STARTING YOUR NEW JOB

The first day

Take with you:

• National Insurance card
• Permanent Resident card
• Medical card (if your employer is going to make your contributions).

As far as dress code is concerned, follow more or less the same rules as for the interview. Be led by what you observed co-workers wearing. It is probably inevitable that you will have a tendency at first to overdress. Don’t worry – they will probably see it as a charming example of English eccentricity!

Fitting in

You may find the Canadian attitude to time-keeping more laid back than you are used to. But remember that works both ways. If additional hours are required from you it is expected that you will oblige willingly and cheerfully.

A fairly informal atmosphere is likely to prevail, especially in smaller companies. Follow the lead of your co-workers when deciding whether to address superiors by their first names. You will be on first-name terms with your workmates and probably your immediate superior.

It is almost a prerequisite of work in a Canadian company that you be willing to socialise outside working hours. Many companies arrange outings, sporting events and family days. You could be considered snobbish or unfriendly if you do not join in.

A reminder about tax

Although Canadian employers deduct tax from your income at source, you will be required to complete your own return at the end of the tax year, which in Canada runs from 1 January to 31 December. So if you incur tax-deductible expenses during the course of your job make notes and keep receipts from the beginning.

CHECKLIST

• Find out something about the business of the company to which you are applying.
• Arm yourself with a good idea of salary expectations.
• Take your Social Insurance card, passport, Permanent Resident card and all references.
• Be positive. Show your enthusiasm and adaptability.
• Find out about benefits and incentives.
• Don’t be too formal. Take your lead from co-workers in matters of dress and etiquette.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Now that you have that all-important interview lined up, time spent in preparation can make all the difference.

• 1.What makes you right for this job?

How can you draw on past experience to demonstrate your suitability for this particular position?

Have you worked in a similar field or undertaken other tasks of this nature?

What do you know about this sphere of business?

Do you have any ideas on how this firm could increase their performance/profitability?

• 2.How does your international background make you a better candidate?

The interviewer wants to be sure that you are committed to your new life. How can you convince him/her that you really intend to make a mark in Canada?

What are your real reasons for deciding to work in Canada?

Will these be acceptable to a prospective employer?

What differences can you see between working practices in Canada and the UK?

How would this knowledge be valuable to a prospective employer?

• 3.Can you fit in to the Canadian workplace?

Do you have an open attitude towards working hours?

Are you willing to put in extra time when required?

Are you prepared to cope with a less formal structure at work?

Does this make you uncomfortable in any way?

What are your feelings regarding socialising with colleagues outside of working hours?

Would you regard this as an imposition?

• 4.What makes you memorable?

Someone who has decided to live and work in another country already stands out from the crowd. What can you say at the interview that will emphasise this and draw attention to your adaptability?

Have you considered what the average Canadian’s perception is of people of your nationality?

How can you utilise this to your advantage?

Are you willing to ‘play’ on your differences, should that seem appropriate?