The process of attaining Canadian experience for newcomers involves a few significant steps, while the intricacies of this process might appear daunting. On the whole, Canada provides a great deal of opportunities to newcomers. The valuable immigration pathways and programs have also escalated a new ray of hope for well-educated and skilled individuals coming to Canada. They tend to contribute to the economy and help combat the labor shortage due to the increase in the aging population.
Several immigration programs have helped Canada’s growth, including Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Programs.
Individuals who aspire to be in Canada for work purposes are primarily familiar with terms like Canadian-style resume. However, they don’t know much about the “Canadian experience.”

Let us first delve into the definition of Canadian experience.

Understanding the Canadian experience for newcomers

To begin with, there’s no specific or absolute definition of having “Canadian experience” as a newcomer. However, what is evident is that Canadian experience doesn’t indicate having any actual Canadian work experience. Let us understand what the Canadian experience suggests:

• Canadian experience is when you merge soft skills and the capability to demonstrate local work experiences. 
• Soft skills are primarily acquired through an individual’s life experience rather than training or instructions in the classroom. 
• Local work experiences include volunteering with a Canadian firm, completing education or bridging programs, and participating in a temporary, part-time, or survival job occupation.

Soft skills requirement

Essential soft skills for a Canadian experience include the following:

• Having a deep understanding of the work culture in Canada, including conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, exchange of feedback, leadership qualities, and the ability to solve problems effectively.
• Familiarity with Canadian slang, good communication skills in terms of English or French fluency, and jargon specifically for occupation.
• Immense knowledge related to local industry and market patterns.
• The potential to welcome diversity and multiculturalism, along with sensitivity toward different cultural mindsets.
• The ability and attitude to give back to the society and serve its people.
• Being a team member who can fit into the pattern of helping others, be polite and flexible toward people.
• Maintain strong connections at the workplace and also be able to control one’s body language, such as eye contact, smiling warmly at others, correct handshake with them, not intruding in someone’s personal space, and talking professionally.

Overall, the Canadian experience for newcomers implies that they must be proactive with social set-up and be well aware of the nuances of everyday life and culture in Canada.

The process of attaining Canadian experience for newcomers

You can start developing your Canadian experience as a newcomer in several ways. Some of the ways are as follows:

Choose to volunteer

The best way to mingle with other people from various backgrounds and cultures is through volunteer work. Meeting such individuals will be key to networking, and you will learn a plethora of things by interacting with them. In addition, you will improve your language proficiency, get an in-depth understanding of other cultural backgrounds, and obtain new skills relevant to your desired occupation.
Moreover, your job applications will have a different impact if you attach reference letters from Canadian organizations where you volunteered.
A crucial survey by Statistics Canada revealed that most respondents concluded their volunteer work boosted their skills.

The survey results are as follows:

• 64 percent of participants claimed that they experienced improvement in their interpersonal skills. 
• 44 percent of them revealed that the volunteer work enhanced their communication levels. 
• 39 percent of them said that they experienced a slight improvement in their ability to organize things. 
• 33 percent of respondents claimed that they experienced better fundraising skills. 
• 27 percent of them stated that they could do their technical or office work better after the volunteer work.
• 34 percent of participants revealed that they became more aware of topics such as women’s empowerment, health issues, politics, criminal justice, and the environment. 

Focusing on networking

To be well-acquainted with Canada’s local culture and existing market trends, one must be updated with networking apps like LinkedIn. This platform is best suited for new immigrants to connect with others born in the country or those having a considerable living experience here. Interact with other industry professionals to examine if you will need to attain certifications or licenses that are vital for your occupation. Besides, you must participate in industry fairs, workshops, events, and conferences to get a deep understanding of your local practices. Eventbrite and Meetup are great ways to learn about the ongoing events near you.

Virtual knowledge is a must

Stay in tune with the latest industry insights and key trends relevant to you through blogs, news, and digital forums. The routine news on television must not be overlooked as it can drastically improve your language skills, diction, and pronunciation, and stay tuned to the latest happenings in sports and politics too. Learning these things can surely help you initiate conversations with others.

Career guidance through Bridging programs

Bridging programs act as a link for new immigrants, connecting their international expertise with local opportunities. The government-supported settlement agencies and educational institutions across the country offer these Bridging programs. Furthermore, these programs provide them with guidance via virtual or physical sessions. Generally, each organization offers a variety of tailored programs to fulfill certain requirements. The official websites of these companies provide detailed information.

The following organizations provide Bridging programs to candidates:

• Federal Internship for Newcomers – A program offered by the Canadian government
• Skills For Change
• ACCES Employment
• JVS Toronto
• Ontario Bridge Training Program
• Seneca College Bridging Program
• Humber College Bridging Program
• Immigrant Services Association – Nova Scotia

Those individuals residing in Quebec can develop their Canadian experience by working at a practice firm. These firms provide opportunities for new immigrants to learn new skills and update their knowledge during their job search process. However, you will not receive any salary. Moreover, such firms offer a platform for unemployed people to work amidst commercial activities of actual business trading.

Part-time or temporary work

Navigating through part-time or temporary job roles appears to be a valuable path to Canadian experience. It would be a good idea to step back from your previous job roles when you were in your home country. This will give you more opportunities to engage in other job occupations, demonstrate your skills, and learn the local practices and language slang. Doing so will enable you to bridge any existing gaps in your resume and let you pursue your dream career.

When new immigrants arrive in Canada, they contribute to the country through their unique technical skills and enriching work experiences. Therefore, when Canadian recruiters seek candidates with Canadian experience, they are primarily looking for those who can handle teamwork while also being able to acquire the nuances of Canadian culture.

Following the process of attaining Canadian experience for newcomers is crucial. It can prove immensely beneficial if you only know your steps well in advance.

Do you have any queries on Canadian immigration? Get in touch with our immigration representatives at NavaImmigration by writing to us at [email protected].