Gaining professional experience: A newcomer’s perspective

By Ángela Colón |

Ángela Colón shares her personal experience about searching for work in Canada.

Two years ago, I arrived in Canada as an international student. Back in my home country, Colombia, I would apply for jobs online, network with companies via LinkedIn and ask my friends and contacts if they knew of any job opportunities related to my field.

It is not a secret that networking is highly important in Canada. Online job applications may work; however, they won’t give you the same success as if you arrange a meeting with a company’s staff and show your interest.

When I came to Canada, I had to develop new ways of expanding my network. As an immigrant, I decided to try the techniques used in this country to get a job. Here are some of the lessons I learned.

First lesson: work on your personal branding

Whenever you are applying to a job try to answer the question, “What makes me different from all the professionals of my field that are applying to the same job?” It is important to think about this aspect since the “what makes me unique” factor is what will make you stand out from the other applicants. Consider creating some self-branding tools such as business cards and a professional webpage or LinkedIn profile where you can showcase your portfolio.

Second lesson: attend networking events

They can be intimidating at the beginning if you haven’t gone to any in the past. When I first started to attend events like this, I didn’t know how to break the ice but the more I participated the more comfortable I became. Professional events will provide you with the opportunity to learn networking skills from other communication practitioners. These types of events usually give you the space to share your professional interests/aspirations and ask questions to other communicators about their experiences. Also, maximize your involvement and volunteer to help out at an event to meet more people.

Third lesson: arrange a coffee chat

During the first coffee chats I arranged, I discovered it was more important to get to know others instead of seeking a job opportunity right away. I was honest with the people I met, letting them know I was trying to expand my network here in Canada and see what professional opportunities are here in this country. Coffee chats might also help you to connect with other people who can mentor you and give you advice during your job-hunting process.

Fourth lesson: follow up

After you’ve made connections from networking events you joined or from coffee chats, it’s important to stay in contact. By following up on the meeting, you are showing your interest and commitment to this new experience, which may open the door to a professional opportunity.

It was through a networking event that I discovered IABC/Toronto and — thanks to it and after a couple of follow-ups — I joined the association as Manager, Multimedia and Writer.

My final recommendation is the book, The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster, by Steve Dalton. This book has a complete guide on job hunting and networking and gives you some advice on how to simplify your job search. I used some of its suggestions while I was living in Toronto and they really helped me to facilitate my networking process.

For all the newcomers to Canada who are on the job hunt, I wish you all the best!