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As more and more immigrants arrive in Canada and begin their new lives, one of their first concerns is securing employment. The significance of understanding and being aware of cultural nuances becomes paramount for both the newcomer and everyone they interact with.

Intercultural understanding is often challenging due to the differences in verbal and non-verbal communication. Some factors include misunderstandings, false assumptions, misinterpretations, discomfort at being around certain culture-specific behaviours and habits, and more importantly, lack of knowledge in how to address these concerns in an effective and sensitive manner.

Differences may be overt, such as dress code, or such as coming from a culture where taking initiative is considered aggressive. Differences can also be seen in corporate structure. In one culture, a job title may explain hierarchy within an organization. A title may also have different functions within different organizations.

Overcoming cultural differences involves awareness, knowledge, and skills.

Awareness: Being aware that your mentor may be acting or speaking contrary to your expectations simply due to their own cultural norms and language interpretation.

Knowledge: Applying your understanding of cultural differences to resolve both obvious and not so obvious culture-bound situations you may be in.

Skills: Bringing together your awareness that cultural differences exist and the knowledge that you may be acting in a culture-specific way and applying positive regard, communication and non-judgmental listening.

Networking is your key to career success in Canada. Through networking, you will have access to information and build lasting relationships.

What is networking?

Networking means developing a broad list of contacts – people you’ve met through various social and business functions – and leveraging them in your job search. People in your network may be able to give you job leads, offer you advice and information about a particular company or industry, and introduce you to others so that you can expand your network.

For a person to be successful in their career in Canada, establishing and maintaining an effective network is important.

COSTI has a large library of reading, video, and on-line resources that can be accessed by you as you begin your job search. Check back soon for a full listing.

If you are an internationally trained professional, looking for work, visit COSTI's website for the Centre for Foreign Trained Professionals & Tradespeople: www.cftpt.org.

Learn how to become a certified tradespeson in Ontario:

• Preparing for your Certificate of Qualification



• Fast-tracking opportunities for apprenticeship training



• Referrals to upgrading and training, including pre-exam and pre-apprenticeship training courses



• Skilled trades labour market information



• Finding unionized or non-unionized employment



• Health and safety

Obtain In-depth Information on:

• Construction Maintenance Electrician



• Industrial Mechanic



• Hairstylist



• Automotive Repair Technician

To find out more about the Skilled Trades Workshops, call 416.784.JOBS, extension 244 or 267.