Maneli Siadati understands how her clients in the program feel, because she was once a skilled immigrant herself.
鈥淚 still remember those days. I鈥檇 worked for the British government for 10 years, but at interviews I鈥檇 still get asked for Canadian work experience. My clients have all done lots of great things in their home countries, but it can be difficult to communicate that to Canadian employers.鈥�
Job searching can be discouraging, but Siadati empowers her clients to stay positive 鈥� not just to raise their spirits, but also because it will help them get a job.
鈥淚 used to work in HR. Especially for leadership positions. You want to hire someone who is confident,鈥� she says. 鈥淣ow when I practice job interviews with clients we work on everything: where to look (especially in Zoom interviews), how to keep your hands and posture, and to smile even when you鈥檙e nervous!鈥�
Start small, and stay motivated
Siadati encourages her clients to set short and long term career goals to create a clear path to career success. For client Kulwinder Mann, she suggested visiting construction sites near his home to network and gather information.
鈥淗e resisted at first because it was out of his comfort zone, but I said, 鈥榊ou鈥檝e immigrated to another country, you already left your comfort zone!鈥� During his first informational interview they offered him a job, and after a few months he was promoted to Construction Projects Manager.鈥�
鈥淩esume and interview workshops through employment services helped me to shape my resume into a Canadian form. My mentor Maneli Siadati helped me to overcome challenges and provided me confidence. Her guidance provided me a chance to get a job as per my dream,鈥� Mann says.
Individualized career action plan
With each new client, Siadati creates an individualized career action plan to help them reach their goals.
- Assessment, research and planning: Understanding the client鈥檚 qualifications and which job requirements they鈥檒l need to work on.
- Recertification: Most clients using Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants have a lot of education, but may need to localize to show their understanding of Canadian standards. The program can help identify useful courses, and also help pay course fees.
- Resume and interview skills: Clients will reformat their resume and cover letter to appeal to Canadian employers, and practice job interviews.
鈥淐areer Path is the best help a new immigrant can get in BC,鈥� says one of Siadati鈥檚 clients who is now employed by a BC Health Authority. 鈥淢aneli Siadati helped me with advice and virtual classes to build my CV to Canadian standards. Giving me an action plan was a very systematic way to approach the job search.鈥�
Pathways to success
Ibukun Asiyanbi used the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program to network, develop his resume, practice job interviews and help pay for Canadian certifications. After months of dedication, he secured work as a Business Analyst with eHealth Saskatchewan.
鈥淢y mentors at ISSofBC saw something I didn鈥檛 see and believed in me. They equipped me with the necessary skills to improve my abilities, which worked. I will forever be grateful to them,鈥� he says.
Rozita was seeking a planner role in supply chain management. During her search she realized most job descriptions required APICS-CPIM certification, and used Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants for financial assistance with the course.
鈥淚 appreciate it and I鈥檓 thankful for this opportunity,鈥� says Rozita, who now works as a Purchaser Material Planner in Vancouver.
To learn more about the Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program, register for a free, online , held every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Learn more at or visit the 性视界传媒 Welcome Centre, Have a question? Call 604-375-2105 or email careerpaths@issbc.org.
鈥淚 really enjoy my job,鈥� Siadati says. 鈥淚 believe in the power of work 鈥� I know how meaningful a career is when starting a new life in Canada.鈥�