oceanblue

Hi, I was wondering just how bad the unemployment situation is in Toronto? My husband will be repatriating there in September and has said he would take any job he can get until the economy picks up again. He works as a computer technician for an IT company and installs networks for small companies. He doesn't have a college degree, but he's MCSA qualified and has been working in this field for 10 years. He's a hard worker and would take on any job (courier, driver etc.) until thing's get better. He's going to stay with relatives until he finds work and an apartment (1 bedroom for rent) and then I will follow with our two dog's. I have experience working in veterinary clinics as an assistant/receptionist, so I would most likely look for something similar.. Pet Smart would be good to begin with. We think that if he goes over first, it will be easier, as opposed to us both going over without jobs!
We live in Cyprus and want a change as there aren't many opportunities here. We'd also like to start a family over there, as we are newlyweds and feel now would be the right time to start working towards that goal.

Can someone please shed some light on the job situation?

Thanks

AdrianR

Well, assuming he's clear to work anywhere and in any field, I see lots of minimum wage retail 'Help Wanted' signs in places like Home Depot & Timmies.

Then again, with his experience, he should be a shoe-in to a similar field and whatever the state of the economy, IT networks will still need maintenance.

christmasoompa

What visa will he be on? That may make a difference.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

oceanblue

Thankyou for replying to my post! He won't need a visa, as he was born in Canada. He moved abroad when he was very young. I believe he just needs a Social security number, and he's in the process of sponsoring me as his wife.

oceanblue

Sorry, me again... this may seem like a silly question... but are places like Sears, Winners, Pet Smart (etc) currently hiring?

Danny B

Why is he applying for unskilled jobs when he is skilled within IT

Forget applying for shop work, if he has no retail experience he wont get much of a response, concentrate your efforts on IT companies and agencies.

ireland2canada

I'll second what Danny just said, your husband may as well focus his efforts on jobs that he is qualified for & has experience in. Taking the retail sector as an example - these jobs may be seen as 'unskilled' by some in that you don't need academic qualifications, but employers still want someone with relevant experience.

Currently I work in an animal hospital, if you have relevant experience in this field then there is no reason for you not to aim for a veterinary position. There are heaps of clinics in downtown Toronto. We often get resumes dropped off by people calling in to see if there are openings, the upfront personal approach definately works. You might want to consider putting yourself forward as a volunteer as well as a prospective employee - with such a 'hands on' job, being able to actually show your skills is worth a lot more than a nicely written resume. (Not that your resume isn't important of course.)

Best of luck to you both.

oceanblue

Thankyou for your feedback, it is very much appreciated.
My husband is going over first to secure a job and an apartment; it would be too risky if we went together. It would be a major disappointment if we couldn't find jobs and had to leave. We don't want to put our pets through the stress of another flight home. I think I would be terribly upset if we were seperated for too long, which is why we are both open to unskilled jobs so I can join him as soon as possible. He will apply for jobs in his field too - he'll take whatever job he can get and as quickly as possible, providing it can cover our living expenses for a 1 bedroom apartment. I am going to submit my resume to veterinary clinics in our area and apply for retail jobs as well. We're newlyweds and have limited funds... around $20,000.

Would it be easier if we found an apartment in downtown Toronto, as opposed to the GTA? We're not sure which areas we should aim for. Pickering seemed like a decent area and we have friends and family that live there... but what are our chances of finding work nearby? Would we have that many options?

Thankyou again.

Jerseygirl

She said 'My husband will be repatriating there in September '...so he won't require a visa...but presumably she will.

christmasoompa

Check post no. 4 JG - question already answered!

oceanblue

Still wondering if anyone else has any feedback to share?

Jerseygirl

Sorry I was distracted and didn't get past your post asking the OP about visas.