Moving to a new country might be a fresh start with plenty of new opportunities, but settling in comes with its share of immigrant challenges. One of the big challenges for newcomers is finding a job due to demands for “Canadian experience” and adapting to “Canadian workplace culture.” Understanding these challenges and learning how to deal with them can make the process smoother and help newcomers find success.
The Job Market and the “Canadian Experience” Barrier
As I said above, one of the biggest challenges immigrants face in Canada is securing a job matched with their qualifications. A common barrier for newcomers is the “Canadian experience” requirements that Canadian employers expect. In some cases, your qualifications might be overlooked because you have not worked in Canada before. In other cases, it might have happened to you, you got the interview offer but couldn’t be successful. It means you already had the qualifications for the job but your problem was your soft skills didn’t match the Canadian culture. So, in both cases, it makes the employers worried that newcomers are not familiar with local practices or workplace norms, which can be frustrating for skilled candidates ready to contribute.
Why Canadian Workplace Culture Matters
Understanding Canadian workplace culture is key to success in the job market. Canada’s workplace values interpersonal skills such as respect, teamwork and open communication. Newcomers may find the Canadian workplace different from what they are accustomed to which is normal and it happens for almost everyone because every country has their own workplace culture and it needs us to adapt.
For newcomers, adjusting to these cultural differences can take time. Learning about workplace culture can bridge the gap between their own international experience and Canadian expectations. Of course, by gaining correct insight from highly trained professionals, newcomers can have a better understanding of how to navigate workplace interactions and make a positive impression in their job interviews.
The Importance of Interpersonal Skills
One of the highly valued skills by Canadian employers is interpersonal skills but you might ask why they put so much effort into this skill?! These skills are essential to building a relationship with colleagues and supervisors which lead to career growth. No one wants to communicate with a colleague who doesn’t know how to interact in a good manner. However, many newcomers face challenges in developing these skills due to cultural differences.
Programs that focus on interpersonal skills, such as communication techniques, active listening, and collaborative work practices, can be invaluable. Strengthening these skills not only helps the employers and supervisors to rely on you better but also ensures your success and makes you comfortable and confident in the Canadian workplace. Candidates who demonstrate strong interpersonal skill abilities, stand out to employers, as these skills contribute to a positive and productive workplace.
For newcomers trying to understand “how to live in Canada” as a foreigner and thrive in the Canadian job market, familiarizing themselves with workplace culture can be a game-changer.
Immigrants face unique challenges, but with the right preparation, they can turn obstacles into opportunities.
For individuals seeking to strengthen their interpersonal skills to succeed in Canadian communities, as well as manage their mental health and homesickness after immigration, there are resources available to help navigate these challenges. These resources can support you in becoming more focused on your personal and career life.
Check the links below:
https://training.workright.ca/learn
https://training.workright.ca/learn/public/learning_plan/view/72/surviving-and-thriving-in-canada
Living and working in Canada can be a rewarding experience if approached with persistence, adaptability, and a commitment to learning. Overcoming the challenges that immigrants face in Canada requires a combination of cultural understanding, skill development, and a proactive attitude toward networking. By taking these steps, newcomers can confidently find their place in Canada and maximize their professional opportunities.
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Author: Sara Hashemi