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Job Search Tips
Canadian Employer Expectations:
Your First Job In Canada
On the first day of your new job it is important that
you stay busy. Personal calls and errands must wait. If
you have completed your work offer to help out in other
areas. Going the extra mile makes all the difference.
Complete your projects on time and if you require more
time or have some questions don’t be afraid to ask!
Make sure you clarify the assignments and time lines and
your manager’s expectations. It is better to ask
then make mistakes or assume. And if you do make a mistake
ask for help and move on. Remember not to repeat these
mistakes and learn from them. Use a note book or a journal
to write down instructions. Don’t complain and bring
problems to your manager instead suggest solutions after
identifying a problem Keep a progress chart and occasionally
(when appropriate) review it with your manager.
During your first few days at work, you will see and
work with people who come from varied cultural backgrounds
(different because of their age, gender, ethnicity, education,
or first language). This means Canada is a very multi
cultural place where people come together from all walks
of life and culture and work as a team.
Having prior knowledge of the expectations and culture
of the Canadian workplace will increase your awareness
of different ways of communication in the workplace and
as a result you should have fewer problems adjusting to
your new work place. Canadians tend to be distinctive
and competitive behaviour is often expected in the workplace.
Employers usually want their employees to work independently
with minimal supervision, to take initiative, and to make
decisions on their own based on company policy. Canadian
companies are often organized hierarchically, and employees
must follow their supervisor's directions. When making
decisions, seeking information, or dealing with problems,
you will be expected to follow the proper channels of
authority within your organization. In your first week,
make sure that you understand the company's reporting
expectations and where you should go to seek help.
Also note that Canadians tend to value objectivity and
will often seek input from all members of the team. You
will be expected to voice your own opinions and offer
suggestions.
Canada is a place where originality and hard work are
well-regarded qualities at work and elsewhere. A combination
of level of education, experience, hard work and charisma
is the winning ticket for success for most employees.
Added to this personal charm, diplomacy and tact and cultural
sensitivity are quite crucial for your success in your
new job. I have condensed the following to show Canadian
employer expectations:
- Punctuality is the key to make a good impression.
Even if there is blizzard blowing or traffic is slow
due to bad weather the employers still expect you to
be on time. It is a good idea to give your self plenty
of time and have allowances for such as bad weather
or traffic. The employers like you to be dependable.
- They want to see you as a team player and able to
get along with others (Teamwork is considered an ideal
system of working. A person who comes across as 'know
it all' may be seen as not cooperative, arrogant and
inflexible. It is important to show confidence as well
as humility and good listening skills).
- Organized and able to save time and help others.
- Able to read and understand written information
- Have basic arithmetic, writing, speaking and comprehension
skills
- Neat and tidy appearance (professional)
- Not complain and maintain healthy habits (smoking
is not good as most of the public areas are non smoking)
- Good Thinking & Problem Solving skills
- Demonstrate Positive Attitudes & Behaviours
- Enjoy sports/ or some form of exercise
- They like you to have self knowledge including your
strengths and weaknesses
- Work hard and put in a honest day's work
- Loyalty
- Problem solving (Canadians tend to appreciate approachability
and problem-solving abilities over authoritarian styles
of management.)
- Creative and use your imagination
- Knowing how to use materials and equipment
- Follow instructions
- Working without close supervision and ability to work
under pressure
It is entirely acceptable to ask your supervisor for
answers or feedback; however you will be expected to demonstrate
your analysis of the situation at hand. Sometimes you
will be expected to take initiative and complete a project
with minimal supervision; this will vary between workplaces
and managers and is worth clarifying early on.
Other Guidelines for Workplace
Behaviour
To be successful in a Canadian workplace you need to
adapt to your organization's culture. Canada is multicultural
country and a growing country, and it is good not assume
that people from a different country at your work place
think the way that you do. What you may think is normal
behaviour may be inappropriate in another culture.
Gender:
In Canada especially in larger cities on issues of gender
for instance are more likely to be tolerate and even support
the extension of rights to same-sex couples, or celebrating
with them on Pride Day (first weekend in July). Canadians
also support for women or men to try non-traditional jobs.
Religious Holidays & Rights:
Most offices operate in a relative sophisticated way
and it is very uncommon to find someone who would try
to inflict religion in the office environment. Please
note that most holidays observed in Canada are still directly
connected to the Christian religion, however, people of
other faiths can also take time off to observe their own
holidays with prior notice.
Class:
There is a high degree of politeness in the Canadian
work place, and no one is made to feel inferior because
of the type of work they do or lower pay.
Ethnicity
Ethnic minority person can expect the same services from
public offices, banks, hospitals and educational institutions
as European descendants, and there are ways to report
abuse or discrimination, should this happen.
Remember NOT to compare your old work place to Canadian
work place. There are cultural differences. You will need
to remind yourself why you have decided to come, live
and work in Canada and expect changes and accept them
as you go along.
