2. Leverage Online Networking Platforms
Networking is the process through which people get acquainted with other people by the sharing of information in the present era of technology, people meet through online platforms. In Canada, LinkedIn is the most powerful social network that can be used to enlarge the circle of connections. Practice how you can make an impressive page in the social network LinkedIn and focus on the fields of your interest and working plans. Its best to make sure that your profile is updated, log in always and effect some interactions, and join groups of your field.Connect with Industry Professionals: It is possible to initiate company connection requests for various industries of your choice.
Join LinkedIn Groups: Post comments in forums that are associated with your area of study.
Follow Companies: Update your information with the company news, job listing, and key events.
Others that may also be of great use are sites such as Twitter and Meetup for networking. List yourself as a follower of influential people in your field or business, engage with other people in business through the use of twitter boards, and be part of Meetup groups in your line of specialization.
3. Volunteer and be a member of professional organizations
Volunteering is quite a perfect way of networking because you are also able to give back to society. Volunteering exposes the newcomers to other people hence they can easily secure jobs through referrals. Search for the volunteer jobs in your field or at nearby places. In addition to generating acquaintances, volunteering makes it possible for one to acquire some working experience in Canada and increase one’s or resume.Another best practice is to associate with professional bodies. All the major industries in Canada have associations that provide social interaction opportunities, information as well as accreditation. One of the benefits of joining such organization is that you maybe privileged to participate in some closed group of professionals and get acquainted with the latest information in the market.
4. Practice Informational Interviewing
Informative Interviews are excellent in reaching out and connecting to new people and getting to know the industry you are interested in. Contact people in your industry and ask for a 15-minute phone call or a cup of coffee to discuss their journey and life in Canada more broadly. These are not pity interviews to ask for a job but are a chance to develop contacts and to collect useful information.It is wise to come up with questions that could be theoretically asked but be genuinely interested in their choices. While allowing you to make connections, this approach also familiarises you with the Canadian employers’ requirement and job market.
5. Frequently, an interview is followed up and the candidate and interviewer continue to communicate.
Networking is also not merely circulating; it is nurturing too. So once you have been to an event and/ or meet a new contact it is very important to ensure that you take your time to make a follow up with the contact to thank them for the time they spent with you and to show your interest in continuing to build the relationship with the contact. Continuously interact with the members of your network by sharing a post, a ‘well done’ message, or dropping a word of encouragement.Maintaining contact with your network over time keeps you relevant as and when openings appear and helps to foster the relationships that have been made.
Conclusion
Networking is equally important for any fresh immigrant in Canada when they seek to improve his or her employment opportunities and or career paths.. If one is determined to build a powerful professional network, one should participate in events, use the opportunities of the internet, volunteer and practice informational interviews. Overemphasize the need to network, then always be on the lookout for other people to network with, and then always be treating your network as something to be developed.
