Hello Everyone,

I am wondering if anyone has contacts in the Oakville, Burlington or Mississauga area as I am looking for work and finding it extremely hard without knowing someone to network with. I'm hoping someone out there may have contacts.

Have been here just a year so far. Been looking now 6 months and not so much as an interview. I understand its all about who you know here and the sheer volume of applications companies receive is crazy! The area I'm seeking employment in is Project Management or in the Construction field of this work. ( I know what your thinking, her CV is crap)- I got it overhauled by a professional so that's ruled out.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated and if I can return the favour any way shape for form I certainly will even if it's just general info you need.

Thanks in advance.

Have you thought about attending some meetup groups as a start?

Trust me it's not from lack of trying but thank you for the suggestion all the same- I'm on meetups.com and have met people but unfortunately they don't have any contacts in the area I am searching. I am running out of ideas.

Is your resume written in Canadian format?

LinkedIn?

Have you joined or tried reaching out to anyone in the Toronto Construction Association? Toronto Construction Association Asking to meet for a coffee for a chat, rather than 'I want a job' perhaps?

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/we-are-t...865729?aff=es2

Sorry, I have no contacts in the industry

Really sorry, but the OP is seeking employment in Project Management or in the Construction field - not IT.

Sorry misunderstood the question I have deleted my post.

Here's my attempts so far;

*Linkedin-( I've sent a few emails to people on there in the industry to no response), did some courses on Lynda.com to enhance my skill set. Have my account on Premium so am utilitzing everything on there.
* Using Indeed. ca, workopolis, monster, cic job bank etc
* Yes, My resume is in Canadian format
* Almost finished my Construction Management Degree
* Have Certification in Project Management
* WHSA & WHMIS
* AutoCad 2d Certification
* Registered with a few Recruitment agencies ( which I find are a total waste of time)
* Constantly looking on Company websites and registering my resume for future opportunities
* It's now become a job looking for a job

I'm like a dog with a bone now and just want to be given a chance to prove myself.

My response to a previous reply from Geoff52- I'm not looking for work in downtown Toronto as the commute is too far (2 hours return) plus the train fares are crazy, its cheaper to drive.

Thanks for this info Siouxie!

What certification in PM do you hold? I currently hold APMP but am about to do the PMP exam prior to moving to Canada as pretty much every PM role I look at asks for it and APMP is not recognised in Canada.

Whilst I am very skeptical about the PMI and PMP exam (although in itself it is a wonderful business), it seems that without the qualification you are immediately at a disadvantage. Might be worth considering if you have a different PM qualification.

I have a Certificate in Project Managment. Currently studying for the CAPM (Certified Associate Project Management) which is the entry course for someone new to it. The problem with the PMP is experience, it's bit of a catch 22 situation. You can't do it without the hours behind you (which I don't have). PMP is know worldwide so it's a good choice and your correct most of the job specs require this from what I have been looking at also. Employers also like to see Canadian experience so that may be against you initially ( don't want to sound negative but its a reality).

Have you tried looking people up on LinkedIn and then calling them on the phone?

I know it sounds daunting but if you tell them your situation and ask for guidance I'm sure most would try and at least point you in a direction.

It sounds like you are heading in the right direction. PMP seems to be the standard in Canada and prior to this, perhaps focus on getting some project administrator experience under your belt to build up the hours and get the experience.

With regards to PM in construction, I see hundreds of vacancies around Canada for this type of role but the vast majority want an architectural or structural engineering background. Entry level roles are few and far between but they do exist.

Canadian experience (or lack of) is a big factor. I am under no illusions that I may need to step down to a more junior position in the interim, should I go into PM at all. I am only doing the PMP as an insurance policy in case I need it.

At least there will never be a shortage of PM positions - someone has to keep the engineers of this world heading in the right direction.....

I hope so! I'm working in a Project Coordinator role in a construction firm at present but it doesn't use any of the Project Management processes and to be honest it's nowhere near a challenge for me and no progression within the company itself.

There are a lot of jobs in the industry and have been looking on the requirements for each role to have an idea of expectations. Experience is the downfall in my case.

It's always handy for you to have a back up plan so your going about it the right way.