Newcomers to Canada can ace their job search and interviews with these tips from experts

As part of the Youth Newcomer Jobs Portal (YNJP), Magnet recently hosted Interviewing for Success, a webinar to help newcomers put their best foot forward when applying for work  and interviewing for jobs upon arrival in Canada. Here are some tips the pros shared for each step of the job search process. 

Your Resume 

Most organizations use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) that collects, sorts, and ranks your resume. ATS looks to see if you meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you don’t, your resume isn’t ranked as highly. To make sure your resume gets seen, you should: 

• Customize your resume and cover letter to the specific job, and match keywords and skills found in the job description to what you have in your resume. 
• Use the long form and acronym versions of keywords so that the ATS picks up both. 
• Make sure your most recent work experience is listed first, and goes in reverse order chronologically. 
• Avoid tables, columns or graphs, and use a traditional, screen-friendly font. 

Preparing for the interview 

Soft skills help ensure a productive, collaborative, and healthy work environment. According to a recent survey mentioned by a panelist, almost 80 per cent of employers value soft skills over hard skills, and are willing to hire workers without experience related to the job if they have the soft skills the employer is looking for.

Many youth newcomers offer soft skills that aren’t easy to capture on job applications, such as lived experiences, an entrepreneurial spirit, and calculated risk taking, among others. Active listening, speaking, and critical thinking were identified as the top three in-demand skills, according to research from RBC Future of Work. 

How can you improve your soft skills? Here’s what the pros say: 

• Increase your self awareness and strategic thinking. Try personality tests to learn more about yourself, and ask for feedback from your peers. 
• Explore online courses, read, and watch relevant content. One common book suggestion is How to Win Friends and Influence People. Search YouTube for top interview tips and check out free online courses through Youth Boost and on the YNJP portal. 
• Practice your soft skills. Challenge yourself by taking on a task that’s out of your comfort zone. Seek honest feedback from friends and family members. 

During the interview

Here are some common questions you might get asked in an interview, and tips on how to answer. 

Tell me about yourself and why you are interested in this role?

• Keep it human and personal, don’t just repeat your resume.
• Showcase relevant unique experiences or qualities you have. 
• Align yourself with the mission and vision of the organization. 

What’s the most stressful situation you’ve handled and what was the outcome? 

Use the STAR method: 

• Situation: set the scene and provide details of your example 
• Task: describe what your responsibility was in that situation 
• Action: explain exactly what steps you took to address it 
• Result: share what outcomes your actions achieved 

Tell me an area of development you are currency working on

Use the CARL method: 

• Context: briefly describe the context of your experience 
• Action: explain what actions you took 
• Results: explain what happened as a result of your actions 
• Learning: identify what you learned 

There are lots of resources, job interview support, and skills training information available in the YNJP Portal, all free of charge. Through Youth Boost, you can also find resources to help you build your resume and cover letter, write networking emails, and prepare for the working world. 

Those who want more training could sign up for a six week soft skills course with Agile Industry Mindset (AIM). Simon Fraser University (SFU) is also offering a Digital Innovation and Leadership course. Some employers may sponsor the cost of your training through the Canada Job Grant.