This blog was written by Linda Ryan, the Employment Liaison Specialist at British Columbia Construction Association-Integrating Newcomers
1. I encourage clients to shoot for the stars by dreaming big and allowing themselves the luxury of feeling it by asking those scary questions: “What does it look like, feel like, sound like?”
2. I request that clients get very realistic about the process; by setting measurable and time sensitive objectives and breaking those lofty goals into teeny, weeny baby steps (actions) towards those goals.
3. I get philosophical about it. Reminding clients not to take it too personally. Although we are infinite beings in finite bodies, and our mammies and daddies always told us we were special; we are one of many when it comes to job search. And as a result, our efforts are constrained by many factors we can’t possibly control or even influence. Whether it’s the sheer number of applicants we’re up against, the database parameters that sort and reject our resumes, the people who review and shortlist our beautifully formatted work histories (I mean, think about it. Are these people having a good day/bad day? Are they energized/exhausted? Are they happy to be in that company or looking to jump ship themselves?). There are a thousand reasons why it may not go your way, so why give those things your attention and energy!
4. And finally, I suggest clients read The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, written by Don Miguel Ruiz (1997, Amber-Allen Publishing). It’s a short book that reminds us four things we all should have been taught in detail when we were seven years old!
Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions-“We have the tendency to make assumptions about everything. The problem with making assumptions is that we believe they are the truth… We assume, we misunderstand, we take it personally, and we end up creating a whole big drama that works against us.”
Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best-“Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less. But keep in mind that your best is never going to be the same from one moment to the next.”
Integrating Newcomers – Join Canada’s Construction Workforce
If you are coming to Canada, are interested in working within the construction sector and have received Permanent Residence approval, a representative from BCCA-IN is available for you!
The BC Construction Association – Integrating Newcomers (BCCA-IN) program, funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, is one of the pre-arrival services that facilitates the economic and social integration of immigrants approved for entry into Canada. BCCA-IN can support individuals before they arrive in Canada by helping assess their work experience, education and skills, and provide job leads, resume support, information about working in the construction industry as well as settlement advice.
