Professional Documents
Culture Documents
My Resource Package
My Resource Package
www.newcomersuccess.ca
July 2014
Copyright 2007 by Colleges and Institutes Canada (formerly the Association of Canadian Community Colleges). All rights
reserved. This document is protected under the copyright laws of Canada and other countries as a published work and contains
information that shall not be reproduced, published, used in the preparation of derivative works, and/or distributed, in whole or in part, by
the recipient for any purpose other than to evaluate this document. Further, all information contained herein is proprietary and confidential
to CIIP and may not be disclosed to any third party. Exceptions to this notice are permitted only with the express, written permission of
CIIP and Colleges and Institutes Canada
CONTENTS
Map Of Canada .......................................................................................................................... 1
My CIIP Online Resource Worksheet:......................................................................................... 2
What Factors Influence Your Destination Choice? .................................................................... 18
What Do You Know About Canada? ......................................................................................... 19
What Factors Influence Your Occupation Choice? .................................................................... 21
My Readiness for a Job ............................................................................................................ 22
My Essential Skills .................................................................................................................... 23
Communication Skill Exercise Option 1 .................................................................................... 24
Communication Skill Exercise Option 2 .................................................................................... 25
Settlement Document Checklist ................................................................................................ 26
Leveraging Social Media for Networking and Job Search ......................................................... 27
My Skills Inventory .................................................................................................................... 28
Cover Letter .............................................................................................................................. 29
Types of Resumes .................................................................................................................... 30
Chronological Resume Example ............................................................................................... 31
Functional Resume Example ................................................................................................... 33
Combination Resume Example................................................................................................. 34
Interviews ................................................................................................................................. 35
One-Minute Commercial Exercise ............................................................................................ 36
Interview Tips ........................................................................................................................... 37
My Cultural Adapatation............................................................................................................ 38
Canadian Workplace Norms and Soft Skills .............................................................................. 40
GO Key Actions ........................................................................................................................ 42
My Action Slides ....................................................................................................................... 43
Start Preparing Ahead .............................................................................................................. 45
The Job Hunt ............................................................................................................................ 46
Networking Leads to Job Success ............................................................................................ 47
Soft Skills are highly Valued in Canada .................................................................................... 48
My Path After CIIP .................................................................................................................... 49
MAP OF CANADA
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provinces_and_territories_of_Canada
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
My Job Prospects
National Perspective
Pan Canadian
Federal Government:
www.canada.gc.ca
Service Canada:
www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Canadian Trade Commission Service Information about Canadian Economy and Industries:
http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/home.jsp
Pr
ov
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ci
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P
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tiv
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Provincial Government:
www.gov.nl.ca
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Immigration Portal:
www.nlimmigration.ca/
Immigration Portal:
www.opportunitiespei.ca/#2
Newcomers Guide:
www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/popsec_welcom_e.pdf
Island Life:
www.gov.pe.ca/islandlife/
Tourism PEI:
www.tourismpei.com/index.php3
Nova Scotia
Provincial Government:
www.gov.ns.ca
Immigration Portal:
novascotiaimmigration.ca/immigrants/
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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New Brunswick
Provincial Government:
www.gov.nb.ca
Immigration Portal:
www.gnb.ca/Immigration
Newcomers Guide:
http://www.welcomenb.ca/content/wel-bien/en/immigrating_and_settling/publications.html
Nunavut
Nunavut Territory Government:
www.gov.nu.ca
Nunavut Tourism:
http://www.nunavuttourism.com
Qubec
Provincial Government:
http://www.gouv.qc.ca/portail/quebec/pgs/commun/?lang=en
Immigration Portal:
www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.html
Ontario
Provincial Government:
www.gov.on.ca
Immigration Portal:
www.ontarioimmigration.ca
Orientation to Ontario:
www.orientationontario.ca/
Welcome to Ontario:
www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/publications/docs/welcometoontario/Welcome-toOntario.eng.pdf
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Northwest Territories
Territory Government:
www.gov.nt.ca
Manitoba
Provincial Government:
www.gov.mb.ca/
Immigration Portal:
www.immigratemanitoba.com
Neighbourhoods Of Winnipeg:
now.winnipeg.ca
Travel Manitoba:
www.travelmanitoba.com
Saskatchewan
Provincial Government:
www.gov.sk.ca/
Immigration Portal:
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca
Saskatchewan Communities:
www.saskbiz.ca/communityprofiles/SELECT_a_Region.asp
Saskatchewan Economy:
www.enterprisesaskatchewan.ca/economy
Alberta
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Provincial Government:
www.gov.ab.ca
Immigration Portal:
www.albertacanada.com/immigration
Urban Communities:
www.albertacanada.com/immigration/choosing/province-urban-communities.aspx
Rural Communities:
www.albertacanada.com/apps/map/
Yukon
Territory Government:
www.gov.yk.ca
Immigration Portal:
www.immigration.gov.yk.ca
Yukon Communities:
http://travelyukon.com/About/Yukon-Communities
Travel Yukon:
http://travelyukon.com/
British Columbia
Provincial Government:
www2.gov.bc.ca/
Immigration Portal:
www.welcomebc.ca
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Career Planning
Pan Canadian
An Essential Workbook for Newcomers:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/workbook-national.pdf
Work BC: (when log in box appears press cancel and website will take you to the page)
www.workbc.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Career Cruising:
www.careercruising.com
My Job Readiness
Skills
Pan-Canadian
Colleges and Institutes Canada: www.collegesinstitutes.ca/
Education in Canada:
www.cicic.ca/382/education-in-canada.canada
Discover Tourism Thinking about Management Quiz (free assessment of your management
skills):
discovertourism.ca/en/interactive_zone/take_tourism_career_quiz/thinking_about_management#.U
mV62BbvyCc
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Nova Scotia
ISIS Work Placement Program:
www.isisns.ca/employment/for-immigrants/work-placement-program/
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists
(IEMLTs): http://bridging.nbsmlt.nb.ca/index.html
Ontario
Ontario Work in Your Profession Bridge Programs:
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/OI_BRIDGE.html
Manitoba
Manitoba Job Preparation Toolkit: www.gov.mb.ca/tce/jobseek/jobprep.html
Saskatchewan
Your Occupation in Saskatchewan:
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/your-occupation-in-saskatchewan/
Alberta
Immigrant Bridging Programs:
http://humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/Calgary-etcs-immigrant-bridging-excerpt.pdf
British Columbia
Skills Connect for Immigrants:
www.welcomebc.ca/skillsconnect
Credential Recognition
Pan Canadian
Getting your credentials assessed:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/credentials/index.asp
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Self Assessment Readiness Tools (SART) - For Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals:
www.atlanticcanadahealthcare.com/default.asp?mn=1.20.326
Licensure
Nova Scotia
Working in Your Field Pathways to Licensure & Profession-Specific Programs:
www.isisns.ca/employment/for-immigrants/professionals/
New Brunswick
Foreign Qualification Recognition and Regulated Occupations in New Brunswick:
www.welcomenb.ca/content/welbien/en/immigrating_and_settling/working/foreign_qualification_recognition.html
Ontario
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Global Experience Ontario Help for internationally trained individuals to qualify for professional
practice:
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/geo/index.htm
Northwest Territories
Getting Your Credentials Recognized:
http://immigratenwt.ca/en/working-northwest-territories/getting-your-credentials-recognized
Manitoba
Regulated Professions: www.manitobafairnesscommissioner.ca/for-internationally-educatedprofessionals/ and www.manitobafairnesscommissioner.ca/regulators-2/
Saskatchewan
Regulated Occupations and Trades in Saskatchewan:
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/is-my-occupation-regulated/
Alberta
International Medical Graduate Program:
www.cpsa.ab.ca/services/Registration_Department/IMGs.aspx and www.aimg.ca/ and
www.med.ualberta.ca/programs/residency/postgraduateprograms/aimg
Yukon
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Professional Licensing:
http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/consumer/pl.html
British Columbia
Regulated Occupations in B.C.:
www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/labourmobility/docs/AIT_OccupationsRegulators.pdf
Pan Canadian
Language
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia Language Training:
http://novascotiaimmigration.com/live-here/language-training/
New Brunswick
Ontario
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
Manitoba
English Language Classes in Winnipeg: www.welarc.net/eal-classes-in-winnipeg/index.html
English Online:
http://www.myenglishonline.ca/for-learners/
Saskatchewan
Learning English:
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/enhanced-language-training and
www.saskimmigrationcanada.ca/learning-english
Alberta
Improving Your English:
albertacanada.com/immigration/living/education-improving-english.aspx and
www.norquest.ca/programs/Programs_Descriptions/English_Language_Training.htm and
bowvalleycollege.ca/programs-and-courses/esl.html
Yukon
Learning English:
www.immigration.gov.yk.ca/learning_english.aspx
British Columbia
Study English as a Second Language in BC:
www.welcomebc.ca/Immigrate/study-in-bc/study-english.aspx and
www.vcc.ca/programs-courses/college-programs-area.cfm?DIV_ID=5
Pan Canadian
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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www.getvolunteering.ca
www.charityvillage.ca
Hire Immigrants:
www.hireimmigrants.ca
Nova Scotia
Professional Mentorship: www.isisns.ca/employment/for-immigrants/professional-mentors/
New Brunswick
Business Immigrant Mentorship Programs:
www.welcomenb.ca/content/welbien/en/immigrating_and_settling/business/business_supportprograms.html
Ontario
Mentoring Programs:
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/OI_EMPLOYERS_MENTORING.html
Find a Mentor:
www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/OI_HOW_WORK_MENTOR.html
Manitoba
Saskatchewan
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Alberta
CRIEC Connects - Calgary:
www.criec.ca/
British Columbia
Workplace Connections Mentoring Program:
www.mosaicbc.com/looking-work/workplace-connections-mentoring-program
Pan Canadian
Your First Two Weeks in Canada Video:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/multimedia/video/settlement/twoweeks.asp
Culture Shock:
integration-net.ca/coa-oce/english/pdf/03culture.pdf
Canada Benefits:
www.canadabenefits.gc.ca
Apartment Rentals:
www.kijiji.ca and www.padmapper.com/
Boardwalk rental communities (Apartments for rent in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario,
Saskatchewan):
www.bwalk.com/
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Settlement Agencies:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/map/services.asp
My Job Search
Pan Canadian
Finding a Job in Canada:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/pub/workbook-national.pdf
Job Bank:
www.jobbank.gc.ca/prov-eng.aspx?OpPage=50&Stdnt=No
Recruitment Agencies:
www.recruitmentagencies.ca/
Skills International connects internationally educated professionals with employers who need
their skills:
www.skillsinternational.ca
www.monster.ca
www.careerbuilder.ca/
www.eluta.ca/
www.careeraim.com
www.careerbeacon.com/
www.wowjobs.ca/
www.simplyhired.ca/
www.jobs.ca
www.indeed.ca
www.jobshark.ca
www.educationcanada.com/ (Education only)
Pan Canadian
How Do I Search for Jobs: http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/content_pieces-eng.do?lang=eng&cid=203
Winning Rsums:
www.bcjobs.ca/career-advice/winning-resumes/
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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Rsums:
www.employeeservices.gov.sk.ca/resume
Interview Questions:
www.douglas.bc.ca/services/co-op/job-search-tips/interview-questions.html
Interviewing:
www.workopolis.com/work.aspx?action=Transfer&View=Content/Common/ResourceCentre/career
911/interviewing/InterviewIntroView&lang=EN
My Job Retention
Pan Canadian
Canadian Workplace Culture:
discovertourism.ca/en/come_work_in_canada/canadian_workplace_culture
Adapting to Canada:
www.cnmag.ca/adapting-to-canada/1528-how-canadian-is-your-way
Workplace Culture:
www.skillsconnect.ca/seeking-employment/workplace-culture
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Cross-Cultural Teamwork:
http://triec.ca/find-solutions/for-employers/learning/training-videos/cross-culturalteamwork/?utm_source=triec&utm_medium=rightSidebar&utm_campaign=relatedContent
Rights
Pan Canadian
Your Guide to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms:
www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1356631760121/1356631904950
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
Directions: Please take a few moments to consider what factors you would like to influence
your choice of destination in Canada. List your influences and decide their level of importance.
Use this list to assess options and make decisions.
____________________________________________________________________________
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
Alberta
Saskatchewan.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Manitoba
2. What is Canadas westernmost province where Chinese and Punjabi are the most
spoken languages after English?
a) Quebec
b) Alberta
c) Ontario
d) British Columbia
3. What province has Canadas largest Aboriginal population and whose capital city,
Winnipeg is known as the Gateway to the West and the Heart of the Continent?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Ontario
Manitoba
Quebec
British Columbia
4. What province is the only officially bilingual province where about one-third of the
population lives and works in French?
a)
b)
c)
d)
New Brunswick
Quebec
Manitoba
Prince Edward Island
5. What province is the most easterly point in North America, geographically the closest to
Europe and is on the same latitude as Paris?
a)
b)
c)
d)
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Newfoundland and Labrador
Qubec
6. What territorys capital, Yellowknife, is called the diamond capital of North America?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Yukon
Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories
Nunavut
7. What territory means our land in the Inuit language of Inuktitut and is Canadas newest
territory?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Northwest Territories
Manitoba
Yukon
Nunavut
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
8. Which Canadian province, with a diverse population of more than 12 million, is home to
both Canada's capital and its largest city?
a)
b)
c)
d)
British Columbia
Manitoba
Ontario
Prince Edward Island
9. What is Canadas smallest province known for its beaches, red soil and agriculture,
especially potatoes?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Saskatchewan
Ontario
Manitoba
Prince Edward Island
10. What province is Canada`s largest producer of pulp and paper and Canadas largest
producer of hydroelectricity?
a)
b)
c)
d)
11. What province, once known as the breadbasket of the world and the wheat province,
has 40% of the arable land in Canada and is the countrys largest producer of grains and
oilseeds?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Manitoba
Nova Scotia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
12. What territory is often referred to as the Land of the Midnight Sun because at the height
of summer, daylight can last up to 24 hours and in winter, the sun disappears and
darkness sets in for three months?
a)
b)
c)
d)
Yukon
Nova Scotia
Nunavut
Northwest Territories
13. What province is Canada`s largest east coast port and whose capital, Halifax, has
played an important role in Atlantic trade and defence and is home to Canada`s largest
naval base?
a)
b)
c)
d)
British Columbia
Nova Scotia
Ontario
Manitoba
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
Am I job-ready?
No, I do not
No, I do not
No, I do not
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CANADIAN IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION PROGRAM (CIIP) www.newcomersuccess.ca
MY ESSENTIAL SKILLS1
Pick one of the most important Essential Skills for your occupation:
Reading
Document Use
Numeracy
Writing
Oral Communication
Continuous Learning
Thinking Skills
Computer Skills
1. Think about how you would describe your competency level (scope, complexity etc.) to an employer
using examples.
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Statement
T or F
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Hydro =
_______________________________
Wind chill =
_______________________________
Toque =
_______________________________
Hood =
_______________________________
Highway =
_______________________________
White-out =
_______________________________
_______________________________
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Canadian visa, valid passport, travel documents for each family member
2 copies of a list of all personal/household items you are bringing with you
Health records
CIIP TIPS:
Dont pack your documents in a suitcase. You will need to show them to customs and
immigration.
Get your documents translated into English.
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Your Profile: Ensure that you have a complete profile. Your profile should be employer friendly and
reflect the type of job that you want.
Highlight your Skills: By adding relevant skills to your profile, youll come up in search results when
employers need someone like you for a project or job. Skills pages will also tell you which groups on
LinkedIn you can join to learn more about that skill and jobs.
Build your network: Having a strong network of people you know and trust is essential. You may be
able to use those connections for recommendations, references and job leads now and into the future.
You can send an email to everyone in your LinkedIn network, letting them know of your situation, and
asking for help or people they could put you in touch with.
Focus your Job Search: LinkedIns job-search engine allows you to hone your search by specific
companies, locations, experience levels and job functions. It also lets you see the individuals doing the
hiring, as well as anyone in your network who can refer you to those people or to someone else who
works at the company.
Company Search: If you have a very specific company you are interested in, you can search that
company and hopefully find people who are connected to other people you know. Then, ask your
personal contact to connect you.
Apply for jobs: You can submit your LinkedIn profile and cover letter for job postings that employers
post on this site. It will also display your professional connections who work at that company, or who
can introduce you to someone there, to increase your chances of being hired through a referral.
Update Your Status: Use your status update to let your network know that you are a skilled
professional looking to establish your career in your destination province. Update your status regularly
to better inform your connections.
a. Some tips on using LinkedIn for your Job Search: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-onbusiness/careers/career-advice/using-linkedin-to-track-down-your-dream-job/article4249078/
Facebook: Use your Facebook profile to your advantage for networking and job search. First, edit your
photos and de-tag any that cast you in a negative way. Delete any posts that you do not want a potential
employer to see. Make sure that your statuses are appropriate and reflect your goals. Frequently post
status updates relating to your job search to keep it top of the mind of others in your network that you are
still looking for a job. Remember Facebook is primarily used by companies to research their interviewees
so ensure your profile is appropriate.
Twitter: Use Twitter to make that first contact. Twitter allows you to connect with people you do not know,
based on common interests. Your Twitter name should be your name, as it will help in your search engine
results. Many of career sites and companies will have their own Twitter streams and will have regular
updates on job opportunities.
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MY SKILLS INVENTORY
An important aspect of knowing what you can offer a Canadian employer is to make an inventory or
list of your skills.
A skills inventory will help you build your resume and cover letter. It will help you know how to sell
yourself in your job search, act as a reminder to include significant elements of your knowledge,
abilities and experience, and act as a guide to determine which jobs fit best with who you are.
In addition to experience and education, a Canadian employer will also have a ranked list of
required and preferred skills. Consider how your range of skills can meet the employers skills
needs.
Two key points as you look for a job:
You must demonstrate how your skills will be an asset to the company (How will the
company improve its position by hiring you?)
How are you and your skills different (i.e. better) than other applicants? Many people
will be applying for and interviewing for a position, so you must set yourself apart.
What skills are employers looking for?
Professional and technical skills
What are the building block skills of your art, craft, occupation, trade or profession?
What additional added value skills have you acquired throughout your career?
Equipment operating or tool use skills
What special tools and equipment do you have skills in using and operating?
Software and data/information skills
What skills do you have in the area of human relations, organization and office
administration?
Project management skills
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COVER LETTER
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TYPES OF RESUMES
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Style shows a progressive path
Organized by dates of employment (recent first)
Major emphasis is on Job Title and Company where you worked
Use if you have:
A clear job target
logical progression to your next job
Impressive job titles
Do not use if you have:
Work gaps or are changing career paths
FUNCTIONAL RESUME
COMBINATION RESUME
Combines employer information and candidates skills
Focuses on skills, abilities and experiences that are transferable
Use if you have:
A lot of experience
One employer for many years
Many accomplishments
Senior management experience
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YOUR NAME
Apt number and Street, City, Province, Postal Code Dialling code and number Email address
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Electrical Engineer
20052013
Conducted research into feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation
and distribution networks
Designed electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems and equipment
Supervised and inspected installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and
electronic systems and equipment
Developed maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and
equipment
Computer Programmer
20012005
Created, tested, debugged, documented and implemented client-tracking software utilizing skills
in C# and VB.net
Worked directly with end-users to maximize efficiencies and user-friendliness
Employed strong communication skills to Train the Trainers
Maintained existing computer programs by making minor modifications as required
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Your Name
Page 2 of 2
19982001
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Library Assistant
2008Present
Library Name, City, Province
Organize library shelves and restock returned books
Assist library patrons with online catalogue system
EDUCATION
Project Management Certificate
2008
1998
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YOUR NAME
Apt number and Street, City, Province, Postal Code Dialling code and number Email address
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
Manufacturing
Set-up and qualified new equipment for wafer etching and packaging
Utilized statistical process control (SPC) in ISO 9001 2008 manufacturing environment
Analyzed failure mechanism (FMEA) to improve MTBF and yield improvement
Identified and troubleshot process, equipment and operation-related issues
Management
Managed construction project team of 2 engineers and 5 draftspersons
Supervised drafting of structural drawings, construction specifications and project schedules
Verified shop drawings, structural calculations and produced concrete precast element types
Reported project progress to customers according to their requirements
Estimating
Estimated quantities and costs of pre-cast concrete structures
Prepared contract documents and payment claims; negotiated cost variation with customers
EMPLOYMENT
Project Chief
Company Name, City, Province or Country (if not Canada)
20052014
Structural Engineer
Company Name, City, Province or Country (if not Canada)
20022005
EDUCATION
MSc in Construction Engineering
2001
University Name, Country
(Equivalent to Master in Civil Engineering, as determined by World Education Services, Toronto,
ON)
BSc in Civil Engineering
University Name, Country
1999
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YOUR NAME
Apt number and Street, City, Province, Postal Code Dialling code and number Email address
EXPERIENCE
Director, Market Research. ABC Market Research. Vancouver. 19992006
Senior Software Market Research Analyst. ABC Market Research. Vancouver. 19941999
Software Market Research Analyst. ABC Market Research. Vancouver. 19931994
Market Research Analyst. Hitech Systems Inc. Burnaby. 19881993
Conducted 75 telephone interviews to develop database of Asian firms looking to upgrade
systems software in the next 6 months
Examined Maximizer database profiles; recommended further follow up, helping company identify
10 leads likely to upgrade their software in the next 6 months
Developed market penetration plan for launch of new systems software in Asia.
Analyzed market data, summarized findings through charts and written reports
Marketing Assistant. Western Economic Diversification Canada. Vancouver. 19861988
Secretary. Western Economic Diversification Canada. Vancouver. 19821986
EDUCATION
Diploma of Technology. Marketing Management. BCIT. 1982
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INTERVIEWS
Preparing for a Job Interview
Ask who will be interviewing you, the interview format, and time frame.
Prepare questions you will ask during the interview - impress the interviewers with your knowledge
of their company or industry.
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Write a brief paragraph to pull these together, make sure it is no more than one minute in length
My name is ..., I have a background in ..., I have specific experience in ., my
strengths include , and Im looking for a job as a ..
Practice, practice, practice so that your commercial comes out smoothly, and without having to think too
much when you are talking to people.
Examples:
You should hire me because I am a determined, energetic, motivated, optimistic individual. I'm a
quick learner and also a good team player. I have the ability to stay focused in stressful situations
and can be counted on when the going gets tough.
I am the person for this job because I have the drive and motivation to do my very best every day,
because I'm a good initiator, as well as a good implementer. I'm always ready to run that extra
mile, and I already have experience. I have learned how to work in a corporate culture and how to
adapt myself to the environment! I am always eager to learn new things, which is very important
for this position. I have the required skill for the position and I am qualified, capable and have the
desire to excel beyond my capabilities, which means I always aim high. I have good qualifications
and I am able to do this job. I will make a great effort because I want to be a successful part of
successful organization. I am passionate about working in this field, and very hardworking. Due to
my global exposure during my studies and in conferences, meetings and round tables, I have
experience interacting with different experts.
(From: http://jobsearch.about.com/u/ua/topinterviewanswers/whyshouldwehireyou.htm)
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INTERVIEW TIPS
Arrive On Time. In Canada, this means you should be at the interview approximately 10 minutes
prior to the interviews scheduled start time.
Address interviewer(s) by title (Ms. Mr. Dr.) and last name until you are invited to do otherwise.
Use the STAR approach State the Situation; the Task; your Actions; the Results when answering
behavioural questions.
Try to relate what you know about the company when answering questions.
When discussing your career accomplishments match them to what the company is looking for.
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MY CULTURAL ADAPTATION
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new restaurant openings, listen and observe what people are talking about and join in by asking
questions
Avoid discussions about religion, politics and sex
Failure is not considered to be shameful
Colleagues do not commonly touch at work with the exception of handshakes when greeting
someone new or in French-speaking areas with a quick kiss on each cheek
Canadians value their physical space and the general rule is to maintain an arms length between
people
Step outside your comfort zone. Avoid huddling together in your own cultural group. Mix with
mainstream Canadians and those outside your cultural group. Your everyday life in Canada is an
opportunity to learn about Canadian workplace culture, practice your language skills, learn how
to communicate better and learn how to work effectively with others in the Canadian work
environment.
Workplace Norm #4: Honesty and integrity are highly valued and bosses want the truth
If you do not understand, bosses expect you to tell them
If you reply yes to a question or direction, Canadians interpret this to mean you understand and will
do what you are asked
Canadian bosses do not want to hear excuses or be told that you understand an assignment when
you do not
It is considered respectful and honest to express no, if something is not available or you cannot do
something as scheduled
In Canada, supervisors want to know if you do not understand. Nod your head only if you
understand.
Additional Workplace Norms:
Canadians do not define relationships according to status or hierarchy
Employees interact with different levels within the organization and are expected to openly and
directly express their views and opinions, and provide input and suggestions towards the final product
Bosses make the final decision after consultation, feedback and recommendations from employees
In Canada, sharing your ideas is a sign of interest.
In the Canadian workplace, problem solving and conflict resolution are essential skills
For more information on soft skills, see Nick Nooranis Soft Skills No immigrants Should Be Without
www.prepareforcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/9SoftSkills_PrepareforCanada.pdf
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GO KEY MESSAGES
Opening
With an aging population and declining birthrate, Canada needs skilled immigrants.
Immigration is risky. CIIP will help you minimize the risks and maximize your chances of success.
CIIP will help you make a successful transition to Canada if you apply what you learn in the GO and use the
MAP and take advantage of on-line advice from Canadian partners prior to departure.
Job Prospects
Canada is a huge country with 10 provinces and territories all with jobs in demand and much to offer
newcomers. It is important to identify and understand opportunities wherever they are
Newcomers can be successful more quickly in less known provinces and in smaller cities
Canadas economy is diversified and stable with job shortages in certain careers.
Career planning will help you understand job requirements in Canada and explore options
Transferable skills can enable you to re-invent yourself in a related or alternative occupation.
Job Readiness
A licence is required to practice as a professional in regulated occupations. Licenses are issued by provincial
regulatory authorities.
Credential assessment shows how your qualifications compare with Canadian ones. Credential recognition
can be added to your rsum to reassure employers.
Canadian employers value Essential (soft) Skills as well as technical skills. Bridging programs are designed to
help newcomers fill skill gaps. College partners can provide online pre-arrival advice
Language competency is key for newcomer integration, including occupationally-specific and socio-cultural
communication. Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) levels are used.
Canadian work experience is a code for assessing if you understand and comply with Canadian norms. In
Ontario, it is now an illegal requirement. Canadian experience can be gained through volunteering, internships,
temporary work and even mentoring and job shadowing.
CIC provides extensive information about settlement issues through the Welcome to Canada guide and the
Living in Canada Tool. Immigrant-serving partners can provide online pre-arrival advice
Job Search
Most jobs in Canada are in the internal job market and require networking to uncover
Job search tools include a 1-2 page Canadian-style rsum and a tailored cover letter.
Prepare for Canadian-style job interviews and practice responding to questions, such as Why should we hire
you?
Plan and start your job search before arrival, using Skills International and other forms of support
Job Retention
It is important to recognize culture shock and to move towards cultural adaptation
Permanent Residents enjoy the same employment rights and protection as Canadian citizens
Understanding and complying with Canadian workplace norms is key to job retention
Closing
Integration into the Canadian economy takes preparation and planning that starts in the home country and
continues upon arrival in Canada.
Remember that success is your hands and you can reach for the stars!
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MY ACTION SLIDES
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END: GOAL!
I have integrated into Canada
and have a new job!
MY TASK 5
ROADBLOCK 5
ROADBLOCK 4
MY TASK 4
MY TASK 2
I will email the College
referral given on My
Action Plan
MY TASK 3
ROADBLOCK 3
I am in a regulated
profession, I dont know
about the licensing
requirements
ROADBLOCK 2
I dont know about education
upgrading programs, skills
enhancement, alternative career
options, or language training
MY TASK 1
I will email the Immigrant Serving agency
referral given on My Action Plan
ROADBLOCK 1
My questions werent all answered at
CIIP; I need more basic information
about settling in Canada
START: CIIP
I participated in the
Group Orientation &
Personal Planning
Sessions
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