Job hunting needs for most Chinese immigrants

 

·        Language barrier

·        Credential assessment and profession recognition

·        Social and workplace culture and expectations

·        Identify and develop feasible training and career paths within a couple of years

·        Searching information on labour market information, the services from different governments available to new immigrants

·        Prepare resume and cover letter

·        Interview skills and techniques

·        Job retention

 

 

Common approaches to find a job:

 

·        Referring by friends is the best and effective way;

·        Contacting an human resource company to find a job is a good choice for professionals;

·        Seeking help from employment agencies;

·        Making cold calls or knocking doors based on ads on newspapers by oneself sometimes works;

·        Applying on the web site is always the last choice.

 

There’s another channel which is ignored by a lot of new immigrants: Job Connect program

 

Job Connect is a major labour market service program funded by the Ontario Government, and monitored by Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The program provides three different in-depth services, IRS, EPP and JDPS across Ontario.

 

 

Why Job Connect?

 

Comparing with other employment agencies, new immigrants benefit from:

·        Staff more experienced with employment issues for recent immigrants, and some agencies have Mandarin speakers;

·        The program integrates services crossing different levels of governments (Municipal, Ontario and Federal) to support new comers. These services go beyond  employment services;

·        New immigrants with language barriers or no work experience in Canada will not be refused or set aside because agencies have the incentives to serve such disadvantaged clients;

·        It is a system you can seek help from no matter you are employed or not employed, and no matter at which stage you are in the job hunting process;

·        You can find a councillor to work out your career plan and keep in touch for certain period of time;

·        Possible financial aid to low income family for language training, credential assessment, babysitting, transportation, etc..

 

 

Services provided by Job Connect program

 

Information & Resource Service (IRS)

 

Services are primarily self-directed although staff is available for direction and general supports.  Following services are available to new Canadians:

·        Computer usage and access to internet based services i.e.: e-mail, on-line self assessment and career counselling tools, job search database and websites.

·        Developing a job search strategy, identifying and matching career interests, skills and aptitudes, developing interview technique and preparing a resume and cover letter.

·        Information on education and training.

·        Information on self-employment and/or how to start a business

·        Opportunities leading to personal networking (i.e. volunteering, etc).

·        Workplace safety information, rights and responsibilities of individuals.

·        Information sessions/workshops specific to new Canadians:

o       Canadian workplace culture and expectations

o       Information on local training opportunities (Bridge Projects)

o       Information about professions, trades and professional associations in Ontario

o       Information on job opportunities local, provincial and national (emerging and declining sectors/occupations/training)

o       Access to foreign credential assessment and recognition and supportive funds

o       Referrals to language support (e.g. ESL, LINC, CBL)

o       Components of the Sector-Specific Terminology, Information and Counselling (STIC) tool

 

Employment Planning and Preparation (EPP)

 

·        Provide linkages to other community services (e.g. settlement and newcomer services, occupational regulatory bodies, language skills assessment, academic credential assessment;

·        Identify steps required to access employment;

·        Orientation to the workplace, including rules and expectations of the employer, rights and responsibilities of the employee;

·        Clarify employment, training or career goals by exploring local labour market, training and education requirements and resources, including apprenticeship and other occupationally specific skills training;

·        Assist participants to conduct job search in areas of career interest;

·        Assist participants in preparing résumés, covering letters, employment applications, school or training registrations;

·        Support referral and access to school, education and training programs and services;

·        Register for education training to complete high school or equivalent;

·        Initiate training/upgrading opportunities leading to work in their related profession/trade;

 

Job Development Placement Support Services (JDPS)

 

JDPS is designed for individuals who are unable to successfully enter the labour market because of issues related to their credibility and employability in the market.

 

Job Connect agencies will provide trial placements to participants, monitor the process, complete customer satisfaction evaluations and skills’ assessments.

 

 

How to get services from the Job Connect program?

·        Call the JobGrow hotline: 1888-562-4769 (1888-JobGrow) or (416)326-5656; or go to the web site: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca

·        Familiar yourself with the web site and the services in which you are interested before find an employment centre close to your residence.

·        Set up a one-on-one meeting with staff at the employment centre when necessary.