Getting a job on the IEC 2014
Oct 13th 2013, 1:16 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 250
Getting a job on the IEC 2014
So I have been in Vancouver for 5 months now, and finding a job here is tough!
For people planning on visiting Vancouver on the 2014 IEC, it is worth bearing in mind that getting a job maybe a little harder than you would expect. I have a degree and quite a bit of work experience in various occupations ( mainly office jobs and tourism) and so far I have applied for 60 - 65 jobs, some entry level like coffee shops and retail assistants, some mid level and a few higher end jobs. And for all those applications, I managed to get just 2 interviews, one of which was successful but for a seasonal job, the other I haven't heard back from. And savings go down very quickly here, even if you don't party much.
Was a bit of a shock as there are a lot more jobs available here than in the UK, but somehow there seems to be much more competition for them, from people who are willing to work for next to nothing. For example (as my last boss told me) my seasonal job paid $13ph but people where offering to do the same job for just $8ph so that they could work there - and they had 50 applications within the first day of advertising (luckily I was one of the first)
I just wanted to prepare everyone, I'm sure not everyone finds it so hard, sometimes luck will play a part, but after looking at job websites while I was in the UK, and seeing how many where available, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get even an interview.
For people planning on visiting Vancouver on the 2014 IEC, it is worth bearing in mind that getting a job maybe a little harder than you would expect. I have a degree and quite a bit of work experience in various occupations ( mainly office jobs and tourism) and so far I have applied for 60 - 65 jobs, some entry level like coffee shops and retail assistants, some mid level and a few higher end jobs. And for all those applications, I managed to get just 2 interviews, one of which was successful but for a seasonal job, the other I haven't heard back from. And savings go down very quickly here, even if you don't party much.
Was a bit of a shock as there are a lot more jobs available here than in the UK, but somehow there seems to be much more competition for them, from people who are willing to work for next to nothing. For example (as my last boss told me) my seasonal job paid $13ph but people where offering to do the same job for just $8ph so that they could work there - and they had 50 applications within the first day of advertising (luckily I was one of the first)
I just wanted to prepare everyone, I'm sure not everyone finds it so hard, sometimes luck will play a part, but after looking at job websites while I was in the UK, and seeing how many where available, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get even an interview.
Oct 13th 2013, 1:39 am
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 69
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
I've been here a week and I've applied for loads. They've all been low level entry jobs (shop work, etc) just to be earning some money.
I'm probably going to give it a few months in Vancouver and then head elsewhere if I'm still unemployeed.
I'm probably going to give it a few months in Vancouver and then head elsewhere if I'm still unemployeed.
Oct 13th 2013, 4:00 am
#3
A taffy in Ontario
Joined: May 2012
Location: Ontario
Posts: 274
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
I think its because so many people are out that way who want jobs, that makes it more difficult....
My advice is to Hand CV's in Person - that seemed to work for me but I am in a different area to you.
Also check this out...
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Findin...yment_Agencies
Good luck
My advice is to Hand CV's in Person - that seemed to work for me but I am in a different area to you.
Also check this out...
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Findin...yment_Agencies
Good luck
Oct 15th 2013, 4:59 pm
#4
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
So you're suggesting that the lower mainland of BC, population say 3 million, has more jobs available than the SE of England, population 30 million?
Oct 15th 2013, 7:02 pm
#5
Dichotomus tinker
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,678
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
So I have been in Vancouver for 5 months now, and finding a job here is tough!
For people planning on visiting Vancouver on the 2014 IEC, it is worth bearing in mind that getting a job maybe a little harder than you would expect. I have a degree and quite a bit of work experience in various occupations ( mainly office jobs and tourism) and so far I have applied for 60 - 65 jobs, some entry level like coffee shops and retail assistants, some mid level and a few higher end jobs. And for all those applications, I managed to get just 2 interviews, one of which was successful but for a seasonal job, the other I haven't heard back from. And savings go down very quickly here, even if you don't party much.
Was a bit of a shock as there are a lot more jobs available here than in the UK, but somehow there seems to be much more competition for them, from people who are willing to work for next to nothing. For example (as my last boss told me) my seasonal job paid $13ph but people where offering to do the same job for just $8ph so that they could work there - and they had 50 applications within the first day of advertising (luckily I was one of the first)
I just wanted to prepare everyone, I'm sure not everyone finds it so hard, sometimes luck will play a part, but after looking at job websites while I was in the UK, and seeing how many where available, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get even an interview.
For people planning on visiting Vancouver on the 2014 IEC, it is worth bearing in mind that getting a job maybe a little harder than you would expect. I have a degree and quite a bit of work experience in various occupations ( mainly office jobs and tourism) and so far I have applied for 60 - 65 jobs, some entry level like coffee shops and retail assistants, some mid level and a few higher end jobs. And for all those applications, I managed to get just 2 interviews, one of which was successful but for a seasonal job, the other I haven't heard back from. And savings go down very quickly here, even if you don't party much.
Was a bit of a shock as there are a lot more jobs available here than in the UK, but somehow there seems to be much more competition for them, from people who are willing to work for next to nothing. For example (as my last boss told me) my seasonal job paid $13ph but people where offering to do the same job for just $8ph so that they could work there - and they had 50 applications within the first day of advertising (luckily I was one of the first)
I just wanted to prepare everyone, I'm sure not everyone finds it so hard, sometimes luck will play a part, but after looking at job websites while I was in the UK, and seeing how many where available, I was surprised at how difficult it was to get even an interview.
I would like to share with you about a neighbours kid (home grown Canadian) that went to London UK on an IEC. Cold turkey, no relatives in the UK At 28 highly qualified in her field with a degree to boot. She had a difficult time finding related work, she stuck to her guns that it had to be in the field of her expertise. After the penny dropped & reality set in, she ended up doing a few hours per week in menial jobs. It took her 9 months to land a decent job working for way less pay to her UK born & trained counterpart, add to that having to report to someone way less qualified.
Although she took $12,000 with her, lived in a room share & watched every penny, she was running out of money fast, parents sent more & at 8 months (totally teed off) booked her return flight several days before getting the job.
I think the IEC gives those under 30 an opportunity to see the world, however some folks on IEC have high expectations they can land a job similar to where they left off in their home country.
Its the short form immigrant story which you know will be over in 12 months - its not always that easy
So, you're on an IEC from the UK - you have a degree with 6 years experience & you want to do what?
What about a job pumping gas, working in a variety store or maybe a fast food joint, or working in a restaurant washing dishes? There are all kinds of jobs available - maybe two or three PT jobs at minimum wage.
On an IEC you are here for the adventure & if you find a decent job, all the better.
I'm sure that there are many UK folks on IEC's that are in the same boat as the OP - I'm wondering how some of them made out?
Oct 15th 2013, 7:13 pm
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Posts: 7,861
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
I think that's how you have to view it. Don't go into it thinking you will carve out the next stage of your career. You might, but more likely, you will not, or it will be a slow year-long stepping stone....
Oct 15th 2013, 7:21 pm
#7
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
good information that you have provided for others & I wish you good luck & stick with it.
I would like to share with you about a neighbours kid (home grown Canadian) that went to London UK on an IEC. Cold turkey, no relatives in the UK At 28 highly qualified in her field with a degree to boot. She had a difficult time finding related work, she stuck to her guns that it had to be in the field of her expertise. After the penny dropped & reality set in, she ended up doing a few hours per week in menial jobs. It took her 9 months to land a decent job working for way less pay to her UK born & trained counterpart, add to that having to report to someone way less qualified.
Although she took $12,000 with her, lived in a room share & watched every penny, she was running out of money fast, parents sent more & at 8 months (totally teed off) booked her return flight several days before getting the job.
I think the IEC gives those under 30 an opportunity to see the world, however some folks on IEC have high expectations they can land a job similar to where they left off in their home country.
Its the short form immigrant story which you know will be over in 12 months - its not always that easy
So, you're on an IEC from the UK - you have a degree with 6 years experience & you want to do what?
What about a job pumping gas, working in a variety store or maybe a fast food joint, or working in a restaurant washing dishes? There are all kinds of jobs available - maybe two or three PT jobs at minimum wage.
On an IEC you are here for the adventure & if you find a decent job, all the better.
I'm sure that there are many UK folks on IEC's that are in the same boat as the OP - I'm wondering how some of them made out?
I would like to share with you about a neighbours kid (home grown Canadian) that went to London UK on an IEC. Cold turkey, no relatives in the UK At 28 highly qualified in her field with a degree to boot. She had a difficult time finding related work, she stuck to her guns that it had to be in the field of her expertise. After the penny dropped & reality set in, she ended up doing a few hours per week in menial jobs. It took her 9 months to land a decent job working for way less pay to her UK born & trained counterpart, add to that having to report to someone way less qualified.
Although she took $12,000 with her, lived in a room share & watched every penny, she was running out of money fast, parents sent more & at 8 months (totally teed off) booked her return flight several days before getting the job.
I think the IEC gives those under 30 an opportunity to see the world, however some folks on IEC have high expectations they can land a job similar to where they left off in their home country.
Its the short form immigrant story which you know will be over in 12 months - its not always that easy
So, you're on an IEC from the UK - you have a degree with 6 years experience & you want to do what?
What about a job pumping gas, working in a variety store or maybe a fast food joint, or working in a restaurant washing dishes? There are all kinds of jobs available - maybe two or three PT jobs at minimum wage.
On an IEC you are here for the adventure & if you find a decent job, all the better.
I'm sure that there are many UK folks on IEC's that are in the same boat as the OP - I'm wondering how some of them made out?
Best not to over-generalise on a single unfortunate example.
The OP will find the Vancouver market competitive, but that doesn't mean he has to completely lower his aspirations.
Oct 15th 2013, 7:43 pm
#8
Weegie in Calgary
Joined: Dec 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 810
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
You're not very employable with a ONE year visa for degree related jobs.
Oct 15th 2013, 7:55 pm
#9
Dichotomus tinker
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,678
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
Doesn't really explain why there are THOUSANDS of young people working in finance, media, tech and healthcare in London, many starting out as temps or part-time and within several months securing well paid permanent work. Probably more like hundreds of thousands.
Best not to over-generalise on a single unfortunate example.
The OP will find the Vancouver market competitive, but that doesn't mean he has to completely lower his aspirations.
Best not to over-generalise on a single unfortunate example.
The OP will find the Vancouver market competitive, but that doesn't mean he has to completely lower his aspirations.
Would you employ someone as a permanent employee knowing they only had a one year visa?
If you mean Canada - likely there are temps in jobs who are probably permanent residents, or are you saying (do you know for sure) that some of these folks are all on IEC's from the UK
Good point about temps - the OP could try the temp agencies
As for hanging in tough - I agree
Oct 15th 2013, 8:09 pm
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,849
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
Lots of employers in Canada are not familiar with the IEC work permits and what can happen after the work permit expires and how that person can get PR status.
Would you employ a person who might only have 10 months to work?
The usual jobs working in a bar, restaurant and service industry have such a high turnover employers know the chances of these workers will move on so there is also a pool to pick from bearing in mind how many students there are in Canada looking for part time or seasonal work.
Getting the higher skilled jobs can be a challenge.
Would you employ a person who might only have 10 months to work?
The usual jobs working in a bar, restaurant and service industry have such a high turnover employers know the chances of these workers will move on so there is also a pool to pick from bearing in mind how many students there are in Canada looking for part time or seasonal work.
Getting the higher skilled jobs can be a challenge.
Oct 15th 2013, 8:12 pm
#11
Weegie in Calgary
Joined: Dec 2012
Location: Calgary
Posts: 810
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
Agreed. I was lucky I transferred but they had never heard of the IEC Scheme. Hopefully I get the second visa..
Oct 15th 2013, 9:01 pm
#12
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
Is there no way to extend a stay if one gets work on an IEC?
Oct 15th 2013, 9:03 pm
#13
Dichotomus tinker
Joined: Aug 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,678
Oct 15th 2013, 10:26 pm
#14
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Somewhere between Vancouver & St Johns
Posts: 19,849
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
There are over 50 ways to get PR status if working on an IEC work permit.
The IEC work permit itself cannot be extended so they need to either see if they are eligible to apply under one of those routes or get the employer to apply for an LMO or qualify under another programme such as Federal Skilled Trades etc.
The IEC work permit itself cannot be extended so they need to either see if they are eligible to apply under one of those routes or get the employer to apply for an LMO or qualify under another programme such as Federal Skilled Trades etc.
Oct 15th 2013, 10:45 pm
#15
Yo
Joined: Nov 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 24,474
Re: Getting a job on the IEC 2014
There are over 50 ways to get PR status if working on an IEC work permit.
The IEC work permit itself cannot be extended so they need to either see if they are eligible to apply under one of those routes or get the employer to apply for an LMO or qualify under another programme such as Federal Skilled Trades etc.
The IEC work permit itself cannot be extended so they need to either see if they are eligible to apply under one of those routes or get the employer to apply for an LMO or qualify under another programme such as Federal Skilled Trades etc.