Employment

When I first decided to move to Canada two years ago, I often heard that it was challenging for newcomers to secure jobs without Canadian experience. While there is some truth to this, it initially made me nervous as I didn't know what to expect when applying. I embarked on a journey of trial and error, focusing on tailoring my resume/CV to meet Canadian standards and emphasizing my strengths in relation to the job requirements. This process required significant effort and dedication, and I spent countless hours applying for jobs daily. It's worth noting that I began applying for jobs a year before my actual move to Canada. Some of these applications were more for interview practice than actual job prospects. The interview style in Canada was different from what I was accustomed to in the Middle East. I still remember my first interview, where I was asked if the session could be recorded for team members who couldn’t attend. This request made me uncomfortable at the time, but I didn't want to refuse, fearing it might be viewed negatively

It's important to approach interviews as a formal opportunity to get to know each other. Interviews are a two-way street; just as the employer wants to understand your skills and what you can bring to the table, you should be prepared to ask questions. Do your research beforehand.

Go the extra mile—don't just send out a generic resume to every job posting. In today's technological world, AI systems can detect certain keywords and might filter out your resume if it's not tailored appropriately. My job search took a whole year of applications, interviews, and a ton of rejections before I found a job. Understanding Canadian work culture and experience is important; it can be helpful to read about Canadian work ethics and culture before applying. Don't get discouraged, as it often takes several attempts before succeeding. Canada offers free services to newcomers for job application and resume review—take advantage of these resources. Rejection isn't necessarily a negative outcome; you can always ask for feedback on why you weren't selected, which can provide valuable insights. Some companies might even respond and give you constructive feedback.

In conclusion, be clear about what you're looking for, conduct thorough research, tailor your resume to each job, and don't hesitate to ask for help. The process may be tedious, but hard work is often required for rewarding outcomes.