Networking Turned Out To Be Crucial – It Really Is Everything
After deciding to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry, I began researching the Canadian job market. I spent quite some time searching online and looking up guides on websites like Indeed. I even rewrote my resume to align with what I thought was the ‘Canadian’ standard, but I later realized I did not fully understand this standard.
Once I was selected for permanent residency and gained access to pre-arrival services, the e-talent program helped me rewrite my resume to the expected standard. That was an important milestone.
At the same time, I went through SOPA’s Job Search Express program (JSSX). It was extremely valuable, chock full of important and relevant information. The course was what I needed at this point, with plenty of practical and actionable information and well-thought-out exercises that bring value to the time spent. Afterwards, I knew what was expected of me in terms of job search, behaviour in interviews, how to prepare for standard questions and more. I felt I was ready at that point, I just needed to get interviews.
By this point, I had applied for a fair number of positions without getting any responses. I heard from several sources including SOPA about the importance of networking so, I pivoted to seriously doing that, reasoning that it would help after I arrived. I attended a SOPA networking event for IT professionals, which was a great opportunity to build my network and compare experiences with people in similar situations. Networking turned out to be critical. Networking is everything!
The breakthrough was joining the International Association of Business Analysts (IIBA). Fortunately, the Nova Scotia Chapter held its annual general meeting just after I joined, allowing me to connect with several established professionals in my field here in Halifax. I formed meaningful connections that unlocked a lot of networking potential through LinkedIn. As a result, my resume started circulating, and I started getting interviews through networking. Although, I did not get a job at this point, possibly because I was not yet in Canada. Still, it was significant progress.
After arriving in Canada, I had a mountain of post-arrival tasks like securing long-term accommodation and setting up MSI and health insurance, so I paused my active job search. However, I continued networking through LinkedIn, Digital Nova Scotia meetups, and other channels, and I also had a few interviews.
The PMP program was set up around that point, and my mentor was very helpful. He provided a list of potential employers and, most importantly, shared valuable background on the industry here in Nova Scotia and gave interview tips tailored to my field. This support made a big difference.
Finally, the job found me more than I found it. One of the IIBA members I had networked with passed my resume to a company with an open position. They contacted me and invited me for an interview. During the interview, I was asked a series of behavioural questions. Thanks to SOPA’s Job Search Strategies Express course and my ISANS mentor, I was well-prepared. The next day, I received an offer with very generous terms!
Here are the lessons I learned:
- Networking is everything, especially in the IT field. After a while, I didn’t even bother applying online anymore. It was too much work tailoring the resume and cover letter for a slim chance of it actually being read by a human. All of my interviews and ultimately my job offer came through networking.
- Preparation is key: having a resume that meets the expected standard, knowing what the job market looks like in the area, knowing the interview format, anticipating the questions and preparing responses are all important.
- Soft skills matter: I don’t know if it was just the company that hired me or if it’s a more general truth but they were clearly looking for a person more than a hard skills set. They didn’t ask me any technical questions during the interview, possibly because I came recommended through networking. When answering behavioural questions, I often mentioned relevant technologies and business analysis techniques, which showed my expertise.
- Job fairs were not effective for me: whether online or in-person, job fairs didn’t provide results. Everyone I spoke with told me to just apply online, and even when I received a recruiter’s email to bypass the AI filters, it didn’t help much in my case.
In conclusion, SOPA and ISANS programs were critical in guiding me and pointing me in the right direction. It also required a lot of hard work, preparation, and a pinch of luck on my part to finally land the job!
Pierre, SOPA Atlantic Canada Client
