Employer Expectations: Canadian Job Hunting Awareness for Foreign Students Paul Gemmell, MACP Catholic Centre for Immigrants

Introductions Introductions are important for good communication throughout the relationship, so lets get to know each other a little now.

Todays Focus Look at Canadian job seeking principles from the point of view of a foreign applicant

Job Hunting around the world You are bringing your cultures job hunting norms to the Canadian table. It is important to use the best of your knowledge and work it into the Canadian context. Let go of some of your assumptions of the way things should go in a job hunt.

Look at Each Step Carefully (and if any are uncomfortable, jump on them and learn about them rather than avoidance) Job Posting Resume Cover Letter Interview Follow Up

Job Recruitment: What employers look for (Which may have cultural barriers?) 1.Communication Skills (verbal) 2.Analytical Skills 3.Strong Work Ethic 4.Teamwork Skills (works well with others) 5.Problem-solving Skills 6.Initiative 7.Interpersonal Skills (relates well with others) 8.Flexibility/adaptability 9.Communication Skills (written) NACE, Job Outlook 2012, Fall Report, Bethlehem, PA: National Association of Colleges and Employers, October, 2011

Shake hands? Hug? Bow? Smile and talk?

Verbal (and cultural) Communication Dont assume the employer understood exactly what you meant to say. Nuance is extremely difficult. If you get a puzzled look, clarify.

Time Time is very important in Canada. In fact, I got my first watch here. Time to catch a bus, time for doctors appointments, time for immigration appointments. I had to learn how to tell time. By a 60 year-old woman Source:

Interview Top Tips 1 – Arrive 15 minutes early and make sure you know where you are going ahead of time. 2 – Dress 1 position up (dress how you imagine your supervisor in the position would dress for work). 3 – Smile and be enthusiastic

Top Tips 4 – Research the company and your position beforehand 5 – Prepare answers to the commonly asked questions 6 – If you do not understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat the question

Top Tips 7 – Speak slowly and enunciate (clear speech) 8 – Be confident – eye contact, good posture, handshake (if you are able/comfortable to handshake. If not, explain) 9 – Be positive about yourself and past experiences. I. E.: dont complain about a past manager or beg for the job

Top Tips 10- Avoid rambling – make sure your answers are to the point without being as short as yes or no. 11 – No cell phones! 12 – Ask questions at the end 13 – Make a connection if possible

Remember!.. Your cultural perspective can be an asset rather than a liability. Work with it! …At the same time, show potential employers that you can fit in. Use small talk for familiar things, like sports, Tim Hortons, etc.

Once you have the job, keep it! Be aware and sensitive to what is going on around you in the workplace. We dont have a company for life system. You can be fired in Canada rather than merely moved around the company.

Making Connections There are a number of services in Ottawa for finding employment: Volunteer Ottawa (there is a section for newcomers) WorldSkills (some programs are geared to PRs, but some are open to others Employment Agencies (find the right ones for your sector) YSB (Youth Services Bureau) YMCA Employment (240 Catherine Street, Ottawa) Network! Get connected!

Employer Expectations: Canadian Job Interview Awareness for Foreign Students Questions? Paul Gemmell Catholic Centre for Immigrants Community Connections Program 219 Argyle Avenue, 5 th floor, Ottawa, ON PH: (ext. 431)