How to Create Your Ideal Career by Keith Rosen

Are you truly happy and fulfilled in your career? Do you wake up with a sense of excitement when heading off to work? Are you making the money and the impact you want to make at work and with your customers, given your experience, skills and talents? If not, maybe it’s time to reinvent your career path and actually design your ideal career. Yes, it is possible because dreams don’t have a shelf life. - read more here

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Potential: From Underperformer to Asset

Ask the Expert: Unlocking Potential: From Underperformer to Asset - http://www.hireimmigrants.ca

October 23, 2013

In the article, Unlocking Potential: From Underperformer to Asset, we examined a dilemma that many employers face. You hire an internationally educated professional who has the right skills, degree, and workplace experience, but who under performs without explanation.  This is where Business Edge, a bridging program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, enables and empowers skilled immigrants to move back into jobs where they can fully utilize their skills, education and professional experience.  Read the article.

There are also other strategies that employers can implement to assist their immigrant talent in performing better. In this series we are posing questions to HR experts to provide insight into getting the most out of diverse talent.

Assume Sarah’s employer recognized cultural barriers were linked to certain performance issues. What interventions could her employer have made once the poor performance was perceived? 

By Sabina Michael, Program Manager, Business Edge 

The first step in a situation like Sarah’s is for the manager to provide timely feedback. Too often internationally educated employees such as Sarah receive their first form of real feedback’ in the form of a termination notice. This is too late; and it represents a situation where everyone loses.

Delivering feedback, however, is not a ‘one size fits all’ situation. Managers who work with internationally-educated professionals (IEPs) need to recognize that different cultures understand and perceive feedback very differently.

In Canada, professional settings are often characterized by indirect communication. Thus, if a manager is delivering feedback to an employee from an indirect culture, they might deliver it in a method fairly similar to how they would for a Canadian-born employee.

If, on the other hand, the IEP comes from a culture where the communication is very direct, the employee may struggle with indirect feedback. They may find the ‘feedback sandwich’ difficult to decode, and therefore miss the point completely. A manager should strive to give direct feedback in order to clearly convey the message. Focus on the content of message, rather than on non-verbal cues such as body language, intonation and register in speech.

Further, it is critical to set clear goals and concrete deliverables. Employees are then able to understand and focus on the key deliverables. Managers should allow for frequent check-in meetings to provide employees with the opportunity to clarify questions and review performance. Additional support from a mentor, coach or ‘cultural buddy’ would also be of great help.

The manager and IEP alike should keep the following in mind. Each should strive to increase their understanding of the other person’s perspective before jumping to conclusions. And each should address cultural issues in an open, honest way before they become insurmountable. Sarah’s case is one where everyone loses. Described here is a situation where everyone comes out ahead.

More Resources

Video – Integrating Talent Video– Reward and RecognitionCultural differences can influence the effectiveness of performance feedback in a diverse workplace. The effects of these differences are highlighted in the fourth installment of Integrating Talent, a training video created by TRIEC that follows the fictional experiences of the skilled immigrant Tarek and his employer MetroCan Technologies.

Roadmap – Manage PerformanceIn this section of the Roadmap learn how to set goals, outline expectations and provide regular feedback to help skilled immigrant employees perform effectively.

E-learning course – Performance ManagementThis course examines the role of cultural norms in performance management and leadership.

Online resources help develop career plans by Sheryl Smolkin

The basic building blocks of a career plan are an inventory of your skills, abilities and the activities that you enjoy.

When you need money to pay the rent, it is often necessary to take the first job that comes along, even if it is not ideal. However, if you don’t have a career plan, several years later you may find yourself in the same dead end position.

The basic building blocks of a career plan are an inventory of your skills, abilities and the activities that you enjoy. Then you need to research the kinds of careers that are consistent with your aptitude and any further education or training you may need to qualify for the career you have chosen.

Most college and universities have career centres that offer counseling and resources to graduates and alumni. The websites below can also help.

Read more here.

‘If you like your field, don’t give up’, says engineer Paul Frasie

“In my life I’ve learned not to have big expectations in the beginning,” says Paul Frasie, a designer engineer from Romania. “Because I don’t want to be disappointed later. So the only thing I thought about on my way to Canada was that since you leave everything in your country [when you emigrate], you have to somehow succeed in the new place. If you come to Canada and in six months return to your country, you will have nothing left – just frustration.”

However, Frasie did have plans – he intended to find a job soon after his arrival to Canada, to work and to buy a house. He had no idea of the challenges internationally trained engineers face when they come to Canada and start searching for professional jobs. Frasie didn’t know anything about the highly competitive job market, the “Canadian experience” requirement and the specifics of applying for jobs in Canada. He had prepared a Curriculum Vitae (which is used more often in Europe) and when he arrived he found some resume templates. So Frasie started sending his resume to companies he assumed would be interested in his qualifications and skills. “The first six months I sent tons of resumes and didn’t receive any feedback form anybody,” he says. “So at this point it was very tough and disappointing.”

To make matters worse, the global recession had impacted Canada as well and many engineers were losing their jobs. Frasie had already felt the recession in Romania, but he didn’t expect to find a similar situation in Canada. It was hard to stay positive and to figure out what the right thing to do was. He didn’t want to change careers or do survival jobs as many professionals did at that time when they faced unemployment. He loved his profession and wanted to work in his field.

What helped him stay optimistic was a meeting with the founder of the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada (AREC). He introduced him to other engineers from his country and Frasie started building a network of acquaintances and friends with similar backgrounds. “Everybody helped me somehow,” Frasie says. “They didn’t find a job for me, but they gave me some sources, some useful information and shared their experiences with me.”

Read more here.

5 steps to develop your unique personal brand for lasting career success By Murali Murthy

New to Canada and at your wit’s end trying to land a job? Amazed and dismayed at the difficulty of the entire job search process? Shocked that you are not even receiving email acknowledgments, let alone a call for an interview? Been there, done that.

The many challenges that you face while seeking job openings can be resolved by developing a strong, unique personal brand. A personal brand makes you noticed for all the right reasons, reinforces your strengths and give the employer ample reasons to hire you. It takes understanding and some work to develop your brand, but the payoff is highly rewarding, as has been proven by thousands of successful immigrants in Canada.

Read more here.

Remove “Canadian experience” barrier

Remove "Canadian experience" barrier : Ontario Human Rights Commission

The Ontario Human Rights Commission's (OHRC) new Policy on removing the "Canadian experience" barrier was launched recently by Chief Commissioner Barbara Hall in partnership with KPMG.

"Ontario attracts highly-skilled immigrants from all over the world," commented Hall, "but if they have to meet a requirement for Canadian experience, they are in a very difficult position - they can't get a job without Canadian experience and they can't get experience without a job. In most cases, that is discrimination under Ontario's Human Rights Code."

Read more here.

No Canadian experience, no job. No job, no Canadian experience.

What is Canadian Experience?

The odd interview question is an obstacle that thousands of immigrants and newcomers face each year. What employers mean>>>

Business Edge for Internationally Educated Professionals

Business Edge is for internationally educated men and women who are building careers in Canada. It helps you build professional confidence and acquire the relevant business skills you need to advance your career. The program will help you understand the subtleties of the Canadian workplace and learn new strategies for success.

We are now accepting applications for the fall offering of the program that starts on November 10th, 2012.  

Sabina Michael
Program Manager

Rotman School of Management
University of Toronto
105 St. George Street
Toronto, ON M5S 3E6
Tel: 416.978.7059
Fax: 416.978.5549

www.rotmanexecutive.com/businessedge

AREC link.

Newcomers face unique job search challenges By Kyla Frankowski

This is the fourth part in a series of columns to offer job search tips and advice, written by Lutherwood staff. Lutherwood is a local agency that offers employment support as well as a range of other services which are accessed by more than 20,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

Newcomers to Canada often face many challenges when looking for work that fits their past experience.

These challenges can include differing work environments, qualification requirements and workplace cultures, as well as a lack of a social network.

However, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure you are on the right track.

If you are new to Canada and looking for work, you need to know how your skills and previous occupation fit into the Canadian labour market. So your first step is to find out which Canadian occupation best matches your experience and skills.

Recently, I worked with an individual who held the title of electrical engineer in his native country.

But when we reviewed his skills and work experience, we discovered that he better matched the occupation of industrial millwright here in Canada. Knowing this, we were able to focus his job search efforts.

The second step is to learn what skills and experience Canadian employers are looking for, review your own skills and experience, and identify any gaps.

To determine Canadian employers’ needs, you should review job postings, talk to employers and talk to people working in your field.

Ideally, you should try and connect with someone who has been successful getting work in your profession so that you can learn what worked or didn’t work for them.

Now that you know what type of job you are looking for and any skill and experience gaps you need to fill, the third step is to create a plan to fill those gaps.

There are many options for upgrading skills and increasing experience, including programs designed specifically for newcomers to Canada. These options include mentoring with someone working in your field, accessing apprenticeship opportunities and enrolling in English-language or job-skill upgrading courses.

Once the gaps are filled, you are in a position to work on your resumé, prepare yourself for interviews and find employers who are hiring in your field.

Finally, build a network. Finding work in today’s economy is difficult enough without trying to do it on your own. A network is a group of people who know you, know what kind of work you are looking for and will help you.

Try to include people who have successfully adapted to the Canadian workplace and culture as well as people working in your field and industry of interest. Find out what job opportunities they know about and who they know that can help you with your job search.

I strongly advise speaking with someone at a local government-funded employment services agency.

Employment advisors can help you focus your job search, identify skill and experience gaps, help you access employment programs, identify training and financial assistance opportunities such as Second Career, and give you guidance on preparing for your job search.

Adapting your professional skills and experience to fit within a new country is challenging.

But with a bit of time, dedication and support, you may be surprised at how quickly you can find the work you are looking for.

• • •

Kyla Frankowski, an employment advisor at Lutherwood, has more than eight years of experience offering employment services. She works primarily with newcomers to Canadain the Job Search Workshop program. For more information, visit www.lutherwood.ca/employment.

What Happens When You Don't Get What You Want? by Alan Kearns

You have been training for 15 years of your life. You have won a Gold medal in the Sydney Olympics & a sliver at the Beijing. You have just had a great swim, are in 15th place coming out of the water...things are going swimmingly. You are running your race, according to your game plan. You get up on your bike & start out of the gate, for the second part of your race. You're feeling fresh & exicted; you even have the wind at your back. You race your bike up the hill & get ready to put your foot into your shoes.

You hit a speed bump. You crash & wipe out; your Olympic race is over. You watch the winner complete the race & receive the gold medal, as you sit in the medical tent.

Speed Bumps.

For Simon Whitfield, this speed bump meant the messy ending to a terrific Olympic career. He shared, "I hit the speed bump just as I went to put my shoe on, I think. I hit on a funny angle and ended up crowd surfing, which is good for concerts and not so good for sport events." Everyone has them at some point in their lives, a time when your life veers off of your own game plan. From getting laid-off, a frustrating job search, not being chosen for aleadership role, or not being accepted into the program you were hoping to enter. 

Speed Bumps Hurt.

I thought of not just the physical pain that Simon was in, including a broken collar bone & a severe laceration to his foot, requiring stitches. I also thought of the emotional pain not only for Simon, but for all the other people in his life that were supporting him. "My breakdown moment was seeing my wife because I know how much Jennie puts into this and we're a team and she's put in so much sacrifice being at home a lot alone." 

Speed Bumps Can Teach.

Simon shared "It was hard to see my daughter upset, my wife upset and I was pretty upset. That means it means something doesn't it?"

1. We all hit speed bumps in our careers - it's not personal, it is part being a professional.

2. Take stock, deal with the reality of the situation, accept it, AND learn from it.

3. Start a new goal as soon as possible.

Speed Bumps Can Heal.

Simon stated "I don't know that I ever dreamed of four Olympics, two medals and flag bearer, I'm absolutely blown away by the whole thing."

When I first read his quote, I was stunned. I reread the quote to make sure that I had understood it correctly. Now THAT is a high performance athlete. It was obviously not the Olympic experience, that Simon was anticipating. I was so impressed by his forward looking perspective - from disaster to moving forward in less than 24 hours.

We have all had crash and burn experiences in our careers, but it's our response to these issues that is the key. Well done Simon, we are proud of you! You have represented Canada well & have been a great example, to those of us who desire to reach our full potential. 

  

Looking for help with your personal brand? Looking to become a more effective leader? Who's your career coach? Need help with a professional resume, job search, and interview preparation? Invest in yourself & get the edge in this competitive job market. Take a small step and book an initial coaching session.

CareerClass | Webinar - Get the Right Career, Right Now! Invest 1 hour of your time to help identify the right work situation. Join me Thursday, August 15 12-1 P.M. ET. Take control ofyour career, all from the comfort & convenience of your own desk.  

Click to register.

Giving my best, along the road with you!

Alan  

P.S. Looking for help with your job search? The 90-Day Job Search Program can help you identify the right career fit for you. Click for more details.    

  

P.P.S. Looking for career or leadership support in Ottawa? We have a terrific team to help you reach your potential & advance in your career. Click here to get started. 

News You Can Use - Personal networks and the economic adjustment of immigrants by Derrick Thomas

In searching for explanations as to why recent immigrants are having more difficulty adjusting to the Canadian economy than did their predecessors, researchers have looked at aspects of human capital such as language ability, literacy, education and work experience. A factor that has not often been considered is the social capital of immigrants—that is, the personal networks that they are able to mobilize in their economic interests. Read more. 

Career Guide for Newcomers

The second edition of No Canadian Experience, Eh? A Career Success Guide for New Immigrants is now available. Career Coach and Author, Daisy Wright, whose work has been published in several career books, first published the book in 2007. At the time, it was the first-of-its-kind career guide that addressed the job search plight of internationally educated professionals and new immigrants. One publisher remarked that he was “pleasantly surprised to see so much valuable information for a segment of the population that was largely ignored in regards to the job search.”

While the book addresses job search basics such as résumé and cover letter design, and how to prepare and master the interview, how to build professional networks, access the hidden job market, and engage in small talk, Wright invited 16 top career experts, (13 from Canada and 3 from the United States) to contribute their individual expertise to enhance the value of this edition. New topic areas include personal branding, social media, on-boarding, green careers, leadership, practice firms, stress management, career assessments, self-employment as a career option, consulting and time management.

For more details check http://www.nceinstitute.com/category/news-views

News You Can Use - Self-Study Guide for Skilled Immigrants

Finding Talent is a training video developed by TRIEC.  It uses a storytelling approach to present the business case for hiring skilled immigrants and to demonstrate techniques which will allow companies to leverage the talents of skilled immigrants.

The Finding Talent video and self-study guide will provide you with valuable information on 

finding a job.

You will benefit from this video most if you:
- watch the whole video from beginning to end first 
- replay segments that are most interesting to you 
- talk about the video with a friend or family member
- do at least some of the optional activities included in this guide
- consult the resources to further your learning 
- seek employment-support services as you need them 
- are open to seeing things from a different point of view



Use this self-study guide to learn about the topics covered in the video. It provides an 
overview of each video scene, identifies key learning objectives, and offers optional activities for 
you to reinforce your learning.

• self-study guide for skilled immigrants who are employed or looking for work

Top 10 Ways to Get Canadian Experience

Came across this article through a LinkedIn group post, and even if it was posted in 2007, I find it full of good advice. Check it here. As well, Start Here, and don't forget... "If you keep trying, good things will come. You can do it and you will do it." 

News You Can Use - New Canadians must self-promote more

Hello again,

I just read the below article and the topic is my preferred one. In my experience, networking success has never been based on who you know but, rather, who knows you. 

Because, NETWORK is surrounding yourself with people who support you! What propels your career success whether you are self-employed or working for others? "Networking with as many as possible." 

A commonly known phrase says: "What you know is important; who you know is even more important."

Furthermore, a more appropriate phrase would be: "It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know."

As noted above, your relationships matter - your professional network of trusted contacts gives you an advantage in your career, and is one of your most valuable assets. Who you know and more importantly who knows you can help your credibility. 

In this article you will find a road-map to become a master networker:

Getting Connected: IN SOME CULTURES TALKING ABOUT YOUR SKILLS IS CONSIDERED INAPPROPRIATE BUT IN THE JOB MARKET, IT'S A MUST

By ALLISON GRAHAM, SPECIAL TO QMI AGENCY

Internationally trained professionals come to Canada with the intention of building a full and prosperous life. Unfortunately, many find themselves underemployed and struggling to get connected to industry leaders and find worthwhile job opportunities.

At a recent conference dedicated to sharing strategies with new Canadians on how to connect in the job market, the overwhelming theme was encouraging them to "network." The question is "how?"

Successful networking is the same regardless of where you were born. There are four pillars -- the concept, the strategy, the Business of YOU and the fundamentals -- to become a master networker:

• The concept: In Canada, the networking approach that works best is more subtle than in other parts of the world. A person who has just met you is not likely to open up his or her network to you to help you find a job until the relationship has had time to develop. It could take meeting someone six to eight times at networking functions before you start to click. Showing up once or twice is not enough. Asking a person at the time of introduction to give you a job or introduce you to someone who could won't likely happen.
• The strategy: You'll need to figure out where you should go to network that will give you the best opportunity to connect with people in your industry. Research online can help you pinpoint the movers and shakers in your field. It requires stepping out of your comfort zone, but if you only network within current circles, you won't meet people who can lead to the job you desire.
• The Business of YOU: This is the networking pillar that addresses your image and employability. Your personal brand or reputation will have a huge effect on your ability to get and keep a job. The question for a potential employer is not only if you can do the work, it's whether you can function and get along in the workplace. For people to hire or recommend you, they need to like you, trust you and believe you are competent so every time you go to a networking event you want to keep these goals in mind. Ask yourself "What would it be like to meet me?" The answer may tell you a lot about how well you connect with people. One barrier for internationally trained professionals can be language. Even if you are fluent in English, a thick accent can make it difficult to connect at loud networking events. Practise and perfect your English or French. Knowing a second language can benefit you in your work, but getting connected to the right people will require conversations most often in English.
• The fundamentals: Knowing the how-tos of networking in Canada is essential to landing a job in the professional realm.

Allison Graham is a business networking expert, conference speaker and the author of Business Cards to Business Relationships: How to Build the Ultimate Network. To submit a question, comment on this article or contact Allison, visit her blog at http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected or her website, http://blogs.canoe.ca/gettingconnected

As well, check these Free Networking Tips.

"It isn't who you know, but who knows you and knows what you know." ~ Anonymus

How to Apply an Engineering Method to Solve Ethical Problems (1)

If you've read this blog for a while, you already know that I like to use my engineering background to point your attention to general concepts. Even if you're not an engineer, i am confident you will benefit from it.

Today, I will start a series of postings demonstrating the use of one of the well-known methods of engineering, which can be applied to solve ethical problems as well.

Introduction

Coming to Canada as an immigrant engineer educated and trained in another country, I was faced to many career choices. I could choose to join a small firm or a multinational organization, to be an entrepreneur or even to change the path of my career for another domain. Each of these opportunities operates in business environment that is totally different from the place I was coming from.

However, first of most I had to understand the new culture and the ethics of the business. Soon I understood that organizations have no more stable environment, and I had to answer many dilemmas.

A simple example is should I leave present employer and go for better salary and benefits. If I stay here, what is the guarantee that I will be offered continued employment?  The course on ethics in faculty didn't provide any yes or no answers to these questions. It helped me to understand my inside compass on guiding me to take appropriate decisions.

If we examine the current literature on ethics, the focus is on guidelines given by philosophers, academics and social critics. However, leaders, managers and engineers require more practical information about managing ethics.

"Managing ethics in the workplace holds tremendous benefit to all including engineers, managers, organization and society. This is particularly true today when it is critical to understand and manage highly diverse groups, with different values in the workplace and operating in globalized economic conditions." (1)

What is ethics?
(will follow)

References:
(1) "Complete Guide to Ethics Management: An Ethics Toolkit for Managers" - written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC., Copyright 1997-2008.

News You Can Use - Immigrants need Canadian style social skills

News You Can Use - A story...like your story...

Listen the story of a judge who is performing citizenship ceremonies. A story very similar to everyone else... 
What are you taking from his story? Network and get out!

Find out more about Citizenship and Immigration Canada


"Do not wait: the time will never be 'just right'. Start where you stand, and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along." ~ Napoleon Hill

Communication X 3!

Last week I participated at a presentation organized by the Association of Romanian Engineers in Canada. The topic was "Understanding Project Management", and the presenter Mr. Rishi Kumar. P.Eng., PMP, CMC was very eloquent in pointing out that the most important factor in the success or failure of a project is Communication. Based on his experience, the interpersonal skills, contracting and negotiation skills are playing the biggest role.


Communication, communication and more communication! Is communication used only in project management? Of course, not! However, everything is project management, as well as everything is... negotiation, as well as we all are in sales! Even if you think you're not :). 
We are first and foremost social beings. And most on the conversations in the workplace are social. Hi, how are you? How was your weekend? How was in vacation? How is your son? etc.
Great social interaction prepares the platform on which work is built. 
So, how we can get better?


Here are a few initial steps ideas:
1. Before coming to Canada improve your English speaking skills.
 - Test Your English
- Learn Business English
- 11 RULES OF WRITING
2. Once you're here, join a Toastmasters International club.
 - Why to join? Read this and then go Find Meeting Locations near to your area.
3. Use different resources like these:
 - FREE Communispond Podcast Library
 - Communication skills


...and be prepared for more. 
Enjoy and be happy now!


"The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution." ~ Albert Einstein

What you focusing on?

 As I mentioned before, the intention of these posts is to create a conversation between us and to support you in being successfully accommodated to the Canadian workplace and society. Primarily, to support you in becoming a highly successful IEP.

Each week I will select one or more topics related to the exercises proposed under each main quality of our topic and share with you some experiences about the way that my friends or myself went through something like this.

Just goggle "achieve balance" and you will get millions of hits. We hear a lot about the need of balance in our lives, between work and personal life, etc. On many sites you will get recipes about how to achieve it. Personally, I believe that maintaining balance in our daily life is impossible. I can agree with the concept of ecological balance in nature - as a whole, however I like to see it from the perspective of energy. Energy is always moving based on our focus. So, where are you moving your energy? It is your work? It is your family? By changing your focus, you enable an instant change in how you feel, you can change your emotional state. Are you stressed? If you are stressed, then this is a result of where you're putting your focus. 


Remember: Whatever you focus on becomes your reality! (Believe it or not!) In fact, everything you do is a reflection of what you are focusing on... in your career, in your personal life and relationships or in your health. What you focus on determines how you'll feel!


Now, write down why you must Engineer Your Success in Canada, even if you are not an engineer. As my friend Salvador put it, "These top ten qualities to be successful are fundamental for any professional trying to succeed in this new interconnected world." 
Now, please take your time and go through these next five steps. Be clear and specific. One step at a time...

• What are your reasons?
• What will it give you, your family, and your friends?
• What will it eliminate?
• What kind of stress would disappear if you had a guide like this?
• Write down what it will cost you if you don't take the time to master all  these qualities.

Be happy, now!

P.S. Do you notice any strange wording? (hint: see title)

"Quality questions create a quality life." ~ Anthony Robbins
"Always I will take another step. If that is of no avail I will take another, and yet another. In truth, one step at a time is not too difficult.” ~ Og Mandino