An unknown Author once said “Don’t hire the person who is most qualified…hire the person who has the best attitude and you can train him/her to do anything”.
Ultimately, having a positive attitude is very important. It makes life more meaningful and we will be able to achieve anything that we want as long as we have a positive attitude.
Do you know what employers want when hiring?
When hiring, employers usually look for the best candidate to fill the position.
Some of the major considerations are:
- Good appearance particular to the position
- Education/Knowledge related to the job
- Experience in the field
- Good critical thinking skills
- Energy
- Stability and dependability
- Ability to handle change, to cherish it and use it for growth
- To see obstacles as challenges rather than problems
- Team player
- Passion for what you do and the benefit it brings others
- Agreement and alignment with the organizations goals and objectives
- Good communication skills oral/written
- A Self Starter
- Sincerity in thought
- Ability to adapt, improvise, and overcome (appropriate aggressiveness)
To learn more about how to secure a job in Canada, please contact MOSAIC Employment Programs at 604-708-9300 and you will be referred to a personnel who can help you.
posted: February 24th, 2011
How important is Canadian Experience?
Many Internationally Trained Professionals face barriers to getting a job because they do not have "Canadian experience."
- This perception may refer to:
- language and communications skills
- knowledge of Canadian standards
- ability to fit into Canadian workplace culture
- Doing things the "Canadian way"
Overcome these barriers by gaining Canadian Experience:
- Learn as much as you can about a job you want by asking someone who works in that field
- Every industry in Canada uses special words (called "jargon"). It is a good idea to go to the library and the internet to learn the jargon your industry uses
- Create an English-language résumé
- The best ways to find out about jobs are networking and making cold calls. “Networking” is a word for getting to know people in the industry. A “cold call” is when you go to a company that is not advertising any jobs, to ask if they are hiring
- Look for jobs that are related to the work you know how to do. Once you are working for a company, you will have a better chance to find out about and get the job you really want
- Through volunteering, you will be able to prove your skills to a Canadian employer, learn about the Canadian workplace, gain ‘Canadian Experience’ and build your network
- Before an interview, learn as much as you can about the company and the job. Sell yourself to the employer by telling them stories about what you have done.
For more information and to learn more on how you can find a job in Canada, please contact us at: 604-708-9300, and ask to speak to Soraya Etminan at ext. 62.
posted: February 18th, 2011
What is Mentorship for Internationally Trained Individuals?...and how could it help you increase your chances to find a JOB in BC?
A mentorship refers to the relationship between an experienced (local professional, Accountant, Engineer, Information Technologist, Healthcare, etc.) who has been working in the Canadian workplace for a minimum of three years, and a less experienced individual (internationally trained individual) who has education/experience from his/her country of origin, but lacks the Canadian experience.
What does that mean to you?
If you are an Internationally Trained Individual who is struggling to integrate into the Canadian Workplace, you might want to consider finding a Mentor who can provide you with guidance and advice on best practices to integrate into the Canadian Workplace.
What can a Mentor do for you? Help you...
- Improve your professional English Skills and Workplace Communication
- Learn how to integrate into the Canadian Workplace Culture
- Set better goals helping you discover what you really want, using your own principles, requirements and dream as a starting point
- Reach your goals sooner providing a reliable structure of support and offering pioneering strategies to reach the goal
- Make important changes focusing on areas such as business, career and quality of life Get ahead professionally using career progress strategies, reputation-building methods and business development tactics
- Make better decisions
- Have someone to collaborate with
How can you get started?
By contacting MOSAIC at 604 254 0244 and ask to speak to a Case Manager who can link you to our Workplace Connections Mentoring Program. MOSAIC Workplace Connections Mentoring Program will connect you with a Volunteer Mentor.
posted: January 31st, 2011
Where to Find Jobs
There are many ways to find jobs, listed below are some that can help you find the right job for your skills and experience:
- Internet job searching sites
- Letting your network know you are looking for a job including friends and family
- Researching the type of company you would like to work for and then checking the website to see if there are job openings
- Cold calling - phoning a company to ask if they are hiringConducting informational interviews with key staff at a company
Dropping off your résumé to companies that hire staff with similar skills and experience to your ownFor more information on job search or career planning contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604 708 9300
posted: August 27th, 2010
Did You Know?
When job searching voicemail is an important tool. Whether you are using a cell phone or home phone number on your résumé, you won't always be available to answer the phone, so it is important to have a voicemail service or answering machine where an employer can leave a message.
posted: July 23rd, 2010
DON'T WAIT: Apply immediately
posted: July 13th, 2010
Did You Know?
Labour Market information (LMI) has a variety of information on careers and occupations. LMI includes important details such as industry growth and decline, required skills for a job and wage and working conditions.
posted: July 5th, 2010
CHECK YOUR RÉSUMÉ
Checking your résumé (proofreading) to catch any mistakes is important when job searching. The smallest mistake can cost you an interview.
- Check your résumé several times for correct punctuation and word use.
- Before you send it to an employer ask a friend who has good English skills to check for any mistakes you may have missed.
posted: June 20th, 2010
Did You Know?
A standard résumé is one or two pages in length. If you are using a two page résumé, the second page should have more than a few lines of information.
posted: June 11th, 2010
THE RÉSUMÉ: Getting started
Do your research. If you are newer to Canada you will want to find out what kinds of résumé are used in the local labour market.
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Information that doesn't go on a résumé. This includes your age, marital status, religious affiliation (unless it's related to the job you are applying for), Social Insurance Number or picture.
posted: June 11th, 2010
Did You Know?
posted: June 4th, 2010
PATIENCE: Networking takes time
When trying to build your network be persistent but mindful that people have many other priorities.
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Keep in touch with your network regularly, not just when you are job searching.
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Be patient. Networking does not always provide immediate results.
posted: May 31st, 2010
NETWORKING: An important part of the job search
It's not always what you know but who you know. EVERYONE you know is part of your network including friends, family, professors, instructors and coaches.
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For every person you make a connection with, they have access to others with potential job leads.
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Social networking sites such as Facebook can be used as a helpful networking tool. Remember to use the privacy settings and make sure you are only sharing information relevant to your job search.
posted: May 21st, 2010
REFERENCES: Make Sure They Know
Call your references. It is better to contact them before you go for an interview.
posted: May 10th, 2010
FOLLOW-UP: Thank you notes
Your work is not done when the interview ends. Follow-up can give you an added advantage over other candidates.
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Ask for the interviewer's business card. This will provide the correct spelling of the person's name and contact information.
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Write an individual "Thank you" note within two days of your interview stating your continued interest in the position and a brief comment on why you are the best person for the job.
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Although thank you notes are now acceptable by email with the increase in technology use during the hiring process, many employers are still impressed by a handwritten note and some employers prefer this over the electronic version.
posted: April 30th, 2010
CLARIFICATION: It's alright to ask
The ability to clarify is an important skill in the work environment. It will help ensure effective communication with your supervisor or team.
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Stay calm. If you do not understand a question ask the interviewer to repeat it, or
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Repeat your understanding of the question. For example, "To clarify, you are asking me to explain how I have shown flexibility throughout my career?"
posted: April 26th, 2010
PRACTICE: Makes perfect
Did you know?
MOSAIC's Career Connections and New Start programs provide opportunities to practice your interviewing skills. These "mock" interviews are video taped. Areas for improvement are worked on with the suppport of experienced employment counsellors.
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Prepare by practicing responses to commonly asked interview questions such as "What are your strengths."
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Provide a strength that speaks to a skill or experience listed on the job posting. You can also talk about a "soft skill." For example if you work well with people.
For more information on programs and services contact mosaicsouth@mosaicbc.com or call 604-708-9300
posted: April 16th, 2010
RESEARCH: The first step to a successful interview
Be prepared to answer the questions "What do you know about our company?" and "Why do you want to work here?"
Knowing as much as possible about the company's past performance and future plans will not only impress the employer but provide you an opportunity to speak to how your skills and experience can contribute.
posted: April 12th, 2010
DON'T FORGET: That first impression
Greet the receptionist in the same way you would the interviewer. The receptionist may be asked to comment on you as part of the interview process.
posted: April 4th, 2010
FIRST IMPRESSION: You have seconds
A positive first impression can contribute to a successful interview.
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When you are going for an interview take care with your appearance. Keep your clothing simple, shoes polished and accessories to a minimal.
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A firm handshake shows confidence. Practice and ask for feedback to get it right.
Did you know?
Some people have allergies to scents and fragrance that can produce symptoms such as headache and difficulty breathing. If you are going for an interview you may decide not to wear perfume or cologne.
posted: March 26th, 2010
DRIVING: To answer or not
It can be tempting to answer the cell phone when driving especially if you are actively job searching and anxious for the opportunity to talk with an employer. Let it go to voicemail. An employer may have some pre-screening questions and you'll need to stay focused for a chance at that interview.
Did you know?
posted: March 19th, 2010
STAY ORGANIZED: Track your job search
Attach job posting, cover letter and résumé together then file in a binder or folder. You may need to refer to this when an employer calls.
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Have a pen and notepad ready to write down information an employer provides when calling to arrange an interview.
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When job searching it's important that you check your e-mail and voicemail regularly, at least twice a day.
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Follow-up immediately with an employer. You may have more flexibility in interview times and show the employer you want the job.
posted: March 5th, 2010
CHECK OFTEN: Don't miss out on an opportunity
Review the company's web site or ask for company literature.
posted: February 19th, 2010
DON'T GET CUTE: The right job search e-mail address
Use a professional-looking e-mail address. A version of your name works very well. You want to project a professional image to any prospective employer.
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If you have an e-mail address that is quirky or fun, use it for your personal e-mails and set up a special e-mail account for job searching. You can set up a free e-mail address through gmail, hotmail or yahoo, for example. You can always delete the extra e-mail account when you get a job!
posted: February 12th, 2010
BE PREPARED: Your telephone number
Be easy to find. Put your cell phone and your home numbers on your résumé.
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Sound good. Make sure the response on your voice mail(s) sounds professional, is well-recorded, grammatically correct, easy to understand and is in English.
posted: February 5th, 2010
