How to Connect with Employers in Canada

by Jodi Tingling

In a recent webinar, we discussed job search strategies with ACCES Employment and Seneca College to explore the approaches job seekers should use to successfully connect with prospective employers. We addressed such issues as penetrating the hidden job market, and establishing relationships with employers by using effective communication strategies.

On average, up to 80 percent of jobs are not advertised—these jobs make up the hidden job market. Employers find candidates through referrals from current employees, colleagues, friends, and family—in other words, through their networks. They do not limit themselves to job ads.

How can you get into the hidden job market if the positions are not advertised? Consider using the strategies outlined below.

Networking

Networking is an interpersonal process that leads to the mutual exchange of information, contacts, or leads—and it is no secret that it is critical to job hunting. Networking is one of the most effective ways to learn about employment opportunities that are not advertised. Asking those in your network for advice or information on how to get into a specific industry can boost your chances of getting the help you need to take the next steps in your career.

People typically develop their networks through “warm contacts”—those whom they already know—or through cold contacts—those they do not. You can extend your network through warm contacts such as former professional colleagues and supervisors, but do not overlook your relatives, friends, and other people who are part of your daily life. Networking with cold contacts, however, requires more effort.

Immigrant professionals who are new to the country may find it difficult to extend or even establish a network, since many if not most of their contacts will be “cold.” There are programs and supports that can help. For example, ACCES Employment offers many services, including speed mentoring events, that help internationally educated professionals succeed in their job search. Seneca College Bridging Programs also provide sector-specific networking opportunities.

You may want to engage in other networking efforts as well:

• Attend job fairs to directly connect with employers.
• Join a professional association to establish connections in your field.
• Attend industry conferences.
• Volunteer or participate in community events.

When you engage in these network activities, make sure you have a clear objective and plan, and understand whom you want to connect with and why. Initiate a natural conversation, and maintain a two-way dialogue—do not monopolize the conversation. Finally, ask questions that can help you with your employment goal.

How to Make the Most of In-Person Networking Events

Company Research

Make a list of companies you are interested in and begin researching them. Find out what they do, if their values align with yours, if they have employment opportunities, and who is responsible for hiring. Begin your research with a general internet search; then connect with an employer through a professional networking site like LinkedIn.

Cold Contacting

When establishing cold contacts, start with a personal introduction. Follow this up with the reason you are connecting and, if possible, ask for an informational interview. Here are some important tips for succeeding when cold contacting:

• Have an idea of what you want to say, but listen more than you talk.
• Get to know people for who they are—not just their professions.
• Follow up on the leads you generate.

Informational Interviews

An informational interview is a brief meeting that allows you to gather information about employment opportunities, a particular industry, or a particular employer. It is initiated by the job seeker and can provide job leads as well as new networking contacts.

Be specific about your goals when asking for an informational interview. For example, you can ask about the steps the person you are meeting with took to get into their current role. If the informational interview is with a hiring manager, you can ask what qualifications, skills, and experiences the company seeks in prospective hires. Be mindful of the person’s time, and be sure to send a thank-you email afterward. Follow up with any action items discussed during the meeting.

Communication Strategies When Connecting With Employers

Beyond understanding how to connect with employers, it is important to focus on communication skills. Communication is more than just the verbal exchange of information. It can also occur non-verbally, through wordless cues, gestures, or body language.

Non-Verbal Communication Strategies

When connecting with employers, your appearance matters. Make sure you make a good first impression by being neat, appropriately dressed, well groomed, and polished.

In North American culture, eye contact is important. It conveys confidence and openness. Look directly into the eyes of the person you are conversing with, without staring. Maintain a pleasant facial expression—which can include a smile to show that you are friendly and approachable.

Pay attention to how close you stand next to the persons you talk to—take note of the distance between individuals as you see it at conferences and in other professional settings. Your body language, gestures, and posture should also reflect your professional appearance. Remaining upright with your shoulders relaxed can also indicate confidence and professionalism.

Verbal Communication Strategies

Verbal communication refers to both speaking and writing. When speaking with employers, be sure to have a clear idea of what you want to say, even if that means committing part of it to memory. Listen attentively, and paraphrase your speaker’s words as appropriate.

When communicating in writing, make every effort to be clear. Review your message before sending it to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. It is also a good idea to have a friend review it. If you are wondering what to say to a cold contact, you can introduce yourself and mention a mutual interest or connection. Also, be sure to have a specific request in mind, and be ready to offer something in return.

Mastering networking and communication strategies will help you connect with employers and increase your chances of tapping into the hidden job market and succeeding in your job search.

Source-WES

How to Apply to Canadian Universities and Colleges

by Abigail Byle

Canadian universities and colleges provide high-quality post-secondary education, and they are accepting more and more applications from international students. However, there are some unique characteristics of post-secondary education in Canada to keep in mind.

One important distinction is that, in Canada, universities refer only to schools that offer full degree programs, such as a bachelor’s degree, whereas colleges are more vocational and offer diploma and certificate programs, as well as some degree level courses.

Post-secondary education in Canada is generally affordable, especially compared to schools in the U.S., although it is more expensive for international students. International student fees may be as much as double the cost for domestic students because universities and colleges are publicly funded by provincial and federal taxes.

Canada, on the whole, is very welcoming to international students, which combined with the high-quality education offered, creates an increasingly competitive admission environment. The following tips will help you find the right school, apply to Canadian universities, and increase your chances of admission.

Do Your Research

Canada is a very large country with a wide variety of post-secondary institutions located both in small towns and big cities that offer a range of specialties. Most university websites will have information about the local community available, but if you have questions, contact the university directly to get more information. There are even universities and colleges that offer programs in French. In Quebec and Manitoba, and there are also online course options, including degree programs, which offer additional flexibility to students. Selecting the right school and location may make a big difference in how well you adjust to college life, so get as much information as you can to help decide what works best for you.

Follow the Application Instructions

The application process can be stressful and also expensive, so familiarize yourself with the application, as well as the admission process and requirements. Usually, application deadlines for international students are earlier than for Canadian students (about eight months before the program start date) to allow time to apply for study permits. The deadlines will vary by institution and even by program, so confirm the deadlines and apply as early as possible. Also, be aware that there may be regional differences; for example, some universities in a particular province have a central application process, such as the Ontario Universities Application Centre.

Grades are not the only factor in admission, so submit as strong an application as possible. Be sure to submit all required documents and watch out for any additional requirements for international students. For example, you may be required to submit a language test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, so register for one of these tests, if necessary.

Also, if you need to submit letters of recommendation, ensure that these letters are specific to you. A standard recommendation form may be used, but it should still be personalized, and not just a few brief, generic sentences. Be sure to take time with your personal statement or statement of intent to argue for why you should be offered admission. If you are applying to graduate school, confirm if an advisor is required or recommended and, if so, find one.

Be patient and respectful when contacting staff and faculty because they are busy with many inquiries and may remember you for the wrong reasons if you are difficult. Be sure to read the website first, as you may not receive a response if the information is readily available online, and do not email or phone multiple times a day. University faculty and staff are there to help students, so remember that you are welcome to ask questions. You may also ask for special consideration or for an exception to be made if there is a good reason; the worst thing that can happen is that you are told no.

Finalize Finances and Funding

While you are preparing your application, explore any financial aid options open to you, either through the school’s main financial aid office or through your specific department or program. There may be bursaries or academic scholarships available specifically for international students. Finances will be important because, to have your study permit approved, you must demonstrate the following:

• You have no criminal record.
• Your primary reason to come to Canada is for education.
• You will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
• You have enough money to pay your tuition fees, your living expenses, and transportation home for you and any family members who come to Canada with you.

When You Arrive

Canadian universities and colleges value diversity in both their students enrolled and programs offered, and try to create a supportive and engaging environment for all students. Once you arrive, explore and take advantage of the many different resources and services available for international students, such as international student centres. Consider applying for a homestay program to live with a local family, which may help to ease the transition into university life and Canadian society. Other student services commonly available include writing centres, career and counselling centres, tutoring, and student groups, including cultural, religious, academic, and athletic clubs. Taking advantage of the supports provided, especially those intended for international students, will help you adjust more easily and be a successful student.

Final Tips

• Research universities and colleges online, including department and program websites.
• Apply early—submit all required documents and the application fee by the deadline.
• Make a real effort with your application, especially devoting time and careful consideration to your personal statement or letter of intent.
• Apply for your student permit as soon as possible after you have received your admission letter.

Source: WES

Workplace Presentation Skills for Immigrants

 by Ronita Mohan

If you have just moved to a new country and found a job—congratulations!

Now, you are probably concerned with making a good impression. This is where your presentation skills will become important. Good presentation skills can work like camouflage, making it seem like you have a strong understanding of office culture, even if you are still figuring it out.

As you adjust to your new environment, you might be surprised by a few things. Maybe office etiquette is different here than it was in your home country. Or, you might simply need to learn about your company’s unique internal culture—which is true for everyone when they are starting a new job. As you are learning, it might take a while to fully settle into your new role.

If you make a good impression, it will help you get through this transitional period smoothly. During this time, you can still move ahead professionally and make friends with your colleagues.

But making a good impression goes beyond being polite and doing what you are told. You also need to look, sound, and act like a confident professional. Below are five tips to help you improve your presentation skills at work.

Get Familiar with the Organization

On your first day of work, your boss will introduce you to a lot of new people. This is standard procedure for new hires. Don’t worry; you will not be expected to remember everyone you meet.

However, that does not mean that you should settle in and expect people to come to you; remember, you are a new entity in the office. Established employees have their jobs to do, and they might not know how to include you in their regular routines. That does not mean that they don’t want to get to know you. They might simply want to give you some space to get settled. They might want to give you room to approach them with questions as needed, and meet new people on your own schedule.

Make the process easier for everyone involved by reading up about your company’s employees. You can usually find a directory on the company’s website, or do some basic research on LinkedIn. This will help you remember people as you meet them. It will also help you think about who you should approach when you need assistance with your work. For example, someone who has been on your team for a long time might have institutional knowledge that you need, but someone at a coordinator level might be able to help you acquire paper supplies.

Knowing who to ask for the right kind of support is a powerful skill that immediately makes you seem more competent.

You will likely tweak your presentation of yourself depending on who you are speaking with, as well. For example, people might be more formal and reserved with their superiors than they are with their peers. Understanding which employees you will be working closely with will help you tailor your presentation of yourself until you become comfortable with the team. You can also try asking your supervisor or human resources for an organizational chart; if one does not exist, you might be in a position to create (or assign) one yourself using a flow chart maker.

Learn What Clothes to Wear

Clothes are one of the most fundamental ways that individuals express themselves at work.

If you are unsure of the dress code at your office, simply ask human resources. If you feel like you still are not sure about certain items in your wardrobe, or if you see a wide range of styles across the office, aim for more traditional clothes. For example, many people wear a suit on their first day of work. This is one time that it cannot hurt to overdress because it communicates that you care about the position.

However, it could become quickly evident that the workplace you are joining does not usually wear suits. Or, perhaps only the most senior staff wears suits; everyone else might wear pretty casual clothes. In that case, someone at work will tell you whether or not suits are mandatory, and you can adjust your clothing accordingly from the next day onward.

At that point, you will want to find out exactly what level of casualness is allowed. Some offices may have no problem with short sleeves, jeans, and sneakers (especially in the summer). But others might prefer “business casual” at all times—especially if it is a company with a lot of clients visiting the office.

If you still have some doubts about the clothing options, simply look at what your managers are wearing and adopt their style. Not only will dressing like your managers help you fit into the company environment, but it will display your ambition to everyone around you. This can lead to better promotional opportunities.

Focus on Interpersonal Relationships

Here’s one simple truth no matter where in the world you work: Workplaces are governed by people. Therefore, interpersonal relationships are an intrinsic part of your working life.

When you are still new to a country and a company, you may be tempted to keep your head down and concentrate on your work. But this is not the best way to make a good impression on your colleagues and managers—especially not in North America, where a certain amount of socialization is expected among colleagues.

You will find that your colleagues, even those in different departments, will come up to you to talk about a variety of topics. They could ask you where you are from, how far you have to travel to get to work, what your hobbies are, what you like eating, or where you have visited.

Many colleagues will have advice on where to eat near your workplace or upcoming events you might enjoy. They might even invite you to join them for a social activity before you have gotten to know them very well (like happy hour drinks).

This kind of outgoing, friendly approach is not normal everywhere in the world, so you might be taken aback or find these questions intrusive. Just be assured that it is not personal, it is part of the culture.

You do have a right to decline answering. However, it’s best to try and remain open to these interactions, if possible—especially in the beginning. Try to get involved with group conversations. Ask questions of your new colleagues, and listen to their answers.

If you seem approachable in a social setting, you will seem more approachable at work, as well.

This means that colleagues will send more opportunities your way. People are also more likely to think of you first for projects and praise you in front of important people, like your boss.

But simply being part of conversations is not enough; you have to go about it the right way. Remember that conversations should always go two ways—you should not do all the talking, as that will make you appear self-centered. At the same time, being completely silent may make you come across as someone who is not engaging with your colleagues.

Interpersonal connections will be an extremely important part of your daily work life. You should make an attempt to engage in these connections whenever you can.

Work on Written Communication

Alongside verbal communication, you will find yourself doing a lot of communication in writing while you are at work.

One of the primary modes of communication will be email. It is important to write good emails because your written communication skills will tell your colleagues and managers a great deal about you. Essentially, you will want to seem professional and courteous.

You might also pick up on trends within your specific office culture—like if people tend to keep emails very brief, or if people are very formal with their signatures. Study the orientation emails that you receive on your first day of work. Your boss might introduce you to the company at large via email. In this case, you will receive replies from a diverse mix of people welcoming you. Those emails will be a good starting point.

But there are a few points that you should note regardless of where you are working.

For one, it is best not to write the content of your email in your subject line—this is uncomfortable to read and looks unprofessional. Keep your emails brief; they do not need to be very short, but they should stay focused. This is a signal that you respect the reader’s time. You should get to the main point of your message as quickly as you can in your email.

Avoid grammatical errors as much as possible—this will require you to revise your email before sending it. One trick is to use the Grammarly Chrome extension to check your emails for errors before you send them.

Plus, it is always important to pause and re-read your work. No matter how much pressure you are under, it is better to wait one more minute than to send a poorly written email.

Finally, if something cannot be discussed over email—either because it will lead to a longer conversation or because it is a private matter—do not send an email about it. It is better to make the effort to walk over to your colleague and discuss the matter in person, set up a meeting, or call.

Learn from Other Immigrants

Real Immigrants Share Their Advice for Moving to the U.S.

Perfect Your Presentations 

For many people, work revolves around giving presentations. Though you may not have to give a presentation in your first few weeks at work, you will eventually be looped into this practice. That is because they are useful tools to relay information within your team, to other teams at the company, or to external parties.

Presentations are often a bone of contention for employees—they can be lengthy and boring, and leave people wishing they could get back to their desk to finish their actual work. If you are in a position where you have to give presentations, you do not want to make your colleagues feel like you are wasting their time.

When it is time to give your presentation, keep a few important points in mind. First and foremost, you should keep your presentation short. One trick is to use the Guy Kawasaki pitch deck method to format your presentations: 10 slides that take 20 minutes to present. (This is ideal for a 30-minute meeting, because it leaves some time for questions and answers at the end.)

Here are a few additional presentation tips:

• Avoid a long introduction. Get to the point as quickly as you can. If you did a good job with your presentation, then the information should be covered thoroughly within your slides.
• Try not to be too serious. You should add a bit of humor to your presentation. But do not mistake this for a comedy sketch—a good laugh is engaging, but too many can be distracting.
• Address your audience directly. Make eye contact with your colleagues, dividing your attention evenly around the room.
• Set aside time for questions. If you do not have an answer, let them know that you will get back to them later. This does not mean that you are unprepared; rather, it shows your colleagues that you are willing to listen and do the research.
• Take notes as you go. Or, better yet, identify another member of your team to take notes while you present.

Giving a good presentation is a memorable way to make an impact at work. Demonstrating your knowledge and its applications is a surefire way to prove your value at work.

In Conclusion

Good presentation skills will help you fit into your new workplace environment. In the future, they can also lead to promotions.

Mastering these skills might take some time and patience to get right—especially because you are going to be learning a lot as you get settled in your new country. You will also be learning a lot as you train for your new position. But making a good impression at work does not have to be a challenging task.

Follow the steps listed above to perfect your workplace presentation skills. Once you learn how to fit in at work, you can really start standing out. Good luck!

Source-WES

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The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)-Immigrate to Altona/Rhineland,

Altona/Rhineland is located in southern Manitoba, our region has a long history of welcoming newcomers and integrating both immigrants and refugees into the social fabric of the community.

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Altona/Rhineland is participating in an immigration pilot that creates a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to live in our community. The pilot is designed to support economic development within our community and strengthen our local business’s capacity to develop and retain a skilled workforce.

If you are a Foreign National interested in the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, please see a list of current employment opportunities in Altona/Rhineland.

Current employment opportunities with businesses located in the Town of Altona and Municipality of Rhineland.  

If your work experience and/or education is not a match with one of our current employment opportunities, we invite you to create a candidate profile where you can set up career alerts to be notified of future job opportunities matching your criteria.

Buffalo Creek Mills (2017) Inc. - Mill Operator

Friesens Corporation - Bindery Machine Operator

Friesens Corporation - Bindery Small Equipment Machine Operator

Friesens Corporation - Lead Bindery Machine Operator

Friesens Corporation - Level 2 Printing Press Operator

Friesens Corporation - Level II Bindery Machine Operator

Prairie Logistics - Truck Driver

Please review the job postings carefully and ONLY submit applications for the job(s) that are a fit with your skills and experience. You are encouraged to clearly identify in your application how you meet all the mandatory requirements of the position. Our community is limiting candidates to a maximum of  3 active job applications at a time.  An active job application is any job application that you have submitted through the Candidate Profile. You can also withdraw a job application if you want to apply to another job posting that is a better fit with your skills and experience.

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Please note:  If you do not find a job posting that meets your work experience and/or education, we encourage you to create a candidate profile which offers the option to set up career alert(s) automatically notifying you by email of job opportunities matching your criteria, as they become available.

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A complete resume is required when applying for a position. The key components of a complete resume consist of:

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• Your name and contact information
• Full education history
• Full work history
• Skills and Activities are optional
• Three references (preferably work-related)

New Permanent Residence Stream In Nova Scotia For "Occupations In Demand"

Article by Kathleen Leighton

Nova Scotia has recently announced a new three-year Occupations in Demand pilot project for permanent residence applicants, targeting specific intermediate-skilled occupations that are in high labour market demand. The Province's move to expand the permanent resident provincial nominee program aims to help more businesses prosper and fill the current shortfall of workers for high labour market demand occupations in Nova Scotia. The targeted professions will change as labour market needs in the Province evolve, but information on this stream and other updates, including to the list of prioritized in-demand occupations, is available.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program

Occupations in Demand is the newly introduced economic stream under the Nova Scotia Nominee Program ("NSNP"). Through the NSNP, the Province is able to target prospective immigrants who possess certain desired skills and experience and provide them with opportunities, through the issuance of a "nomination", to help them immigrate to Canada. The NSNP aims to attract prospective immigrants who have a genuine intent to settle in Nova Scotia and become permanent residents of Canada.

The processing time for eligible applications at the nomination stage can be three months or more. Immigrants then have a six month period in which they must submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada using their provincial Nomination Certificate.

Who is eligible?

The Occupations in Demand stream is currently open to eligible candidates with a full-time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in one of the currently open occupations categorized as Skill Level C under Canada's National Occupational Classification ("NOC").

Applicants must

• have a full-time permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer in either NOC 3413 (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (transport truck drivers);
• have 1 year (12 full calendar months with at least 1,560 hours) of paid work experience within the last 5 years that is related to the job (verified by letters of reference from employers and other supporting employment documents);
• be 21 to 55 years old;
• have a high school diploma;
• have the appropriate training, skills and/or accreditation for the job;
• prove language ability equal to a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 4 across all four categories (listening, reading, writing and speaking) even if their first language is English or French;
• show genuine intention to successfully settle in Nova Scotia; and
• demonstrate adequate financial resources to settle in the Province. Criteria and requirements for the employer

The employer of an applicant applying under the Occupations in Demand stream must have a permanent establishment in Nova Scotia that has been in active operation for at least two years. The employer must be registered with Nova Scotia's Registry of Joint Stock Companies, must be in good standing with provincial occupational health and safety and labour authorities, and must not be in violation of Canadian immigration legislation and requirements. Additionally, the employer is required to provide certain support to the applicant under the Occupation in-Demand stream. Specifically, the employer is required to complete the NSNP 200 form to confirm the details of the company and the job offered to the applicant. The job offer supporting an application under this stream must:

• be in either NOC 3413 (nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 (transport truck drivers);
• be located in Nova Scotia with a Nova Scotian employer;
• be full-time employment where the employee is expected to work year-round and at least 30 hours a week on average;
• be a permanent job (i.e. a long-term job offer without a pre-determined end date)
• provide compensation in the form of salary that meets applicable provincial employment standards and that falls within the provincial wage range;
• be a position that has a shortage of qualified permanent residents or Canadian citizens to fill the position; and
• not contravene any existing bargaining unit agreements, labour agreements/standards or be involved in any employment disputes.

Additionally, the employer must provide evidence of recruitment for the position, and the recruitment efforts must comply with the Province's specifications and predate the applicant's current offer of employment. Recruitment efforts are mandatory unless the applicant is in possession of a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment ("LMIA") or is in a position that was determined to be LMIA-exempt.

Application process

Candidates approved through the Occupations in Demand stream will receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate and can then apply for Permanent Residence. Additionally, if successfully nominated by the Province, the applicant can also request a Letter of Support, which will support the individual's application for a temporary work permit so they can work in Nova Scotia while waiting for their permanent residency application to be processed.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances

Source: Mondaq.com