orly

Didn't experience this myself when going for my current position (web design)

Far from having "Canadian Experience" I didn't even have "Other country experience" in the role nor do I have any specific qualifications in my role.

I could however show over 10 years of semi-pro and hobbyist experience and could show I knew what I was talking about in two interviews. Having qualifications more suited to networks and computing generally apparently helped.

I suppose web design is different from many jobs in that if you know how to do it you can do it anywhere.

scrubbedexpat091

One of the places I work for seems to go out of their way to not hire people with Canadian experience, between all the housekeepers on temporary work permits, and the young 20 somethings on working holidays, I am surprised I got hired having Canadian experience.

bats

Canadisn experience gets even more local out in the sticks.A neighbour was telling us his firm didn't get a local contract as they aren't Catholic.

jandro

I would have thought not. Socially killing activities like farting loudly in a meeting definitely won't get you ahead.

I think this is largely due to the job market being relatively small, the cost of living high, wages lower compared to similar jobs in other Canadian cities all resulting in employers having the upper hand.

januarymix

I agree.

Anyone who can't see past a paper and that stuffy, delusional "Canadian experience" doesn't deserve the good ones. But I guess they still win

januarymix

Freudian, ExKiwilass!

What other social cues can you give advice on for a direct, say-it-as-it-is person ?

I also interrupt, not sure if I can change too much but pointers would be welcome.

Zoe Bell

I think some industries are worse than others. My particular employment situation is very much as DBD describes. Practically incestuous, small group of employers who regularly recycle each other's employees.
Very much " who you know"
I'm an abberation here as I was initially employed as a temp based solely on my accent!

the irony of someone actively seeking out a girl with a brummy accent is totally lost on them. They think I sound like the queen

JamesM

Canadians don't want to hire talent.

They simply want people that won't rock the boat of mediocrity.

It is all about maintaining the status quo.

ExKiwilass

I am also direct and honest (except on BE where sometimes I exaggerate wildly, but hey) Someone the other day told me this is unusual and she admired me for it, but I'm not sure if she meant that in a "poor you you just don't get it" kind of way...haha

I think there's ways of being honest without being hurtful. If you know what I mean. I think the main thing is to remember the sense of humour can be different, so if there's any chance at all someone could misinterpret your joke, don't say it...

ExKiwilass

Introduction of new coworker:

"Hi, this is xxxx, our new minion, this is ExKiwilass she is our xxxx"

"Oh, does she do xxx for us?" (right in front of me)

"No, she doesn't"

I admit, I still find it weird/rude.

Shard

Yes that does sound weird. And rude.

Greenhill

Yes but does she do xxxx for us?

januarymix

I would find that rude also!

januarymix

If this is true, including that incestuous crap, then I will just hate it.

YAY! Onwards and upwards, Buzz.

januarymix

Yeah I guess so, oh well, I am not too worried, but its good to know a bit of background. In RL once I am in the flow, it is pretty natural so can't restrain myself

Re: admiration, you never know, she might mean it.