Learn the details about the Canadian immigration process as an Administrative Assistant if you seek this prominent occupation in Canada. Different employment prospects exist in Canada for Administrative Assistants. Therefore, it is best to discover the provincial employment prospects to evaluate the overall employment scene in Canada.
The labor market conditions in the upcoming ten years will likely remain stable for Administrative Assistant careers. Reportedly, between 2022 and 2031, there will be nearly 68,200 job openings, and new immigrants will be filling the vacancies, according to the Canadian government.
Employment requirements as an Administrative Assistant
Canadian employers consider candidates who demonstrate excellence in soft skills. They emphasize personal traits that help in significant communication, job prospects, and career potential. These soft skills include the ability to socialize, coordinate, and interact as Administrative Assistants. This is why job seekers need to improve upon the required areas of their soft skills.
Essentially, hard skills can help you get to the interview stage. However, it will be your soft skills that might land you a job in the country.
Keeping in mind the value of upgrading your skills will be helpful. It could be skills related to your education, such as bridging programs, courses, and workshops. Upgrading these skills will only be a valuable addition to your Canadian immigration journey.
Here are a few examples of Administrative Assistant courses to learn new skills:
- Administration Studies
- Office Administration
- Human Resources
- Business Management
- Bookkeeping
The following schools or colleges in Canada can provide suitable courses or programs to improve their skills:
- Georgian College
- Fanshawe College
- Niagara College
- Centennial College
- Mohawk College
- Seneca College
The Canadian immigration process as an Administrative Assistant – What are their salary prospects in Canada?
The Canadian government’s Job Bank states salaries must range between $14.50 and $43 per hour based on their living location in Canada. A candidate’s salary as an Administrative Assistant will primarily rely on their job title, work experience in the industry, education, and location.
Canada’s job market can be highly competitive, and it is best to stay prepared by understanding the job search process. Aspiring candidates must take sufficient time to conduct job research in a specific region and establish a suitable plan for the job search.
The following steps will help you in progressing toward your job search:
- Research for a mentor who is employed in the same field or industry. You might request them to share their extensive knowledge and help you broaden your professional network.
- Mark your presence at industry events and job fairs, and consistently access digital employment boards.
- Access job-searching and networking clubs via immigrant settlement agencies.
Your responsibilities as an Administrative Assistant in Canada
Candidates must fulfill the following duties as an Administrative Assistant in Canada:
- Formulate, edit, and proofread publications, brochures, presentations, reports, and other such stuff from electronic dictation and handwritten copy.
- Open and allocate incoming consistent and online mail and coordinate the details internally and with different departments and companies.
- Arrangement of appointments and employer meetings.
- Maintenance of inventory and ordering office supplies.
- Respond to digitally generated queries or telephonic queries via texts or calls.
- Formulate and sustain manual and digital information filing systems.
- Prepare for meetings and record them.
- Plan for travel dates and prepare reservations.
- Supervising and training office staff in using existing software.
- Organize conferences.
- Meet visitors, determine the nature of business, and make them meet the employers.
Canadian immigration process as an Administrative Assistant – Finding a job as a newcomer
The following initiatives will help you obtain your first job as an Administrative Assistant in Canada as a new immigrant:
Reach out to settlement agencies
Access the settlement agencies for their free services once you come to Canada to update your resume, improve your employment search, get a cover letter, and prepare for interviews.
Develop a strong network
Networking is vital for getting job leads, acquiring details related to your industry or specific companies, and meeting individuals to expand professionally. Canada’s hidden job market comprises nearly 80 percent of non-advertised vacancies, and only networking can help you learn about them.
Conduct informational interviews
Candidates must organize informational interviews with their contacts within their professional network. The aim of this informational meeting (of 20 to 30 mins duration) is to get industry insights from the ones already working in the field you’re thriving for. This is a great way to acquire more knowledge of the position as an Administrative Assistant.
Create a well-structured resume
Consider the particular job you seek while formulating a new resume and evaluate the required skills and experience for the job position. Ensure you have certain skills and experience that align with the job description. Mention the relevant software programs and other technical skills you possess that can be helpful for the particular job.
Highlight your international experience
Your international experience will be especially valuable to organizations with global functioning. Understand the kind of skills Canadian employers expect candidates to have for Administrative Assistants. Utilize your professional network to search for the names of the present administrative assistants.
In addition, when you get a call for an interview, show a well-mannered demeanor and be precise and articulate as well while communicating with the interviewer. Since your job role includes meeting and greeting others, make sure you dress well and smile. However, your personality must depict your professionalism. Don’t forget to highlight your computer skills as they are essential for this job. In addition, discuss the prominent social media and software platforms you access consistently. Mention all the additional digital skills to perform the role.
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].
