My Biggest Concern Before Canada
Hello Bob, thanks a lot for doing this interview with us. Would you please describe your job before immigrating to Canada.
Hello my name is Bob Marlon Vistal. I worked as a production engineer in Philippines for over 7 years. Basically, my job was to control the quality condition of the production lines that I was assigned of. Some of my tasks were failure analysis, process improvement, yield rate improvement, waste disposal reduction, among others.
What was your main concern before moving to Canada?
My biggest concern before arriving here in Canada was getting a job. Honestly speaking, I really didn’t have that much experience with job hunting because I was hired by my previous company during their campus hiring in my school back in 2009. And I only had that single job before immigrating here in Canada.
How did you learn about SOPA and why did you choose SOPA amongst the many online pre-arrival services offered?
I learned about SOPA through my orientation with Planning For Canada. The facilitators really did a great job in referring us to various immigrant servicing agencies. I chose SOPA because of Ms. Andreea Glavan. I never doubted her intention of helping us new immigrants in our preparation for our move here in Canada.
What did you learn as a result of joining the SOPA program? Could you name at least three benefits?
The best thing about joining the SOPA program has been the knowledge that I have gained regarding job search strategies. The most noteworthy for me would have to be the following:
- How to initiate and target my resume and cover letter
- How to market myself and expand my network
- How to answer different interview questions properly
What was the best thing about SOPA?
The best thing about SOPA program is that they really help you in preparing yourself before your arrival here in Canada. I can also say that they really want their clients to succeed in their respective fields.
Would you recommend SOPA? If so, why?
I would absolutely recommend SOPA to my colleagues and friends. I am pretty sure that everyone who attends the SOPA program will learn a lot and they will really find the answers to most, if not all, of their questions and concerns. Attending the SOPA program is a definite learning experience.
Is there anything you would like to add?
I just want to commend Ma’am Gemma for truly helping me as I went through my course, which was the Job Search Strategies. I was apprehensive at first but she made me realized that there is nothing to worry about, as long as you know how to prepare and equip yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed here in Canada.
Interview prepared by Gemma Follini, SOPA Ontario Job Search Strategies Facilitator
