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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Where in Canada are you?

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

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...

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

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

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.

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

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...

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

Very good luck to you.