Your Mentee and Their Job Search
This module helps mentors understand the challenges immigrant professionals face in networking within Canada. Networking is essential for employment success, especially for newcomers who may have limited connections in their new country.
Your Mentee’s Challenges
Your mentee may have left behind most of their professional contacts, limiting their network in Canada. They may also lack clarity about the differences in networking norms between Canada and other countries, which can impact job search and career growth opportunities.
The Hidden Job Market
In Canada, many jobs are not advertised or posted online. According to the Canadian Education and Research Institute for Counselling (CERIC), up to 80% of jobs are hidden, and two-thirds of Canadians find employment through unadvertised job sources. Networking is one of the most effective ways to access these opportunities.
Your Role as an ERIPRO Mentor
As a mentor, you are a crucial link for your mentee in building professional connections in Canada. You can help them establish valuable relationships and access the hidden job market by guiding them on effective networking practices.
What Networking Can Do for Your Mentee
- Information: Helps them position their skills to meet employer needs.
- Leads: Opens access to others’ networks and job opportunities.
- Professional Contacts: Offers insights on their field in the Canadian context.
- Advice and Support: Provides details on key competencies and licensing processes.
- Events, Programs, and Activities: Further opportunities for networking.
Strategies for Enhancing Networking Skills
Strategy 1: Building a Common Understanding
Discuss with your mentee what networking means to them and compare it with Canadian norms, such as:
- Who to network with
- How to identify networking opportunities
- When and why to network
Explain that in Canada, networking is primarily about relationship building, not immediate job offers. Encourage them to listen actively and add value in conversations.
Strategy 2: Expanding the Network
Help your mentee expand their network by introducing them to:
- Professional Immigrant Networks (PIN): Connects immigrants in various professions.
- Volunteering: Builds connections and familiarity with Canadian workplace culture.
- Research: Suggest Alumni associations, events on Eventbrite or MeetUp, and relevant professional associations.
Strategy 3: Connecting with Your Networks
Facilitate introductions within your network, such as:
- Colleagues for information interviews
- HR for résumé feedback or mock interviews
- Recent immigrants who have successfully found jobs in Canada
Strategy 4: Preparing for Information Interviews
Guide your mentee in preparing for information interviews by discussing:
- Appropriate dress codes (e.g., business casual vs. business attire)
- Questions to ask for career insights (not directly asking for a job)
- Following up with a thank-you email or LinkedIn request
Strategy 5: Creating Action Lists
Developing action lists is a practical way for mentors and mentees to organize tasks for networking:
- Mentor’s Actions: Review mentee’s target organizations, reach out to contacts, suggest interview questions.
- Mentee’s Actions: Research target organizations and contacts, draft a template for requesting information interviews.
Strategy 6: Creating an Elevator Speech
Help your mentee craft a concise elevator speech that covers:
- Who they are
- Their unique niche or expertise
- The desired action from the listener
Strategy 7: Using Social Media
Encourage your mentee to utilize LinkedIn for professional networking. They can:
- Join groups in their field within the Greater Toronto Area
- Message professionals for information interviews
- Send LinkedIn requests after interviews
- Search for job postings in their field