AdrianR

Folks
I have been searching this forum for an idea of what is meant by the phrase 'Canadian Experience' as it relates to job-hunting. Even CIC's use of the phrase doesn't help much in explaining why it's considered important.

Is it a get-out for employers to avoid being accused of discriminatory hiring practices (like saying, 'You are not a close enough fit to our requirements' kind of management-speak)?
Or is it a genuine belief amongst Canadian HR staff and decision makers that, somehow, the Canadian work-culture is so different from anything encountered elsewhere that outsiders just won't understand it? Not even if you are from other English-speaking, WASP countries?

I spent some time today thinking of counter-arguments to both these points - having been a hirer as well as a hiree in the UK.

Anyone have further thoughts?

shelley748

Canadian experience is nothing more than having experience working in Canada- there are no hidden meanings...sometimes its a good idea to volunteer somewhere and put that on your resume- its not easy to get a job in Canada- I won't kid you- you have to prove yourself all over again.

JonboyE

Agreed. There is nothing particularly sinister about it. As an employer, if you are faced with two candidates with equal ability, and you perceive that one will be able to start work and be effective from day one while the other may take some time to get used to Canadian work culture, regulations and so on, which would you hire?

It is more relevant when the economy is not doing well because there are more people looking for work and the employer may want to minimize their risk with hiring newcomers. It can also be used as a veil for racism.

It is not an insurmountable problem. You just need to present yourself and your abilities in a way that is more attractive to potential employers that the possible downside of not having Canadian experience. In practice it means that if you need a job you consider accepting a lower status/salary that you expect to get your foot in the door.