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General Advice Sample CV 

Cross cultural specialist Mari tells you below what it takes to get a job in the country well-known for its ‘Multicultural flavor’. However, you need to truly love  Canadian and  Canada  to find a job as foreign job seeker, because jobs are not abundantly present and salaries are not too high in this economy.

Job hunting in Canada

One of the best ways of finding work  in Canada you’ll soon discover is through networking. For an outsider, developing such contacts may be difficult at first.  Try to volunteer. Volunteering can be the antidote to diminished self-esteem, and  it also gets you well connected. You develop a network with other volunteers and agencies so there are shared core values.

However, perseverance after that is often rewarded, as the initiative demonstrated is in itself a recommendation. Speculative applications are likewise often successful.  When you apply for a job make use of a very formal style for your letter and include impressive references with your speculative application. In particular, when accompanied by a good recommendation (“Mentor”) from someone familiar to the company, such as a comunity or social worker,  university professor, a friend, a member of the family, or a company executive, your speculative application stands a greater chance.  An introduction of a well-known person is extremely effective, know that because in Canada the emphasis is more on ‘who’ you know, than on ‘what’ you know (although as a foreign job seeker the right qualifications are essential, even if you have some distant Canadians relatives …).

Furthermore, be aware of the large economical differences between the West  and the East coast of  Canada.

The Cover Letter
In general a  cover letter  should create enough interest to make the potential employer want to look at your application in more detail and hopefully invite you for an interview. Your cover letter, however, should not provide too much information about experience and qualifications; this will be provided in your Resume.

The style of the covering letter must be  conventional and formal, almost with stately English or French language. Explain briefly what can you do for the company and why you are interested in the job and the company. But leave the full explanation about your  deep motivation until the interview when it can be given orally. In  Canada, the information will be better  presented in verbal form. It’s also a test of your language or  communications skills.  Likewise, copies of  certificates, diplomas and references should not be bring or sent together with your cover letter and  resume (CV), but should be brought to the first interview. Of course, if you have really impressive testimonials do send them with your letter.

The covering letter must be typed –  Never an employer  will requests a hand-written letter. The letter should be kept short (1/2 to maximum one page). Application forms are hardly used, except by some (foreign) multi-national firms.

The recruitment process tends to be tedious (long or boring), up to two months. You should check carefully what kind of time delay to expect for a response.

The Resume, Portafolio o Curriculum Vitae (CV)
There are no strict rules for resumes  in Canada. But a resume is best received when it is brief,  two pages long ¬ AND NOT MORE. although online portafolios of four or five pages are not uncommon either ¬ and in chronological order Do not include in your personal details such as your date and place of birth, your nationality,  or your civil status. Do make sure that  your telephone number (including international access code) are. Hobbies are mentioned in your resume  A photo is not requested.

The Application Procedure
The recruitment procedure usually consists of two to three interviews and some psychometric, skills tests. Be prepared for questions about your motivation. As far as qualities are concerned Canadiann employers look for enthusiasm, communication and relationship skills. A fairly informal atmosphere is general, with each recruiting officer following his/her own, usually intuitive style. Only if the personality of the candidate is deemed apt, the recruiter will continue to look at his/her professional experience. Hence the importance to establish good personal rapport during the interview for the interviewee.

Pay a lot of attention to your appearance for the interviews; image says a lot . The way you are dressed is of significant importance for a Canadian employer, it shows your true interest for the job! Salaries are rarely discussed at the first interview, and please do not ask for this!

On-line applications are very  common. In fact, a lot of job agencies, but also employers who publish their vacancies on-line provide the opportunity to complete the job application form on-line.

If we got you started on Canada – think about ordering the guide ”Looking for work in Canada”.

Marisol Diaz  is  an experienced workshop presenter, specialized information publisher, and  a SOHO specialist. She also  has been writing on Canada settlement and  immigration law since 2006. contact her @ hinenisyndicator@gmail.com. You can improve your Canada job search through the   Canadian database  for Int’l  Professional or Hineni CED ,  a Paid Content   or Informational Services site run by Hineni Media.

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