“Lack of Canadian experience” is the phrase that many new immigrants dread to hear once they start applying for jobs. HR Professionals and Hiring Managers are the best people to explain the importance of Canadian experience for newcomers in finding a job in 2020 and beyond. So I reached out to a few of them and asked them to explain how newcomers can gain Canadian experience.
First, let’s go through a quick history of Canadian experience that spans over 20 years:
- 20 years ago, it was the phrase that Olga Stachova, CEO of MOSAIC ,heard when she arrived in Canada and struggled to find a job.
- In 2001 Statistics Canada released a study that showed that lack of Canadian experience was the most substantial barrier faced by new immigrants finding a job.
- In 2009 a UBC study also showed that Canadian employers value Canadian work experience over international work experience.
- In 2012, the OHRC surveyed requirements for Canadian experience and found that newcomers face this barrier in their job search and secure professional accreditation.
- In 2016 CBC covered a story on the Lack of Canadian experience as an obstacle to immigrant employment.
- In 2020 on quora and google, “How do I deal with lack of Canadian work experience” is one of the most asked new immigrants’ questions.
Is Canadian experience still relevant?
Could it be possible that Canadian experience is not as relevant as many new immigrants have been led to believe after all these years?
83% of the HR professionals said Canadian experience is somewhat important. HR Professionals believe that these qualities are more critical than Canadian experience:
- Effective Communication
- Positive Attitude & Professionalism
- Interpersonal Skills
- Teachability
- Cultural Fit
- Personal Connection
In my research, I have found that HR professionals and hiring managers use the phrase “Lack of Canadian experience,” when they mean any of the reasons above. Effective communication, Teachability and Interpersonal skills are more critical than Canadian experience and technical ability.
Here are some of the various views on the essential questions around Canadian experience.
What does Canadian experience mean to you?
Having worked in the Canadian market as a paid / volunteer role, where individuals have a reference or point of contact who can speak to the work done.
Having enough experience to know the norms of what it’s like to work in Canada, e.g. industry language, etiquette, business email writing, communication and office protocols.
"From a recruiter’s perspective, Canadian experience means the recruiter has a reference they can call for a reference check that’s in the same time zone and speaks the same language. Whether it is a professor, volunteer coordinator, or previous employer - it doesn’t matter as long as the recruiter can complete a reference check."
"Working in a Canadian company or with Canadian colleagues/colleagues who have worked in Canada for at least a substantial period, and on products and services that serve Canadians."
"Cultural adaptation"
How important is Canadian experience when hiring a candidate?
"It’s easier for employers to understand the work you have done when it happened in the North American context. There are ways to get this experience as a newcomer from volunteering to working in more transitional roles where one can build out one’s understanding of the local market so they can speak to it in interviews and coffee chats"
“Cultural adaptation and ability to display emotional intelligence— being open to feedback without taking things personally”
“The importance is the ability to complete a reference check. Many recruitment firms and companies require one or two reference checks that are preferably done over the phone.”
Knowing that there is less risk in hiring and less training required in the candidate because they are up to speed in Canadian working protocols specific to the industry and Canadian business culture.
“I think it depends on the type of work. Some roles, such as Business Development, require a deeper understanding of the local market, such as client needs. But if the candidate is very familiar with the product to be sold very well, the local experience is less important.”
How new immigrants can quickly gain Canadian experience when they arrive?
"Some of the best ways are to get involved in your new community, may it be through volunteering, working at a part-time job where one can meet new people. Community connections may also come from your areas of interest, going to a local gym and playing on a rec soccer team. Some may take classes that allow you to meet new folks as well. (classes don’t have to be professional designations, but something considered extracurricular too.) These attachments help with the cultural transition to your new city and home, opening doors to opportunities that might not otherwise be known.
“Exposure through volunteerism and/or learning via free courses or Mentorship programs via non-profit or professional organizations.”
“Volunteering, taking courses, enrolling in an academic program, temping, tutoring, house sitting, taking on contract roles. Try to build up your reference list and local network!”
“Volunteering or taking a course.”
“Volunteer/pro bono work”
Volunteering is key to gaining Canadian experience
Learning from these HR Professionals with a combined experience of over 50 years, I see the barriers to finding a job for new immigrants decrease. One of the key drivers in finding a job in a new country and challenging times is having a positive mindset.
While finding Canadian experience is essential to finding a job in Canada. It is not the Catch 22 that many people make it out to be. Canadian experience can be quickly gained through:
- Volunteering
- Taking Courses
- Taking Contract roles
- Building Community Connections
I emphasize the importance of building relationships for newcomers and show the things to avoid when building your professional network. Many new immigrants can accelerate their job search through volunteering. There are often volunteer director roles on the board of non-profits here in Canada. A great place to seek out volunteer roles is with your local community centre or library.
If you find it challenging to put yourself out there and meet new people, I recommend you read a few books.
Books to supercharge your networking skills.
Here are a few recommendations of books to develop your networking skills. Disclosure: Some of the links in this post included are affiliate links, and if you make a purchase, I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I recommend these products because I believe in their quality.
Never Eat Alone, Expanded and Updated: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success
Taking the Work Out of Networking: An Introvert’s Guide to Making Connections That Count
Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter
Hope these nuggets of wisdom from these 5 HR professionals will prepare you to successfully find a job in the competitive Canadian market. If you have other questions about how to find a job in Canada as a newcomer, let me know in the comment below.