Want a Job in Canada? Here is a simple test to figure out if you are talking to an Internationally Friendly Employer
One of the secrets to finding a job in Canada as an international candidate is to understand that not all employers are created equal. Some employers get dragged into interviewing international candidates while other employers really want to hire international workers.
As an international candidate your goal is to identify employers who really want to hire you. Knowing and recognizing the difference between the ‘draggers’ and the ‘wanters’ can make all the difference in the world when it comes to successfully starting a new life and immigrating to Canada. Undoubtedly, identifying internationally friendly employers is not an exact science. However there is one test that will help you improve your chances of getting a job in Canada.
Attitude Towards International Credentials
One simple test to get a high level understanding of whether an employer really wants to hire international workers is figure out their attitude towards your international credentials. If an employer starts off an email interrogating you on ‘what type of university you went to’ or digging for irrelevant details about your work experience, then you should figure out why they are taking this approach. Is it simple due diligence or is the problem attitudinal?
In fact, if an employer does not bring this issue up then it might be in your best interest to ask them ‘just curious, what do you think about the university I attended?’
These days, anyone can quickly use Google to find background information on an overseas university or training program. Successful international employers will not be dissuaded by overseas skill sets. In fact, many employers recognize international credentials as a competitive advantage. Uncovering this employer perspective quickly and up front is critical to your overseas job search.
However, one thing you must be careful of is assuming that the attitude of the person interviewing you is also the attitude of the company or ultimate decision maker. Sometimes gatekeepers such as Human Resources or even Administrative Assistants can misrepresent the attitude of the ultimate decision maker. Many international candidates have missed out on legitimate immigration and job opportunities by reacting in an overly sensitive manner after talking to people who do not really matter in the hiring process.
In this way, targeting a smaller company might be more advantageous and informative than focusing on larger multinational employers. If you are interviewing for an overseas position in a smaller company, it will only be a matter of time before you get to speak to the owner of the company and are able to use the international credentials test. Speaking to an owner is the ultimate luxury for the international candidate and odds are that you will get a good sense of a smaller companies true desire to hire an international candidate.
On the other hand, larger companies do tend to have more resources and experience hiring international workers and thus are traditionally more accepting of international credentials. This is especially the case in certain industries with track records of immigration employment such as finance, health care, energy and manufacturing. However with a larger company you will typically have no idea whether a job position has been posted because the company really wants an international worker or because of corporate politics.
In the end, there are many ways to figure out if you are talking to an internationally friendly employer. However, the international credentials test could be the quickest and easiest way to save you time and anguish in your international job search.