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  • Self-reflect and network

  • Apply and interview

  • Navigating the job

  • Resources

Embarking on a career journey as an international student at the University of Waterloo is exciting and challenging. We’re here to support you in navigating the job search process and workplaces in Canada. You'll find valuable insights on self-reflection, networking, job applications, interviews and transitioning into the workplace from the perspectives of the unique questions and challenges that international students may experience. Additionally, we'll provide guidance on understanding Canadian workplace culture and connecting with essential resources both on and off campus. Remember, the Centre for Career Development (CCD) is available to support you throughout your journey, and you can always reach out for personalized assistance.


Self-reflect and network

Self-reflection and networking are key to navigating the job search process effectively. Networking is about building authentic connections that can provide insights, opportunities and support, particularly for international students seeking to understand the Canadian job market. By reflecting on your unique skills, experiences and how you wish to present yourself, you can approach networking confidently, tailoring your interactions to align with your personal and professional goals.

Networking and its benefits

Networking is the process of building connections. In the context of finding work, this can mean getting to know other individuals who can provide valuable support throughout the job search process, such as sharing information or opportunities. For international students, networking can be particularly beneficial, as it helps them understand the Canadian job market, explore potential career paths, and expand their professional network in a new country. Learn more about networking strategies.

Getting started with networking

Networking can feel intimidating and awkward, and that’s normal. Meeting new people and talking about yourself can be challenging, especially if you’re in a new country and don’t know many people yet. However, networking doesn’t have to be a formal process. You can start with just getting to know other people better and building authentic connections with others that you already know, such as family, friends, classmates, instructors or members of other groups (community, religious, etc.) that you may be part of.

When networking, you don’t even necessarily need to talk about jobs! You may, for example, introduce yourself, what you’re currently doing, and where you want to be in the future. Networking isn’t only about connecting with future employers. Building these relationships and communities can still be beneficial in the short and long term. You never know where a connection might lead, what you may learn and how you might help someone else meaningfully.

Networking can greatly assist in your job search by enabling you to learn from others and form connections with supportive individuals.

  • For example, you might connect with someone with experience in a role like the one you're seeking, allowing them to share insights into their experiences.

Additionally, networking with someone who is hiring for such a role can help them understand your skills, and they may potentially consider you for that job or similar opportunities in the future. You might also reach out to someone with a shared identity, background or education (e.g. alumni from the program you’re in). Even if you don’t know them, connecting intentionally with folks who have something in common with you can be a very effective networking strategy. Learn more about networking.

Navigating barriers to networking

Some international students may feel anxious about networking in a new country because of the barriers they anticipate. For example, language differences could make it feel more complex than it would at home. These are valid concerns, and support is available for navigating these differences.

If you’re concerned about a language barrier, it is true that discrimination based on language or accents, unfortunately, can happen (Martin, 2022; Munro, 2003). These are related to race and ethnic origin, which are protected grounds in the Ontario Human Rights Code. For more information on discrimination, harassment and guidance on how you might respond to situations like these, learn more about your safety and rights.

While communicating in one or both of Canada’s official languages is important in the workplace, perfect fluency is not always sought. Employers are looking for the key skills needed for the jobs they’d like to fill. Being able to communicate effectively is important, but the level of importance of this can vary by job and industry. You may also bring language skills that their company needs and has difficulty finding. For example, perhaps they need someone fluent in a specific language to work with their client groups or stakeholders.

There are resources available if you’re looking for support with language learning, such as:

Some international students may have concerns about cultural differences and how to navigate them in networking, job searches and workplace scenarios. For example, norms regarding eye contact and handshakes can vary widely across cultures. If you’re seeking support, check out our resource on exploring Canadian workplace culture.

Additionally, University of Waterloo students have access to MyWorldAbroad, which contains country guides for Canada and many other countries that you may consider working in.

For navigating any barriers as an international student, you may wish to think about who you can lean on for support. Perhaps this includes classmates who are experiencing similar challenges or family who have international experience. You can also connect with the International Experience Centre, which coordinates the International Peer Community, among other supports. Career advisors in the CCD are available to chat through questions or concerns you may have related to job search and workplaces. They also offer interview appointments, which can be a great way to practice your skills and build confidence. And, if you’re in co-op, you also have access to your co-op advisor throughout your degree program, who can support you with questions about finding co-op jobs and navigating the workplace when you’re on the job.

How do I want to present myself?

How you choose to “show up” and present yourself can be a very personal decision. Perhaps you have a preferred name or a nickname outside of your legal name, and you would prefer to use that when submitting job applications or having interviews – that’s okay. Perhaps you would prefer to use your legal name – that’s okay too. When connecting with others, you may choose to share pieces of your identity and culture, or you may choose to omit them.

If you do choose to share pieces around your cultural identity, you may find opportunities to build stronger, more authentic connections and to find others who share in your identities and communities. Feel free to build in that information alongside other things you may choose to share, such as your skills and experiences. However, it can also feel vulnerable to share that level of information, and it is also completely okay to choose not to include this information and to keep the conversation strictly about your skills and experiences.

You can meet with a career advisor to discuss strategies around identity disclosure in the workplace.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to representing yourself during the job search process. Choose ways to present yourself that make you feel comfortable.

Highlighting your skills and experience

As you set out on the job search and go into your future workplaces, keep in mind that there is so much value that you as an individual bring. Everyone’s strengths are unique to them. Skills and experiences can come from a variety of sources. As an international student, your lived experiences may include working with others from different cultures and languages, in addition to having knowledge of different cultural practices, client markets and global worldviews. Perhaps you speak multiple languages or have a unique educational background. You may have gained resourcefulness, problem-solving skills and experience taking calculated risks in moving to a new country and strategizing how to succeed there. You bring valuable insights and perspectives to the workplace, and highlighting your international experiences can be a valuable asset during your job search. Like work experience, volunteering or extracurricular activities, your international experience can showcase your adaptability, cultural awareness and diverse skill set to potential employers. If you would like support with this or are looking for guidance on how to build more experience (such as joining clubs and volunteering), consider booking an appointment with a career advisor at the CCD.

Apply and interview

Applying for jobs and going through interviews can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster, especially when you’re doing so in a new country like Canada.

We’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you understand what employers are looking for and how to showcase your unique strengths.

The deciding to apply section of CareerHub provides guidance on making informed decisions. This guide provides useful tips and strategies for evaluating job postings and determining whether a position is the right fit for you. You may also find the self-reflect section helpful!

In Canada, you generally don’t need to include very much personal information on your résumé. Your photo, age, marital status and nationality are not typically included. More information on what is typically included can be found in the résumés section.

Navigating the job application

Most of the time in Canada, the job application process is straightforward and fair. However, in the rare cases where issues might arise, here are some tips to keep in mind to protect your rights and ensure a positive experience:

Expand the following content for more information.

 Know your rights

Familiarize yourself with what employers can and cannot ask during the hiring process. This knowledge will help you recognize and address inappropriate questions.

 Prepare responses

Have polite, professional responses ready for inappropriate questions. For example: if you are asked, “what country are you from?” or “are you a Canadian citizen?”

Consider these options:

  • Provide a direct answer (only if comfortable): E.g. “I am from (country) on a work permit and intend to stay in Canada and become a permanent resident.”

  • Deflect: “I am authorized to work in Canada if that is what you’re asking.”

  • Respond with a question: “Oh! Why do you ask?” or “Is it a requirement for the position that I am a Canadian citizen?”

 Report concerns

If you encounter discriminatory practices or questions, you have options, such as reporting your concerns to the Human Resources (HR) department or seeking legal advice.

Students in co-op have the have the option to contact their co-op advisor. If you are a regular student (non-co-op) participating in the EDGE certificate program and facing harassment as part of a work or community experience, you can reach out to co-op.accessibility@uwaterloo.ca for support.

More information about options and considerations for who to connect with can be found in the safety and your rights section of CareerHub.

 Look out for scams

Be wary of employers asking you to make payments to secure a job/posting. Please protect yourself from scams.

What questions can employers ask during an interview in Canada?

Understanding what questions employers can ask during an interview can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here are some key points from the Ontario Human Rights Commission to keep in mind. More information on unlawful interview questions is available in the Interviewing section of CareerHub.

Expand the following content for more information.

 Entitlement to work in Canada

Employers can ask if you are legally entitled to work in Canada. This is typically asked in application forms, and this is all they need to know about your citizenship status at the application stage.

 Questions about your place of birth or previous experience location

Employers should not ask about your place of birth or where your previous experience took place. These questions are irrelevant to your ability to perform the job, and you are not obligated to answer them.

 Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Employers may request your Social Insurance Number (SIN) only after you’ve received a formal job offer. Be cautious of any employer requesting your SIN before this point, as it may be a sign of a scam.

It’s also important to note that you need a SIN from Service Canada to work in Canada, and you must meet the various requirements. Learn more about SIN on the International Experience website.

 Local Canadian references

Employers cannot insist on local Canadian references when evaluating your candidacy. They should assess your qualifications and experiences fairly, regardless of where your references are based.

 Canadian work experience requirement

Employers are generally not allowed to require previous Canadian work experience as a condition for eligibility. According to the Ontario Human Rights Commission, this requirement can be considered discriminatory unless it can be legally justified in very specific situations.

Navigating the job

Congratulations – you've landed the job! Next, let’s discuss some tips and tools to help you make the most out of the experience. Find more information about the steps after receiving a job offer.

Learning about my new workplace culture

A useful way to learn about the work culture can be to observe how your colleagues behave and consider joining social events. Consider asking your supervisor, coworkers or mentor (if you have one) clarifying questions if you feel comfortable and safe doing so. You may be able to schedule quick informal chats with the key team members you will be working with in your initial weeks at work. This can help you understand their working and communication style, what their team does etc.

Building a professional network at work

Building a professional network at work begins by attending industry events, joining professional associations and connecting with colleagues, alumni and potential employers or mentors on LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and reach out. You can show interest in learning more about their journey and potentially take inspiration from it. Additionally, WaterlooWorks offers a calendar of monthly networking events, while campus clubs, societies and professional associations host sessions featuring professionals from various fields.

International students can start by engaging with colleagues and participating in company events. If available, joining employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on diversity or international staff can help connect with others who share similar experiences. Finally, seeking mentors for professional guidance can be valuable in navigating workplace culture.

Benefits of finding a mentor

For international students, a mentor may be especially helpful in navigating challenges like adapting to workplace culture, understanding local industry expectations and building a network in a new country. They may offer advice on overcoming language or cultural barriers and provide valuable connections that might otherwise be hard to access. Setting clear expectations at the start is important, but mentorship may often evolve into a long-term relationship, offering ongoing support as you progress in your career.

To find a mentor, start by looking within your workplace, professional associations or at networking events. When considering a potential mentor, reflect on what you could learn from them and whether you feel comfortable and safe interacting with them. When approaching someone to be your mentor, it’s helpful to be thoughtful and respectful. You could say, “I really appreciate your insights and experience in [specific area]. I’m looking for guidance as I grow professionally, and I was wondering if you’d be open to having conversations or offering advice.” For personalized support on finding the right mentor, consider booking a career advising appointment with CCD.

Is it okay to express my cultural identity at work?

Talking about your identity and background can be rewarding and challenging. It's important to find a balance that feels right for you.

Benefits:

  • Encourages inclusivity and understanding.

  • Assists in building a supportive network.

  • Enhances workplace diversity and cultural awareness.

Drawbacks:

  • Risk of being misunderstood or facing bias.

  • Might feel vulnerable sharing personal details.

Starting your career in a new country like Canada can be a big adventure with its share of challenges and rewards. Remember to use the resources available to you, seek support when needed and stay informed about your rights and responsibilities. And don’t forget that you can always book a one-on-one appointment with a career advisor for more support. We are here to help!

Resources

There is a wide array of resources available, both on-campus and off-campus, that can offer support. Besides those already mentioned, here are additional resources you may consider accessing:

On-Campus resources

  • International Experience Centre (IEC) – A central hub of resources specific to international students. Access resources online or visit the physical IEC space on the first floor of Needles Hall.

  • International Student Support Specialist – Connect with our on-campus International Student Support Specialist, who can provide additional supports and referrals to services within and outside the University of Waterloo community.

  • International Peer Community (IPC) – Connect with other international students and volunteers, build your network and attend events.

  • Immigration Consulting – Connect with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) who can provide support on topics such as work permits and working on/off campus.

  • Student Success Office – A specific page of additional resources for international students, including some of the discussed topics.

Off-Campus resources

  • KW Multicultural Centre – Offering services ranging from career services and networking, settling in Canada, and practicing language skills.

  • Government of Canada – Specific resources for international students studying in Canada. Pages within this resource include information on working off campus and obtaining a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).


References

Martin, S. (2022). Beyond the English language program: International students’ experiences of language-based discrimination. CIHE Perspectives, 21, 29-31. https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/bc1/schools/lsoe/sites/cihe/Perspectives No. 21.pdf#page=35

Munro, M.J. (2003). A primer on accent discrimination in the Canadian context. TESL Canada Journal, 20(2), 38-51. https://doi.org/10.18806/tesl.v20i2.947

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