Newcomers ON FIRE!

How to Land 4 Jobs in 3 Years as a Newcomer with Maria Becerra (NOF#12)

Maria Becerra shares the secrets behind her incredible success in landing 4 big jobs within just 3 years of arriving in Canada. If you want to fast-track your career as a newcomer, this is a must-listen!
 
Episode Highlights:
Overcoming Language Barriers: We dive into Maria’s journey of overcoming self-doubt and fear of judgment to find her voice.
The Power of Networking: Learn how Maria leveraged volunteering and networking to expand her connections.
Standing Out on LinkedIn: Get tips on optimizing your LinkedIn profile and consistency strategies to build authority.
Getting Recruiters to Notice You: Discover Maria’s unique approach to proactively reaching out to hiring managers about open roles.
Acing the Interview: We share step-by-step techniques to thoroughly prepare for critical job interviews.
Key Takeaways:
Volunteer at non-profits to gain confidence and connections. It’s a launch pad!
Build an inventory of professional stories using the STAR method to showcase your skills.
Reach out directly to recruiters and hiring managers to get on their radar.
Overprepare for interviews by practicing responses and doing mock interviews.
Conclusion: Maria’s story exemplifies that with courage, dedication and self-belief, your biggest career goals as a newcomer are achievable one step at a time. Stay positive and persistent. Your breakthrough moment awaits!
More info HERE

Speak Up to Rise Up: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Nazia Iqbal (NOF#11)

Nazia Iqbal moved alone from Pakistan to Canada as a student. Despite facing tremendous cultural obstacles, she powered through initial struggles to climb from retail banking to impressive corporate roles, breaking barriers for immigrant women along the way. Gain an uplifting blueprint and mindset-shifting insights to overcome your career struggles as a newcomer.
 
Episode Highlights:
Arriving in a New Country and Culture
Dealing with the shock of doing everything solo for the first time
Facing bitter Canadian winters and health challenges
Launching a Career from Scratch
Convincing the bank to take a chance on her
Learning sales skills on the fly with zero training
Managing intense pressure, quotas and customer demands
Corporate Culture and Communication Barriers
Cracking norms that prefer silence from women and immigrants
Battling imposter syndrome to gain confidence in sharing opinions
Unexpectedly Building a Network of Advocates
Relationships with casual lunch buddies paying off with key referrals
Winning promotions due to good performance instead of connections
Key Takeaways:
Stick it out in tough entry-level jobs to gain experience and work toward career goals.
Speak up and be assertive instead of waiting for permission or a formal invitation.
Don’t assume people will think less of you for needing help – proactively ask for help.
Cultivate genuine work relationships – you never know where they may lead.
Develop transferable skills everywhere possible to increase options down the road.
Conclusion: Let Nazia’s perseverance inspire you to rise above the labels, challenges and preconceptions that hold far too many newcomers back. Remember, every small win and connection opens more doors over time. Stay patient yet assertive and know your career is what you make of it, despite external perceptions.
Where to find Nazia
Nazia’s LinkedIn Profile
Where to find Miguel
Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile
Referenced
Book: Peace of Mind: Becoming Fully Present by Thich Nhat Hanh
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Coffee Chats: Secret Weapon for Career Growth with Luki Danukarjanto (NOF#10)

I chat with Luki about whether informational interviews (also known as “coffee chats”) are essential or overhyped. We share our experiences using them to build connections and get job promotions. We also give best practices for improving your coffee chat skills.
Episode Highlights:
A Conversation that Started on LinkedIn
I posted that “informational interviews are underrated”. Luki countered saying they can be overrated and should be rebranded as “curiosity conversations.”
This online debate inspired us to share our differing experiences and come up with advice.
A Tool that Got Me Six Promotions
I attribute coffee chats for my biggest career moves – they helped me land six promotions. But I learned the hard way how to have good ones!
How to Request a Meeting
Share your situation and specific question you have for them. Suggest a short meeting like 15-20 minutes. Provide a calendar link to make scheduling easy.
Best Practices for the Conversation
Prepare questions ahead of time, but keep it a flowing chat rather than an interrogation.
Set and respect the time expectation. Mention when time is almost up.
End with next steps like another meeting or you providing value in the future.
Key Takeaways:
Coffee chats can be valuable, but focus on learning about the person instead of direct career help. Mutual value matters most.
Framing meetings as “curiosity conversations” sets a collaborative tone from the start.
Practice coffee chat skills whenever you can. Use reflections and tools to keep improving.
Conclusion: Overall, we agree coffee meetings are great ways to build meaningful connections, though the approach matters. Try our tips to get better at networking through information conversations!
 
Full ShowNotes HERE
Newcomers ON FIRE! Featured by Feedspot 20 Best Canadian Career Podcast
 

Make your Intercultural Competence your Superpower with Sabina Michael (NOF#9)

Sabina Michael, is an expert in empowering newcomers to thrive professionally in Canada. She shares her personal journey as an immigrant and the lessons she learned along the way.
 
Episode Highlights:
Navigating the Early Struggles: Sabina recounts her early challenges finding work in Canada despite being told it would be easy. She realized she needed to understand the Canadian job market better.
The Power of Volunteering: Sabina talks about how strategic volunteering opened doors for her and led to her first job in Canada. She stresses being purposeful when volunteering.
Becoming an Intercultural Expert: Though intercultural skills were not initially her expertise, through deep observation, curiosity and investing in her own development, Sabina uncovered what would become her life’s purpose.
Behind the Scenes of Business Edge: Sabina gives us a peek into the evolution of Business Edge, one of the most impactful programs for newcomer career success, which she helped co-create at the Rotman School of Management.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on continually improving your self-awareness and understanding the market’s needs. Find where you can add value.
Be intentional when volunteering. Choose roles aligned with your professional goals that allow you to build transferable skills.
Keep developing your communication skills – how you come across interculturally is vital for newcomer job search success.
Programs like Business Edge provide the personalized coaching and community support newcomers need to unlock their potential faster.
Conclusion: Sabina leaves us with inspiration and sage advice on embracing the journey, building community, seeking support and redefining what success means for you in Canada. Her passion shines through everything she does to empower newcomers.
Where to find Sabina
Sabina’s LinkedIn Profile
Where to find Miguel
Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile
Referenced
Business Edge Program
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’Your Today is not your Forever’ From little English to winning Toastmasters competitions with Ruth Javier (NOF#8)

Ruth Javier is an expert in overcoming the challenges of relocating to a new country. Ruth shares invaluable insights on improving your communication skills, finding the courage to pursue your dreams, the importance of networking and volunteering, embracing your unique accent, and strategies for maintaining a positive mindset. Get ready to be inspired and empowered to make your newcomer journey a success.
 
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Communication: Learn how to improve your English and become an effective communicator, no matter where you're from.
Chasing Your Dreams: Discover how to find the strength and courage to go after your dreams, even when it seems like a whole new world.
Networking and Volunteering: Explore the importance of building connections and giving back through volunteering to create a better life for yourself.
Embracing Your Unique Accent: Understand why your accent is a strength, not a weakness, and how it can set you apart.
Maintaining a Positive Mindset: Uncover practical strategies for staying positive and resilient, even when faced with rejection and challenges.
Key Takeaways:
Focus on improving your communication skills to succeed in your new life.
Don't be afraid to chase your dreams, regardless of where you come from.
Embrace networking and volunteering as powerful tools to build your future.
Your unique accent can be your superpower in connecting with others.
Cultivate a positive mindset to overcome rejection and adversity.
Conclusion: Ruth's journey is proof that success is within reach for newcomers. By applying her insights, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and turn them into stepping stones toward your goals.
 

’Being yourself is your Superpower’ How to communicate your value with Gabriela Gutierrez (NOF#7)

Gabriela Gutierrez emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in decision-making, highlights the art of preparing for job interviews, reveals her secret to getting hired on the spot and also shares her recipe for staying motivated.
 
Episode Highlights:
How to Prepare for Job Interviews – Gabriela discusses her approach to preparing for job interviews and how she ended up getting hired on the spot several times.
Making Strategic Decisions – Gabriela discusses the importance of making strategic choices for your career, emphasizing that your path is unique.
The Power of Mentorship – Gabriela shares how mentorship transformed her journey, boosting her confidence, and helping her achieve her goals faster.
Motivation Essentials – Gabriela reveals the four key elements that keep her motivated: People, Gratitude, Vision, and Reminders.
Key Takeaways:
Prepare thoroughly for job interviews, showcasing your skills and getting hired on the spot.
Make strategic decisions for your future, not just for immediate rewards.
Find mentors to boost your confidence and accelerate your journey.
Stay motivated by valuing people, practicing gratitude, keeping your vision clear, and using reminders.
Conclusion: Gabriela’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence, mentorship, and making strategic decisions. As newcomers, we all have the potential to create our own silver platter of success. Keep moving forward and working toward your goals.
 
Where to find Gabriela
Gabriela’s LinkedIn Profile
Where to find Miguel
Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile

‘Success in Canada is achievable with determination, the right mindset, and a supportive community’ with Lorena Martinez (NOF#6)

Lorena Martinez is a seasoned professional who shares her secrets on overcoming challenges, securing your dream job, and embracing a life filled with confidence and opportunities.
Episode Highlights:
“From Coffee Server to Marketing Professional” Lorena Martinez, moved to Canada with a dream of building a successful career in marketing. She talks about her early challenges, including finding her first professional job and dealing with uncertainty.
“The Power of Informational Interviews” Lorena highlights the importance of informational interviews in building connections and gaining insights into your desired industry. She also shares tips on how to approach these interviews effectively.
“Maintaining Confidence and Positivity” Overcoming self-doubt is a common challenge for newcomers. Lorena discusses how she maintained her confidence and positivity, even during challenging times. She emphasizes the significance of exercise and the support of the community.
Key Takeaways:
Never give up on your dreams; keep pushing forward.
Seek support and the right tools to overcome challenges.
Maintain a positive attitude, even in the face of uncertainty.
Engage in informational interviews to build connections and knowledge about your industry.
Conclusion: Lorena’s journey serves as a reminder that success in Canada is achievable with determination, the right mindset, and the support of the community. No matter how challenging it may seem, you have the ability to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.
 
Where to find Lorena
Email: estudiar@canadaes.com
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/16476398609
Website: https://www.canadaes.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/agenciacanadaes
Where to find Miguel
Miguel’s LinkedIn Profile
Referenced:
Business Edge Program (Rotman School of Business)
Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
EXATEC GTA
In this episode, we cover:
00:00 Introduction
05:06 Personal Journeys and Challenges
08:00 Finding Support Groups
13:15 Applying for Professional Jobs
17:54 Educational Programs and Success Strategies
22:03 Navigating Career Advancement
29:35 Maintaining Positivity and Wellness
37:07 Never Giving Up and Final Advice
38:33 Connect with Lorena Martinez

Accelerate Your Cultural Adaptation: Insider Tips from John McGraw (NOF#5)

John, a seasoned intercultural expert, shares invaluable insights on navigating the challenges faced by newcomers to Canada and how cultural biases can impact our journeys.
 
Episode Highlights:
Cultural Compass: Discover the importance of embracing diverse perspectives, understanding cultural biases, and becoming a bridge between cultures.
Speed Up Your Journey: Get tips on how to avoid common cultural misunderstandings and become more culturally aware. Find out how to make your journey smoother and quicker.
Growing Your Cultural Muscles: Discover the power of diving into Canadian culture. Learn how connecting with different people and communities can open up exciting opportunities.
Bridging Cultures: John shares insights on building connections and using your unique background to your advantage in Canada. Be the bridge between cultures and thrive.
Key Takeaways:
Celebrate Diversity: Embrace and learn from the cultures around you. Avoid judging and stay curious about why people do things differently.
Fast-Track Your Journey: Immerse yourself in Canadian culture and connect with people from various backgrounds. LinkedIn can be a great tool for networking.
Cultural Skills: Develop your cultural awareness as a skill. Use cultural differences to your benefit, whether in work or daily life.
Connect and Learn: Seek out informational interviews, have conversations, and find mentors to expand your cultural knowledge and create opportunities.
Conclusion: Understanding different cultures is a valuable skill as a newcomer. By respecting diversity, staying curious, and immersing yourself in Canadian culture, you can light up your path to success. Don't forget to connect with John McGraw and explore his resources for further cultural growth.
In this episode, we cover:
00:00 - Introduction
02:45 - John's Background
07:15 - The Importance of Cultural Awareness
11:30 - Cultural Biases
15:00 - John's Work
20:30 - Challenges Faced by Newcomers
24:00 - Cultural Awareness for Canadians
28:21 - Advice for Newcomers
36:15 - Flexing Your Cultural Competence
39:29 - Becoming a Bridge Between Cultures
46:00 - Billboard Message
47:29 - Connect with John