Advice from a Canadian career expert

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS

Advice from Career Advancement Expert Amy Davies

In an interview with New Canadians, career advancement expert and corporate trainer Amy Davies shared her tips on navigating the Canadian job market.

Think Career, Not Just Job 💼
Amy stresses, “Your job is a temporary situation, whereas your career is the long term.” While working hard in your current job is crucial, Amy advises staying prepared for future opportunities. This means keeping your LinkedIn profile updated and ensuring your CV is always current. She also notes that a key to career success is having a clear vision or 'North Star' to guide you through career changes and challenges.

Connections and Soft Skills Matter 🤝
When reaching out to professionals, Amy advises: “Rather than asking if they have a job available, introduce yourself and see how they might be able to help you in general.” When you limit your question to just a job, you close yourself off to other ways people could potentially help you — whether it be advice or an introduction to someone who could give you an opportunity.

For newcomers who may not be as familiar with Canadian soft skills, she suggests engaging in activities like conferences and networking events to understand Canadian workplace culture better. “Try to connect with people online and in the real world to figure out how this culture is different from the one you’ve come from,” Amy suggests.

The Power of Relationships 🌐
Amy also highlights that building meaningful relationships extends beyond professional networks. “Our network is not just the people that we’re connected with on LinkedIn. It’s our family, our friends, and everyone in our workplace and beyond.” She emphasizes that both personal and professional relationships play a crucial role in career advancement and overall well-being.

CAREER COACH Q & A
Navigating New Horizons with Expert Guidance from a Seasoned Career Coach

Q: What specific Canadian soft skills should I focus on developing as a newcomer to Canada?

A: In Canada, two crucial soft skills are communication and adaptability. Effective communication ensures you can clearly articulate ideas and collaborate seamlessly in a diverse workplace, crucial for building professional relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. Adaptability is equally vital, as it allows you to thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace change, and tackle unexpected challenges with a positive attitude.

Feature Sponsor

Experience the best of Canada delivered to your inbox every Friday! Oh Canada is a weekly newsletter created to help newcomers explore all that Canada has to offer, from culture and cuisine to travel. Enjoy exclusive offers and discover Canada like never before. Subscribe now and start your adventure!

WELCOME ABOARD
Newcomer Friendly Job Listings

• Marketing Consultant, Saskatoon, SK

• Truck Driver, Surrey, BC

• Hotel Clerk Supervisor, Whistler, BC

• Veterinarian, Victoria, BC

• Construction Site Supervisor, Vancouver, BC

• Software Developer, Toronto, ON

• Electrical Technician, London, ON

• Registered Practical Nurse, Fort Frances, ON

• Construction Area Manager, Orléans, ON

• Mechanical Engineering Technician, Burlington, ON

all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
✅ Networking Questions That Make an Impression

Making a strong impression when networking often comes down to the quality of your questions. Here are three types of questions that will not only spark engaging conversations but also make you memorable:

Explore Their “Why” 💡
Ask questions that dive deeper than just job titles. Try, “What inspired you to pursue this career?” This question shows genuine interest in their motivations and can lead to a more meaningful conversation.

Highlight Their Achievements 🏆
People love talking about their successes. Ask, “What’s a recent project or accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?” This gives insight into what they value in their work.

Connect on Common Ground 🎾
Finding common interests helps build rapport. Ask, “What’s one thing you enjoy doing outside of work?” This question opens the door to shared interests and can make the conversation more relatable and memorable.

Try these questions out at your next networking event and see how they enhance your connections!