There is no question that diversity enhances the bottom line. With the globalization of the markets, diversity makes total sense. However, newcomers to Canada are still considered ”outsiders.”
Immigrants do not present themselves like Canadians. However, they can be coached. The key is to be culturally competent. The world is huge and rich, and the right workforce is a blend of different cultures. Companies who think globally must be rewarded for innovation. It`s about meeting in the middle and understanding each other. Immigrants must recognize that as little as 7% of communication is verbal. Canadian experience isn’t just working experience. It’s adjusting to the new country by joining in the tribe.
How do you choose the employer?
Those employers using best practices offer the following:
(1) Programs specifically designed to assist employees who are recent immigrants to Canada;
(2) Steps to reduce employment barriers for recent immigrants, such as recognizing foreign educational credentials or experience;
(3) Assistance for new employees with foreign professional or educational credentials in getting these qualifications formally recognized in Canada;
(4) “Onboarding” programs, such as internal coaching or mentoring, to help new employees who are recent immigrants understand the Canadian workplace;
(5) Training for managers and employees in cross-cultural issues or inclusiveness to help create a welcoming and productive environment for employees who are recent immigrants.
When making decisions about your career, you need to identify your needs and relevant interests, values, skills and abilities. What are you good at doing? What do you hate? What are the requirements of the new job? If you don’t nurture your skills, if you don’t stay in-the-know of the latest and greatest of your industry, you will be overlooked.
Furthermore, if you are a newcomer, you need to understand the Canadian culture and how to navigate in the Canadian workplace. You also need to align your values with those of the employer.
Your success or failure rests on your ability to diagnose your situation and identify its characteristic challenges and opportunities. If you don’t understand the demands of the situation, you will underperform or even fail outright. By pinpointing your vulnerabilities, you will be able to take preventative actions. By checking in with yourself, you will see patterns develop, both in the nature of the problems you face as well as in your reactions to them.
Are you ready for the challenge?
