Surefire ways of finding a job in Manitoba
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You have to be proactive to rise above a challenging job market. Take matters into your own hands and fast-track your job search by taking these approaches:
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Network
In Canada, only 20% of the jobs are advertised and 80% are in the “hidden job market”. The best way to tap this resource is to build personal and professional relationships. Start with family members and close friends. They can spread the word within their networks to help you look for opportunities. Expand your network by:
- joining community activities
- volunteering
- joining professional associations
- being active on LinkedIn
As you meet and mingle with others, be ready with your elevator pitch. It is a summary of who you are and what you do. Here are some examples:
- “Hello, I’m ____. I’m a market specialist with more than 10 years of experience in franchise networks.”
- “It’s nice to meet you! My name is ______. I’m a nurse who specializes in emergency room patients.”
- You can mention more details about your skills in your conversation or say why you enjoy your work. For example “It’s a tough job, but I enjoy helping others/thinking on my feet/or watching people grow their business.”
Go out there and make a positive impression on everyone you meet!
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Register with Settlement Service Providers
Get assistance from topnotch career coaches and employment counsellors for free. They can teach you anything from resume creation to job matching. Get connected with organizations like Manitoba Start, Success Skills Development, Opportunities for Employment and many others. If you are not familiar with the newcomer programs in your area, consult your Neighbourhood Immigrant Settlement worker or Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS). They’ll be happy to help you with your settlement needs.
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The direct approach
Approach employers and ask if there are job opportunities available for you. Okay, this is not that simple. It takes guts. Start small by talking to store managers and asking if you can leave your resume. If this scares you, you can test it out by connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. Target organizations or companies you’re interested in. Ask if there are job opportunities for you. But before you do this, make sure that you have updated and polished your LinkedIn profile. Another way is to attend job fairs. There will be opportunities at the event to apply to job openings directly. Make sure to bring your Canadian-style resume. Read Maximizing your opportunities at a job fair for more tips.
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Informational interviews
This is a way to gather information about a field or a job you’re interested in. Why is it effective? You get valuable, first-hand information about the industry or the company not available anywhere else.
An informational interview is talking with industry insiders and asking them about career questions and advice. By doing this, you gain confidence and build valuable contacts in the process. To be clear, this will NOT get you a job. At least not right away. Its main purpose is to get information that will help you make informed choices and gain possible job opportunities in the future. Read What is an informational interview and how can it help you? to guide you.
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Strengthen your social media presence
Share news and resources on Twitter, follow CEOs and leaders, and ask career related questions. Follow companies on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn to know their job openings. Write a blog or make a vlog on YouTube to build your credibility and your brand. Make thoughtful content and have a polished online persona. Not only will you be attracting followers and subscribers but recruiters and job offers as well.
Article updated October 14, 2020.
Community Resources
Look for job openings in Manitoba Start’s Job Postings page.
Get to know Manitoba’s Top Employers.
Read 5 ways newcomers can start building a professional network for more tips.