"Be confident., learn how to showcase yourself, seize opportunities, and don’t give up," that was just some of the advice given to a group of newcomers at an employment networking event on June 18.
The event was organized by the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) and hosted by The Immigrant Welcome Centre (IWC) in Courtenay. It was called “Inspiring Futures: Immigrant Insights into the Canadian Job Market” and featured a panel of four newcomers who found success in their career paths. The guest speakers spoke to the audience about cultural differences they experienced in Canada, lessons they learned navigating the Canadian job market, and how to overcome frustration.
On the panel were Kam Singhania, a Senior Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, who told attendees not to underestimate the value of a tenacious attitude when interviewing for a job. Singhania, originally from Nepal, recalled one example of an unsuccessful applicant asking what she could do so that she would be successful next time. She ended up getting a position at the company.
“It’s good to focus on your academic background, but also explore new opportunities. Don’t limit yourself,” he said.
Also speaking was Hua Ao, who also goes by Sarah, who has owned and operated Comox Valley Cleaners since 2017. As an employer, she told the audience to make sure they spend time researching the job they want and to submit resumes that are specific to that job. Many times, she has received resumes that are obviously generic.
Sarah empathized with newcomers for whom English language has been a barrier to employment. She decided to be her own boss. Before coming to Canada, she took training courses for nearly a year in Shanghai on her days off work to prepare to become a business owner. “If you can’t find a satisfying job, maybe you can hire yourself.”
Eugen Shushko is an architect who came to the Comox Valley in 2022 from Ukraine. He initially worked unrelated jobs when he came to Canada, but finding a position in his field was a priority for him.
Shushko now works as a principal home designer at Cameron Contracting, and said the cultural differences between Ukrainian and Canadian workplace culture both helped and hindered him. The field of architecture is very competitive in Ukraine, so his skill level was not a barrier. He found his current position by networking through friends. In the workplace, he has had to adjust how he provides constructive criticism.
Rather than be straightforward, he has found that “I must speak more polite – ‘let’s see how we can solve this,’” he explains.
Finally, panellist Josie Jiang, senior manager of SD71’s International Student Program, told attendees how she moved to Canada from China in 2012 as an international student. She said one piece of advice that has remained with her is to apply for a job when you think you are 65 per cent qualified, rather than 85 per cent qualified or more. She also recommended asking a Canadian-born friend to review your resume if you have sent out 10 and have not received any requests for interviews. “There may be some cultural nuances.”
Shushko agreed. “The North American resume doesn’t look like a Ukrainian resume,” he said.
One attendee asked what they should do if they don’t have the Canadian certification but know they have the experience and skills for a job. Jiang recommended looking at the wording in the job description: does it say a certification is required, or an asset? She also said there is no harm in calling the employer and requesting to meet before applying.
Jiang told the group not to underestimate the value of coming from another country with a different perspective and new ideas. “You really need to be confident. You are unique and you have so much to give.”
