Finding a new job can be a scary process, especially for foreign professionals seeking work opportunities abroad.
As a career coach and recruiter specializing in assisting foreign nationals to secure Canadian employment, I have met many job applicants from all over the world that believe the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program is the best route to take in jumpstarting their careers, and more importantly for some, realizing their dreams of coming to a country like Canada…the land of opportunity.
Although the world wide web is laden with sites, blogs and posts referring to technical processes, requirements and government regulations on the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program, I have found very few resources that one might consider ‘understandable’ for a foreigner considering temporary employment in Canada.
Some of the most common questions I am asked by candidates seeking employment here in the great white north are:
- How long will this process take?
- How much is this process going to cost me?
- Can I become a Permanent Resident in Canada?
- How will I be selected for the job?
- How do I obtain a VISA to come to Canada?
- The list goes on, and on, and on, and on…………………….
Foreign workers, do not fear. You are not alone in asking these questions. Surprisingly, there are many Canadian employers out there who also have limited knowledge of the TFW program. With complicated government processes that need to be followed closely coupled with such a fierce number of competitors out there searching for the same type of fantastic talent, many employers are unfamiliar with the possibility of hiring foreign staff to revitalize their workforce, and so can sometimes be unresponsive when receiving your applications for that ‘dream job’ you’ve seen posted on the Canadian Job Bank.
While there are many steps a foreign worker can take to help their profile stand out to a Canadian employer, one of the most effective ways to approach your search is by partnering with a reputable and ethical recruitment agency. Some of the incentives in working with a foreign recruitment agency include assistance with resume building, personalized career coaching services and even immigration assistance. You may also gain exposure to job openings that would not normally be advertised on your usual career based websites.
Keep in mind, however, that Canada is one of the top locations for employment the world over, and for that reason is a highly competitive global marketplace, especially for foreigners. Although your goals for 2011 may be focused on getting a great job offer from a prestigious Canadian employer in order to support family back home, before you invest too much time in applying for mysterious vacancies seen posted online, be sure to carefully assess your potential for securing work abroad, and more importantly, assess your potential for subsequent Canadian immigration.
Some things to consider as you further ponder this life changing decision are:
Your Assets to Securing Canadian Employment
Education– Do you have a college degree? Have you had years of training in a particular industry? Be sure that this education is documented in the way of Sealed Diplomas and official Transcripts of Records from colleges/ universities you have attended in the past
Motivation– Do you truly have the drive and passion that it takes to thrive in a new country and work environment? Only the most ambitious of global applicants are successful at securing their dreams of Canadian employment
Unique Skills/ Abilities– Do you bring something to the table through your work that is desperately needed here in Canada? If your English communication skills are strong, then your expertise in a certain industry could be a large benefit to the Canadian economy.
Clear Standing for Immigration– If you are in good physical health, with no criminal background, ties to your home country and funds to support your immigration, than Canadian employment might be a more realistic option than you originally thought
Once you have truly assessed your realistic potential of securing Canadian employment, you are now in a position where you may wish to partner with one of these aforementioned ethical recruitment agencies. Remember that it is absolutely illegal for an employer or recruiter in Canada to charge you fees associated with a job placement. Furthermore, make sure you do your homework on a particular employer or agency before accepting a job offer that may lead you to invest precious time and money on visa applications, travel expenses, etc. In Canada knowledge is power. Don’t become a victim in 2011. Take the correct steps to ensure your job search is handled efficiently and responsibly.
For more information on whether working with an agency is right for you, to apply for a job and for useful tips on the Canadian Temporary Foreign Worker Program, contact Diamond Global Recruitment Group today.
Nadia Childs- Career Coach/ Recruiter: [email protected]
*This article is part of an ongoing series written by an expert in the field of foreign recruitment.
