Things To Know About Virtual Networking For Newcomers To Canada

Newcomers to Canada already face an uphill task of adjusting to their new life and starting a career in Canada. However, Canada’s hidden job market makes finding employment even tougher. The sole thanks to tap into this hidden job market and study job opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised is through networking.

Professional networking is considered a strong method for locating new prospects and may assist you land employment. People have changed the way they convey professionally as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Digital networking is one among these methods. 

And after the pandemic is over, this concept will become commonplace. As a newcomer in Canada, it’s challenging enough trying to create your professional network face to face, but trying to connect with employers virtually is often a good bigger barrier. 

However, barriers are meant to be broken, and that they shouldn’t stop you from reaching your job search goals. This text covers key aspects of the way to network virtually and therefore the belongings you got to realize virtual networking for professional success as a newcomer in Canada.

How To Build Your Network Virtually As A Newcomer In Canada

1. Use Social Media Effectively

Using online platforms for the aim of professional networking may be a must. LinkedIn is one among the foremost widely used professional networking services in Canada, and allows skilled workers to showcase a holistic view of their worker profile.

It achieves this by allowing them to present their resume, previous work experience, honors or special commendations, and hard and soft skills to potential employers. Displaying these qualities on one page makes it easier for employers to contact workers for job opportunities in Canada, and LinkedIn’s job program allows skilled workers to seek out jobs suiting their role and profile.

2. Join Online Networking Sessions

There is a lot of free content online, and sometimes it is often overwhelming. However, try your best to narrow down your search to companies and organizations that provide webinars (live online information sessions) for newcomers in Canada. 

Of course, you shouldn’t limit yourself to those, but if you would like to start out your digital networking during a “safe space” where other immigrants such as you are going to be, you’ll want to be there too. These sessions are interactive, and therefore the better part of it’s getting answers to your questions right away!

Virtual career fairs also are where you would like to be. This is often where employers meet with potential applicants online. These fairs are organized by companies, trade or professional associations, and settlement agencies. 

At these events, you’ll meet hiring managers or HR professionals who will consider you for the work and assess if you fit the role on the spot. This is often also your chance to invite feedback regarding your qualifications and what work you’ll have to do to get your required position. Remember, to impress employers and make new connections directly!

3. Join knowledgeable Association 

These organizations exist to market a particular occupation, and most professions have their own associations. Joining one among these bodies opens people up to networking opportunities and allows them to be in-tuned with the proper employment information and job leads.  

For newcomers to Canada, learning about the industry they need to figure in is additionally paramount. Professional associations are extremely helpful, as they host guest speakers regularly, have online blogs, and allow you to network with industry leaders through seminars or live conferences.  

4. The Convenience Of Networking From Home

Attending events and networking meetings is time-consuming. By networking virtually, you’ll save the time it might take you to visit the event venue or forum. This suggests that you simply can accommodate more coffee chats during a day and build your network faster.

Many newcomers find it much easier to network from the comfort of their homes, compared to the unfamiliar and chaotic environment of a cafe. Since you’re the person requesting the meeting, it’s expected that you’ll be paying the bill for coffee during in-person meetings. 

These amounts can quickly add up and might impact your budget, especially if you’re meeting several people hebdomadally. In most cases, virtual meetings also are more convenient for the professionals you’re meeting, so your acceptance rate for virtual coffee chats could also be above that of in-person meetings.

5. Online Networking Platforms And Virtual Events

Virtual networking platforms compile people from similar industries and provide you a chance to start out making connections. Events hosted by industry associations are an excellent place to satisfy other professionals in your field. 

You can also find virtual networking events for various industries and interests on websites like Eventbrite and Meetup. Arrive webinars and workshops also are an excellent place to find out from and connect with experts. Leave a positive impression on others attending the networking session by behaving professionally and asking intelligent questions.

6. Virtual Coffee Chats

Online coffee chats (also called informational interviews) using tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Webex, are excellent thanks to building your network virtually. Once you’ve connected with someone on LinkedIn or at a virtual networking event, ask if they’d be hospitable for a one-on-one meeting. 

Virtual coffee chats offer you a chance to introduce yourself to established professionals in your industry, showcase your skills, and position yourself as a perfect candidate for future job openings. you’ll also seek recommendations on people you ought to increase your network. 

If you’re trying to find information about a few specific organizations, roles, or industry, informational interviews are often particularly helpful. make certain to try to do your research beforehand and have an inventory of questions ready.

7. Reactivate Your Existing Network

As a newcomer, you’ll need to start building your network from scratch in Canada. However, there could be others in your network who are already in Canada. Speak together with your friends and family to seek out who you would possibly already know here. 

You can also use LinkedIn to seek out alumni from your school or colleagues from your previous organizations who’ve since moved to Canada. Leverage your existing network to urge introductions to people in your industry or for job referrals.

8. Create Or Improve Your Digital Professional Portfolio

The best digital platform to attach with professionals is LinkedIn. This is often your online resume, so you actually want to form an honest impression! Make it substantial but not lengthy. One thing to keep in mind is usually to possess relevant content which will impress potential employers.

You might be asking, well, “where do I start?” Before creating or updating your LinkedIn profile, it’s an honest idea to look at the profiles of individuals you admire or have an identical career path as you for inspiration. 

Do not copy their style or format, but draw inspiration which will assist you create and build yours. Always remember that a LinkedIn profile isn’t stagnant. you’ll make updates and changes thereto daily, allowing you to reinvent yourself every step of your job search.

Conclusion

Virtual networking has made it easier and more convenient for newcomers to expand their professional networks. As a newcomer to Canada, there are many online platforms and events you’ll leverage to start out building your personal brand and growing your network virtually一even before you come to Canada.