No Job for Skilled Workers! Why?

These days, you, international professionals from various countries to Canada, find it ridiculously tough to be able to find a decent job although you are highly skilled workers? Read this. If you see something similar to that you'd heard somewhere. You're right!

“This is the website where you can find job postings; make sure you check it regularly. Oh, you're familiar with it from abroad? And you've been applying for months already? Remember, 80 per cent of jobs are in the hidden job market - networking is the way to go. Yes, yes, I see, how does a newcomer manage to network? All right, here are the workshops we offer on writing resumés, doing interviews, job search strategies. No, we won't actually find a job for you; we'll give you the skills so you can do it yourself.

I'm sorry, the manager is not available, what is this regarding? I'm afraid our company doesn't have any current openings. Check the website regularly. Thank you.

Hi, the position has been filled internally. Thank you for your interest.

Yes, we are still accepting resumés. Please e-mail human resources and we will get back to you. Oh, you've sent it already? Please wait until someone from our company contacts you. Thank you for applying.

The manager is in a meeting, may I ask who is calling? You need to make an appointment to see the manager in person, and he is booked solid until February. I'm sorry, what is this regarding? Yes, I'm sure he has read your letter and knows what an asset you would be to our company. Yes, fluent in several languages, years of co-ordinating international operations and logistics. ... Can I put you on hold?
Tell me about your work experience. No Canadian experience, eh? But you have worked in international trade, foreign relations and policy analysis since I was in diapers? I'm sorry, the North American work environment is very specific and we need someone with local knowledge. Oh, but you have a graduate degree from a leading university in the United States? Canada is different and we cannot use your skills. We will call you if something opens. Thank you for your interest.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Interested candidates should submit an electronic version of their application outlining their education, experience and contact information for three references.

I'm sorry, your application is incomplete, please complete the references field. Your references are international? Write them down, of course we will call them. Our company hires on the basis of merit. We are committed to the principle of equity in employment. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified women and men, including people with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Thank you for submitting the form.

Describe a situation where you have had to deal with a difficult customer and how you handled it. Furious dignitaries? Trade fiascos? No, no, I mean when someone got upset and you talked them down. Company CEOs don't count. How about someone who had a problem with your management's service? Yes, yes, if you were the management that works too, like, whatever ...

Come out West, we need employees with every skill! What trade do you have: Can you weld, are you a carpenter? We might have some office work for you too, sure. What do you know about oil? Are you up to speed on the oil sands? If you want to make money you should consider the oil industry, but you know, with your age. ... Physical labour will earn you the big bucks, but hey come anyway and we'll find you something. You bet, just call when you arrive, settle down and we'll figure it out. Yes, it's true, housing availability is at a historic low and rent prices have exploded, but we're sure you'll manage.

Can you count money? You show up on time? You speak English? Ha ha, I know you are speaking English to me right now, but I mean English like these Canadians. You know, double-double? Toonie? Loonie? Okay, you try for two days and we see if you are good. I need somebody for 14 hours tomorrow and 12 on Wednesday.

Pay? If you stay I pay you cash, if you go, sorry. Pay is soon, yes, don't worry so much.

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