zRichi

How easy do people get jobs in Halifax.

The job boards are sooo empty..

Rich

Merry

Been here almost a year and still no luck - tried everything - on charitable Boards, networking, employment agencies, done voluntary work and some small bits of contract work, applied for lots of jobs both advertised and those I've heard about elsewhere. I have never been in this situation before and it's stressful - funny thing is we got PR on basis that my job was on the 'wanted' list and yet I can't find anything but OH has had lots of options! Oh well - I'm sure it will happen - then what a celebration I'll have

Merry

Oh almost forgot - I also tried ISIS and they were awful to deal with although I've heard more positive stories from others

Tuppence

Hard. Not having a degree can be a real killer.

zRichi

Oh crikey

Do you mind if I ask what profession you're in?
I gather people you speak to have the same trouble?

Hope you find something soon!

val50

agree - even with a degree it's difficult

Merry

Yup - done the degree thing too (several times!) including Bachelors in Law, Masters in Psychology & Management, Post-Grad in Psychology, etc, etc - still nothing.

I don't mean to sound bitter - it's all part of the immigration process and I totally accept that. Just want others to be aware of how difficult it can be!

rubberduckofdeath

Wow, sounds tough.

Is it any easier if you get past the hidden job market, e.g. know people there?

nikki dreaming

From what I have seen and experienced since arriving here is that it is very hit and miss and a lot is down to luck.

It is true that the job market is very hidden here and a case of who you know etc, but then on the other hand, some people I have known have picked up jobs very quickly.

All I can recommend is to network like mad and keep in touch with people.

Merry

I think you're right - luck has a huge amount to do with it. As I said, I'm making good use of my time and enjoying myself too but I'm fortunate that OH is working otherwise it would be a total nightmare.

Steve.gibbs007

I moved here April this year with my Canadian Mrs and wasn't allowed to work until my PR was received. 6 days after I got it I was working. I had done massive amounts of job searching just to keep on top of 'who's hiring'.
Back in the UK I was an Assembly Manager for a train company, over here I'm Crew Manager for a fencing company. I don't have a degree but DO have 20-odd years experience. Getting through the door is the important thing, you can move around from there.
There are jobsites that list links to companies, not all of which are necessarily hiring right now. Get in touch with them, follow-up e-mails/resumes with a phone call and speak to lots of people in work. I discussed my situation with the Mrs' boss and he gave me good info. on where to look, what salary to ask for etc.
Also, find a list of all companies, big and small, in your area and try them - it's true not all jobs are advertised but you might just catch someone's eye - I did!
Good luck mate!

CanadaJimmy

Perhaps if you can't get a job you could start your own small business? Sounds like the economy there needs it.

dormy

Been here over 4 years now, have done all the networking avenues, I am working but not close to what I am trained and experienced in doing, had to obviously take many steps backward when I arrived, but am still in a very junior position & very badly paid. I was told by a potential employer on Monday to try again when my Citizenship comes through as they only employ Canadians. Get used to this response!

zRichi

Crazy, think I'll stick to original plan. Land in Toronto and maybe go to NS when I get full citizenship.

Lorry1

MY OH has not had any trouble getting work here at all. He is a software testing manager. He had an interview set up for the first working day after we arrived, he got the job and stayed a year. It wasn't a great company and the pay was far less than what he earned in England, but it got us started.
He networked like crazy while he was there and joined linked-in. Him and another guy also set up there own non-profit testing company on the net which has really grown and they have alot of members. He has done testing exams and passed and is now in the top 5 testers in Canada and US.
Through all this he was offered a job with another company who only take referrals. He was offered a better salary and it was an excellent company. While there he was being head hunted by a huge company who have offices all over the world. They finally made him an offer he couldn't refuse and started there 3 months ago.

This is a small town and you have to network hard and put in a huge effort. It isn't what you know, it's who you know here.
There are always jobs if you look hard enough, get out there and get yourself known.

I even found a job by trawling round travel agents with my resume and asking for work. I have been happy in my job for 2 and a half years now