3 ways you can up-skill and get hired

📰 Featured

Ontario and BC provincial nominee programs have conducted their most recent draw last week.

• Ontario issued ~1,300 invites predominantly for skilled trades professions.

  • Plumbing (gas fitter, steam fitter, pipefitter)

  • Carpentry (cabinetmaker, insulator, bricklayer)

  • Mechanical (HVAC, Railway carmen, millwright, aircraft mechanic, elevator mechanic)

• BC invited ~200 skilled workers via Skilled worker or International Graduate program

  • Early childhood educators and assistants

  • Construction

  • Healthcare

  • Veterinary care

🐄 Be a Purple Cow 🟣 

Did that headline get your attention? What is a Purple Cow?

It refers to something truly unique and extraordinary that stands out from the ordinary. The idea is based on the metaphor that while cows are common and easily overlooked, a purple cow would grab attention simply because it’s unexpected and remarkable.

🤠 Being remarkable can transform the job search experience. Today’s job market is saturated, and candidates oftentimes become a faceless blur for recruiters.

One way to stand out from the crowd is to be different. To be a Purple Cow. Being different sparks conversation, makes your memorable and opens doors. Being memorable isn't about shock value; it's about being unmistakably, unapologetically yourself, and doing so in a way that aligns with the value you bring to the role.

Check out some ideas on how candidates have demonstrated their inner Purple Cow here.

🎩 Up-skill without paying a dime

The job market is tough right now, especially if you’re a fresh graduate or a newcomer without a network or Canadian experience. Whether you're looking to switch careers or advance in your current field, acquiring new skills is a powerful way to keep up with industry trends, meet employer demands, and increase your earning potential.

If you're noticing that your current skill set is outdated, your lack the vocabulary, lacj understanding of the Canadian market dynamica or if you're considering entering a high-demand field, such as tech, healthcare, or skilled trades, it's time to explore upskilling. The good news is that you don't need to return to school to expand your expertise.

Here are some strategies to up-skill in the Canadian job market:

🖥️ Online Learning Platforms

You can learn practicaly anything online these days. wide variety of online learning resources that cater to different industries. For example, if you’re in tech or finance, taking courses through platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning can help you master in-demand skills like data analysis, communication and leadership.

🎓️ PRO TIP: You can enroll into University of Toronto courses for free via Coursera

🫱 Volunteer

Volunteering is an incredibly effective, yet often overlooked, way to upskill. While it may not come with financial rewards, the hands-on experience you gain is invaluable not just for personal and professional development, but also to begin establishing a professional network. You can sharpen talents in real-world situations, building on management, teamwork, and communication skills that may take years to cultivate in paid roles.

By leading a volunteer team, for example, you can refine your leadership abilities while interacting with diverse groups. Volunteering not only helps you build skills, but also gives you a feeling of satisfaction because you’re making a real difference in your community. It helps you see things from new perspectives and teaches you how to work well with others and understand their needs.

Where to start? Just google search “volunteer {your city/neighborhood”}. There’s always plenty of opportunities!

🎙️ PS. If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities in Community Management, Social Media and Copywriting/Research - reach out to [email protected] with your resume and a brief introduction.

🦿 Start a business or project

Starting a business or a project, is one of the most effective ways to upskill through real-world experience. This is one of the best ways to not just gain experience but also build a network is to start a community or a club that focuses on your area of interest or your field. Are you a female engineer? Start a group of female engineers in your city! This will help you build a network and develop organizational and leadership skills.

Are you a logistics professional with expertise in international electronics shipments? Write an article about common challenges and uncommon solutions and share it on LinkedIn to show your expertise, and improve your communication skills via writing.

Want more ideas? Stay tuned for more!

Get real successful resume examples 🚀 

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Let us know your field of work in this week’s poll at the end of this newsletter, and if you have a special request (role or industry), respond to this email!

💼 Job Highlights

Got a job posting you’d like to promote? Fill out this form

If you are looking at a work-permit path in Canada, there are 6 companies that are now hiring and that can grant LMIA-exempt work permits. These are fantastic opportunities to take advantage of along with the Innovation Stream under Canada’s Tech Talent Strategy.

Ada Support Inc Provides AI-powered customer support chatbots that automate responses and enhance customer service interactions

AlayaCare - A software platform for home healthcare agencies, offering end-to-end solutions for scheduling, clinical documentation, and billing..

CellCarta - A global provider of precision medicine services, specializing in clinical biomarker testing and drug development for the biopharma sector.

Clarius Mobile Health - Develops handheld, wireless ultrasound devices that deliver high-resolution medical imaging for healthcare professionals.

Clio - A legal technology company offering cloud-based software solutions for law firms to manage cases, billing, and client relationships.

Lightspeed Commerce - Provides cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) and e-commerce solutions for retail, hospitality, and golf businesses worldwide.

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