Working in Torono

RoryPower wrote:

Hi,

I have recently moved to Toronto from Australia. I have started applying for jobs in the Banking and Finance industry but have found that despite having 14 years experience in Operations, I have only been shortlisted for 2 out of 20+ applications I have applied.; most of which I would have been more than qualified for in Australia.

I have told on several occasions that:
- local work experience is preferred and that rarely do companies gamble on overseas applicants
- recruitment agencies will not contact you at all if you are not shortlisted and do not assist in the job hunting process.
- networking is the only way to seek out opportunities that are not advertised

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Hi Rory,

I hear you. That's common theme throughout. Often what I hear is that some folks gamble on heading out to smaller cities, since the competition is not as fierce. Mind you the word - "gamble", because the risk is - is there enough jobs out there for you to apply for? Then after a few years of working, then move back to the bigger city.

I am not very familiar with the GTA landscape with regards to networking but over here where I am at, Halifax, there's a not for profit organization that is funded by the province to help spur the economy http://www.halifaxpartnership.com/en/home/default.aspx
They do organize networking events from time to time and it was from one of those events that I met my first employer while in Canada. I guess the challenge for you is to find similar organizations back in Toronto and find out if they do organize networking events that you can participate in.

Philip