Job Search advice International Students and Newcomers Should Avoid
Lots of people are happy to offer job search advice to international students and newcomers to Canada. But there is some advice you should avoid. If not, you may find yourself still struggling to get your dream job in Canada. According to the Forbes Human Resources Council, bad job search advice can do more harm than good, and might even ruin your reputation. It’s important to consider the credibility of the source, relevancy of the advice given and if it is aligned with current job search norms and practices.
In helping job seekers get careers they love, we at HireDiverse come across the same bad advice over and over again. We’ve worked with thousands of professional job seekers from all over the world, heard their stories and have helped them to achieve career success. We want to help you avoid some of the most mistakes we’ve seen and heard over the years.
Well-meaning individuals often offer advice to international students and newcomers, but not all guidance is beneficial. Sometimes, well-intentioned suggestions can lead you astray, making your transition to a new country more challenging than it needs to be. To navigate your new environment effectively, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls and avoid certain mistakes. Here are three things you should definitely steer clear of to ensure a smoother and more successful adjustment.
3 Mistakes International Students and Newcomers Should Avoid in their job search
Bad advice: Spend all your time writing a resume.
Spending all your time focused on writing your resume is not a guarantee to get a job in Canada. Yes, a resume is a key part of the job search process for international students and newcomers (of course)! And having a strong Canadian style resume is important. But your resume is just one piece of your overall marketing campaign in the job search process.
Focusing solely on perfecting your resume won’t necessarily guarantee a job in Canada. While a well-crafted, Canadian-style resume is crucial, it represents only a fraction of your job search strategy. Beyond your resume, it's essential to actively engage in networking, build a strong LinkedIn profile, and gain familiarity with the Canadian job market's nuances. Engaging with industry groups, attending job fairs, and seeking informational interviews can provide valuable insights and opportunities that a resume alone cannot. A holistic approach, incorporating these elements, will significantly enhance your job search and improve your chances of securing a position.
Better advice: balance time spent between resume writing and understanding your goals.
Instead of focusing exclusively on writing a strong resume, you need to spend your time on other components of the job search too.
Before writing your resume, you should have a handle on your career goals and what you want to achieve. A great place to start with this is by creating a career vision. To create a vision for your career, finding career clarity is key. This is the process of defining your values, what you’re good at, what you want to do and creating a clear action plan. This is the strategy you set for yourself before doing anything else in the job search. This process can be as simple or detailed as you want.
For example, keep it simple by reflecting on your career goals and what it is you want out of your life. Write down those goals in the Career Advancement Journal. Now make sure that all you do in your job search (what’s on your resume, the types of jobs you are applying for, the people you are networking with) all align with those goals. If you are interested in spending more time to define your own unique career goals, be sure to check out this video on how to find career clarity.
Video: How to Find Career Clarity
Bad Advice: Apply to lots of jobs to increase your odds of getting hired.
Job search is not a numbers game. It is a strategy game. This volume application approach is simply ineffective for international students and newcomers. Instead, target your online applications to positions which are aligned to your goals and skillset.
Applying to lots of Canadian jobs can be problematic because:
Multiple applications in the same company can signal to the Recruiter (the person who is usually responsible for posting the job ad and conducting your initial pre-screening) that you lack clear focus.
In smaller market areas especially, the Recruiters talk. You may develop a reputation and appear desperate.
You should be following up with the hiring manager or Recruiter after each application. This is nearly impossible to manage if you’re applying to an excessive number of postings.
Applying to lots of jobs and not hearing back feels gross and sets you up for disappointment.
Applying to everything and anything (even the jobs that aren’t appealing to your or aren’t aligned with your skills) can set you up for even more disappointment and rejection.
Better advice: target your online applications to positions which are aligned to your goals and skillset.
Effectively balancing your job search requires more than just applying to online job postings that match your skills and goals. It’s equally important to build and nurture a professional network. Start by optimizing your LinkedIn profile to an All-Star level, which will help you connect with industry professionals and enhance your online presence.
Additionally, seek out informational interviews with contacts in your field. These conversations can provide valuable insights into industry trends, company cultures, and potential job openings that may not be advertised on job boards. By combining a strong LinkedIn profile with proactive networking, you'll improve your visibility and increase your chances of finding the right job opportunity.
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Bad advice: experiences from another country are useless in Canada.
This advice is very problematic for international students and newcomers. Any experiences you’ve had in another country are absolutely valuable to your Canadian job search and career. This is especially true if those experiences are aligned with your career goals or demonstrate skills the employer is looking for. On top of this, your transition and move to Canada itself demonstrates some sought after skills that might be worth mentioning on a resume or in an interview process. For example, all the changes you’ve worked through demonstrate a strong adaptability to change and problem-solving skills.
For international students and newcomers, it’s important to recognize that your experiences from other countries are highly valuable in the Canadian job market. These experiences, especially when aligned with your career goals or relevant to the skills employers seek, can significantly enhance your job search. Additionally, the very process of transitioning and moving to Canada showcases your ability to adapt to new environments and tackle challenges—qualities that are highly prized by employers. Highlighting these attributes on your resume or during interviews can set you apart by demonstrating your resilience and problem-solving capabilities, making you a strong candidate in the Canadian job market.
Better advice: reframe experiences from your home country as unique aspects of your skills and experience.
Many kinds of skills and experiences are universal, no matter where you are from. All the changes you’ve worked through to study and live in Canada already demonstrate a strong adaptability to change and problem-solving skills.
For example, if a job posting calls for adaptability to change as a key soft skill for the position your transition to Canada could be discussed in the interview. The challenge for international students and newcomer job seekers often lies in translating those experiences to something which is relevant to their current situation. This might be a good time in the interview to highlight a couple of key differences between living in your country and Canada and how you bridged the gap to adapt to your current circumstances.
If you’re receiving feedback that your past experience is not relevant or useful in Canada, you might be facing bias. It is not right or fair that you may be faced with extra barriers in your job search. But the reality is, many organizations still struggle to understand the value that cultural differences bring. For example, a Harvard Business School Study has shown that job seekers with non North-American sounding names are more likely to get screened out of the job search process. If you believe you have experiences, or anticipate experiencing this bias, we have a helpful post on overcoming bias in your job search. This will help you take control of as many details as possible.
The reality is that bias can be an issue for job seekers new to Canada.
Job searching in a new country can be both challenging and complex, and understanding cultural norms is key to success. True success starts with inward reflection—identifying your unique goals and what truly makes you happy while managing the logistics of a new job market. This journey should begin with gaining clarity about your personal aspirations. Tools like the Career Advancement Journal can be instrumental in helping you outline your goals and create a clear path to achieve them. By reflecting on what you truly want, you can approach your job search with greater confidence and effectiveness, making the process more fulfilling and aligned with your true aspirations.
Moreover, having a clear vision of your goals enables you to craft a more strategic resume and LinkedIn profile tailored to your specific objectives. When you understand what you want, you can highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that resonates with potential employers. This targeted approach not only strengthens your personal brand but also increases your attractiveness as a candidate for roles that match your values and ambitions. By positioning yourself strategically, you enhance your chances of finding a job that truly aligns with your career goals. For more guidance, explore the Career Advancement Journal.
Conclusion: not all advice for getting a job in Canada is accurate for international students and newcomers
International students and newcomers are often bombarded with tips and tricks for the job search from well-intentioned Canadians. Unfortunately, not all those well-meaning individuals are qualified to be dishing out career and job search tips.
Make sure you’re taking career and job search advice from a credible professional like HireDiverse. Your source should be able to demonstrate a solid professional background, post-secondary education, or a professional designation.
If you hear any of the above advice, make sure to skip it! International students and newcomers can achieve job search success by surrounding themselves with resources that understand their unique challenges.
As an international student or newcomer, you bring unique value and perspective. Anyone who downplays that doesn’t have your best interests in mind.
“Even though you’re fed up, you got to keep ya’ head up.”
- TUPAC SHAKUR
Embracing self-reflection allows you to navigate your career with intention and confidence. When you know yourself deeply, you can make decisions that resonate with your true self, leading to greater satisfaction and success. It's about finding a career path that not only utilizes your skills but also brings joy and meaning to your life. By continually assessing and realigning your goals with your inner values, you ensure long-term fulfillment and growth. Remember, the journey to career happiness is ongoing, and it starts with understanding yourself from the inside out.
Advancing your career starts from within. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder or landing the next big promotion; it's about understanding your passions, values, and strengths. Self-reflection is the cornerstone of finding true career happiness. Taking the time to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and successes helps you gain clarity on what you truly want in your professional journey. By looking inward, you can identify what drives you and align your career goals with your personal values. This inner work sets a strong foundation for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.
