume format emphasizes your professional accomplishments rather than your job responsibilities. Other resume formats often include age, gender, marital status, or photo. These details appear unnecessary for employers in Canada.
Not customizing your resume for different applications
Your resume must not be the same for all job applications, and you must customize it according to the employer’s job description. Keep in mind that the ATS software must align well with the job description provided by the hiring manager. When you create a resume, then the recruiter is likely to call you for an interview. Also, you must include only those skills and expertise that are essential to your job position.
Showing confusion during your employment search
Newcomers often feel overwhelmed when they face rejections during their job search. An evident reason is also a lack of clarity regarding the kind of job they want to pursue in the future. Hence, it is best to look for jobs requiring the skills you already have to strengthen your chances of acquiring a Canadian job. This will also increase your focus on specific jobs, and you can work toward improving your job applications for those positions.
Additionally, those seeking a survival job in the country must consider jobs that will help them with transferable skills. These transferable skills are those required in your primary occupation. Candidates must also avoid applying for more than one job in one firm or company, implying their desperation. It will also make the employers feel that you are unclear about your career goals, which is not a good attribute.
Beginning your search for a Canadian job after arriving here
Newcomers must avoid the mistake of starting the job search too late. Moreover, you must not wait to arrive in the country to begin your job search. Instead, you must start the search at least a few months prior to flying to Canada. Doing so will eventually inform you of the new skills and certifications essential for your dream job position in Canada. In addition, applying for jobs three to four weeks before arriving here will be a great move. This is because Canadian recruiters will take a minimum of three to four weeks to respond and begin the recruitment process.
Not working as a volunteer
Canadian employers often require newcomers to show some kind of work experience in Canada. Additionally, new immigrants feel hesitant to apply for most jobs because they don’t have any prior experience. However, volunteer work or survival jobs also provide a significant amount of Canadian work experience. This kind of job helps an individual develop transferable skills. Newcomers must keep in mind that volunteer work will only enhance their resume and add value to it. Additionally, they will have the advantage of building their networks; they will feel motivated, and acquire a new skill set.
Canada’s culture inherently comprises volunteer work, while some people undervalue it because it’s unpaid work.
Not developing a professional network is one of the common mistakes newcomers must avoid during their job search
A professional network during your job search is especially significant. It plays a chief role in acquiring jobs in Canada. Most new immigrants are unacquainted with this trend of professional networking and tend to refrain from reaching out to professionals. Networking is not compulsory within the Canadian labor market. However, Canadians frequently take time out to expand their professional network even while they’re already working. As a newcomer in this country, you might feel reluctant to connect with professionals over LinkedIn. Yet, this is a standard norm over here, and people often receive requests for coffee chats, etc.
Moreover, professionals are more than happy to share their knowledge with you and offer recommendations for a great career start in the country.
A Common mistake newcomers must avoid during their job search includes only seeking advertised jobs
According to sources, a significant proportion of job hiring happens through non-advertised jobs since the hidden Canadian job market is vast. The available non-posted jobs often get filled through the hiring managers’ networking chain. Therefore, it is essential to forge meaningful professional connections so that you get the details or even referrals from seniors whenever there is a hidden vacancy. Also, the posted jobs contribute to only a smaller portion of available jobs. Hence, it is vital to access the hidden job market.
Focusing only on technical skills in your resume
Technical skills are highly crucial in the jobs you must be applying for. However, soft skills are even more valued by employers and recruiters in the country. These types of skills include the following:
- Problem-solving techniques;
- Time Management;
- Leadership;
- Communication skills;
- The skill to adjust quickly to different situations;
- The potential to make the right decisions;
- Being detail-oriented;
- Innovative
- Demonstrating excellent leadership skills
Therefore, if you want to significantly improve your chances for a Canadian job, you must demonstrate your soft skills apart from the job-specific skills in your Canadian resume. Soft skills are a great way to communicate your ability to perform the essential tasks within a job.
Not keeping your LinkedIn profile updated
A majority of employers in Canada look for social media profiles like LinkedIn to understand their work as a professional. Therefore, these professionals must refine their profiles and keep them updated. Active employers or recruiters connect with appropriate candidates via LinkedIn. Hence, your profile must display the job type you seek and the skills and qualifications you possess. Continue to post engaging and relevant content on a regular basis to attract the right employers and professionals from your industry.
Job search mistakes by newcomers like including false information in the resume
As a newcomer in Canada, you simply can’t take a chance with false information on your resume. It is better to portray your experience, skills, and qualifications just as they are. Canadian employers verify a candidate’s background to the core, and it is hard to get away with any false information or activity. Hence, the candidate must be extra careful not to exaggerate their accomplishments or education. In addition, employers tend to question you on the information you provide within your CV. They might connect to your previous employers to get an overview of your experience. So, there’s hardly any scope for white lies.
Demanding unrealistic salaries from the employer
Demanding a salary range that is either too high or too low can go against you in your Canadian job interview. Most employers will ask you about the expected salary range during the hiring process. However, it is best not to give an exact number and always choose an appropriate range while you talk to them. Researching the industry standards is essential before you express your salary expectations. You must avoid asking for a salary that is beyond the industry or company’s capacity. Hence, talking to other professionals about the salary range is a great idea. However, don’t directly ask them for their salary as it will be kind of rude to do so.
Overall, Canadian job interviews involve a lot of things that one needs to be careful about. Remember always to prepare yourself while you proceed to attend an interview. Practice beforehand about your answers for an interview and show up with sufficient preparation. Next, you must follow up after an interview so that you understand your chance of being hired. At least thank the interviewer for the opportunity via a text on LinkedIn or email. Just when the interview finishes, ask them when you can expect a decision from them. Keeping these little things in mind can make a huge difference in your Canadian job search and enhance your chances of selection.
Do you have any general queries or concerns regarding Canadian immigration? Let our expert guides at Make Home Canada help you get all the answers. We are just a call away; stay connected at 1-800-979-0509 or simply email your concerns to [email protected].
