What does “Canadian Experience” mean?
Is it accurate to say that you are new to Canada, or considering moving here for an occupation? You ought to realize that businesses here might inquire as to whether you have “Canadian work experience”, but what does this actually mean? You may have years of work experience and legitimate qualifications from your country, however, that may not be sufficient to persuade Canadian bosses of your value.
What does “Canadian Experience” mean to employers?
“Employers look for Canadian workplace experience so that employees are familiar with workplace culture, social cues, and expectations.” This is according to Jeffrey Lee and Employment Specialist/Practicum Coordinator at CDI College in Burnaby, British Columbia. Since various societies may have diverse methods for handling situations, “newcomers with ‘Canadian workplace experience’ are seen as being more capable of getting along with the workgroup,” Lee adds. He additionally noticed that having your expert accreditations and training verified in Canada is essential as well. Peter Dudka, acting Program Manager at Polycultural Immigrant & Community Services in Toronto points out that there are other aspects to Canadian experience too. He says employers favor the following:
- Fluency in English or French, depending on what province you’re in,
- This does not mean that you will necessarily need a Bachelor’s degree, but even a short course can help you stand out from other employees.
- Narrowed down specialization. Specializing in a particular area of your career can put you ahead of the rest. Lastly, Dudka adds “the art of selling yourself, which is foreign to many newcomers in Canada. It is related to the previous point: you need to be able to clearly highlight your strengths in one particular field.”
Getting a “Canadian Experience”
No Canadian experience, no job. It’s a problem that thousands of newcomers face every year. Luckily there are approaches to conquer this barrier. Jeffrey Lee, who has helped many internationally-trained professionals find employment, sheds some light on the situation by saying “Many recent immigrants can start by volunteering with various charitable organizations, offering their expertise for a variety of projects.” Lee suggests going to an expert tutoring group where skilled immigrants are matched with local professionals, to discuss how to prepare for their occupation. Lee also recommends volunteering at a business related to your desired profession.
Taking any job to get “Canadian Experience”
Getting started, you may need to think about taking a lower level of occupation. While it might be a step-down, it deciphers into Canadian experience.
More on “Canadian Experience"
Some industries such as IT may be a lot more lenient where experience is concerned. Currently, European-trained engineers may have a less demanding time to get their certifications recognized than ones prepared in Asia or the Middle East. Working in this extraordinary nation can be heavenly. There is a wide range of highs and limited lows.