Connecting to the hidden job market is essential for immigrants to Canada.

This information was accessible because of the human connection, and as a local I didn’t have to go too far to get it.

Newcomers have somewhat of a different journey as they don’t have long-standing ties in the community. Unfortunately, immigrants have to work harder to find a jackpot of information like I did. They require a strategic networking plan.

Strategic Job Search Technique

Asking questions about a sector to the right person is part of the strategy for tapping into the hidden job market. Experts say that over 75% of all possible jobs available at a given time are hidden (not publicly searchable). So, even if you applied to every single job on the job bank tomorrow, you are reaching less than 25% of the total.

A proactive professional job search strategy involves making connections within a targeted sector. Let me summarize the advice I give out most often:

1. Reach out to local companies to request a short meeting in which you can ask questions. This will help you prepare for opportunities when they come up in the future.
2. Follow relevant publications, including social media accounts of industry experts. You need to speak confidently and competently about the sector.
3. Brand yourself as relevant to your sector by sharing your positive thoughts about a public announcement on social media. The next person who interviews you will search for you on social media- no doubt about that. They want to see that you are engaged and connected.

Finding a job in Canada - 100% in your hands.

You are responsible to find a way to appear familiar in some way to your potential employer. This is one aspect of cultural adaptation. Pay attention to what’s happening in the community so you can participate in the everyday small talk that connects people so naturally.

If you are not yet convinced of the importance of connections in your job search, try polling 5 of your friends and asking them how they got their first job.

We are talking about the long game – your career. Take advantage of the services available to support job search, of course. Employment and settlement centres have tons of services to support you, usually at no cost.

But I encourage you strongly to prioritize making your own professional connections. Make this your job on the way to your dream job.