Country: Turkey

Date Hired: September 2022

Job Title: Director of Newcomer Services

Employer: YMCA - Winnipeg

How did the Immigrant Centre help you to find a job in Canada?
Through the action plan, Immigrant Centre Manitoba provided me job search, job interview and Canadian Workplace Culture trainings. With one-on-one appointments, my Employment Facilitator, also informed me about how to write a cover letter, how to keep my resume clear and concise, tailor it to suit the position I am applying for and how to reply to possible interview questions. Finally, through the emails about job postings sent by Immigrant Centre on regular basis, I had my first full-time job in Manitoba. Throughout my employment process and job applications, Immigrant Centre Manitoba has always been with me by being my reference, mentoring and supporting. I got immense support and assistance from the Immigrant Centre at all phases of my job search and application period. I would especially like to thank my Employment Facilitator, Tavga Ahmed that her expertise, guidance and knowledge helped me much during my job applications and interviews. I would like to send my gratitude and appreciation to all Immigrant Centre staff for helping me out during this time of need and assistance. I can say that without their support and help, I could not have succeeded in my job application process.

What types of job search techniques did you use to find your job?
I followed the job posting emails from Immigrant Centre and subscribed to some career web sites like Indeed, Workopolis and Jobbank. I also kept my Linkedin account updated. Following my facilitator’s advice, I customized my resume each time and applied with unique resume for each job.

What differences have you noticed between working in Canada and working in your home country?
In my country, initially the applicant’s technical skills (hard skills) are considered for employment. But here in Canada, soft skills, like communication, the ability to work on a team, problem solving and taking initiative etc. are a critical part of the employment and as important as hard skills. One other difference is that here in Canada, there is support and encouragement to expand employees’ skills and even learn new ones about the personal and professional development.

What advice would you give to immigrants and newcomers looking for work?
Considering the challenges during the settlement in a new country, I would suggest having a positive attitude, be willing to adapt and open to learning new skills. Volunteering would give a lot of opportunities, like contributing to the society, understanding Canadian workplace culture, values and traditions, learning new skills etc. Finally, I would recommend networking, meeting new people and getting ideas from their experiences.