Job searching and managing one’s career is a daunting task for almost anyone, particularly in the current economy.However, new immigrants face an additional set of barriers commonly referred to as “no Canadian experience”. Recently, I had a chance to interview Daisy Wright, award-winning career coach, resume writer, interview coach and author of “No Canadian Experience, Eh?”. I have read this book myself and it is a great resource. In our interview, Daisy shared some of her insights on this prevailing issue as well as her motivation for writing a book on this topic.

What inspired you to write this book?

I realized the struggles new immigrants faced, and continue to face, when they move to Canada. Having experienced some of the struggles myself; those of my husband and many others I interviewed, I realized there was a need for a book like No Canadian Experience, eh? There has never a book like this that addresses the job search struggles of New Canadians, so I decided to fill that void.

In your experience, what are some of the biggest barriers immigrants to Canada face in their career development/management?

1.  The shock of hearing that they don't have Canadian Experience. Very hard for them to 'swallow' having spent years in the same field and having the education & experience that played a key role in qualifying them to move to Canada.
2.  Lack of knowledge of how the job search process works in Canada. Job search in Canada, and indeed, in North America, is more proactive. The onus is on the jobseeker to actively 'market/sell' him or herself to potential employers. Qualification (degrees) alone won't cut it.
3.  Language skills - play a huge part. If English and/or French is not the first language, use all the resources available to learn the language well. Do not ghetto-ize oneself by speaking only your own language and within your own cultural groups. Go out and network with others outside your group.
4.  Lack of awareness by some employers of what new immigrants bring to the table. Lack of understanding (by the employer) of how a foreign credential compares with Canadian standard.
5.  New immigrants must also understand that some people will not want to hire them just on the basis of who they are (although illegal). Luckily, it's a small percentage. The bigger question is for new immigrant to ask, "Would I really want to work in an environment like this?"
6.  Too much reference to "how it used to be back home".

In the book, you talk about self-esteem.  In my own work with internationally-trained professionals, I readily noticed how self-esteem and confidence quickly eroded the further they got into the job search process.  How does your book address this issue?

I talk about each experience being a temporary one, with an opportunity to learn from it. I suggest that they get away from naysayers who will focus on the negatives. I also talk about the difficulty of hearing No a lot of times, but to never give up as the next opportunity might just be around the corner. Remind themselves that they were successful where they are coming from, and they still have the skills that will have them succeed here once again. It takes time, patience and courage.

You chronicle several stories of the immigrant experience in the book.  What can readers hope to learn from these first-hand accounts?

That someone else went through the same (or worst) experience than them, and came out on the better side of success. That obstacles can be surmounted, and that they use those experiences to motivate them to press forward and never give up.

A fairly large portion of your book is devoted to self-marketing and the interview process.  Why do you feel these two subjects are so important for immigrants to Canada?

Those are the main ways that they'll be find jobs. Knowing themselves first and the value they would add to the employer, then learning how to market those values to potential employers. It's also important for them to know how to answer interview questions properly, how to identify questions that are illegal, and how to deal with such questions.

If you could capture your words of wisdom in one sentence, what would you say to the many newcomers to Canada who are struggling with their job search?

Hang in there; never give up and take advantage of all the resources that are available to help you move your career forward!

To learn more about this great, one-of-a-kind book check out the book’s website at www.nocanadianexperience-eh.com .

Lydia Fernandes is the Career & Education Coordinator for the G.O.A. She is a Certified Personal Branding Strategist who helps the “hidden gems” of the workforce break down barriers to get the visibility, advancement, confidence and synergy they need and deserve in their career. Email your comments to her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .