(This was originally published August 30, 2022)
Whether you were born here, or just moved here, it can be frustrating to look for a job. It can be even more frustrating to go to interviews, not get hired and have no idea why.
Here’s what I can tell you about interviews…
Employers are busy, so when they interview you they are already looking at potential issues that may come up. If they see any potential issues (and there’s lots of other candidates), you probably won’t get hired.
What employers want varies from job to job, but here are 4 reasons (that aren’t always talked about) why an employer might not be hiring you.
1. Pronunciation/Communication
Pronunciation is how you say a word. Communication is the exchange of information between two people. Both are related, both are important in the Canadian workplace.
If English is not your first language, it’s important that you take an honest look at this. You might be very strong in reading, writing and listening, but if people cannot understand you then it becomes a communication issue. You NEED to be able to communicate properly at work. Not being able to can cause frustration, misunderstandings, errors and many other issues.
How to Approach This…
Be honest about it in the interview. Say “I know my accent/pronunciation is strong, here’s how I’m working on it….”. Then explain the steps you are taking. Employers LOVE to hear about initiative! The less they have to do the better.
Note: There’s nothing wrong with an accent, accents are awesome! It’s simply making sure that your pronunciation of the English language is clear enough that it can be understood by others.
2. Strong Smells/Scents
Canada is big on a low scent/scent free environments. In fact, most workplaces have a policy on it. The reason is that many people in the workplace have allergies, other workers might complain if a scent is too strong, etc. Many employers don’t want to have this conversation in the future so in most cases they just won’t hire you.
Some examples of strong scents are:
- Smoke
- Body odour
- Cannabis
- Perfume/cologne
How to Approach This…
Your best bet before an interview is to simply shower and put on deodorant (no cologne or perfume unless it’s very light). If you smoke in your home, it might be a good idea to keep your work/interview clothes in an area that is scent free (car, certain closet, etc.).
3. Canadian Connections
I’m a born and raised Canadian and can honestly say that about 85% of my jobs were through connections (work, volunteering, friends, school, my Grandma!). Canadian employers like having someone they know vouch for you. Half the time it’s not even about your workplace skills. The questions they really want to know are:
- Is this person who they say they are?
- Are they reliable?
- What is their work ethic like?
How to Approach This…
Volunteer (check out Volunteer Manitoba), network, talk to your friends, get involved in your kids activities, get on LinkedIn. Another great place to look is Immigrant Networks. Find someone who can vouch for you.
4. Canadian Work/Culture Experience
There is a large debate that newcomers with years of experience should not have to get “Canadian Experience” in order to work in Canada.
While I 100% agree with this, I also believe that Canadian work experience can be very valuable. It’s really a case by case situation, and depends on the person (and the job).
I also don’t believe that it’s really about “Canadian work experience”, it’s more about people understanding “Canadian Culture”.
Like most countries, Canada has certain workplace expectations that are specific to our country and unless you have worked here, you might not know/understand what those are.
Employers don’t always have time to train people in “Canadian culture”, so many tend to simply only hire people who have it. (Not fair, but it happens.)
How to Approach This…
The same as number 3, get involved, volunteer, find a job where you can gain the experience, or do the research on what is expected in the Canadian workplace and speak to that in the interview.
Some ways to start the conversation…
- “I know that I don’t have any Canadian work experience on my resume but here’s what I’m doing to work on that…”
- “Here’s what I do know about what is expected in the Canadian workplace….”
- “Here are some experiences/workplaces that I have worked in that are similar to a Canadian workplace…” (then give examples of how they are the same.)
These are my top 4, but below are a few more to think about ….
5. Knowledge of Indigenous Culture
A great quote from Indigenous Corporate Training Inc is:
Non-Indigenous Canadians need to learn about Indigenous history because by doing so they demonstrate their recognition of the important role of Indigenous Peoples in shaping this country historically and their contributions to shaping democracy.
Many workplaces and business require that you have this knowledge.
Some places I recommend checking out:
- Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
- Take the Indigenous Canada (it’s free) from the University of Alberta
- Do the research (there are many books, online sites and programs out there that have a wealth of information, connect with them!)
6. Get Out Of The City!!!
You want to get a great job? Move out of the city. In most instances it’s simply a numbers game. Less people means less competition for great jobs. Move to rural or move North, both are amazing places to be and there are still many supports for newcomers. I myself have done this to get better opportunities.
I encourage people to think outside Ontario and British Columbia. Canada is a large country and there are many opportunities for those willing to start out in smaller communities.
7. Over Prepare
Too many people don’t prepare properly for their interviews in Canada (Newcomers & Canadians alike). You need to:
- Research the company
- Make a list of your skills and come up with 1-2 examples that showcase them.
- Print off interview questions that are related to the job and write out how you would answer those questions.
- Have someone give you a mock interview. (language can be tougher under pressure!)
- Videotape yourself, so you can make sure you are speaking clearly and have appropriate body language.
- Dress up for the interview!
- Be prepared for small talk. Showcase those communication skills!
There are many ways to get into the Canadian job market, it’s going to take some work and research but is well worth it in the end!
