A new report offers insights into the things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market. 

The report, titled ‘Talent to Win,’ was compiled by Deloitte and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and published in October.  

The authors interviewed around 40 leaders from diverse sectors, such as financial services, energy, mining, technology, higher education, and public service, to investigate the underutilization of immigrant skills in Canada and possible solutions to the problem. 

Although the report primarily examines how Canadian businesses can better ‘engage, employ, and retain’ newcomers, the findings also highlight ways newcomers can excel in Canada’s job market. Here are some key takeaways for newcomers. 

Seek Training & Mentorship 

Challenge: 

As per the report, the ‘lack of proper onboarding, training, and mentoring’ poses challenges for retaining immigrants and helping them succeed. 

The authors of the report acknowledged that this lack of in-job training affects all employees. Still, they also point out that newcomers suffer more, for newcomers have a higher need for ‘clear and structured initiation into Canadian professional culture.’ 

Solution: 

Newcomers could try looking for mentorship or training – be it inside a company or outside – that could help familiarize them with Canadian workplace expectations. 

Networking with professionals in an industry – or even approaching a settlement agency with experience helping newcomers find jobs – can go a long way.  

Base Your Job Search Around Skills Rather Than Job Titles

One of the things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market is to base their job search around skills instead of job titles. 

Challenge: 

The report mentions that newcomers seem unfamiliar with transferable skills, a sentiment echoed by many of the leaders interviewed. 

The report further stated that this causes immigrants to apply for the exact job they had in their country of origin, skipping over other valuable roles they might secure. 

Solution: 

Newcomers might wish to do some research into transferable skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication and highlight these in resumes and interviews. 

They can also widen their job search to include roles that they have no previous experience in, which will provide them with more opportunities for success. 

Translate International Experience Into Canadian Equivalent

Challenge: 

Leaders interviewed in the report stated that they struggled to translate the skills and experiences newcomers had in their home countries to a Canadian equivalent. 

It further stated that employers often prefer alumni from prestigious firms or universities. Still, even the most open-minded Canadian hiring manager will have trouble assessing the prestige of a Senegalese bank or Malaysian university. 

The report goes on to state that even large employers might find credentials or experience uncertainty to be a significant risk. 

Solution: 

Newcomers could take some time to explain the international experience in terms familiar to Canadian employers and provide context about previous institutions and roles. 

For instance, stating ‘biggest bank in Senegal’ or ‘oldest university in Malaysia’ might help a recruiter or hiring manager better appreciate the applicant’s work experience or education respectively. 

Highlight International Experience As An Asset 

Another one of the things newcomers can do to succeed in the Canadian job market is to highlight international experience as an asset. 

Challenge: 

It’s no secret that Canadian work experience is sought after in the labor market, and lack of it can be challenging. 

However, the report serves as a reminder about the significance of international experience and how it can actually be a huge secret for companies looking to expand in new markets. 

The report states that the newcomers can be particularly valuable in supporting international expansion. 

Solution: 

Newcomers can work on highlighting their international work experience and global learnings.

Emphasize problems dealt with in previous international roles as well as the solutions and how these learnings can be relevant to a new role. 

Look For Companies That Value Diversity 

Challenge: 

There are many companies in Canada that recognize the significance of newcomers in their teams. 

One of the participants in the report stated that they have tons of data showing that teams with more global experience perform better and make more money.  

However, finding the right company might be a challenge. 

Solution: 

Look for employers who go out of their way to support newcomers’ holistic well-being. For instance, companies that work with newcomer settlement agencies to ensure that their employees have access to recreation and support services. 

Some features to look out for are language training, accessible childcare, or employment support for spouses. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].