I moved to Canada from Ireland a few weeks ago. I am a qualified psychotherapist and have been job searching on every website I can access. Most people tell me that these days one has to know people in order to get a job. I am wondering if this is the case? I do not know many people in Canada and do not even know where to begin networking for jobs without feeling like I am using people for my own end. Any advice would be sincerely appreciated.

Welcome to Canada, eh!

You’re going to love it here (apart from the weather — invest in some good winter wear). You will find that Canada is not very different from most other industrialized countries, and it has a lot of very nice people who will be willing to help you find your first job. Being new need not preclude you from getting a job — the economy is good here, and there are opportunities out there for everyone.

Start with what (and who) you know

Recognize from the start that as an immigrant from another country, you have much more to deal with than other job seekers who are already established in Canada. If you haven’t already, you have to learn many new things that you previously took for granted in your home country — including the most basic tasks such as setting up a bank account, installing a telephone line and Internet access, and getting a driver’s license or credit card. This can put even more stress on the already stressful situation of a regular job search, so try to get all the help you can from those you already know, including support from friends and family.

As soon as you do have that telephone line and Internet access set up, start using them to help your job search. If you have experience in a particular profession, such as yours, perform a search on the web for Canada + [your profession]. Many times professional associations in other countries will have affiliations with their Canadian counterparts. In fact a great way to start your networking program is to contact your professional association in your former country and ask them if they can put you in touch with their Canadian equivalent. This will give you some great network contacts to start your job search off on the right foot.

Don’t rely exclusively on job boards, and certainly don’t simply take your old resume or CV and simply post it. Sometimes it can even appear to employers as if the candidate hasn’t even left their country of origin. Many employers simply move on, unwilling to take the risk of a candidate with no local experience.

Need experience in getting experience

Most new immigrants face this concern of having little or no direct Canadian experience. The Canadian government has recognized that Canada’s immigrant professionals offer a vast pool of experience and expertise, and have created many “fast-track” programs to qualify professionals to work in Canada quickly, based on their previous education and experience. This includes healthcare workers, engineers, accountants, and many other professional groups. Go to the Canadian government website for more information. Also, take a hard look at your resume and try to adapt it to Canadian standards.

Don’t wait for opportunity to knock on your door, go to her place instead!

The key to success is setting up the right networking strategy and asking the right questions. The fact that you “don’t know anybody” should not hold you back. Start with who you do know. Your status as an expatriate gives you the ability to reach out to cultural groups and organizations that are filled with people who have already gone through what you are currently facing. They are likely very willing to help out fellow expats. They will no doubt know resident Canadians and can help you start your network. Refer back to the Q&A archive for some great articles on Networking — you will be following the same path as everyone else, but perhaps starting off from a different place. Before you even leave your home country, it’s useful to start laying the groundwork to get connected. Talk to friends and family and tell them that you’re moving to Canada — often they will know someone already in Canada — that’s how networking works.

Be a good Canadian and volunteer

One method to gain some Canadian experience AND meet new people is to volunteer at a nonprofit organization. Keep your eyes and ears tuned to the cultural and language differences, and start adapting to this new reality. The quicker you assimilate, the easier it will be to get accepted by an employer.

It does take more perseverance than most job seekers, but just like everyone else in the job market, mitigate your weaknesses and use your strengths to your best advantage, including, in your case, a little bit of Irish luck!

Mitchell Stephenson M.A., CPCC, is a senior partner and a certified professional career counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a career transition, counselling, and outplacement firm. Mitch has been involved in human resources, career counselling and coaching in the health and legal sectors for many years. To contact him, visit: www.catalystcareers.ca.

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