Photo credit: Batul Moosajee
Looking for a new job can be a full time job in itself. However, looking for a new job in a new country is a whole different task. Many people in the industry struggle with having the adequate years of experience for a position but it can become more challenging when the years of experience need to be Canadian based. A lot of our CPRS Toronto members are not originally from the city, and one of our out-of-country volunteers broke down five of her best tips and tricks to help you secure a PR job in Canada:
1. Job hunt as if it’s your full time job
When job hunting, start by ironing out your resume. Conduct research about the expectations of the industry you’d like to work in. Make sure to keep your resume to one page (maximum two pages) and include all the important aspects of your education, work experience, skills and volunteer work. Use job sites such as Indeed.ca or LinkedIn to find qualifying jobs, send out your resume and tailored cover letter to as many companies as possible. Keep in mind, there’s a one in 100 chance you’ll receive a response.
2. Reach out – don’t be shy
Connect with professionals via LinkedIn. Don’t limit yourself to people within your profession, reach out to individuals with different expertise to broaden your network. When you connect, make sure to send a personalized message request. Also, don’t be shy to request an informational interview over coffee with an expert in the industry. These meetings are a great network building asset as well as an opportunity to stay on top of current industry trends.
3. Network with like-minded professionals
Explore and attend as many networking events as possible. Use Eventbrite and the CPRS event page to find networking events nearby. Attending these events may be uncomfortable in the beginning but the best way to become at ease is to break the ice. Take the time to invest in some quality business cards as a way for people to remember you. They are a great opportunity to show personal style and also make lasting connections at networking events. After the event, connect with new colleagues on LinkedIn and include a personal anecdote about your conversation together.
4. Volunteer your time and skills
The most effective way to gain work experience in Canada is through volunteering. Sign up to volunteer for events related to your field of interest. Public relations professionals have lots of options for one-off volunteering events or a prolonged volunteer experience. Organizations such as TEDxToronto, TIFF and CPRS Toronto all offer volunteer opportunities related to the industry. Volunteering is a chance to connect with people from different backgrounds, while expanding your personal network and gaining invaluable experience.
5. Work part-time
Look for a part-time job in any industry. Working part-time while job hunting has multiple benefits although it may seem counter intuitive at first. First and foremost, a part-time job keeps you afloat financially, but it can also teach you basic Canadian office politics. A part-time job is a great way to learn and expand on many transferable skills such as working under pressure, managing a team or problem solving.
Although securing a job in a new country is not always easy, these five tips offer insight on how to tackle the situation and take advantage of new opportunities. Connecting with the right people and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is always the best way to display your skills. Don’t forget, job hunting is a full-time job in itself!
Written by: Sakina Adnan, Volunteer, CPRS Toronto