How SOPA Helped Me Secure My Current Job

Originally from Isfahan, Iran, and now living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Behzad Aeinevand has spent over 20 years dedicated to teaching languages and preparing students for IELTS exams. His love for education has led him to teach English and French and design engaging, effective curricula that help students succeed in international language tests.

Knowing the importance of being ready to work before moving to Canada, Behzad took the initiative to join the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) Program. Through the program, he learned valuable skills for finding a job and building a strong professional network in Canada. Thanks to the support of SOPA and his own determination to learn, Behzad was fully prepared to hit the ground running. Less than two months after arriving, he landed two jobs in his dream field, showing that with the right mindset and tools, success is within reach.

With the support of SOPA and Behzad’s positive attitude and eagerness to learn, he became fully job-ready before arriving in Canada. Less than two months after his arrival, Behzad successfully found and secured two jobs in his dream field.

Behzad was very generous and enthusiastic about sharing his tips and advice with both potential and existing clients. He highlighted the valuable support and services he received from SOPA and how these, combined with his own experience and expertise, helped him achieve success in Canada after his arrival.

Here are the questions we asked Behzad and the key takeaways he wishes to share with everyone:

Why did you decide to sign up with SOPA?

I decided to sign up with SOPA after coming across their services on the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and what stood out to me was their personalized approach.

SOPA offered me free tools, resources, and courses specifically tailored to help me find a job in Canada. The personalized planning session they provided, along with the links, webinars, one-on-one meetings, and many other useful resources, were exactly what I needed.

This made me feel confident about my decision to register with them.

How SOPA helped you secure your current job in Canada?

SOPA played a crucial role in helping me secure my current job in Canada.

The personalized planning session I had with my SOPA Employment Counsellor was invaluable, as it allowed me to outline my career goals and create a strategic plan to achieve them.

Through SOPA’s courses, I gained essential skills for the Canadian job market, such as resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace communication. The feedback and guidance from the Job Search Strategies Facilitator helped me tailor my application materials to meet Canadian standards, significantly boosting my confidence during the job search process.

Additionally, the encouragement and support I received from my course facilitator kept my spirits high during tough times, especially when the job search became stressful.

SOPA also provided me with resources to expand my professional network and connect with potential employers, which proved instrumental in landing interviews.

Moreover, SOPA addressed my settlement concerns by connecting me with other pre-arrival services, helping me navigate the Canadian job market and understand workplace culture.

Overall, SOPA’s comprehensive support reduced uncertainty and equipped me with the tools and confidence I needed to successfully secure employment in Canada.”

What strategies did you use to find a job in your field?

To find a job in my field, I initially focused on relevant openings through job search platforms and networking.

When direct opportunities were limited, I explored related fields, highlighting transferable skills in my applications. In cases where both were challenging, I considered alternative fields, assessing my strengths and interests to find suitable positions.

Applying for roles even when my qualifications didn’t match 100% helped me to gain valuable experience and learn new skills. I have also tried to obtain new Canadian certificates related to my field.

Throughout, networking and adaptability were key, helping me discover opportunities and tailor my approach.

How did SOPA change your approach to seeking employment in Canada?

SOPA’s courses taught me several valuable strategies that helped prepare me for my job search.

Firstly, the resume and cover letter writing sessions provided me with insights into tailoring my application materials to Canadian standards, effectively highlighting my skills and experiences.

Additionally, the interview preparation sessions equipped me with techniques to confidently articulate my qualifications and respond to common interview questions.

Moreover, the courses on Canadian workplace culture and communication skills helped me understand employer expectations and effectively communicate in a professional setting.

Overall, SOPA’s comprehensive training equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the Canadian job market successfully.

What tips or helpful information you can share that may help other newcomers?

As a newcomer, I’ve gathered some valuable tips and information that may help others in their journey and they include:

• Starting networking early
• Tailoring resume and cover letter
• Obtaining new Canadian certificates and showcasing them on platforms like LinkedIn
• Taking advantage of pre-arrival services
• Staying resilient
• Using online resources
• Seeking mentorship

Would you recommend SOPA to your family member or a friend?

Yes! SOPA offers personalized and comprehensive support and does not let you feel you are alone in this challenging process by always being in touch with you and addressing your concerns.”

What things that you learned from SOPA would you use to apply for a job? 

I would tailor my resume and cover letter to highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to the job.

I would use the techniques I learned in SOPA’s interview preparation sessions to prepare for potential questions and practice my responses.

If possible, I would try to connect with someone within the company or institution through networking.

What things that you learned from Soft Skills are you going to use in a workplace?

I would draw on what I learned from SOPA about workplace norms, communication styles, and expectations to ensure that my application and interview reflect my understanding of the Canadian work environment.

Describe any challenges you faced in your job search process

Not receiving any interview invitations for almost 2 months was so frustrating.

I sought feedback on my application materials from my Course Facilitator as well as my friend who had lived in Vancouver for 10 years.

I improved my resume and more importantly, I learned to remain persistent while being patient.

What has surprised you about Canada so far?

Respect for one another is indeed a positive aspect of Canadian society that stands out. Whether it’s in social interactions, driving, or the professional sphere.

One of the negative aspects is the overcrowding and slowness of some services, including government services like health care, obtaining driving licenses, permanent resident (PR) cards, and dealing with other governmental organizations.

Special comments

What stood out the most during the course was the amazing support and encouragement from my Course Facilitator, Josephine. She really went above and beyond, always endorsing me on online platforms and providing insightful guidance.

Josephines’s belief in my abilities boosted my confidence and inspired me to push myself further. I’m incredibly grateful for her dedication and commitment to my success.

Story prepared by Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC, Behzad Aeinevand, SOPA BC Client and Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC

Story edited and designed by Albina Ziatdinova, SOPA Online Community and Social Media Coordinator