Networking in Canada is a significant factor in building a career. Newcomers or Canadians have access to a great deal of information available if they wish to search for employment opportunities in the country. Discussing the prevalent job opportunities with family, friends, and other workplace professionals at frequent intervals will keep them updated.
When beginning your career in Canada, it is essential that you create and sustain your relationships in the country. Good connections are crucial, particularly those that can help you with your career. Even though building these connections might take a long time, they will always remain essential.
If you would like to build a career through networking in Canada, you will need to follow a strategic path and establish your professional network either physically or through online platforms.
It is essential to understand that newcomers must build their presence in the country through various references and connections. These could be professional connections or other relationships with those in the environment. According to valuable sources, it is evident that around 70 percent of job positions are acquired through professional networking only.
Maintaining good terms with the organizations they work with within the country is a consistent process. Individuals must ensure they start building their connections in Canada from the beginning.
Networking in Canada is a significant factor in building a career
You can start your networking process for your career in Canada by being a part of professional firms or events. This way, you will get to meet new individuals and also understand the latest trends and opportunities prevalent in your specific industry.
Most importantly, several job opportunities never come to the surface as many firms do not publicly advertise for these jobs. In that case, you still get to know about them through your professional networks.
To begin with, you can also remain active on digital platforms and take the initiative to connect with professionals online.
What is the networking culture in Canada?
The networking culture in Canada is pretty inclusive, and a variety of individuals arrive in Canada, specifically newcomers from different backgrounds and cultures. Canadian networking comprises not only people from metropolitan cities but also from smaller communities. It isn’t restricted to specific cities or areas.
As a new immigrant, you could discover the following networking options:
Industrial events
When discussing industry events for network expansion, the idea is to engage with more like-minded people or those with considerable work experience in a specific industry.
Examples of such events include conferences, seminars, workshops, and trade shows. These events can surely assist you in establishing good connections for your professional growth. You can share your innovative ideas and learn from their experiences as well.
Using a few websites to stay tuned to the latest Canadian events can help you significantly, including Eventbrite, Tradefest, Conference Alerts, and 10times.
Digital platforms in Canada
Overall, digital platforms serve as a boon for all job seekers. Logically, these platforms help us break the barriers; no matter where one is, one can search for jobs in a different country. LinkedIn is one such vital example and offers many opportunities to people seeking jobs in all areas of life. It consists of online communities and several industry forums, and one can explore a plethora of career avenues that can change the course of your professional life for the better.
It helps you access several experiences and guidance through others in the networking circle.
Ways to establish your professional networking in Canada
Even though building a professional network in Canada is imperative, you still need to follow specific strategies to achieve your goal. You will need to follow certain etiquette to create a difference in the world. You will need to be polite, show up, and listen to people. Also, you’ll have to follow up whenever needed to build your networking in Canada.
Let’s dive into the details of building a solid professional network in Canada:
Informational interviews
Informational interviews can offer great insights, industry knowledge, and critical suggestions from experienced professionals. You can request these experienced and expert professionals in particular industries to chat with you. Always stay prepared in advance about what information you would like to get from them. Prepare proper questions and ask them accordingly.
Conduct research
Don’t take these informational interviews lightly; conduct detailed research on the experts and professionals. Read thoroughly about their expertise and knowledge and try to get details about the latest industry trends and challenges. Stay alert while you interview them, and take note of everything they tell you. You can refer to these self-made notes later on, whenever required. Keep your conversation professional, formal, and precise. Show them gratitude for having taken the time to talk with you. Listen as attentively as possible and try to make a long-term connection. You might even ask them to meet for coffee chats, and this can strengthen your professional bond with them.
Ask for job referrals.
You can be on the top list of hiring employers only if you have job referrals because they really play a significant role in getting a job. However, you must do it very politely and not in an imposing manner. It shouldn’t be like you’re chasing them for referrals. Firstly, understand who in your network has expertise in the industry you aspire for. Then, try to reach out to them and begin to share your career objectives. Next, ask them politely if they have any referrals or if they get you to meet the right professionals in the industry. If they respond positively, do share your portfolio and CV. Keep them updated regarding your career role and follow up whenever possible.
Get yourself a mentor
A skilled professional or experienced person can be your mentor and help you in your career goals as an inspiration. Through their guidance, you will be able to acquire the essential skills required in your industry. You can use the following sites and organizations to find a mentor in Canada:
- Ten Thousand Coffees (site)
- LinkedIn (site)
- Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (organization)
- Skills for Change (organization)
Promote yourself through a personalized brand
Building a personalized brand in terms of networking in Canada implies consistently highlighting your strengths, achievements, innovative ideas, and qualities that make you stand apart from the rest of the people. You must effectively communicate your skills, interests, and unique traits that make you different and desirable for specific industry jobs. What can you provide to people who are looking to hire talented and skilled people? This is where your branding will come into action and offer you the chance to create a memorable impression on employers or hiring managers.
Final thoughts on networking in Canada for building a career
Networking in Canada is a significant factor in building a career; however, the process requires immense patience and consistent efforts. If you follow the above steps, you will indeed find success in establishing meaningful networking with professionals.
If you have any general queries or concerns regarding Canadian immigration, you can reach out to Make Home Canada experts. You may either write to us at [email protected] or call us at 1-800-979-0509.
