Immigrant Tips: Finding a Job in 2 weeks from landing

Patience is a virtue. This blog is long but you should take time to read it because you will surely find it useful.

Improve your Credentials

Before I discuss on how I managed to find a work related to my profession, let me tell you that before I took home the bacon, I persevered to improve my Canadian credentials first. I also took some pressure off myself when it came to getting a job and turned to different methods of making money. I researched into cryptocurrency mining (looking at goldshell kd5 for sale, etc) and what it can do for you financially, alongside other online earning prospects such as tutoring or selling clothes. I actually requested for an evaluation of my education and work experience from CPA Atlantic School of Business. In this way, I can gauge the specific requirements that I need in order for me to be certified soon.

I got my evaluation results before landing. I immediately enrolled for the bridging program starting this spring. I wanted potential employers to see me as one of the best candidates who will be a great asset to their companies. In Canada, as long as you are certified or working towards the certification, you are highly considered.

I also took other accounting certifications online or even abroad which are all accredited in Canada. Some of these are the CMA, Certified Bookkeeper, Certified Accounting Technician, to name a few. I got almost everything. I’m really serious in taking that Canadian level that I often hear from most stereotypes.

My strategy was to give potential employers the big assurance that my foreign credentials is exactly identical to what Canada has. I even took Canadian Taxation courses for this. I flew to other parts of Asia just to get one of it. Some may be online but most worthy certificates are not available in my home country (for you to take a written test).

As you can see, earning a permanent resident visa is not the end of your journey to Canada. You need to continuously improve and make yourself marketable. We may be at the disadvantage side as a newcomer, but we can break barriers if we do our homework and work to be the best.

Trust me, opportunities open doors to those who never settle for the average.

Resume Building Strategies

I attended various resume building sessions (deserved to be recognized: I love you CanPrep Program) relevant to the Canadian job market. I had to revise the resumes multiple times, and make the most of even more information and tips on making a strong cv, available online.

I asked for resumes of some New Brunswick (NB) people who I knew. You know, just to have an idea of what should be put into writing. It did work for them. However, as an accountant, I discovered that the resume format that I needed was incomparable to theirs (even if their resumes were reviewed in NB). Their resumes were perfect. It was ideal. But not in my case.

So i focused back on my own strategy. I always put into perspective that I should do what others can’t do or do not know that they can do. Before landing, I contacted accounting professionals, like these Toronto bookkeeping services, around Canada, and see if they can comment on my resume and give advices on how I can land an accounting job there. Out of 38 people, 7 responded positively and willingly helped me until I got my preferred job.

If you want how my resume works, you may drop your email at the comment box so I can send it to you. But I might write a separate blog on how to ace your resume.

Finding Work (Before landing)

I was not able to find work prior to landing. Based on my own experience, being a non-tech professional, I did not secure one. It’s because employers wanted to see accountants like me personally and take it from there. Again, it may not be applicable to you but this is purely based on my experience.

Finding work (After landing)

I did not waste my time after landing. I interviewed people already working in NB. The job market is limited. But it did not hinder me from doing my plan. I will never forget what my father told me: “you are a professional, use your brain. Don’t think like an average.”

I targeted all accounting and alternative field jobs. I submitted my applications online.

Some people told me that I can take survival jobs first so I can at least show the potential employers that I am already working in Canada. This is not bad. It’s actually the best idea compared to doing nothing. I did start getting this type of job during my first week from landing. I’m even doing one of those jobs just once or twice a week (up to this day). I did not want to use my settlement funds. It’s my lifetime savings, I just disagree on using it as settlement in literal terms.

Also during my first week, I emailed each interesting company that I found in a directory online. Regardless if they had a job vacancy or not. I sincerely approached them. Out of those 90 companies, 5-10% responded.

On my second week, the job interviews started. While the job market is really challenging in NB, I am blessed and grateful that I was shortlisted.

I did my best during interviews. I prepared and anticipated questions especially being a newcomer and having zero Canadian work experience. Finally, I got a job as an auditor. I did it full time for one week. But there’s an option that you can do it on a part time basis (casual – flexible schedule). So on my 3rd week, I finally received a job offer as an accountant.

The interview was really one of my toughest interview experiences of my lifetime. My technical side was tested so hard. My Canadian Taxation knowledge was really measured. The absence of Canadian work experience in accounting was highlighted. I did not even receive a positive feedback after the interview. The interviewer just told me that I will just be informed if chosen. During this time, I was not disappointed. I did my best and this was expected. After a few days, “Alas”, I achieved my goal. I was officially hired.

I’m now working as accountant and auditor (as part-time). I was hoping for this to happen but never expected it because I prepared myself for the worst case scenario.

I am not going to settle for this yet. While I’m enrolled at a bridging program, I’m learning more skills by volunteering, enrolling on short courses, still doing survival jobs – benefit of learning new perspectives and networking, and most importantly helping people and doing charity work at our local church here.

Never settle for the average. Always move two steps ahead.

Job Hunting Habits

– I checked the online job sites every 3 hours.
– I made different versions of resume (one focusing on accounting and the other one focusing on alternative jobs – skill based)
– Continuous improvement of resume
– Volunteering (considered as work experience)
– Active socialization and frequent visit to the library where hidden resources are available (to the point where my rule was to leave home early in the morning and go back late)
– Active use of Linkedin

Employment Counseling

I was not able to benefit from this one. I never received a call from a settlement organization until I was already working.

There’s a government-facilitated employment counseling so you must utilize it. Request for an appointment even if it takes forever. Again, I did not wait for them to set me up an appointment. I continuously did my own plan.

They may help you improve your resume and find work.

Conclusion

As an advice to newcomers, always control your emotions and never rush your landing. Prepare yourself first and make sure to maximize the benefits of pre-arrival services. The journey to Canada doesn’t end on earning an immigrant visa. You need to continuously improve your credentials to cut the barriers as a newcomer. Learn from the experiences of other people and use it as your guide to success.

Never get lazy. Landing in Canada is not yet the final destination. Having a work is not the end of it. Do your own research. You never know, you might have a better idea.

Always pray to God. It works.

Originally posted in grayninjaguidetocanada blog