Work Worries
 

Hi All, looking forward to travelling out in Jan to get our Visa`s stamped and to look around places we fancy, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, Maple Ridge, areas just outside Vancouver, but my biggest concern is finding employment, i am in IT and i really could do with some positive feedback regarding finding work.

Re: Work Worries
 

Have you read the Job Hunting section of the Wiki? That should give you all the info you need, good luck. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Catego...Hunting-Canada

Re: Work Worries
 

Yeah I have the same worries. Alot of people are saying that jobs are hard to get etc.... and it really makes you crazy because you are so far away and can do nothing about it yet, until you get there and even then it is for a limited time.

Have you done your Canadian CV yet? Are you hoping for any job interviews or are you going to leave your CV with HR departments of different companies.

I have seen many IT related jobs on the major sites? so you have a good chance of getting an interview if you have your PR already right?

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Yes, we have our PR status so i can start to apply i guess, i have still got to make a canadian cv, although i may just pay to get this done professionally, and then take loads with me and just hit all the agencies i guess.

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If you dont live in Canada it is THE most frustrating feeling trying to find a job. We have to rely on the internet for job openings and the classified options in the online newspapers, but many people are saying that most of the jobs are hidden and you can only get them if you have friends in the right places.

I think it would be a great help if members on this forum share their experience of how they went about finding a job. I know it depends on your profession but any success story is very uplifting, so please share!!!

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I looked at the trade rags, Computing, Computer Weekly, whatever else was published then and responded to an advert. We could have gone to America, Australia, various other places, but picked Canada in the mistaken belief that people speak French here.

I would never pick a city and try to get a job in that place. Especially not if my skillset was as unpromising a match as computing in Vancouver. There are computers there, of course, but I know plenty of people who went there looking for work and came back when their savings were exhausted. I suppose it's better than a fisherman targeting Saskatchewan but hardly so.

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There are these guys in Chilliwack, http://www.stream.com/index.php/loca...ica/chilliwack.

Don't know of any major IT company in the other cities you mention.

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There is some truth in that last comment, but it is not as pervasive as some on here would have you believe. However, many small to medium sized companies in the private sector start their recruitment efforts by "letting it be known" that they are hiring. They particularly like referrals by existing staff members and respected colleagues. Only if this does not produce a suitable candidate will the company then advertise or appoint a recruitment agency. The hottest internet based job site in Vancouver is craig's list. Jobs will likely go on there before the newspaper classifieds.

To have a chance of being referred you need to make contacts in your chosen industry. It is a lot easier when you are in Canada when you can meet people at trade events and seminars and so on. However, you can make a start from the UK. There is a whole lot of information in the wiki about it. http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Canada_is_different!!!

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Job_Hu...Stories-Canada

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I know little to nothing about "computers". I see many posts, including this one, where someone is in IT. Does this mean they are fully skilled in all aspects of the industry and can perform any task from programming to software development and everything in between? I somehow doubt it but could well be wrong. Wouldn't it be more practical to state what is the actual area their skills encompass so members can provide more specific help?

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+1

Being 'in IT' is meaningless. Provide some context or detail.

Do you fix toner cartridges or are you a DBA?

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I currently work as a Systems Administrator looking after the companies network infrastructure and servers, everything from building firewalls and exchange servers to desktop support, other skills include sharepoint website design, but i dont programme. So basically i can look after servers networks and desktops! All with a big smile on my face too!! :)

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There isn't a lot of development here, but there is some. Although if you are an IT Guy (like what the OP said he was), then you can work anywhere that there are businesses. And why didn't you pick france?

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Big businesses though control their computers from a central location, typically in Ontario; banks, insurance companies, government. Choosing an out of the way location limits the choice of work.

We were a couple, one speaking French and no English, one speaking English and no French. A bilingual country seemed a good choice.

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Sure, big city = more jobs. But where there are computers there are jobs for geeks to plug them in. Whilst there will be more of those jobs in toronto, we do have a few of them over here in Vancouver (it's probably a safer bet than being a developer here - tho there are a few biggish employers, EA for instance)

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I read your comments and share the frustration.

However, most job adverts I have seen state that YOU MUST BE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO WORK IN CANADA.

I have applied for various jobs just really to get my resume onto their systems, changing my cover letter as I progress through the system.

The only way I think most of us will get joy is by getting legal first.

I am hoping to get some type of news through the next fortnight, and may land in Toronto in November all being well, fly back the next day or day after, just to become legally entitled to work. Then Land the family in March.

JET:)

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The only way I think most of us will get joy is by getting legal first.

If you have PR visas you are already legal and can honestly apply for jobs.

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Well apart from actually stamping my visa (which i am doing early Jan) i am legal to work in Canada.

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Not sure if this has been mentioned have not read all the threads but here goes - even though you have your PR status you need to get your SIN number before you can start work. Sure you know that though;)

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Yes, i guess we will wait till we are out there! Big gamble though.

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Not actually true. You can start work without a SIN number. Your employer is required to make sure you have made a reasonable effort to get a SIN number within a reasonable time.

In practice, most employers take a valid SIN number as proof of authorization to work in Canada.

Re: Work Worries
 

Don't want to be one of the worry-mongers here but I'm in IT (Infrastructure Support, Disaster Recovery etc) I moved over here in June. Even if you're legal it's not an easy thing.

I have a Canadian passport and permanent SIN etc, and 5 years worth of good career history, a degree in Computer Science blah blah blah and I've still found it hard to get a job in IT. I've applied for literally 100+ jobs over the last 3 months and had very little response (2 interviews). I used to be super confident as long as I got an interview (5 interviews, 5 job offers in the UK) but here it's not been so good.

However, I have a second interview with a firm on Wednesday at last which will hopefully pay off (signs look good) but I only heard about them and got a call from them because my buddy passed my resume on to his boss. Personal recommendations are very very very important.

It's been said a million times before but it's definitely true : It's who you know and not what you know. If you don't know anyone it will not be impossible but it will be very hard.

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Where in Canada are you?

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Sorry, I should have mentioned. I'm in Vancouver.

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BC does seem like a tricky place for IT people - judging by reading posts on this site alone. It seems like every time there is a thread about people struggling to get IT jobs it is in the west...

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That's cuz IT is still a mystery in some parts. Remember fax is still king here. :lol:

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I'd have to say (based on my own personal experience too) that it does seem that way. It's tough here for sure.

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I agree, knowing someone is definately a big help, but it's certainly possible to get a good job without a networking connection.

Also, it's pretty easy to get frustrated while unemployeed and job searching, and it's even easier if you're doing it long distance.

I know it's cliche, and has been said a hundred times before, but you need to stay positive. Get in a routine everyday or searching and applying. Check the same sites for new listings. Check the local newspapers for postings (you should be able to cheaply subscribe online for completely versions of some of the newspapers).

I was unemployed for 8 months last year, and at times it can seem quite hopeless and dark. Just remember: You WILL get a job, you just need to keep looking and working at it.

That being said, it's currently a tough time economically, and not just for the IT industry. Hopefully things will turn around soon.

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Ive got to agree with you there Panz, with the "its not what you know, its who you know...." NEVER been a more truer statement said than that here in Canada.

Im not in IT, but am an Engineering Draughtsman, its been the same for me, particulary in the fact that maunufacturing has been very badly hit during this recession. Ive been here nearly 5 months now, and have applied for over 60 jobs, without a sniff. I am bar tending at the moment, its paying my bills....just, but importantly allows me to network with many of the customers with regards to finding a job.....this is how I feel I will get a job in the end.....an internal referal thro a customer I served/met in the bar where I work.

Networking is how employment is obtained, even more so here in Canada.

Paul

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I'm working for a telecomms supplier - and took an internal transfer from the UK office to the one in Ottawa.
Not sure if that helps...

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I think this is sad. True - but sad. I have visions of you, like an actress waiting tables near Hollywood. Remember though Paul, you don't need the boob job to get ahead :p

Very good luck to you. :thumbup:

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Ok then

Anyone living in or near the surrounding areas of Vancouver who have contacts in IT or work in IT could you please please give me a job, or your contact details!!! LOL. No seriously, i am not joking.

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Hello Ann M


Yes....it is sad isnt it, but thats how it operates, Ive lost count of how many customers in the pub where I work have said "its not what you know......it WHO you know" - yes I know that! just give me a job!!!

So anyway you must do your best to fit into that situation.

Dont think a boob job would do much for me! hang on - or maybe thats where Im going wrong! And here was me thinking it was the lack of Canadian experience! :rolleyes:

Thanks for your good luck wishes Ann:thumbsup:


Paul

Re: Work Worries
 

I live in Vancouver. I work in software. I've worked in the IT department at UBC (major university). There are jobs. The key isn't to scrounge around job boards - the key is to network with locals already in the industry, but to also familiarize yourself with the local companies. IT work is available in pretty much any industry in Vancouver - the universities and colleges are a good place to start (UBC, SFU, BCIT, Langara, Kwantlen, Capilano College, Emily Carr, etc). So are the local hospitals. Look into Vancouver's dozens of video game companies (EA is the most famous but there is also Radical Entertainment, Rock Star, United Front Games, Slant Six, Relic Entertainment, Ubisoft, Nintendo, etc). Microsoft recently opened an office in Vancouver. Telus and Shaw (2 local phone/internet companies) often have many IT-related job postings on their site. There are software companies like Sophos and Sierra Wireless or companies like Business Objects which are always hiring. Vancouver is one of the world's biggest headquarters for the mining industry - I guarantee you there are hundreds of small companies based in and around Vancouver and almost all require systems admin work on site. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

You may also want to familiarize yourself with the top employees in BC for some ideas of who to start approaching:

http://www.canadastop100.com/bc/

http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/bcb/t...FZJM5Qodo0wlrw


Also, you may want to start building your network by joining a bunch of Vancouver-based IT-related social networks - it definitely exists in Vancouver and should hopefully open some doors. Here are some sites that may help:

http://www.techjobsvancouver.com/

http://www.techvibes.com/job/

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wow, many thanks Lychee, thats really good of you to post those links, all the best friend. :thumbup: Comming over in Jan for a look around etc, and to stamp our visa`s, then it`s deciding when to make the move for real.

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From what I've been told all the health authorities have job freezes on non-critical positions including IT. I was told this by a PHSA HR lady after we got talking (I was accompanying my lady as she went to get forms filled out etc). No harm in trying, just letting people know what I've heard.

I feel bad for you Paul, we're sort of the same too. My fiancee is working and we're paying all the bills on her wage, it just doesn't leave much over for fun! I think you're doing the right thing working in a bar, at least you're bringing in some $$ and like you say it's a good opportunity to meet people and make connections.

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Panz,

Yes it seems were all in the same boat so to speak, whatever your profession. I think the only people that are unaffected in any country at the moment, are the public sector workers. My brother in law a policeman and my sister a civilian for the police service back in the UK, have really been unaffected by the recession, or are likely to be, with the exception of losing some overtime. I would imagine its the same here in Canada.

Im glad I have this bar job, I didnt have a lot of money remaining, its mostly all tied up in my house in the UK. So once my cash here ran out, I may well have been on a plane back to blighty with my tail between my legs! without this job, I suppose this job is a sort of life support at the moment, but importantly its buying time and is very good for meeting people on a job, living accomodation and social fronts, and is doing that, so im sticking with it!
I do hope we start seeing changes soon tho....



Paul