Hammad Siddiqui

Navigating the Canadian Job Market: A Guide for Newcomers

Finding meaningful employment as a newcomer in Canada can be challenging. In a recent episode of "The New Journey," host Gurwinder Singh spoke with career coach Hammad Siddiqui, who shared valuable insights and practical advice for navigating the Canadian job market. Hammad's own journey as an immigrant, combined with his expertise in career coaching, makes him a valuable resource for newcomers.

Hammad's Journey: From Newcomer to Career Coach

Hammad's story is one of perseverance and a deep understanding of the newcomer experience. Having first visited Canada in 1993 and settling in 2019, he understands the challenges of adapting to a new environment. He highlights the importance of understanding Canadian norms and processes, which can take time and effort.

Challenges Faced by Newcomers: A Disconnect in the Job Market

Hammad points out a critical issue: the disconnect between the abundance of available jobs and the difficulties newcomers face in securing meaningful employment. He also addresses the frustration experienced professionals might feel when guided by individuals with less experience in newcomer-serving organizations.

Bridging the Gap: LinkedIn as a Powerful Tool

Hammad emphasizes the importance of effective self-presentation in the job market. He stresses the need for newcomers to invest in themselves, adapt to the new environment, and be open to exploring different career paths. A key element of his advice is optimizing your LinkedIn profile. He explains that LinkedIn is essentially a search engine, and understanding how recruiters search for candidates is crucial for making your profile visible. Building a network and crafting an ATS-friendly resume are also vital steps.

LinkedIn for Career Growth: A Tool for All Levels

Whether you're just starting your career or have years of experience, LinkedIn offers valuable features. Hammad advises users to define their purpose on the platform and create a profile that aligns with that purpose. He shares a success story of a client who, after optimizing his LinkedIn profile, secured a job.

From Challenge to Opportunity: Hammad's Coaching Journey

Hammad's passion for mentoring immigrants led him to transition into career coaching. He shares his experience in developing and refining his coaching services, starting with consulting and then creating online courses. He emphasizes the importance of testing your services, learning from the process, and being progressive.

Key Principles for Success:

• Givers Gain: Volunteering and helping others can lead to job opportunities and enrich your experience.
• Master the Essentials: Focus on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview skills.
• Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to seek help from a career coach.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace continuous learning and don't be afraid to acquire new skills.

Upcoming Course for Newcomers:

Hammad is launching a course designed to help newcomers transform their thinking and gain direction in their job search or entrepreneurial journey. The course aims to equip newcomers with essential knowledge and a practical job search strategy.

Hammad's advice is clear: proactive engagement, continuous learning, and strategic use of tools like LinkedIn are essential for newcomers navigating the Canadian job market. His insights offer a roadmap for success, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, networking, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

‍