Improve your Canadian networking skills

PATH TO CAREER SUCCESS
Three Unwritten Rules for How to Make Networking Actually Work for You

As a newcomer to Canada, you've likely heard about the importance of networking. Common advice includes using LinkedIn, attending conferences, and arranging virtual coffee chats with industry professionals. However, while newcomers are often told to network, they rarely receive guidance on how to do it effectively.

Last week, Sarah Stockdale, a writer and business founder, broke down her networking tips in Canadian Business. After spending 15 years building up the best, most supportive network (and making some mistakes along the way), here are her 3 pieces of advice.

🚫 Don't "Network" in the Traditional Sense
Forget about collecting business cards. Instead, focus on building real friendships. Your network should be a supportive community that you cultivate over time. Start with peers at similar career stages and be genuine in your interactions.

👂 Be Interested, Not Interesting
People often make the mistake of trying to impress others in their conversations. Instead, show genuine curiosity in the other person. Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively. Not only does this take some pressure off you, but people also love to talk about themselves and so you’re more likely to make a good impression. 

✅ Make It Easy for Others to Help You (Once You’ve Built the Relationship)
People are generally willing to help but are often busy, so be specific and actionable in your requests.

For example: Instead of saying “I’m looking for a new role, know anyone that is hiring?” —which forces someone to think of people, then answer you, then make an introduction—try this approach:

“I’m looking for a new role and noticed you’re connected with some e-commerce founders. Could you introduce me to a few of them? Here are a couple of names from your LinkedIn network: (name 1) and (name 2).” 

You can even suggest what to write for the introduction email, which removes another step for them.

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

Q: How can I turn virtual connections into real job opportunities?

A: Great question! You can try turning these connections into opportunities by:

• Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews to learn about companies and roles.

• Showcase Skills: Share your portfolio or recent projects with new connections.

• Referrals: Politely ask for referrals or introductions to hiring managers.

• Job Alerts: Stay updated on job postings shared within your network.

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!

WEEKLY POLL

NEWCOMER SPOTLIGHT

Himank Bhatia is a Credit Counsellor at Credit Canada. Originally from India, Himank arrived in Canada in 2017. On the My Great Canada podcast, Himank shares his own story of financial resilience in Canada. He discusses common financial pitfalls for immigrants, the importance of credit building, and provides valuable advice at the pre-arrival and arrival stages of the immigration process. 

Listen to the full episode here.

WELCOME ABOARD
Newcomer Friendly Job Listings

• Truck Driver, Oakville, ON

• Computer Technician, Saint-Eustache, QC

• Carpenter, Winnipeg, MB

• Software Programmer, Calgary, AB

• Sales and Marketing Manager, Surrey, BC

• Pharmacist, Nanaimo, BC

• Hotel General Manager, Etobicoke, ON

• Data Analytics Manager, Aurora, ON

• Construction General Manager, Brampton, ON

  all job postings available at time of email publication

LEARN THE LINGO
✅ Master English with These Networking Idioms

A great way to become more fluent in English is to study idioms. An idiom is a phrase whose overall meaning is different from the literal meanings of its individual words. Here are some idioms related to networking:

Break the ice 🧊❄️
Definition: To initiate conversation in a social setting.

✅ "Attending a workshop is a great way to break the ice with industry professionals."

Get your foot in the door 🚪👟
Definition: To achieve an initial step that will allow for future opportunities.

✅ "Securing an internship is a great way to get your foot in the door in this industry."

Rub elbows with 💪🤝
Definition: To meet and spend time with influential or famous people.

✅"Networking events are perfect for rubbing elbows with industry leaders."

Open Doors 🚪🌟
Meaning: To create opportunities or facilitate introductions.

✅"His extensive network helps open doors to new business ventures."

Don’t forget to practice! Write out a sentence with each of these words in a way that related to your own networking experiences.