Open Competition
Canadian jobs are open to all regardless of color, height, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital status. However, knowing someone helps but is not a requirement. Newly-arrived immigrants may experience difficulties in job search because:
- they do not know how to apply for jobs
- they need time to learn the difference in culture and work ethics
- they do not know what Canadian employers are looking for
In Canada, qualifications and experience constitute the first half of the requirements. The second half is about:
Likeability: Canadians like to hire people they can get along with. Be cheerful and genuinely happy.
Enculturation: Canadians will hire you because you can fit, you can share a joke, participate in small talk etc. Be open-minded.
Attitude: Canadians are likely to reject a qualified person whose attitude is wrong.
What Can One Do to Integrate?
Very Important: Learn the cultural expectations of the Canadian work place
Equally Important: Take a lower job or volunteer in a desired field and utilize that time to learn Canadian work ethics.
Remember that job search requires commitment and discipline. No employer will hire you as a social class. Any time spent with your "unlucky friends" complaining about the "unfair" Canadian system is time wasted. Get out and find a job!