APPLY ANYWAY

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I have been in contact with a newcomer friend that just landed a few months ago from India. She needed to get work quickly and would require support for various things. My input to her is to continue the search, get some Canadian experience by volunteering for a few hours a week, and meet people in the community. That's the best way to maintaining a positive attitude while waiting for that breakthrough in the employment search.

People of color only apply for jobs that they meet completely where as men would apply for all jobs that they only meet 65% of the time. You probably heard this data. As well, employers nowadays rely on AI to screen hundreds of applicants for one position and because of that, there would be a slim chance that work experience outside of Canada will be given serious, if not points for consideration.

Hundreds of immigrants land in Canada every year as the country continues to expand its economy with high labor needs. Getting employment in their field of expertise is still the number one issue for immigrant integration. More than 10 years ago, I, too, landed with just one suitcase and a big box. The rest is history as to what happened to me afterwards. 

New immigrants have lower self-esteem and will not apply to jobs that they think they're not qualified enough to get shortlisted. They do not have the existing networks that native born and or those who lived here longer would have for which to draw on for various types of information and support. But because of this self-selection, a few of them would end up in jobs that are way better for them in the long run compared with survival jobs that could trap them to a cycle of low wage and high stress situation. 

I would suggest to apply anyway until you see traction with a number of interviews for these positions. You'll never know how the hiring manager makes decisions with the selection process. They could be very well looking for a different kind of candidate and throwing yourself into the pool increases your chances. In my case, I bested hundreds of applicants and the only reason I was able to get the job was because I applied, despite the constant self-doubt. 

Keep up the positivity and never underestimate your worth. You have come a long way. Now prove to them that you can contribute now and not later. 

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