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Maximize your Chances Tips on Pre-migration Job Search

As a prospective immigrant finding a job in Canada is of great importance to you. In fact, the effort put into finding employment in Canada even before you arrive should be viewed as an integral part of the immigration process. Conducting your job search with a qualified counsellor is a unique way to kick start your search for employment before you arrive. You are keeping ahead of the game by making yourself available to employers even before you are physically in the country. Although in most cases employment cannot be guaranteed but by positioning and strategizing you can cover lot of ground. It is very important to familiarize yourself with Canada’s labour market and the licensing requirements as it relates to your particular occupational interests.The competition for work within Canadian labour market area is extremely stiff, and as the population continues to grow you will find yourself needing all of the assistance you can get. If you're considering a move here, make certain that you have sustainable employment or informational interviews lined up before you arrive. The best way to determine the type of work that might be available for you, and how your skills match up with local employers' needs, is to prepare a resume and personally visit the area to meet up with up with potential employers or employment agencies. Most newcomers to Canada choose to settle in the larger Canadian cities - most often Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto. Canada is an extremely large country and the economy differs in the various regions of the country. In some areas, resource industries such as mining, forestry, or fishing provide most of the employment opportunities. In other areas, however, financial services, high technology industries and communications are the growth areas. While Ontario is traditionally the engine of Canada's economy - and the city of Toronto is the economic centre of the country - there are regional differences here as well. Rural and northern Ontario is much, much different than Toronto or Ottawa or Windsor for example. What you can do to make the transition to Canada easier is to:

Research Your Field - Find out what the labour market conditions are for the field you are interested in, within the region you are considering.
Find Out What the Requirements are to Practice Your Profession in Ontario - Each regulated profession in Ontario has different requirements, which you must meet in order to practice here.
Have Your Credentials Assessed Before You Leave Your Country!
In most cases, you can begin the application process of becoming recognized in your profession in Canada before you leave. This is will save you time once you are here, since it will be very difficult, if not impossible, to find work in your field if you are not recognized. Request an application package from the occupational regulatory body for your profession. Depending on the profession, you will probably be told that you can send the required documents to the regulatory body for assessment immediately and will be notified of the results while you are still in your home country.
Remember - even if you have already had your credentials assessed for immigration purposes, this does not take the place of assessments done by the professional regulatory body Provincially. To be certain that your education meets provincial standards, you must have your credentials assessed by the professional regulatory body.
Bring the Appropriate Documents and Contact Information With You When You Come to Canada!
If you have not already gone through the assessment process, you will have to do it when you arrive. Depending on the profession, you may be asked to submit to the occupational regulatory body. In some provinces you can start the registration process before you leave your country of origin.
A resumé.
A copy - usually an official copy - of your degree/diploma.
An official transcript from your university/college. (Usually directly from the institution to the occupational regulatory body.)
An official copy of current registrations, permits, licenses to practice in your field in your country of origin.
Letters or other documents which give details of your work experience.
Copies of letters of completion of continuing education (upgrading) courses.
The curriculum, or syllabus, of your college/ university program.
Collecting all of these documents can be time-consuming. If you come prepared, it will speed up the process.

What this means for you is that while you may have heard that Canada has a need for aerospace engineers, for example, it may turn out that opportunities for aerospace engineers only exist in certain regions of the country - thousands of miles from where friends or family have settled. Don't make the mistake of assuming that the same kinds of opportunities exist all over CanadaHere are some further tips for you to maximize success:

Have resume done professionally preferably by someone who is familiar with the terminology and knows the regional labour market.
If you are very confident that your resume marketable, send it for feed back to only qualified agencies who specialize in job search only not
Employ someone to represent you in Canada who can market you in your absence and act like a facilitator
Attend on line Career fares
Join associations in Canada, some associations provide associate memberships. This can really optimise your chances.
Research to find out the progressive employers with opportunities
Have a specific cover letter to accompany your Resume
Know your Interview Skills
Keep in mind, there is a hidden job market with most jobs not being advertised. Industries such as construction often hire employees on site. Visit the labour market websites for further information on job trends, salaries, and opportunities.
You will need to familiarize yourself with the 'Preparing for Change' concept before your arrival. This is a good way to get to know the Canadian work place culture and general way of doing business.
You should ask a qualified employment professional to help you with skills adaptation course and transferable skills, which should be tailored to your field.
Try and find out the cost of living in the area that you wish to settle.

Whatever the stage you are in the immigration process, pre migration job search can prepare you for the job market of the province of your choice and can land you a good position upon arrival in Canada. A formal evaluation system like Canada’s, these services can boost your chances for approval with the immigration officer. In order to satisfy yourself when shopping around

Make sure that service provider that you are using is always available to answer your questions over the phone or email on hand
You are receiving Job Search assistance form a reliable and honest employment counselling firm or counsellor with proper back ground in employment counselling or a professional who is accredited employment counsellor who has number of years training and can provide you with accurate information
Don’t be afraid to ask about their qualifications and experience. Most of the counsellors will be very happy to forward their information.
Ask to see references and feed back from past clients

In the end if you want to have a successful experience, be prepared to conduct an active jobsearch with the guidance of a counsellor and take charge. Canadian employers respond to job -seekers who are self -directed and have a positive outlook towards life in general. Remember most effective job search is done when you are well informed about the techniques and Canadian employer’s expectations. To get started start with research check out the Internet and newspaper links for their career sections, the job bank links or simply send an email.

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